With Columbus, what you see is what you get. It’s probably one of the most straight-laced, straightforward US cities in the whole union. The city is more of a business centre than a holiday destination, but there is enough there for a good weekend break. In its favour, it is a cheap and laid-back destination, mainly because of the large student population, and there are a few things worth seeing if you are ever in the area. The gay scene is particularly dynamic and visible, with a wide range of gay bars and clubs which adds to the attraction for gay and lesbian visitors.

In terms of sight-seeing, Columbus doesn’t offer a massive variety. The German Village is a cute nineteenth-century restoration, where there are authentic German delis and guided tours. The Ohio Historical Centre offers interactive educational resources, and the chance to dress up in period costume, if you’re into that sort of thing. For gadget-loving gays, the COSI Columbus science and industry museum has a range of interactive exhibits to while away an afternoon. Aside from these rather dry daytime activities, the Short North is an upbeat and busy gay district, jam packed with gay bars, stylish restaurants and chic shops. Venues of note in Columbus include Q Bar, a gay bar attracting both men and women, with a lounge and dancefloor, open from late afternoon until early morning. Woofs, another gay bar, boasts karaoke, otter-bingo, comedy and dancing for bears, cowboys and leather-lovers. Amusingly-titled Somewhere Else attracts gays and lesbians, and is an intimate venue with occasional drag shows and a terrace that is great for chilling out on in the summer.

Gay marriage was recently banned in the state of Ohio. Attitudes towards gays and lesbians are conservative, but moderately so. Thanks to Columbus’ large gay scene and student populations, attitudes towards gays are relatively liberal.

You can fly to Columbus from most domestic airports, landing at Port Columbus Airport, 10 miles from the city centre. Greyhound and Megabus services connect Columbus to Cincinnati, Cleveland and Chicago.