Flytown - Columbus, OH Area Guide

One of Flytown's most important founders was Jeremiah O'Shaughnessy. At the young age of 17, he arrived in Flytown to help dig the foundation of what would be the city's water works. O'Shaughnessy worked his way up to superintendent and started the ambitious Columbus Experiment, one of the nation's largest water plants. The O'Shaughnessy Dam, completed in 1925 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, forms the O'Shaughnessy Reservoir, the city's main source of drinking water. It was considered the "finest inland waterway" in the country at the time.

Art lovers enjoy the Pizzuti Collection to the southeast of the neighborhood, while the COSI science museum and the Central Ohio Fire Museum can also be found nearby. Annual events include the yearly reunion for past and present residents in July and the annual celebration to honor volunteers of the Godman Guild.

Oodles Noodle and Dumpling Bar serves healthy and authentic Asian cuisine. The extensive menu features more than 150 dishes, each one made to order and available for dine-in, carry-out and delivery, as well as catering. Try the dinner specials, featuring tofu phad thai and a veggie spring roll, curry chicken and wonton soup, or kung pao chicken with hot and sour soup. Alternatively, select one of the chef's specials, such as eggplant stir-fried with bamboo shoots and carrots in a spicy brown sauce or Udon noodles with chicken and mixed vegetables.

Specializing in cuisine from Italy and the Mediterranean, Basi Italia changes its menu regularly to make use of seasonal locally grown produce. Choose from a modest menu of specials, such as lobster risotto, Caprese shrimp linguine or mustard crusted golden trout. Carry out your meal, or dine in on the warm terrace, where a weekly wine tasting also takes place.

If you're in the mood for comfort food, try the pseudo-Southern fusion with Latin cuisine at Katalina's. Pop in for a bite to eat at breakfast and sample this eatery's famous pancake balls, prepared with local stoneground flour and filled with chocolate, dulce de leche, fig butter, berry preserves or pumpkin apple butter, all served with maple syrup and sweet 'n spicy bacon. Later in the day, warm your belly with specialties such as pulled pork tacos and house-made hominy served with pork cracklins.

Enjoy a cozy local atmosphere in the evenings, with plenty of unique treats on hand to entertain you. Try Harrison's on Third for a neighborhood bar with pool tables and flat-screen televisions, as well as a list of specialty cocktails and craft beers. At the Big Bang Bar, two pianists duel each evening to create a fast-paced show that encourages visitors to sing along.

Every Friday, partake of a special event at Barley's Brewing Company when the place opens the tap on a new brew. The place goes all out for Firkin Friday when a cask-conditioned ale opens up for customers to partake of a time-honored tradition at this English-style pub.

Enjoy plenty of public transportation options provided by the Central Ohio Transit Authority. Local bus routes pass through the neighborhood towards the center of the city, Upper Arlington or the west side of the river, while express routes and crosstown lines are also easily accessible. Flytown is extremely friendly to pedestrians and cyclists, and most local errands can be accomplished with a bicycle or your own two feet.

Uber operates within the neighborhood along with several local taxi companies, each of which can be called to arrange a pickup. Expect limited parking for your personal vehicle, but easy travel outside of the neighborhood via I-670 or Route 315, both of which border Flytown.

The oldest park in Columbus, and also one of the oldest in the nation, Goodale Park lies surrounded by the architecturally pleasing homes of the Victorian Village. Spanning over 32 acres, this neighborhood park offers something for every visitor. Relax beside the scenic pond or in the gazebo and park shelter, or enjoy the 650 species of trees represented within the green space. Exercise enthusiasts make use of the tennis court, ball diamonds, basketball court and walking trail, while kids enjoy the expansive playground facilities.

Neaby, Wheeler Park provides a grassy area for dog owners to let their animals enjoy the outdoors off the leash, while further to the west is Harrison Park, featuring play areas, grassy fields and scenic views of the Olentangy River.

You can expect to pay a premium to live in this scenic and friendly neighborhood of Columbus, with the cost of living sitting almost 20 percent higher than the average for the city and almost eight percent above the national average. Travel to the center of the neighborhood via public transport won't empty your pockets at just $2, or $2.75 on an express route, while the median rental for a one-bedroom apartment in Flytown will cost you approximately $840. A glass of beer in a local establishment will set you back around $8, while the cost of gasoline in Flytown hovers around six percent above the national average.

You'll find some eclectic shopping opportunities within and around Flytown, as well as a major shopping hub to the east of the neighborhood in Victorian Village, along North High Street.

Bunn-Minnick Pipe Organs creates hand-designed pipe organs for churches and concert venues, while Alterna both sells and installs high-end bathroom and kitchen designs.

Head to Giant Eagle in the center of Flytown for your grocery needs, or venture further out to the Green Olive Company and United Dairy Farmers. Find the closest farmers' market just to the south of the neighborhood. North Market on Spruce Street claims to be the only remaining true public market within Columbus, selling a wide variety of local foods from more than 30 merchants, including meats, organic produce, sustainably raised seafood, locally roasted coffee, baked goods, and cheeses.