8 Things to Do in Cbus This Weekend (Independence Day Weekend)

It's a three-day weekend and we're about to have us some fun!  Fireworks, parades, cookouts, and 5ks... there are plenty of things going on, especially in each neighborhood around Columbus (check for your local fireworks here).  This week's list fills in the rest of your weekend with more fun!

What to do...

1. Most of the neighborhood fireworks are happening on the Fourth this year, so come downtown with the rest of Columbus and watch the largest display of fireworks in the Midwest, Red White and Boom... but first... put your reservation in now for Gallerie Bar's Red, White, and Blue Crab boil which includes parking in their garage.  Premium parking, AC, crab dinner, and fireworks for $29?!  Yes!!

2. If you like Pint House and Forno, check out the "sneak peek" opening of Standard Hall on Friday.  First people in the door get entered to with tickets to Austin City Limits music festival!

3. It's going to be another hot one this weekend, cool off with a beer and a dip in the pool!  Hoof Hearted is hosting a pool party on Saturday with DJ Thom playing his summer soundtrack.

4.  Clear Fork, normally known for skiing, is opening a summer adventure park, and Saturday is their opening day.  Tubing, wakeboarding, and zorbs... so much fun!

5.  If Clear Fork is too far of a drive, get tickets to Adult Day @ Camp, a fundraiser for Godman Guild's summer camps.  Everything gets started at 11am on Saturday at Camp Mary Orton.

6.  Stop by the Pizzuti Collection after they close (6pm) to get a unique view of the art while sipping OYO or Rockmill brews.  Afterward, head out to High Street for Gallery Hop.

7.  Get lined up on High Street Monday morning (since you don't have to go to work!!) and get ready for the Doo Dah Parade.  Dance around and join in on the fun!  Guaranteed to make you giggle.

8.  What's more American than hot dogs and baseball?  Celebrate our Independence Day cheering on the Clippers and more fireworks... don't forget your cowbell!

Where to eat...
Wolf's Ridge and Jackie O's are collabrating on a brunch menu for Saturday.  Check out the yummy four courses they have planned and the eight beers to choose from.

Where to drink...
Ohio Taproom is celebrating everything local with their Red Meat, White Wine, and Local Brew on Sunday (North Country Charcuterie, Debonne Vineyards, and Rockmill Brewery) so come in between your cookouts for this delicious local sampling.

Weekly Menu

Hope you didn't melt away this weekend in the heat and humidity!  After checking out Comfest on Friday, we took our Jeep in for maintenence on Saturday and wandered over to Grandville for some brunch and checked out Three Tigers Brewing.  They're still working on brewing their own beers, but there will be some soon!  Then supporting our Crew with a kick off to fireworks week (keep an extra close eye on your pets!).

 

 

 

Then today... went to check out the Columbus Tanger outlets, which are really in Delaware... and I'm pretty sure everyone else had the same idea.  I really just needed to make an exchange and I was running out of return window.  Any way, after getting through the traffic and finding a parking spot, the actual outlet mall was pretty nice, so I ended up sticking around to check a few stores out.   A lot of great brands and good deals going on!  I would recommend waiting another few weeks to avoid the traffic jam.

Alright, on to this week's meal plan.  What are you planning on making this week?

zucchini enchiladas
homemade pizza night
breakfast for dinner
shrimp po' boys and green beans

8 Things to Do in Cbus This Weekend

NatGeo Travel just posted an article about Columbus being the next cool travel destination now that everyone knows about cities like Brooklyn, Portland, and Austin... they lost a little of that cool edge.  We're still that undiscovered gem to most of the country.  I don't know where they got the nickname "biggest small town in America", but get out and enjoy our city this weekend... here are a couple things going on around town...

What to do...

1. After a fun Pride Fest last weekend, ComFest comes in and takes over.  Join the crowd of community lovers in Goodale Park; tie dye and flower headbands highly encouraged!

2.  We've been waiting over a year for this... the reopening of the main library downtown is this weekend!  The ribbon cutting ceremony is at noon and there are events all weekend.  The new space is beautiful with lots of natural light, tons of resources and meeting rooms, even an XBOX area for teens. 

3.  Speaking of books, Half Price Book's clearance sale is this weekend at the fairgrounds.  Bring a bookbag, because everything is priced $2 or less, so it is time to stock up!

4.  Listen to some live local bands and catch some fireworks at Powell Festival on Saturday.

5.  If you want live music, but want to cool off inside while listening... get a little bit of nostalgia with a side of fabulous at the Lincoln Theater where the Columbus Gay Mens Choir will be performing Finding Oz.

6.  Want to see what goes into your beautiful flower bouquets?  Go on a flower farm tour at Sunny Meadows Flower Farm on Sunday at 1pm and then pick up a couple bouquets for your place.

7.  Check out one of Columbus' historic neighborhoods at the Haus und Garten Tour of German Village on Sunday.  Start your tour at Pistacia Vera to caffeinate, check out a few homes, grab a seat on Lindey's patio for lunch, take an afternoon stroll through the Book Loft, and see a few more houses to finish out your German Village tour.

8.  Take a hike!  ... through Highbanks Metropark for a twilight hike on Sunday at 8pm... the hike ends with roasting marshmallows!  Be sure to look up, you might spot one of the resident bald eagles.

If you missed the Arts Festival a couple weekends ago, here's another chance to get you hands on some art (and it won't be quite as crowded)... Easton Art Affair!

Where to eat...
Eat ALL of the strawberries because it's Strawberry Festival time in London (Ohio).

Where to drink...
Head over to Grandview Hop on Saturday to explore some local vendors, but officially staking out your seat in the pop-up beer garden and enjoy some local brews in the summer sun.


 

Weekly Menu

Hope you a fabulous weekend and enjoyed the wonderful sunshine.  We tried to stay outside as much as possible... even watching movies at the drive-in!  It's weekends like these that make you wish summer lasted forever.  Which, By the way happy summer solstice!  The day with the most daylight, but maybe not the most sunshine here in Columbus... oh well...

 

 

Today was also the preview day of the new main library, which opens this Saturday.  You might be like me and visited the main library as a kid (I love the library system in Columbus, but other branches are so much closer to me).  I remember thinking about how many books and information could be housed in just one building.  

Well, now there's this thing called the internet (well, it was around back when I was a kid too, but maybe not quite as accessible), so the library has to keep up with the times... and Columbus Metropolitan Libraries is doing just that.  One of my favorite things the staff said this afternoon was something about libraries of the past focused on collection, libraries of the future focus on connection.  There are so many meeting spots, conference rooms, and even an XBOX area for teens, offering opportunities for connection everywhere.

The marble facade has been removed from the side and huge windows that have beautiful views of the city are in its place.  The marble wasn't wasted though, it was used in the sculpture by the outdoor eating/meeting area!  All of the natural light really opens the space up giving the library a light and airy feel (instead of cold, dark, and stuffy like libraries can be).

There are all kinds of events around the reopening of the Main Library going on this weekend... check them out here.

 

 

 

 

 

Well, we are already a day into this week, but here's the meal plan!

lamb burgers and asparagus
crab cakes and strawberry-spinach salad
spicy chicken and potato waffles
homemade pizza
perogies and green beans

What are you making this week?

8 Things to Do in Cbus This Weekend

After the heartwrenching news coming out of Orlando this weekend and Columbus Pride week starting, it is important to stay strong and show our support.  Afterall, there is a lot to be proud about!  "Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that." - MLK

It's also Father's Day this weekend, so grab your dad and make some memories!

What to do...
1. Of course, show your support for Orlando and the community here in Columbus by checking out some of the Pride festivities.  Don't miss the parade, be sure to catch a drag competition on the drag stage, and Saturday's activity lineup includes music, comedy, and performances.  There will be significantly increased security, so you can feel safe.

2. There are four stages at the Creekside Blues & Jazz festival.  Feel transported to New Orleans' Frenchmen Street without getting on a plane and then learn a couple swing moves.

3. Picnic with the Pops starts this Friday!  Grab a blanket, a picnic dinner, and watch the symphony's tribute to David Bowie by the moonlight.  Check out the rest of this seasons lineup (including Nelly!) here.

4. Have you ever wanted to try Tai Chi?  Those who practice always appear so zen while they make their precise moves under the shade of a tree.  Here's your chance to do just that with Tai Chi in the Garden at Inniswood Metro Park on Saturday morning.

5.  Get over to Franklinton for a Hip Hop and House Music patio party at Rehab Tavern.  It may look a little shady when you're parking by abandon warehouses, but it will definitely be a good time Saturday afternoon.

6. Nerds unite!  Just kidding, anyone can play at Origins Game Fair going on all weekend at the Convention Center.  Might be some good people watching moments with the cosplay costume contest.

7. Into country music?  You have choices this weekend!  Get tickets to Buckeye Country Superfest at the Horseshoe, or for a little calmer, less crowded option, the Washboard Music Festival in Logan.

8. The weather will be perfect to catch a double feature at the drive-in!  South drive-in (just south of downtown) is showing Finding Dory and Alice Through the Looking Glass this weekend... so pack up the kids or go with your friends... and enjoy two movies for the price of one outside under the stars!

Honorable mention for the Picasso exhibit opening at the Columbus Museum of Art this week... you'll be able to check it out until September, but don't miss it!

Where to eat...
Frequently name the best zoo in the country, Columbus Zoo is having their annual fundraiser and chance to see the zoo with a drink and no strollers, Zoofari!  Sample all of the the seemingly endless list of restaurants participating this year.

Where to drink...
Columbus has really become quite the cycling community with Pelotonia, clear bike lanes all over the city, and Tour de Grandview's 23rd race happening this Friday.  While most of us are not qualified to race in the event, cheer on the cyclist, listen to live music, and... drink in the streets because you can.  Ohio Taproom and Zauber will be pouring craft beers all night!

Weekly Menu

This past week was a lot of fun... a Columbus blogger meetup, our 9th wedding anniversary, and festivals galore!  Between the festivals we checked out the new parklet on Cherry Street... which essentially allows you to walk in the middle of a blue street with an art wall and sit down at a table and enjoy the weather.  Grab some brunch at North Star before checking out REI's garage sale for some deals on summer fun equipment.



I kind of forgot our anniversary was last week when I planned our meal plan, so we didn't get to one of the meals (it gets to come back for this week though)!  What are you planning to make this week?  Here is my plan...

homemade pizza night
ravioli with asparagus and garlic bread
crab cakes with corn on the cob and salad
turkey sloppy joes (I think they are called sloppy toms when it is ground turkey?)
taco night

8 Things to Do in Cbus This Weekend

So much to do this weekend, it was hard to narrow it down to just eight things!  Summer in Columbus is definitely in full swing based on the weather and the social calendar.  Here are a few things you might want to add...

What to do...

1. It's summertime, time for beer brats and fun at Sommerfest in German Village on Friday.

2. Over 2.5 million people have seen Tecumseh, the outdoor drama in Chillicothe... if you haven't seen it yet, this weekend is opening weekend for the season.

3. Kendra Scott is opening a new location at Easton, stop over on Saturday for some free refreshments and peruse the collection for their soft opening.

4. Halloween is kind of forever from now, but the Midwest Haunters convention is this weekend.  Check out the events calendar including a Monster Beach Party,  Zombie Walk, and a Masquerade.

5. Festival season is here and in full effect this weekend.  I don't know where all the people come from, but they will all be at Columbus Arts Festival this weekend.  Take a break from the crowd and duck into COSI or Strongwater for the last of Film Festival of Columbus.

6. Tired of art, but still want to hang out with tons of people?  Walk down to Park Street Festival for more summer fest action.

7. There are only five professional rugby teams in the country, one of them is here in Cbus and their inaugural season is half over.  So far, undefeated at home, so cheer on the Ohio Aviators for another home win against San Diego!

8. Alternative Fashion Week end with a bang, check out the finale runway show on Sunday... but get your tickets now before they sell out!

Where to eat...
Sweet Carrot!  Still riding on a full belly from over the weekend.  Perfect comfort food and I love what they did with Rife's Market.

Where to drink... 
Get your local drink on at Grandview's 5th annual Digfest on Saturday.

Weekly Menu

Yay!  Our CSA has officially started for the year and the best strawberries ever are in my fridge.  :)  So we're having strawberry smoothies, strawberries on our granola, on our salads, and in our desserts... yum!

Have you checked out Angry Baker yet?  We went this weekend after hearing great things for a long time, definitely did not disappoint!  We both got egg sandwiches and some baked goods to take home for later.  All very tasty!  Then after a long walk at Scioto Grove, we went to eat even more at Sweet Carrot.  Oh, how we have missed Sweet Carrot... their food truck has been hard to find while they have been opening up shop in Grandview.

 

 

 

  

This week's meal plan is rather simple, but some times that's just the way things go...

double decker chicken tacos
asian meatballs and rice
ravioli with asparagus and garlic bread
creamy dijon chicken with mashed potatoes and kraut
grilled cheese with pesto and sun dried tomatoes and spinach-strawberry salad

8 Things to Do in Cbus This Weekend

The Memorial Tournament is in town... and of course that means rain is coming.  Avoid the rain drops and the traffic headache and make some new plans...

What to do...

1. If you missed ColumBEST last week, here's another chance to eat and drink some of the best in Columbus at Franklin Park Conservatory at their Tastings off the Terrace this Thursday.

2. The Bogey Inn is celebrating the Memorial Tournament with 90s tributes all week long.  Get there Friday to see Shucking Bubba Deluxe.

3. Rise and slay Saturday morning with a popup workout Queen Bey would approve of, Beyfit at Nelson Park.

4. Warmer weather means fresh fruits and veggies are just waiting for you at your local farmers market.  Check out Worthington, Grandville, Clintonville, Grove City, or Canal Winchester's farmers markets on Saturday.

5. Head for the hills... Hocking Hills for an entire weekend of indie rock and country music at Nelsonville Music Festival.

6. While you're just south of Columbus, pick up some glow sticks and go on the season's first Glow Float down the Hocking River, then enjoy some bluegrass music around the bonfire.

7. All dressed up and no where to go?  Get tickets to the opera, La Traviata, performed at the Southern Theater.

8. Get on your bike and ride!  The Pride Bicycle ride is happening at 10am on Sunday and afterward you'll be treated to brunch and Pattycake cookies... mmm.

Where to eat...

Did you hear?  Japanese Steakhouse in the Short North is closing.  :(  Get in one last culinary show before they shut their doors.

Where to drink...

Meet the local brew masters at Brewcadia Sunday afternoon for the 21st annual Afternoon with the Brewers.  Enjoy last year's homebrew winner while setting the high score on some arcade games.