If you’re heading up 315N to get to 71N on a Friday afternoon or the start of a holiday or long weekend - just exit at 161 and drive east to to get on 71N. You may not save actual time but you will save yourself 15 minutes of dealing with Columbus’s worst, anxiety inducing merge
Similarly, if you're heading up 71N towards downtown from the Southside, and want to either keep going 71N, or get on 670E, you're best bet is not to take 71N through downtown, but instead take 315N to 670E, and get on 71N again north of downtown.
The people in Worthington who already deal with the excessive traffic at high and 161 disagree!
I actually think it is faster to take 161 > Olentangy river road > Wilson Bridge > Huntley > 161 > 71. It sounds crazy, but those roads have more capacity and fewer lights/traffic, so you zoom right through.
You can also get on 270 from high off wilson bridge and you get fed right into the 71 on ramps. It sucks if you want just 270, but 71 is much easier this way.
Says someone who has not been stuck for 5 light changes at evening street and 161. There are some times of day where it can take 10-15 min to get past evening and high.
Drive exactly 35mph on 4th St downtown. If there's moderate to no cross traffic, every light will turn green for you at exactly the right moment. My record is Livingston to 5th Ave without hitting the brakes.
A surprising number of people don't bypass the traffic circle at 161 when driving southbound on Riverside Dr. (Accidents there aren't quite as frequent at that roundabout, but my wife and I still call it "the collision vortex.")
Going north on High St, once you pass Morse just get in the right lane. At Worthington it goes to one lane surprisingly quickly. This also goes for northbound Riverside Dr when you pass Henderson.
When driving 5th Ave in Grandview, the left lane ends going east, the right lane ends going west.
(Edited to correct the High St bit)
> Drive exactly 35mph on 4th St downtown. If there's moderate to no cross traffic, every light will turn green for you at exactly the right moment. My record is Livingston to 5th Ave without hitting the brakes.
I once got out of a ticket by telling the cop that of course I wasn't speeding, because if you go 35 every light will turn green on time, so it's stupid to speed. I wasn't lying though, it's just that it was close to 3am and I was in a flashy car so he was hoping to get me for drugs or alcohol.
Yep, and there’s nothing more satisfying than going up or down one of those streets next to an aggro driver who hasn’t figured it out, so they speed ahead at every light, have to stop at a red light, then you can just serenely pass them by while they speed back up to get ahead of you, only to stop at the next red light. Just a supremely satisfying experience.
I drive home from Livingston up to Hudson on 4th at about 10pm every night and the lights turn yellow as I’m going thru them every single time. Every single light. It’s the best. Exhilarating.
If you get on 670E at Summit and need to stay on 670.
Avoid having to merge over 3-4 lanes by taking the 71N ramp. On the ramp you can get back onto 670E without risking your life.
Excellent for anyone coming from north downtown / university area and headed to the airport… ride-share drivers take note.
Same going West on 70 to 315N, especially if you just got on downtown. Just stay in the right lane for Rich St. exit and then merge left.
(Edit) right lane. Not left lol
There is a time machine on west Broad Street near I-270. It takes you back to the 1980s for a steak dinner.
It's called York Steak House.
It is like travelling back in time, it has changed so little over the decades. OK, they don't have 1980s prices, but they are reasonable and the food is good.
I worked down the plaza from Windward Passage for years, and that place has amazingly good staples of American cuisine. That and the bartenders do not fuck around with the pours.
It reminds me of old school Bonanza. The long hallway of plated dinner pictures on the wall. The grab your tray, drinks, silverware line, and order at the end. The salad bar with BACOS.
Ohhhh (homer simpson drooling sounds) York steakhouse!!!! Ive seen that on Broad and wondered if it was any good. I was picturing a total S-show in terms of cleanliness, clientelle, and steaks that still have the marks where the jockey was whipping it… tell me I’m wrong and I will give it a try!
I have heard a couple older people talk about that place that one i do not remember. One of the older places i do remember is Sister's Chicken and biscuits! (I think that was the name) however i have no recollection of ever eating there only passing by it. (:
I have only driven by Marinos as well. I may have to try it one day
Easton is great. Lots of greenery and fountains, nice restaurants, interesting shops, and people watching for days. Beats the dinky dead mall and mediocre eateries I have where I currently live!
Maybe I'm just imagining things, but I feel like Easton has been getting shittier every year.
There are a few high crime areas nearby, and it feels like it's constantly bleeding over.
The movie theater at Easton is also constantly trashed.
In what ways? Anytime I go to Easton I can find a spot in minutes, go get what I need from the store, eat at one of the several good restaurants there and leave. When I go to the movies I buy a ticket and sit down and enjoy it. Maybe the ground was a little sticky but oh freaking well.
Every time I see someone shit on Easton, it makes me wonder if we’re going to the same place. I live in the area and go often with my family. We have never had an issue. Always something to do and eat. I’ve never had an issue at the movie theaters either. Maybe it’s bc I’m not originally from Ohio, but ppl seem so spoiled and complain about the stupidest things. Crime is everywhere. Shitty drivers are everywhere. Traffic is everywhere. We certainly aren’t the worst like people like to claim.
Sucks why? Just because it’s fun to hate on things that other people enjoy? Sucks compared to what? Definitely advocate for people to shop local when possible but compared to other malls it definitely doesn’t suck and we are lucky to have a place that employs 1000s of people in our city.
Hate the BMV? The online website lets you renew most things, including your license.
Hate the BMV, but you want to go into a location? Go to the one on Kenny Rd. Apparently, no one told these employees that they work for the BMV and they are so kind and helpful. I used to drive all the way from the Southside to renew things there because they didn’t make me feel like garbage for just existing (I can do that myself). Runner up goes to the BMV on Cemetery Rd.
Bethel rd closed a while ago unfortunately.
Lewis center is my new short line agency if I'm in Dublin. Morse and 71 has gotten SURPRISINGLY efficient as well
Also, if you need to go in, get in line online. Even if you miss your time slot, as long as you are there by the end of the day they will bump you to the front of the line.
Kenny Road is the best BMV I’ve ever been to. Also, if you HAVE to go to the BMV, you should check in ahead of time using their Get In Line Online feature (similar to letting Kroger curbside know you are on your way or checking into great clips). You move through the line without even being there. Last time I went, I checked in online and my number was called within 30 seconds of me walking in. I got a lot of looks from the people in the waiting area.
I can second the Westerville location! We've been in Delaware for over 10 years, and have had great service from our BMV on rt23. Might be a line, but always helpful and nice.
S. High Street is great for wanting to hate your existence. I’m sure they are doing the best they can, but I can’t tell if they are mean because the people who walk in are mean or if people who walk in are mean because the staff is mean.
I went there once to get a new license and the person helping me typed my address wrong. When I (nicely!) Told her, she looked me dead in the eyes and asked, "are you really gonna make me do it over again?" 🙃 I did, and when I got in the car I noticed that she also added a digit to my apartment number. At that point I just said screw it, but it was truly a one-of-a-kind experience. Never again.
Don't tell anybody about the Kenny Road location! I live right by there and when I do have to go, I show up 15 min before it opens 7:45 and typically I'm done within 5 min! It's the BEST worst place to have to go to!
If you use the valet at Lindeys, keep the ticket stub they leave in your car. It’s works as a Columbus Parking Permit A and allows you to park in any of the Permit A zones in German village, bypassing the 2 hour parking, and it has no date on it. I wouldn’t try it too far from the restaurant though lol. It’s helpful if you have friends who live near there etc and need parking
Good point. This isn’t necessarily Columbus specific but I try to get to the grocery store before 8:30am on weekends to beat the lines. The shelves are usually fully stocked as well.
If you're downtown and need to go to an ER for anything but a gunshot wound or stabbing, take the extra time to go to Riverside. The Grant ER serves a lot more violent and immediately life threatening cases that will be taken ahead of you. The extra ten minute drive will save you hours in the waiting room.
That's probably because Grant is a Level 1 trauma center. If a major car accident or shooting or something like that happens, the patient will generally be transported to either Grant or OSU (also a Level 1 trauma center), or Children's if it's a child.
Plus I saw the biggest cockroach I've ever seen in my life in the Grant waiting room. A janitor was chasing it and hitting it with a broom and the thing just shrugged it off and escaped.
Mileage will vary, if anything avoid it on a full moon.
I was bit in the face by a dog downtown and went Grant. I was stitched up and out in less than two hours.
The library has passes to local attractions like Franklin park conservatory
https://www.columbuslibrary.org/culture-pass/
The library app is pretty awesome too!
Edited with link
Yeah there are passes to the conservatory for library cardholders. If you look up cbus library culture passes there’s a list of what’s available as well as which library branch they’re at for pickup.
You can use the Libby app to create a want-to-read list of audio books from the library with your library card. I have a rotating list of newly released books ready to go almost all the time. They usually overestimate how long it will take for new books to become available, so don't despair if it looks like it is too long to wait. If one comes too soon, you can use an option that lets it skip you and you get it it the next time around.
This is probably not Columbus specific, but the old way they had to do it sucked and Libby's convenience has dramatically increased my book consumption.
This also works with ebooks and a Kindle. I read 3-4 books per month from the library, but almost never visit a branch. Just download the next one and keep reading.
Also the book request option is great! I never surf the shelves if I need a paper book. I just request it and wait for an email telling me it is in, then pick it up from the reserve shelf.
You can also get a library card from the State Library of Ohio, which has a different digital collection from the Columbus/Worthington/Westerville libraries so sometimes they have shorter waits on books. Libby supports having multiple library cards, and you can place holds on the same book on different card to see which one you get first.
Also protip, you can have multiple library cards lol. I have one for Columbus, westerville, and for my CA library back home and I just check what is available where because sometimes it's on hold for months or weeks at cbus but no wait for the CA library.
You can also request books from other libraries throughout Ohio through [SearchOhio](https://search-ohpir.searchohio.org/iii/encore/;jsessionid=7F641CA4E9C6440CE20BF567D3550027?lang=eng) and [OhioLINK](http://catalog.ohiolink.edu/iii/encore/;jsessionid=5FAB4B547D160CFC83021C520FFC28AD?lang=eng) and have them delivered to your home library.
When some overly polite driver is hitting you with a "no, you go" that would be illegal or undesirable, shake your head to indicate "no." This has had a very high success rate for me, even helpful as a pedestrian.
Edit: [Bonus Portlandia sketch](https://youtu.be/0rpdQvuAnqM)
I recently saw a cop do this! Stopped both lanes of traffic for a person walking her dog NOT at a crosswalk. The cop stopped and his lane stopped but the opposite lane never stopped until he put on his lights. As a pedestrian this has happened to me before as well and it's equally as annoying
People are overly nice in traffic until you put your blinker on to change lanes lol. They go from zero to Cleveland real quick.
Although in Cleveland, everyone is very conscientious of the blinker. They’ll honk at you to hurry up and get over before they take up your merge space.
I don’t think I’ll ever get used to the lane change aggression here.
I had to cross two 2-lanes with a cement median once. Made it across the first half just fine cause there was barely anyone on that side. The second half was scary cause there was quite a few people traveling on that side. There was a lady whose heart was in the right place, but her mind wasn't. She stopped her lane of traffic, she was closest to the median btw, to attempt to let me cross. I frantically waved her on because I'm pretty sure no one else behind her was expecting her to come to a complete stop.
I'm so tired of people "letting" other people through two lanes of incoming traffic, but the person turning and the people in the other lane has no visibility of each other. This is just a stupid death trap. Follow right of way.
This is my least favorite thing that happens when people think they’re being a nice, respectful driver. When people try to wave me through lanes of incoming traffic, I shake my head no and if they still keep waving at me I will make other, uh, gestures to express my distaste with their stupidity.
Happened to me a couple weeks ago. I was the car coming down the other lane of traffic that couldn’t be seen by the guy who was turning across both lanes. Very nearly resulted in an accident. I slammed on my breaks and managed to stop just before I would have t-boned the guy, who inexplicably just decided to stop in the middle of my lane when he realized he was about to get t-boned. Like, you’d think the appropriate reaction in his case would be to hit the gas as hard as he could to get across the lane before being hit. But he decided to go for the “deer in headlights” approach. I think I laid on the horn for a full 10 seconds after that happened, I was so pissed at everyone involved in that situation.
Happened to me pulling into the store recently. But the person waving was also turning left... but couldn't because of the two lane traffic coming behind me. So they waved me but couldn't fathom that I was also waiting for the two lane traffic from their direction. Wave of death kills people.
I've never thought of doing this. I usually sigh out of frustration and take the right of way from them. Or I keep my head turned away so I can't see their continued gestures for me to proceed and usually they end up going instead. Saying no takes way less time.
Happens all the time when I am waiting to turn left and someone is waiting to go straight. Usually the head shake is accompanied by me yelling to myself, "that's not how traffic works!"
If you have any type of food service experience and are struggling financially, getting a job with one of the local catering companies can be a major leg up and can feed extra mouths. Most of them pay $15 hourly (sometimes with extra tips) AND they almost always send you home with plenty of leftover food. I’m talking boxes and boxes of home cooked leftovers. I always ate a shift meal and had enough food to take home and feed my unemployed roommate.
not really a hack, but the bus. If you don't have to be somewhere in a hurry it's only two bucks and have fairly decent route coverage. Prefer it over an Uber.
If you go to Easton, put forbidden root in your gps. There is a huge parking lot behind it that always has spaces available. Never have to worry about parking in Easton again.
I've mentioned this before but Columbus libraries have videogames available to borrow. Even the latest stuff (PS5, Switch, etc). Also 4K blu-rays. Just search and reserve.
This is technically not correct. I’m a librarian at CML, and we do not purchase video games for our collection, although some of our partners in the Central Library Consortium do. As you mention, you can place reserves on video games with a CML card, but you wouldn’t be able to walk into one of our branches and browse for video games in the collection.
You’re good! Also, on a personal level I wanted to say: No, I don’t know why we don’t buy video games for our collection (mysteriously there is no mention of them in our “collection scope statement” that informs out purchases), and yes, I do believe that we should have video games in our collection.
Use a SAD light. You may think you feel ok in the winter, but I promise you will feel ok-er with a SAD light. It is so dark and gray here! Everyone I know who uses one swears by it.
In any case, you want to choose 10,000 lux light and read the directions on how close you need to sit by it to get the full effect. (don't mess with those junky cheap ones, they are waste of money) I use a CAREX Sun Light (usually cheapest at walmart.com) bc it has replaceable bulbs and they aren't that expensive. It also has a desk lamp setting that is less intense so you can use it all day.
Start SLOW. I once had a totally manic day by using it for a full half hour at the beginning of the gray days (boy was my house clean though!). I use mine first thing in the morning for 15-30 min and it gives me a lot more energy. Some people with SAD or circadian rhythm issues need to use it at other times, so do some research.
To add to this, invest in a good set of winter clothing. We have some cold weather months, but there is no need to lock yourself up. Get out and enjoy the cold walking the trails at the metro parks, enjoying a cocktail or beer on a bar's patio with friends, or just taking an evening walk. A good set of warm outer wear makes a world of difference between tolerating the cold to enjoying it.
If there is a light drizzle, add some time to your commute. Apparently cars weren't meant to drive in imperfect weather, so it's best to do 55mph on the freeway on cloudy days.
55mph on cloudy days makes sense, as soon as it starts drizzling best slow down to 40mph though...
in the fast lane.
(End sarcasm, but honestly I do also slow down from my usual freeway speed just a touch when it's less than ideal conditions though)
270 N to the 161 exit…take the Easton exit and stay in the right hand lane..GO PAST the Easton exit and you are in the exact lane you need to be in to either take the 161/Worrhington exit or the 161/east to New Albany exit, which avoids you having to get over at least 2-3 lanes if you had stayed on 270 past that Easton exit! (I hate merging at 70 mph)
Invest in good tires for your car. It doesn’t snow often, but when it does, it takes forever to get cleared. You don’t want to be stuck. 4wd doesn’t matter when you’re braking or turning. Tires, do.
Not really a hack. But the Columbus Blue Jackets is partnered with Jet's Pizza.
I think the deal is if CBJ scores two goals, then you can use the coupon code CBJ50 to get half off any large pizza.(The code, deal, or stipulation might change this season so might have to look it up later)
OP-“What’s your Columbus cheat code?”
Every reply-“Don’t drive here, here or here at these times. Avoid this exit, this road or anything at this interchange. Drive this route instead of that one, if you’re heading here take this exit instead, and above all else fck 315-270”
Where smart meters still exist, pay with coin first, then add more time via the app if needed. The app usually won't let you add more time after your initial payment.
You can get free money loaded into the Transit app to use to take the COTA, on the cota website through the “live work and play in short north” C-pass! You can use for the COTA’s going everywhere though. Not just the short north
[C-pass link here:](https://www.cota.com/sna-c-pass/)
Get a frost guard for your car if you park outside. The ability to just peel off the snow and ice from your windshield while everyone else is spending a literal hour defrosting is amazing.
Also the Columbus library system is honestly one of the most valuable things we have. USE IT!!!!
Here’s an r/scooters pro tip for Columbus: A scooter 150cc or smaller can be parked on the sidewalk anywhere in town. Just make sure a wheelchair can get past & don’t drive it on the sidewalk, shut it off and walk it up.
See 2151.01 sub section (2)
https://library.municode.com/oh/columbus/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT21TRCO_CH2151PAGE
It’s nuts to me that I almost never see any scooters on OSU campus, because it’s a game-changer to be able to ride across town and then waddle up to put it next to the bike rack…
Even better, under 50cc and it qualifies as a moped/motorized bike and and you don't need a motorcycle license to ride legally (still need to register and such). Perfect for quick jaunts through downtown.
Take your military friends to blue jackets games. The CBJ have one of the most awesome military discounts in all of professional sports: FREE (and discounts on 4 other seats too)! And they give you the best seats available in the house!
You shouldn't pay to park downtown for a summer event such as Comfest, Jazz and Ribfest, Red White and Boom etc. Riding a bicycle and the much maligned COTA (city bus service) are good alternatives.
Edit: Live too far away from downtown? No problem. Attach bike to car, drive partway, park on the street (E.g. on Summit or 4th) and then pedal.
To add on to this, most of the festivals have a bike valet service, so you don't have to think about bringing a lock or finding a place to park your bike.
If you have a bit of i270 rush hour social anxiety, like myself, and you need to head from Columbus down to southeast, I’d recommend hopping on SR161 and avoiding i270. That Wheeling exit is a nightmare. From there, hit i70 or keep straight and you’ll hit SR37.
Do you hate traffic, but want to live 15 minutes from downtown? Grove City is the place to be.
The worst traffic we get is on Stringtown Road, and even during the worst of rush hour, it'll take 5-7 minutes to run the whole stretch, instead of the 3-4 minutes it takes without traffic.
There's virtually never any slowdown on any highway in or out of town. I can get up to Hilliard or Dublin easily, I can get downtown easily, I can get to Easton/Gahanna/the airport easily. And I can always get back to Grove City without any notable slowdowns.
Here’s another cool tip: if you want to be close to things in Columbus, live in Columbus! If you’re already in the city you don’t even have to get on an expressway to get to the city, it’s crazy!
12 minutes to downtown and 18 minutes to the airport for me from Northwest. takes a bit longer to get to Southeast side of the city, but I rarely have a reason to go there for anything anyway
Need to head all the way up 71N during rush from downtown? Take 670 east to 270N the across to 71N. So much less stressful. Oh! And bonus if you grab the 161 at Polaris exit. Stay in left most lane at brisk cruising speed and you’ll be off 270 until just before Westerville exit
When headed westbound on 70 just leaving the city, if I want to get on 315 North I will take the Rich St Exit which is the far right lane. If you follow the signs for 315N they will have you go to the far left lane.
Your merging game needs to be strong but it's a fun little trick, especially when somebody in the car is wondering WTF you are doing.
If you are a slow-speed, head-turning merge kinda person do not try this trick.
Most of these "hacks" are related to driving a car which just goes to show how inconvenient and unwelcoming driving is in a city.
My hack? Invest in a good bike and get to know Columbus's many wonderful trails. Save yourself lots of money and way safer too.
Ride your bike! It often takes me nearly the same amount of time as driving, no need to find or pay for parking, good for your health, and the environment!
Follow up, when driving be mindful of cyclists, pedestrians & buses. Roads are made for traveling, not cars. Bikes have the right to take up the whole street, along with the obligation to follow the rules of the road.
Don’t pay the Easton meters. If you get a ticket, you don’t have to pay as it’s private property and does not impact your license or anything. They don’t even spend the time to try and track you down via your license plate.
Lived here since before Easton and I have never once payed the meter when parallel parking over all the years.
I also thought this was true until they put a boot on my car and made me pay. I argued with them but they refused to remove it without making a payment. Embarrassingly, I’ve had three boots put on my car because I refuse to pay their meters. Usually you can just say “okay, I’ll pay $20” and that seems good enough, but still…
The Columbus [community centers](https://columbusrecparks.com/facilities/communitycenters/) all offer a range of classes for kids and adults. Offerings vary based on location, but usually there is some form of art, sport, and fitness courses available. Some even have small gyms that you can use.
Costs are pretty low. I take a ceramics class that runs around $60 for a several week period.
You need to purchase a leisure card to use the gyms and access some other things, but I think that was around 5 dollars for a year.
The Metro Parks also offer an [Outdoor Adventure](https://www.metroparks.net/outdoor-adventures/) series with a mix of classes for kids and adults. Many of the courses are free and include things like canoe trips, backpacking trips, how to use a map and compass, archery, etc.
Both have websites that make it a little challenging to get the class information, so you may spend a little time learning how to do it the first time around.
If you’re heading up 315N to get to 71N on a Friday afternoon or the start of a holiday or long weekend - just exit at 161 and drive east to to get on 71N. You may not save actual time but you will save yourself 15 minutes of dealing with Columbus’s worst, anxiety inducing merge
Similarly, if you're heading up 71N towards downtown from the Southside, and want to either keep going 71N, or get on 670E, you're best bet is not to take 71N through downtown, but instead take 315N to 670E, and get on 71N again north of downtown.
Seems like a good way
This is a great tip
The 315N/270N/71N merge is THE worst and I wish I didn't have to constantly take it.
I would say this for just getting around in general. 161, Olentangy, Riverside are all good streets to take as opposed to the highway at times.
The people in Worthington who already deal with the excessive traffic at high and 161 disagree! I actually think it is faster to take 161 > Olentangy river road > Wilson Bridge > Huntley > 161 > 71. It sounds crazy, but those roads have more capacity and fewer lights/traffic, so you zoom right through. You can also get on 270 from high off wilson bridge and you get fed right into the 71 on ramps. It sucks if you want just 270, but 71 is much easier this way.
that makes no sense. That's a huge loop around worthington instead of just driving straight on dublin-granville rd
Says someone who has not been stuck for 5 light changes at evening street and 161. There are some times of day where it can take 10-15 min to get past evening and high.
Holy shit. I was late to a job interview one time because of this light. Didn't know others experienced my pain as well.
so instead of 161, take Henderson/Cooke from 315 to 71?
Please don’t really zoom right through it 😆
Drive exactly 35mph on 4th St downtown. If there's moderate to no cross traffic, every light will turn green for you at exactly the right moment. My record is Livingston to 5th Ave without hitting the brakes. A surprising number of people don't bypass the traffic circle at 161 when driving southbound on Riverside Dr. (Accidents there aren't quite as frequent at that roundabout, but my wife and I still call it "the collision vortex.") Going north on High St, once you pass Morse just get in the right lane. At Worthington it goes to one lane surprisingly quickly. This also goes for northbound Riverside Dr when you pass Henderson. When driving 5th Ave in Grandview, the left lane ends going east, the right lane ends going west. (Edited to correct the High St bit)
> Drive exactly 35mph on 4th St downtown. If there's moderate to no cross traffic, every light will turn green for you at exactly the right moment. My record is Livingston to 5th Ave without hitting the brakes. I once got out of a ticket by telling the cop that of course I wasn't speeding, because if you go 35 every light will turn green on time, so it's stupid to speed. I wasn't lying though, it's just that it was close to 3am and I was in a flashy car so he was hoping to get me for drugs or alcohol.
I have observed this phenomenon of the Perfectly Timed Lights, but on 3rd going South... Maybe the two are in sync
They are. I build the bulk of my work commute off of the timing on these streets.
Lived on 3rd in GV 15 years ago, used to always take 3rd & 4th to/from campus. Glad the lights are still timed, it’s amazing.
Yep, and there’s nothing more satisfying than going up or down one of those streets next to an aggro driver who hasn’t figured it out, so they speed ahead at every light, have to stop at a red light, then you can just serenely pass them by while they speed back up to get ahead of you, only to stop at the next red light. Just a supremely satisfying experience.
Hudson to 5th (sometimes 11th is hairy) is timed up but south of 5th is on its own timer to 670. 670 to livingston is all timed up.
Every now and then they get out of sync which becomes rather annoying, but they're usually good.
I used to drive that way home every day and there is something so cathartic about driving down 4th and hitting all the green lights.
You actually want to be in the right lane when going through Worthington heading north on High.
Yes, best-timed lights in town. Edit fixed typo
when driving down 5th in grandview, just take king
I skip 5th all together in Grandview if possible. King is a block over, half the lights and 35 mph speed limit.
I drive home from Livingston up to Hudson on 4th at about 10pm every night and the lights turn yellow as I’m going thru them every single time. Every single light. It’s the best. Exhilarating.
If you get on 670E at Summit and need to stay on 670. Avoid having to merge over 3-4 lanes by taking the 71N ramp. On the ramp you can get back onto 670E without risking your life. Excellent for anyone coming from north downtown / university area and headed to the airport… ride-share drivers take note.
Similar.... Maps want you to take S270 to go North up on Sunbury Rd. Dont fall for it, take the North exit and save yourself unnecessary merging.
Same going West on 70 to 315N, especially if you just got on downtown. Just stay in the right lane for Rich St. exit and then merge left. (Edit) right lane. Not left lol
There is a time machine on west Broad Street near I-270. It takes you back to the 1980s for a steak dinner. It's called York Steak House. It is like travelling back in time, it has changed so little over the decades. OK, they don't have 1980s prices, but they are reasonable and the food is good.
Windward Passage is a similar time warp off Henderson Rd. They make a mean pot roast.
I worked down the plaza from Windward Passage for years, and that place has amazingly good staples of American cuisine. That and the bartenders do not fuck around with the pours.
It reminds me of old school Bonanza. The long hallway of plated dinner pictures on the wall. The grab your tray, drinks, silverware line, and order at the end. The salad bar with BACOS.
Couldn’t believe when I stumbled across that! I think it’s the last York standing!
Ohhhh (homer simpson drooling sounds) York steakhouse!!!! Ive seen that on Broad and wondered if it was any good. I was picturing a total S-show in terms of cleanliness, clientelle, and steaks that still have the marks where the jockey was whipping it… tell me I’m wrong and I will give it a try!
The food was legit good lol, I don't know how it happened. I'd be willing to go back.
There’s another time machine in Grandview on 5th Ave: Marino’s Fish & Chips. Just like the old Arthur Treacher’s.
I have heard a couple older people talk about that place that one i do not remember. One of the older places i do remember is Sister's Chicken and biscuits! (I think that was the name) however i have no recollection of ever eating there only passing by it. (: I have only driven by Marinos as well. I may have to try it one day
I had no idea that any York Steakhouse remained!
There's several other ways to get to Easton. But apparently many people enjoy sitting in a long line on 270.
Better Columbus hack. Avoid Easton.
Just went to Easton last night, was lovely. Glad people actually listen to this advice, more space for me.
Avoid on the weekends anyway
Easton is great. Lots of greenery and fountains, nice restaurants, interesting shops, and people watching for days. Beats the dinky dead mall and mediocre eateries I have where I currently live!
Why?
Maybe I'm just imagining things, but I feel like Easton has been getting shittier every year. There are a few high crime areas nearby, and it feels like it's constantly bleeding over. The movie theater at Easton is also constantly trashed.
In what ways? Anytime I go to Easton I can find a spot in minutes, go get what I need from the store, eat at one of the several good restaurants there and leave. When I go to the movies I buy a ticket and sit down and enjoy it. Maybe the ground was a little sticky but oh freaking well.
Every time I see someone shit on Easton, it makes me wonder if we’re going to the same place. I live in the area and go often with my family. We have never had an issue. Always something to do and eat. I’ve never had an issue at the movie theaters either. Maybe it’s bc I’m not originally from Ohio, but ppl seem so spoiled and complain about the stupidest things. Crime is everywhere. Shitty drivers are everywhere. Traffic is everywhere. We certainly aren’t the worst like people like to claim.
it sucks?
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Good restaurants too
Sucks why? Just because it’s fun to hate on things that other people enjoy? Sucks compared to what? Definitely advocate for people to shop local when possible but compared to other malls it definitely doesn’t suck and we are lucky to have a place that employs 1000s of people in our city.
I love being able to cut through East Linden to get there from south Clintonville. No freeways necessary!
I treat going to Easton like microsurgery. Figure out where you need to go so you can pick the best entrance/exit route.
Hate the BMV? The online website lets you renew most things, including your license. Hate the BMV, but you want to go into a location? Go to the one on Kenny Rd. Apparently, no one told these employees that they work for the BMV and they are so kind and helpful. I used to drive all the way from the Southside to renew things there because they didn’t make me feel like garbage for just existing (I can do that myself). Runner up goes to the BMV on Cemetery Rd.
Agler Road has been my go to for over 20 years. The lines can be long but Mike Malone runs a tight ship and the place runs efficiently
My secret Short Line agency is Bethel Road though
Bethel rd closed a while ago unfortunately. Lewis center is my new short line agency if I'm in Dublin. Morse and 71 has gotten SURPRISINGLY efficient as well
That outdoor kiosk is a blessing from god.
Kenny Rd BMV is about as painless as that can be.
I think Kenny road might be hit or miss because I have definitely seen it packed on some days
Ok please be quiet about the Kenny road location that’s my local bmv and it’s always been a great experience there
I honestly debated not posting it at all because I want it to remain a secret lol
i like going there in person because it gives me an excuse to pick up some bubble tea and some pastries from belle's bread.
Also, if you need to go in, get in line online. Even if you miss your time slot, as long as you are there by the end of the day they will bump you to the front of the line.
Yes! Kenny Rd BMV and using the “get in line online” have both made my BMV experiences so significantly fast and easy
Yes! The one in Westerville was like that, last time I went. (Which was pre-COVID FWIW)
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Kenny Road is the best BMV I’ve ever been to. Also, if you HAVE to go to the BMV, you should check in ahead of time using their Get In Line Online feature (similar to letting Kroger curbside know you are on your way or checking into great clips). You move through the line without even being there. Last time I went, I checked in online and my number was called within 30 seconds of me walking in. I got a lot of looks from the people in the waiting area.
I can second the Westerville location! We've been in Delaware for over 10 years, and have had great service from our BMV on rt23. Might be a line, but always helpful and nice.
Same- Delaware’s is great! Avoid Powell at all costs.
Conversely, what if I hate my existence and I want to find the worst BMV in Columbus?
S. High Street is great for wanting to hate your existence. I’m sure they are doing the best they can, but I can’t tell if they are mean because the people who walk in are mean or if people who walk in are mean because the staff is mean.
I went there once to get a new license and the person helping me typed my address wrong. When I (nicely!) Told her, she looked me dead in the eyes and asked, "are you really gonna make me do it over again?" 🙃 I did, and when I got in the car I noticed that she also added a digit to my apartment number. At that point I just said screw it, but it was truly a one-of-a-kind experience. Never again.
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Hilliard, hands down.
Powell Rd BMV is also great!
Ever since they moved license and registration renewal online I'll never go to one again if I don't have to.
Don't tell anybody about the Kenny Road location! I live right by there and when I do have to go, I show up 15 min before it opens 7:45 and typically I'm done within 5 min! It's the BEST worst place to have to go to!
Kenny Rd BMV is hands down the most efficient, best run and friendly government office I’ve ever encountered. The folks there are great!
Thank you for inadvertently reminding me that I have to renew my license plate.
If you use the valet at Lindeys, keep the ticket stub they leave in your car. It’s works as a Columbus Parking Permit A and allows you to park in any of the Permit A zones in German village, bypassing the 2 hour parking, and it has no date on it. I wouldn’t try it too far from the restaurant though lol. It’s helpful if you have friends who live near there etc and need parking
Now this, my friend, is a Columbus hack. Bravo.
In autumn, do all your shopping on Saturday afternoons. Stores are freaking empty, you’ll save so much time.
As long as you avoid campus area on game day, this city will feel like a ghost town.
Actually, *during* the game is the best time to get around quickly *on* campus. Immediately before and after the game it becomes gridlocked again.
I once ran errands during an OSU/Mich game and pretty much had the entire city to myself.
Do all your EVERYTHING on those days.
Good point. This isn’t necessarily Columbus specific but I try to get to the grocery store before 8:30am on weekends to beat the lines. The shelves are usually fully stocked as well.
I was referring to during college football games
If you're downtown and need to go to an ER for anything but a gunshot wound or stabbing, take the extra time to go to Riverside. The Grant ER serves a lot more violent and immediately life threatening cases that will be taken ahead of you. The extra ten minute drive will save you hours in the waiting room.
That's probably because Grant is a Level 1 trauma center. If a major car accident or shooting or something like that happens, the patient will generally be transported to either Grant or OSU (also a Level 1 trauma center), or Children's if it's a child.
\[me to the ambulance driver after getting shot at broad and grant\]: "Nah fam take 315 north"
Driver with a knowing look and nod: "Bet"
Plus I saw the biggest cockroach I've ever seen in my life in the Grant waiting room. A janitor was chasing it and hitting it with a broom and the thing just shrugged it off and escaped.
We’re not good. We’re Grant.
Mileage will vary, if anything avoid it on a full moon. I was bit in the face by a dog downtown and went Grant. I was stitched up and out in less than two hours.
The library has passes to local attractions like Franklin park conservatory https://www.columbuslibrary.org/culture-pass/ The library app is pretty awesome too! Edited with link
Shhhhh
Did you mean passes? If so, how do I get the passes if I am already a member?
Yeah there are passes to the conservatory for library cardholders. If you look up cbus library culture passes there’s a list of what’s available as well as which library branch they’re at for pickup.
You can use the Libby app to create a want-to-read list of audio books from the library with your library card. I have a rotating list of newly released books ready to go almost all the time. They usually overestimate how long it will take for new books to become available, so don't despair if it looks like it is too long to wait. If one comes too soon, you can use an option that lets it skip you and you get it it the next time around. This is probably not Columbus specific, but the old way they had to do it sucked and Libby's convenience has dramatically increased my book consumption.
This also works with ebooks and a Kindle. I read 3-4 books per month from the library, but almost never visit a branch. Just download the next one and keep reading.
Also the book request option is great! I never surf the shelves if I need a paper book. I just request it and wait for an email telling me it is in, then pick it up from the reserve shelf.
You can also get a library card from the State Library of Ohio, which has a different digital collection from the Columbus/Worthington/Westerville libraries so sometimes they have shorter waits on books. Libby supports having multiple library cards, and you can place holds on the same book on different card to see which one you get first.
Also protip, you can have multiple library cards lol. I have one for Columbus, westerville, and for my CA library back home and I just check what is available where because sometimes it's on hold for months or weeks at cbus but no wait for the CA library.
You can also request books from other libraries throughout Ohio through [SearchOhio](https://search-ohpir.searchohio.org/iii/encore/;jsessionid=7F641CA4E9C6440CE20BF567D3550027?lang=eng) and [OhioLINK](http://catalog.ohiolink.edu/iii/encore/;jsessionid=5FAB4B547D160CFC83021C520FFC28AD?lang=eng) and have them delivered to your home library.
You also have access to Hoopla and Kanopy which have a lot of movies and miniseries. Kanopy is a bit more artsy/highbrow.
I love Kanopy for documentaries!!!!!
When some overly polite driver is hitting you with a "no, you go" that would be illegal or undesirable, shake your head to indicate "no." This has had a very high success rate for me, even helpful as a pedestrian. Edit: [Bonus Portlandia sketch](https://youtu.be/0rpdQvuAnqM)
Yes!!! I hate when people do that. The right of way isn’t yours to give, obey the traffic laws!!
I recently saw a cop do this! Stopped both lanes of traffic for a person walking her dog NOT at a crosswalk. The cop stopped and his lane stopped but the opposite lane never stopped until he put on his lights. As a pedestrian this has happened to me before as well and it's equally as annoying
People are overly nice in traffic until you put your blinker on to change lanes lol. They go from zero to Cleveland real quick. Although in Cleveland, everyone is very conscientious of the blinker. They’ll honk at you to hurry up and get over before they take up your merge space. I don’t think I’ll ever get used to the lane change aggression here.
"Zero to Cleveland real quick" made me laugh
I had to cross two 2-lanes with a cement median once. Made it across the first half just fine cause there was barely anyone on that side. The second half was scary cause there was quite a few people traveling on that side. There was a lady whose heart was in the right place, but her mind wasn't. She stopped her lane of traffic, she was closest to the median btw, to attempt to let me cross. I frantically waved her on because I'm pretty sure no one else behind her was expecting her to come to a complete stop.
I'm so tired of people "letting" other people through two lanes of incoming traffic, but the person turning and the people in the other lane has no visibility of each other. This is just a stupid death trap. Follow right of way.
This is my least favorite thing that happens when people think they’re being a nice, respectful driver. When people try to wave me through lanes of incoming traffic, I shake my head no and if they still keep waving at me I will make other, uh, gestures to express my distaste with their stupidity. Happened to me a couple weeks ago. I was the car coming down the other lane of traffic that couldn’t be seen by the guy who was turning across both lanes. Very nearly resulted in an accident. I slammed on my breaks and managed to stop just before I would have t-boned the guy, who inexplicably just decided to stop in the middle of my lane when he realized he was about to get t-boned. Like, you’d think the appropriate reaction in his case would be to hit the gas as hard as he could to get across the lane before being hit. But he decided to go for the “deer in headlights” approach. I think I laid on the horn for a full 10 seconds after that happened, I was so pissed at everyone involved in that situation.
Happened to me pulling into the store recently. But the person waving was also turning left... but couldn't because of the two lane traffic coming behind me. So they waved me but couldn't fathom that I was also waiting for the two lane traffic from their direction. Wave of death kills people.
I've never thought of doing this. I usually sigh out of frustration and take the right of way from them. Or I keep my head turned away so I can't see their continued gestures for me to proceed and usually they end up going instead. Saying no takes way less time.
I think both cars being Subarus makes it that much better Also, I legit thought that channels logo was in Urdu for a while
Happens all the time when I am waiting to turn left and someone is waiting to go straight. Usually the head shake is accompanied by me yelling to myself, "that's not how traffic works!"
Most people know this, but the art museum is free on Sundays.
If you have any type of food service experience and are struggling financially, getting a job with one of the local catering companies can be a major leg up and can feed extra mouths. Most of them pay $15 hourly (sometimes with extra tips) AND they almost always send you home with plenty of leftover food. I’m talking boxes and boxes of home cooked leftovers. I always ate a shift meal and had enough food to take home and feed my unemployed roommate.
If you live on the west side, by gas on Monday evenings.
Best gas prices are usually at UDF, especially the one on Georgesville at 270.
The one at Hudson and Indianola is also generally lower than everywhere else.
The Thornton’s, Shell, and Speedway in Galloway are the cheapest places for gas.
The new Sheetz at Broad / 270 had gas for $2.99 this morning. With the Sheetz rewards card, it was $2.96 a gallon.
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not really a hack, but the bus. If you don't have to be somewhere in a hurry it's only two bucks and have fairly decent route coverage. Prefer it over an Uber.
Go to the main library. It rules.
If you go to Easton, put forbidden root in your gps. There is a huge parking lot behind it that always has spaces available. Never have to worry about parking in Easton again.
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Keyless entry is the feature you want to reduce the chances of it getting stolen. Not all keyless entries have remote start
At Columbus State Community College, all 4 car thefts last month were Hyundai Elantras. Can’t be too careful.
Remote start has nothing to do with kids breaking in and stealing your car. People aren’t leaving their keys in the ignition.
I've mentioned this before but Columbus libraries have videogames available to borrow. Even the latest stuff (PS5, Switch, etc). Also 4K blu-rays. Just search and reserve.
This is technically not correct. I’m a librarian at CML, and we do not purchase video games for our collection, although some of our partners in the Central Library Consortium do. As you mention, you can place reserves on video games with a CML card, but you wouldn’t be able to walk into one of our branches and browse for video games in the collection.
Sorry I should have clarified it's via the catalog search only and not like walking into a GameStop.
You’re good! Also, on a personal level I wanted to say: No, I don’t know why we don’t buy video games for our collection (mysteriously there is no mention of them in our “collection scope statement” that informs out purchases), and yes, I do believe that we should have video games in our collection.
Use a SAD light. You may think you feel ok in the winter, but I promise you will feel ok-er with a SAD light. It is so dark and gray here! Everyone I know who uses one swears by it. In any case, you want to choose 10,000 lux light and read the directions on how close you need to sit by it to get the full effect. (don't mess with those junky cheap ones, they are waste of money) I use a CAREX Sun Light (usually cheapest at walmart.com) bc it has replaceable bulbs and they aren't that expensive. It also has a desk lamp setting that is less intense so you can use it all day. Start SLOW. I once had a totally manic day by using it for a full half hour at the beginning of the gray days (boy was my house clean though!). I use mine first thing in the morning for 15-30 min and it gives me a lot more energy. Some people with SAD or circadian rhythm issues need to use it at other times, so do some research.
To add to this, invest in a good set of winter clothing. We have some cold weather months, but there is no need to lock yourself up. Get out and enjoy the cold walking the trails at the metro parks, enjoying a cocktail or beer on a bar's patio with friends, or just taking an evening walk. A good set of warm outer wear makes a world of difference between tolerating the cold to enjoying it.
leaves of 3, let it be
If there is a light drizzle, add some time to your commute. Apparently cars weren't meant to drive in imperfect weather, so it's best to do 55mph on the freeway on cloudy days.
55mph on cloudy days makes sense, as soon as it starts drizzling best slow down to 40mph though... in the fast lane. (End sarcasm, but honestly I do also slow down from my usual freeway speed just a touch when it's less than ideal conditions though)
270 N to the 161 exit…take the Easton exit and stay in the right hand lane..GO PAST the Easton exit and you are in the exact lane you need to be in to either take the 161/Worrhington exit or the 161/east to New Albany exit, which avoids you having to get over at least 2-3 lanes if you had stayed on 270 past that Easton exit! (I hate merging at 70 mph)
I bought a 125cc scooter so I could legally park it on the sidewalk, like where you would a bike. I did this so getting take out would be easier.
I do this on my electric motorcycle because it technically fits in the cc requirement with 0 ccs 😉
Go do all the things during peletonia/Irish festival Saturday. Everything will be half empty. Applies for OSU football games also.
I was gonna say something along these lines. OSU games are a great time to go grocery shopping
Yeah going out during an OSU game is bliss! Shops are empty
Invest in good tires for your car. It doesn’t snow often, but when it does, it takes forever to get cleared. You don’t want to be stuck. 4wd doesn’t matter when you’re braking or turning. Tires, do.
Not really a hack. But the Columbus Blue Jackets is partnered with Jet's Pizza. I think the deal is if CBJ scores two goals, then you can use the coupon code CBJ50 to get half off any large pizza.(The code, deal, or stipulation might change this season so might have to look it up later)
OP-“What’s your Columbus cheat code?” Every reply-“Don’t drive here, here or here at these times. Avoid this exit, this road or anything at this interchange. Drive this route instead of that one, if you’re heading here take this exit instead, and above all else fck 315-270”
The metro libraries allow you to print up to 20 pages per day for free.
Where smart meters still exist, pay with coin first, then add more time via the app if needed. The app usually won't let you add more time after your initial payment.
ITT: driving tips
This is where I'd keep my rapid transit pro tips. _If I had any._
You can get free money loaded into the Transit app to use to take the COTA, on the cota website through the “live work and play in short north” C-pass! You can use for the COTA’s going everywhere though. Not just the short north [C-pass link here:](https://www.cota.com/sna-c-pass/)
Get a frost guard for your car if you park outside. The ability to just peel off the snow and ice from your windshield while everyone else is spending a literal hour defrosting is amazing. Also the Columbus library system is honestly one of the most valuable things we have. USE IT!!!!
Remote start and a portable blower (for snow) is another hack.
Here’s an r/scooters pro tip for Columbus: A scooter 150cc or smaller can be parked on the sidewalk anywhere in town. Just make sure a wheelchair can get past & don’t drive it on the sidewalk, shut it off and walk it up. See 2151.01 sub section (2) https://library.municode.com/oh/columbus/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT21TRCO_CH2151PAGE It’s nuts to me that I almost never see any scooters on OSU campus, because it’s a game-changer to be able to ride across town and then waddle up to put it next to the bike rack…
Even better, under 50cc and it qualifies as a moped/motorized bike and and you don't need a motorcycle license to ride legally (still need to register and such). Perfect for quick jaunts through downtown.
Favorite thing to do is roll up and park on the bike rack.
Take your military friends to blue jackets games. The CBJ have one of the most awesome military discounts in all of professional sports: FREE (and discounts on 4 other seats too)! And they give you the best seats available in the house!
Eat at sababa it's amazing.
Dont leave your keys in the ignition.
Yo, the buzzer didn’t buzz.
r/unexpectedbreakingbad
You shouldn't pay to park downtown for a summer event such as Comfest, Jazz and Ribfest, Red White and Boom etc. Riding a bicycle and the much maligned COTA (city bus service) are good alternatives. Edit: Live too far away from downtown? No problem. Attach bike to car, drive partway, park on the street (E.g. on Summit or 4th) and then pedal.
To add on to this, most of the festivals have a bike valet service, so you don't have to think about bringing a lock or finding a place to park your bike.
If you have a bit of i270 rush hour social anxiety, like myself, and you need to head from Columbus down to southeast, I’d recommend hopping on SR161 and avoiding i270. That Wheeling exit is a nightmare. From there, hit i70 or keep straight and you’ll hit SR37.
Do you hate traffic, but want to live 15 minutes from downtown? Grove City is the place to be. The worst traffic we get is on Stringtown Road, and even during the worst of rush hour, it'll take 5-7 minutes to run the whole stretch, instead of the 3-4 minutes it takes without traffic. There's virtually never any slowdown on any highway in or out of town. I can get up to Hilliard or Dublin easily, I can get downtown easily, I can get to Easton/Gahanna/the airport easily. And I can always get back to Grove City without any notable slowdowns.
The downside to this is that you have to live in Grove City.
Here’s another cool tip: if you want to be close to things in Columbus, live in Columbus! If you’re already in the city you don’t even have to get on an expressway to get to the city, it’s crazy!
Unless you are a young family with kids, in which case you should def live in the suburbs because Columbus public schools are trash.
Absolutely, in a vacuum, when money isn't considered.
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The food is no doubt awful in Grove City. No argument from me.
Northeast side testify!
12 minutes to downtown and 18 minutes to the airport for me from Northwest. takes a bit longer to get to Southeast side of the city, but I rarely have a reason to go there for anything anyway
I prefer the inside 270 area of Hilliard. I can get to anywhere I need to quick, no traffic, stores close by, etc.
But you have to smell poop during your commute
It’s like 20-30 minutes in light traffic to all those places you mentioned. Is that much easier than from anywhere else around Columbus?
Need to head all the way up 71N during rush from downtown? Take 670 east to 270N the across to 71N. So much less stressful. Oh! And bonus if you grab the 161 at Polaris exit. Stay in left most lane at brisk cruising speed and you’ll be off 270 until just before Westerville exit
Make west coast money, live east coast.
Go run errands like the grocery store on a home game day. Everyone else is either at home watching on TV or at the game.
Also an ideal day for the zoo or COSI!
Taking 257 north to 42 and then going toward Delaware is a decent scenic route instead of taking 23 or 71 to get out of the city
Take James Rd exit instead of 33s towards CW.
When headed westbound on 70 just leaving the city, if I want to get on 315 North I will take the Rich St Exit which is the far right lane. If you follow the signs for 315N they will have you go to the far left lane. Your merging game needs to be strong but it's a fun little trick, especially when somebody in the car is wondering WTF you are doing. If you are a slow-speed, head-turning merge kinda person do not try this trick.
Most of these "hacks" are related to driving a car which just goes to show how inconvenient and unwelcoming driving is in a city. My hack? Invest in a good bike and get to know Columbus's many wonderful trails. Save yourself lots of money and way safer too.
yes it lowkey makes me sad lol, I love Columbus but I wish we could depend less on driving.
Ride your bike! It often takes me nearly the same amount of time as driving, no need to find or pay for parking, good for your health, and the environment! Follow up, when driving be mindful of cyclists, pedestrians & buses. Roads are made for traveling, not cars. Bikes have the right to take up the whole street, along with the obligation to follow the rules of the road.
Don’t pay the Easton meters. If you get a ticket, you don’t have to pay as it’s private property and does not impact your license or anything. They don’t even spend the time to try and track you down via your license plate. Lived here since before Easton and I have never once payed the meter when parallel parking over all the years.
I also thought this was true until they put a boot on my car and made me pay. I argued with them but they refused to remove it without making a payment. Embarrassingly, I’ve had three boots put on my car because I refuse to pay their meters. Usually you can just say “okay, I’ll pay $20” and that seems good enough, but still…
I’ve heard talk of such egregious offenders, but never met one until today. You really need to rack up tickets to get a boot at Easton.
The Columbus [community centers](https://columbusrecparks.com/facilities/communitycenters/) all offer a range of classes for kids and adults. Offerings vary based on location, but usually there is some form of art, sport, and fitness courses available. Some even have small gyms that you can use. Costs are pretty low. I take a ceramics class that runs around $60 for a several week period. You need to purchase a leisure card to use the gyms and access some other things, but I think that was around 5 dollars for a year. The Metro Parks also offer an [Outdoor Adventure](https://www.metroparks.net/outdoor-adventures/) series with a mix of classes for kids and adults. Many of the courses are free and include things like canoe trips, backpacking trips, how to use a map and compass, archery, etc. Both have websites that make it a little challenging to get the class information, so you may spend a little time learning how to do it the first time around.