Average Weather
From December through February, the average low falls below freezing. From late June through the end of August highs hover in the low 80s. January sees the most snow with almost eight inches expected annually. June has the highest average rainfall with close to five inches per year.
Transportation
Port Columbus International Airport serves the area. Arch Transportation Service runs the least expensive shuttle to downtown Columbus at a cost of $8 one-way; call (614) 252-2277, operation hours are between 7:20 a.m. and 12:20 a.m.. Eight-dollar trips are also available via Urban Express Downtown, which runs from 6 a.m. until 2 a.m. approximately every 20 minutes; call(614) 840-0411. Within Columbus, Central Ohio Transit Authority provides bus service to heavily traveled areas. Walking within urban neighborhoods is an option, but for really getting around (particularly in the suburbs) a car is essential. COTA’s trolley service is a good way to get around the downtown area.
In-Season Costs
Columbus is a moderately priced city with a range of interesting ethnic restaurants. Expect to spend approximately $30 for a “blow out” dinner and in the $20 range for a nice dinner. Lunches are readily available on-the-cheap with a slew of local sandwich shops and other options in the $5 to $7 range. Lodging on the outskirts of town suits the budget-minded, weighing in at less than $80 nightly, while folks needing a center city room can expect to pay upwards of $80. Advance booking during Ohio State Football weekends is a must.
Day Trips
Olentangy Indian Caverns in Delaware, Ohio is an exceptional day trip. Only thirty minutes from downtown Columbus, it’s an exceptional opportunity to explore Native American culture. In addition to the caverns, there is a museum and recreated Native American dwellings. The attraction is open April through October daily from 9:30 a.m. until 5 p.m.; admission is $8 for adults and $4 for children under 12.
