downtownsnob

Hustler home lives on

Maybe I watched The People v. Larry Flynt too long ago ("If the First Amendment will protect a scumbag like me, it will protect all of you.") Or maybe I'm just  not up on my pornographer trivia. But, somehow I did not realize that the Hustler enterprise had once fled Cincy for the much-less-strict confines of Columbus.

But history lives to tale the tell, my friends. Larry's downtown offices remain, largely unchanged since the heady days of the 70s. The digital problem solvers at Shift Global once toured the space when they were looking for new digs and sent along these appropriately-grainy pics.

At first, it looks pretty normal, right? I mean a little more faux brick and smoked glass than one might prefer. And, the wood in on the walls rather than the floor, but still, it doesn't scream cocaine-has-been-snorted-off-every-surface-in-here.

But, then, there's this gem of a lobby:

Tell me you don't want to work there!

Last I heard, the space is still available. Shift has much classier digs in the Merchant Exchange building. Leaving this little peice of history to live on, undisturbed, in the heart of downtown.

German Village's couples and dogs resurface

Another curious winter is passing. A chilly time when German Village appears to be peopled with ... well, people. One by one - seemingly capable of moving about on their own - they spend the winter months jogging, carrying recycled shopping bags, darting from shop to shop - a chunk of cheese or a fresh-baked bread in hand.

Leaving many to question: What happened to the canines that we thought ran this place?

And, what the heck happened to all the couples who romance the heck out of it?

Well, alas, spring is upon us. Today was a balmy 60-degrees and crowded. Schiller Park was overrun with couples so optimistic - with their brunch-filled bellies and cupcake-stocked bags - that they actually sat on the grass! (The toilet of at least half of GV's population).

And the dogs! Back from wherever they are sent in the winter. Giant poodles leaping into the air. Weimaraners galloping to and fro. Mutts careening toward deflated tennis balls.

It's downtown as it was meant to be. Pasty Midwesterners emerging from the dark winter. Heck, it's nearly time for sandals, shorts and sweaters.  Who could deny us this glorious day?

Spring: Save the dates

With the warm weather comes very busy calendars. Make sure to mark off these can't-miss events on your calendar:

CCAD Spring art sale.
April 18
Loann Crane Center for Design

First choice ($50): 9 – 10:30 a.m.
General Admission ($5): 10:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Wonderful work, unfair prices. Happily, though, the unfair is in our favor this time.

The event features blown glass, ceramics, paintings, handmade paper, drawings, apparel, photography, sculptures, prints and jewelry. More than 125 students and alumni bring original work to this one-day sale. Cash, checks and credit/debit cards are accepted. Admission is charged at the door. Parking is free.

North Market's Apron Gala
May 16
7-10PM
59 Spruce Street

Prices not posted yet, but usually: $75 (worth every penny); $65 for registered Friends of the North Market

This is the single best fundraiser of the entire year. Everyone dresses in cocktail attire, draped with creative aprons. And, the vendors of North Market serve a three-course meal. A third of the eateries open on each hour - offering a heavenly array of treats. And included wine and beer flow freely the entire evening.

It is truly a can't miss. The chocolate-dipped strawberries alone.

Oh, yeah, there's a bunch of other stuff, too - like a silent auction with original art and private chefs. But, whatever, it's THE FOOD.

Link

Comfest
June 26, 27, 28
Pretty much noon - midnight
Goodale Park

Not to put too fine a point on it: But, Comfest is why I live in Columbus. A three-day music and art and community festival that's a groundswell of good times.

You can lay around in the grass all day and just enjoy the weather and the music or pack in at night for Columbus at its most drunk and most social.

Link

Downtown trivia: Plan B for the ballpark

Like me, you're probably watching the fabulous new Huntington Park coming to life in the Arena District. No question, it looks great. There's a lot of energy and excitement around it.

I should say: Now that the decision is made and the ground is broken (heck, not just broken, but blooming), my issues over gentrification have been left far behind. I can't wait for opening day. Heck, I might even buy season tickets.

I digress.

Did you know: The other finalist location for the ballpark was the site of the new Franklin County courthouse - right on High Street. What a different downtown that would have been - seamlessly connecting the struggling Brewery District back to the growing Short North. Embracing work and play in one place - instead of sectioning off all entertainment into pre-defined dist

Alas, just more armored buses for the south end of town.