Worthington Green - Columbus, OH

Settled in 1803, Worthington maintains its history through the very active Worthington Historical Society. Society members care for several buildings that preserve local stories and display artifacts of days gone by. If you love trains, the Ohio Railway Museum features steam, electric and diesel models.

The Peggy R. McConnell Arts Center of Worthington promotes performing, visual and digital arts as well as featuring exhibitions and classes. Local artists also shine brightly with their works presented in several area shops.

The annual Worthington Art Festival proudly stands as one of the top 200 art shows in the country, drawing artists throughout the U.S. Summertime brings community events like the 4th of July Worthington Family Picnic, old fashioned ice-cream socials and the farmers market.

Worthington features a wide array of dining establishments along High Street. From classic American fare to upscale restaurants, patrons have much to choose from. Food and family often go together, and La Chatelaine French Bakery and Bistro understands. In 1985, the entire Wielezynski family immigrated to the U.S. and started the Bistro, which they operate to this day. Anticipate traditional French food in a warm, inviting atmosphere. Best for breakfast or lunch, this bistro features delectable pastry dishes like croissants and flaky quiches. Be sure to save room for dessert. Prices run average, but the pastries exceed expectations.

J. Liu Restaurant & Bar proffers an eclectic mix of Asian and Italian cuisine with an air of modern fusion. Perfect for having something for everyone, this establishment makes excellent seared salmon with pear ginger beurre blanc and spicy firecracker chicken that locals rave about. Attentive staff keep glasses full without being obtrusive, and the meticulously crafted happy hour cocktails come tasty and cheap. Be sure to ask to see the wine list as this establishment features a surprisingly large selection. The intensity of the dark chocolate mousse makes for a memorable dining experience, and you'll find yourself craving it again and again. Overall, prices run slightly higher than other area restaurants, but the service and selection make it worth the added expense.

Voted a top 10 Columbus restaurant, the Worthington Inn’s Victorian exterior hints at the history behind this long-standing establishment. True to its legacy, staff still bakes bread fresh every morning, makes pickles from scratch and churns ice cream on site. Experience prompt and gracious service here as well. The tender beef Worthington and pan-seared scallops please even the most discerning palates. For dessert, try the well-balanced lemon tartlette. While on the expensive side, guests appreciate all the price includes.

Worthington’s vibrant nightlife encompasses live music at several area pubs. The Worthington Inn invites guests into the pub section each Wednesday and Friday night to share a pint and listen to local bands. Natalie’s Coal Fired Pizza and Live Music features an intimate setting with national and local performances nearly every night of the week. Kick back with a craft beer and enjoy the tunes via a specially designed sound stage. Locals rave about the food, so when the munchies hit late at night, plenty of menu choices await you.

Most locals drive their own vehicles, and plenty of free parking and good roads make parking and navigation around the area convenient. The multilane roads Interstate 71, the 270 Outer Belt and Route 315 lie nearby, providing easy acess. State Route 23, also known as High Street, runs north and south through the center of town with Route 161, known as Dublin Granville Road, crossing it east to west. During rush hour, all major thoroughfares slow down considerably.

Cabs don’t normally roam the streets here, so call ahead if you need one. Columbus’ bus system, COTA, can take you anywhere in the greater Columbus vicinity for very little cost. For added convenience, multiple stops can be found along High and Dublin Granville. Uber services the area as well, providing yet another transportation option. A safe and pleasant neighborhood, walking through Worthington along the sidewalks gives fitness a relaxed feel. However, very few bike lanes exist, and rush hour makes biking along the main streets unsafe. As an alternative, the Olentangy-Scioto Bikeway, a network of connected trails and lanes, allows bikers to travel safely. Take the path from the north end of town at Wilson Bridge Road all the way to just south of Columbus itself. This well-tended bikeway is also heavily trafficked, so use caution and slow down around corners.

Worthington manages over 200 acres of park land. Designed for different purposes, each park caters to specific activities such as walking, geocaching, skateboarding in a state of the art skatepark and playgrounds for kids. The parks are free and open to the public, and dogs get the royal treatment with a park all their own.

Concerts on the Green put a song in your heart every Sunday evening from May through August. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere of Worthington without giving up the big city amenities.

The cost of living in Worthington compared to Columbus sits only slightly higher. A one-bedroom apartment costs about $87 per month less than in Columbus, coming in at $803 a month. For about $2, you can ride the bus into Columbus. A beer costs you around $4 at local pubs and bars, and the cost to fill up your car runs about 5 percent lower than the national average.

Most high-end shopping in Worthington happens along High Street in old downtown Worthington near the Village Green, or northward in at The Shops at Worthington Place. Worthington Place hosts several typical mall stores within its petite confines, but also showcases a few local shops.

Tucked away on a side street, Wren House Gifts in downtown Worthington sells whimsical décor and local artwork. Although the shop seems small from the outside, it opens up to two expansive floors once you step in. Friendly employees help you find just the right thing among the many well-designed vignettes.

The Candle Lab makes environmentally friendly soy-based candles that burn cleanly and evenly. Choose from 120 scents of pre-made candles, or combine ingredients to create a custom candle of your own. Well suited for events, the Candle Lab will set up a space for groups to join in the candle-making fun.

Kroger, Giant Eagle and several international stores service Worthington’s grocery needs. Many other choices like Meijer, Aldi, Wal-Mart and Marc’s also sit nearby.

As central Ohio’s largest farmers market, the Worthington Farmer’s Market won't disappoint you. With so much to choose from like homemade jams, fresh baker, and loads of fruits and veggies, you'll want a cart to carry it all. The market runs outdoors each Saturday from May through October and indoors at The Shops at Worthington Place during the colder months. Come early to the outside market — it gets crowded very quickly.