Columbus Visitors Experience Best-Ever Holiday Shopping

For any traveler who likes to shop, holiday time is among the best times to experience Columbus. Ohio’s capital city offers one of America’s best shopping and retail experiences, with its eclectic mix of funky boutiques, cutting-edge fashion malls, one-of-a-kind museum shops and dynamic retail destinations. A few of the standout shopping spots include the following:

SURPRISING MUSEUM SHOPS: The groundbreaking and avant-garde exhibits at the Wexner Center for the Arts are mirrored in its museum store. From a unique embroidered eyeglass case by Jonathan Adler to a gorgeous flower petal tea strainer designed by Selma Serman, the store at the Wexner is as exciting as this contemporary museum’s exhibits. The Columbus Museum of Art Shop is another destination for one-of-a-kind gifts, including beautiful books, household objects, jewelry by local artisans, note cards and stationery, posters and more. With its coming Monet exhibition (Oct.-Jan. 2008), the store will feature special items inspired by Monet’s work. At COSI’s Science2GO! shop you’ll find learning projects, games, gadgets and really cool toys you won’t find anyplace else. The Franklin Park Conservatory gift shop is packed with garden and botanical gifts for kids and adults. You’ll find everything from garden art to a live caterpillar with instructions on how to watch him turn into a beautiful butterfly.

FANTASTIC NEIGHBORHOODS: From a gem of a 32-room bookstore, antiques emporiums and fine crafts and European housewares shops found along the cobbled streets of historic German Village, to charming gift stores and an authentic French bakery in Old Worthington and the chic boutiques of Bexley, Columbus is a city of neighborhoods. Each has its own distinctive flavor and style and each bears a matching mix of memorable shopping and dining. Historic Dublin is reminiscent of its old-world namesake, with bricked sidewalks that are home to cozy neighborhood pubs, a tea room and Irish imports shops. In Uptown Westerville, visitors can search for one-of-a-kind treasures in more than two dozen boutiques and antique and gift shops.

SHORT NORTH ARTS DISTRICT: You won’t find big-name retail chains on this lively two-mile stretch of North High Street. This strip of Columbus’s main north-south thoroughfare is an unforgettable jumble of unusual shops, cool boutiques and glitzy galleries. All are locally owned and one-of-a-kind. Visitors to this interesting neighborhood love shopping for everything from thrift-shop treasures, artisan chocolates and designer furniture to funky shoes and original works of art. There’s even the 50,000-square-foot Yankee Trader where you’ll find everything from the city’s best selection of tiaras to a Lady Godiva wig, a whoopee cushion or a rubber chicken.

EASTON TOWN CENTER: The quintessential “retail destination,” Easton Town Center’s cobblestone streets, central fountain and town square feel have made it a mecca for shopping and a playground for kids and adults alike. Whether they’re toting teens and ‘tweens who beg for Abercrombie and Limited Too, searching for a chic dress from Anthropologie and shoes from Nordstrom, or just window shopping for delicious accessories and furniture for their home, Easton is a shoppers’ fantasy. Visitors travel from near and far to enjoy Easton’s ongoing special events, unforgettable dining and incredible entertainment options. Shadowbox sketch comedy and rock ‘n roll club, Funny Bone Comedy Club, a 30-screen cinema, GameWorks, Build-A-Bear Workshop and other venues offer several days – and nights – of fun for all ages and interests.

POLARIS FASHION PLACE: Polaris opened in 2000 to rave reviews. Since then, the mall -- and everything for miles around it -- has grown to become one of the region’s top retail centers. The mall alone features more than 150 retail and specialty shops, with a keen emphasis on fashion. From signature anchors like Saks Fifth Avenue and Kauffman’s to important fashion names like Adrienne Vittadini and Brooks Brothers, Polaris Fashion Place offers fashionistas and first-timers alike a top-shelf shopping experience.

THE NORTH MARKET: Visitors who enjoy shopping for gourmet foods, farm-fresh produce, artisan ice cream, bread and popcorn or hand-crafted candles, sweaters, jewelry and gifts will savor the North Market experience. Jam-packed and abuzz with energy, Saturday mornings are especially busy at the North Market, when spring to fall farm market brings in extra produce. Wandering the market stalls for hard-to-find cheeses, meats and spices has turned the North Market into a hunting ground for travelers with good taste.

THE MALL AT TUTTLE CROSSING: Just north of the city, The Mall at Tuttle Crossing offers a classic mix of fine shopping with more than 140 top retail names, including Macy’s, Brookstone, Pottery Barn and more. Special family, kids’ holiday and discount events make the Tuttle Mall even more special.

Columbus is a city unlike any other. Vibrant and alive, Ohio’s Capital city is known for its unique style: an uncommon blend of neighborhoods, events, attractions and accommodations. Free visitors guides, maps, on-line booking and complete information about visiting Columbus are available from Experience Columbus, formerly known as the Greater Columbus Convention & Visitors Bureau, by calling 1-866-EXP-COLS or visiting www.ExperienceColumbus.com.