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Story and photos by Amy Lynch You don't have to go very far in Columbus to get a taste of what the town is all about - namely, great art and architecture. Signing up for one of several tour options at the Visitors Center is certainly a fun and informative way to see what's what, but it's easy enough to simply stroll around and take in the town's more than 40 attractive public art offerings. Walking through Columbus seeking out public art is like embarking on your very own private treasure hunt. The Visitors Center itself is actually a great place to start, where employees can offer helpful tips on do-it-yourself excursions. The facility is also home to the brilliant "Yellow Neon Chandelier and Persians" chandelier by Dale Chihuly hanging in the stairwell. The flower-like creation is visible through the front windows of the building; guests are welcome to come inside for a closer look and great photo ops from several angles. Large-scale sculptures abound in Columbus, from the kinetic "Chaos I" masterpiece by Jean Tinguely housed in the Commons building to Jo Saylors' playful "Crack the Whip" bronze creation of four children chasing each other and Dessa Kirk's glorious "Eos," a tribute to the Greek winged goddess of the dawn. Renowned sculptor Henry Moore designed the looming arch that adorns the plaza outside the Bartholomew County Public Library, and a series of expansive murals grace the walls of Columbus buildings. And gearheads will want to stop in Cummins corporate headquarters to see Rudolph de Harak's intriguing "Exploded Engine" in the lobby. The landscaping outside is lovely, too. Kids can even get in on the action with a visit to the hands-on Luckey Climber, also located within the Commons. At 35 feet tall, this is Columbus' largest (and perhaps most interactive) piece of public art. The public bike racks scattered throughout downtown also double as art with a colorful "C" design in keeping with the city's marketing efforts. For more information about Columbus' vibrant collection of public art, call (800) 468-6564 or (812) 378-2622, or go to www.columbus.in.us.
Editor's note: The Columbus Area Arts Council's 2014 Sculpture Biennial will bring eight new sculptures to be installed in the Columbus Arts District in June. Additionally, a granite and limestone piece by local sculptor Martin Beach, commissioned by the Columbus Area Arts Council and the Columbus Museum of Art and Design, will be installed on the newly-refurbished space between the Columbus Visitors Center and the Bartholomew County Public Library. We can't wait to check out all of the new public art that will be added this summer! Check out blogger Darren Bradley's stunning photos from his recent visit to Columbus. Go here to view.
Check out blogger Darren Bradley's stunning photos of Miller House and Garden from his recent visit to Columbus. Go here to view.
Story and Photos by Amy Lynch If you’re geared up for a shopping-based girlfriends getaway, the Hilton Garden Inn Columbus/Edinburgh’s got you covered, and makes a lovely spot to rest your weary head at the end of a fun-filled day spent scouring the stores. The hotel’s year-round Shop and Stay package sweetens the deal even further. All you have to do is tack on an extra $20 to the regular room rate, and you’ll receive a $25 gift card and a VIP coupon book for Edinburgh Premium Outlets, a $20 gift certificate to use at the on-site Garden Grill, early check-in, late check-out, and a gift bag filled with snacks and goodies. If the weather’s nice, you don’t even have to get in the car — Edinburgh Premium Outlets and the Exit 76 Antique Mall are within walking distance of the hotel, as are Montana Mike’s, Max and Erma’s, Ruby Tuesday’s, and other popular eateries. Located just off I-65 at Exit 76B, the Hilton Garden Inn opened in 2008 and has been consistently ranked among the top Hilton Garden Inns in the state and also been recognized as a Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence Award Winner. Proximity to Columbus, a town that celebrates art and aesthetics, means this is no ordinary franchise hotel. Thoughtful interior design and interesting décor welcome guests the moment they step through the door. A mosaic tiled floor at the entrance echoes the spire of Eero Saarinen’s otherworldly North Christian Church, and framed photos throughout the common spaces of the hotel pay tribute to Columbus’ most notable architecture attractions. Soaring Greek columns, Tiffany-style lighting, and cozy seating around the fireplace make the lobby a perfect place to hang out and relax. It’s fun to simply stroll around the hotel and take in all the artsy details, nearly like walking though an art gallery. There are 125 luxurious guest rooms and suites to settle into here, and amenities like an indoor pool, hot tub, 24-hour business center, free Wi-fi, adjustable Garden Sleep Systems and in-room microwaves and mini-fridges make it easy for guests to feel right at home. Our two-room suite provided tons of room to spread out, a whirlpool tub with separate shower, and another half-bathroom. After a quick spin on the elliptical machine in the fitness room, we cleaned up and headed downstairs for dinner. Open for dinner daily, the friendly Garden Grill attracts a regular crowd of customers who aren’t even staying at the hotel with a newly revamped menu of flatbreads, burgers, and entrees. Our wine arrived in some of the biggest glasses we’ve ever seen, and the tasty avocado-topped Smokehouse Cheddar Burger is sure to satisfy the hungriest of appetites (we recommend the addictively crunchy sweet potato kettle chips on the side). In the morning, the Garden Grill starts the day off right with a full hot breakfast buffet that includes pastries, French toast, fresh fruit, oatmeal, and made-to-order omelets. Besides the Shop and Stay Getaway, this Hilton Garden Inn also offers an array of other package deals that include Columbus architecture tours, dinner and a movie, canoeing, and bed and breakfast accommodations. For more information:
Hilton Garden Inn Edinburgh/Columbus 12210 N. Executive Dr., Edinburgh (812) 526-8600 Visit website > |