Best Things in and around Columbus

The Krema Nut Company - they have the absolute best peanut butter and jelly sandwiches around! I also sampled some of their candy, and that was tasty as well. Purchased, but haven't yet tried the peanut butter ice cream, but I have high hopes.

Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams - Where else can you enjoy quirky flavors like Queen City Cayenne or Wildberry Lavender? Of course they always allow you to sample them before committing yourself to a whole scoop, but I've rarely ever been disappointed. I even bought half a dozen pints to share at Christmas. Polished off the final one last week!

Matt the Miller Tavern - Having been there for two different meals, I can tell you that both their Sunday brunch and their regular dinner choices, as well as their wine selection are top notch, not to mention the friendly service. Our waiter even remembered us, though it had only been a couple weeks since our last visit. A bit awkward to get to being so well-hidden off Perimeter Loop in Dublin, but once you find the secret way in and out, you're good to go!

The Corn Rows and Chief Leatherlips - you've got to love Ohio oddities, and we have two of the best, both of which you can enjoy a picnic and sometimes a live concert nearby.

WOSU & WCBE - Some cities are lucky enough to have just one public radio station, but Columbus is blessed with three - 89.7 News, Classical 101 (both WOSU), and 90.5 (WCBE). Of course there is some overlap with the same programs being aired on different stations at different times (over saturation), but that's okay if you miss it the first time around. I am especially grateful we have Classical 101 to satisfy those of us who prefer music only to news and other programs sometimes.

The Columbus Metropolitan Library and all its branches - I'm not sure how many volumes the system owns as a whole, but it's got to be close to a million. I've rarely (except some foreign titles) been unable to find a book I'm after, which saves me lots of $$$ being able to borrow it. Too bad they can't afford more digital licenses so there's not such a long wait to borrow the digital version of a book. That may come with time I suppose...

Sophie Ryder's Dancing Hares and the Splash Park in Dublin. Kids and adults alike can have hours of fun examining all the various objects embedded in the over-sized sculptures. Can't beat ducking in and out of the fountains during the summer - free fun for the whole family, and several covered tables to eat your lunch at while the kids play or you read a book on your lunch hour away from work.

Franklin Park Conservatory - This beautiful oasis, enhanced even more with the addition of all the fabulous Chihuly glass, is first class and right up there with the conservatory in Pittsburgh, Washington D.C. and several others I've visited around the world. Nature lovers, gardeners, photographers and the like will all find something worthy of appreciation in this little slice of paradise. Their cafe and adjoining gift shop are also worth visiting.

Columbus Topiary Park - I've never seen anything quite like this (with the exception of Disney properties), and it's fun to visit during any season. Having lived in Columbus for several years now and having visited multiple times, I am enjoying seeing the foliage fill in around their metal frames little by little. For those who don't know, all the topiaries are arranged to depict George Seurat’s painting A Sunday Afternoon on the Isle of La Grande Jatte.

The outdoor summer concert series on the lawn of the Chemical Abstracts property. I've only ever attended one concert, but thoroughly enjoyed it (except for feeling like I had to burst on the way home). The sound system was good and I appreciated the fact that they have screens so you can see the performers on that even if you can't actually see the stage. I also like how you can bring food and drinks onto the property. Nothing better than a picnic under the stars while enjoying a little music!