Posts in category 'Columbus And Central Ohio'
July
13
13
Everything You Need to Know About Columbus' New Night Market
If you're a fan of perusing the local farmers market, you're going to love what's in store for you this summer!
Columbus' infamous North Market will be hosting a Night Market inspired by the traditional outdoor gatherings popular throughout Europe and Asia, fostering a carnival-like atmosphere with a delicious array of foo...
July
6
6
The Complete Guide to Being Outdoorsy in Columbus
While we might not live in a mountainous outdoor mecca, Columbus has so much to offer when it comes to exploring the outdoors. The city is located on the confluence of two large rivers and boasts lush prairie land, awe-inspiring shale cliffs and fields of flowers ripe for exploring. Cyclists, hikers, climbers and runners alike are able to challenge themselves, and you'll likely find an abundance of kind, like-minded people on the trail! After all, this town boasts some of the most friendly people in the country.
Whether you're looking to get out of your comfort zone and try something new, make friends or simply explore the area, getting outside is the best way to go. Here are some ideas to get you started. Have fun out there!
Hiking
June
15
15
Where to Watch Outdoor Movies in the Columbus Area This Summer
What's better than enjoying a great movie inside? Watching it outside! Warm summer nights offer the perfect opportunity to lay out a blanket or a lawn chair, gather up your loved ones, and enjoy a classic flick under the stars. Luckily, there is a large selection of outdoor movie events in Columbus throughout the summer ranging from 21+ events to family-friendly gatherings — some are even free!
To ensure that you don't miss a second of the action, we rounded up a few of the best movie series and drive-in theaters around town. So, pick a night (or a favorite film) and enjoy the show!
OUTDOOR MOVIE SERIES
Grove City Fryer Flicks on the Hill
June
13
13
11 Fourth of July Events + Fireworks Displays Worth Attending in Columbus, Ohio
Looking for 2019 Fourth of July events? Check out our most recent guide:13 Fourth of July Events + Fireworks Displays in Columbus, Ohio
America's birthday is just around the corner, which means that it's time to pull your patriotic attire out of the closet and make plans for the celebration! The Fourth of July is a highly anticipated occasion here in Columbus, bringing the opportunity to gather with loved ones and experience local events and fireworks displays. Columbus is home to one of the biggest fireworks displays in the Midwest, but if you want to avoid the crowds, there are also plenty of other ways to celebrate. We rounded up some of the best concerts, parades, 5k races, outdoor movies and more to help you celebrate your Independence Day weekend the right way. The events kick off on June 30 and continue until the last sparkler goes out on July 4. Have fun out there! 2018 Columbus Fourth of July Events include:Ashville 4th of July Celebration
When: June 30-July 4, Times vary Where: Ashville Community Park, Ashville
For more than 80 years, locals and visitors alike have gathered in the heart of Ashville to celebrate our nation's freedom in style. People come from miles around to experience the festival's famous fish sandwiches (which are gigantic), the live entertainment and the pageants. On the Fourth of July, the day kicks off with a parade, continues with entertainment, food and contests, and concludes with a spectacular fireworks show.
The Hills Downtown Salmon Roast
When: June 30, 11 am-3 pm Where: The Hills Market Downtown, Columbus Salmon aficionados should make sure to mark this event on their calendars! For the first time ever, The Hills Downtown will host a salmon roast with more than 500 pounds of fresh fish. The salmon will be served sandwich style with a side of coleslaw, and you can enjoy your meal while dancing along to live music from the Winchester Steel Company steel drum band.An Outdoor Showing of Marley and Me at The Topiary Park
When: June 30, 6:30 pm Where: The Topiary Park, Columbus Round up the whole family (even the dog!) for this free outdoor movie event at The Topiary Park. The beloved family-friendly flick, Marley and Me, will play on the weekend before the Fourth of July and will include free popcorn for all to enjoy.The Columbus Symphony's Patriotic Pops
When: June 30, 8 pm Where: Columbus Association for the Performing Arts, Columbus
Photo courtesy of Randall Schieber via the Columbus Symphony
This summer tradition with the Columbus Symphony is always a night to remember. This year, it will be made even more memorable with the addition of the Columbus Gay Men's Chorus! Come enjoy an evening of patriotic favorites and Sousa marches with brilliant light displays. Of course, the beloved event would not be complete without fireworks, which will take place after the show.The Charity Day 5k
When: July 2, 6:30 pm Where: The Arena District, Columbus Give back to a cause you care about — and work off some of those burgers and brats while you're at it! Don't miss the Charity Day 5K, a running and walking event that takes place in the streets of downtown Columbus. During registration, participants can choose their beneficiary to be sure they're racing for a cause they truly care about. After you cross the finish line, enjoy a post-race party hosted by Red, White & Boom.Red, White & Boom
When: July 3, All day Where: The Arena District, Columbus
Photo courtesy of Red, White & BOOM
Red, White & Boom began in 1981 when 30,000 locals gathered in Bicentennial Park to watch a small fireworks display. Since then, it has grown into the largest Fourth of July event in Columbus and one of the most widely recognized fireworks displays in the entire Midwest region!Ballpark "Boom"
When: July 3, 5:30-11 pm Where: Huntington Park, Columbus Come celebrate America's independence in style at Huntington Park. This family-friendly event will feature live entertainment on the field, ziplining, bounce houses and concessions for sale. After sunset, you'll be able to catch a glimpse of the Red, White and Boom fireworks show.Hilliard Fourth of July Celebration
When: July 4, 10 am-11 pm Where: Roger A. Reynolds Municipal Park, Hilliard Make your way to Hilliard for this annual Independence Day celebration — a community-oriented festival featuring carnival rides, live music, food vendors and more! McGuffey Lane will play at the park starting at 6 pm and the fireworks display begins at 9:45 pm.Dublin's Independence Day Celebration
When: July 4, 8 am-10 pm Where: Photo courtesy of Randall Schieber via the Columbus Symphony This summer tradition with the Columbus Symphony is always a night to remember. This year, it will be made even more memorable with the addition of the Columbus Gay Men's Chorus! Come enjoy an evening of patriotic favorites and Sousa marches with brilliant light displays. Of course, the beloved event would not be complete without fireworks, which will take place after the show.The Charity Day 5k
When: July 2, 6:30 pm Where: The Arena District, Columbus Give back to a cause you care about — and work off some of those burgers and brats while you're at it! Don't miss the Charity Day 5K, a running and walking event that takes place in the streets of downtown Columbus. During registration, participants can choose their beneficiary to be sure they're racing for a cause they truly care about. After you cross the finish line, enjoy a post-race party hosted by Red, White & Boom.Red, White & Boom
When: July 3, All day Where: The Arena District, Columbus
Photo courtesy of Red, White & BOOM
Red, White & Boom began in 1981 when 30,000 locals gathered in Bicentennial Park to watch a small fireworks display. Since then, it has grown into the largest Fourth of July event in Columbus and one of the most widely recognized fireworks displays in the entire Midwest region!Ballpark "Boom"
When: July 3, 5:30-11 pm Where: Huntington Park, Columbus Come celebrate America's independence in style at Huntington Park. This family-friendly event will feature live entertainment on the field, ziplining, bounce houses and concessions for sale. After sunset, you'll be able to catch a glimpse of the Red, White and Boom fireworks show.Hilliard Fourth of July Celebration
When: July 4, 10 am-11 pm Where:
May
24
24
The 11 Best Hiking Trails Near Columbus
Columbus might not be one of the world's most well-known hiking destinations, but it is a natural wonder in its own right! The city was built around two rivers — the Scioto and the Olentangy — on a lush landscape with breathtaking ravines, rolling hills and colorful foliage. There are plenty of trails and Metro Parks within easy driving distance, allowing for a quick and easy escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. To help you choose, we rounded up 11 of the area's most popular options.
The best way to appreciate our area's natural beauty, of course, is to immerse yourself in it. So once you're done reading about the best hiking spots in Columbus, tie up those shoes and go try them out. Adventure awaits!
Hocking Hills
Photo courtesy of the Hocking Hills Tourism Association
Hocking Hills State Park is one of central Ohio's most popular wilderness escapes, complete with striking waterfalls, awe-inspiring caves, lush greenery, wildlife and ample trails to explore it all. The park is situated just one hour away and is perfect for a day trip or for camping overnight. Before or after your hike, try one of the other activities offered in the park, including kayaking and zip-lining! The hike we like: Ash Cave is the must-try hike in Hocking Hills. Trek approximately a half-mile across rugged terrain on the high trail to the cave, which is the largest recess cave east of the Mississippi. We also love the trails in the Cedar Falls area, which allow easy access to both the falls and Old Man's Cave.Gahanna Woods
Wildflower aficionados will love exploring Gahanna Woods, which is filled with them during the spring and summer months. The urban getaway is part city park and part state nature preserve, and includes several hiking and walking trails for your enjoyment. It's a popular destination for wildlife photographers and families looking for an easier hike! The hike we like: There are several short loops that are pretty easy to link together here. Since this park's main attribute is its natural scenery and wildlife, we recommend hitting the trails without a plan! You can opt for a quick half-mile walk or a multi-mile trek.Highbanks Metro Park
Photo courtesy of Kim Strosnider via Columbus & Franklin County Metro Parks
Nestled between Franklin and Delaware counties, Highbanks Metro Park offers more than 1,000 acres of space and approximately 10 trails. There's a reason it's the most highly visited park in town! Your journey will lead you past shale bluffs, breathtaking vistas of the Olentangy River, and an 100-foot-tall sandstone bluff. The hike we like: Opt to link up the Coyote Run and Overlook trails for more than 5 miles of hiking!Scioto Trail State Park
This 218-acre park is situated within the Scioto Trail State Forest — a lush oasis within the Columbus Metro Area. The trails here boast breathtaking views of the Scioto River Valley, plenty of spots for picnicking, and just enough isolation from the hustle and bustle of the city. The hike we like: The DeBroad Vista Trail to the Fire Tower Trail is reserved for hikers only, which means you won't have to look out for mountain bikers along the way! It's a 2.5-mile trek one way and is rated as moderate.The Denison Biological Reserve
Make a quick trip to Granville (just 30 or so minutes outside of town) to explore the Denison Biological Reserve. The area spans 350 acres across forest, orchards, old plantations, ponds and former agricultural fields, and is commonly used by students for field research! It's a great place to go for a leisurely walk or run in nature, and you will probably encounter one or two deer on your trek. The hike we like: Grab a map towards the beginning of your journey! All of the trails here are scenic (and fairly easy), but the Woodcock Trail is one of the most popular.Alum Creek State Park
Situated just north of Columbus, Alum Creek State Park is a haven for water sport aficionados. The beach is one of the most well-known in the state, but there is plenty more to do in the park other than enjoying the lake! You'll find three different hiking trails as well as a 7-mile multipurpose trail, all skirting the water. There is also a popular disc golf course on site with rental equipment available! The hike we like: The Rocks to Roots trail is the lengthiest hiking trail in the park, covering just over 4.1 miles. The trail is scenic and rated as moderate!Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park
Photo courtesy of Mac Albin via Columbus & Franklin County Metro Parks
Located on the far west side of Columbus, this natural oasis offers more than 20 hiking trails meandering through 7,000 acres of prairies, forests and wetlands. It's an ideal place to seek out birds and wildlife — in fact, bison have been reintroduced to the park and roam freely within their spacious enclosed pastures. The hike we like: The Dyer Mill trail is a moderate to difficult hike that winds for 3.2 miles through tall grass meadows and secluded woodlands. You'll pass by the scenic Little Darby Creek, as well! We are also fond of the Fort Ancient Mound Loop.Christmas Rocks State Nature Preserve
Photo courtesy of the Ohio Division of Natural Areas and Preserves
Located just over 30 miles from Columbus in Lancaster, this spectacular nature preserve features two loop trails that can be linked for a scenic hike that totals nearly 5 miles. The hike starts with an old covered bridge and winds through colorful flora and wildlife to eventually end up on a clifftop. The short climb will reward you with picturesque views of the valley below! The hike we like: Link the loops together for the full Christmas Rocks experience. You can find a map to the loop trails here!Mohican State Park
An hour drive will reward you with a scenic getaway spanning thousands of acres. Mohican State Park is a 1,110-acre preserve situated right next to a 4,525-acre state forest. Both are full of trails for hikers, bikers and horseback riders alike. The hike we like: There are seven hiking trails that traverse the park. The 2-mile Lyons Fall Trail is our favorite, as it follows the Clear Fork Gorge and features two scenic waterfalls. The trail is ranked as moderate to difficult.Slate Run Metropark
Photo courtesy of Jeff Sagar via Columbus & Franklin County Metro Parks
This spot might be most well-known for the Slate Run Living Historical Farm, but the scenery here is equally as breathtaking! Come explore the abundance of tree species, the picturesque fields, the shaded forests and the wetlands! Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, and sandhill cranes have been known to nest in the wetland areas. The park is located in Canal Winchester, just a short trek southwest of Columbus. The hike we like: To get a little sampling of everything the park has to offer, we recommend linking the Bobolink, Kokomo and Sugar Maple trails — which totals nearly 5 miles.Blacklick Woods Metro Park
Photo courtesy of Connie Mastenbrook via Columbus & Franklin County Metro Parks
This popular 643-acre park is located just east of town and features an abundance of forested trails and picnic trails for a convenient escape. You will likely encounter several species of wildlife, including a few varieties of colorful birds! The hike we like: The trails here are short and fairly easy — so they are perfect for families. The Beech, Maple and Buttonbush trails are all just under a mile, so try them each in turn and stop when you're tired!Happy hiking!
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