Explore History, Explore Columbus
A series of snapshots in time
By Eming Piansay
Columbus, Ohio, offers a wide range of experiences, whether it be their buzzing arts scene, or the rare historical moments frozen in time. Columbus offers planners the ability to stand in the present while peering into the past and follow in the footsteps of the creatures and people that once inhabited the space.
Local Expert Tip
“Upon arrival, attendees love exploring the place that is fast becoming known as one of the nation’s most creative, forward-thinking and exciting cities. Celebrated for its incredible arts, entertainment, fashion and culinary offerings; exciting collegiate and professional sports teams and events; and spectacular riverfront with a sprawling ribbon of parkland on the Scioto Mile through downtown, this city has something for everyone.”
– Dan Williams, Chief Sales Officer at Experience Columbus
5 REASONS WHY MEETING PROFS LOVE COLUMBUS
National Veterans Memorial and Museum Located by the downtown riverfront, the National Veterans Memorial and Museum offers visitors an introspective experience into stories and lives of military veterans through history. The circular catwalk showcases the efforts of the those who served their country valiantly. Outside the building sits 2.5 acres where visitors are welcomed to partake in silent reflection that also includes elm trees, waterfalls and a reflecting pool.
COSI Travel back in time to when dinosaurs walked the Earth at Columbus’ Center of Science and Industry that offers visitors the chance to experience 300-plus hands-on exhibits as well as Ohio’s largest planetarium. Thanks to the American Museum of Natural History Dinosaur Gallery, visitors can gaze upon a full-sized cast of a Tyrannosaurus rex!
German Village Historic District If you’ve ever been curious how things may have looked between 1840 and 1914, look no further than the German Village Historic District. At one point, German descendants were 1/3 of the Columbus population. The architecture dates back from 1840s-1890’s and offers visitors to stroll on brick sidewalks on the Germany Village Tours that follows the footsteps of the German immigrants who built the neighborhood 175 years ago.
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Thurber House A self-proclaimed as Columbus’ Literary Arts Hub, Thurber House is a nonprofit literary arts center and the former home of James Thurber, an American humorist of the 20th century. Visitors are invited to partake in free self-guided tours, or guided tours provided mostly on Sundays and some Saturdays.
Short North Arts District For visitors wanting to dip their toes into the creative scene, Short North Arts District offers a wide range of artistic expression from painters, sculptors, and musicians. The district also hosts a once-a-month Gallery Hop that includes galleries and non-traditional art venues such as restaurants, salons and boutiques.
5 PLACES TO MEET IN COLUMBUS
Greater Columbus Convention Center can be found in the active entertainment district of Columbus. In memory of its original founding as a train station, Michael Eisen’s proposal for the site aimed to connect the image of fiber optic cables and the free flow of information using the juxtaposition of highways and cables in the shape of long twisting fingers.
1.8 million sq. ft. 75 meeting rooms and 114,00 sq. ft. of ballroom space.
Hilton Columbus Downtown sits across the street from Greater Columbus Convention Center and near over 150 dining spots and entertainment venues. Hilton offers a vast art collection of Central Ohio artists.
73,650 sq. ft. of event space, 27 meeting rooms and 995 guest rooms.
Sheraton Columbus Hotel at Capitol Square is located among the skyscrapers of Downtown Columbus and is mere steps away from the Ohio Statehouse, Ohio Theater, Greater Columbus Convention Center and Nationwide Arena.
16,686 sq. ft., 9 event rooms and 403 guest rooms.
The Blackwell Inn and Pfahl Conference Center is located on the Ohio State campus. The Black Well is a state-of-the-art conference space with smart podiums, high-speed Wi-Fi and in-house event professionals. It has been named one of the Best Hotels in Ohio in U.S News & World Report and also has received TripAdvisor’s Certificate of Excellence.
20,000 sq. ft. of event space, 7 break out rooms and 151 guestrooms.
Renaissance Columbus Downtown Hotel is conveniently located near the German Village. Renaissance features local artwork amid its whimsical design. Guests can take a dip in the rooftop pool while taking a long look at the city’s skyline.
21,438 sq. ft., 16 break out rooms, 16 event rooms and 408 guest rooms
This article appears in the July 2023 issue. You can subscribe to the magazine here.
