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| The Lofts hotel offers a modern take on luxury. photography courtesy of The Lofts |
WHERE TO STAY:
Old and new play off each other perfectly at The Lofts. Each of the boutique hotel’s 44 rooms are sparsely chic, while original exposed brick and beams harken back to the 1880s, when the historic Carr Building was erected. It’s a perfect respite for business travelers—work stations allow for comfortable productivity, while plush sheets and Aveda toiletries help guests unwind (55 E. Nationwide Blvd., 614-461-2663, www.55lofts.com).
WHERE TO EAT:
Hartmut Handke is one of only 75 Certified Master Chefs in America—the only in Columbus—and arguably the most talented chef in town. The proof is in the pâté at Handke’s Cuisine, which serves a global menu in the basement of a 19th-century brewery (520 S. Front St., 614-621-2500, www.chefhandke.com).
Diners in the know have flocked to Rigsby’s Kitchen for the last 20 years. The warm interior and live jazz give this restaurant a charming, cozy feel. The Italian menu is constantly changing, but evergreen items such as gnocchi (in a seasonally changing sauce) and bouillabaisse are standouts (698 N. High St., 614-461-7888, www.rigsbyskitchen.com).
Restaurateur Cameron Mitchell brings a little South Beach sexiness to central Ohio with M, his flagship restaurant overlooking the Scioto River. Sheer curtains and splashes of colored lighting add drama to the hip, downtown eatery dishing up contemporary Asian nibbles and American classics (2 Miranova Pl., 614-629-0000, www.matmiranova.com).
Lindey’s has been a local favorite for two decades. The quaint, white-tablecloth restaurant manages to maintain the finest in upscale American dining, minus the usual stuffy feel (169 E. Beck St., 614-228-4343, www.lindeys.com).
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| Enjoy dinner and drinks at M restaurant, a contemporary Asian destination that’s not your average Ohio eatery. photography courtesy of M restaurant |
WHAT TO DO:
Columbus is comprised of many distinct neighborhoods all well-worth exploring. Small, local eateries and 19th-century homes make up most of the picturesque German Village, located just south of downtown (614-221-8888, www.germanvillage.org). The nearby Short North neighborhood is known for its Bohemian spirit and numerous galleries, stores, pubs, and coffee shops. Join in “Gallery Hops” on the first Saturday of each month, when the shops stay open late and performers crowd the bustling sidewalks (614-228-8050, www.shortnorth.org).
The lively North Market offers the best in locally produced food and desserts (59 Spruce St., 614-463-9664, www.northmarket.com).
Or, grab your sticks and head to the Muirfield Village Golf Club. The challenging 18-hole course was designed by Jack Nicklaus and plays host to the Memorial Tournament each May (8715 Muirfield Dr., 614-764-1714, www.tccmv.com).
What’s Happening This Month:
Greater Columbus Convention Center • 400 N. High St. • 614-827-2500
www.columbusconventions.com
April 4 & 14:
Bureau of Education & Research
April 10-11:
Environmental Protection Agency
