Neighborhood Spotlight: Spring in Dublin

By Sarah Sole / Photos by Aaron Massey

As much as we love Columbus, we’d be doing a disservice to our readers if we didn’t pay attention to our surrounding suburbs every once in a while. Enter our Neighborhoods Spotlight series. This time, we’re focusing on our northwest cousin, Dublin. The city has made a name for itself over the years for its annual Memorial Tournament which kicks off May 29, as well as the Dublin Irish Festival, which regularly draws more than 100,000 attendees over multiple days.

And while Dublin is quickly becoming a hotbed for its numerous restaurants, don’t sleep on its outdoor attractions, either. Take a stroll through Riverside Crossing Park, a recent addition to the city that includes waterside trails, sweeping views of the Scioto, flowing water fountain features, and even gas fireplaces at some spots.

A trek across the city’s iconic bridge, The Dublin Link, is always in season when the weather is warming up. At 760 feet, The Link–as it’s often called–is the longest single-tower S-shaped suspension bridge in the world, according to the City of Dublin.

Aerial view of The Dublin Link

Additionally, Scioto Park and its famous monument depicting the Wyandotte leader Chief Leatherlips is more than a premiere sledding spot, boasting nature trails, an amphitheater and more that can be enjoyed in the spring as well.

In the mood for something different? Field of Corn, located at the corner of Rings Road and Frantz Road on Dublin’s south side, isn’t exactly what it seems. In lieu of a field with a corn crop, this sculpture installation park features more than 100 corn cob sculptures that stand over six feet tall each.

↑ Field of Corn sculpture

Over the last several years, Dublin has also become known for Bridge Park, an impressive feat of planning courtesy of real estate developer Crawford Hoying that’s a blend of residential living, food, nightlife, retail, and health and wellness. And the development is growing so quickly that there’s a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it quality akin to Easton or even the Short North. Read on to learn more about which spots to hit no matter what kind of vibe you’re after.

Bridge Park in Dublin

When you want a fancy night out, The Pearl is a solid bet, with a sizable menu that’s perfect for a date night or shareables among friends. If the “turf” portion of “surf and turf” is more your bag, there’s The Avenue Steak Tavern. When the weather is behaving though, you’d be wise to spend an evening outdoors, at VASO’s rooftop bar.

When you need a place to take the kids, grab some subs for the whole family at Frank & Carl’s before heading on over to Pins Mechanical Co. for some duckpin bowling. The best part? You can walk on over to Weenie Wonder to grab some milkshakes for dessert.

Can’t make up your mind? North Market Bridge Park—just like its downtown counterpart—offers visitors the dining selections of a food hall, with marketplaces, and even the hopping Market Bar where you can grab a drink to finish off the evening.

North Market Bridge Park

If craft beer is your thing, Getaway Brewing–a travel-themed offshoot of Seventh Son and Antiques on High–offers beer, cocktails and more in a unique space, all just a stone’s throw away from Bridge Park.