Columbus East Side Crossroads: Night On the Town
By Giles Kennedy Family and Travel Columnist
Columbus Wired
(Photo Gallery by Author; except for images from East Market. Credit for Photos to East Market Photographer)
Lights at a world famous conservatory and gardens, an up and coming district south of it, and a well known brewery?
Get a sitter, clear the calendar and I will tell more about the East Side havens of Franklin Park, East Market and Columbus Brewing Company’s Food Hall
Most of Central Ohio and the world think of Franklin Park as a daytime destination.
There are many evening events and special engagements that the public can enjoy.
The main evening event is Conservatory Aglow around the holidays. Various after hours adult events, cooking and horticulture events are offered.
Check their special events and ticket pages for details.
https://www.fpconservatory.org/plan-a-visit/upcoming-events/
Chihuly Nights are featured every month geared more to you and your special someone.
Even painting and craft nights are in the mix.
My wife and I enjoyed Conservatory Aglow. They did offer the Garden Cafe and a couple food trucks for dining fare. We were a little more adventurous than that.
The East Market offers a small footprint of North Market's well known vendors; including the Bearded Baker.
https://eastmarketcolumbus.com/
More on the Bearded Baker in a moment.
https://www.thebeardedbakerllc.com/
Great thing, they have a great variety. Downside; unless special events....they are only open until 9 p.m.
During the summer is their high time for movie nights (which a lot feature stuff for the kids), and various concerts and gatherings.
Their next door neighbor; the Columbus Brewing Company Beer Hall; is most certainly open later.
https://columbusbrewing.com/location/beer-hall/
On top of CBC's beers on tap and their own menu; they partnered with the Bearded Baker to provide desserts.
They are a featured bar on the Columbus Blue Jackets Bar Network, wide dining spaces in the hall is family friendly. It is also perfect for that date night getaway as well.
Brett, our friendly server; had a few hiccups...but recovered like a champ. True Central Ohio perseverance. Friendly staff, great food and portions, and the environment has an overall great experience.
All buildings in the "Trolley District" were rebuilt buildings from the former Columbus Railway and Light Company.
With close proximity to Franklin Park; this is a go to destination for a night out.
Remember, life is an adventure. Get out and enjoy it!
