Local

Highlighting people, places and events that make Columbus different

Stories by Columbus Ledger-Enquirer journalists, with AI summarization

From beloved restaurants and shops, to people who have made a difference in the city throughout their lives, Columbus has no shortage of stories that make it unique.

From the revival of Frank's Alley, to the Columbus Museum's national award and more, check out these stories below about the city's unique highlights.

Ross Horner, center, the founder of Frank’s Alley restaurant, and the restaurant’s new owners Matt Gillespie, left, and Mike Jones, answer questions about the restaurant during an interview with the Ledger-Enquirer. 07/09/2024 By Mike Haskey

NO. 1: NEW OWNERS ARE BRINGING CLASSIC COLUMBUS RESTAURANT BACK TO LIFE. ‘A PIPE DREAM’

“We’re only getting older … so, let’s go ahead and do it,” said the new owners who came together to save this popular hot dog joint. | Published July 10, 2024 | Read Full Story by Brittany McGee

Florist David Benefield moved to the historic home, Highland Hall and attests to its supernatural elements. By Mike Haskey

NO. 2: WHAT MIDTOWN MYTH HAS A GHOST STORY AND A TREASURE HUNT? READ THE LEGEND OF HIGHLAND HILLS

The second installment of Spooky Columbus visits a haunted mansion in the heart of the city that has may hold the secret to a huge treasure. | Published October 22, 2024 | Read Full Story by Sundi Rose

Jerald Mitchell, president and CEO of the Greater Columbus Georgia Chamber of Commerce, announced recently he is stepping down from his position. By Mike Haskey

NO. 3: COLUMBUS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE PRESIDENT REFLECTS ON PAST FOUR YEARS AS HE ENDS HIS TENURE

Jerald Mitchell became the first Black president and CEO of the Greater Columbus Chamber of Commerce during a pandemic. Here’s what he learned. | Published October 31, 2024 | Read Full Story by Brittany McGee

C Davis Tattoo Studio is now open at 1234 Broadway bringing tattoos, art, and fashion to the public. By Kelby Hutchison

NO. 4: TATTOO SHOP MOVES TO DOWNTOWN COLUMBUS OFFERING TATTOOS, ART AND FASHION

“When I got into tattooing, at the beginning, this was like my ultimate goal was to get to this point. So, I’m feeling good,” said tattoo artist and co-owner Cody Davis. | Published December 10, 2024 | Read Full Story by Kelby Hutchison

The Columbus Museum has scheduled a public, grand reopening celebration for May 4-5, 2024. By Mike Haskey

NO. 5: COLUMBUS MUSEUM WINS PRESTIGIOUS NATIONAL AWARD FROM USA TODAY FOR 'BEST MUSEUM'

Columbus voters showed up for our local museum and the results are in: Columbus Museum has been voted one of the best according to this national poll. | Published January 3, 2025 | Read Full Story by Sundi Rose

Former Columbus Mayor Jim Wetherington.

NO. 6: HE ‘DEFINED SERVANT LEADERSHIP.’ EX-COLUMBUS MAYOR AND POLICE CHIEF JIM WETHERINGTON DIES

Wetherington was appointed to the Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles in 1995 and to the Georgia Department of Corrections as commissioner in 1999. | Published January 6, 2025 | Read Full Story by Mark Rice

Ashley Woitena has been named as the sole finalist to be president and CEO at VisitColumbusGA.

NO. 7: ‘IMPRESSIVE LEVEL OF EXPERIENCE AND LEADERSHIP.’ VISITCOLUMBUSGA NAMES FINALIST TO BE CEO

If approved by the board, the new leader of the city’s convention and visitors bureau will start March 3. | Published February 11, 2025 | Read Full Story by Jordyn Paul-Slater

Pictured clockwise, from upper left, are Kristi Pitts, Tikiera Ford, Taniesa Taylor, Demetris Knighton and Randalette Williams. By Mike Haskey

NO. 8: DISCOVER HOW THESE COLUMBUS RESIDENTS CONNECT THEIR PERSONAL STORIES TO BLACK HISTORY

Local residents share how their stories intertwine with Black Americans’ impact on business, education and culture in the United States. | Published February 24, 2025 | Read Full Story by Brittany McGee

The Spencer family, in attendance for the first Columbus Clingstones home game. By Mike Haskey

NO. 9: WHAT DID THE CLINGSTONES’ FIRST HOME GAME MEAN FOR COLUMBUS BASEBALL FANS?

“It’s awesome to see every seat packed in here and seeing the support for these boys,” said Atlanta Braves great Tim Hudson. | Published April 16, 2025 | Read Full Story by Kelby Hutchison

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.