—by Andrew Brawley

Columbus, Ohio. I’ve never been there. In fact, I don’t know many people who have. Even friends of mine from Cleveland and Cincinnati don’t have much of an opinion on it. It’s just one of those anonymous towns. I think I know more about the town of Sandusky, and that’s only because the film Tommy Boy took place there.

However, we Timbers fans are lucky to have quite the resource for this week’s away game travel guide in Timbers defender Eric Brunner. Not only was he born in Ohio (Dublin, Ohio to be exact), but he played his last two seasons for this week’s villains, the Columbus Crew.

So without further ado, take it away Mr. Brunner!

Short North has a bunch of boutiques and restaurants.  Also a lot of bars around the area.  Bodega's has a bunch of beers on tap and bottle. Most eclectic for beers.

My favorite restaurant is Marcella's in the Short North.  It's Italian and it has the best calamari I've ever had.  I always order it when I go.  Also they have amazing meatballs.

Not too far from the Short North is the Park Street district.  There is a lineup of bars ranging from a Mexican Style Cantina, called Park Street Cantina, a tequila bar type thing.  Great for the outdoor patio.  Also there is a place called Patio, which is right down from it.  There is a bar for whatever you're looking for. Gaswerks is in the same area, and it has pool tables and good deals on drinks.

If you enjoy a good steak, there is a place called Hyde Park, and it has unreal steak.  Great wine selection too.

A little further on the south side of the city is German Village and Brewery District.  This is where I lived for two years and there are some pubs around there.  A cool little place is called Club 185, and they have the best 'pigs in a blanket' that they hand-make to order.

If you want to check out shopping or anything there are two big malls.  The first is Easton, which is out by the airport.  They have everything you can imagine in there.  It's a Town Centre kind of mall, where shops are outside and inside.  It's great to walk around outside if it's nice.

If there is a chance to grab lunch, check out the North Market.  It's right in the park street area and it has shops that sell all sorts of foods.

And if you want to check out the Ohio State campus, there are plenty of bars to take in. South Gateway is home to a few of those places. McFadden's, Ugly Tuna Saloona, Mad Mex and there is new bar that was just opened there.  I will say Ugly Tuna has a very addicting game, where it's a buck or two to play, but it's filled with live lobsters.  If you catch one, they will cook it for you on the spot for free.  I have gotten two in one night, so that's a record to try and beat.