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Written by Blake Boyd 

Columbus, Ohio, offers a diverse and thriving urban landscape that appeals to many, especially those considering residency or fellowship at Ohio State. One of the city’s most charming and attractive neighborhoods is Clintonville. In this blog, we will explore the history, attractions, and unique features of Clintonville, giving you a taste of what it is like to live and work in this vibrant community. 

History of Clintonville 

Nestled just north of downtown Columbus, Clintonville is a historic neighborhood with roots dating back to the early 19th century. Once an independent village, it was eventually incorporated into Columbus in the early 1900s. Known for its beautiful homes, tree-lined streets, and family-friendly atmosphere, Clintonville has evolved into a trendy and desirable place to live. Its rich history can still be felt as you walk along its streets and admire the charming architecture. 

Attractions and Activities 

Clintonville offers a range of activities for residents and visitors alike. The neighborhood is home to several parks, including the beautiful Whetstone Park and the Olentangy River Parklands, where you can walk or bike along the Olentangy River, play sports, or enjoy a picnic with friends and family. If you are a nature enthusiast, the Park of Roses is a must-see, with its stunning rose gardens and serene atmosphere. 

Dining in Clintonville 

Clintonville is a food lover’s paradise, with an array of restaurants and cafes that offer diverse and delicious cuisine. Whether you are craving a classic American burger, authentic Thai food, or a gluten-free meal, you will find it all in this neighborhood. Some popular dining options include: 

• Northstar Café: Known for its farm-to-table cuisine and a focus on organic, sustainable ingredients, Northstar Café is a Clintonville favorite. Their menu offers something for everyone, including vegetarians and vegans. 
• Lavash Café: This Middle Eastern eatery is a local gem, offering delicious Mediterranean dishes, such as kebabs, falafel, and hummus. Their cozy atmosphere and friendly service make it a neighborhood favorite. 
• Pattycake Bakery: For those with a sweet tooth, Pattycake Bakery offers vegan and gluten-free treats that do not compromise on flavor. From cookies to cupcakes, they have a delightful selection of baked goods to satisfy your cravings. 

Arts and Culture 

Clintonville is home to several galleries and performance venues, displaying the neighborhood’s vibrant arts scene. The Studio 35 Cinema & Drafthouse offers a unique movie-going experience, complete with craft beer and delicious food. For those interested in visual arts, the High Road Gallery and Studios is an excellent place to discover local talent and appreciate the creative process. 

Living in Clintonville 

Clintonville’s residents enjoy a high quality of life, with excellent schools, a strong sense of community, and a variety of housing options. The neighborhood’s walkability and access to public transportation make it an attractive choice for those working in downtown Columbus or at Ohio State. With a mix of single-family homes, condominiums, and apartments, there is something to suit every lifestyle and budget. 

Clintonville offers a perfect blend of urban convenience and small-town charm, making it a wonderful place to call home during your residency or fellowship at Ohio State. With its rich history, diverse attractions, and strong community spirit, it is no wonder that Clintonville has become one of Columbus’s most beloved neighborhoods. 

As you consider a move to Columbus for your medical residency or fellowship, Clintonville presents an ideal location for embracing the city’s unique culture and enjoying a high quality of life. From its outdoor recreational opportunities to its thriving culinary scene, Clintonville will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on anyone who chooses to call it home. 

In conclusion, Clintonville, Ohio, is a charming and vibrant neighborhood that offers a diverse array of activities, dining options, and living experiences. Its rich history, coupled with its strong sense of community, makes it an attractive choice for residents and fellows at Ohio State. Whether you are a nature lover, food enthusiast, or simply someone seeking a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, Clintonville has something to offer everyone. 

If you are interested in learning more about life in Clintonville or other Columbus neighborhoods, we invite you to join our blog project and share your perspective. Your insights and experiences can help others make informed decisions about where to live during their time at Ohio State. Together, we can highlight the unique charm and beauty of Columbus, helping future residents and fellows feel at home in our vibrant city. 

Here’s our eighth post from anonymously surveying our faculty, staff, and trainees: What other city would you compare Columbus to?

Here’s our seventh post from anonymously surveying our faculty, staff, and trainees: People call Ohio a “fly over state” implying that there is nothing to do in Ohio and no reason to visit. Would you agree or disagree and why?

Columbus, Ohio is an amazing place to visit and explore. With so much to see and do, it’s hard to know where to start! Fortunately, there are lots of great places to explore in the area that are not only packed with free and cheap opportunities but are also totally unique experiences. In this blog post, we will take a look at a variety of attractions, events, and activities around Columbus. We’ll start with a few free and cheap options for the budget-minded soul. 

The Columbus on the Cheap website is a great resource for finding free and cheap events in the area. From free concerts to art walks, this website will have you covered with information on budget-friendly events and activities in the area.  

The Franklin Park Conservatory is a top attraction in the Columbus area. It is free to access its external grounds, but the indoor galleries are still well worth a visit, costing only $9 for an adult ticket. The conservatory features rotating displays of art and nature, making your visit unique and educational every single time.  

The Park of Roses is a charming spot offering a formal rose garden and a host of activities for visitors of all ages. It’s perfect for strolling, picnicking, and taking in the beauty of nature for free.  

Griggs Reservoir is the perfect destination to enjoy hiking, cycling, fishing, wildlife viewing, and more. It’s free to access and offers incredible views of the surrounding area.  

The Columbus Museum of Art is another excellent option for budget-minded visitors. While an adult ticket costs $18, students and those under 18 are $9 admission, making it a great choice for families. The museum’s collection covers a wide range of subjects, from modern and post-modern art to photography, ceramic sculpture, and more. There are also free public tours available to help visitors get the most out of their experience. 

The Art Walk is a Columbus institution, taking place on the first Thursday of every month. This self-guided art tour takes you through the city’s downtown area, taking in galleries, pop-up shops, and other art-related businesses. It’s a grassroots event that offers something for art lovers of all ages and backgrounds. 

The Gallery Hop in the Short North is similar to the Art Walk, but instead takes place on the first Saturday of each month. It serves as a way for locals and tourists alike to explore the city’s galleries and exhibits. It’s a great way to take in the work of area artists without breaking the bank. 

The Columbus Zoo is one of the city’s biggest attractions. It features an amazing array of animals, ranging from African lions to reticulated giraffes. Admission is $29.99 for adults ($16.99 if you live in Franklin County) and Free for children under the age of three. 

COSI is an interactive science center popular with adults and kids alike. It features a number of permanent exhibits, as well as lots of rotating events and activities. Admission is $25 for adults, $20 for children 3-17, and seniors 62 and over and the military can receive discounted rates. 

Schiller Park is the perfect spot for outdoor play. Every summer, Schiller Park offers a variety of activities and events for all ages. From family movie nights to outdoor theater performances, to weekend markets, there’s something for the whole family to enjoy here. 

Taco Fest, Red, White, and Boom, and the Dublin Irish Festival are all popular annual events around the city. Taco Fest features tacos from over 25 vendors, Red, White, and Boom is a huge fireworks spectacle at the downtown Scioto River, and the Dublin Irish Festival is an annual celebration of Irish culture. All three are excellent ways to explore and celebrate Columbus’ culture and community.  

Last but not least, don’t forget to sample the local beer, wine, and spirits. Numerous breweries and wineries are located in and around the city, offering tours, tastings, and more. Each one is unique and offers something special to visitors, making it easy to explore the area’s amazing drinking culture.  

There’s no shortage of things to do in Columbus and the surrounding areas. Whether you’re looking for free activities, amazing attractions, or one-of-a-kind festivals, you’re sure to find something fun and exciting in these parts! 

My Catholic faith has always been really important to me, and so when I moved to Columbus for residency it was important for me to a nearby church community. I’m so glad I found St. Christopher Parish in Grandview Heights (1420 Grandview Avenue, Columbus, OH 43212). It’s conveniently located right on Grandview Avenue, less than a 10-minute drive from the OSUWMC campus. There, I found a very welcoming community, with a nice mix of young adults, families with young children, and older adults. They also have convenient mass times. I often went and still go to the 6 pm Sunday mass when I have to work in the hospital on the weekends. They also have a 4:30 pm Saturday mass and a 10 am Sunday mass. I have been going to St. Christopher now for over 10 years and this parish has become an important part of my and my family’s life. It helped me get through the many challenges of residency and beyond. My husband and I went through marriage preparation and Pre-Cana at St. Christopher and the Catholic Diocese of Columbus, then later prepared for our son’s baptism here. Now that we have a young son, I can say how family-friendly this church community is. At 10 am masses, they have the Children’s Liturgy of the Word, where children go for a special children’s reading and a worksheet/craft, then come back to join us for the Liturgy of the Eucharist. During the school year, they also have a program called Family Faith Formation/Catechesis of the Good Shepherd for children in Preschool – Grade 8 directly following the 10 am mass. Here, our son learns about God, Jesus, church etiquette, Bible stories, Saints, and so much about our Catholic faith. My husband and I will usually grab a coffee at one of the local coffee shops nearby, then pick him up and hear about what he learned over lunch. I am so grateful for the dedicated teachers and staff at St. Christopher.  

Other Catholic churches that I have been to nearby OSU include: 

• Our Lady of Victory (1559 Roxbury Road, Columbus, OH 43212) 

• St. Francis of Assisi (386 Buttles Avenue, Columbus, OH 43215) 

Written by Sharon Clark, MD, Clinical Associate Professor, Hospitalist, Internal Medicine-Pediatrics. 

Written by Tracie Mitchell 

 You only have one hour to escape. Can you do it? 

Have you ever wondered what it feels like to walk the street market in another country or experience a trip to outer space? How about going to prison or walking through a mine shaft? Maybe you’re a historian who wants to travel back in time or visit an art museum? The good news is that you can do it all in Columbus. The bad news is that when you do, there is only one way out. 

The escape room experience is my family’s go-to for a fun time. We grab our friends (also escape room junkies) and venture out with anticipation over what’s on the other side of the door. For one hour, we get to pretend to be somewhere else. The catch – we have to solve clues and puzzles to get out, and teamwork is a requirement. 

We’ve been “escaping” all over Columbus and still have a long way to go. With so many locations and rooms to choose from, there’s always something to do. Check out some of our favorites below. 

The Escape Game Columbus: Located at Easton Town Center, The Escape Game Columbus offers six rooms: Prison Break, The Depths, The Heist, Special Ops, Gold Rush, and Playground. At the time of writing this blog, we only have one room left to escape. When you go, say hi to “Ben” for us. The staff is great and the rooms are amazing. Plan to buy gift cards for future visits as you can save 20% per person. 

Columbus may not be NYC or LA but we have great shopping! 

There are several Mall in Columbus-Easton, Polaris or Tuttle but some of the best clothes are in the many boutiques all of which are locally owned 

Short North is known for its bars, restaurants and Galleries(Make sure to plan to do a Gallery Hop once during residency on the 1st Saturday of the Month) but also great shops

Rowe Boutique- 688 North High Street 

   Clare V, Smythe, LNA, Mother denim, Kule, Rhode, Misa, Rail, Commando, Xirena &More! 

   Fashion items range from casual and comfy, fashionable business to special night out 

   Be sure to follow on Insta for the owner’s fashion videos, pop-up events, and sales 

Ladybird Boutique 772 North High Street 

    Pistola, Boulvevard, Emerson Fry,Kourt, Monrow, CAMI 

    Shoes, jewelry and great accessories 

    The owner, Allyson, will help you put together the perfect outfits from unique pieces  

Artisan Deluxe 761 North High Street

     Jeans-AGolde, Moussy, Citizens of Humanity, Naked and Famous, Hiroshi Kato 

        Looking for Japanese Denim or vintage Tee this is your place 

        Store also has causal clothes to go with your new jeans 

    Staff always friendly, happy to help find the best fit or order your size if not in the store 

Many other great boutiques 

   Homage–incredibly soft and fashionable T-shirts, sweatshirts and sweatpants with sport and pop culture designs  

 Samson-Men’s 

Happy Go Lucky-stationery, fun gifts and fashion

Soul Classics-large selection of fabulous SNEAKERS-Nike, Adidas, Converse, New Balance  

    Fashionable clothing Items to match 

The List goes on-Pivot, Anthropologie, Jolie, pursuit, Ransom, SmartyPants vintage, Stella and Grace, Torso, Vamp, Bonobos, Hinoki 

3 Boutiques that stand alone and worth the visit 

Thread – 1110 Chambers Rd 

   Ulla Johnson,Veronica Beard, Current Air, Enza Costa, Annie Bing, Jonathan Simkhai 

   Wide range of items from denim and comfy sweaters to business suit or fancy night out 

   Just west of Kenny Road less than a mile south of the new James Outpatient Care Center  

Truluck Boutique- 160 West Main Street, New Albany Ohio 

     Golden Goose, Aviator nation, Paige denim, Zadig and Voltaire, Nation Ts 

     This is “truly” one of my favorite shops in town 

     Affordable jewelry and accessories that will become your wardrobe staples 

     Great gifts for someone special 

     The owner, Tish, had the goal to bring California casual surf style but classic clothing to Cbus. She successfully did this before this casual style became a current fashion trend 

Vernacular-Grandview, Worthington or German Village 

      Fashionable boutique items for a great price  

      Great candles, cookbooks, diffusers and small gift items 

2 BONUS BOOKSTORES-boutiques for your brain 

Gramercy -2424 East Main St, Bexley Ohio 

   Small store with lots of books, puzzles, socks.  

   This store is not too big to be overwhelming but likely has everything you are looking for.  

   Great section for kids  

   Attached to Kitties Cakes to grab a cup of coffee or snack to appease your little one while you shop. 

   If you want to make a day(or date)of it in Bexley, consider Harvest Pizza, Khaab Indian or Guiseppe’s Ritrovo for Italian.  

A must follow on Instagram for book recommendations  

The Book Loft of German Village-631 S 3rd St, Columbus OH 

     Truly 1000’s of books!!  Great Bookstore with multiple floors in old German Village Storefront. This place reminds me of Shakespeare and Company in Paris.   

If you missed picking up a best seller 3-6 months ago, you can likely find a copy here that is 30-50% off 

Beautiful courtyard with one of oldest coffee roasters in Columbus-Stauf’s 

If you want to make a day of it, consider Pistacia Vera, Brown Bag Deli, Lindey’s 

Another not to miss locally owned store is Hausfrau Haven Wine Store. Faye will help find the best bottle of wine in whatever price range fits your budget. 

Stop in The Laundry Thursday thru Saturday to grab a glass of vino 

Here’s our sixth post from anonymously surveying our faculty, staff, and trainees: What are your favorite cafeteria and restaurant options at Ohio State?

As a musician whose primary recreational outlet is playing/recording music in my basement and going out to see shows, I had fairly low expectations when moving to Columbus from Chicago to start residency. Having now lived here for 9 years, I must say that I have been pleasantly surprised. As a city of more than a million people but the layout of college town, Columbus gives you the best of both worlds in many ways. As a big city, nearly all touring bands regardless of the size of their fan base makes stops in Columbus to perform. Even on the uncommon occasion that a tour I’m interested in is not actually coming to Columbus, they will typically stop in either Cleveland or Cincinnati instead, making it an easy trip if it is a show you can’t miss.  However, as a city with a college town feel, there are countless venues and something of a “dispersion” of the fans that results in much less crowded shows than you get in other similarly sized cities. I have been very pleased to see some of my favorite bands performing in MUCH smaller rooms to MUCH smaller crowds than they would have in Chicago. At times, the rooms have even been so sparsely populated that it felt like a private performance and even had the opportunity to interact with the artists afterwards. Of course, the down side of this is that the size and energy of the crowd is often smaller, which definitely affects the energy that the artists bring to their performance as well (they get a little less pumped for the Columbus crowd than LA for example…). The other negative that I have noticed is that the quality of the sound production has been consistently below my expectations across multiple venues and multiple genres of music. Not sure what is going on there but we need to bring in some new sound guys! 

Although my clinical schedule and second job as a father of two makes it difficult for me to pop into random venues on a weekend night to see who is playing out, I know that there is also a fairly vibrant local music scene in Columbus. I have personally been out to a few local punk rock and metal shows that were great, but I know that there are offerings from many other genres as well. Probably our most recent notably success story is the group “twenty one pilots” which got its start here. Whatever genre floats your boat, there is something for you here. I recommend downloading the Songkick app and using it to track artists you’re interested in and keep an eye on the Columbus concert calendar. You can also check the 614 magazine which is your source for all things food, art, and entertainment in Columbus. The summer is a great time for music with lots of music festivals, perhaps most notably the “rock on the range” festival which happens in May and fills our city with big name rock and roll artists (and our ERs with lots injuries and intoxications…).  

As far as venues, we have several large arenas that capture the big giants – The Schottenstein center, Nationwide arena, Crew stadium. Then there is a large entertainment group called Promowest Productions that runs multiple venues across town including Kemba Live, which is a very popular destination for medium sized touring artists and festivals that has both an indoor and outdoor space. The A&R music bar and The Basement are located on the same site as Kemba and are great spots for seeing smaller bands. There are numerous other “medium sized venues” that are some of my favorite places in town including The Newport, Skully’s, and The King of Clubs.  Then there are a bunch of smaller rooms that are great for a more intimate feel with less well-known artists, like Rumba room, Ace of Cups, Spacebar, and Woodlands tavern. Of course there are also several large theaters for seated performances, classical, and theater including the Ohio Theater, the Palace theater, The Southern Theater, and Lincoln Theater.   

In short, I think that Columbus is a great place to live for a music fan. It has everything you need regardless of what you’re into and is much easier to navigate than other similar cities in terms of crowds, parking, traffic, ticket prices and availability, etc. Come here for the hospital, stay for the music scene! 

By Gregory Eisinger, Assistant Clinical Professor, Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep