The Gates of Hell in north Columbus is one of those eerie local spots that sticks with you. It's an…read moreold, graffiti-covered tunnel that feels straight out of an urban legend--dark, damp, and definitely creepy once you step inside. The echo of footsteps, the dripping water, and the way the light disappears the deeper you go all add to the unsettling vibe. It's not an official attraction, more of a hidden curiosity, but if you're into spooky local history and a little adventure, it's worth checking out. Just be prepared--it definitely earns its name. I was there alone and I got a sketchy vibe from it. Nothing happened, of course, but you always want to be aware of your surroundings. Maybe pick up a rock incase someone there has ill intent.

This is smack dab in the middle of unhoused encampment. Because this is sort of a see at your own…read morerisk it is unkempt. I'm not sure if the storm over the weekend made it worse but we could figure out how to get around the water or if there was a less dangerous way of seeing it.

Ogun is one of the pieces within the Elemental Gardens located at Reed Road Park. This eye-catching…read moresculpture is made of metal and was created by Steve Bush.The beautiful reds and oranges contribute to the feeling of fire evoked by the piece. It is named for god of metal work that is part of several African religions. Very nice piece that is easy to stop by and enjoy as you follow the multi-purpose trail around the park.

This is a powerful memorial to 9/11. It features three metal pieces combined with a black stone…read moreplaque with a message inscribed upon it. It is in a garden bed on one side of the station, so, depending on the season, it may be surrounded by shrubs, flowers, or the like. The piece was designed by Eric Spence. It's thought-provoking.

This is a nice addition to the Elemental Gardens in Reed Road Park - the sculpture itself is made…read moreof metal, but in a nice twist in its garden setting, it was given a location within a formal plant grouping as part of a bosquet. The plants are tall grass bunches that serve as a nice backdrop for the abstract sculpture, which was created by C. Jere. This is easy to stop by and enjoy when strolling around the multi-purpose trail at the park.

The journey is a massive public art mural located in the short north community of downtown Columbus…read moreOhio. The mural actually consists of 3 pieces. 2 gigantic ones on each side of the tall downtown building and a smaller one with birds at the ground level. All 3 murals is very colorful and vibrant and are well done by the artist. My favorite of the 3 is the large weight on your shoulders rendering. But all 3 are well done. Overall very cool piece is a public art heavy short north area. Fun stroll to take for public art lovers like me and my family.

This mural is one of the newest in the Short North neighborhood and it is by far the biggest!…read moreActually, it's officially confirmed as the tallest in all of central Ohio, coming in at 11 stories tall and 11,000 square feet total between the three pieces (located on both sides of the building). It even includes an "augmented reality" component which can make it a 3D experience. It's also the largest of its kind in the entire world, pretty rad right?! We're lucky to have such an abundance of art in Columbus and I'm glad this piece is here to stay. While it wasn't painted by local artists, it was painted by two extremely talented artists from LA and was inspired by Columbus and the large number of immigrants that come here, specifically from Somalia. The Short North Arts District did a write up on it last summer and it was really cool to learn more about the different components of the artwork and the stories of courage and resilience it portrays. The colors are super vibrant and I love how you can see it from a distance as you walk down High St. I live in the area and greatly enjoyed watching it go up, as it did so rather quickly in my opinion. While I walk by it often, I can't help myself, I always have to stop and snap a picture and admire it. I suggest you do the same!

This is such a sweet bronze sculpture designed by Alfred Tibor. It depicts a child taking a second…read morestep towards a parent/adult caregiver. It is located near the barn at Sunny 95 Park, and it really fits the location as so many kids and caregivers visit the area!

The Guardian is a downtown Columbus Ohio public art sculpture that my oldest daughter and I came…read moreacross whole exploring the short north area of the city. Upon initially finding this piece we both thought it was a wooden sculpture of thee famed Pinocchio character. Turns out it is not Pinocchio the wooden figure who wants to be a real big. But instead it is the guardian of Columbus Ohio. Overall a unique and interesting sculpture that stands out in a short north community that is jam packed with all sorts of public art. So it was a fun piece and a cool memorable photo op.

Located at the end of the Bakersfield patio, this vibrant piece of artwork is sure to catch your…read moreattention. According to the Short North Art District, this piece was a collaborative effort made by a local band, a musician, and his mother. It was inspired by a joyful song and brought to fruition last summer. Word on the street is it's permanent, here stay in the neighborhood for all to see. Whoever the gentleman is hiding behind the sunflower, while he might get a little hot in that suit, he sure embraces spring. Flowers, strawberries, rain clouds, and muddy paw prints really bring this artwork to life. I love walking by it and always smile. I should really look up the band and album to get even further insight, but until then, I'll continue to stroll by and gawk at its colorful presence.

I've driven past this multiple times going into historic Dublin, but only finally remembered I…read moreshould stop to find out more about this piece of art! It's a good-sized structure that memorializes George M Karrer's blacksmith shop, which historically sat in this space back in the 1800s. It was designed by Brower Hatcher, and has several elements intended to reflect this history, which can be seen as you study the structure. I found it particularly thought provoking when I read that the name, simulation, is emulated by the use of the green and gold framing, with the idea that it is a computer simulation of the workshop. What a neat way to capture a piece of history!