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COLUMBUS — Thirty years ago Maria Galloway looked at the milelong stretch of High Street and figured it was about to undergo a transformation.

"This had been a dead-end street that was re-opened and filled with strip clubs, really mean bars and vacant store fronts," remembers the woman who decided to take a risk and invest in both a home and a business in the area.

She figured with the Ohio State University to the north, downtown Columbus to the south, adjacent residential neighborhoods of Victorian and Italian villages, and a high amount of traffic, the street had the potential to become a "showpiece."

It's taken a bit longer than she originally had in mind, but Maria Galloway figured right. Today the vibrant Short North area of Columbus is hopping with that perfect mix of restaurants, shops, art galleries and rehabbed dwellings that other cities merely dream about. Ninety percent of the businesses are locally and independently owned.

Best known for its nightlife illuminated by a series of metal arches that after dusk turn into a pulsing light show, the monthly Saturday night Gallery Hops now attract more than 15,000 for a blend of art, music and food.

But Short North is also a pleasure in the daytime, when its boutiques, shops and eateries are less crowded and shopkeepers have plenty of time for a chat. There is a lot of alfresco dining, colorful murals and the lovely Goodale Park just a block away. On a weekday or Saturday afternoon, there's time for a leisurely stroll, time to appreciate the architecture and the wonderful mix of old-and-new that gives the district its bohemian feel. Nearby is the popular North Market selling fresh produce, meats, cheeses and ethnic cuisine.

You won't get to everything in the 14-block stretch in one day but we've highlighted a few of our favorites to get you started:

Art galleries

Short North galleries are spacious and attractive, with artwork beautifully displayed. The Cameo Gallery specializes in contemporary glass and sculpture, Sherrie Galleries features ceramics and unusual jewelry and Studios on High Gallery is a co-op with 17 area artists. You'll meet at least a couple of them when you visit, and you're likely to come upon an artist at work as well. Lindsay Gallery focuses on charming and colorful folk art — at the moment it's the colorful work of Karl Mullen, an Irish composer who often weaves old books and musical scores into his paintings. Kathryn Gallery carries both paintings and sculpture, and includes Daytonian Christy Jennewein's epoxy resin finish work. Maria Galloway opened her PM Gallery 28 years ago and continues to sell North American handcrafts; now she's been joined by a variety of others.

Home/gifts

Don't miss Collier West, one of the most attractive shops in the district with gifts beautifully displayed on old apothecary fixtures. Known for its lighting and distinctive chandeliers — fashioned from everything from whitetail deer antlers to Murano glass — the shop is owned by Suzi West, a home stylist with a flair. She sells John Derian's decoupage plates, Juliska glass, French serving pieces. Upstairs you'll see a 200-year-old copper bathtub filled with scented soaps. Like many Short North shops, a pet is one of the proprietors — here it's a cute doggie named Tchotshke.

For antiques and collectibles, head for GrandView Mercantile Co., where 80 dealers offer their wares. A consignment shop, Revue, is also on the premises.

Two 20-somethings were having a ball trying on women's hats from the past when I visited Flower Child, a 7,000-square foot vintage department store.

"I could totally wear this," said 21-year-old Leah White, holding up a fitted white cloche to show her friend Lilly Brumbaugh. The girls said they like knowing that clothing has had a previous life and enjoy wondering where it's been.

The shop has wonderful room settings: an Elvis-style bedroom from the 1970s; a '60s Danish modern living room. Head downstairs for the clothing and accessories. Even the staircase is fun, it's lined with an assortment of old ice buckets.

Cookwear Sorcerer is an attractive upscale kitchen shop, specializing in cutlery. And if you like pretty stationery, stop at On Paper.

Europia Wine & Spirits represents a dream of owner Pia Hiotis, who has been at Short North for more than 10 years and her shop is now a state liquor agency. Another pretty wine shop in the district is vino 100, which bills itself as a shop that offers "100 great wines for $25 or less."

Bead-lovers will want to check out Byzantium, with beads from around the world.

Fashion

Clothing boutiques in Short North feature fashion-forward separates and accessories, some carry men and women's clothing. Check out Rowe and Jinny and the very interesting Substance for Fashion Conscious People.

"We're not green, but we are growing green," explained Michelle Ulmer, who says the shop has a "no waste" philosophy and "deconstructs" its affordable private label separates to create a designer line as well. There's an in-house design lab in the loft; customers can book parties and create their own clothing.

Dr. MoJoe got its start at Short North just five years ago and has been so successful that it now boasts five retail locations. The spacious store displays premium pre-shrunk denim and accessories on wire-suspended glass shelving.

Restaurants

We stopped for lunch at Betty's, where the walls are decorated with "pin-ups." If you'd like to eat outside on a pretty summer day, try Haiku Poetic Food & Art (sushi), MoJoe Lounge and Cup o' Joe with a full bar, and Northstar Cafe ( pizzas, coffee, sandwiches, and a magazine rack.) For upscale dining, folks love Rigsby's Kitchen, an Italian restaurant that has been a favorite for years. If you're staying through dinner and want to splurge, make a reservation at Rosendales or check out Marcella's Ristorante.

When you're ready for a break, stop at the ZenCha Tea Salon. It's tranquil and lovely, with pretty tea sets (some for sale) displayed in box frames on the walls. Jeni's Ice Cream is a winner: Try the cherry lambic, yum.

How to go

What: Short North Arts District, Columbus (named for the police handle that once indicated where crime was happening in the city, i.e. a "short north" distance from downtown.)

Where: One-mile stretch on High Street. New brochures with maps and details have just been published and are available at all of the shops. Check out www.shortnorth.org for directions, hours and more.

When: Gallery Hops are held the first Saturday of each month. On "Third Thursdays," merchants stay open until 9 p.m. Hours and days vary, but you'll find most shops are open from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays.

Also: The annual Sidewalk sale takes place once a year and is slated for July 19.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2440 or mmoss@

coxohio

.com.

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