Take a road trip to the “other” Columbus this summer
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Downtown Columbus, IN is a one-of-a-kind destination. | Photos provided by Visit Indiana; GIF by CBUStoday
Sunshine peekin’ through, days stretchin’ long, and that sweet smell of freshly cut watermelon in the air — summer is right around the corner. But with so many amazing things to see and do, how do you make the most of this glorious season? We’re glad you asked.
Columbus, IN is just a three-hour drive from Columbus, OH (the ideal driving length for a weekend getaway). Here’s what to add to your itinerary:
Explore Columbus’ architecture
With 80+ noteworthy buildings and public art installations, Columbus ranks sixth in the US for architectural innovation. See why camera-toting tourists come from all over the world to tour the art and architecture of this welcoming city. Churches, homes, and other buildings were designed by internationally renowned architects such as I.M. Pei, who also designed the pyramid at the Louvre. Explore tour options to get an even closer look at the city’s architecture.
Bonus: Public art is around every corner, and it has been created by well-known sculptors like Swiss artist Jean Tinguely.
A summer of family fun
This family-friendly destination boasts various activities to keep your little ones occupied. With Zaharakos Ice Cream Parlor, a soda shop preserved to its original charm, and the kidscommons Children’s Museum located in the same block downtown, it’s the perfect spot to spend an afternoon with kids.
Make a pitstop in Richmond-Wayne County
Do you hear that?Richmond-Wayne County is calling your name. On your way to or from Columbus, take a break from driving to experience unique theme trails and antique shopping pleasures.
Hike or bike under the dappling sunlight, pick a fresh bouquet from a flower farm, and sample sweets on the free chocolate trail (yes, it’s a real thing).
On the Chocolate Trail, tempt your sweet tooth with delectable, locally-made chocolate specialties (think confections, donuts, brownies, and more).
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Photo provided by Visit Indiana
Don’t forget to savor craft beers and wines, enjoy outdoor dining, and unwind at one of the area’s cozy accommodations.
Tree Wall Hanging Macrame Workshop | Tuesday, June 11 | 6-8:30 p.m. | Family Room Coffee & Bake Shop, 545 S. Otterbein Ave., Westerville | $30 | Create a spring tree wall hanging with all supplies and instructions provided.
Wednesday, June 12
Columbus Clippers Business Day Special | Wednesday, June 12 | 12:05 p.m. | Huntington Park, 330 Huntington Park Ln., Arena District | $6-$24 | Cheer on the Clip Show with discounted tickets for the mid-day, weekday game against the Iowa Cubs.
Farmers Market | Wednesday, June 12-Wednesday, Sept. 11 | 3:30-6:30 p.m. | Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens , 1777 E Broad St., Columbus | Free | Shop local produce, baked goods, handmade items, and more at this weekly market held in the Wells Barn parking lot.*
Thursday, June 13
Pearl Market | Thursday, June 13 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Columbus Commons, 160 S. High St., Downtown | Cost of purchase | Shop fresh produce and artisan goods from local vendors + enjoy live music.
Putts & Pints | Thursday, June 13 | 4-7 p.m. | Land-Grant Brewing Company, 424 W. Town St., Franklinton | $20 | Play putt putt while supporting affordable housing in Columbus.
Friday, June 14
Joey Fatone & AJ McLean | Friday, June 14 | 7:30 p.m. | Wexner Center Mershon Auditorium, 1871 N. High St., Campus | $55-$145 | Singers from *NSYNC and the Backstreet Boys will take the stage.
The Columbus Air Show returns Friday, June 14-Sunday, June 16 at Rickenbacker International Airport. Watch a variety of world-famous air performances, including the United States Air Force Thunderbirds. Grab tickets.
Film
Easton announced its free outdoor movie series called 1999 Movie Rewind. It kicks off on Friday, June 28 with a playing of “Toy Story 2,” and screenings will continue monthly through October.
Open
Bears Bagels opened its first brick-and-mortar at 4142 Main St. in Hilliard. The bagel shop is known for its New York and Montreal-style bagels, and has previously sold at pop-ups like The Dublin Market.
Biz
Issa Tall is officially the new general manager of the Columbus Crew. Tall previously served as the assistant general manager for five years, and he replaces former GM and president Tim Bezbatchenko.
Real Estate
A German Village home at 229 E. Beck St. hit the market for nearly $5 million. The home features two guest houses, an inground pool, spa, and a secret garden. Private showings must be requested.
Watch
We visited “the world’s biggest bounce park,” and trust us when we say you’ll definitely want to jump in on the action. Check out Hanna’s hops on the 25,000 sqft of continuous jumping space with 10 play areas.
Listen
Outfielder TJ Friedl is heating up for the Cincinnati Reds. Get the latest news, analysis, and insider information for the Reds with Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Wellness
Looking for a game-changing night of sleep? Fall asleep + wake up rested with Cornbread Hemp’s CBD Sleep Gummies. Get 30% off a $55 minimum purchase with code CBDSLEEP30.*
Finance
Expert tip: During economic times like these, balance transfers can really make a difference. By simply transferring your existing credit card balances to this card, you’ll give yourself 18 months to pay it off — without interest. (Bonus: Earn 2% cash back on everyday purchases while you’re at it.)*
Try This
City editors in the suburbs
City editors in the suburbs: Worthington edition
Worthington Candle Works is located at 646 High St. with a free parking lot out front. | Photo by CBUStoday
Hanna, here. I love how each suburb of Columbus has its own style and sense of community, which is why I’ll be heading to a different suburb every month and spending a day there.
Here’s my first edition: A day in Worthington.
I started off the day with some coffee from Kittie’s, then went to Worthington Candle Works, which just opened last month. I was able sniff from 100+ scents, then custom pour my own candle. I went with pistachio, whipped cream, and coconut as my final three scents + put it together in a pink vessel, which is just my style.
While my candle dried, I went to Joya’s for a breakfast sandwich, and it did not disappoint. The head chef Avishar Barua has been on the Food Network and was a James Beard Award semifinalist.
I finished a day with a stroll through the Worthington Historic District. Where to next? Help me decide.
The Buy
The Buy 6.11.24 (Affiliate + Six & Main)
A cute swimsuit cover that combines the classic look of a button down shirt with extra length so everything’s covered.
Answered
What matters to you most when choosing an event to attend?
Don’t let parking troubles hold you back from fun like movies at the Commons. | Photo via @columbuscommons
Location and parking: 46% | Cost: 23% | Live music and entertainment: 19% | Food and drinks: 10% | Activities: 2%
I agree with most of you that parking is most important when attending an event. There’s nothing worse than trying to navigate traffic, expensive garages, or lack of parking spaces. Do you have any parking tips for when you head to busy areas? Send them our way.
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