Home of the Red, White, and Boom, a huge fireworks display around July 4^th each year, Columbus is also the home of White Castle. But, that’s not all that goes on here. The Ohio State Buckeyes keep things interesting in season. The Park District includes the Inniswood Metro Gardens, which collects gardens and parks for the enjoyment of the Columbusites. The Columbus Museum of Art and the Jack Nicklaus Museum balance the city’s need for art and sports.

If you’re hungry, here are some options to consider: For contemporary cuisine from a protégé of Emeril Lagasse try Alana’s Food and Wine, Rigsby’s for Italian, the Burgundy Room for wine and Tapas, or the Refectory for traditional and contemporary French. For pub grub and a slew of microbrews made in house there’s the Elevator, Gordon Biersch and Barley’s. Elsewhere try Barcelona for Spanish fusion, Elemental for a blend of homestyle and funky, the Japanese Steakhouse, Haiku and Bento Go-Go for Sushi, Betty’s Fine Food and Spirits for an upscale bar with upscale food. For an organic/vegan restaurant that makes every critics top ten list, Dragonfly. At Easton, try the Melting Pot for fondue, Abuelo’s for Mexican, the Ocean Club for seafood, or Restaurant Hama for Sushi.