One of the first buildings in Central Ohio in the 1790s was a tavern and 200 years later--Columbus as a "foodie" town shows renewed interest in discovering its historic "liquid assets." Once historic taverns in frontier Columbus featured live bears chained to giant wheels, pumping water for travelers in need of a shower and giving new meaning to the term "watering hole." Existing historic taverns in Columbus span from 1830s through the 1930s and still have little-known histories, stories, scandals, as well as, architectural fabric to explore. One is built on a still active graveyard; another is in the building of a former Pentecostal church. Several remain from the Irish and German migrations and survived Prohibition; one was the quintessential gentlemen's bar still with pool room that connected by underground tunnel to the Ohio Statehouse in a time of temperance. Another was both a tavern and a bordello for Union and Confederate officers (though on different nights). Set in the social and political historic context of a changing city, the taverns offer a chance to explore the city's history through its watering holes.

The classic guide to America's greatest hamburger eateries returns in a completely updated third edition--featuring 200 establishments where you can find the perfect regional burger and reclaim a precious slice of Americana. America's foremost hamburger expert George Motz has been back on the road to completely update and expand his classic book, spotlighting the nation's best roadside stands, nostalgic diners, mom-n-pop shops, and college town favorites --capturing their rich histories and one-of-a-kind taste experiences. Whether you're an armchair traveler, a serious connoisseur, or a curious adventurer, Hamburger America will inspire you to get on the road and get back to food that's even more American than apple pie. "A wonderful book. When you travel across the United States, take this guide along with you." -- Martha Stewart "A fine overview of the best practitioners of the burger sciences." -- Anthony Bourdain "Just looking at this book makes me hungry, and reading George's stories will take you on the ultimate American road trip."-- Michael Bloomberg "George Motz is the Indiana Jones of hamburger archeology."--David Page, creator of Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives

Explore the stories behind Columbus' most stunning landmarks, both those sadly lost and others miraculously saved.

Though only a handful remain today, the Capital City once boasted a wealth of illustrious hotels and raucous two-bit establishments. Grande dame hotels like the Neil House, the Great Southern, the Hartman, the Chittenden and the Deshler achieved the height of elegance and refinement. More modest establishments were frequented by fugitive Confederate generals, notorious bootleggers and Fidel Castro's family. Join the Gilded Age bachelors who decked out banquet halls to look like camping sites and the Hungarian revolutionaries who failed to keep a low profile. From devastating hotel fires to ornate outhouse fittings, authors Tom Betti and Doreen Uhas Sauer introduce you to a whole new side of Columbus history.