This just inn 🏨

Hilton Downtown officially opens in Columbus, Ohio

The 28-story tower is the tallest in Ohio — for now. | Rendering via Meyers + Associates

The Hilton Downtown is taking the suite life to new heights — literally + figuratively.

The 28-story tower officially opened on Thurs., Oct. 13 making it the tallest building in Ohio. This skyscraper is more than a scenic look of the city + a cozy stay, it also offers three new restaurants, a rooftop bar, and 53,000 sqft of meeting space. Today, we’re giving you an early check-in on this brand new hotel.

Michelin approved ⭐️

The three restaurants inside the Hilton — Stories on High, Spark, and FYR — will all feature dishes from Michelin-star chef Sebastian La Rocca. Sebastian is an Argentinian born chef who has worked with famed chefs like Jamie Oliver.

Both Spark, the bar located in the lobby, + FYR, a wood-fired grill, are now open. Stories on High, an upscale rooftop lounge, is planned to open soon.

CBUStoday FYR food — Find upscale meals like a dry aged tomahawk steak at FYR. | Photo via FYR

A lay of the land 📍

The $210 million, 460,000-sqft hotel will be the first 1,000 key hotel in Columbus. Split into two buildings, one building will house 537 keys + the other will hold 463 keys. Both buildings are connected by a pedestrian bridge under High Street that also connects to the Greater Columbus Convention Center.

A race to the top ⬆️

As of the date of opening, this is the tallest building in Ohio, but that record might not stand the test of time. The North Market is beginning the construction process on its downtown addition which will bring a 31-story tower to the area. As far as we know, the tallest two buildings in Ohio will both be in Columbus — so, you know, step up your game Cincinnati + Cleveland.

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Today

Ethan Timm, “Bender Of Fenders” | Mon., Oct. 17 | 7 p.m. | Fat Baxter’s, 1794 W. Mound St., Columbus | Ohio musician Ethan Timm plays acoustic guitar and sings bluesy, smooth classic rock songs, as well as his similarly styled original songs. 🎸
UACA Golden Bear Scare | Mon., Oct. 17 - Wed., Oct. 19 | 6-9 p.m. | Smith Nature Park, 1270 Fishinger Rd, Upper Arlington | The Smith Nature Park comes alive with ghosts, witches, and a unique “Zombie Hill” where actual zombies become agitated by the sight of children ages 6-13 years.

Tuesday, October 18

Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Vancouver Canucks | Tue., Oct. 18 | 7 p.m. | Nationwide Arena, 200 West Nationwide Blvd, Columbus | $38.00 - $285.00 | Watch the Jackets continue the start of the season against this Western Conference foe. 🏒
Evenings with Authors: Sloane Crosley | Tue., Oct. 18 | 7-8 p.m. | Columbus Museum of Art, 480 East Broad Street, Columbus | $21.00 - $76.00 | Sloane Crosley is the author of The New York Times bestselling essay collections, “I Was Told There’d Be Cake” and “How Did You Get This Number.” 📖

Wednesday, October 19

Thriller/Halloween Line Dances | Wed., Oct. 19 | 7-7:45 p.m. | The Crystal Ballroom Dance Center, 402 East Wilson Bridge Road Suite A, Worthington | $15.00 | Learn the classic Thriller line dance and other Halloween-themed dances in this two-part series. 💃
Wine-Down-Wednesday | Wed., Oct. 19 | Jimmy V’s Grill & Pub, 1 S. State Street, Westerville | All esteemed ‪Bovin Wines are discounted at a 50% when you purchase a bottle. 🍷

We have a monthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

100+ MORE EVENTS

Weather

45º | Mostly cloudy | 20% chance of rain

Open

Common Thread, a retail collaboration between CCAD + the Columbus Fashion Council, is now open on S. Third Street. The new concept brings seven stores to the area, including Joan Madison Couture and Xantha Ward. 🛍 (Columbus Underground)

Biz

Smith & Wollensky, which has been in Easton Town Center for 25 years, announced plans to relocate downtown. The upscale steakhouse did not disclose where its new location will be and the Easton location will be open until January 2023. (10TV)
Talk about spending a bag — a grocery bag that is. Kroger, the Cincinnati-based grocery chain, will purchase Albertson Companies Inc. for $24.6 billion. Through the purchase, Kroger plans to lower prices for customers. (Columbus Business First)

Try This

Take flight with the dinosaurs at COSI this fall as the new Pterosaurs exhibit is now open. Kids + families are invited to learn more about these flying reptiles through fossils, life-sized dinosaur displays, and interactive games.
Two dates are remaining to take a trip back to a Victorian Halloween with the Ohio History Connection. The final two dates are Sat., Oct. 22 + Sat., Oct. 29. Find fortune tellers, carve pumpkins, and listen to the story of Sleepy Hallow by a bonfire.

Cause

The United Way of Central Ohio is seeking new + gently used children’s book donations for its Books & Brews event on Thurs., Oct. 20. Books donated at the event will be given to local kids so they can have free reading resources. 📚

Job

Women and women of color are underrepresented in the tech field + Per Scholas, a Franklin County program, is looking to change that. The local program trains women and women of color in a free 15-week course to prepare for jobs in the tech sector, like Intel. 💻 (ABC6 On Your Side)

Shop

You scream, I scream, we all scream for Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams. The innovative ice cream brand was born right here in Columbus, and we can’t help but have pride in the fact that the brand is now sold nationwide. Our favorite flavor? We could eat Brambleberry Crisp by the gallon. 🍨*

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Become the host with the most (delicious dishes)

Carfagna’s Italian Market offers chance to learn cooking secrets

Wow the crowd after learning how to make this cobbler recipe. | Photo via @carfagnasmarket

There’s only so much you can learn from a YouTube cooking tutorial — sometimes you have to get hands-on.

With Carfagna’s Classroom, located at 1440 Gemini Place, you’ll be doing just that + adding skills and recipes to your cooking repertoire. Classes range from making handmade pasta (Wed., Nov. 11) to learning how to bake the perfect pumpkin pie (multiple dates for this popular class). Plus, and perhaps best of all, you’ll get to enjoy your creations at the end.

Classes are available now through December, including Thanksgiving + Christmas-themed courses.

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Mitch.

Editor’s pick: Shout out to local food writer @breakfastwithnick who made the trip up to my old elementary school stomping grounds, Waldo, Ohio. Fun fact: The G&R Tavern is a local icon for my hometown, just ask Al Roker.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Meet Mitchell Pehlke, a social media star on OSU’s lacrosse team.

Connect with us.

Editorial: Mitch Hooper, Hanna Williford, Sarah Leonhardt, Erin McPherson, Ashlea Hearn, Emily Shea | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

Sales: Julie Brown | Advertise with us.

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