Short North Gallery Hop

Every month, on the first Saturday of the month, Columbus residents from all over the city descend on the neighborhood known as the Short North for their monthly gallery hop. If you haven't been, let me tell you all about it.

Picture a very large monthly get together of friends that like to eat, drink and talk about art. That's pretty much the vibe of gallery hop. At least on the surface. Everyone is friendly and patient as the crowd can become quite large and moving around on the sidewalks and in some of the venues can be tricky.

It isn't honest to say it's all about the art. The dozens of galleries in the area are a big draw, but the bars, restaurants and people compete with the galleries for attention.

Gallery Hop, especially during the warm weather months, is an excellent exercise in people watching. Because of its popularity and central location in the city, the event attracts people from all walks of life. It's close proximity to The Ohio State University means there is a student influence as well as a young professional segment.

The Short North District is also know as one of the most gay-friendly areas in the country and the neighborhood wears the distinction with great pride.

One should be prepared to deal with very large crowds when the hop falls around a holiday like July 4th and Christmas. Holiday Hop - held the first Saturday in December - is a huge draw with shoppers flocking to the area's boutiques.

There is music for everyone's tastes and there's a lot of it. Sounds of rock, jazz, alternative, hip hop, folk, etc. pours out of open doors of restaurants and bars.

There are usually outdoor music performances as well. The hop is a fantastic opportunity for those interested in the local scene to find new and established acts from the area.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE SHORT NORTH DISTRICT

There are so many restaurants in the Short North you could spend a month there and still find new places to dine. The area eateries are very good about offering specials during the hop, however, it's not the prices that get you in the door.

Imagine yourself walking down High Street and you walk into a waft of fresh baked waffle. It reaches right up and punches you in the nose. That's what happens to many customers outside of Jenis Ice Cream. The fresh baked waffle cone smell stops them in their tracks while gallery hop specials turn their feet toward the door.

This happens all over the area - free samples or an open door will get mouths watering. It's not just the number of restaurants/bars in the area it's the variety of eateries that makes the neighborhood a favorite stop -tapas, greek, vegan, steak - you name it.

CHECK OUT MY REVIEW OF THE SHORT NORTH RESTAURANT THE HAPPY GREEK

Parking is a premium at Gallery Hop. Traffic can grind to a stand still when you add end of work day traffic and hop attendees together. The best thing to do is drive into downtown and hop a COTA bus up High Street.

There are some meters, paid lots and garages, but pay close attention to your time and your location. The area is full of permit only parking and either a high number of traffic officers or a few very efficient ones. Either way - avoid the $25 ticket for the overtime meter. Hope the bus and avoid the hassle of navigating the jams.

A quick point on sidewalk congestion. The Short North is home to many dog lovers so if you bring the kiddies be aware they will come into contact with pets. Also, for parents - navigating the area with a stroller can be very difficult. If you are in the practice of using slings, hip carriers, etc. the hop is a good time to use them.