By Henrylito D. Tacio

"BESIDES serving as the state capital, Columbus is also the state's largest city, blessed with a dynamic business climate, a commitment to celebrating diversity, numerous annual festivals and cultural events, and exciting arts and entertainment opportunities." So says Columbus Mayor Michael B. Coleman.

Recently, I have the pleasure of spending almost a month in the 15th largest city in the United States. This recent visit is actually my second; I came here last year during summer. But I wanted to experience something different this time; so I came during autumn.

"Fall is a terrific time to experience Columbus. Eat, drink and explore your way up and down High Street, which runs through the heart of the city. Catch a jazz performance at any number of clubs and theaters. And when you're ready for a break from the activity, spend an afternoon pampering yourself at a local spa or salon." So says Paul Astleford, president and chief executive officer of Experience Columbus.

So, what do you expect when you come to Columbus? Plenty. Columbus is home to some of the most magnificent museums in Ohio. One of the most noted one is the Columbus Museum of Art. Renovation that started in 1995 resulted in hardly noticeable but vitally important environmental repairs and new windows, both critical to maintaining a safe environment for preservation of the museum's extensive 19th and 20th-century art collection, which includes works by American artists George Bellows, French impressionists Claude Monet and Edgar Degas, and Spanish cubist Pablo Picasso.

Other museums located in Columbus are the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum (exhibiting the history of America's motorcycling sport and industry), Early Television Museum (rare TV sets on display), The National Heisey Glass Museum (more than 4,500 pieces of Heisey Glass in many colors, patterns, etchings and cuttings), and - believe or not! - Bruce Lee Legends of Martial Art Hall of Fame Museum.

Whether you like your blues cool or your bebop red hot, Columbus is a great city for jazz - and always has been. It was said that during the city's jazz heyday, legends such as Duke Ellington, Cab Calloway and Lionel Hampton played the clubs on the city's near east side. Today, jazz musicians carry on this rich musical tradition throughout town every night of the week. Among those that you can go are the Barrister Hall in the Brewery District, the intimate 5:01 Jazz Bar in the Arena District, and The Blues Station on West Vine Street.

Ethnicity is found throughout Ohio's cities. Some have stronger pockets of ethnic populations, giving way to communities with close ties to the Old Country. Cleveland has Little Italy and Slavic Village. The Birmingham Neighborhood on Toledo's east side is rich with Hungarian tradition. But the city of Columbus has the well-known German Village. Actually, this is a historic preservation district rather than an ethnic neighborhood.

"While many of the neighborhood inhabitants don't speak German, the heritage remains strong, especially at the annual Oktoberfest," says Mayor Coleman of one of the premier historic restorations in the world.

You can start exploring the village with a map from the German Village Meeting Haus (Visitors Center). Shops and restaurants are scattered as they were in the late 1800s, so the best way to enjoy the atmosphere is on foot. Stroll along brick streets and sidewalks to appreciate the closely built, meticulously renovated brick cottages. While on foot, stop at The Book Loft, a city-block-long bookstore with 32 rooms of books. The shop is one of the top independent bookstores around, and one of the largest in the United States.

If you've worked up an appetite, Schmidt's Restaurant and Sausage Haus is well known for its authentic German products, such as hot German potato salad, sauerkraut, bratwurst, Bahama Mamas, and their not-to-be-duplicated jumbo cream puffs. Try the buffet for a taste of it all.

For a collegiate adventure, visit The Ohio State University (OSU), which boasts one of the largest student populations in the United States. The perfect introduction to the university is a campus walking tour. Highlights include the Oval, the parklike heart of the campus that was designed by Central Park architect Frederick Law Olmsted; and the Wexner Center for Arts, a multidisciplinary contemporary arts center that's home to cutting edge films, dance, music and visual art exhibits.

Before becoming the golfing legend that he is, Jack Nicklaus was honing his skills on the links as a student at the OSU. So it's fitting that a museum honoring the Golden Bear (as he is known among Americans) is part of the OSU's athletic complex. Filled with Jack Nicklaus memorabilia and interactive displays, the Jack Nicklaus Museum follows the career of a golfer many have called the game's best ever.

Do you love shopping? Easton Town Center, Polaris Fashion Place and The Mall at Tuttle Crossing dot Columbus' outskirts. Eachoffers a distinct flavor, selection and retail ambiance with plenty more than fashion. Home furnishings, day spas and even fitness centers vie for attention, along with restaurants and entertainment venues for relaxation.

Venture beyond the malls and into Columbus' vibrant and unique neighborhoods - the Short North Arts District, German Village and Grandview. Each is a perfect destination for art and gift gallery hopping. And shop the author-signed bookshelf at Clintonville's Cover to Cover, known for its wealth of children's titles.

Satisfy your sweet tooth at Wittich's Candy Shop in Circleville, which current owner Fred Wittich says is Ohio's oldest family-owned-and-operated chocolate shop. Watch workers hand dipping one of the dozen flavors shipped throughout the United States, then take a break at the soda fountain.

When I visited Columbus, it was the time of the Columbus International Festival at the Veterans Memorial. It featured more than 150 exhibitors from more than 60 countries, including our very own, the Philippines. Entrance fee was US$ 5 per person, but it was worth it. I had the delight of eating our own food.

Talking about food, the city may be landlocked, but it boasts plenty of great places to sample the finest, freshest seafood around. For imaginative cuisine, stop by R.J. Snappers, located just north of downtown in the trendy Short North Arts District. Another restaurant I like is the Bexley's Monk, recently anointed by "The Columbus Dispatch" as one of the 10 best in the city. Its appealing offerings include blackened tuna served with garlic whipped potatoes, snow peas and lemon beurre blanc; wood oven-roasted Gulf snapper in a Szechwan vinaigrette; and horseradish-encrusted sea scallops with a Dijon cream sauce. Hungry yet?

But how do you get to Columbus? For us Filipinos, it's by air. Port Columbus International Airport, located just 10 minutes east of downtown, is served by 23 passenger airlines providing 354 daily arrivals and departures to 23 non-stop destinations. I flew all the way from Manila to Detroit then to Columbus via Northwest Airlines.

It's easy to get around Ohio's capital. Automobiles are available for rent from various points in the city through Experience Columbus. Central Ohio Transit Authority provides public transportation while Northway Taxicab Company and the Independent Taxicab Association of Columbus provide taxi service. The average fare from Port Columbus International Airport to downtown is between US$16 and US$18.

The words of Mayor Coleman still rings to my ear: "Whether you are here for a business trip or a personal visit, we are ready to make your time in Columbus pleasant and productive. I hope you enjoy your stay."

ooOoo