Combine a college town with a diverse economy, sprinkle in 35,000 LGBTQ residents and two gayborhoods (Short North and German Village), plus several good museums and some affordable hotels, and you are talking about Columbus, Ohio, a Midwest gem.
Pride is every day in Columbus (the largest city in Ohio) and so matter-of-fact, which is amazing for the Midwest. The city boasts a happy, fun-loving crowd — and more bars than any other city I have been to!
What to do
The Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is a must. Mingle with the butterflies, enjoy the native plants in bloom, or take in the topiaries and indoor gardens. The Conservancy has it all, even Lego sculptures!
Another highlight just west of downtown in the Center of Science and Industry (COSI). It’s been named the best science museum in the country five times by USA Today. Right now, it’s featuring “Unofficial Galaxies,” an exhibit with one of the largest private Star Wars collections in the world.
The Columbus Museum of Art is free on Sundays. The Chihuly glass is interesting, and the “Queer/Modern” exhibit features artists from the early decades of the 20th century.
Explore the many unique historic neighborhoods, including Short North Arts District (home to the Stonewall Center, which has community events) and German Village.
Work out at Pro’s Gym (9 E. Long, formerly a Powerhouse), in an old bank building, complete with vault. The $20 daily fee was worth it.
Where to eat
The North Market in the Short North (just north of downtown) has 36 restaurants in this historic food hall. There’s something for everyone at the North Market: I liked Lan Viet, my friend liked the Thai food at the sushi place, while another had Ethiopian. The next day I had salmon at the Moroccan spot. And for dessert, Jenni’s Splendid Ice Cream was amazing.
Grab a sandwich to go or more at United Dairy Farmers (900 N. High, in the Short North, among other locations), Ohio’s version of a 7-11.
The Schokko Café inside the Columbus Museum of Art has a great salmon dish with rice and brussels sprouts. Yum! There is outdoor seating as well.
Bar scene
Columbus — like DC — didn’t get the memo that Gay bars are dead. The city has three times the Gay bars that Detroit does but is half the size. In fact, Columbus has 15 bars in a region of over two million.
On Long Street downtown, you can have yummy pizza and sit outside at Slammers (202 E. Long). It is a women’s bar but welcomes all. They had bingo the night I was there. Although it is known citywide for its pizza, I liked the chef salad.
Next door is the District West nightclub (145 N. 5th), with shows every night. The night I was there featured a star from Drag Race plus local drag entertainers, who were amazing. The crowd was young and fun. The $15 cover was worth it.
Both Slammers and District West are just north of downtown (and easy walking distance to my hotel, the Hyatt).
South of downtown (German Village/Brewery District) features Club Diversity (883 S. High), housed in a quaint old Victorian, with an outdoor patio and garden and good pizza. The Tremont (708 S. High) is a fun neighborhood bar nearby. Boscoe’s (1224 S. High) is another option and features dancers. All three are south of downtown as is the Toolbox (744 Frebis Ave.).
North of downtown, dance the night away at the Axis (777 N. High), where they also have drag shows and more. Enjoy a meal or a drink at Union Café (782 N. High, just across the street), a classic video bar where everyone is welcome.
Other bars include AWOL, Bossy Grrl’s Pin Up Joint, Southbend Tavern, the Go-Go, O’Connor’s, and Rumours.
Where to stay
I stayed at the newly remodeled Hyatt Regency, which has quiet rooms that are cleaned every day, with magnificent views of the downtown high-rises. There’s a big workout room and a handy convenience store. It has reasonable rates, no annoying resort fees, and great service. It’s also easy to get to the Short North from there.
Other hotels I have stayed at include the Moxy in the Short North and the Red Roof Inn Plus (a bargain) downtown. The Canopy across the street has a great rooftop bar.
Getting there
Columbus is a short drive from Detroit, Cincinnati, and Cleveland. John Glenn Airport has lots of flights and carriers. I took Delta via Detroit. (Delta is my new fave, along with American, as I ditched Southwest, which stabbed loyal fans in the back with new bag and seat fees and other restrictive policies, coupled with high fares and inconvenient flight times.)
You can get around on the COTA bus, including to and from the airport and all the bars and museums, for just $2. Download the mobile app.
Other tips
Columbus is one of the most LGBTQ-friendly communities in the country. In addition to Columbus Pride, there was a Westerville Pride the weekend I was there. The whole area is very accepting, and the TV news covered all the events.
Columbus is perfect for a weekend visit. It will surprise you. It’s the most welcoming city I have ever visited, combining Midwestern friendliness with big-city amenities and an embracing, welcoming culture. Yes, Columbus is “the heart of it all”!
Bill Malcolm, North America’s only LGBTQ travel columnist, focuses on value and going local. And he boycotts hotels with resort fees, destination fees, amenity fees, and other junk charges. His opinions are his own. Special thanks to Experience Columbus for their hospitality and travel tips.
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