Equine Affaire in Columbus OH: funthings nearby? restaurants?

[anon38350891]

Three of us are going to Equine Affaire in Columbus in April. This is the same 3 who went to Keeneland only to witness 2 fatal breakdowns, so we are sort of on a mission not to have a sad trip.

Because I lived in Columbus xty decades ago for 3 years, I’ve been nominated social director for this trip. I know Columbus has grown beyond all recognition.

The events are at the Ohio Expo Center. We do have a nearby hotel.

Any recommendations for restaurants or outings? Things to do nearby? I remember the beauty of the Hocking Hills, but these ladies are not hikers.

[chaserider]

I heard at the barn yesterday from a fellow student that the newly opened wing of the Columbus Art Museum is stupendous. As you know, April weather in Columbus can be iffy. Good idea to have some indoor plans just in case.

Should the weather cooperate, maybe a trip to the zoo. The new African exhibit is great - you can even feed the giraffes!

[anon38350891]

[QUOTE=chaserider;8410906]
I heard at the barn yesterday from a fellow student that the newly opened wing of the Columbus Art Museum is stupendous. As you know, April weather in Columbus can be iffy. Good idea to have some indoor plans just in case.

Should the weather cooperate, maybe a trip to the zoo. The new African exhibit is great - you can even feed the giraffes![/QUOTE]

Thanks so much! One of us is a big zoo fan and two of us are big art fans so these recommendations are terrific.

[oldernewbie]

If you like art museums, you should also try the Wexner on the OSU campus. They usually have special exhibits year round, so something should be going on.

Springfield is less than an hour west of Cols and, tho it is a sorta sad rust belt kind of town, does have a restored Frank Lloyd Wright house and a truly fine historical museum. And a nice art museum, but not as extensive as the Cols ones.

And there are more good restaurants in Columbus than you can shake a stick at!

[Hidden_Oak]

Currently living in Columbus.

AM and Zoo are excellent suggestions.

If they are not at EA, Equus Now is worth a visit.

If you are not shopped out from EA, Easton and Polaris are shopping and restaurants. (Equus now is just outside Polaris) and movies theaters as well.

Franklin Park Conservatory, and Innes Gardens are lovely. I’d be happy to show you around either or both or the Zoo also.

There are several theaters (Ohio, Southern, Palace) with shows/concerts.

Short North is cool for restaurants, but I find parking a problem.

Blue Jackets (Hockey) should be winding down, but Clippers baseball should be getting into swing.

There is Hollywood Casino, and Scioto Downs for gaming.

Check out the site Experience Columbus as it gets closer. They have a calendar on which all kinds of events are posted.

[Beckham03]

As far as hotels, look for something in Worthington off of 270 and 23. Safer and quick trip back to the fairgrounds.

There are some fun locally grown type restaurants around now as well as The North Market. I believe soccer season will have started by the and the soccer stadium is on the fairgrounds.

As mentioned above, so much shopping…we do have Cabellas and Field and Stream.

[AQHA4me]

If your hotel is anywhere near the fairgrounds, within a few exits, cancel and find something different. The majority of those hotels are not safe.