Columbus’ Short North Arts District is home to happening bars, restaurants and entertainment. A lively, walkable district distinguished by its intricate arches, The Short North is convenient to city parks, The Arena District, Ohio State University, and is accessible by free public transportation called Cbus. Amid it all Le Meridien Columbus, The Joseph hotel, a Marriott International property, is the perfect base. Here in a boutique setting, guests and patrons enjoy breakfast or a snack in the lobby at the bar Soul At The Joseph, lunch choices such as meat load or gnocchi at The Guild Restaurant, and in the Spa Suite(s), they relax after a treatment in a spacious suite to which they have access for 90 minutes, a half hour longer than a standard treatment. Take that time to unwind in a heated, reclining tile chair, lounge on the comfy sofa, take in the expansive view, shower, or sauna. Another feature setting this hotel apart is the ever present art, acquired by owners Ron and Ann Pizzuti. At The Joseph, the collection includes 38 unique pieces, from your suite, the lobby, corridors, and The Guild. You are staying in a museum. That is befitting The Short North Arts District. As you walk and browse North High Street- note the clever design motifs of the signs above the businesses and cafes. Many of the owners were in the fashion industry- only New York and L.A. have higher concentrations of fashion designers than Columbus.
Columbus is of course a sports hub- from the hometown baseball Clippers, the NHL’s Blue Jackets, and Ohio State football. It hosted the 2019 NCAA women’s basketball Final Four. Marriott International actually is the Official Hotel Partner for all 90 NCAA sports championships in 24 sports, from Division I through Division III.
As for dining off property, visit Basi Italia on Highland Street nearby. When your GPS or smartphone tells you “You are here”, stop, as one might normally overlook the building and location. But on a nice night, you can walk it. Try the sweet corn and risotto, or the short ribs. Wait until you see the size of the prosciutto wrapped scallops. And their gelato is well worth saving space. While we’re on the topic, North Marketing on Spruce Street is a great foodie destination, featuring Indian, Southeast Asian, Mexican, donuts, pasta and the original Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream. The majority of the businesses are women-owned.
The Table, a great, gluten free home cooking spot on East Fifth Ave., is also woman owned-veteran restaurateur Sang Lakhani. Table offers shrimp and grits, the Bombay Burger (with fried egg or sans), and mac & cheese side. The Table is what you’d get if you crossed a hearty mom & pop establishment with a health food market. Walk it off in Goodale Park, Scioto Metro Audobon Park, or old school Schiller Park, the latter bordered by some of the most majestic Victorian homes in the U.S. These are all convenient to The Joseph, which also boasts a first-rate fitness center. No tour of town is complete without visiting German Village, with its own bards, craft brewery legacy, and The Book Loft- all 24 rooms of it. There’s no shortage of activity in and near The Short North. Bring your appetite, your art appreciation, and comfortable walking shoes. Discover Columbus, from the good ship Joseph.
