:: in.a.mirror.dimly ::

Ohio has been one of those states for me that has “stood in the way” of one thing or another, but has never been a destination in and of itself. Whether driving out to college in Indiana, returning home to the East Coast, or retracing my steps to visit friends in Indiana, I can’t recall any times that I’ve set out specifically for Ohio.

I know the eastern section of the state spills onward with long, rolling hills, firming up into flat land before hitting Columbus at the center, and then remaining flat for the duration of I-70 into the notoriously level region of central and northern Indiana.

This past weekend we visited some friends in Columbus to give them a hand with their newborn. It was my first time spending an extended weekend specifically in Ohio.

I’m happily living in the North East now, near ocean and respectable little mountains, and so I didn’t expect to leave Ohio pining to move out there. Believe me, nothing of the sort happened. However, I did see some encouraging signs that Columbus has some good things going for it, even if some sections of the city still need some help.

I was most impressed to see the growth of its own local food culture. With North Market and its farmers market, as well as numerous restaurants in the stadium/arena district and in short north, I saw local businesses growing and even flourishing. I’ve driven through enough dead mid west towns with a hollow shell of a downtown and a booming strip lined with traffic lights just outside of town with every chain restaurant and store imaginable.

While Columbus has that for sure, we drove through many parts of the city that felt well-planned out and cared-for. Neighborhoods throughout the city have their own farmers markets, and several small businesses we visited seemed to be weathering these tough economic times.

Each morning I picked up a great cup of coffee at Crimson Cup Coffee Roasters and on Saturday we had incredible home-made ice cream at Jeni’s in North Market. These are bright spots that I hope are a foretaste of good things to come for Columbus—good things that I hope will continue to extend throughout each neighborhood.