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The Ohio Statehouse is the oldest working statehouse in the nation. It was built in 1839 in the center of the state. The state capitol, Columbus, was built later, around the structure.

Today, unlike many state capitols that sit atop hills or are removed from common use. the Ohio Statehouse sits in the middle of downtown Columbus and is surrounded by skyscrapers. The lawn of the statehouse and its giant steps are the regular destination for many who want to sit outside for lunch or conversation. Sometimes, there is the additional “entertianment” of live music or a protest.

Inside the Statehouse, are the offices of the state senators, and other legislative staff, as well as the committee rooms where state laws are debated. All such hearings, of course, are open to the public.

The building is very photogenic.

The Short North is one of the great neighborhood (or aggregate neighborhood) of Columbus. It is acutally several neighborhoods in one: Victorian Village, Italian Village, Harrison West, North Market, and part of “Campus” (i.e. the neighborhood surrounding Ohio State University).

The architecture in the neighborhood is a varied assortment of late 19th c. buildings, from mansions for the wealthy to the smaller houses of “Flytown,” an Irish settlement near Gooddale Park, and the row houses of Italian Village.

WHERE TO EAT + TALK: The Short North is consistently home to approximately 8 of the Top Ten restaurants of Columbus, a city renowned for it scooking. Rigsby’s, Liu Pon Xi, L’Antibes, Martini, R. J. Snappers, and other High Street restaurants make up the high end market. Mac’s Café, Barley’s Brewery, ZenCha Tea Salon, Northstar Café, and other High Street venues offer a cheaper menu and cater to those who want to hang around to talk for a while.

THEGALLERYHOP: On the first Saturday of each month, the art galleries and other businesses feature high and low calibre art all day long. The neighborhood is packed. It is a great night for walking the length of High Street from 5th Ave. south to Gooddale Blvd. There is much art, people-watching, clothing stores, live music, and people-watching along the way.

Much more could be said of this neighborhood.

Café Apropos is well-situated on a secondary street in the Short North district of Columbus. The coffee shop has many large windows that offer good views of other interesting late 19th c. buildings.

The owner is usually present to run his own shop (even until 11:00PM) and he takes care to make certain that the desserts are presented well and that the shop is clean.

The coffee shop also offers free wireless Internet access and has numerous electrical outlets running on the exterior walls for laptop users.

Although this venue is commendable in many ways, it is also notable that the temperature in the shop is always too hot, probably about 15°F higher than what is comfortable. While the coffee will wake you up, the temperature will put you to sleep. Yet, overall, Café Apropos is worth a visit and many return visits.