CENTRAL OHIO includes not only the capital city but is also the largest concentration of people and economic activity in North America. Columbus is surrounded by the interstate outerbelt where villages, towns and cities have prospered because of their unique qualities and close proximity to Columbus. Even municipalities further out have seen recent growth as bedroom communities offering unique living and visiting experiences.
The major cities inside the city limits of Columbus include Bexley, Worthington, Upper Arlington and Whitehall. Communities outside the city limits include Dublin, Westerville, Gahanna, Reynoldsburg, Canal Winchester, Groveport, Grove City, and Hilliard. Additional towns include Powell and Pickerington. Satellite communities include Circleville, Lancaster, Newark, Delaware, Plain City, Marysville and London.
Central Ohio Shopping Destinations
Shopping is always an important consideration when visiting certain areas. Central Ohio has several destination shopping areas worth noting. One of the premiere shopping destinations is Easton Shopping District. This is the model for village-style shopping on a large scale. Another major shopping area is Polaris just north of Columbus.
Polaris has multiple shopping districts that includes the big-name high fashion stores such as Macys, Saks Fifth Avenue and Von Maur, plus a recently expanded mall that added the village-style attraction. There's a variety of unique dining opportunities
If you're a connoisseur of food shopping, then you have to check out the new Market District developed by Giant Eagle. This is a food shopping destination and is only 1 of 4 at this time in the entire country and the only one in Ohio.
Located in the recently renovated Kingsdale Shopping Center in Upper Arlington, Market District has fresh foods from all over the country and fresh produce from far away spots around the globe. Besides the usual grocery store items, you can find over 400 types of cheese, coffee beans roasted to order, grind-your-own peanut butter from a variety of nuts, and a large wine selection. Fresh, oven-baked foods are available for either take-out or dine in.
Columbus Zoo & Aquarium
The Columbus Zoo & Aquarium is one of the nations top zoological gardens and a must see for anyone visiting Central Ohio. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is open year round and always has something special for visitors. The zoo is ranked as the #1 zoo destination by USA Travel Guide and is best known as being the hometown zoo for America's favorite wild animal guy: Jack Hanna.
More Columbus Zoo & Aquarium 
Central Ohio Bike Trails
Columbus and Central Ohio offers an ever growing number of miles for local bicyclists. Columbus has about 48 miles of completed bike trails, primarily along the streams and rivers of the city. An additional 10 miles should be completed in the next year or so. The goal is to have about 165 miles of trails winding through the Central metro area that hook up with many miles of local networks in the suburbs and neighboring towns.
For those looking to get involved in organized activities, Central Ohio is home to the long-time favorite Tour of the Ohio Scioto River Valley, a 210 mile weekend trip from Columbus to Portsmouth and back. Pelatonia is a new bike tour organized to raise funds for a cancer cure. For more current information about other organized events, check out the Ohio Cycling web site.
