I have a very stylish destination for all of you out there who may be 
yearning for a change of scenery and get this, it’s only 2 hours away! I am speaking of our lovely state capital, Columbus that has changed so much since my college days when I nearly killed myself driving like a bat out of hell Springfield to get my fix at Urban Outfitters on High and the MAC counter at City Center. Now, as I drive down the main drag (High Street) I am amazed at the growth and admire the independent and creative spirit of those who live there.
The city is quite young and offers lots to do and many independently owned boutiques, restaurants, coffee bars, and regular bars that give the city a unique character and charm that is distinctly missing from our hometown and surrounding suburbs. So, where to go and what to do while down in C-bus? Here’s my list of rockin’ restaurants and savvy stores that are not to be missed…
When I first decide to haul my keister down south I plan out my shopping excursions wisely. First stop? Easton baby! Why? Because there are some pretty great chain stores that actually carry better stuff than up here… First example: Express, Limited, Victoria’s Secret. Since the Limited is headquartered in Columbus usually this trio carries more goodies and features some “test” items that never make it out of the store. What else does Easton have to offer? A brand spankin’ new (well new to me anyway) Tiffany store… It’s pretty big too, so all you ladies who light up when you see that ubiquitous blue box may want to check it out. What else is cool? One of my favorite stores on Fifth Avenue in NYC is actually there too – Henri Bendel, that is famous for their brown and white striped boxes, kitschy accessories, plentiful fragrance department, edgy fashions, and buzzed-up cosmetics section has a small outpost at Easton but on a much smaller scale… No, unfortunately you won’t find the $150.00 super cute hairbands you can nab in NYC, but you can come away with a signature Henri tote bag or purse, sniff some DE-lish Bendel candles, and of course just take in the boutique atmosphere complete with humongous chandeliers with hanging crystals and HB striped purses – ADORABLE. One last stop at Easton would be the Nordstrom. We may have one in our backyards, but this particular store seems to carry more distinctive shoes, and their “Saavy” department, a little more variety. Check it out!
Now it’s time to head downtown where it’s lots of fun to explore the area 
known as The Short North. What I love about this area most is that it is so non-commercial with the majority of the restaurants and shops being non-chains. Check out Ladybird for an intimate shopping experience and take a look at the sweet silk tops and even the handful of gently worn, personally picked vintage pieces selected by the owner. (I drooled over a 100% white beaded short jacket with pretty pink and red flowers). Jinny is another sweet shop featuring pretty little dresses with bead and gem accents and other cool tops, skirts, and trousers. Love vintage? Try Retrocat Vintage that showcases cool retro looks from all the past decades and will give you your own style!
It’s not just about the clothes though… Home decor venues like Loot and Collier West are stores jam packed with one of a kind home accessories and awesome chandeliers … not to mention pretty amazing merchandising techniques too… I was also quite fond of a store called Revue that was part consignment and part antique mall. This interesting shop features all furniture consignments on one side and leased out booth spaces on the other, allowing antique dealers to showcase their wares without having to be there.
FOOD:
So, now that you have the threads you have to go out and grab a bite… 
There are lot of great little eateries in Columbus that feature wonderful menus and the kind of personal attention that is quintessential of a non-chain restaurant. In the German Village, I love to nosh at Barcelona – the atmosphere is just lively enough, the wine list super reasonable, and the food divine! Check out Barcelonacolumbus.com. German Village is also home to another lip smacking lovely called Lindy’s which I have been frequenting since my days in college. Out of GV and again in the Short North, try one of my other favorites: Northstar that features an abbreviated menu that is not short on taste – you MUST try the homemade veggie burger that is one of the best I have EVER had! Other places that looked cool are The Burgundy Room (wines and tapas), The Black Olive, Rigsbys, and Jeni’s Ice Cream.
So, what’s the bottom line? Support independents! It makes a city sing with spirit and provides the locals with lots to do! Gotta love our state capital!
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The independant retailors and restaurateurs are what make the neighborhoods of Columbus’ unique and they are ones who help build character in a city… and I’ll second that everyone should make a stop into Northstar, the rosemary potatoes should not be passed up!!!