With some of the oldest parks in the area (and the country) Columbus residents have long been lucky to stroll through these incredible areas. Of course, our Metro Parks system is amazing and it gets a ton of love from everyone, including us.

But the Columbus Recreation and Parks system isn’t too shabby either and it’s often overlooked. From the timeless classics that have been around for well over a century to parks that protect endangered plant life, we’ve got some really amazing spaces to explore in this city.

So put on your walking shoes, grab a pal, and let’s go take advantage of some of the best parks this city has to offer.

The GOATs

Schiller Park

Established in 1857, Schiller Park is the second oldest park in the City of Columbus. The park was originally called Stewart’s Grove by early settlers. It was renamed City Park until 1891 when it was renamed Schiller Park after Friedrich von Schiller, a famous German Poet. Due to anti-German sentiment during World War I, the park was renamed Washington Park, although the name reverted to Schiller after the war.

The park serves as a central gathering space for the German Village neighborhood. It’s 23.5 acres, offering a community center, picnic areas, a fishing pond, an outdoor stage, tennis courts, basketball courts, playgrounds, and more.

Schiller Park is also home to two Champion Trees, a Biltmore ash (found here) and a Wych elm (found here). The Champion Trees program identifies and promotes the oldest and largest trees of each species in each state and the country as a whole.

Location: 1069 Jaeger St, Columbus, OH 43206

Goodale Park

Nestled in Victorian Village, Goodale Park is the oldest park in Columbus. In fact, it’s one of the oldest parks in the United States. The 40-acre site was donated to the city by Dr. Lincoln Goodale in 1851. Over 650 trees call the park home, including two Champion Trees, a Chinese catalpa, and a Smoothleaf elm.

During the Civil War, the park served briefly as a staging area for Union troops known as Camp Jackson. Those operations were moved to Camp Chase, but some permanent examples of that era remain, including the Goodale Gates.

Today, the park offers visitors a scenic place to spend an afternoon with a gazebo, tennis courts, walking paths, a playground, a pond with a stunning fountain, and more. The park is home to many events throughout the year, including festivals and live performances.

Location: 120 W Goodale St, Columbus, OH 43215

Stunning Garden Parks

Topiary Garden

Have you ever wondered what it would look like if a city park and a museum were combined? The Topiary Garden Park is located in the downtown Discovery District, and it’s a perfect example of what happens when you mix art and nature. The garden is a living recreation of Georges Seurat’s famous painting, A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of LaGrande Jatte.

The concept was conceived and sculpted by Columbus artists James and Elaine Mason in 1989. Over the years, the park has been featured in National Geographic, Life, The Wall Street Journal, and more.

Long before it became the Topiary Garden, the park was known as the Old Deaf School Park. That’s because the land that the park sits on used to house the dormitory and campus of the adjacent Deaf School in the early 19th century. The park is free and open to the public year-round.

Location: 480 E Town St, Columbus, OH 43215

Park of Roses

Founded in 1953, the Columbus Park of Roses is an absolute gem. Located on 13 acres within Whetstone Park, the Park of Roses is home to 11,000 beautiful roses. There’s nowhere else in Columbus like the Park of Roses when it’s in bloom.

There are different garden areas within the park where you can view different types of roses, including the Main Rose Garden, the Heritage Garden, the Earth-Kind Rose Garden, the Herb Garden, and the Perennial Garden.

The Park of Roses is open every day, year-round, and admission is free. The roses are typically in bloom between mid-June and mid-September.

Location: 3901 N High St, Columbus, OH 43214

Hidden Gems

Frank Fetch Park

 

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I’m a sucker for pocket parks, and Frank Fetch Memorial Park is one of my favorites. The park is located in German Village and it was designed to resemble the Social Gartens of Munich. The park kind of has a beer garden vibe, with picnic tables to enjoy meals and benches to sit and read.

It’s a charming little spot that perfectly captures the essence of German Village. There are even gas lamps that offer flickering lights. The park is especially charming around Christmas when it’s all decked out for the holidays.

Location: 228 E Beck St, Columbus, OH 43206

Hayden Falls Nature Preserve

This stunning waterfall park is located within Griggs Nature Preserve on the west side of the Scioto River. On the upper level of the park, you’ll find picnic tables and a small parking lot. If you take the boardwalk down the steps, you’ll get a fantastic view of Hayden Falls.

The area surrounding the 35-foot waterfall is home to an incredible ecosystem that includes rare and endangered plants. When you’re visiting, it may be tempting to climb on the rocks surrounding the falls, but don’t give in. It’s important to give endangered plant species the space they need to grow and thrive.

Location: 4326 Hayden Run Rd, Dublin, OH 43017

Get Your Steps In

Antrim Park

 

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Whether you’re looking to fish for rainbow trout or take a run along the Olentangy Greenway Trail, Antrim Park is the perfect place to get out and stretch your legs. It’s one of the most popular parks for running, walking, and biking in Columbus. The park was a gift from the Antrim family back in 1970 and it consists of nearly 120 acres.

The quarried lake is a great spot for fishing, but there is no boating or swimming allowed. You’ll just have to admire the beauty of the space from shore.

Location: 5800 Olentangy River Rd, Columbus, OH 43085

Scioto Mile

Stretching along the east bank of the Scioto River, the promenade along the Scioto Mile connects Battelle Riverfront Park and Bicentennial Park.

The Promenade itself features a beautiful stone colonnade with swings, park benches, gardens, and tables where visitors can play card games or chess. Of course, there’s nowhere better to be on a hot summer day than enjoying the massive Fountain.

There is a historic limestone balustrade that was originally built as part of a flood wall in the 1920s that has been completely restored. Throughout the Scioto Mile, there are several points of interest for visitors, including Huntington Plaza, Coleman’s Pointe, the Lower River Walk, and my favorite, the Prow. In The Prow, visitors will find a grove of birch trees, lantern lighting, and stone benches all on this unique riverfront overlook.

Location: 233 S Civic Center Dr, Columbus, OH 43215

All Columbus Recreation and Parks Department Parks are open year-round. For more info, you can visit columbus.gov/recreationandparks.

The post The Most Vital Columbus Parks You Need To Visit That Aren’t Metro Parks appeared first on Columbus Navigator.

Crisp air, colorful leaves, pumpkin spice everything, and one jam-packed calendar of festivals. From pumpkin-packed traditions like the legendary Circleville Pumpkin Show to quirky favorites like the Ohio Pawpaw Festival, autumn is the season when Central Ohio really shows off.

Whether you’re in it for the food, the music, the hayrides, or just an excuse to wear your coziest flannel, these can’t-miss fall festivals will keep your weekends full of fun.

Sweet Corn Festival

52nd Annual Greek Festival

Obetz Zucchinifest

Upper Arlington Labor Day Arts Festival

Canal Winchester Labor Day Festival

Ohio Renaissance Festival | Every weekend in September & October

What: Want to travel through time? Head to the Ohio Renaissance Festival. Ren Fest runs every weekend in September and October. There are themed weekends, including Viking Weekend, Pirate Weekend, Highland Weekend, and more.
When: Click here for dates and information
Where: 10542 East State Route 73 Waynesville, OH
Website: Ohio Renaissance Festival

Ohio Pawpaw Festival

Germania’s 66th Oktoberfest

Jack Pine Glass Pumpkin Festival

Young’s Dairy Fall Farm Pumpkin Fun

What: Young’s Dairy has reimagined its Annual Fall Farm Pumpkin Festival to run throughout the fall season. The fun farm days will allow visitors to snack on Pumpkin Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes, take a tour of Young’s cheese-making facility, watch cow milking, and more. There is even Pumpkin Bowling!
When: Saturdays throughout September and October, open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day.
Where: Young’s Jersey Dairy Farm
Website: Young’s Dairy Fall Farm Pumpkin Fun

Grandview Heights Fall Festival

Columbus Italian Festival

Groveport Apple Butter Day

What: Come celebrate Groveport’s Heritage with kettles of homemade apple butter over wood fires, pioneer demonstrators, live entertainment, and handmade crafts. You can also look forward to the Annual Groveport Cane Pole Fishing contest.
When: October 11, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Heritage Park, 51 Wirt Rd, Groveport, OH 43125
Website: Groveport Apple Butter Day

Circleville Pumpkin Show

What: The Circleville Pumpkin Show is one of the largest fall events, dating back to 1903. When I say there will be pumpkin EVERYTHING, I mean it! Pumpkin pies, ice creams, bread, drinks, and so much more pumpkin. A veritable pumpkin explosion. There’s also a pageant, seven parades, rides, games, activities, entertainment, and so much more. Can you tell I love the Pumpkin Show?
When: October 15-18, with festivities beginning at 9 a.m. on the first day, and then at 10 a.m. for the remainder of the festival.
Where: Downtown Circleville, OH
Website: Circleville Pumpkin Show

The Great Westerville Pumpkin Glow

What: Westerville Parks and Recreation is celebrating fall at Heritage Park during the Great Westerville Pumpkin Glow. The park will transform into an autumn wonderland, featuring pumpkin painting and crafts, festive games, music, professional pumpkin carving, food trucks, and more. The trails will be aglow with thousands of carved pumpkins!
When: October 16-19, from 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Where: Heritage Park, 60 N Cleveland Ave, Westerville, OH 43081
Website: The Great Westerville Pumpkin Glow

HighBall Halloween 2025

What: Get all glammed up and head downtown for the most fashionable night in the Halloween season. HighBall is one elaborate costume party, so don’t be afraid to push the boundaries. There will be costume contests, live music, food, drinks, and fun.
When: October 25, from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m
Where: 400 N. High Street, Columbus, OH 43215
Website: HighBall Halloween 2024

The post Fall In Love With Central Ohio’s Best Fall Festivals appeared first on Columbus Navigator.

There have been three iterations of Union Station and all three served railroad passengers, from regular people to presidents, in Columbus from 1851 until 1977.

The first station building, built in 1851, was the first union station in the world. The second was built from 1873-1875 and it became apparent quickly that the station wouldn’t be large enough for long, due to the boom in both rail and street traffic along High Street.

By 1891, the traffic situation on High Street reached a breaking point. It was reported that the roadway was blocked for up to seven hours per day due to crossing trains, and the city decided to throw support behind a modern, grand station.

So in 1893, a new station was planned by Daniel Burnham. This third station is the one that we all recognize instantly. The station was opened in 1897 and by 1899, the iconic arcade was complete. The arcade was unique to Columbus and was sort of the mixed-use building of its time, with stores and offices built atop the viaduct.

Although it had been placed on the National Register of Historic Places, the arcade was demolished in 1976 to make way for a new convention center.

In 1977, the passenger rail service at Union Station stopped and by 1979, the rest of the station had been demolished. By the time the station closed, daily passenger trains had fallen just 10 per day. The completion of interstates and the increasing popularity of cars were the final nails in the coffin of Union Station.

Of course, a portion of the arcade still exists in Columbus today. It is the magnificent focal piece of McPherson Commons, just across from Nationwide Arena.

As we look at more and more buildings lost to time here in Columbus, I can’t help but wonder when it will stop. As more and more historic buildings are demolished, we lose a vital part of our city’s history.

Every year, the Columbus Landmarks Foundation accepts nominations for the Most Endangered Buildings List. Buildings on this list get exposure, which generates awareness and opportunity. If you have a building in mind, you can submit it to the Columbus Landmarks Foundation here.

The post Lost History Of Columbus: Union Station appeared first on Columbus Navigator.

Unlike a traditional historical museum, this space celebrates contemporary craft and the incredible work of Ohio artisans, offering a hands-on, inspiring experience for anyone curious about creativity.

Founded in 1963 as Ohio Designer Craftsmen, the organization has been supporting and promoting professional craft artists for decades. The museum itself opened in 1992, serving as a public platform to showcase the high-quality, contemporary crafts of Ohio designers.

Since then, it has become a hub for inspiration, learning, and connection with local creators.

Inside the museum, visitors can explore five major exhibitions each year, along with numerous focus exhibits and a rotating display from the museum’s permanent collection. From hand-blown glass to ceramics, hand-carved wood, textiles, jewelry, and paper art, the museum highlights the extraordinary talent of Ohio’s craft community.

If you’re looking to try your hand at crafting, the Ohio Craft Museum offers a variety of classes, workshops, and events suitable for all ages and skill levels. And if you’re just browsing for something special, the gift shop features a rotating selection of unique, handcrafted items by local artists—perfect for gifts or treating yourself.

Admission to the Ohio Craft Museum is always free.

Plus, there’s plenty of parking on the east side of the building, making it easy to pop in for a few hours of inspiration. The museum is usually open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., though it will be closed for renovations from July 7 through August 31. Don’t worry though—the offices remain open, and all scheduled summer camps will continue as planned.

During this temporary closure, the museum is getting a big upgrade, including all-new lighting in the gallery space. When it reopens on September 1, visitors can expect a brighter, more inviting environment to enjoy the art on display.

Whether you’re hunting for a unique museum experience, searching for inspiration for your next project, or looking for a one-of-a-kind handcrafted gift, the Ohio Craft Museum is a must-visit Columbus spot. It’s a place to discover the creativity flowing through Ohio and maybe even spark a little creativity of your own.

For more information about current and upcoming exhibitions, classes, and events, visit the Ohio Craft Museum website. Remember, the museum is closed through August 31, so start planning your visit now.

The post Free and Fantastic: Why You Need to Visit the Ohio Craft Museum appeared first on Columbus Navigator.

I love a good deli and I find it genuinely unfair that other cities around the US get to have so many fantastic delicatessens on every street corner.

Luckily, there are a few amazing eateries around the city where you can fulfill all of your deli dreams. Let’s take a dive straight in and get to know the most delicious deli spots around town a little bit better.

Brown Bag

About: Brown Bag Deli in German Village features amazing seasonal dishes and all of your favorite deli classics. You can dine in or get your food to go. If you choose to stay at the Deli, you can enjoy outdoor seating and treat yourself to some ice cream from the scoop shop next door or a nice walk around Schiller Park.
Location:898 Mohawk St, Columbus, OH 43206
Website: Brown Bag

Katzinger’s Delicatessen

About: Katzinger’s is probably the most iconic deli that we’ve got here in Columbus. It’s a full-on, New York-style deli, offering everything from the Reuben to the pickle. The deli can get fairly busy, so if you’re visiting during peak hours (like lunchtime) it’s probably best to grab your order to go because this place can get crowded. But that’s just more proof of how delicious it is.
Location: 475 S 3rd St, Columbus, OH 43215
Website: Katzinger’s Deli

Danny’s Delicious Deli

About: Danny’s Delicious Deli is more like a deli/diner combo. It definitely has a retro feel when you visit, plus it’s a wonderful deli to grab a fun bite to eat with friends or family. You can get breakfast or lunch at Danny’s Delicious, so go ahead and treat yourself.
Location: 37 W Broad St, Columbus, OH 43235
Website: Danny’s Delicious Deli”

Seitan’s Realm

About: Craving that perfect deli sandwich and then remembering that you’ve made the decision to go vegan doesn’t have to be the start of a very bad day anymore. Seitan’s Realm offers its own vegan twist on all of the classic deli dishes and it’s freaking delicious.Location: 3496 N High Street, Columbus, OH 43214
Website: Lucy

Fox’s Bagel & Deli

About: Fox’s Bagel & Deli is a homegrown Columbus favorite, known for its steamed bagel sandwiches and neighborhood feel. Owner Jeremy Fox got his start slinging bagels from a food cart and trucks at OSU before opening brick-and-mortar spots in Bexley and the North Market. With roots in the community and a menu full of creative bagel builds, this deli is all about tradition and flavor.
Locations:
– 3012 E Broad St, Columbus, OH 43209
– 59 Spruce St, Columbus, OH 43215
Website: Fox’s Bagel & Deli

Frenchi’s Deli

About: Frenchi’s is a cozy Clintonville gem where the sandwiches lean classic but are packed with flavor. With fresh ingredients and a focus on quality over quantity, it’s the kind of spot you’ll want to keep in your regular lunch rotation. Perfect for a quick bite between classes, errands, or just because you deserve it.
Location: 18 East Hudson Street, Columbus, OH 43202
Website: Frenchi’s Deli

Cornerstone Deli + Cafe

About: Cornerstone is one of my favorite places to grab a quick bite in the entire city. There are a lot of dishes to choose from on the menu, from deli sandwiches to sushi. Plus, it’s a great place to start an afternoon exploring Clintonville.
Location: 3296 N High St, Columbus, OH 43202
Website: Facebook

Get out there and grab something from a deli for lunch, Columbus!

The post Where To Find The Best Delicatessens In Columbus appeared first on Columbus Navigator.

There are stunning gardens, wetlands overflowing with wildlife, rolling pastures, and wooded paths. But the most unique of the Columbus Metro Parks isn’t in Columbus at all.

About 40 minutes from Downtown Columbus, you’ll find Clear Creek Metro Park, in Rockbridge, OH. Nestled just north of Hocking Hills State Park, and West of Wayne National Forest, Clear Creek Metro Park is the largest state nature preserve in Ohio.

The park is made up of 5,300 acres of woodland interspersed with blackhand sandstone cliffs, ravines, and creeks. It is also home to more than 2,200 species of plants and animals.

Clear Creek Metro Park is open daily, from 6:30 a.m. until 9 p.m. April 1 through September 30 and 6:30 a.m. to dark October 1 through March 31. It’s the perfect destination for a day trip full of nature and wildlife. And when they say “Clear Creek”, they mean it.

There are roughly 6 miles of easy creek access, which is super convenient if you’re in the mood to do a little fly fishing or creeking. The creek is stocked with rainbow trout every November, which generally hold over until May.

Visiting with the whole family? Make sure that you leave time to visit the Benua Loop, which is home to the park’s Storybook Trail. Kids can follow along with different stories (usually updated monthly) while they hike through the gorgeous backdrop of the park.

Clear Creek is one of those places that’s gorgeous to visit any time of the year. In the spring, the wildflowers begin blooming and the forest is full of the first signs of life. While visiting in the summer, the shade of the canopy will keep you cool as you explore the parks most beautiful trails.

Fall in Clear Creek is stunning, with the colors popping so brightly that you have to see it in person to truly understand how beautiful it is. And last, but far from least, visiting in the winter offers a unique experience, including the option to take a hike to the famous ice cave.

The Ice Cave hike is 3.5 miles long (backcountry) and the park usually organizes hikes throughout the colder months, complete with local coffee and pastries.

Of course, we can’t talk about Clear Creek Metro Park and not mention the amazing geologic feature that is Leaning Lena. Hanging over Clear Creek Road, this massive split rock goes by many names and has many legends associated with it.

Known also as Leaning Rock and Witches Rock, local legend says that witches come to the area to perform rituals. Rumor has it that if you see sticks propped up against Leaning Lena, you should be careful not to remove them, as doing so could leave you cursed!

I don’t know about the urban legend aspect of the rock, but I do know that it’s seriously massive, impressive, and one of my favorite spots in the entire park.

When you live in Downtown Columbus, it’s easy to feel disconnected from nature. The Metro Parks system offers parks that are much closer to Columbus, but they don’t all quite capture the magic of Clear Creek. It’s cinematically beautiful. Like if Westeros, Middle Earth, and Narnia all had a baby and dropped it here in southeastern Ohio.

So whether you’re looking for the perfect day trip, or just a stunning location for your fan-made Game of Thrones prequel, you need to check out Clear Creek Metro Park!

More From The Great Outdoors

• 15 Gorgeous Places To Go Camping In Ohio
• Blackhand Gorge State Nature Preserve Is An Amazing, Ancient Place
• The Best Cabins In Hocking Hills

The post The Most Magical Columbus Metro Park Isn’t In Columbus At All appeared first on Columbus Navigator.

As long as you’re not too afraid of heights, you’ll likely fall right in love with scaling walls and reaching your climbing goals. Here in Columbus, there are some fantastic places to get climbing, perfect for all skill levels.

Some of these spots require your own equipment, while others provide equipment rentals for everything you could possibly need. So hop into that harness and get ready to climb, friends.

Scioto Audubon Metro Park Climbing Wall

Bloc Garten

Vertical Adventures

Chambers Purely Boulders

This modern bouldering gym is perfect for climbers of all skill levels. You can take a class or participate in community events. Tickets can be purchased for individual sessions or you can book a climbing subscription.
Address: 1165 Chambers Road, Columbus, OH
Website: Chambers Purely Boulders

Via Ferrata at Quarry Trails Metro Park

The post Where To Go Rock Climbing In Columbus appeared first on Columbus Navigator.

Whether you’re a die-hard fan of spicy Indian cuisine, have a penchant for Brazilian BBQ, or find joy in the simplicity of endless pizza slices, Columbus has got you covered. So loosen that belt, bring your biggest appetite, and let’s dive into the best buffets this city has to offer. Trust me, you won’t leave hungry.

Aab India

Aab India has garnered a dedicated fan base throughout the city and honestly, they deserve it for the epic lunch buffet they offer every single day. Sometimes, the only way to cure your intense craving for tikka masala is to literally fill an entire tray and go to town.
Where: 1470 Grandview Ave., Columbus, Ohio 43212
Website: Aab India

Cumin and Curry Indian Kitchen

Named after a fragrant spice common in Indian cuisine and arguably the most famous Indian dish, Cumin and Curry offers a variety of well-seasoned regional dishes. Stuff your face with, not some, but all of the tandoori chicken. Go on. You deserve it.
Where:  4155 Morse Crossing, Columbus, OH 43219
Website: Cumin and Curry Indian Kitchen

Texas De Brazil

I can’t explain to you how amazing Brazilian-style buffets truly are. Each seat at the table receives a card. As long as that card is flipped green, servers will bombard you with skewers of roasted meats and barbecues. The kitchen staff will continue to assault your table until you relent and flip your card over to red. This buffet is only for the carnivorous and the brave.
Where: 4040 Easton Station e, Columbus, OH 43219
Website: Texas De Brazil

Massey’s Pizza

Some would argue that Massey’s has some of the best Columbus-style pizza in the city (that’s thin crust, edge-to-edge toppings, and square-cut kiddos, keep up). And while they no doubt have some pretty awesome pies, they for sure have one of the best lunch buffets in town. Sometimes there’s nothing better than downing a physically alarming amount of pizza, guzzling a half gallon of Pepsi Cola and trying to make it home before your blood sugar drops and you pass out on the side of the road. Hey, we all have our own ideas of a good time.
Where: Thirteen different locations, click here to find the closest.
Website: Massey’s Pizza

York Steak House

El Rodeo Mexican Restaurant

Schmidt’s Sausage Haus

The post The Best Buffets In (And Around) Columbus appeared first on Columbus Navigator.

Going far away from home may not always be an option, especially if you’ve only got a couple of days off from the real world. Luckily, there are tons of beautiful places close to Columbus to pitch a tent and unwind. With this gorgeous weather we’ve been having, it’s a great time to plan your next adventure.

Hocking Hills State Park Campground

Hocking Hills Adventures

Delaware State Park

Lake Hope State Park

Deer Creek State Park

Lazy River At Granville

Jackson Lake Park

Buckeye Lake/Columbus East KOA

Scioto Grove Metro Park Backpack Sites

Alum Creek State Park

Mohican State Park

Sunbury/Columbus North KOA

The post The Best Places To Go Camping Around Central Ohio appeared first on Columbus Navigator.

But long before The Clock took over the space at 161 N. High Street, it was the home of Bott Brothers Billiard Parlor & Saloon, a Victorian-era watering hole with a story as dramatic as its bar is beautiful.

Before There Was a Clock, There Was a Fire

The Bott brothers — Joseph and William — opened their saloon in 1883 at 145 N. High Street, just down the block. Their place was everything a Gilded Age billiard hall should be: polished wood, good whiskey, and heavy mustaches.

But in April 1903, a massive fire tore through the Brunson Building, where the Bott Brothers were located. It spread quickly, damaging nearby businesses and tragically claiming the life of Fire Captain Daniel S. Lewis.

The Bott brothers didn’t quit. Instead, they moved their operation up the street to the Larrimer Building at 161 N. High Street, reopening in 1905 with their most prized possession still intact: the stunning 45-foot mahogany bar with mother-of-pearl inlay and Italian onyx columns — an award-winner at the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago.

The saloon ran strong in its new location until 1923, when the Bott Brothers finally called it a day.

Enter: The Clock

Just two years later, in 1925, the space reopened as The Clock Tavern, later simply known as The Clock — a name that would stick for nearly 70 years.

The Clock wasn’t your average greasy spoon. It had a certain elegance, the kind of place where downtown workers in suits might grab a steak and a stiff drink at lunch, or where families came for Sunday dinner when they wanted to feel fancy.

Regulars still remember the dark wood paneling, the intimate booths, and of course, that bar — which stayed right where it was, the centerpiece of every era.

From Prohibition to boom times, The Clock stayed steady through it all. It was a local landmark long before people were calling things “iconic.”

Time’s Up: The End of an Era

In 1994, after nearly seven decades in business, The Clock served its last meal. But instead of gutting the space or turning it into just another bar, the new tenants embraced the history.

By 2000, the doors reopened as Elevator Brewery & Draught Haus. Today, the space mixes craft beer culture with Gilded Age elegance — but the original Bott Brothers bar still gleams at the center of it all.

So next time you’re sipping a Kolsch at Elevator, look around. You’re standing in a space that’s survived Prohibition, mid-century downtown decline, and Columbus’s rapid growth — and it still looks damn good doing it. This beautiful, timeless space serves as a poignant reminder of why historic buildings in Columbus deserve to be preserved.

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