Hop Hits
By Steve Croyle |
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Outdoor Art
You don't even have to walk into a gallery to appreciate what makes the Short North the preeminent arts district in the state. The district features architecture that spans the entire history of the city, notably the many murals gracing the strip, like Short North Gothic at Lincoln Avenue and High Street, and a sofa carved out of limestone that gives a nod to the furniture warehouses that once occupied 1159 North High Street. And you can't miss the infamous High Street Arches. Originally built of wood in 1888, the arches now feature color-changing bulbs that actually light up.
Trees
OK, High Street isn't exactly lined with trees, but the neighborhoods and the parks in the area feature some impressive specimens and October is a great time to catch a little fall color. Head down to the hop early and spend some time admiring nature's artistry: take a stroll through Goodale Park, walk through Victorian Village, or check out the Italian Village before the galleries open.
Rigsby's Kitchen
(www.rigsbyskitchen.com)
Back in 1986, Kent and Tasi Rigsby took a huge risk and opened up what has become a culinary cornerstone in Central Ohio, in what was then a struggling neighborhood. Times and tastes have changed, but Rigsby's (698 N High St.) is still one of the top dining establishments in a market known for being fickle. The atmosphere is classy without being pretentious, and the menu boasts fresh seasonal produce from local vendors and artisan bread baked daily at the Eleni-Christina Bakery. Reservations are recommended for Hop night.
PM Gallery
(www.pmgallery.com)
The oldest operating gallery in the Short North belongs to Maria Galloway, who started her art career in the craft scene. So it's no surprise that within PM Gallery (726 N High St.), you'll find fine handicrafts representing hundreds of artists from around North America. This month the featured artist will be Maria's husband, Michael Secrest, who has been busy painting lately.
Central Ohio Transit Authority
(www.cota.com)
Mad props to COTA for finally recognizing that there's a need for some post-hop transportation by recently introducing its Night Owl service. COTA Route 21 will run High Street between the Nationwide Arena and Whetstone Park at 30-minute intervals from 8 p.m. until 3 a.m. every Friday and Saturday. With the Columbus Police Department starting up sobriety checkpoints, this is coming at a perfect time.
Originally Published: October 1, 2009
