Both the capital of the Buckeye State and the home of The Ohio State University, Columbus is a continuous hub of academic, political, cultural, and sports activity.

(PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES/DENNIS FLAHERTY)

Ohio became a state in 1803 with just 3,500 residents. Because of its proximity to key transportation routes, Columbus grew extensively in its early years, blossoming from only 700 citizens in 1815 to more than 4,000 by 1834. Today, Columbus is home to The Ohio State University and more than 747,000 residents.

Columbus is home to a wide variety of attractions—exceptional restaurants, specialty shops, and a renowned zoo made famous by Jack Hanna. The city's metro area is made up of several unique neighborhoods that bring an eclectic feel to this exciting metropolis.

Situated downtown, the Short North area offers a plethora of unique shops and art galleries. Close by is the Victorian Village, named for the large number of spectacularly ornate Victorian homes in the area. Located just south is the charming neighborhood of German Village. This distinctive neighborhood offers lovely gardens, historic homes, and exclusive shops such as Caterina Ltd., which sells European art and gifts.

The area is also known for its one-of-a-kind restaurants like Schmidt's Restaurant und Sausage Haus, which specializes in German food. Schmidt's has served the community for more than 100 years. This community is also host to an annual Oktoberfest featuring German beer, food, and music.

EXHILARATING SPORTS

Columbus may bleed scarlet and gray for its Ohio State Buckeyes football team every Saturday during the college football season, but the city also offers sports enthusiasts an assortment of professional teams. Both the NHL's Columbus Blue Jackets and the Arena Football League's Columbus Destroyers play at Nationwide Arena. Major League Soccer's Columbus Crew compete at the appropriately named Columbus Crew Stadium. The Columbus Clippers, the Triple-A affiliate of the Cleveland Indians, began this season in the new Huntington Park.

Columbus is a vibrant city that maintains a small-town feeling while still offering an array of big-city amenities. It offers culture, recreation, and a wealth of healthcare opportunities.

MEDICAL CENTERS

The Ohio State University Medical Center was established in 1834 in Willoughby and moved to Columbus in 1846. The 900-bed facility specializes in organ transplantation, digestive diseases, and critical care. The hospital has the only adult transplant program in central Ohio. Nationwide Children's Hospital opened in 1894 with nine beds. Today, the facility has 352 licensed beds and in 2007 became the first hospital in the world with a congenital hybrid cardiac operating suite. Other specialties include neonatal medicine, oncology, and hepatology. Riverside Methodist Hospital, founded in 1892, has a medical staff of more than 1,200 physicians. The hospital has been ranked as one of America's Best Hospitals by U.S. News & World Report for seven consecutive years. The facility has been named one of the top 50 hospitals in the country for excellence in heart surgery, cancer care, neurosciences, and ear, nose, and throat care.