Sun-kissed patios, iced lattes, colorful murals around every corner and a lineup of local shops, galleries and restaurants all waiting to be discovered; summer in the Short North Arts District is pure Columbus magic. No matter if you’re planning the ultimate weekday stroll, or a full itinerary with friends, this vibrant Columbus neighborhood offers the perfect mix of art, culture, food and fun from morning to night.
*Disclosure: This post is sponsored by the Short North Alliance and written by Experience Columbus Staff.
Read on to learn how we’d spend the perfect summer day in the Short North Arts District:
Queer Beans Coffee. Photo by Meg Berno.
Find the Perfect Morning Sip
Start your morning by sipping on only-in-the-Short-North coffee. For an upscale, refined vibe, check out the Espresso Bar at Soul at the Joseph, serving up curated drinks like the tasty Toasted Black Sesame Latte. If you’re looking for a more laid-back feel, head to Queer Beans Coffee & Tea, located inside Stonewall Columbus. This woman-owned coffee shop doubles as a bookstore featuring works written exclusively by LGBTQ+ authors.
Breakfast at Maison Skalli. Photo by Meg Berno.
Breakfast is Served
Breakfast is served at Northstar Café, known for its locally grown, organic and artisan-produced food, which is transformed into memorable, good-for-you dishes. Our summer menu favorites include the Sunrise Burrito and the Mint Iced Coffee. New to the Short North is Maison Skalli, a French and Moroccan-style haunt with handcrafted pastries and specialty breakfast dishes that match the vibe. We recommend the Iced Dubai Latte and the Avocado Toast.
Photo courtesy of Sole Classics.
Shop Local
The Short North Arts District is home to dozens of locally owned boutiques that are waiting to be explored. You’ll want to visit Sole Classics, a Black-owned sneaker, apparel and lifestyle boutique. On Paper has all your stationery and journaling needs in a stylish shop. For more style picks, we recommend Rowe (women’s apparel) and Samson (men’s apparel).
Photo courtesy of Experience Columbus, by Picture North and Luquire.
What’s For Lunch?
Something special about the Short North Arts District is its proximity to green spaces, with the expansive Goodale Park located just West of High Street and nothing says “summer” more than a picnic. Grab your meal to-go from North Market, a 150-year-old public market featuring global food from 30 vendors, or order a sizable sandwich on focaccia from Piazza Pelino. As the oldest park in Columbus, Goodale Park boasts great views for any lunchtime picnic.
Bar Room at CMA at The Pizzuti. Photo by Columbus Museum of Art, Luke Stettner.
Art Meets Culture & Connectivity
Next, head to the Columbus Museum of Art at The Pizzuti and pay a visit to “Bar Room,” a new, permanent installation by artist Tavares Strachan inviting visitors to step through an unmarked door into a fully realized reggae bar—complete with handcrafted cocktails, locally roasted coffee, and light bites.
Wine on High. Photo by Taste Hospitality Group.
Cheers to Happy Hour
Summer happy hours in the Short North just hit different. Sip by the glass, flight or bottle at Wine On High, an award-winning retail wine shop and bar featuring weekly events and tastings. Happy hour is open to 6 p.m., Tuesday through Friday. Or snag a seat at the bar at Metsi’s for Italian-style sips and bites like the Mushroom Arancini and the Notte, a special take on an espresso martini. Happy hour is Wednesday-Sunday, from 4-6 p.m.
She Moves with Color Mural by Miss Birdy. Photo courtesy of Short North Alliance.
Public Art
No trip to the Short North Arts District would be complete without a tour of the public art: featuring murals, sculptures and more installations. "She Moves with Color" is a new mural, serving as an important symbol of the Short North’s creative history. Created by Mandi Caskey a.k.a. Miss Birdy, "She Moves with Color" is located outside of The Moxy hotel. Other photo-worthy art we love: Short North Gothic, by Steve Galgas + Mike Altman, The Journey by Ryan Sarfati + Eric Skotnes and Pride Circles by Lisa McLymont.
Studios on High. Photo courtesy of Short North Alliance.
More Art to Explore
The Short North is home to several locally owned galleries, making it the perfect backdrop for Gallery Hop, an art-forward event happening the first Saturday of each month for over 40 years! Among these fantastic galleries is Studios on High, the oldest, artist-owned gallery in Columbus. Featuring 20 exceptional, local Ohio artists, Studios on High is a unique blend of fine art and craft, with works in oils, watercolors, mosaics, ceramics, jewelry, fiber and sculpture.
You’ll also want to check out Fireside Pottery, offering beginner Pottery Club classes on Tuesdays!
