Discovering Columbus, Ohio

As we were driving to our hotel, I noticed a weird coincidence, our hotel was just a few blocks away from the corner of High Street and Gay Street. This was enough to make me laugh out loud – like seriously loud, I had a Beavis and Butthead moment all by myself. At that moment, I knew this trip would be unlike others.

We arrived at the gorgeous Hotel LeVeque, housed within the historic LeVeque Tower, which has been a shining star lighting up the skyline of downtown Columbus, Ohio since 1927. The Tower exudes an air of royalty on the horizon and demands immediate attention, its triangular-like lit shape make it a prominent bright point in a sea of otherwise square roofs, which immediately begs for an Instagram moment.

From the moment you enter the lobby, you’ll be greeted by staff whose goal is to exceed your expectations and ensure your stay is a success. The chic style of the uniforms, which are hip, classy and atypical for a luxury hotel, the staff is noticeably present and set the tone for your stay – luxury, comfort, class and style. As an homage to Columbus’ standing as the No. 3 fashion capital in the US, Hotel LeVeque called on local fashion designer Liz Bourgeois to create bespoke uniforms for Hotel LeVeque staff. Inspired by the hotel’s celestial theme, Bourgeois’ designs reflect its sophistication and high style in the hotel’s signature midnight blue and subtle, starry accents.

Surrounded by stunning interior design that seamlessly blends the original architectural features with contemporary design, the lobby feels like you are entering a celestial-inspired, deco-style magnificent work of art. Because the tower stands tall as an icon of the Columbus skyline, the firm incorporated a star motif into the hotel as a revitalized “beacon of hospitality.” The team embraced the structure’s art deco-style, pairing celestial and astrological themes with deep blues and dazzling golds, reminiscent of a night sky. Everything seems to be a conversation piece, from the art, to the rugs to the shinning stars behind the fabulously dressed staff. You are immediately drawn in and feel transported to a different time, perhaps in the past or the future.

An Autograph Collection property, Hotel LeVeque is part of Marriott International’s boutique collection of hotels, each of which is carefully selected for its quality, bold originality, rich character and uncommon details that embody an extraordinary sense of place. Autograph Collection Hotels celebrates individuality by curating one-of-a-kind travel experiences at more than 100 luxury lifestyle hotels found in the world’s most desirable destinations. Exactly like nothing else, Autograph Collection properties are hand selected for their rich character and uncommon details. A personal realization of an individual founder’s vision, these hotels are defined by unique design, differentiated guest experiences and their meaningful role in locality.

“Hotel LeVeque is a truly unique property. We are proud to provide memorable experiences to our guests every day,” said Robert Habeeb, president and CEO of First Hospitality Group, which owns and operates the property. “It is no easy task to take such an iconic and historic landmark and reinvent it into a modern hotel, while ensuring the integrity of the space remains, but Hotel LeVeque shines as a world-class hotel that is uniquely Columbus— and our guests appreciate that.”

Originally built in 1927 as the American Insurance Union Citadel, the LeVeque Tower was architect Charles Howard Crane’s masterpiece. At the time, the LeVeque Tower was the tallest skyscraper between New York City and Chicago, and the fifth tallest building in the world. It was home to the graceful Deshler Wallick Hotel. It later became known as the Lincoln LeVeque Tower, then simply the LeVeque Tower, after its purchase in 1945. The LeVeque Tower’s remarkable art deco architecture remains the city’s most recognizable feature and is among Columbus’ most photographed and revered architectural treasures. Illuminating the night skyline as a soaring tower bathed in light, its architectural beauty is carefully preserved and highlighted in elegant design by Columbus-based Schooley Caldwell architects.

“Beyond the hotel’s stunning design, we’ve carefully curated an experience that’s reflective of both this gorgeous, historic building and the fresh, creative energy of the city,” said Hotel LeVeque General Manager Geri Lombard. “From a gracious welcome and excellent service and amenities, to a starry goodnight at the end of their day, we ensure that our guests relax and unwind as they escape the frenetic pace of daily living.” With sweeping views of the Columbus skyline and the its Scioto Mile riverfront, the 149-room boutique hotel occupies floors five through 10 of the striking LeVeque Tower. The recent addition to the property of The Keep Liquor Bar and restaurant, a 108-seat modern French brasserie offering fresh and current fare and led by Executive Chef Jonathan Olson, has rapidly made it one of the hottest drinks and dining spots in Ohio’s capital city.

What To Do!

Step away from Hotel LeVeque and walk over to the downtown Columbus riverfront, the Scioto Mile, which stretches from the vibrant Arena District on the north end to the natural beauty of the Whittier Peninsula on the south, and is comprised of more than 145 acres of lush parkland, fountains, scenic overlooks and a riverfront promenade. The Scioto Mile was built through a major, $40 million-plus public-private partnership, which resulted in 33 new acres of parkland, as well as a mile and a half of multi-use trails, to connect the network of parks in the Scioto Mile. It has also allowed easy access to the river, including three launch points for canoes, kayaks and other hand-powered watercraft.

After brunch and a dip, walk to COSI (The Center of Science and Industry). COSI, about a 5 minute walk from Hotel LeVeque, is a dynamic, hands-on science center with more than 50 years of award-winning expertise in providing engaging, inspiring, and transforming learning experiences. COSI cultivates a vibrant learning ecosystem for all people, helping ensure we are scientifically literate, critically aware and thoughtfully engaged. From hands-on interactive exhibits in themed exhibition areas, and state-of-the-art planetarium, to traveling and education outreach programs, COSI delivers science and science educational experiences both in its building and far beyond its walls. With unprecedented and one-of-a-kind partnerships, including New York City-based American Museum of Natural History (AMNH), COSI has positioned itself as a national powerhouse museum with content and experiences for people of all ages. COSI stands as a leading cultural institution and destination attraction for regional, national, and international audiences.

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is home to nearly 10,000 animals representing over 600 species from around the globe. The Zoo complex is a recreational and education destination that includes the 22-acre Zoombezi Bay water park and the 18-hole Safari Golf Club. The Zoo complex spans 588 acres, more than 200 of which have been developed as animal habitats and public spaces. The Zoo habitats are organized into six geographic regions: Asia Quest, Australia and the Islands, Congo Expedition, Heart of Africa, North America and Polar Frontier, and Shores. Heart of Africa, which debuted in 2014, is designed as a mixed species savanna spanning 23 acres.

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is Central Ohio’s premier botanical garden and home to the iconic John F. Wolfe Palm House which dates back to 1895. Situated just east of Franklin Park, the Conservatory is approximately two miles from downtown Columbus. Inspired by horticulture, it elevates quality of life and connects the community through educational, cultural and social experiences. The visitor experience spans about 13-acres and is comprised of the Conservatory building, The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden and the Grand Mallway. Botanical biomes, lush gardens, special horticulture, art exhibitions, make up the experience. The Conservatory also owns and displays the largest collection of glass artwork by Dale Chihuly in a botanical garden and is home to internationally recognized light artist James Turrell’s Light Raiment II, which illuminates the John F. Wolfe Palm House every evening.

Where To Eat

When visiting Columbus, OH, you will find no shortage of food options. The area is full of flavorful options from casual to the most sophisticated palates. From farm-to-table, to gastropubs, from the classical to the innovative, from the budget to the elegant, your cravings will be fulfilled.

Best Brunch

We highly recommend Milestone 229, which is a glass-enclosed restaurant featuring covered outdoor dining terrace. Its prime location in Bicentennial Park, offer panoramic views of the Scioto Mile Fountain and riverfront. This is a great spot for brunch. Try the “Really Good Hummus,” which truly is good, followed by the Cinnamon French Toast or Belgian Waffle and top it off with Bread Pudding, which was heavenly.

Best Casual Dinner

For a casual dinner, we recommend the Rusty Bucket. With several locations, the Rusty Bucket is a casual American restaurant and tavern to share laughter and great conversation over food that makes everyone happy. Super friendly service and a relaxed setting, this is great spot for families or to enjoy with friends. Founder Gary Callicoat explains, “we make our menu from scratch because food just tastes better that way. Cooking is like a dark alley. Bad things happen when you take shortcuts.”

Where To Eat Dinner - Special Occasion Our kids love to dress up for dinner, so one night we decided to “get pretty” and went to eat at a gastropub called The Pearl. It’s a restaurant for people who love food, The Pearl, pairs innovative culinary technique with traditional tavern fare. Made-from-scratch comfort food, everything from the hand cranked sausage to the chorizo dust on the clam chowder is simply great. They also offer 10 unique draughts, 40 bottles of ales, lagers & stouts and two revolving taps of rare, limited and often local taps. Classic cocktails are created with barrel aged spirits from their in-house infusion locker.

Best Overall & Best South American Food

By far the best place we found to eat was El Arepazo Latin Grill. This is a casual place to eat South American cuisine and enjoy some great tapas and drinks. Owners, Carlos and Carolina Gutierrez, started selling arepas (sort of bread made of ground maize dough served with accompaniments such as cheese, avocado, and/or meats), at the Columbus Latin Festival.

The popularity of their booth enocuraged them to open El Arepazo Latin Grill. A few years later, they decided to open a second location, Arepazo Tapas & Wine. This location serves lunch, an expanded dinner menu and a full bar.

In 2014, their newest location, in the Brewery District Neighborhood of Columbus, opened. This time around, they picked a much bigger place, with two dinning rooms, a large bar, and a party and event space. This location also allows patrons or Arepazo-fans, as they are dearly called, to try different Latin American dishes. Despite its quick growth and immense popularity, Arepazo has stayed true to its original goal: to provide afforadable, authentic, Latin American food to Central Ohio.

When going to eat at either of their locations, look out for Carlos or Carolina, as they are usually around and be sure to let them know you read about them in Connextions Magazine!