Showing posts with label Franklin County. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Franklin County. Show all posts

Sunday, August 7, 2016

Condado Tacos

Photos by OHventures

1227 N. High Street
Columbus, OH 43201
(614) 928-3909

-and-

132 S. High Street
Columbus, OH 43215
(614) 456-7444

Tacos bring the people together. Plain and simple. If you don't like tacos, I can't trust you and you can't be my friend. And if you don't like Condado Tacos in Short North and Downtown Columbus, then that is taco blasphemy! 

These tacos are works of art. You build them from the shell-up, with loads of delicious and fresh ingredients you won't find at any other Mexican joint. You start with the tortilla, which can be corn or flour, soft or crunchy. BUT you can also get a double tortilla, with cheese, beans, or guacamole slathered in between the shells (my favorite is the "Ju-Ju" shell if you were wondering). Then, you choose from a great selection of proteins: chorizo, shrimp ceviche, brisket, ghost pepper marinated steak, roasted portabellos, and BBQ pulled jackfruit, to name a few. Then, you continue the process choosing toppings, cheese, salsa, and sauces! The possibilities are seemingly endless.

And, if for nothing else, be sure to go to Condado Tacos to get your table an order of the queso dip (pictured above). Believe me when I say, this is the best queso around! Muy bien!


And what's a good Mexican restaurant without some tasty margs? On my recent visit, I was going to just get the traditional house margarita like always, but the waiter insisted I try something different. So, he suggested the blackberry marg (pictured above), which did not disappoint.


Another thing I like about Condado Tacos is the decor. They have a "Day of the Dead" (or Dia de los Muertos) theme going on, with Catrina-style skulls, skeletons, sombreros, designs, and artwork on the walls and tables. I am particularly fond of the "Holy Guacamole" painting, as shown above.


I have gone to Condado Tacos on each of the past 3 visits I made to Columbus. It's just that good. You can reserve the "party table" for groups of 12 or more - which is what we did when having a "friends reunion" back in June. And, yes, we had many, many bowls of queso to go around!

Thursday, July 28, 2016

Ride A Camel At Columbus Zoo

Photos by OHventures

Well, mark that one off of the bucket list! I rode me a camel!

When my friends from Chicago and Colorado were coming in to Ohio for the weekend, we decided to go to the Columbus Zoo. And, from the moment we went, all I had my sights on was riding a camel!

That's right! For just $7, you can take a short ride on the back of a camel at the Columbus Zoo. My friend Faye and I hopped on a camel named Ghost after standing in a short line, and we took a ride around the African Safari with one of the zoo workers guiding the way.

It was a tame ride, with only a few bumps in the road (no pun intended). The only thing lacking was the vast Sahara desert. I think I prefer being in the comfort of Ohio instead of in the middle of the Sahara, though!

If you go to the Columbus Zoo, be sure to ride a camel. And, while you're at it, take some time to take part in some of the other interactive elements found at the zoo: feed the giraffes, walk alongside the kangaroos, pet the stingrays, and let lorikeets land on you while you feed them nectar!


Sunday, June 26, 2016

SegAway Tours Of Columbus

Photos by OHventures

SegAway Tours of Columbus
400 North High Street
Columbus, OH 43215
(614) 222-3005

Having lived in Columbus for 10 years, I never thought that in just two hours on a Segway, I could learn so much more about the city, and see so many nooks and crannies that I had not yet seen. These two wheeled contraptions are extremely popular forms of recreational transportation, and many large cities offer tours via Segway.

SegAway Tours of Columbus offers a series of tours for anyone interested in uncovering hidden secrets about the city while leisurely gliding through the parkways, riversides, and sidewalks of downtown, Arena District, Short North, and Victorian Village.

There are several tours to choose from 7 days a week, on both mornings and afternoons. Evening tours are offered in summer months, when daylight allows. Each tour costs $59 per rider, and it is most definitely worth it, whether you are visiting from out of town, or if you've lived here all your life.

No experience is necessary to sign up for a tour. This was very important, since neither myself nor my friend Anna (from Colorado) had ever stepped foot on a Segway prior to our  tour this June. 


The instructors from SegAway Tours of Columbus provide 15-20 minute introductory lessons for the group. They were very helpful in getting our group of 8 riders comfortable and familiar with the Segway. The Segway is a self-balancing battery-powered electric vehicle, with computers, sensors, and electric motors in the base. This means there are no buttons, nobs, levers, or controls on the handles or "dashboard." Instead, riders command the Segway to go forward and backward by shifting their weight forward or backward on the platform. These means pushing down on your toes to move forward, and pushing back on your heels to go backward. 

The motions are very minor and sensitive, so it does take time to get used to it. Turning and steering is done with the handlebar, which shifts back and forth only to the left and right (it does not pivot like the handlebar of a bike). You go faster by pushing harder, and go slower by pushing lighter with your feet. The max speed is 12.5 mph, but the average speed we would be going on our tour was 8 mph.

After getting acclimated to the Segway, we were off and running. Our tour guide, Jim, had a headset on, and we all had earpieces so we could hear him as he described points of interest and landmarks along the way. He also would advise us of any pedestrians, obstacles, stop lights, and other instructions to be aware of while we rode.

Map from SegAway Tours of Columbus

We started at the Greater Columbus Convention Center (where the tour headquarters is located) and then made our way down to Nationwide Plaza. The route then led us down to the Ohio Statehouse, Columbus Dispatch building, Bricker & Eckler, the Ohio Theatre, the Columbus Commons, the Scioto Mile, COSI, North Bank Park, Huntington Park, Nationwide Arena, and then back to our starting point (we did not go to Goodale Park, as shown, due to ComFest taking place)!

Our tour guide was very knowledgeable, and added a good sense of humor and fun to the tour. He learned all of our names and interacted with us frequently. He would give us tips on how to improve our Segway techniques along the way. It was very helpful, because as time went on, I started to become more comfortable and natural on the Segway. He also stopped on a bridge and took photos of all of us.

The best part of the trip was all of the tidbits I learned, and all of the things that have changed in the city since I moved away 3 years ago. One of my favorite things to see was Coleman's Pointe, a scenic overlook named after Columbus' longest serving mayor, Michael Coleman. A quote by Mayor Coleman is shown on the promenade, which sums it up very nicely: "A city that stays the same falls behind."

Columbus is continuously changing, and seeing it from the vantage point of a Segway was incredibly exciting. Book your tour now because they fill up fast!

Saturday, April 30, 2016

The Deer Of The Scioto

Photos by OHventures

Genoa Park
303 W. Broad St.
Columbus, OH 43215

Genoa Park is a beautiful park on the Western bank of the Scioto River, right behind COSI Columbus: The Center of Science & Industry in downtown Columbus, right off of Broad Street. At the center of the park, you'll find a set of large amphitheater steps, alternating with grass and concrete, which overlook the river, and provide for a great view of the iconic Columbus skyline (including the Riffe Center, Huntington Tower, and the Ohio Supreme Court Building). The park lies directly across the river from the Scioto Mile.


Plenty of people head to Genoa Park to have picnics, bike, run, and check out the fountains atop the amphitheater. But, now, as of late 2015, there is a new reason to come to Genoa Park: statues of giant bronze deer. Yes, you read that right. Giant bronze deer.

You can find two bronze sculptures of "humanized" deer at Genoa Park, one sitting upright on the stairs, and the other lounging nearby in the grass (a third deer can be found at the nearby Rich Street Bridge, leaning against the railing, looking out on the river). But why?! Well, apparently, the name of the Scioto River is derived from a Native American word that means "hairy water." Legend states that Shawnee tribe members found deer hair floating in the water when they migrated to the area. Hence, hairy water. Hence...deer statues?!


Artist Terry Allen came up with the concept and design, which is meant to represent how deer used to be prevalent in this area along the Scioto River, but now it is populated by humans, who often are running, biking, and lounging along the riverside. It is meant to be thought provoking and engaging to the public, to show a cross between when the deer once lived here and how humans currently do. Whatever it is, I think it's pretty cool - although a bit strange. 

Sunday, May 24, 2015

Ultimate Beer Run Recap

Photos by OHventures

Peanut butter & jelly. Milk & cookies. Running & beer?!

It may not be a traditional pairing or a match made in heaven, but combining running with beer is definitely a recipe for a good (albeit interesting) time. These are two of my favorite things, so if you throw them together like in the Ultimate Beer Run on May 9 in Columbus, I certainly find it hard to resist.


Team OHventures (Me, Matt, Megan, Matt #2, Jess, Megan #2, & Jim) united in our green & gray OHventures t-shirts, party beads, and oversized neon sunglasses to tackle the challenge of the Ultimate Beer Run head on! The Ultimate Beer Run isn't about who is the fastest or the fittest. It's about good people, good fun, and tons of good costumes! 


Our "costumes" were extremely tame compared to the legions of participants clad in elaborate Avengers get-ups an other hilarious outfits like Wayne & Garth from "Wayne's World" (above) - or my absolute favorite, Indiana Jones being chased by the "boulder" (below)!


The concept was quite a doozy: run a total of 2 miles while stopping to drink a total of 40 ounces of craft beer from local Ohio breweries. Needless to say, this race was not a competitive timed event, but we did have the traditional running bibs to make it seem official. The Ultimate Beer Run Columbus took place at its home base of the Land Grant Brewing Company located in the up-and-coming revival neighborhood of Franklinton in West Columbus. 


Tents were situated outside for each of the breweries: Jackie O's Brewery from Athens, MadTree Brewing Company from Cincinnati, Fat Head's Brewery in North Olmstead, and of course our host, the Land Grant Brewing Company from Columbus! Each runner was given 3 beer tickets and a beer token.



All runners lined up on the street, and at the sound of the horn, we ran around a small loop course (approximately 2/3 mile by my estimations) that brought us right back to where we started. When we got back to Land Grant, we turned in our drink ticket to any one of the 4 brewery tents so we could receive a 10 ounce beer of our choice!


There was no need to chug the beer, so we took our times, enjoyed the brew, then went back around the loop to repeat the whole process. We did this - drinking a beer and running a lap - repeatedly until we were out of tickets! It was a gorgeous 85-degree May day in Columbus, and the race started at 12 noon (when it was the hottest temperature of the day). So, the heat combined with the beer and the running made it very important to also hydrate with water in between runs!


It was definitely a challenge bouncing up and down the roads of C-Bus with frothy brew sloshing around my stomach. But my mind was taken off of any discomfort thanks to all of the great scenery and hilarious costumes that kept me and my teammates cracking up and enjoying ourselves!


After our final lap, it was time to turn in our UBR chip to get our giant mugs of beer! By now, it was only 1PM, so the party was just getting started, with a costume contest, dance-off, and of course a ton of brew. If you want to take part in the Ultimate Beer Run, check out its website to see when it will be stumbling into your town! There are UBRs in Cleveland and Cincinnati, as well as many other cities outside of Ohio (Nashville, Indianapolis, and St. Louis to name a few!).

Sunday, February 22, 2015

101 Things To Do In Columbus (by Activity)

All Photos by OHventures

Having lived in Columbus for an entire decade of my adult life (ages 18-28), I have a strong bond with this city - one that can never be broken. It's a city of excitement, culture, adventure, and history. In my opinion, it's one of the best cities in the world. But I am surely biased.

It's hard not to be a huge supporter of all things Columbus: Ohio State University (my alma mater), the hustle and bustle of Cap Square (where I worked for many years), the character and charm of neighborhoods like German Village, Short North, and Grandview (where I lived). Every corner of the city is packed with things to do: eclectic watering holes, tantalizing dining spots, breathtaking parks, and one-of-a-kind experiences.

Here is my personal comprehensive and diverse list of 101 THINGS TO DO IN COLUMBUS that will be just the start of a beautiful friendship between you and Ohio's capital city. You can thank me later.

The items on this list are categorized by ACTIVITY TYPE. For the same 101 items categorized by NEIGHBORHOOD, visit: 101 Things To Do In Columbus (By Neighborhood).


Landmarks
1. The Ohio Statehouse - Where state laws are made - take a guided tour
2. World’s Largest Gavel - A giant silver gavel by the Ohio Supreme Court
3. The Santa Maria - A replica of Christopher Columbus' ship to America
4. Greek Orthodox Cathedral - Gorgeous architecture & host of Greek Festival
5. The Oval - Central courtyard on OSU's campus - frisbee, studying, etc.
6. Mirror Lake - Iconic pond on OSU's campus - great for picnics & strolls
7. Franklin Park Conservatory - Indoor exotic gardens with Chihuly glasswork



Parks
8. Columbus Commons - Green space with festivals & a carousel
9. Scioto Mile - Hike, bike, run, play chess, or enjoy riverside views
10. Bicentennial Park - Home of some of the best fountains in the nation
11. Topiary Park - An artsy park with impressive hedge sculptures
12. Schiller Park - Outdoor live theatre, a dog park, fishing pond, & more
13. Scioto Audubon Metro Park - Hiking trails, a rock wall, and a dog park
14. Wheeler Park - A centrally located dog park that's great for socializing
15. Goodale Park - A hub of community activities, including ComFest
16. Arch Park - Historic park with arch salvaged from Union Train Station
17. Whetstone Park of Roses - Picturesque park with hundreds of roses
18. Pooch Playground - Everyone's favorite playground especially for dogs
19. Hoover Reservoir Park (Westerville) - For sailing & other watercraft


 

Coffee Shops
20. Café Brioso - Expertly poured coffee with an aroma that lures you in
21. One Line Coffee - Sip on some superior coffee & learn how its made
22. Stauf’s Coffee Roasters - A great meeting spot with even greater java!
23. Crimson Cup Coffee - Cozy coffee cafe with locally roasted bold coffee



Beer, Wine, & Spirits
24. 16-Bit Arcade - Dozens of classic video arcade games to play for free 
25. Club 185 - An after-work favorite with great cocktails & a photo booth
26. Columbus Brewing Company - The 1 remaining brewery in Brewery District
27. World Of Beer - Literally hundreds of beer choices from around the world
28. Camelot Cellars - Drink, buy, or even handcraft your very own wine
29. Brother’s Drake Meadery - Honey-based "wine" and spirits made on site
30. Middle West Spirits - The makers of top-notch Ohio whiskey and vodka
31. Short North Tavern - A divey bar with dart boards and cheap brews
32. Kingmakers Board Game Parlour - Play any board game you can think of
33. North High Brewing - Drink or make your own craft beer!
34. Ohio Taproom - Get a growler filled to-go from a selection of Ohio beers
35. O Patio & Pub - Hotspot for fraternity & sorority students 
36. Powell Village Winery - Quaint winery definitely worth a visit
*for more ways to imbibe in Columbus, visit Drink Up Columbus*


 

Dining Discoveries
37. Market 65 - Made-to-order salads with ingredients chopped in front of you
38. Dirty Frank’s Hot Dog Palace - Wild and crazy hot dog creations
39. Grass Skirt Tiki Room - Polynesian themed bar & restaurant - with Spam!
40. Yellow Brick Pizza - Hand tossed pizzas with fun signature creations
41. The Angry Baker - Gourmet bakery with high quality ingredients
42. Thurman’s Cafe - Home of the famous & ginormous Thurmanator burger
43. Schmidt’s Sausage Haus Und Restaurant - Autobahn buffet and cream puffs
44. Katzinger’s Delicatessen - A traditional deli with enormous sandwiches
45. Marcella’s Ristorante - Fantastic Italian eatery with massive veal meatballs
46. North Star Cafe - Organic diner known for its breakfasts & veggie burgers
47. Hubbard Grille - On the corner of High & Hubbard - perfect atmosphere
48. Surly Girl Saloon - Taste the cupcake of the day & creative concoctions
49. Aab India Restaurant - Indian buffet with off-the-charts spiciness
50. Local Cantina - Mustaches, tasty tacos, and all-you-can-eat nachos
51. DK Diner - Donuts! Including a bacon cheeseburger w/ glazed donut bun
52. Adriatico's Pizza - Greasy goodness that tastes just like college

Just Desserts
53. Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams - Literally the nation's BEST ice cream
54. Pistachia Vera - Top notch macarons made in every color of the rainbow

Shopping & Specialty Stores
55. Spoonful Records - New records & unique gifts made out of old records
56. Book Loft - A labyrinth of 32 rooms of floor-to-ceiling books
57. Homage - Apparel store dedicated to all things vintage & nostalgic Ohio
58. North Market - Collection of various shops, restaurants & specialty stores
59. The Oilerie - Sample from dozens of flavor-infused olive oils & vinegars
60. Clay Cafe - Paint and create your very own pottery pieces
61. Rag-O-Rama - Consignment store w/ very eclectic & designer clothes
62. South Campus Gateway - An inviting alley w/ shops, restaurants & movies
63. Candle Lab - Make candles by mixing wax w/ any scent imaginable
64. Celebrate Local (Easton) - A shop with nothing but Ohio-made goods



Arts & Entertainment
65. The Ohio Theatre - Go see  professional musicals & Broadway plays
66. Columbus Museum of Art - Cool exhibits that captivate 
67. Shadowbox Theater - Live musical comedies with dinner served up 
68. Grandview Theater - Old-school 1-screen movie theatre w/ indie films
69. Wexner Center for the Arts - Modern art, cool events & interesting design
70. Hollywood Casino Columbus (Hilltop) - Feels like the Vegas strip!

Musical Experiences
71. Newport Music Hall - Decades-old campus concert hall w/ popular bands
72. Big Bang Dueling Piano Bar - Huge crowds cheer on these talented pianists
73. LC Pavilion - An indoor/outdoor music venue with huge national acts
74. The Bluestone - An old church transformed into a music hall 
75. Skully’s Music Diner - Put on your dancing pants, especially on Thursdays




Museums & Education
76. Center Of Science & Industry (COSI) - Ride the tight rope unicycle
77. Columbus Metropolitan Library - One of the most used libraries in the US
78. Segway Tours of Columbus - A futuristic way to take a tour of the city
79. Vern Riffe Center for Government & Arts - Art galleries + civics
80. The Governor’s Residence - Tours of the mansion & gardens on Tuesdays
81. Olentangy River Wetlands Research Park - Educational and serene spot
82. Columbus Zoo & Aquarium - Approved by Jack Hanna himself




Active Lifestyle
83. Go Fitness Center - Colorful fitness center w/ great classes & instructors
84. Yoga On High - This yoga studio is great for beginners or expert yogi
85. Creekside Gahanna Paddleboating - Paddleboat on a lovely creek
86. Outdoor Adventure Center (OAC) Rock Wall - Gym & indoor rock wall
87. Cap City Half Marathon - Signature half & quarter marathon event
88. Project 908 Paddleboarding - Stand up paddleboarding rental service
89. Olentangy River Trail - Multi-use trail that runs along the Olentangy
90. Pure Barre - New workout craze centered around isometric movements
91. SkyZone Indoor Trampoline Park (Lewis Center) - Bounce your heart out
92. Trapper John's Canoe Livery (Grove City) - Rent kayaks & canoes!
93. Summit Vision (Westerville) - High ropes obstacle course!



Sporting Events
94. Huntington Park - Take me out to the Columbus Clippers baseball game
95. Nationwide Arena - Catch a Blue Jackets hockey game or a concert
96, Arnold Sports Festival - World renowned fitness and sporting convention
97. The Ohio Stadium - AKA "The 'Shoe" - where the OSU Buckeyes play 

Unique Experiences
98. Columbus Food Adventures - Guided tour of Columbus restaurants 
99. Columbus Brew Adventures - Guided tour of Columbus breweries
100. Ohio State Fair (Fairgrounds) - Animals, fried food, & people watching
101. Columbus Pedal Wagon - Pedal a contraption from bar to bar to bar

Sunday, February 15, 2015

101 Things To Do In Columbus (by Neighborhood)


All photos by OHventures

Having lived in Columbus for an entire decade of my adult life (ages 18-28), I have a strong bond with this city - one that can never be broken. It's a city of excitement, culture, adventure, and history. In my opinion, it's one of the best cities in the world. But I am surely biased.

It's hard not to be a huge supporter of all things Columbus: Ohio State University (my alma mater), the hustle and bustle of Cap Square (where I worked for many years), the character and charm of neighborhoods like German Village, Short North, and Grandview (where I lived). Every corner of the city is packed with things to do: eclectic watering holes, tantalizing dining spots, breathtaking parks, and one-of-a-kind experiences.

Here is my personal comprehensive and diverse list of 101 THINGS TO DO IN COLUMBUS that will be just the start of a beautiful friendship between you and Ohio's capital city. You can thank me later.

The items on this list are categorized by NEIGHBORHOOD. For the same 101 items categorized by ACTIVITY TYPE, visit: 101 Things To Do In Columbus (By Activity Type).

 

Downtown
1. The Ohio Statehouse - Where state laws are made - take a guided tour
2. World’s Largest Gavel - A giant silver gavel by the Ohio Supreme Court
3. Columbus Commons - Green space with festivals & a carousel
4. Scioto Mile - Hike, bike, run, play chess, or enjoy riverside views
5. Café Brioso - Expertly poured coffee with an aroma that lures you in
6. 16-Bit Arcade - Dozens of classic video arcade games to play for free 
7. Market 65 - Made-to-order salads with ingredients chopped in front of you
8. Bicentennial Park - Home of some of the best fountains in the nation
9. Spoonful Records - New records & unique gifts made out of old records
10. Dirty Frank’s Hot Dog Palace - Wild and crazy hot dog creations
11. The Ohio Theatre - Go see  professional musicals & Broadway plays
12. Center Of Science & Industry (COSI) - Ride the tight rope unicycle
13. The Santa Maria - A replica of Christopher Columbus' ship to America
14. Segway Tours of Columbus - A futuristic way to take a tour of the city
15. Vern Riffe Center for Government & Arts - Art galleries + civics

Discovery District
16. Topiary Park - An artsy park with impressive hedge sculptures
17. Columbus Museum of Art - Cool exhibits that captivate 
18. The Bluestone - An old church transformed into a music hall 
19. Columbus Metropolitan Library - One of the most used libraries in the US
20. Grass Skirt Tiki Room - Polynesian themed bar & restaurant - with Spam!

Old Towne East
21. Yellow Brick Pizza - Hand tossed pizzas with fun signature creations
22. The Angry Baker - Gourmet bakery with high quality ingredients



Bexley
23. The Governor’s Residence - Tours of the mansion & gardens on Tuesdays
24. Franklin Park Conservatory - Indoor exotic gardens with Chihuly glasswork

German Village
25. Schiller Park - Outdoor live theatre, a dog park, fishing pond, & more
26. Thurman’s Cafe - Home of the famous & ginormous Thurmanator burger
27. Book Loft - A labyrinth of 32 rooms of floor-to-ceiling books
28. Schmidt’s Sausage Haus Und Restaurant - Autobahn buffet and cream puffs
29. Pistachia Vera - Top notch macarons made in every color of the rainbow
30. Katzinger’s Delicatessen - A traditional deli with enormous sandwiches
31. Club 185 - An after-work favorite with great cocktails & a photo booth



Brewery District
32. Shadowbox Theater - Live musical comedies with dinner served up 
33. Scioto Audubon Metro Park - Hiking trails, a rock wall, and a dog park
34. Columbus Brewing Company - The 1 remaining brewery in Brewery District
35. World Of Beer - Literally hundreds of beer choices from around the world

Victorian Village/Harrison West
36. Wheeler Park - A centrally located dog park that's great for socializing
37. Goodale Park - A hub of community activities, including ComFest

 


Short North
38. Marcella’s Ristorante - Fantastic Italian eatery with massive veal meatballs
39, Arnold Sports Festival - World renowned fitness and sporting convention
40. Homage - Apparel store dedicated to all things vintage & nostalgic Ohio
41. North Market - Collection of various shops, restaurants & specialty stores
42. Greek Orthodox Cathedral - Gorgeous architecture & host of Greek Festival
43. Skully’s Music Diner - Put on your dancing pants, especially on Thursdays
44. Camelot Cellars - Drink, buy, or even handcraft your very own wine
45. North Star Cafe - Organic diner known for its breakfasts & veggie burgers
46. One Line Coffee - Sip on some superior coffee & learn how its made
47. Brother’s Drake Meadery - Honey-based "wine" and spirits made on site
48. Middle West Spirits - The makers of top-notch Ohio whiskey and vodka
49. Yoga On High - This yoga studio is great for beginners or expert yogi
50. Hubbard Grille - On the corner of High & Hubbard - perfect atmosphere
51. Short North Tavern - A divey bar with dart boards and cheap brews
52. Surly Girl Saloon - Taste the cupcake of the day & creative concoctions
53. Kingmakers Board Game Parlour - Play any board game you can think of
54. North High Brewing - Drink or make your own craft beer!


 

Arena District
55. Huntington Park - Take me out to the Columbus Clippers baseball game
56. Nationwide Arena - Catch a Blue Jackets hockey game or a concert
57. Big Bang Dueling Piano Bar - Huge crowds cheer on these talented pianists
58. LC Pavilion - An indoor/outdoor music venue with huge national acts
59. Arch Park - Historic park with arch salvaged from Union Train Station


Grandview
60. Aab India Restaurant - Indian buffet with off-the-charts spiciness
61. The Oilerie - Sample from dozens of flavor-infused olive oils & vinegars
62. Clay Cafe - Paint and create your very own pottery pieces
63. Stauf’s Coffee Roasters - A great meeting spot with even greater java!
64. Ohio Taproom - Get a growler filled to-go from a selection of Ohio beers
65. DK Diner - Donuts! Including a bacon cheeseburger w/ glazed donut bun
66. Go Fitness Center - Colorful fitness center w/ great classes & instructors
67. Local Cantina - Mustaches, tasty tacos, and all-you-can-eat nachos
68. Grandview Theater - Old-school 1-screen movie theatre w/ indie films

Clintonville
69. Rag-O-Rama - Consignment store w/ very eclectic & designer clothes
70. Crimson Cup Coffee - Cozy coffee cafe with locally roasted bold coffee
71. Whetstone Park of Roses - Picturesque park with hundreds of roses

Gahanna
72. Creekside Gahanna Paddleboating - Paddleboat on a lovely creek
73. Pooch Playground - Everyone's favorite playground especially for dogs

 

University District
74. The Oval - Central courtyard on OSU's campus - frisbee, studying, etc.
75. Mirror Lake - Iconic pond on OSU's campus - great for picnics & strolls
76. Adriatico's Pizza - Greasy goodness that tastes just like college
77. The Ohio Stadium - AKA "The 'Shoe" - where the OSU Buckeyes play 
78. Olentangy River Wetlands Research Park - Educational and serene spot
79. Outdoor Adventure Center (OAC) Rock Wall - Gym & indoor rock wall
80. Newport Music Hall - Decades-old campus concert hall w/ popular bands
81. O Patio & Pub - Hotspot for fraternity & sorority students 
82. South Campus Gateway - An inviting alley w/ shops, restaurants & movies
83. Wexner Center for the Arts - Modern art, cool events & interesting design

 

Various Locations
84. Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams - Literally the nation's BEST ice cream
85. Candle Lab - Make candles by mixing wax w/ any scent imaginable
86. Cap City Half Marathon - Signature half & quarter marathon event
87. Columbus Pedal Wagon - Pedal a contraption from bar to bar to bar
88. Project 908 Paddleboarding - Stand up paddleboarding rental service
89. Olentangy River Trail - Multi-use trail that runs along the Olentangy
90. Pure Barre - New workout craze centered around isometric movements
91. Columbus Food Adventures - Guided tour of Columbus restaurants 
92. Columbus Brew Adventures - Guided tour of Columbus breweries



Powell
93. Powell Village Winery - Quaint winery definitely worth a visit
94. Columbus Zoo & Aquarium - Approved by Jack Hanna himself

 

Around The Loop
95. Hollywood Casino Columbus (Hilltop) - Feels like the Vegas strip!
96. SkyZone Indoor Trampoline Park (Lewis Center) - Bounce your heart out
97. Trapper John's Canoe Livery (Grove City) - Rent kayaks & canoes!
98. Celebrate Local (Easton) - A shop with nothing but Ohio-made goods
99. Hoover Reservoir Park (Westerville) - For sailing & other watercraft
100. Summit Vision (Westerville) - High ropes obstacle course!
101. Ohio State Fair (Fairgrounds) - Animals, fried food, & people watching