Where to Park in Uptown Columbus

If you're scared to come downtown at night, it's probably been a while since you've been downtown.

Like 30 years.

I've worked downtown for more than that and I've never felt unsafe. And I've walked around at night by myself, leaving work to go to various parking garages.

One of the best things that the Columbus Business Improvement District has done recently is put out a brochure called "Where to Park in Uptown Columbus."

You can pick it up practically anywhere downtown.

There's a map that shows points of interest and all the lots where you can park.

I always laugh when I see people circling the blocks looking for a parking spot on Broadway. All you have to do is go down a block to the RiverCenter for the Performing Arts' parking garage. At night and weekends, it's free. During the day, it costs $2 to park.

OK, so you might have to walk half a block. Big deal.

If you're by yourself and feel jittery about walking to and from your parking spot to say, a restaurant, the RiverCenter or the Springer Opera House, all you have to do is call BID and ask for an escort. Those cheerful guys in purple (officially, they're called Hospitality Patrol Ambassadors) are on duty from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 2:30-11 p.m. Friday-Saturday and 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Sunday. Just call 706-322-9078 or if you see them walking around, ask them for help.

Or take your entourage. That's what I do.