Take a hike 🏃‍♂️

Get outdoors with February hiking opportunities at metro parks across Columbus

Scenic views at Quarry Trails | Photo by @mmramz

There are scenic views other than just the waterfall at Quarry Trails. | Photo by @mmramz

In honor of the month of love, Columbus Metro Parks announced “Love from Metro Parks” — a winter hike series with fun ways to turn your outdoor adventures up a notch.

🌳 Pick a participating metro park

Hike any of the trails at these featured parks to participate in the February winter hike series:

🥤 Stay hydrated

Columbus Metro Parks will provide refreshments for hikers at select parks from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on the following dates:

Saturday, Feb. 4 — Blendon Woods
Saturday, Feb. 11 — Glacier Ridge
Saturday, Feb. 18 — Three Creeks

A waterfall surrounded by fallen leaves and bare trees. — In total, there are 20 metro parks in Columbus, covering 28,000 acres of land and water. | Photo by @pavonia_shelly_photography

🔦 Search for wooden ornaments

Columbus Metro Parks will hide wooden ornaments in trees across multiple trails for hikers to take home. Ornaments are hung at the end of the day on Friday, so start your search the week of:

Friday, Feb. 3 at Pickerington Ponds
Friday, Feb. 10 at Heritage Trail
Friday, Feb. 17 at Quarry Trails

It’s encouraged that only one ornament is taken per household.

📝 Track your hikes

Hikers are challenged to download the Winter Hike Card to track progress for the month. Have a staff member mark your card after completing a hike. Those who complete seven hikes in February will qualify for a special patch.

🎉 Attend the Winter Hike Celebration

Head to Blacklick Woods Golf Course on Saturday, Feb. 26 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. for more hiking, mingling, hot chocolate, and to redeem your winter patches.

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Wednesday, Feb. 1

Valentine’s Day Sweethearts Improv Show | Wednesday, Feb. 1 | 7 p.m. | Woodlands Tavern, 1200 W. Third Ave., Columbus | $10 | Watch the local group Hashtag Comedy in a show all about love and relationships.

Thursday, Feb. 2

Ohio State Men’s Basketball vs. University of Wisconsin | 7 p.m. | Schottenstein Center, 555 Borror Dr., Columbus | $11-$48
Orchid Mounting | Thursday, Feb. 2 | 6-7 p.m. | Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, 1777 E. Broad St., Columbus | $37-$43 | Sip wine and learn to mount an orchid to a display piece with natural moss and wire.

Friday, Feb. 3

Ohio State Buckeyes Men’s Hockey vs. Penn State University | Friday, Feb. 3-Saturday, Feb. 4 | Times vary | Schottenstein Center, 555 Borror Dr., Columbus | $15-$25
Short North Food Tour | Saturday, Feb. 4 | 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. | North Market, 59 Spruce St., Columbus | $68 | Start at the North Market and stroll 1.5 miles with food samples from local businesses along the way.
Columbus Winter Carnival 2023 | Saturday, Feb. 4 | 11 a.m.-6 p.m. | Franklin County Fairgrounds, 4100 Columbia St., Hilliard | $5-$40 | Enjoy a magician, big bounce park, carnival games, food, and a superhero area.

We have a calendar filled with events and 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

26º | Partly cloudy | 0% chance of rain

State

Gov. Mike DeWine delivered his State of the State Address yesterday, which highlighted budget priorities for the next two years. His focuses included education, mental health, law enforcement, jobs, and affordable housing. Watch the address here. (The Columbus Dispatch)

Opening

Delany’s Diner is opening its third location at 674 Main St. on Monday, Feb. 6 at 6:30 a.m. The popular breakfast, lunch, and brunch spot already operates locations in Reynoldsburg and Westerville. 🍳

Biz

Central Insurance is more than quadrupling its office size with a move from 425 Metro Place N. to a 48,322-sqft spot at 6620 Mooney St. in Dublin. The move will create 60 jobs + will be the largest office space in Bridge Park. 🏢 (Columbus Business First)

Health

Sarepta Therapeutics Inc., a biopharmaceutical company, is awaiting approval from the US Food and Drug Administration on a gene therapy treatment invented at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. Upon approval, the muscular dystrophy treatment could generate $4 billion in annual sales. 🩺 (Columbus Inno)

Sports

Tickets are available now for the “Faceoff On The Lake” on Saturday, Feb. 18 at 4 p.m. Ohio State men’s ice hockey will face TTUN for the first-ever matchup inside First Energy Stadium, home of the Cleveland Browns. 🏒

Try This

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams “Ice Cream for Breakfast Day” is happening Saturday, Feb. 4 from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Try the limited edition Maple Soaked Pancakes flavor, plus find exclusive merch + enter to win free Jeni’s for a year. 🍦

Concert

The Kid LAROI, a rapper known for hits like “Stay” with Justin Bieber, is coming to the Schottenstein Center on Tuesday, March 28. Tickets go on sale Friday, Feb. 3 at 12 p.m. 🎶

Asked

Why do you love Columbus? With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, we’d love to share some of your answers as to why you’re so fond of our city. Send your thoughts our way.

Seasonal

Instead of roses or chocolate, opt for an experiential Valentine’s Day gift this year, like an intimacy card deck or chocolate truffle making kit from Uncommon Goods. Wanna plan the ultimate date night? Order this fondue set for two or enjoy this virtual romantic painting class. 💝 *

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Black History Month is here

Celebrate Black History Month in Columbus, Ohio

Make drums and participate in drumming concerts at the Columbus Metropolitan Library. | Photo by @columbuslibrary

February is Black History Month, which is a time to reflect and celebrate people and events in African American history. Here are some local ways you can learn about Black history and immerse yourself in the culture this month.

Columbus Metropolitan Library

Participate in virtual and in-person programs across all branches, including poetry workshops, concerts, an open mic night, a hip-hop class, and an Underground Railroad exhibit.

Ohio History Connection

Browse art shows, exhibits, and partake in film screenings and discussions across the state.

Columbus Museum of Art

On Sunday, Feb. 12, the Columbus Cultural Orchestra will perform a Black History Month pop-up concert from 2-3:30 p.m.

Columbus Black History Tours

Book a 90-minute bus tour with audio-visual presentations or virtual tour to explore and learn about Columbus’ African American history.

Black History Festival

Enjoy networking, excursions, and entertainment at the Renaissance Columbus Downtown Hotel.

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Hanna.

Editor’s pick: I had so much fun getting out and doing a “Hot Takes with Hanna” segment on CBUStoday’s Instagram. What burning questions would you like me to get to the bottom of next? Let me know.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Here’s the rundown on local elementary, middle, and high schools.

Connect with us.

Editorial: Mitch Hooper, Hanna Williford, Josh Kranzberg, Emily Shea, Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto, Dayten Rose, Sarah Leonhardt, Katie Smith | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

Sales: Ana Gibson | Advertise with us.

Content marked with an * was created in partnership with 6AM City’s advertising partners. Paid content helps keep this newsletter free. 6AM City may also receive a commission on purchases made through affiliate links in this newsletter.

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