Justin Moodley

April 06

Columbus is home to many attractions that gain national or even world-wide attention that residents amazingly overlook. It might just be locals taking what they have for granted, but many people don't even know what's right under their nose. Here are five major factors in making Columbus into the culturally enriching area it is.

1) THE COLUMBUS ZOO (www.columbuszoo.com) - Jack Hanna and monkeys... do we really need to say more? OK, well they also have a skating rink, carousel, train & pony rides, a boat ride, and other seasonal attractions.

What you should know: Columbus Zoo is a member of The American Zoo and Aquarium Association (only 8 places in Ohio are). The Zoo is open every day of the year, and have extended hours (till 6pm) between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Adult tickets are $9 and pre-sales are available. The winter is down time for them so you won't have to worry about lines or over crowdedness. By spring, expect all the attractions to be back at full swing.

2) FRANKLIN PARK CONSERVATORY (www.fpconservatory.org) - The original Franklin Park Conservatory was built in 1895. The animals that were housed there in the 1920;s actually became the 1st animals for the Columbus Zoo. The conservatory features a number of different exhibitions throughout the year including photography, sculpture, painting, and models.

What you should know: The conservatory houses a signature collection of glass blown sculptures by Dale Chihuly. Franklin Park is the only botanical garden in the world to own one of Chihuly's signature art collections. They're currently running an interesting exhibition: The Amazing Chocolate Tree. Adult admission is only $6.50.

3) COSI (www.cosi.org/index.asp) - COSI happens to be one of the top science centers in the nation. The "Center of Science & Industry" was built in the 60's and has served millions of people since its inception. The entire building houses over 300 exhibitions that delve into space, the ocean, life, and more.

What you should know: COSI is home to the only high-wire unicycle in the United State. In April, Dr. David Chesebrough takes over as President and CEO of the center. COSI is home to a 7 story, giant screen theater. By February a new exhibition with living reptiles will be inside COSI. The center has over 100,000 square feet for exhibitions. Adult tickets start at $12.50 and the center closed by 5pm every day but Sunday.

4) THE COLUMBUS MUSEUM OF ART (www.columbusmuseum.org) - The museum boasts works by Picasso, Monet, and Rockwell. Currently they feature Renoir's Women, an amazing impressionist collection by Pierre-Auguste. The museum raised over 3 million dollars last year through contributions, memberships, and grants so that they're able to bring in great exhibitions.

What you should know: Their gourmet cafe alone is enough reason to stop in. If you're looking to learn about the art, take a tour, they're only $3. Adult admission is $6 and students is $4. Thursday evenings they stay open till 8:30pm (usually 5:30).

5) CAPA (www.capa.com/columbus) - CAPA performances take place at a variety of venues. These venues include: Ohio Theatre, Palace Theatre, Southern Theatre, Capitol Theatre, Riffe Center Studios, and Shubert Theater. They include music and performances of all types of genres.

What you should know: They have a "High 5" program which allows teens to purchase discount tickets. CAPA has invested over 30 million dollars back into it's theaters which are truly world class. Ninety percent of their income comes through ticket sales and rentals of their venues. Ticket prices vary a lot based on the event and seating section.

In addition to these, the many universities surrounding Central Ohio also host special events and exhibitions. With February 14th right around the corner, we should probably also mention that these are great places for a date. Check out their websites for current information and contact numbers.

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