Things to Do in German Village in Columbus, Ohio

I was born in Columbus, Ohio and have lived there most of my life. I have noticed that many things have changed in the brief couple of years I was not in Columbus. One thing that has not changed much (and it's a good thing) is German Village. From the time I was very little, I had two parts of Columbus that I truly loved - German Village and Victorian Village. At this point I will focus on German Village and the many things to do there. For me, the cobbled streets and old-fashioned architecture beckon me to come again and again. I like to take strolls past Schiller Park and admire the homes and structures that stand nearby. German Village was established in the 1800s and is listed on the National Record of Historic Places; this stands testament to its unique atmosphere and look - you simply cannot find a place like it in Columbus. No other place in Columbus has so well preserved its historic feel and look like German Village has.

But whether it's the historic environment or just circumstance that brings you to German Village, there is something for everyone - though it certainly helps if you are interested in the arts. German Village is just south of downtown Columbus and stretches north to south from Livingston Avenue to Nursery Lane, and east to west from Pearl Street to Lathrop Street. It is comprised of 233 acres, and within that land is one of the most interesting and beautiful communities in Columbus. Many of the things to do there can be found on Third Street.

One of the most remarkable things in German Village is its book store on said Third Street - called simply the Book Loft, the shop takes up a whole block and features 32 rooms of books, CDs, posters, and like items. The store winds like a maze and is full of arrows pointing toward various sections and exits. For the serious book lover, it is a most fascinating store. Others may be interested just to experience the store itself - there is a beautiful garden outside and the brick buildings are nothing short of lovely. The well-organized and well-priced shop is worth countless visits for both tourists and locals. It is open seven days a week - Sunday through Thursday from 10 A.M. through 11 P.M.; Friday and Saturday it is open from 10 A.M. through midnight. There was recently a pre-Thanksgiving sale and the store will doubtless feature many added discounts throughout the holiday season. If you live in Columbus or plan to be in Columbus, this is certainly a place to look for any gifts you might need.

Also on Third Street are a few locally owned restaurants. The Cup o' Joe Café on Third Street is noted for its pastries, locally roasted coffee, and Sunday Brunch. It is open every day from at least 7 A.M. until 10 P.M., so there is nearly always coffee to enjoy in a cozy atmosphere. Also more than worth mentioning is Schmidt's Fudge Haus & Gifts on East Kossuth Street. At this sweets shop, you can watch the fudge made and purchase it fresh if you arrive at the right time. There are also plenty of candies, drinks, and gifts for you to enjoy. On Third Street you will find the very popular Katzinger's Deli. Its popularity is not for no reason - the locally owned deli sells breads, vinegars, cheeses, and other foods you would be hard-pressed to find so easily elsewhere. Not to worry, though - Katzinger's does not only sell foods you've never heard of. They have a regular deli menu with sandwiches you'll be plenty familiar with and sure to enjoy. Katzinger's is open weekdays from 8:30 A.M. - 8:30 P.M. and weekends from 9:00 A.M. to 8:30 P.M. There are plenty of other unique restaurants to choose from in German Village, as well. These are only a few favorites.

German Village would not be German Village without its galleries and similarly artsy shops. On Sycamore Street, Franklin Art Glass Studios welcomes you to admire their stained glass windows and purchase your own custom-made windows, as well as supplies. The Golden Hobby Shop on Third Street features handmade crafts by consignors aged fifty and older. It is definitely worth a stop for a one-of-a-kind gift, souvenir, or keepsake. Hawk Galleries on East Main Street offers plenty to do - you can attend a lecture, go through a tour, purchase art, admire sculptures, and interact with local artists through their events. Rags 2 Riches offers a large selection of high-end home décor fabrics for $6 a yard. They offer interior design services and welcome you to stop by and take a look at their fabrics or inquire about services. Vintage Vamp Jewelry, which opened fairly recently in 2004, sells handmade jewelry with vintage accents and skillful beading. There are plenty more shops, especially on Third Street, and they are all easy to find and accessible.

Schiller Park is a nicely sized park in southern German Village named for Friedrich Schiller, a German poet and dramatist. There is a recreational building on the premises, an amphitheater (which hosts Shakespearean plays in the summer in cooperation with Actor's Theatre), and beautiful gardens. The area surrounding the park is mostly residential, but the homes are no suburban cookie-cutter houses. Most of them date at least back to the early 1900s and are quite a sight to see if you take a walk through the park. Actor's Theatre is located on 1000 City Park Avenue and is a major help in adding to the culture of German Village.

For tourists looking for a place to stay, the German Village Guest House on Jaeger Street offers comfortable and beautiful rooms for their guests to stay in and boasts a boutique-like mood to their hotel. The hotel is located close to many shops and restaurants and offers a discount to German Village Society Members.

German Village is one of the most eclectic and charming places in Columbus, Ohio. It is bound to capture the interest of many due to its unique shops and foods and its antique look. Most stores are open for many hours and the people there are very hospitable and helpful. More information can be found at http://germanvillage.com/index.php .