Why Columbus is worth a visit
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As y'all know, I spent last week in Columbus, Ohio, for MLS All-Star Week, tracking our city's efforts to secure an expansion team.
The big picture: While in town, there was plenty of time to check out the city in between press conferences and soccer games.
The intrigue: Columbus does Indy better than Indy?
- A controversial take, I know.
- Don't believe me? It's just a 3-hour drive. Spend a weekend there and tell me what you think!
🚶 Go for a scenic walk. The Scioto Trail travels along the downtown riverfront and features a gorgeous promenade packed with parks and museums.
- It's what the White River could be, now that Indianapolis is starting to develop along it after decades of neglect.
⚽ Catch a game. Columbus already has a championship MLS team, the Crew, and a beautiful new stadium in a growing "arena district."
- The city doesn't have an NBA or NFL team, but it has the NHL's Blue Jackets, a professional volleyball team and, duh, Ohio State.
🍜 Grab a bite. Do lunch at the North Market, which is everything Indy's City Market aspires to be.
- Choose from Indian, Thai, pho, ramen, dumplings, barbecue, pizza, pasta and more.
- Then treat yo'self to some fresh flowers and Jeni's ice cream.
🍻 Crawl through the Short North. This mile-long stretch of High Street and the surrounding area contains more than 100 bars and restaurants, dozens of art galleries and all kinds of shopping.
- Head to TownHall if you want to see and be seen or belly up to the bar at Press Grill for neighborhood dive vibes.
- Think Mass Ave meets Broad Ripple, but inside the Mile Square.
💭 My thought bubble: Staying near Columbus' downtown convention center, I did literally every one of these things without ever needing to get in a car.
- I regularly praise Indy's wonderfully walkable downtown, but it's possible Columbus is beating us at our own game.
Editor's note: This story has been corrected to remove a reference to a Columbus restaurant that is no longer in business.