KIPP Loves Columbus

Welcome to the “Heart of it All” and the “Buckeye State!”

As you consider joining the KIPP Columbus team and family, as well as a possible Columbus relocation, please use this page to explore some of the many neighborhoods in Columbus! From its wonderful people, restaurants, sports teams, cultural experiences, medical systems, parks, festivals, universities and more, there’s clearly much to discover in the great Columbus Community! For those interested in learning more about Columbus check out Experience Columbus for more information on our great city!

Columbus skyline

Explore Columbus

Columbus has a wealth of great places to live, work and play!

Activities

Explore the many unique attractions Columbus has to offer.

Wexner Center for The Arts

The Wexner Center for the Arts is The Ohio State University’s multidisciplinary, international laboratory for the exploration and advancement of contemporary art.

Through exhibitions, screenings, performances, artist residencies, and educational programs, the Wexner Center acts as a forum where established and emerging artists can test ideas and where diverse audiences can participate in cultural experiences that enhance understanding of the art of our time.

In its programs, the Wexner Center balances a commitment to experimentation with a commitment to traditions of innovation and affirms the university’s mission of education, research, and community service.

Visit: wexarts.org

Columbus Zoo & Aquarium 

Just north of Columbus, The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is home to over 9,000 animals representing over 700 species.

Visit: columbuszo0.org

COSI

COSI, the Center of Science and Industry is a science center and research facility located in downtown Columbus. “COSI provides an exciting and informative atmosphere for those of all ages to discover more about our environment, our accomplishments, our heritage, and ourselves.”

Visit: cosi.org

Franklin Park Conservatory

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens offers enriching and memorable experiences inspired by art, culture and the botanical world.

Visit: www.fpconservatory.org

Park of Roses

The 13 acre Park of Roses is nestled within the larger Whetstone Park. It contains three unique rose gardens as well as herb and perennial gardens, annual display beds and a restored Ohio prairie. Wide, smooth walkways and numerous benches make it easy to enjoy the sights and smells of 12,000 roses with more than 400 varieties. There is something for every rose lover here, from tiny miniatures to exuberant climbers covering overhead arbors.

Visit: www.parkofroses.org

Columbus Museum of Art

Columbus Museum of Art’s mission is to create great experiences with great art for everyone.

Whether we are presenting an exhibition, designing an art-making activity, or giving visitors directions, we are guided by a vision to connect people and art. CMA nurtures that connection and removes barriers between our community and our collection.

*Free admissions on Sunday!

Visit: www.columbusmuseum.org

Columbus Sports

Cheer on the OSU Buckeyes, Columbus Crew, Columbus Blue Jackets and many more!

The Ohio State Buckeyes >>

The Columbus Crew >>

The Columbus Blue Jackets >>

Short North

Short North

  (15 minutes from KIPP) This lively arts district is located in the center of Columbus. Numerous shops, restaurants and entertainment is all within walking distance in this neighborhood.  This trendy and inspired neighborhood is “acclaimed for its public art, historic architecture and vibrant green spaces.” Visit: www.shortnorth.org

Northstar Featuring an imaginative menu of New American cuisine with an emphasis on organic ingredients, Northstar is pure and natural dining.

951 N. High St.
(614) 298-9999
thenorthstarcafe.com
$$

Marcella’s Marcella’s restaurant is a bustling burst of Italian flavor and energy. The Lively atmosphere is perfect for sharing a meal with family or friend, or for a late night snack. Their wine bar features over 50 Italian wines.

615  N. High St.
(614) 223-2100
marcellasrestaurant.com
$$

Mikey’s Late Night Slice Mikey’s Late Night Slice is a locally owned Columbus chain of Late Night Pizza eateries.

1038 N. High St.
(614) 737-3488
latenightslice.com
$

German Village

German Village

(18 minutes from KIPP) Just south of downtown, German Village is a historic Columbus neighborhood.  This hidden gem of Columbus is filled with cobbled streets and wonderfully quaint homes and shops. The charming atmosphere of this neighborhood almost makes you forget you’re just outside a major city. Visit: www.germanvillage.com

Pistacia Ver The cafe is located in the heart of German Village, a perfect addition to this blooming area of Columbus. Pistacia Vera specializes in gourmet, hand crafted pastries.

541 S. 3rd St.
(614) 220-9070
pistaciavera.com
$

Schmidt’s Sausage Haus Schmidt’s Sausage Haus offers the best, authentic Gernman cuisine in Columbus!

240 E. Kossuth St.
(614) 444-6808
schmidthaus.com
$$

Club 185 Club 185 is an authentic neighborhood bar serving good food and liquor most all day. Food ’til 1 AM, Bar ’til 2:30 AM

185 E. Livingston Ave.
(614) 228-3904
club185.com
$

Arena District

(15 minutes from KIPP)

“As the premier entertainment district in downtown Columbus, the Arena District offers an experience unlike any other. The Arena District has a fantastic nightlife scene. There are many restaurants and bars, and the Lifestyles Community Pavilion often features concerts with nationally renowned bands” (Experience Columbus).

Visit: www.arenadistrict.com

The North Market

The North Market is Columbus’ only remaining public market. It is the historical home of local butchers. bakers. fishmongers. greengrocers and farmers. Over the years our merchant offerings have expanded to include ethnic foods, gourmet groceries and unique gifts.

59 Spruce Street
(614) 4639664
northmarket.com
$$

Milestone 229

Unmatched Columbus, Ohio dining with remarkable views of downtown Columbus, the restaurant features elevated comfort food from a scratch-kitchen with the finest and freshest ingredients.

229 Civic Center Dr.
(614) 4270276
milestone229.com
$$$

Nada

Nada is a contemporary Mexican restaurant in the heart of downtown Columbus.

220 W. Nationwide
(614) 427 0276
eatdrinknoda.com
$$$

Gahanna

(10 minutes from KIPP}

This Columbus suburb offers a wide range of activities, amenities, and services for residents. From shopping and entertainment at Easton Town Center to exploring over 700 acres of parkland and reserves, there’s something for everyone. Gahanna is a quiet, family friendly suburb located just a short drive away from KIPP Columbus.

Vistiwww.gahanna.gov 

**Highly Rated School District

Cap City Fine Diner
Voted Best Diner and Best Neighborhood Restaurant in Grandview by 614 Magazine’s 2017 ColumbusBEST polls!

1299 Olentangy River Rd.
(614) 291.3663
capcityfinediner.com
$

Arepazo Tapas & Wine

Authentic South American cuisine in Gahanna! Enjoy tapas and wine with friends for a great night out. , Full bar and Micro Brews, we offer a great casual place to eat out.

93 N. High St.
(614) 4717296
elarepazolatingrill.com/gahanna/
$$

Old Bag of Nails

Voted “best happy hour in Columbus,” Old Bag of Nai ls is a vibrant pub that specializes in seafood.

63 Mill Street
(614) 3379439
oldbagofnails.com
$

New Albany

(20 minutes from KIPP)

“Founded in 1837, New Albany truly came to life in the last two decades as a result of the passion and ingenuity of individuals who believe it’s not just where we live, but how we live that defines our quality of life.

Today, New Albany is that rare location that leaves nothing to chance. Thoughtful, innovative planning and attention to detail in all aspects of daily living have created a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly community with an unparalleled commitment to education, wellness, culture and leisure that inspires and enriches families and businesses alike.”

VISITwww.newalbanyohio.org 

**Highly Rated School District

Cooper’s Hawk Winery

Offering a signature menu of sophisticated dishes designed to pair perfectly with exceptional wines made in their own private winery.

4230 The Strand
(614) 428-6999
coopershawkwinery.com
$$

Flip Side Burgers

Raising the bar on your traditional burger! Featuring grass fed beef, locally brewed craft beers, scrumptious sandwiches. fresh chopped salads and legendary triple cooked fries.

3945 Easton Station
(614) 4723547
flipsideburger.com
$$

Mitchell’s Ocean Club

The Modern American Supper Club, complete with cocktail lounge and piano bar, meets the finest in fresh oceanic fare at this Easton signature.

4002 Easton Station
(614) 416-2582
mitchellsoceanclub.com
$$$$

Westerville

(20 minutes from KIPP)

Westerville is a “vital city to more than 37,000 residents, a leader in job creation, and it is located just 10 miles from the airport and the state capital of Columbus.” This community is among the best in the nation having been recognized twice by Money Magazine as one of America’s “Best Places to Live.”

Throughout Westerville, residents enjoy more than 40 community parks and open spaces, a state-of-the-art Community Center, an award-winning school district and the old-generation Uptown District, featuring new-generation shopping, dining and entertainment.

Visit: westerville.org

**Highly Rated School District

Thai Grille

A silhouette of Ohio graces one side of the menu at Thai Grille, on the other side is a shadow of Thailand. After eating through this food list, its message of dual geographies became clear: Thai Grille is what happens when the buy-local and organic movements collide with focused Thai cooking.

15 E. College Ave (614)
8654515
thaigrille.blog spot.com
$$$

City Barbecue

All of their meats are smoked on site at each restaurant. hand rubbed with spices and take upwards of 18 hours to become pure barbeque perfectio. This is barbeque in its truest form created by people who are dedicated to doing it right.

600 S. State Street
(614) 8238890
citybbq.com
$

Meza Wine Shop

Meza Wine Shop is an independently owned and operated wine shop and wine bar in the historic “Uptown Westerville” district just outside of Columbus. OH with a focus on affordable and eclectic wine offerings from around the world.

48 N. State Street
(614) 2593101
mezawineshop.com
$$

Clintonville

(10 minutes from KIPP)

“Conveniently located along Columbus’s High Street corridor just north of the Ohio State University campus, Clintonville boasts quiet city living with strong community ties. The neighborhood is home to about 30,000 people, and a variety of architectural styles including bungalows, Dutch Colonials, 4-squares, Sears and Roebuck kit homes, Larcombs and several Lustron homes.” (Experience Clintonville)

Visit: clintonville.com

Harvest Pizzeria

The Harvest Pizza restaurant family has grown from indie upstart to ambitious juggernaut in less than three years. This sort of progress can augur diminished quality and/or we loved-you-as-an-underdog backlash. But, as the bustling new Harvest Bar & Kitchen in Clintonville demonstrates, this budding company — which includes edgy-cocktail-sloshing Curio, retro-mod Sycamore Cafe and the original brilliant pizzeria

2885 N High Street
(614) 947-7133
harvestpizzeria.com
$$

Local Cantina

Inviting and relaxing place to enjoy a twist on the classic Tex-Mex flair with friends and family!

3126 N High Street
(614) 754-8554
localcantina.com
$$

Sweet Carrot

Sweet Carrot is a fresh casual restaurant that serves the made-from-scratch comfort foods you’ve always loved, in an inventive way.

1417 W. 5th Ave.
(614) 488-7151
sweetcarrot.com
$


Why Columbus?

A Place to Work & Thrive. Columbus, Ohio is frequently recognized for its achievements and growth. It has been recently recognized as one of the six best big cities, top five most affordable cities, and top 20 friendliest cities. Come see why so many people are making Columbus their home, and learn more about our wonderful city HERE.

Additional Resources: Discovering Columbus

Top 33 Things You Need To Know About Columbus Before You Move There!
Things to Do in Columbus
Columbus Attractions
Why Columbus, Ohio Will Capture Your Heart
NYT Lists Columbus as a Top Place to Visit
Experience Columbus Visitors Guide