Steve Burgess
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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!
May
21
21
11 Things to do Over Memorial Day Weekend in Columbus
Memorial Day offers an opportunity to celebrate America's fallen heroes — the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. The day typically warrants business closures and a day off of school and work, allowing us to spend some extra time with our loved ones!
The weekend is also considered by many as the unofficial start of summer (and the first acceptable time to wear white pants), so there is plenty to celebrate. We rounded up a few of the best events being held in Columbus this upcoming Memorial Day weekend, ranging from parades and commemorative services to music festivals. Have fun, and make sure to give our service men and women the proper salute they deserve.
Westerville Field of Heroes
When: All weekend
May
18
18
Everything You Need to Know About the Celtic Cocktail Trail in Dublin, Ohio
Dublin is one of Columbus' hippest suburbs, boasting modern bars and eateries, a younger population, and plenty of parks and shops. The town also hosts the Memorial Tournament, a stop on the National PGA Tour, so it's a popular spot for golf enthusiasts to call home.
The town was founded (in part) by Irishman John Shields. Therefore, Dublin is named for Ireland's capital and celebrates that tie every chance it gets. Locals play golf on the links-style Golf Club of Dublin and root for local high school teams like the Shamrocks, the Irish and the Celtics....
May
11
11
12 Restaurant Patios You'll Want to Enjoy in the Columbus Area This Summer
Columbus is home to one of the fastest growing culinary scenes in the Midwest. Regardless of what you're craving, you don't have to look far to find an eatery with a mouthwatering menu and a festive atmosphere!
One of our favorite aspects of summer is the ability to enjoy a meal from one of these fantastic restaurants and enjoy the warm weather at the same time, which is why we try to seek out sunny patios as often as we can.
There are plenty of Columbus restaurants, breweries and bars with patios perfect for soaking in the sunshine, but these 12 should definitely be at the top of your list. Enjoy!
Basi Italia
Facebook | Menu 811 Highland Street, Columbus
Photo courtesy of Karen Lynch via Basi Italia
Nestled in Columbus' Victorian Village, Basi Italia serves up market-driven and flavorful Italian dishes in a cozy dining room. The restaurant is definitely one of the highlights of the neighborhood and is a perfect setting for date night! When the weather is cooperating, opt to enjoy your meal outside on the patio — a fenced-in paradise with plenty of lush greenery and twinkle lights.Bodega Food + Beer
Facebook | Instagram | Menu 1044 North High Street, Columbus47 taps, 150 beers total, a full lineup of craft cocktails, mouthwatering grilled cheeses and juicy burgers — need we say more? The delicious American pub fare and drinks menu are great year round, but everything just seems to taste better on the patio. The outdoor space spans the length of the restaurant and is the perfect happy hour gathering spot.
Callahan's Bar
Facebook | Instagram | Menu 520 North Park Street, ColumbusThis laid-back Irish Pub is located in the heart of Columbus' Arena District, so it's a popular place to gather with friends before or after the big game. The venue offers good pub food, a friendly atmosphere and also one of the most iconic rooftop patios in the city. Sit upstairs with a beer, cocktail or glass of wine to take in the skyline views, or dance the night away after the sun sets! Bonus: Every Wednesday evening, the bar features $5 margaritas and free chips and salsa!
Cosecha Cocina
Facebook | Instagram | Menu 987 North 4th Street, ColumbusSet in an old brick building in the heart of Italian Village, Cosecha Cocina opened its doors in March 2017 to instant success, and the buzz still hasn't died down. Locals flock here for refreshing margaritas and Mexican-inspired street food. The menu includes traditional bites like tamales, tostadas, tacos, rellenos and enchiladas. And although the cuisine is familiar, each dish is prepared with an innovative twist. Enjoy your choice on the patio, which is laden with picnic tables on warm-weather days.
The Crest Gastropub
Facebook | Instagram | Menu 2855 Indianola Avenue, Columbus AND 621 Parsons Avenue, ColumbusThere are so many reasons to love the Crest Gastropub, including the impressive selection of craft beer, the inventive cocktails and the locally sourced menu. But perhaps our favorite feature of this beloved Clintonville hotspot is the fantastic rooftop patio. The outdoor space is scattered with comfortable chairs and tables for a leisurely meal under the sun, and provides excellent views of the surrounding urban scenery.
Grandview Cafe
Facebook | Instagram | Menu 1455 West 3rd Avenue, ColumbusIt's no secret that the Grandview Cafe is a preferred gathering place among locals. The institution has been serving Columbus since 1925! The cuisine and vibe have changed over the years but the sense of community has always remained the same. In fact, the Grandview Cafe underwent a complete renovation and overhaul of the menu early last year, but fear not — the iconic, two-story patio remains. Come enjoy comforting bites, a craft cocktail and camaraderie on 3rd Avenue!
Lindey's
Facebook | Instagram | Menu 169 East Beck Street, ColumbusThis family-owned establishment is a staple in the Columbus community. The restaurant has been so successful in part due to its friendly service and welcoming atmosphere, but also because of the delicious menu designed by Brett Fife and the spectacular outdoor patio. Come by during the summer months to enjoy lunch, dinner, brunch or happy hour al fresco.
Milestone 229
Facebook | Instagram | Menu 229 Civic Center Drive, ColumbusFor top-notch views of the Scioto Mile (and excellent food), look no further than Milestone 229. This bustling spot serves up comforting, new American fare in spectacular modern digs. The large windows open up to views of the spectacular Scioto Mile fountain, but on a beautiful day, we recommend sitting outside to get the full experience. The patio is shaded and provides the perfect spot for sipping on a craft cocktail and sharing a flatbread.
Seventh Son Brewing
Facebook | Instagram | Tap List 1101 North 4th Street, ColumbusSeventh Son Brewing has served the Italian Village neighborhood since April 2013, providing incredible craft beer and bites from local food trucks in a fun and airy space. Additionally, the brewery is home to one of the most iconic patios in Columbus! On weekends, the outdoor space is bustling with locals and visitors alike catching up and sipping on one of the refreshing beers on tap — which is one of the reasons it landed on our list of the top breweries in Columbus.
Trillium Kitchen and Patio
Facebook | Instagram | Menu 2333 North High Street, ColumbusTrillium Kitchen and Patio prides itself on its community atmosphere. In fact, it's one of the most popular gathering places in the Tuttle Park area! Executive Chef Bradley Balch whips up delicious, globally inspired plates with an emphasis on seafood and local ingredients, and it seems that each dish is even better than the last. Enjoy the experience on the patio, which boasts a romantic atmosphere and great opportunities for people watching.
Trism
Facebook | Instagram | Menu 1636 North High Street, ColumbusTrism is Columbus' hottest new space — and it's tough for us to decide what we love most about it. By day, it's a sunny and healthy eatery serving house-made pastries, smoothie bowls, juices and more. And by night, it's a bar and event space hosting some of the areas most renowned DJs and performers! There are even free yoga classes on the weekends. Regardless of how you decide to enjoy Trism, make sure to take advantage of the patio on summer days.
Watershed Kitchen & Bar
Facebook | Instagram | Menu 1145 Chesapeake Avenue, Suite D, ColumbusWatershed Kitchen & Bar's philosophy of honest food, honest drinks, respect for ingredients, and respect for people is what landed it on our list of Columbus' best new restaurants in 2017. The new eatery is located in the heart of the distillery and production facility and offers creative, New American fare alongside craft cocktails made with house-distilled spirits — plus the ability to enjoy your meal outside.
Enjoy your summer!
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