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Columbus, OH is one of the most exciting cities in the Midwest with tons of culture and attractions to explore! There's no need to worry about having to leave the youngsters behind when you set out to experience the best that the city has to offer: here are some fun kid-friendly activities to enjoy when you're in our wonderful area! 1. Play the Latest Video Games at Game Arena What kid doesn't love video games? Game Arena is a modern arcade that features all of the major consoles and high-end PC gaming setups. You'll be able to play the latest and most popular titles with the kids in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. This arcade regularly holds tournaments and other events throughout the year, so it's a great place to compete and socialize. more If you need to take a break and grab a bite, Game Arena hosts Takorea, a terrific Korean joint that serves up delicious Korean fried chicken, bulgogi nachos, and much more! 2. Learn About the History of Printed Cartoons at the Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum Named after the acclaimed Ohio cartoonist, this museum is located on Ohio State University's main campus and features the world's largest archive of comic book and printed cartoon art. The collection boasts well over 500,000 works, including comic strips, magazine cartoons, and graphic novels. In addition to American art, Billy Ireland is home to an extensive international collection and a section devoted to Japanese manga. 3. Take a Scenic Bike Ride Along the Camp Chase Trail The amazing scenery of the Camp Chase Trail provides the perfect excuse to strap the bikes to your Honda CR-V's versatile crossbars and head out for a ride! This section of the Ohio to Erie Trail is mostly flat and paved, making it easy for younger bike riders to negotiate. While traveling along the trail, you'll get great views of Big and Little Darby Creeks and the wooded areas just outside of the southwestern part of town. 4. Get Up Close with the Wildlife at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium The Columbus Zoo sprawls over 580 acres and is home to thousands of animals from over 800 species. Several regions of the world are represented here, such as the Congo Basin's rainforest and the Arctic Circle. When you take the kids to the Heart of Africa section of the zoo, they'll be able to feed giraffes by hand or ride a camel! The park even features a number of kid-friendly amusement park rides. Participating in any of these exciting activities is sure to make any child's day! In search of a new ride for getting the family from place to place? Stop by Performance Columbus today and check out our huge selection of vehicles that can help you make terrific memories with your friends and family! Image via pixabay.com

Are you planning a tour of Columbus, OH, and the surrounding area in the comfort of your Toyota Highlander? On your next drive through the region, you'll discover fantastic biking trails throughout the city where you can explore fantastic scenery, local attractions, and nearby parks with the whole family! Check out some of our favorite spots around our lovely city that are just waiting to be enjoyed: 1. Alum Creek Trail If you're looking for a scenic bike ride along the best river corridors in Columbus, you'll love the Alum Creek Trail. This fantastic cycling trail includes excellent views, including Three Creeks Park, Westerville, and the Ohio Dominican University area. It's a wonderful place to enjoy a few hours of hiking or cycling with the family and a popular spot for dog walking. You'll enjoy the giant trees, spectacular river scenery, and nearby attractions. more 2. Wilson Road Park Wilson Road Park is an exceptional place for cyclists, with lighted trails, restrooms, benches, and over 47 acres to explore on foot or by bike. You'll enjoy the wooded areas, an open shelter for picnics, and access to the Greenway Trail and the Camp Chase Trail. This local park offers connections to over 125 miles of regional paths, with further access to the Erie Trail, which follows the Ohio River to Lake Erie. This major trailhead offers picnic tables, a water fountain, bicycle racks, and a bike repair station for your convenience. It's the perfect spot for cyclists of all levels and all ages. 3. Three Creeks Metro Park This extensive park offers excellent facilities for sports, boating, fishing, and trails for hiking, cycling, and dog walking. It's an excellent place to visit for the day and explore the great outdoors during your next drive to Columbus. It's a fantastic pet-friendly place to spend the day, with well-maintained, easy-to-ride trails, scenic walking paths, and a beautiful lake in the center of the park for fishing and birdwatching. 4. Antrim Park Antrim Park is a great local place to enjoy an afternoon at one of the sports fields, trails, or courts. This park connects with an impressive cycling trail, which offers spectacular scenery and photography opportunities. Antrim Park has a pond and river, which is ideal for fishing, and it's a short drive from many of the city's local attractions, including access to the downtown trail, which is perfect for sightseeing. On your next family trip to Columbus, you'll discover exceptional dining, shopping, and plenty of outdoor choices to enjoy nature. If you feel like getting more active around town, there’s a plethora of beautiful park spaces with cycling trails to explore with the whole family, no matter your level of skill – you can even bring along your furry friends on some of the trails! Start making your plans to check them out! Image via pixabay.com

Columbus, OH is endowed with a diverse range of natural habits and an enviable municipal park system. The hiking trails on this list will take you through dense forests, swampy wetlands, grand gorges, and meandering rivers. 1. Alum Creek Trail Starting at Wolfe Parke and following the river all the way, this 17-mile out-and-back trail is ideal for those looking for a long walk in the countryside, without leaving the city! The main path keeps the same elevation throughout making this an easy walk. The cool bridges are a great place to pause and enjoy the smooth flow and tranquil sounds of the creek. Friendly deer are abundant along this beautiful trail. more 2. Olentangy Trail This heavily trafficked point-to-point trail takes you along the banks of the beautiful Olentangy River. With a distance of 13 miles, this is not for people looking for a short amble in the city. The trail is mostly paved and crosses two bridges where you get a lovely view of the dam. Curvy turns, downhill paths, and forested sections make this an entertaining and fun hike. 3. Gahanna Woods Loop Located within the Gahanna Woods nature preserve, this untamed 2-mile loop will make you feel like you're deep in the jungle! A mix of gravel and board walked paths take you through forests and along swampy wetlands teeming with frogs and bursting with wildflowers. The path can get rather muddy, so rugged footwear and bug spray is recommended. 4. Dripping Rock Loop Dripping Rock is a busy 2.5-mile ring in the Highbanks Metropolitan Park. The route features some nice hills and valleys, though the elevation changes aren't too crazy and this is a suitable walk for all skill levels. Many benches are strategically dotted around, allowing you to take a breather and enjoy the views of the lake and stream. 5. Hayden Run Falls This is a very short, but sweet boardwalk path in Griggs Nature Preserve. The walk through the stunning gorge ends at the waterfall and plunge pool. This is an excellent option for those who want to get out in nature, but are short on time. 6. Columbus Park of Roses Walk As the name of this trail suggests, there are lots of roses and gorgeous wildflowers here. Although not an arduous hike by any stretch of the imagination, this 2-mile loop is very popular amongst birdwatchers and photographers and is definitely a must-visit when in the area. 7. Sugarbush Trail Sugarbush is a lovely trail with a pleasant mix of mature forest and open prairies. It is well-maintained and well-marked making it a pleasure to follow. Wild turkeys and deer are frequently spotted here. 8. Antrim Lake Loop The long, flat gravel path which circles the lake is a very popular walking destination. There are multiple trails to explore which take you off the beaten path and into the woods. These are just a few of the possible spots to get out and enjoy the beauty of nature. Start making your weekend plans today! Image via pixabay.com | Licensed under Pixabay License

If you're new to Columbus, OH, or are just looking for a new way to spend your time, why not get to know the state parks near Columbus? They are a great way to enjoy some outdoor fun and can make for a memorable experience! Topiary Park Topiary Park is a beautiful state park that is located close to Columbus and features a variety of gardens and attractions. This park features a large Japanese garden, an arboretum, an herb garden, and much more. If you’re looking for a place to hike, this park also features several trails for hiking enthusiasts. Topiary Park is a must-see when you’re visiting Columbus. more Alum Creek State Park Beach Alum Creek State Park is a park in Franklin County. It’s located on the east side of Columbus next to I-270 and the Alum Creek tributary of the Scioto River. The park features a large beach and reservoir for swimming, boating, and fishing. The beach is open daily from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. During the rest of the year, visitors can take advantage of the picnic areas, ball fields, playgrounds, hiking trails, and bike trails that are available year-round. Highbanks Metro Park Highbanks is a favorite of ours, and it should be yours too. The park has more than 20 miles of hiking trails through forests, meadows, and ravines. This park also features several ponds, a small lake, and a waterfall. The park is open year-round, so you can enjoy it any time of year. Our favorite part about Highbanks is all the wildlife that you can see there. Deer are plentiful in this park, as well as many other types of birds and other animals. We've seen coyotes and foxes here before too! The best part is that you don't have to go far from the parking lot to see some amazing wildlife! Buckeye Lake State Park Buckeye Lake State Park is one of the most popular Ohio parks. The park features camping, fishing, and boating on Buckeye Lake. It's also close to Columbus, making it an easy day trip for those who want to escape the city. The park includes a marina with boat rentals and boat launch ramps. There are two campgrounds along the lake: North Shore Campground has 82 campsites, and South Shore Campground has 52 campsites. Each site has a picnic table, fire ring, and parking area. Sites can accommodate tents or RVs up to 35 feet long. Traveling to new destinations like the places mentioned above is exciting for everyone! You can get out and enjoy all that nature has to offer while enjoying a change of scenery. Start making your plans to visit one – or all! – of these terrific options soon! Image via pixabay.com | Licensed under Pixabay License

There's a lot to see and do when visiting Dublin, OH, and the Greater Columbus area! The Ohio capital is rich in culture, hosting numerous museums, festivals, and sporting events. The following is a list of great hotels in and around Dublin to retreat to when taking a break from all the sightseeing in Columbus, OH. 1. AC Hotel by Marriott Located in the posh Bridge Park neighborhood along the banks of the Scioto River, the AC Hotel is a short drive away from the Columbus Zoo and Ohio State University's main campus. The hotel is notable for its ultra-modern design and hip dining options like VASO, a rooftop tapas restaurant that offers a scenic view of the river below. Owing to the area's amazing diversity, there's also an amazing selection of eateries within walking distance. more Just like the lounges and lobbies, the rooms are chic and thoughtfully arranged. Hardwood flooring keeps the lodging cozy and there's complimentary Wi-Fi for all guests. 2. Sonesta ES Suites Dublin This all-suite hotel is perfect for visitors who are on an extended stay in Columbus. The suites are available in a studio or two-bedroom layout that is rich in amenities. Guests will be able to take advantage of complimentary laundry, Wi-Fi, and parking. Within each room, you'll find a contemporary design with flat-panel TVs, sofa beds, work desks, and a full kitchen. Before heading out, you can enjoy a free breakfast buffet with a great selection of items or make a stop at the coffee shop. Sonesta's facilities also include an outdoor swimming pool, BBQ area, fitness center, and meeting rooms. 3. 50 Lincoln-Short North Bed and Breakfast Surrounded by art galleries and trendy restaurants, this beautiful bed and breakfast is ideally located in the vibrant Short North Arts District of Downtown Columbus. Each of the seven available rooms features unique decor that ranges from quaint and charming to modern and stylish. All guests will have access to free high-speed Wi-Fi internet, cable TV, and an inviting parlor area. A delicious home-cooked breakfast is prepared every morning with a different main course and the owners and staff are especially warm and accommodating. 4. Hotel LeVeque, Autograph Collection Farther south along the Scioto River in the heart of Columbus, Hotel LeVeque occupies a historical art deco high-rise and features elegant decor and world-class service. The rooms are exceptionally spacious, and their elegant and classic furnishings will make guests feel like they've been taken back through time to the 1930s. Hotel LeVeque also houses a state-of-the-art fitness center, business center, and meeting halls for a variety of events. Delectable French fare can be sampled by heading to The Keep Kitchen & Liquor Bar, a brasserie that also serves fine wines and craft cocktails. Just remember to drink responsibly and avoid drinking and driving. Dublin and Columbus are full of local attractions and can take multiple visits to fully appreciate. Thankfully, these fine establishments provide luxurious spaces to rest and relax between each outing! Image via pixabay.com | Licensed under Pixabay License

Fall in Columbus, OH, is packed with fun. There are loads of exciting fall activities happening everywhere in and around the city, just a quick drive away. So, whether you're looking for a weekend of family entertainment or just an afternoon of fun, pile the family in a spacious Jeep Cherokee or Chrysler Pacifica and have a blast. 1. Join the Excitement at Pumpkins Aglow Every year Columbus celebrates fall throughout September with hundreds of hand-carved pumpkins at the iconic Pumpkins Aglow at the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens at 1770 Broad Street. Fall evenings turn into spellbinding scenes and spooky surprises as visitors make their way past pumpkin houses, singing jack-o-lanterns, a foggy creek, a scary forest, dancing skeletons, and a ghostly graveyard. more There is live entertainment on the Lower West Terrace, a fortune teller, a face painter, pumpkin lawn games, and for the young ones, spooky arts and crafts at the Pergola in the Grand Mallway, and of course plenty of mouthwatering fall eats and treats for everyone. 2. Find the Best Pumpkin in the Patch Ohio certainly doesn't have a shortage of pumpkin patches, and there are many farms nearby where you can spend the afternoon finding the biggest and best pumpkins in the patch. Circle S Farms in Grove City is just over 20 miles away at 9015 London Groveport Road. Take a hayride from the parking lot to the pumpkin patch to search for the perfect pumpkin, find your way through a corn and sunflower maze, and pop in at the barn for fall fun. If you're looking for a one-of-a-kind pumpkin, it's worth the 37-mile drive to Newark's Dupler's Pumpkin Land at 5766 Jacksontown Road. In addition to traditional pumpkins, Dupler's offers pumpkins in various colors, including white, blue, and pink. While you're there, go on an exciting wagon ride, glide down the giant slide, and take a thrilling stroll through the farm's haunted room. 3. Go Apple Pickin' Spending time in a beautiful apple orchard and picking big juicy apples is a favorite fall tradition. There are many farms with orchards within driving distance of Columbus where you can pick apples. The famous Lynd Fruit Farm at 9399 Morse Road Pataskala, 27 miles from Columbus, is a favorite for apple picking in the fall. CherryHawk Farm Apple Orchard at 16220 Springdale Road is a bit further afield in Marysville and has 12 varieties. Just down the road at 18680 Bellville Road, Fruit Full Acres boasts 26 apple varieties. Treat your family for an afternoon or a whole weekend to experience all the fun in the fall with our handy list of ideas, and make some terrific memories! Image via pixabay.com | Licensed under Pixabay License

There are numerous day trips to wonderful destinations that you can take around Columbus, OH. Go on a road trip to the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force or the marvelous Hartman Rock Gardens, experience farm life in the 1800s, and explore the most beautiful caverns in the country. 1. Explore the Caverns Ohio Caverns are known as the country's most colorful caverns and Ohio's largest. Discover the beauty and the history of the caverns on various guided tours to view the state's largest stalactite, magnificent formations, and breathtaking colors. The Olentangy Caverns near Delaware are just as impressive. An underground river forcing its way through the limestone rock formed the caverns over millions of years. more Explore the caverns down winding passages to rooms where the Wyandot tribe once sheltered from their enemies and the weather. There are interpretative panels and audio recordings for information at various intervals along the way. Visit the museum to view the arrows and stone implements found in the cavern rooms. 2. Slate Run Living Historical Farm Take a step back in time and experience life on an Ohio farm in the 1880s at Slate Run Living Historical Farm. See farmworkers in period costumes go about their daily chores tending animals around the barns and plowing the fields with the help of draft horses. Take a walk through the 1856 gothic revival-style farmhouse and watch the ladies clean the parlor and prepare meals in the kitchen. There are a variety of heirloom farm animals, including beautiful Percheron draft horses, Poland China hogs, Merino sheep, ducks, geese, turkeys, and chickens. 3. Hartman Rock Garden Drive out to Springfield and visit the astonishing Hartman Rock Garden created by Ben Hartman between 1932 and 1944. He used metal, glass, wood, concrete, and thousands of stones to design a unique garden and fishing pond filled with magical structures, figurines, and a wide variety of plants. Ben's wife, Mary, called this unusual space "a garden of love" and kept it well-maintained until she died in 1997. Today this extraordinary art garden is in the care of the Friends of the Hartman Rock Garden and is open from 8 am to 8 pm for free self-guided tours throughout the year. 4. National Museum of the U.S. Air Force Take a trip to the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, the world's largest military aviation museum, at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base near Dayton and learn more about American aviation history. With thousands of historical artifacts, the displays include the early years of American aviation, the World War II Gallery, the Korean War Gallery, the Southeast Asia War Gallery, and missile and space exhibits. Air Park outside the museum features aircraft exhibits, the World War II 8th Air Force Control Tower, and Nissen Huts. Memorial Park, with over 500 memorials, honors those who courageously sacrificed their lives for freedom. Hop in your car and set out on an exciting road trip and discover fantastic places filled with history, art, and beauty! Image via pixabay.com | Licensed under Pixabay License

There's no denying it! Columbus, OH is the city that has it all. A booming economy, electrifying nightlife, appreciation for culture - and most importantly - safe neighborhoods. Keep reading to learn more about this incredible city that residents are proud to call home. Creativity Blossoms Columbus supports creative minds and won a Smart City Challenge that awarded the city $50 million in grants. Its innovative and tech-friendly startups receive plenty of support from local government and large corporations. On the artistic front, the Columbus Makes Art event gives local artists a chance to let their talents shine and puts their pieces on display for the entire city to admire. more Safe and Friendly Neighborhoods When it comes to choosing a place to call home, there’s no bigger issue of importance than the neighborhood you live in. Luckily for Columbus residents, virtually all family-friendly suburbs are safe to walk around during all times of the day. Raising a family in this kind of environment gives children a chance to enjoy life and flourish. Vibrant University Town You can't ignore the fact that the Ohio State University is the heart and soul of the young population in Columbus. It brings with it the Buckeye spirit and illuminates the town on big basketball and football game days. The university also does philanthropic work in the community and plays an important role in building a unifying atmosphere. Great Shopping Opportunities Columbus may not be the fashion capital of Paris, France, but that doesn't mean you can't get some stylish outfits at a great price. It's home to large retailers such as DSW and Victoria's Secret and has a multitude of shopping malls within its borders. You'll have so many shopping destinations to choose from it'll make your head spin. Healthy Living Is Encouraged If staying in shape is important to you, you're going to fit in just fine in Columbus. The city has several public fitness events that welcome participants from across the state of Ohio. Pelotonia is one of these events and is Ohio's largest bike ride. Columbus also has its very own marathon for those who love to run, and there are a large number of gyms and yoga studios so you can lift some weights or perfect your downward dog. Outdoor Enjoyment Columbus is either home or close to 19 city parks that offer 27,000 acres of gorgeous landscapes. These parks provide an array of activities throughout the year, so whether you love ice skating or camping under the stars, you have plenty of options. Foodie's Paradise It's no secret that Columbus is the place to enjoy an amazing meal at an award-winning restaurant. Its booming restaurant scene has drawn chefs and food critics from across the country and has subsequently boosted the city's economy even further. Buzzing Downtown District For lights, action, fun, and excitement, head to the Short North Arts District in downtown Columbus. You'll be met with cool bars, restaurants, art galleries, and energetic people! There’s no doubt that Columbus, OH has some serious benefits for locals, making it a great choice to live. Supporting a variety of lifestyles, Columbus is ready for you to settle down and plant some roots!

The right meal of barbecue food can satisfy your hunger and introduce you to new flavors. If you're craving some great BBQ food, then you're in luck when you travel to Columbus and the nearby areas! Check out where you can go to find the best barbecue in and around the Columbus, OH area. B&K Smoke House Serves Some of the Best Barbecue in Columbus, OH B&K Smoke House is known around the area for its simple, no-frills barbecue food that’s sure to satisfy even the most seasoned of barbecue fans. The restaurant is famous among both locals and travelers for its unique approach to smoked meats and barbecue sauce. The restaurant has received much acclaim from local publications; they even received Columbia Gas of Ohio's Customer Spotlight in April 2020. more On the menu, at B&K Smoke House you can expect to enjoy some tender smoked meats and timeless sauces. Make sure you try out one of the restaurant's combos, such as the pulled pork sandwich combo which includes a sandwich, side dish, and drink. This combo is one of the best ways to try out the main courses at the restaurant, as well as a legendary side dish such as baked beans, coleslaw, or potato salad. Smoked On High BBQ Keeps Things Simple and Timeless If you don't want to have any lingering hesitations about choosing the right BBQ restaurant when you're in town, then Smoked On High BBQ is the place for you. The menu here won't bring you and your group any surprises. This is classic American barbecue food at its best. Try out a smoked brisket to sample the classic flavors of the chefs here. Make sure you pile on some tasty side dishes as well. If you can't make up your mind, be sure to try the South High Sampler, which includes five of the restaurant's signature smoked meats. Ray Ray's Hog Pit Clintonville Is a Local Staple for Good Reason A bit outside of Columbus, you'll find Ray Ray's Hog Pit Clintonville. Ray Ray's isn't the fanciest place in town, but the food is well worth the visit. As a local fixture in town, the menu at Ray Ray's Hog Pit carries everything you might expect; from smoked ribs and brisket to sausage and chicken; there's great barbecue here for everyone! City Barbeque and Catering Provides Fresh and Diverse Flavors City Barbeque and Catering is a great spot for tourists to try if they're not familiar with barbecue food. The menu is clear and simple here. What stands out is the quality of the food. Everything is prepared with fresh ingredients and smoked to perfection. Try out some of their sharable side dishes such as cheesy bacon fries, which make the perfect addition to your main course! As you can see, you have plenty of great choices to pick from when you're in the area and you're craving some BBQ food. We hope you can try out one (or more) of these restaurants in the city – you might even find a new favorite spot!

To celebrate the one you love and show them exactly what he or she means to you, there’s nothing like an adventurous evening out! We put together the following list of three romantic ideas to celebrate your special someone in the Columbus, Ohio, area. Go On a Food Tour Adventure Columbus Food Adventures has created a fun way to explore the Columbus culinary landscape. A food adventure tour is excellent whether you and your partner consider yourselves foodies or adore food. You can opt for a van-based tour and ride with other couples around the city, or you can take part in a walking tour that will have you strolling from bite to bite around signature Columbus hot spots. The organization also offers a private tour tailored specifically to your tastes. more Van tours include an Alt Eats Tour, which will take you around the world without leaving the city. You'll enjoy food from Yemen, Vietnam, El Salvador, Mexico, and more locations. This tour visits five shops within the vibrant immigrant community near Cleveland Avenue. The tour costs $62, and every excursion comes with a personal guide to help you navigate your way through your tastings. Ditch the chocolates and take an All Dessert Tour adventure through the Short North Arts District of Columbus. Those with a sweet tooth will love this tour. For $58, you'll enjoy desserts, cocktails, and a stop at the virtual reality-enabled 10-story mural at the Graduate Hotel. With 18 tours in all, you can find one that tickles your taste buds. Columbus Food Adventures explores neighborhoods, tacos, beer, coffee, and a meat lover's adventure. Take a Cooking Class Imagine the scene in "Ghost" with Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore, arm-in-arm around the pottery wheel. Instead of a pottery wheel and them, it's you and your partner, arm-in-arm over a sauté pan. Savoir Cooking and Wine offers group and private cooking classes at its 28 N. Liberty St. kitchen. You and your partner will be instructed in professional culinary techniques and treated to generous tasting portions of everything you create. Plus, you can enjoy your favorite wine along the way! Cooking classes are approximately three hours and range from $49 to $150. Themes include cooking with beer, five recipes every cook should learn, date night Mexican, a three-course meal, and more. Bring Her (to the) Roses Roses are the symbol of love and a favorite gift. Everyone loves getting roses, but have you ever thought to make a larger impression? Give your beloved some roses and take her to the Park of Roses in the Clintonville neighborhood of Columbus during the warm-weather seasons. This destination features 13 acres of gardens with more than 11,000 rose bushes. You and your partner can spend an afternoon admiring the beauty and aroma of these flowers. The Park of Roses has an impressive collection of miniature and heritage roses that you can't find at a florist. You want to make date night special. Now you have three great ideas to take your special someone on a romantic adventure that both of you will remember forever! Please call to verify scheduling and other details for the tours and experiences described in this article. Image via pixabay.com | Licensed under Pixabay License

The city of Columbus, Ohio, has a rich and diverse history that some say has led to hauntings in many locations around the city. Whether you're curious about the supernatural or just in the mood for a good scare, Columbus provides several opportunities for ghost hunting: here are can't-miss destinations for your ghost-hunting adventure! Green Lawn Cemetery Established in 1848, Green Lawn Cemetery is one of Ohio's oldest and largest cemeteries. When city leaders were planning the cemetery's layout, the Rural Cemetery Movement was starting to emerge. Cemetery designers embraced this movement that encouraged cemeteries to feature a more natural setting. That's why Green Lawn features a beautiful mixed oak forest, in addition to a charming cast-iron bridge and a beautiful chapel. more Green Lawn Cemetery is the final resting place of such notable Ohioans as author James Thurber and World War I fighter pilot Eddie Rickenbacker. One of the cemetery's more notorious features is the Hayden mausoleum. Legend has it that if you knock on the mausoleum's door, someone will answer with a knock of their own. Thurber House Since 1984, the Thurber House has served as a gathering place for both writers and readers. The house was built in 1873 and is the former home of James Thurber, author of such beloved works as "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" and "The Catbird Seat." In addition to hosting writing workshops, writer residencies, and public readings, the lovingly restored house is also home to quite a few ghosts. James Thurber even wrote a short story, "The Night the Ghost Got In," about his personal experiences with the supernatural. Those who know the history of the house aren't surprised to find out it's haunted. It sits on the former site of the Central Ohio Lunatic Asylum, which was destroyed in a fire, and one of the home's former owners died in a tragic shooting incident. Central Ohio Fire Museum History buffs and ghost hunters alike will enjoy a visit to the Central Ohio Fire Museum. Housed in a former engine house built in 1908, the museum will make you feel like you've stepped back in time as soon as you walk through the doors. On display are a horse-drawn fire engine, tools, and uniforms once used by the men who bravely served in the Columbus Fire Department. During your visit, you're likely to catch a glimpse of the ghost of Captain George Dukeman, the beloved captain of Engine House 16. You might also hear the snorting of the horses who once pulled the fire engines. The Red Brick Tavern Established in 1836, the Red Brick Tavern typically operates as a beloved Columbus dining establishment; due to current conditions, it is temporarily closed. The tavern has hosted many notable diners, including six U.S. presidents. It's also home to many spirits, including the ghost of a woman rumored to have murdered someone who lived in the building when it was a private residence. You may see this infamous ghost looking out the upstairs window or hear her footsteps above you as you're dining, making for a very interesting dining experience. As you can see, there are several locations in Columbus, Ohio, where you can experience a ghostly encounter. Even if you don't get to meet a ghost - you'll still have a great time exploring the haunted side of Columbus! Image via pixabay.com | Licensed under Pixabay License

Takeout has never been more popular, and in Dublin, you have lots of options if you want to get food to go. This Ohio town has a wide variety of restaurants offering all different types of cuisine, and many are now offering more takeout options. Here are some of the best places to get takeout in Dublin, Ohio. 101 Beer Kitchen 101 Beer Kitchen on Sawmill Road offers seasonal, handcrafted dishes that take comfort food to the next level. Owner and chef Thad Kittrell, along with his wife Jess, created a menu around seasonal ingredients. more Some of the dishes you can get to-go include the loaded house-made tater tots, house-made soft pretzels, and the blackened salmon sandwich. Entrees include pecan chicken with country green beans, mashed potatoes, candied pecans, and barbecue honey mustard sauce. The house-made macaroni and cheese has a six-cheese Mornay sauce, mini rigatoni, and toasted breadcrumbs - make sure to get dessert too! You can choose between banana bread pudding and molten chocolate pudding cake. The Avenue Steak Tavern Get dinner from The Avenue Steak Tavern and bring it home to eat. You can choose from classic appetizers, such as oysters on the half shell and jumbo lump crab cake, and then follow it with one of the house specialties. These include a roasted half chicken with glazed root crop, beef stroganoff with sautéed mushrooms and pappardelle pasta, and veal Milanese with mozzarella, arugula, and linguine. The Avenue also has seafood dishes, steaks, chops, and sandwiches. Blue Ginger Blue Ginger on Sawmill Road is an Asian Fusion Bistro. The entire menu is available for pickup with dishes such as Thai spring rolls, lo mein, and chicken satay. You can also get pan-fried dumpling or tempura shrimp on a bed of green salad with a tangy lemon cream - the Vietnamese summer rolls are delicious. These come with fresh mango, lettuce, cold rice noodles, avocado, and cooked shrimp in a rice paper wrap. Blue Ginger has delicious sashimi and lots of sushi options. Choose from mackerel, red clam, tuna, and squid, or you can try eel and smoked salmon. Bridge Street Pizza There’s nothing like the pizza at Bridge Street Pizza. The handcrafted stone-baked pie is always cooked just right and comes with a variety of toppings. Choose from homemade pizza sauce, pesto, garlic butter, or the shakey sauce with olive oil, Parmesan, and spices - then, top it with anything from pepperoni to onion, red peppers, Cajun chicken, and more! If you want to leave the toppings up to Bridge Street Pizza, try one of their specialty pies. The Margherita has fresh mozzarella, basil, and olive oil, and the Original White comes with the butter garlic sauce, a mix of cheeses, and red onions. The Aloha is also good with ham, pineapple, almond slivers, and a sprinkle of cinnamon. These are just some of the local restaurants offering food to go in Dublin - leave the cooking to someone else and support local restaurants by getting takeout! Image via pixabay.com | Licensed under Pixabay License