German Village Society

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Contributor

Joined 10 years ago

An authentic ethnic town with architecture that packs in the tourists.. Overview
Tourists flock to this privately-funded historic district, especially to Schiller Park and its open-air Shakespeare performances. The area's distinctive look is created by brick streets, wrought-iron fences and not-exactly-German architecture: buildings with Queen Ann and Italianate features, story-and-a-half brick cottages and Dutch Doubles. Yards are small, but residents have created elaborate gardens.

The Experience
Germans immigrating to America in the mid-1800s formed a prosperous settlement in Columbus, but by the 1950s the area was in severe decline. The German Village Society worked to restore houses and businesses that are now on the National Register of Historic Places. Other highlights include devouring cream puffs at Schmidt's Sausage Haus and browsing the Book Loft, the Golden Hobby Shop and Helen Winnemore's gift shop. Franklin Art Glass Studios on Sycamore gave Tiffany a run for its money back in the day.

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cmh2

Joined 9 years ago

other sites. I agree with jhl1. Although German Village is a must see if you are in Columbus, don't think that is all to see when it comes to history and architecture. The quaint little brick structures were only a very small part of the architecture and history of this city. The movers and shaker who built this city at the turn of the century built grand masions along Neil ave between dowtown and OSU and along east Broad Street, Bryden Road, Woodland Ave (just north of Franklin Park) and Hawthorn Park just west off of Woodland Ave. Members of prominent families built 3,000-12,000 square foot homes on many of these streets and their architecture is breathtaking. Please explore this city and don't miss out on some amazing sites that may not be in the tourist brochures. Have fun and explore this wonderful city full of amazing sites in all corners!!

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kerbear1026

Joined 11 years ago

should be ranked better. German Village deserves to be in the top 5 of great destinations to go to in Columbus. it's got great food, history, and culture....and beautiful scenery!

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jhl1

Joined 11 years ago

not the only historic neighborhood. German Village is a great place to start a historic tour of Columbus but do not forget the myriad of there historic communities with even greater diversity of architecture and housing styles. Check out Olde Towne East, Franklin Park Neighborhood or Woodland Park on the city's near east side to see truly unique one of a kind mansions ranging from 2,000 sf to over 10,000 and compromising all architectural styles from the 1850's-1940's. Also visit the 98 acres of Franklin Park and Conservatory for a truly beautiful visit to a neighborhood park. Visit Victorian Village or Italian Village to get you fill of Victorian or Italianate architecture or see Clintonville for a craftsman's delight of houses. Business and unique shopping experiences are available nearby all these communities. For a truly spectacular tour of historic neighborhoods visit Bexley, just east of Alum creek to see truly amazing homes.