We love Columbus. Here's why:

Columbus is friendly. It's a young crowd, with an average age of 31. We do LGBT Pride in a big way. Red, White & Boom on the third of July. Three days celebrating the community and music in a big party called ComFest in Goodale Park.

Columbus is smart. CCAD is one of 11 universities and colleges in the Columbus area. Our library system is number one in the country. So is the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. And you can't miss COSI and the Columbus Museum of Art.

Columbus is fashion-forward. Small boutiques in the Short North. Check. Headquarters for Victoria's Secret and Abercrombie & Fitch. Check. Thrift shops galore. Homage, High Street Denim and Thread. This is where styles collide and trends take flight. There's a reason we're ranked numbed three (right behind New York and Los Angeles) in the U.S. in number of fashion designers.

Columbus makes creativity a business. Tons of startups that have gone on to great success — like Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams and Homage. We've got branding and design agencies both large and small. From craft breweries and artisan coffeehouses, to an entire incubator for new art and tech businesses. Columbus’ creative economy brings in top talent from each coast and gives them room to grow.

Columbus has that “big city” feel, broken down into neighborhoods. We’ve got the tall buildings and courthouses downtown. But the city is split up into towns and villages that are shaped by their own histories, architectures and cultures. We’ve listed some of them below and included the spots that are our favorites.

This is the only place where CCAD could be. See for yourself.

 

Neighborhoods

Franklinton

Franklinton

Underground artsy. Cool. Growing.
Best bet for: Meeting professional artists and designers.
Must-try: Strongwater Food and Spirits, 400 West Rich, Artists Wrestling League, The Vanderelli Room, Glass Axis.

Discovery District

Discovery District

Smart. Creative. Touristy in a good way.
Best bet for: A weekend spent getting inspired.
Must-try: Beeler Gallery, Thurber House, Columbus Museum of Art, Columbus Commons, The Bluestone.

German Village

German Village

Historic. Charming. Quiet.
Best bet for: A chill off-campus study spot.
Must-try: The Book Loft, Schiller Park, German Village Coffee Shop, Harvest Pizzeria.

Short North

Short North

Upscale artsy. Foodie focused. Super LGBT-friendly.
Best bet for: Date night.
Must-try: Roy G Biv Gallery, Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, North Market, Big Fun, Northstar Cafe.

Downtown Columbus

Downtown

Busy. Beautiful. Diverse.
Best bet for: A visit when mom and dad are in town.
Must-try: Columbus Commons, Little Palace, 16 Bit Bar+Arcade, Ohio Theatre, Ohio Statehouse, Scioto Mile.

South Campus Gateway and OSU

South Campus Gateway & OSU Campus

Young. Energetic. Entertaining.
Best bet for: A night out.
Must-try: Gateway Film Center, Kafe Kerouac, Buckeye Donuts, Newport Music Hall.