Secret Columbus: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure

by Anietra Hamper

“I think it’s good for people who have lived here forever. they can learn something new. Or if you're new to the city you can go out there and start experiencing things that people had no idea about.” - Fox28 “Secret Columbus is a journey of awe-inspiring moments combined with exciting knowledge about places in Ohio’s capital city designed for readers to find and experience.” - AAA Magazine “It’s a great and easy read.” - Torg & Elliott, 96.3 WLVQ

Genres: Nonfiction

224 pages, Paperback

Published February 15, 2018

Reviews

[Jennifer H · Rating 3 out of 5]

I heard the author on WOSU’s All Sides with Ann Fisher and ran to the library to get this book. I’ve always been a little in awe of Anietra Hamper since I was little. She a few years older than me and also danced at Marjorie Jones School of Ballet. I remember seeing her at the studio in her tap shoes and the photo of her as Miss Junior Dance Ohio prominently displayed in the glass case.

The book was ok. I learned some things about Columbus I didn’t know and am inspired to go hunting around for some of the places. The book was pretty basic and I would’ve preferred a more in-depth explanation of things. Clearly that wasn’t the intent of the writer but I just wanted to know more about everything. There’s rich history to Columbus and much more to explore. I was hoping for a story about Campbell Mound on McKinley avenue but I was disappointed.

More weird and obscure please and less wonderful for the second book.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent resource for people new and old to Columbus! My only complaint is that it feels like it was printed “on the cheap.” Wish the entire book were in color.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun book to skim or use as a gift. Two page descriptions of various locations in the Columbus area. Includes cost, pro tips, both black and white and color photos. Did you know there is a listening chair at Highbanks Metro Park? Two thousand small school paintings are hidden around Columbus? A patriotic rock in Franklinton? Discover our city!

[Leroy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just discovered this amazing book a couple of days ago. It is one of the most interesting history books of Columbus. I’m very familiar with many of these secret places... or thought I was. I had no idea of the history. I am planning out a path to get to several of these at a time. Many will have to wait til things open up a bit more, but I can see my city in new light. ❤️

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good for flipping through and reading the sections that catch your eye. I’ve lived in Columbus all my life and I even learned a few things.

[Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this. Had to buy it so I could explore all the places.

[Becky]

Needs to mention Minerva Park!

[David Clifton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Part Columbus (OH) history, part tour book, it's a great example of a fun, useless information book!