Banking a ball off the limestone and glass of the Ohio Theatre requires a steady wing and a soft touch. This round takes place on the actual streets of Columbus, where the city map is the course. The holes are built directly from real local attractions over a quick 9-hole walk of 4.1 mi. Skip knows every curb and alleyway here.
Let me show you the Arena District of Columbus, Ohio, where you will find Nationwide Arena. This multi-purpose stadium is a central fixture of the neighborhood and acts as a major anchor for the surrounding streets. Its inception was in 2000 and the building was completed in 2000. When you visit, you can pick out the scale of the venue, which hosts events during the annual Arnold Classic. It has also served as the home of the Columbus Blue Jackets of the National Hockey League. I have noticed that the energy in this part of town shifts depending on the event schedule, though the building itself remains a constant presence in the skyline. Whether it is a game night or a fitness competition, there is always something happening around the perimeter of this massive facility.
Let me show you the National Veterans Memorial and Museum. This museum is the national museum for veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces in the United States. It is located in Columbus, Ohio, along the Scioto River between Franklinton and Downtown Columbus. While many sites focus on broad military history, the main focus here is on the personal stories of U.S. veterans. The museum was established in 2018 and officially opened on October 27, 2018. You can see how the site evolved over time, as the current museum is a reimagining of the Franklin County Veterans Memorial, which was established in 1955. It's a spot where the river breeze keeps things fresh while you walk through these accounts.
You will first notice the grand scale of the Palace Theatre at 34 W. Broad Street in Columbus, Ohio. This restored movie palace features a 2,695-seat auditorium that captures the opulence of early cinema. It was designed and built in 1926 by architect Thomas W. Lamb. Rather than standing alone, the theatre was built as part of the American Insurance Union Citadel. Today, the Columbus Association for the Performing Arts owns and operates the venue as a performing arts center. I find the sheer size of the seating area impressive, even for someone who usually views the city from the rooftops. It is a wonderful spot to see how the city blended commercial architecture with the arts during that era.
You will first notice the Gothic Revival style of Saint Joseph Cathedral. This Catholic cathedral is located on Broad Street in Downtown Columbus. It serves as the seat of the Diocese of Columbus. The church building was started in 1878 and was completed in 1878. Visitors can see the architectural details of the Gothic Revival style while visiting the site in the United States. This specific building is the central point for the Diocese of Columbus. Because it is located on Broad Street, it is an accessible part of the downtown area. The construction of the building was a brief process, as it was started and completed within the year 1878. It remains a significant Catholic cathedral for the city and the surrounding region.
The Junior League of Columbus established the Kelton House Museum, located in the Discovery District of Downtown Columbus, Ohio. This house is a Greek Revival and Italianate mansion that had its inception in 1976. It is a museum designed to promote an understanding of the decorative arts, customs, and daily life found in 19th-century Columbus. Visitors can also receive education about the Underground Railroad during their visit to the site. I always think the architecture makes it a great spot for a break in the city, and it is a wonderful place to see how the neighborhood has changed over the years. Whether you are interested in the fancy furniture or the hidden histories of the city, there is plenty to see inside this historic home.
Saint Patricks Church is a church building located in the Discovery District neighborhood. It had its inception in 1853 and is the second-oldest Catholic church building in Columbus, Ohio. The site currently hosts an active parish. This building held a central role in the local faith community, having served as the pro-cathedral of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Columbus until the consecration of Saint Joseph Cathedral. You can see the influence of the Dominican Order here, as priests of that order have served the church since 1885. It remains a significant point of interest for those visiting the neighborhood, representing a long history of worship and service within the city. The building continues to function as a place of gathering for its current members and visitors alike.
Topiary Park had its inception in 1992. Since then, it has established itself as a 9.2-acre public park and garden located in the Discovery District of Columbus, Ohio. As you walk through, you can pick out figures from Georges Seurat's 1884 painting, A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte, which the topiary garden is designed to depict. It is a work of art and is the only park based entirely on a painting. I've noticed that the greenery makes for a great spot to spend an afternoon, provided you don't mind a few of us pigeons hanging around the hedges. It is a lovely place to see how a two-dimensional masterpiece can be translated into a living, breathing landscape for the public to enjoy.
Let me show you the Ohio Theatre, located on Capitol Square in Downtown Columbus. This theatre building is a National Register of Historic Places listed place that also operates as a movie theater. It was designed by architect Thomas W. Lamb and saw its inception in 1928. Since then, it has earned the title of the Official Theatre of the State of Ohio. The building is a National Historic Landmark, a status it was declared in 1977. I should mention that this site almost disappeared from the map entirely, but it was saved from demolition in 1969. It is a great spot to admire the scale of early cinema architecture and the way it fits into the downtown scenery. I've always found the facade quite impressive from the sidewalk.
Christopher Columbus was born in Genoa, which is also one of the sister cities of Columbus. This urban park takes its name from that city. You can find Genoa Park located along the west bank of the Scioto River, positioned specifically between Broad and Rich Streets. It is part of the Scioto Mile park grouping and officially opened in 1999. The park covers 2.07 acres, providing a green break in the city layout. I usually find the river breeze here is a nice change of pace while you are walking through the downtown area. Whether you are here for the history or the river views, it is a pleasant spot to spend a few minutes before moving on to the next part of the city.