Enjoy a Fun-Filled Staycation in Columbus

It's a beautiful day outside and you and the family are itching to get out of the house. So why not visit one of the local parks right here in our own backyard? Thankfully, Columbus, OH has a lot to offer in this department! So whether you're looking to play catch with the kids, take a stroll through nature, or relax with a good picnic, the following places are sure to scratch your itch! 1. Scioto Audubon Metro Stroll along the riverfront on this 120-acre beautiful locale where you can observe a multitude of bird species while admiring the city skyline in the distance. Bring your fishing poles and bait and see if you can catch dinner or enjoy a game of volleyball on the sand court. Then watch the kids release some of their energy on the climbing wall or the obstacle course. They can even enhance their skills on the slackline. more The river also has a put-in spot for kayaking. Don't leave the family pet at home, either! He or she will love romping around and catching a ball in the dog park. The venue is well-maintained and there are water fountains and clean restrooms available. You can easily spend several hours or an entire day here at 400 W. Whittier St. 2. Goodale Known as one of the area's oldest outdoor establishments, this venue has been preserved over the years for the enjoyment of everyone around. There's a lovely pond complete with a fountain and a walking trail that meanders around the water, as well as Victorian homes scattered along the way. Local history buffs will enjoy the markers throughout the park that tell of days gone by. There's also a basketball court, a baseball field, a tennis court, and a playground. We highly recommend that you come here in the spring and take photos of the beautiful Dogwoods in bloom. Goodale is located at 120 W. Goodale St. 3. Schiller This is a wonderful place to visit when you crave wide open spaces and green fields. Spread the picnic blanket out and enjoy your meal as you watch the ducks swimming in the pond. There are picnic tables available, as well. You can also fish at the pond or play a game of tennis. They even have Shakespeare plays, hosted by local actors and actresses, at the amphitheater. Schiller is located at 1069 Jaeger St. Pack your picnic baskets and coolers in a 2023 Dodge Durango R/T AWD and head out for a day in the open air. Visit Performance Columbus today and see this vehicle for yourself: we bet that you'll love it instantly! We’ve got it and thousands of other incredible vehicles ready to meet your needs, and we can be found at 4391 Cleveland Ave.

Columbus, OH, the state capital, boasts astounding historical sites and breathtaking green spaces. Slide in behind the wheel of a luxurious Cadillac CT5 or Chrysler 300 Touring and visit the magnificent local attractions below. 1. The Ohio Statehouse The Ohio Statehouse is a must-see attraction, not only because it's a National Historic Landmark but also because it's one of the most significant architectural accomplishments of its time. Designed in the Greek Revival style, the impressive building, completed in 1861, consists mainly of Columbus limestone. Today this grand and elegant landmark with its stately white columns continues to function as the center of state government in Ohio. more Address and Hours The Ohio Statehouse is at 1 Capitol Square in Columbus. Guided tours are available on weekdays between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. and on weekends from noon to 3 p.m. 2. Ohio History Center and Ohio Village The Ohio History Center and Ohio Village, on the Register of Historic Places, present the state's history through fascinating permanent and rotating exhibits ranging from ancient Native American history, the Civil War, and WWI through the 1950s to the present day. Stroll through Ohio Village and experience life as it was in the 19th century. Visit homes and stores, listen to stories from the villagers you meet, and watch artisans plying their trades. Address and Hours The Ohio History Center and Ohio Village are at 800 East 17th Avenue in Columbus and are open Wednesday to Sunday between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. 3. Columbus Park of Roses In the breathtaking Columbus Park of Roses, one of the most extensive rose gardens in the country, 12,000 rose bushes cover 13 acres. The impressive Formal Rose Garden is designed in the Italianate landscaping style and planted with 11,000 grandiflora, floribunda, hybrid tea, climber, and shrub roses, and the Heritage Garden displays damask, rugosa, gallica, and centifolia roses dating back to 1867 before the modern era of rose cultivation began. Address and Hours The Columbus Park of Roses is at 3901 North High Street in Columbus. The park is open daily from 7 a.m. to dusk year-round, and admission is free. 4. Topiary Garden Park The Topiary Garden Park is truly a magnificent sight. Spreading over seven acres of land are 54 astonishing topiary sculptures depicting scenes from Georges Seurat's famous painting, A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte, the only topiary representation of a painting in the world. The scenes in the painting of the people picnicking and sunbathing, the boats, the dogs, and the cats were brought to life by the talented sculptor James T. Mason and his wife, Elaine. The best way to admire the living sculptures is from the observation area. Address and Hours The Topiary Garden Park is at 480 East Town Street in downtown Columbus. The park is open from sunrise to sunset every day, and admission is free. Explore the many fantastic sites around Columbus to admire impressive architecture, learn more about Ohio's history, and enjoy magnificent gardens. While exploring the city, swing by Performance Columbus to look closer at the top-quality vehicles on display.

When you're out of food in the house, and the kids are acting up, perhaps it's time to go out for a meal: Columbus, OH has so many family restaurants that it can be hard to narrow down and pick one spot! Don't fret. We are here to help with the following list of some of our favorite choices. 1. Schmidt's Sausage Haus For real German food, dine here in this beautiful restaurant. Start with the sauerkraut bratwurst balls or the Schmidt's famous pretzels. Also, order the Old World sausage sampler for the table. Then move on to one of the traditional dinners, such as the Wiener Schnitzel or the Haus Sauerbraten. Or choose a sandwich, like the corned beef Reuben or the knockwurst. Kids will love the Flat Brat, the potato pancakes, and the waffle fries. They are at 240 E Kossuth St. more 2. Cap City Fine Diner and Bar Try a lunch combo, like the soup and salad or the Cap City Trio. Or maybe pick one of their nearly one dozen salad options. We recommend the chicken Milanese Caesar. We also love their lunch plates, like the pecan-crusted pork chop, and their diner sandwiches. They have a full page just for the kids with a dozen choices plus salad, sides, and desserts. Order the kids the chicken romano, the meatloaf, or a seared salmon, to name a few. They are located at 1299 Olentangy River Rd. 3. Northstar Cafe This modern restaurant has burgers, pizza, salad bowls, burritos, and more. Start with a Buddha bowl or the cauliflower and cashew soup. For your main course, order the crispy kale and burrata pizza or the chicken and avocado sandwich. They also have vegan options: just ask! The kids can choose from the chicken sandwich, a grilled cheese, the Northstar burger, a pizza, a cheeseburger, or a white cheddar quesadilla. Find them at 951 N High St. 4. Tommy's Diner The kids will love this retro-style diner with red booths and neon lights. Relax here for breakfast or lunch in a friendly environment. The servers are excellent, and the food is affordable. For breakfast, everyone will enjoy the cinnamon swirl French toast or the eggs benedict. For lunch, we suggest the falafel gyro, the chopped sirloin steak, or the Philly burger. The kiddos can choose a grilled cheese, the chili cheese fries, or a hamburger. They are at 914 W Broad St. Surprise the family the next time you go out when they pile into your new 2023 Wagoneer Carbide 4X4. Stop by Performance Columbus and test drive this vehicle. Our knowledgeable and friendly team is ready to answer any questions about our excellent new and used vehicles. We are located at 4391 Cleveland Ave in Columbus, OH. Image via pixabay.com