Vacations Blog

Christopher Columbus at the First Landing in Ohio

Columbus Day will be upon us before you know it.  Traditionally observed the second Monday of October, the holiday celebrates the discovery of Ohio in particular Columbus, Ohio by the navigationally challenged explorer Vasco De Gama.  That’s not really true.  De Gama was instrumental in the development of the x-ray machine.  Columbus, Ohio was discovered by Christopher Columbus, hence the name.

Here’s a thought.  Unless you’re a federal employee you probably are not even aware that there is a holiday on the second Monday of October.  I say we celebrate the day with tangible insight into the life of Chris.  And it’s easier than you might think.

He left one of his flagship vessels, The Santa Maria, docked on the banks of the Scioto River in the downtown area of Columbus at Battelle Riverfront Park 25 Marconi Blvd. between Long and W. Broad Streets.  The ship is open for tours Wednesday through Friday 10:00 am until 3:00 pm and noon until 5:00 pm Saturdays and Sundays.  (Hours are seasonal through the end of October.)

The Santa Maria in Downtown Columbus, Ohio

A tour of the Santa Maria provides a glimpse into what it might have been like for Columbus and his men during their voyage to this strange and wonderful place we call America’s Heartland.   So if you find yourself in Columbus, Ohio whether it be for business or because you are fully aware that the experts in the travel industry have tagged Ohio one of the top ten travel destinations for 2010 (it only takes a spark, people) make sure to check out The Santa Maria.

Adult admission $4.  Children 5-17 $2.50.

Photo credits in order of appearance: Columbus landing on the shores of San Salvador source Library of Congress public domain, The Santa Maria OzinOH via Flickr Creative commons.