Whether you visit the state capital of Columbus or venture farther out into the surrounding towns and counties, you will find a variety of entertaining activities throughout central Ohio. Central Ohio is Buckeye country, but college football isn't the only attraction. Visitors can enjoy professional sports action, sample pumpkin chili at one of the many festivals or even ride a high-wire unicycle.
This is Buckeye country, and Ohio State University's powerhouse version of Big 10 football is the game in the fall. If you aren't one of the lucky 100,000 fans to get a ticket, the tailgate parties around Ohio Stadium are a fun alternative. The Arena District downtown is the center for professional sports. Depending on the season, you can see the NHL's Blue Jackets skate at Nationwide Arena or cheer for the Clippers, the Cleveland Indians' minor league team, at Huntington Park. There are plenty of food options at both venues, in addition to the many restaurants and sports bars in the district.
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium in Powell (see Resources section) covers 580 acres with more than 6,000 animals, including Colo, the world's first captive-born gorilla. The zoo's other activities include the Safari Golf Course; the Zoombezi Bay water park; and Jungle Jack's Landing, an amusement park. At the Center of Science and Industry (COSI) in Columbus, adults and kids can enjoy hands-on learning about science and industry. The center is so hands-on that visitors can ride a high-wire unicycle 17 feet above the center's atrium. Closer to earth, the center offers more than 300 interactive experiences and exhibits.
Find out what life was like in 1492 for Christopher Columbus and his crew on board a replica of his flagship Santa Maria (see Resources section). Costumed guides will give you a tour of the ship, docked on the Scioto River in Columbus, or you can step aboard for an overnight stay. If you prefer two-wheeled transportation, visit the Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington. The museum has a collection of bikes dating back to the early 1900s.
Central Ohio is known for its full slate of festivals, celebrating everything from agriculture to ethnic culture. Reynoldsburg's annual Tomato Festival in August features prize tomatoes and a Tomato Town 5K Run/Walk. In October, the pumpkin is king at the Circleville Pumpkin Show, where you can top off some pumpkin chili with pumpkin ice cream for dessert. The foods, dances and heritage of Central and South America get top billing at Columbus' Festival Latino in June. July is Irish Festival time in Dublin, just outside Columbus. The event showcases Celtic sports, Irish dogs and ponies, the arts, and more.
