Page 8 - AAA Northwest Ohio - AAA Now! May/June 2013
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may/june 2013
Great Getaways
A
s the temperatures rise and the days get
longer, many of us hear the call of the open
road. Fortunately, Northwest Ohio is ideally
situated for whirlwind getaways to satisfy that
warm-weather wanderlust. Will it be exploring
Ohio’s capital city? Enjoying one of Michigan’s
top tourist attractions? Savoring divine food
and wine? Whatever you choose, you’ll find
great destinations just a few hours from home.
Discover Columbus
Combine great nightlife, professional sports and a
thriving arts community with heartland hospitality
and you’ve got Columbus, Ohio’s capital. From its
lively downtown districts to bedroom communities
like Worthington andWesterville, greater Columbus
has something to delight singles, families and
empty-nesters alike.
Greater Columbus is rife with revitalized commercial
districts, historic neighborhoods and Ohio State
University landmarks, many lying along High Street,
the primary surface road that runs from the northern
suburbs to the city’s southern outer belt, I-270.
Coming from the north, starting your tour is easy –
High Street starts out as US-23, a primary route into
the Columbus area. As it crosses the northern outer
belt, High Street ushers you intoWorthington, a
Columbus gem that’s both historic and fashionable.
Founded in 1803, the city has been conscientious in
maintaining a beautiful, old-town streetscape that is in
bloom all summer and offers ample outdoor seating
fromwhich to enjoy the view. Browse the boutiques,
and enjoy lunch at – or at least peek inside – the
Worthington Inn, a downtown landmark that began
operating as an inn in 1852.
Continue south along High Street to discover
Clintonville, the site of choice for summer homes
built by well-heeled Columbus residents in the
early 1900s. Today, an eclectic architectural mix of
homes line shady streets, making
Clintonville a big draw for families.
The community is also home to
Whetstone Park, a Columbus
landmark boasting bike trails,
baseball fields, tennis courts and
the 13-acre Park of Roses, opened
in 1952. The annual Rose Festival
is held there in June, and Sunday
night concerts in the park’s gazebo
are a summer tradition.
Just south of Clintonville,
the family neighborhoods
give way to the University
District, a 2.83-square-mile hive
of intellectual, creative and
recreational activity. Take in a
performance, exhibit or film at the
Wexner Center for the Arts, visit
Buckeye athletics venues, explore the area’s wide
variety of international cuisine or just walk along
High Street and take it all in.
Walk far enough and you’ll find yourself in the Short
North Arts District, blocks of galleries, shops and
restaurants with unique offerings and a bohemian
atmosphere. Artists and entrepreneurs reclaimed
the dicey and dilapidated neighborhood in the late
1970s, have turned it into a point of pride for the city.
Especially popular is the Short North Gallery Hop, held
the first Saturday of every month from 4 to 10 p.m.
Businesses stay open late, and street performers set
up to entertain the throngs of visitors who come to
enjoy all the Short North has to offer. Nightlife also
flourishes in the nearby Arena District, where fans
who come to watch the NHL Columbus Blue Jackets
or triple-A Columbus Clippers can
also enjoy great music and delicious
meals at the district’s many clubs and
restaurants.
Following Columbus’ (somewhat)
less-traveled roads offers rewards as
well. The Columbus Zoo and its sister
attraction, Zoombezi Bay water park,
make a great family getaway, and
the two-day, two-park ticket is more
affordable than a one-day admission
to many amusement parks. Easton
Town Center, an open-air, lifestyle
mall complex of beautifully designed
retail, restaurant and entertainment
venues, offers activities for all
ages and is served by several
adjacent hotels, making trip-
planning easy. Seasonal events,
including June’s Columbus Arts Festival and the
Ohio State Fair in late July, are also great reasons
to plan a trip and discover Columbus. Visit
to plan your trip.
Grand Rapids Getaway
If you feel like heading north instead of south,
Grand Rapids, Michigan, makes for a great getaway
offering unique attractions. Top on the list is the
By Amy Campbell
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Columbus Ohio Statehouse
