Driving in Sat am to Columbus rally--parking?

[witchhazl]

I've never been to Columbus. Can someone give me a heads up on what to expect? Driving in downtown area? parking near Capitol?? I'm not really planning on staying overnight.

[AVESGA]

1. Parking Garage

is under the State Capitol grounds on Capitol Square. Parking decks abound just blocks away - big one is one block to the east.

[seriousstan]

2. You want to park in the City Center parking garage.

55 E. Rich St.. Parking under the Statehouse is a nightmare.

[witchhazl]

3. Thank you both so much, that's what I needed to know.

[kk897]

4. I'd add that driving downtown can be challenging

Keep your eyes open for one-way streets. Sometimes you have to drive a couple of blocks past where you actually need to be, then double back on the next street over. But there are signs, some brown, some blue, scattered around to help you find your way. I believe City Center's parking garages (there are two; one beneath the shopping center, the other next to it in a freestanding high-rise parking garage; not free, BTW, not last time I was there a few months ago) have signs on Third Street, which goes south.

Also, getting off and on the freeway downtown is quite confusing, even for longtime residents like myself. Just keep looking at the signs and be aware that you may have to make many turns to get where you want to go, even if where you want to go looks like it's just RIGHT THERE.

I've often felt sorry for visitors to our city, trying to get around. Good luck!

[Lady President]

5. Columbus is a ghost town on weekends

Don't worry for even a second. Downtown Columbus is hectic during the week, but on the weekend it turns into a ghost town. I agree with the other posters that the best places to park are under the Capitol or next door at City Center Mall. There will be open spaces at both.

Would you please post about the rally? I was in a car accident Weds. and have a sprained neck, strained muscles, and a lot of bruises. I'm fine, but I don't think I'm ready to stand in the cold for very long. I'd love to hear all about it! :)

[rasberry]

6. Lots of parking lots near state house

There are many surface parking lots along Long St. & Spring St and east of 4th St. You will need to walk a few blocks to the state house, but arrival & departure will be much easier.

Take a quick look at mapquest or city map & you'll see where the lots are in relation to the state house.