Governours Square - Columbus, OH Area Guide

After the end of World War II, the original Ohio State University area expanded drastically at a fast rate. As the space immediately surrounding the university ran out, students started settling in the new apartment complexes and townhomes in what would become Governours Square. Even more buildings were built during the second boom in the 1970s, most of which remain in use today.

With a busy arts scene, Governours Square hosts plenty of local bands in the Bethel Road bars. Whether you like country or rock or blues, you can find something to rock to on the weekends. If you like dancing, be sure to catch a show at the Fred Astaire Dance Studio.

For a meal out or a drink on the town, you have to head to Henderson or Bethel Road and their offshoots for the best variety of restaurants and bars in the neighborhood. When you want to grab a casual bite to eat, Los Guachos Taqueria has the best tacos in the city. With famously low prices and perfectly spiced proteins, Los Guachos has become one of the most popular spots in the neighborhood for a relaxed meal. Make sure to go on Monday to get their famous al pastor tacos buy one, get one free. Once you smell the juicy pork cooking on the spit, you can't resist at least one — or two or three.

For a fancier meal out, especially on a date night, visit Refectory Restaurant and Bistro. Recognized by the Columbus "Best of" awards as the most distinguished and award-winning restaurant in Columbus and by Zagat as one of top restaurants in the nation, Refectory serves creative takes on American and French cuisine. When you choose one of the multicourse set chef menus, you really experience the best of what this local favorite offers. Make sure to get the perfectly matched wine pairings for an even more upscale experience. If you eat on a budget, you can enjoy the same high quality food when it debuts on the Original Wednesdays special nights.

After a great meal, wrap up your night by enjoying the nightlife of Governours Square. With dive bars making up the heart of the neighborhood, plenty of sports bars, including Coaches Bar and Grill, Winking Lizard Tavern and On Tap Pub, line Bethel Road. One of the most popular of these, The Grumpy Troll Tavern, has the most unusual setup. Get the famous White Russian, and play skeeball in the back for fun evening. If you plan to relax and talk with friends, settle in on the comfy couches until the night ends.

Well-trafficked by pedestrians, Governours Square has plenty of sidewalks and safe crossings to make it easily walkable. Although bike lanes can be sporadic, cyclists generally feel safe and drivers respect their rights. If you prefer public transit, COTA buses serve the neighborhood regularly.

With the area's convenient access to the Olentangy Freeway, you can easily drive anywhere in the city quickly from this neighborhood. You can find parking for free throughout most of Governours Square, but don't count on finding spots easily at night. If you need a ride home, call a taxi for quick service, or use the Uber app to get a rideshare.

When you need to blow off some steam doing something athletic, head to the nearby Anheuser Busch Sports Park to play just about any sport you can dream of. With 57 acres of fields and an indoor gym, the sports park always has a pickup game of baseball, soccer, football, basketball or volleyball going on. Make sure to join a rec league or take part in an annual charity tournament.

If you simply want to wander a park casually or walk your dog, Langston Park has a number of casual walking paths. Kids love to come here and play on the small playground or simply run in the open field.

With living expenses about average for the city of Columbus, Governours Square ensures you can find an affordable option in the city. You can travel downtown for under $3 a ride and get a beer for $7. Renting a one-bedroom apartment costs about $725 per month. Gas prices here run about 1 percent below the national average.

Just like the best place to eats, Bethel Road provides the neighborhood with a huge selection of shops. While few high-end stores populate the area, you can find a wide variety of discount stores and cute local boutiques. Whether you simply need to grocery shop at the local Walmart Supercenter, Marc's or Kroger or you want to just browse an interesting local store, Bethel Road gives you numerous options. For funky, off-beat finds, head to Tropical Trends. No matter who you need to buy a gift, this small shop has something that will surprise and please. Plenty of handmade art purchased directly from the artist adorns the walls, ready to be picked up by a lucky shopper. If you like incense, make sure to browse the locally produced scents available, as Tropical Trends always features something you can't find elsewhere. A bit kitschy, but always fun, Tropical Trends never disappoints.

Kenny Centre Mall serves as another important shopping destination in Governours Square. With everything from an independent record store to a traditional Asian bakery, you can easily pass the afternoon wandering through its shops. Make sure to stop by the Yarn Shop if you like to craft. With the largest selection of yarns and accessories in the Columbus area, the Yarn Shop has become a destination for knitters. Whether you feel like an expert looking for a specific yarn for your next project or a beginner who has no idea what to purchase to get started, the helpful staff will get you what you need and on your way with a smile.

Finally, don't miss Han Ma Oom, the Korean fresh market. You can find something new to taste here each day.