Dublin, Ohio was named after the famous Ireland city, and has one of the largest Irish festivals in the world. | Photo via Visit Dublin Ohio
Have you ever noticed that many cities in Ohio share the names of larger cities elsewhere in the world? It’s no coincidence — there’s a reason these cities earned their names, and we decided to dig deeper and find out why.
London
With many of the original residents being from Great Britain, it’s suggested that this is how the Madison County city earned its name.
Dublin
John Shields, who surveyed this land in 1810, named the city after his hometown of Dublin, Ireland. The city commemorates its name with the Dublin Irish Festival every year.
Athens
As the home of Ohio University, this southern city was named after Athens, Greece, which is known to be the ancient center of learning.
Versailles
The village was named after the major French city in 1837, but don’t let the pronunciation fool you. Here in Ohio, it’s pronounced “Ver-Sales.”
The village Versailles, Ohio is home to about 2,700 people. | Photo via Wikimedia Commons
Manchester
This small Adams County village was named after the surveyor of the land Nathaniel Massie, whose ancestral home was Manchester, England.
Oxford
Home to Miami University, this city was named after the university town of Oxford, England.
Lima
This Ohio city was named after the capital of Peru to honor the malaria vaccine which was established there. It’s pronunciation, however, is “Ly-mah.”
Bonus: Pataskala
This Columbus suburb didn’t earn its name from elsewhere in the world, but it still has a pretty cool story. Pataskala was named by Native Americans who called the river in the area Pataskala, translating to clear water. Additionally, Licking County was named by white settlers because of its abundance of salt licks.
What other Ohio city names stick out to you? Let us know, and we can dive into the history of those as well.
Events
Thursday, May 16
Photo 101 | Thursday, May 16 | 4-5:30 p.m. | Midwest Photo, 2887 Silver Dr., Columbus | $20 | This class is for beginner photographers looking to learn about digital camera features.
DIY Dog Toys | Thursday, May 16 | 5-6 p.m. | BrewDog, 97 E. Dublin Granville Rd., New Albany | $10 | Make a dog toy out of up-cycled material to be donated to a local shelter.
Friday, May 17
Marvel Defenders of the Diamond | Friday, May 17 | 7:05 p.m. | Huntington Park, 330 Huntington Park Ln., Arena District | $6-$24 | Marvel characters will be on-site as you cheer on the Columbus Clippers in their themed game.
Candlelight Spring: A Tribute to Coldplay | Friday, May 17 | 9-10:15 p.m. | Short North Church, 25 W. 5th Ave., Short North | $34 | Sing along to Coldplay songs like “Paradise” and “A Sky Full of Stars” at this multi-sensory musical experience.
Saturday, May 18
Columbus Crew vs Chicago Fire FC Watch Party | Saturday, May 18 | 8:30-10:30 p.m. | Land-Grant Taproom Brewing Co., 424 W. Town St., Franklinton | Free | Cheer for the Crew alongside other fans as you watch on the big screen in the beer garden.
Sunday, May 19
Gavin DeGraw | Sunday, May 19 | 7 p.m. | The Bluestone, 583 E. Broad St., Downtown | $43 | Hear classics from the singer like “I Dont’ Want to Be” and “Chariot.”
Modcon Living’s “Tool Library” — a nonprofit that rents tools to the community at a low cost — is reopening on Monday, May 20 at 3840 E. 5th Ave. You can rent from nearly 5,000 hand and power tools for up to a month at a time — get your DIY on.
Opening
The Scioto Mile Fountain is reopening on Friday, May 24 at 12 p.m. after a year of renovations. Following the ribbon cutting, Fountain Fest will begin and continue through Saturday, May 25, featuring caricature artists, yard games, food trucks, and live music.
Coming Soon
Historic cabins are being transformed in Dublin into two unique concepts for spring 2025. Uncorked Wine Tastings will open at 32 S. High St. and feature self-dispensing wine machines. The Apothecary Cigar and Bourbon Lounge will open at 30 S. High St. and offer a smoking pavilion. (614now)
Civic
Governor Mike DeWine signed legislation that will require K-12 Ohio school districts to create a policy for cell phone use. A model from the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce is also available. This will go into effect on July 1, 2025. (The Columbus Dispatch)
Eat
It may be worth the ~35 minute road trip to The Hamburger Inn Diner at 16 N. Sandusky St. in Delaware. The nearly 100-year-old establishment was named the most iconic diner in Ohio by 24/7 Tempo, an online media publication. They suggest trying the “World Famous Mighty Cinnamon Rolls.” (614now)
Sports
What are the highs and lows of the Cincinnati Reds season so far? Get the latest news, analysis, and insider information for the Reds with Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Travel
🚗 Plan a road trip to Lexington, KY
The ultimate road trip to Lexington, KY
The Kentucky Castle is a must-see while visiting Lexington. | Photo by @thekentuckycastle
Hanna, here. My younger sister is heading to Lexington, KY for a medical school away rotation. I’m planning a roughly three-hour road trip to see her, so I thought I’d share my itinerary with you.
🎟️ Experience
Kentucky Bourbon Trail
Stop at Lexington spots along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, including Town Branch and Barrel House Distilling Co.
Kentucky Horse Park
Watch a live show, saddle up for a horseback ride, or explore The International Museum of the Horse.
The Kentucky Castle
The picturesque medieval-style castle sits on 100+ acres. Tour the castle, or just stop by for pictures.
🍔 Eat
Windy Corner Market
Dine in the heart of horse farms at this spot owned by Ouita Michel, a six-time James Beard Foundation Award nominee.
Dudley’s on Short
Find brunch, lunch, and dinner options with a rooftop patio that is excellent in warmer months.
Lockbox
Enjoy Southern dishes like smoked grits and carp in downtown Lexington.
The Buy
The Buy 5.16.24 (Affiliate + Six & Main)
Lululemon’s fan-favorite running shorts in newly dropped colors. The Hotty Hot shorts have a built-in liner for secure coverage, and they still feel light as air.
Answered
What is your ideal night out?
Forno is a great spot if you’re looking for a fruity or sugary drink. | Photo via @fornoshortnorth
I attended the Land-Grant Extension preview last night, and I can’t wait to give you all the inside scoop. From pickleball courts to wine-beer hybrids, there’s a lot to look forward to.
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