Things to Do in Arena District

Catch a Columbus Clippers game at Huntington Park

The ballpark wedges into old brick warehouses so neatly a foul ball might land in a rooftop bar. Between innings, organ chords wheeze off century-old brick. Grilled brats and mustard drift across the outfield. Views from the right-field bar frame downtown towers beyond the game.

Walk the Scioto Mile at sunset

The river path starts behind Nationwide Arena. Fountains light up copper and gold as the sun drops. Temperature dips ten degrees near the water. Skyline reflections ripple like liquid chrome. Local photographers cluster on the Rich Street bridge. The city looks planned around your camera lens.

Tour the North Market on Saturday morning

This isn't a twee farmers market. It's a working public market. Amish ladies sell doughnuts that dissolve on your tongue. The Vietnamese stall lobs out pho that steams up your glasses. The coffee roaster grinds beans smelling like burnt caramel. The fish guy slaps salmon onto ice with a sound like wet cardboard.

Skate the chilled trail at McFerson Commons

In winter they flood the green space behind the arena. The ice curves under lighted trees. Blades scrape with metallic hiss. Christmas music drifts from hidden speakers. Cold air tastes faintly of pine from the hot cider vendor. Office workers show up in suits and rental skates. Paper cups steam like tiny chimneys.

Bar-hop along the Park Street strip

Old brick warehouses now house enough bars for a crawl without going outside. You taste peanut butter porter at one stop. Smoky mezcal hits at the next. Soundtracks jump from bluegrass to house music within a block. Patios spill onto brick streets. Gas lamps flicker. Pizza dough scent drifts from wood-fired ovens.

Condos-turned-Airbnbs above Park Street bars put you right in the action. Request a unit facing the courtyard, not the street.

The new hotel wedged between Nationwide Arena and the baseball stadium gets loud on game nights. You can watch batting practice from your window.

Victorian Village rentals sit three blocks north with tree-lined streets. You get half the noise and an actual residential feel.

Convention center hotels along High Street feel sterile. You're connected to everything by skybridge when February hits.

German Village guesthouses sit south across the river. Brick streets and bookshops await. You'll Uber home after midnight.

Budget travelers swear by the hostel in the old warehouse on Goodale. Creaky floors and shared baths come with a rooftop facing the skyline.