Columbus Celebrates : Gallery Hop & German Oktoberfest
Posted by admin on Sep 2, 2008
Discover Columbus - Picture Courtesy www.my-discount-hotels.com
Columbus, capital of Ohio is one of U S’s widely known cities. Located bang in the center of the state it sits at the confluence of two rivers, Scioto and Olentangy. The Alum Creek, Big Walnut Creek and Darby Creek streams run through the metro areas. Referred to as the Cap city or even Arch city because of the metal arches all over the Short North avenue, its a place thats pleasantly foliaged. Ed Lentz in his book “ Columbus – The Making of a City “, states that, “ it is an endlessly interesting place…something of a mirror of Americaâ€. This in fact neatly sums up the city.
The relatively flat topography gets inherent relief through seizable differences in its elevation, as much as from the numerous ravines along the rivers and creeks creating interesting variations to the landscape. Greenery is reinforced with trees like maple, oak, walnut, poplar, hickory, cottonwood and of course buckeye that help you breathe easy through the warm and humid summers here. Named as a Great Garden City with over 60 community gardens providing manicured spaces, there is much more beyond the natural terrain of this lovely city.
Scenic Hayden Falls in Columbus - Picture Courtesy flickr.com
Diversity is a way of life here, beginning with its multi-graphed mix of races and complimented by a strong and diverse economy. All this gets reflected in the blithe celebration of life in all its disparate vivacity. Even a casual glance at the events calendar showcases the variety of attractions and festivals that marks out the open hearted sense of enjoyment that Columbusites believe in. Fairs and festivals are aplenty in Columbus. The wonderful convergence of urban, semiurban and rural areas cutting across its diverse population turns it into a typical American city.
Annual Festivities include the Columbus Arts Festival, Jazz and Ribs Festival, the ComFest, Hot Times Festival and culminates with the larger than life Ohio State Fair – the largest fair in US. Summers are a time for gallivanting around the many organized festivities that attract thousands of visitors from everywhere. You have the trendy Park Street Festival, Rose Festival, Latino Festival, Juneteenth Celebrations and the Origins Game Fair. Besides all this, Columbus also hosts many conventions in the Greater Columbus Convention Center. September has the famous German Festival come alive with the annual Oktoberfest celebrations featuring authentic German food, beer, music, and crafts.
Arch City Triumphs - Picture Courtesy wikimedia.org
The Short North hosts the monthly “Gallery Hop” attracting visitors to the neighborhood’s art galleries that stay open to the public until late night. Street musicians liven up the affair adding to the atmosphere. Events lined up for September are as unique as the spirit of the people here who welcome everyone with inbred hospitality. You will relish the free fresh tomato juice at the five-day Reynoldsburg Tomato Festival that besides exhibiting some great tomatoes features pony rides and a parade. Its a great way to start your sojourn in Columbus if you are going to be here for the late summer.
Lots more is on the festive platter. Enjoy a soulful evening of heartfelt songs to the twanging of an acoustic guitar at Music in the Atrium or go down to the river front for the free spectacular displays. Downtown will be aglow during WaterFire, a string of wood-fueled bonfires in the river in downtown Columbus. WaterFire will be held during a concert by Arnett Howard, part of the opening night celebration of German Village Oktoberfest, also set along the riverfront and Genoa Park. Its a perfect setting to bid summer adieu and with tourists having turned this into a ritual you might just like to book yourself in a nearby hotel. Check out the Downtown Columbus hotel site and look for all things that would suit you best.
Summer Jazz and Rib Fest - Picture Courtesy columbuser.com
Several other events are bound to make you enjoy your time here. For one, the astounding Disney musical score The Lion King is on all through September at the Ohio Theater. If you’ve missed it perchance, then here’s a real treat. The Columbus Food & Wine Affair and German Village Oktoberfest are going to be a riot on the senses with people going wild experimenting and enjoying delectable cuisine while sampling liqueurs and wines. Not to be missed is the ongoing Greek Food Music & Dance Festival slated until end September. So when you’ve done the Columbus landmark monuments, museums and parks, and are still craving for ethnic flavors walk around the inner neighborhoods and enjoy the true taste of America. Named after the great explorer Christopher Columbus, the revitalized city showcases its past and present effortlessly.