Short North For Kids (Kiddie Crawl)

The Short North is my favorite place in Columbus. It has been since I was a young adult. Now it is one of my nephew's favorite places.  I love it because it is full of art and note worthy restaurants. Art is found in the galleries, on the walls of buildings, the way the retail stores dress the windows and the food. The food is art in it's presentation and in the efforts to create the flavors. My nephew could care less about most of these things. Yes, he has been trained to appreciate a little art and he loves food almost as much as I do but what drives him to want to visit is so much simpler. It's all about the treats that the area has to offer and they aren't all sugary, just most of them.

I have created a list of kid worthy stops for the kids or the kid in you. To my surprise as I walked through the neighborhood Saturday, after my Friday outing with my nephew; I ran into an old friend who follows me on social media. She was with her family retracing some of our steps. It confirmed I was on to something.  Check out my 'Short North Kiddie Crawl'.

Stop 1: The North Market
(Taste your way around the market!)
59 Spruce Street

Starting at the North Market is great because this is where you can have a hearty meal and there are so many options that you can't go wrong. Plus, you can taste your way through the market. Most places offer samples, some are readily available and some you may have to ask for but just about everyone offers them. Kids can taste as much as they'd like and after all the ethnic options, if they still want a hotdog or a slice of pizza; they can get that at a reasonable price. No wasting to worry about! Last Friday, we had Hot Chicken Takeover for our meal. It was quite a wait but worth it because it was a hit with both me and my nephew.




Stop 2: A Gal Named Cinda Lou
 (Say hello to Henry!)
647 N. High Street 

photo credit

You are probably wondering why I am sending kids to a vintage store. Well, you can find some vintage toys and collectables like Garbage Pail Kids, Chinese Finger Traps and Ball Puzzle Games from the 60s. The real reason we like to visit though, is Henry the Boston Terrier. Henry is a  friendly and patient dog. He is great around kids. My nephew is always excited to see him. While the kids visit with Henry, adults can have a look around and talk to Julia, the shop owner.


Stop 3: Big Fun
(Play with toys!)
672 N. High Street

Big Fun offers toys most of us played with as children. A lot of toys once deemed vintage are being reproduced today and Big Fun has both the old and some of the new. Bonding over toys of the past can be really exciting to the little munchkins in our lives. While we are reminiscing, they are seeing something new and shiny.  My nephew particularly loves the comic book section and together we stand staring at the trick toy wall, gathering up whoppie cushions, fake cigarettes and things likes shock pens. There is also a great selection of candy but save your candy cravings for the last stop!

Stop 4: Jeni's Splendid Ice Cream
(Grab a Cone!)
724 N. High Street 

I know you left Jeni's at the North Market but if you are like us,  you may need some time to digest your meal and tastings. Now after spending time playing with the dog and toys; ice cream sounds really good. Jeni's isn't just ice cream, it's a culinary experience that all ages can enjoy. There is something for everyone, you just have to do your research. By research I mean taste every flavor if you haven't before! Then select your favorite two to indulge in. My new favorite is Sun-Popped Corn but Salty Caramel is an oldie but goodie. If it's not too crowded, sit inside and enjoy or start slowly toward your next and final destination.

Stop 5 & Final Stop: Rocket Fizz
(Get some sugar to go!)
944 N. High Street 

The last stop may be the best stop! Who doesn't love candy and soda. At Rocket Fizz you will find just about any candy you may be craving and sodas come in very interesting flavors. Some soda flavors are even a little scary but for the dare devil, Ranch flavored soda may be a welcomed challenge. There are regular sodas as well, some that have been around a while like Frosty's. During our visit we were feeling a little courageous. We took home a few interesting flavors like Buffalo Wing Soda, Martian Poop Soda, Chocolate Peanut Butter Soda and Red Velvet Cupcake Cookie Dough Bites Soda for a soda tasting. The candies offered are also quite the variety, they offer some items created for other countries such as green tea Kit Kats. You can also find favorites like Now & Laters, chocolate bars and all the normal stuff.

Make a budget for the day or you can splurge if you want.  We spent the most money at lunch at the North Market at $10 each and at Rocket Fizz buying candy and soda at around $20. After toys and ice cream, our day was around $50 but it could certainly be done for less. You can try my 'Short North Kiddie Crawl' or you can also create your own crawl, catering to your child's personality. This is just one suggestion to help you get through a long summer season . Have fun! Be creative!

Until next time,
Be blessed! Be free! Be adventurous!
Kris,

101 Cool Places And Things In Ohio (Part III 21-30)

Thank you to those who have returned to check out the third part of my very long list of Ohio attractions, you can skip the next paragraph! For those who missed the first two parts of my list,you should read the next paragraph. It explains what this list is all about. Thank you to you as well!

If you have been following me on instagram @krisofohio, you have seen my daily posts since the first day of spring. I have posted a month's worth of cool places and things in Ohio using #101CoolPlacesAndThingsInOhio. These posts have included Ohio attractions that have made World and National best lists, places off the beaten path and exceptional Ohio brands. I have 71 days of posts left to go. This is where I plan to slow it down. I have posted a good portion of my favorite places and things in Ohio, but now I need to do some more exploring. On this post you will find the third group of ten attractions from my list and I will be adding to my list throughout the rest of the year. Feel free to help me with suggestions to complete the list. Leave your favorite Ohio attractions in my comments and they may just make my list. To the Ohio tourist, whether you are visiting from out of state or a resident exploring your home state, there is so much to do in Ohio. Use my list to start your Ohio adventure. I have posted only places I have experienced and all photos are mine unless otherwise specified.

Happy Exploring!

Kris, 

21. Hartman Rock Garden
 1905 Russell Avenue
Springfield, OH 45506 

This is my favorite garden and one of my all time favorite places. After Ben Hartman was laid off during the Great Depression he created the rock garden using hundreds of thousands of stones. The folk art creation is opened 365 days of the year and is free to the public. Donations are always welcomed. The garden is the most beautiful from Memorial Day to Labor Day when flowers are at full bloom. Follow their facebook page to learn about volunteer opportunities like helping plant this year's flowers in the garden.

22. African Safari Wildlife Park
267 S Lightner Rd
 Port Clinton, OH 43452
419.732.3606

We have some interesting drive-thrus in Ohio. One of them is the drive-thru safari at African Safari Wildlife Park. You can feed animals like zebras, bison, camels and kudu all from the comfort of your car. It is a cool experience if you don't mind the car getting a little dirty or having animals literally sticking their heads into your car. Animal lovers will enjoy it, I know I did. You can also watch pigs race and interact with other animals and staff through educational shows.

 
23. Franklin Park Conservatory & Botanical Gardens
1777 E Broad St  
Columbus, Oh 43203 
 614.715.8000

We have more than a few attractions on best lists in Ohio and a handful of them are in Columbus. One of those places is Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. It was voted one of the best botanical gardens in the US by the Travel Channel along with botanical gardens in DC, New York and San Francisco. It features over 400 species of plant life and includes botanical environments such as a rainforest and desert. There are new exhibits quarterly but my favorite is the annual spring/summer exhibit, Blooms and Butterflies.

 


24. The Depot Rail Museum

921 Old Henderson Rd.

 Columbus, OH 43220 

 614.324.5945 

The museum is unknown to many because it is used mostly as an event venue. However, I am told that they will open for large tour groups if you call to make a reservation. I was given a private tour by a a friend of the owner a few years ago and fell in love with car 100. It was built in 1886 for the Ringling Bros. The rail car is gorgeous! It has cherry wood interior, antique Victorian style furniture and plenty of props and photos from the early circus life of the well known entertainment brand. The museum is a cool place to learn about rail road history or book your birthday party, wedding or work event.

25. Cedar Point
One Cedar Point Drive 
Sandusky, OH 44870

Most people who love roller coasters will tell you that their favorite amusement park is Cedar Point. It is another Ohio attraction ranked highly by the Travel Channel. It doesn't get any better than number 1. This place has the ability to turn adults into screaming children. It is a roller coaster enthusiast's dream, the Disney World for adults. New this year is the Rougarou, a floorless roller-coaster that dives down 137 feet and goes 60mph as your legs dangle. Opening weekend is just weeks away, May 9-10.

 
26. Ye Olde Mill (Home Of Velvet Ice Cream)
11324 Mount Vernon Road
 Utica, OH 43080
740.892.3921 

As you can tell, I love ice cream since this is my third ice cream feature. Velvet's Ye Old Mill makes the cut because they offer a full experience. They have been serving ice cream from this historic mill since the 70s. They provide free tours during the week. There is a small museum on site that covers the history of the mill from it's original use in 1817. There is also information about the history of ice cream and the Velvet brand from it's beginning in the early 1900s. They throw an annual Ice Cream Festival at the end of spring. This year's dates are 5/23-5/25.

27.Columbus Zoo & Aquarium
4850 Powell Rd
Powell, OH 43065
 614.645.3400

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium frequently makes the top ten list of zoos in America. It was voted number 1 zoo by The USA Travel Guide recently. It is also the headquarters of Jack Hanna. It is home to 10,000 animals and 575 species. The recently added Heart of Africa exhibit offers patrons a chance to feed giraffes, take a ride on a camel and watch cheetahs and lions.

28.COSI (Center of Science & Industry)
333 W. Broad St.
Columbus, OH 43215
614.228.2674

Another museum on a best list is COSI. It was ranked 10 of the top science museums by the Huffington Post. It is a great place to workout the brain with thought provoking and interactive exhibits.  I am excited that the planetarium is back! There are always new exhibits quarterly. I look forward to checking out 'Top Secret' a new spy inspired exhibit. There are also always cool movies showing in the National Geographic Giant Screen Theater.

29. Ohio State Buckeyes
 The Horseshoe 
411 Woody Hayes Drive 
Columbus, Ohio 43210



I don't need to say much about why the Ohio State Buckeyes made my list, so I will keep it short and sweet. History was made when the football team against all odds, won the first National Championship. They also have the best band in the land. This will be a hot ticket this coming football season.

30. The Honda Indy 200 At Mid Ohio
7721 Steam Corners Road
 Lexington, OH 44904

If you are a fan of car racing, this may interest you. In Lexington, Ohio, Honda hosts the annual Honda Indy 200 at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. This summer will be the 31st Verizon Indy Car Series. Past winners have been Andretti, Castroneves and Unser. Patrons can camp out on the grounds. If you get tired of watching the cars race, you can find activities at the Indy Car Fan Zone. Sponsors give away free items. There are autograph sessions and driver Q&As. The year I went, I missed my opportunity to meet Patrick Dempsey, race car driver and (McDreamy aka Dr. Derek Shepherd of Grey's Anatomy). I am still pouting.

Look for my next ten cool Ohio features, coming soon. Thank you again for checking out my list! Follow me on instagram to get daily Ohio posts about restaurants, wineries and breweries. You can also get the next features from my list before I post them to the blog. Look for me @krisofohio  or search the hashtag #101CoolPlacesAndThingsInOhio.

Be blessed! Be free! Be adventurous! 

Kris,

The Cure To Boredom Spring/Summer 2015

Adventure To Do List Spring/Summer 2015

It is the first day of  spring! It's time for a new adventure list for Spring/Summer. I must admit, I didn't do so well  on my fall/winter list. Of ten items on my list I only managed to check off two things. I was disappointed in myself but I realized it was much harder to get out in the cold weather. I will do better on this list and I will return to update my last two lists. I have every intention of crossing each of those items off. For those new to my blog; I decided to do a seasonal adventure list for every six months. The list is my cure to boredom. The list is compiled of things I want to experience this season and as I cross something off  I will share it with you. I will share information about the experience, my photos and my revelations as I did last Spring/Summer season. Unfortunately, I decided to skip doing an update for the last list since I did so poorly. However, I highlighted the things I did not complete in red and updated the items I was able to complete on the original post. I am feeling very positive about this new list though.  Here is my adventure list for Spring/Summer 2015. 

I took this photo during my visit to Longaberger Homestead last Summer.  The restaurants at the location are in 'Eating Your Way Across Ohio'.

My 'Adventure To Do List' is in no particular order. 

1.  Visit Canton, Ohio (completed 7/20/16)

2.  Go Camping

3.  Visit a new winery or brewery each month 

4.  Take a food tour out of town (completed 9/26/15)

5.  Learn to make sushi

6.  Take a ride on the Valley Gem Sternwheeler in Marietta 

( left over from last spring/summer list)

7.  Taste Durian ( left over from last spring/summer list)

8.  Check out five new restaurants from 'Eating Your Way Across Ohio'

9.  Take a short creative class.

10. Take a scenic train ride (left over from my fall/winter list)

I can not wait to dive into this list. Last year I completed  seven of the ten items from my Spring/Summer list. Two of the three items I failed to complete have been added to this new list. I have some making up to do after my fall/winter season's two of ten. I hope you will join me in this. It isn't just a check list, it is an opportunity to learn things about yourself. Doing these lists have helped me expand my horizons, face my fears and improve my patience. Most of all I am really enjoying my life.  Stay tuned for my updates. I hope you will also share your lists with me. We can cheer each other on. Think about it, what do you want to accomplish this season? What are things you have always wanted to do, big or small? Start your list!

Until next time,

Be blessed! Be free! Be adventurous!

Kris, 

My Summer In Columbus/ 20 Places You Should Check Out If You Haven't

 When I was a child, my sister and I spent summers in Fort Lauderdale. For those who don't know me well, my sister and I were born in Broward County hospital in Fort Lauderdale, many moons ago.  We moved to Columbus when were in elementary school. Our parents were separating so we lived with mom and visited our dad and relatives during summer break. Though we were normal kids, wanting to keep our parents together, we were okay with the extra attention. Going to Florida was going home again but it was also vacation. We went to Disney World and Epcot every year. We spent days at the beach. Family and friends scheduled time with us to shop, go to cookouts and do other fun activities. Those were great summers.

As an adult things change. Summers become just another season. You have to work and pay bills. You can't completely equate the season with fun. You have to fit the fun in, scheduling it around the day to day activities that have to be taken care of first.  For me, it is a little different because I am an artist. I don't have a 9 to 5, so I am a lot freer than most people. I had not had a summer like those I spent in Florida for many years until this one. There were no trips to Disney World or Epcot. No playing in the ocean or sand. It was me and my nephew two days a week all summer, exploring the places in our own backyard. We made a huge dent in the movies that came out this Summer including the newest Transformer movie. We bowled and battled it out in laser tag. We tried new foods and checked out places that offered revamped oldies like gourmet grilled cheese at Melt and Peanut butter sandwiches at the oldest peanut butter company in the world, Krema Nut Co.  I have posted some of our adventures this summer but I wanted to create a guide for entertaining kids, out of town guests or just for a day of exploring the city yourself.  The summer is coming to an end and my nephew has been back to school almost a month. I love sharing so I had to create a list. This is a guide that can be used for next summer or for weekend activity ideas. I am hoping it will be a great source for out of town tourists or for inspiration to those in other cities. Most important, I am only listing places that I have personally visited.  This is a list of places and things I stand behind because I enjoyed them with my nephew or other loved ones this summer.

History, Science & Nature

These are places most of us already know about so I will quickly get them out the way. Most of these places are also full day adventures. There are plenty of things to see and do at most of these places and when it's time to eat, you can purchase prepared meals at decent prices. I will specify when there are any exceptions.

1.COSI (Center of Science & Industry)- Not just for the kids and family, they have adult only nights once a month.  I am also excited that the planetarium is returning in just weeks. My tip for optimum enjoyment, arrive early to see and participate in as much as possible! There is a café on premises with lots of options. 

2.The Ohio History Center & The Ohio Village- Ohio history at it's finest!  However, the summer is the best time to go because the Ohio Village is open and you can see what things were like in the 1800s including people dressed in period clothing. There are picnic tables in the village. Pack a lunch.

3.Franklin Park Conservatory- I love the Blooms and Butterflies! The botanical gardens are beautiful! Other smaller exhibits change!  I am looking forward to 'Scary Plants', a fall exhibit coming in a couple weeks. Great Café on premises! Menu items change and food is often made with fresh items grown on the premises.

4.The State House- Not an all day experience. 45 minute tour + time to explore the small museum and gardens. The tour is free! Café on premises. 

5.The Columbus Zoo & Aquarium  - We happen to have one of the best Zoos in the world which includes a great relationship with our own Jack Hanna. Check out the new Africa Exhibit! There are many food options available but packed lunch can be brought in to save money.

6.Slate Run Living Historical Farm-Technically this is located in the Canal Winchester area.  You can get a feel of what it was like to live and run a farm in 1880. There is no electricity and everyone is in period clothing. There is also no running water so that means out houses. Hand sanitizer is a must! It is part of a metro park system so pack a picnic style lunch. Check online for scheduled activities for kids. My nephew got to do farm chores, play games and even helped prepare cookies that were part of his snack during a program called "Cheers and Chores". You can just show up but to participate in programs you must register.  Registered or not, it's free.
 

Off The Beaten Path

These are places that even the locals didn't know about or know about but have yet to visit. You pass by these places every day and say," I will stop in one day and the next thing you know", it's been years and years of "one day".

7.Early Television Museum- This place is located in Hilliard, Ohio. It is well worth 45 minutes to an hour of you time. It shows you how far television has come. We went from watching television screens the size of the screens on our smart phones to watching television on our smart phones. Check out the first television sets in black and white and color.

8.Central Ohio Fire Museum-Need some fire safety information or a refresher course? You will get that along with plenty of Ohio fire and general fire history. Take photos of the beautiful antique engines and make sure to ask about the resident spirits.

Visual Art

Art has always been a big deal to me, so my list would not be complete without some of the best places to view some of the greatest examples of visual art we have to offer in the city. There is the normal city art museum but there is also great places to see crafts and cartoons.

9.The Columbus Museum of Art- Permanent and Changing Exhibits. To feel like more of an experience, bring a drawing pad to sketch things you see. There are lots of interactive activities through out the museum. There is a cafe on the premises.

10.The Wexner Arts Center- A great place to see some wonderful pieces. When I went over the summer with my nephew, we checked out the Modern Cartoonist exhibit that included some modern cartoons with lots of really edgy topics, another exhibit with some familiar comic strips of the past, and a comic future exhibit with some 3d concepts that were amazing. Exhibits change. Cafe on the premises.

11.The Billy Ireland Cartoon Museum-  If you are a fan of comic strips, you will love this place. See classics like Calvin & Hobbes. It takes about an hour, more if you choose to read everything. The museum is free!

 12.The Ohio Craft Museum- One floor of beautiful handmade pieces and a gift shop. This only takes about 20 minutes or less to check out. Visit if you are in the area. It's free!

 

Foodie Adventures

Let's start with interesting takes on oldies but goodies!

These places are great for kids and adults because it is familiarity with a twist. You can get the old school versions or be adventurous and try something interesting and fun.

13.Melt  Bar & Grilled - gourmet grilled cheese (Try the Cleveland Cheese Steak or the Cuban War Pig featured below)

14.Dirty Franks- hot dogs with fancy toppings ( My favorites are the Ohioana and the Seoul Dog. Get some tater tots and a slushie drink)

15.Kerma Nut Company- gourmet peanut butter sandwiches ( The oldest peanut butter company in America is in Columbus. Sit down for a sandwich and a milkshake. Try the Classic Old Timer with a PB & J shake. Browse the shop for nuts, candy or a jar of peanut butter to go.)

  Foodie Wonderlands & Tours

16.Anthony Thomas Factory-The tour takes about 45 minutes. The very small fee can be applied to a purchase at the end of your visit. No photos are allotted because they do work for other companies. The smell is intoxicating, it even takes over the elevator you take to the catwalk where the tour mostly takes place. You get a free chocolate buckeye at the end of your tour.

17.The North Market-This is one of my favorite places in the city. I just recently picked up some burrata, olive oil and some great pepper corns from there last week. The market is a place to find things you cant find anywhere else. It is a great place to stop for breakfast, lunch or dinner. It is also a great place to take a guest or child. Most vendors offer unlimited samples. Literally, you can sample just about every item a vendor carries in most cases. Jeni's Splendid Ice Cream is one of the best places to sample everything. There are also popcorn samples at Pam's, and salsas and hot sauces at CaJohs's Flavor & Fire. The prepared food vendors let you sample also before you make a purchase. 

18.German Village-This area of town has so much history. I learned what I learned about it during a Columbus Food Adventure tour a couple years ago. It is a great place to visit, take a guest or child because there is so much culture there along with good food. Not to mention The Loft, the best book store in Columbus. For food, you have to check out Schmidt's for authentic German dining. Don't forget your cream puff for dessert!

19.Columbus Food Adventures- This I know plenty about because I have done four of their nine tours. I love this company because they offer an opportunity to get a taste of the best restaurants and food trucks the city has to offer. They also offer a free tour after your fourth tour. I am trying to decide between the Food Truck Tour and a the newest walking tour in Grandview. I have done tours in the Short North and German Village. I have also done the Taco Truck and Dessert tours. I have never left hungry or disappointed. I recommend these tours for out of towners and locals. For locals it gives you a chance to try restaurants with no risk. The taste you are offered during a tour may send you back to a restaurant that you would never have stopped in, that could become a new favorite.

Update! They added another new tour in September! They partnered with breakfast blogger and book author, Nick Dekker from Breakfast with Nick, to create a Breakfast Tour. It starts running October 11th.

Sports & Family Fun Bonus!

20.Huntington Park-A Clippers game was on my to do list for the summer and I finally made it. It is a great family night or date night. It may not be the best tourist attraction for someone visiting from a big city who has a big league team but it is definitely something all locals and small town folk should check out. I hope not to offend anyone. I found it to be a blast. I actually watched the game and participated in mascot activities. The hotdogs aren't too bad either. 

21.Zoombezi Bay-I can't swim so I loved this place because there was plenty I could still enjoy with shallow water. I went for the first time this summer but didn't get to enjoy it as much as I'd planned because of rain. However, it is lots of fun for both kids and adults. The food is a little expensive but you can bring your own and picnic in the zoo/water-park picnic area. There are a lot of food options available if you choose to eat at the park.

photo courtesy of blooloop.com

I hope you enjoyed my list! If there are places you feel I need to visit on your must see list, let me know. I will make it my next adventure.

Be Blessed! Be free! Be fashionable!

BE ADVENTUROUS!

Kris,