Columbus might be known for its prominence as Ohio’s state capital and booming city life, but there’s way more to this city than meets the eye. From college football dominance to hidden pockets of artistic talent, Columbus has its own way of standing out.
Here are five things Columbus does better than anywhere else, even if most people don’t know it yet.
1. College Football
Yes, this one is obvious at first glance. Everyone knows about Ohio State Football. But some people are still unaware of or vastly under-appreciate how truly dominant our football team is. The Ohio State Buckeyes football team is one of the winningest programs in all of sports. With national championships, Heisman Trophy winners, and a track record that speaks for itself, Ohio State football isn’t just a game here, it’s a culture. And let’s just say that rivalry with “the team up north” has been heavily one-sided in the 21st century (we’ll ignore a few recent seasons). Every year, we’re championship contenders, consistently ranked in the AP top 5, and we’re not slowing down. Personally, being at the Michigan game in 2019, where we absolutely trounced them, that was an all-time memory for me.
2. Art and Music
Central Ohio is an artist’s playground, with vibrant art districts like Franklinton, the Short North, and Olde Towne East offering galleries, murals, and creative spaces that nurture the arts. Columbus has an incredible music scene too, producing big-name bands like Twenty One Pilots and Caamp and supporting up-and-comers like Parker Louis, Robert Mason, and Ohio State grad Adam Paddock. Whether you’re wandering through a gallery, catching a live show, or strolling past public art displays, Columbus is always keeping the creativity alive.
3. Soccer (aka Football, the Global Kind)
We’re not just football fanatics… we love our soccer, too. The Columbus Crew are an MLS powerhouse, winning multiple championships and taking down big teams like LAFC in the 2023 MLS Cup and the 2024 Leagues Cup. With three wins out of four appearances in the MLS Cup, the Crew has made quite the name for itself. And with their new stadium, Crew fans get an atmosphere that rivals any in the state, if not the country.
4. Adorable Neighborhoods
Columbus is home to some of the most charming neighborhoods around. German Village, with its iconic brick-lined streets, historic architecture, and cozy vibe, is a must-visit, filled with local shops and restaurants that make it one of a kind. And it’s not just German Village… pockets like Uptown Westerville, Old Worthington, and Italian Village each bring a unique character and charm that make exploring Columbus feel like a new adventure in every neighborhood.
5. Unique, “Weird” Foods
The Columbus food scene loves to get creative, and that’s something that has started to attract national attention. Take Katalina’s Pancake Balls for instance, a quirky twist on breakfast that has become a local legend. Or Oshio’s Sushi Panini, a Japanese-Italian mashup that’s surprisingly perfect. And if you’re craving something sweet, Happy Little Treats serves vegan PopTarts that are just as delicious as they are innovative. Columbus doesn’t just follow trends; it creates them, bringing a fresh take to food that’s anything but boring.
Columbus might not always be the first place people think of for sports, art, or food, but these five things prove that this city has some hidden superpowers. From world-class college football to culinary surprises and charming neighborhoods, there’s a lot to love here… especially if you’re in on the secrets that make Columbus special.
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