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May
5

The summer months are finally upon us. Join us as we breathe a sigh of relief! As the weather warms, we can enjoy late nights grilling with friends on the patio, watching the kids play in the sunshine, and making everyone's favorite summer night snack, s'mores. While we'll be on the lookout for ways to enjoy this gorgeous Columbus weather in the city, there's nothing better than celebrating the season in the comfort of your own home. Whether you're aiming for coziness or elegance, we're sure these swoon-worthy homes for sale in Columbus will catch your eye.

A Story-worthy Home

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May
4

Columbus is certainly making its mark in the craft beer industry. With 35 breweries (and counting), we have established ourselves as one of the beer hubs of the Midwest, and that's something to celebrate! Residents and visitors alike don't have to look far to find a crisp and refreshing ale, but the challenge is figuring out where to settle down for happy hour or a weekend bevvie with friends — there are just so many choices! In honor of Columbus Beer Week (May 12-20), we've rounded up our favorite breweries in the city, and listed a stellar brew to try at each one. The scene is constantly evolving, and we are always on the lookout for recommendations, so let us know if we missed one of your go-to brews!

Seventh Son Brewing Company

Photo courtesy of Nathan Ward via Seventh Son Brewing Company

Tucked into a charming corner of Columbus's Italian Village lies Seventh Son Brewing Company — a collaboration between childhood friends and a stellar spot to enjoy a beer. Stop in for a unique brew in a range of flavors and varieties, and be sure to accompany your choice with a bite from the food truck of the day. Beer to try: The Humulus Nimbus This strong pale ale toes the line between an IPA and a pale, and includes berry-piney hops and light malts. Mmm mm good! ABV: 6%

Four String Brewing Company

If you haven't visited this Rock 'n' Roll-inspired brewery, the time has come. Founder Dan Cochran is a bass guitar musician with a passion for creating interesting beer you can't find anywhere else — and it rocks. He has been perfecting his recipes since 1994, so stop in for a pint and see what all the buzz is about! Beer to try: The Switchblade IPA Tropical fruits and citrus are the flavor focus in this IPA, but this ain't no tooty fruity bevvie. The savage amounts of hops take this ale to the next level. ABV: 6.5%

Sideswipe Brewing

Photo courtesy of Sideswipe Brewery

This small-operation brewery focuses on quality, not quantity — and that might be why a pint here is so dang delicious. The cozy taproom is located mere steps from downtown Columbus, and offers a no-frills experience with a friendly atmosphere, fun games and great company. Beer to try: The Coop Looter This American-style saison is made with whole white wheat and aromatic Belgian malts, and is packed with effervescent flavors, thanks to the hints of grapefruit and cracked pepper. ABV: 6%

Actual Brewing

Science is the name of the game at Actual Brewing, where the brewers don't hide their process. Rather, they revel in it, brewing each beer with courage, precision and experimentation (of course). Need a bit of a pick-me-up after sampling a few beers? Enjoy a hot cup of coffee made from house-roasted beans. Beer to try: Conductor Imperial Rye IPA This imperial IPA is a favorite for many, offering a flavor that is subtle, striking and complex all at once. Enjoy a stellar malt to hop balance that is worth every penny. ABV: 8.1%

Pigskin Brewing Company

Photo courtesy of Pigskin Brewery

This friendly brewery in Gahanna offers excellent brews created and served with love — and excellent food to boot! Stop in for Won off Wednesdays, during which the company will share a unique weekly small batch brew for one time only. Once it's gone, it's gone for good! Proof that the best things in life are fleeting. Beer to try: Autumn Wind Russian Imperial Stout An intensely roasty, dark brew with complex malts and hops. Look for notes of chocolate and coffee. ABV: 10.5%

Wolf's Ridge Brewing

Photo courtesy of Wolf's Ridge Brewing

Wolf's Ridge Brewing is where elegance meets adventure. Stop in at either the tap room or the more formal dining room to get a taste of incredible beer and delectable bites. In the tap room, you'll find bar snacks, shareables and sandwiches, and in the dining room you'll find more upscale fare. Look out for the Hudson Valley foie gras, the shrimp and grits, the scallops, and the New Zealand lamb rack — and make sure to chase down your choice with a house-made beer. Beer to try: Clear Sky Cream Ale This easy-drinking, crisp ale took home first place in the 2017 Beer Army Beer Wars. Pick up a bottle or a pint on draft, and we're sure you'll taste the winning quality. ABV: 5%

Barley's Brewing Company

Barley's Brewing Company has been on the scene for a while, perfecting its ale recipes since 1992. Over more than 20 years, the taproom on High Street has welcomed visitors and locals alike (even an impressive lineup of celebrities) to try its signature brews and enjoy the friendly atmosphere! Make sure you're one of them this year. Beer to try: Blood Thirst Wheat This refreshing ale is a joy to drink year-round, but especially satisfying in the warm summer months. The beer has an impressive citrus flavor due to the Sicilian blood orange zest added to the brew kettle, and purée added during and after fermentation. ABV: 5%

North High Brewing

Photo courtesy of North High Brewing

North High Brewing, located on (surprise!) North High Street, offers a new kind of experience — one that focuses on the actual brewing of the beer! While you can stop in anytime to enjoy a signature brew on draft (and we highly recommend that you do), you can also "Schedule a Kettle" and brew your own beer with the help of the owners using a North High recipe. Beer to try: The North High Pale Ale The North High Pale Ale is an easy-drinking brew with plenty of hops and caramel malt to balance the flavor. You might feel like a champ for drinking it, as this winning beer has secured a gold medal at Beer Wars, a silver at the 2016 World Beer Cup, and a bronze at the Best of Craft Beer Awards in Bend, Oregon. Look out for notes of tropical fruit, citrus and herbs. ABV: 5.5%

Zauber Brewing Co.

Photo courtesy of Chris Heidel via Zauber

This brewery offers traditional German and Belgian beers served in a quirky, low-key environment that is 100% American. Zauber initially opened as a small alley-side growler fill station in 2012, but is now a lively, full-service bar and taproom nestled on 5th avenue. Stop in on Wednesday for board game night, or on weekend morning to catch the EPL soccer games. Beer to try: Wunderland A Belgian strong dark ale brewed in the traditional way, with only yeast, malt and hops. Still, the flavor is rich, complex and strong. ABV: 8.7%

Land Grant Brewing Company

Photo courtesy of Matthew Carbone via Land Grant Brewing Company

Born from a passion for great beer, intriguing design and midwestern sports, Land Grant Brewing Company has certainly become a Columbus staple since it opened in 2014. The founders all come from different backgrounds, which means each offers an interesting perspective on the style of the taproom and of the beers themselves. Everything about Land Grant is a collision of flavor and culture! Stop in seven days a week to try the beer and sample from an impressive lineup of food trucks. Beer to try: Son of a Mudder A brown ale that is truer than true. Brewed with toasty hops and balanced with seven different malt varieties, you'll find flavors of toffee, caramel and coffee. This beer is sure to warm you to the core! ABV: 6.1%

Zaftig Brewing Co.

If it's a full-bodied ale you're after, look no further than Zaftig Brewing Co. This brewery specializes in hefty Ambers, Stouts and IPAs. In fact, the lightest beer on the menu clocks in at an impressive 7% ABV. Don't make your decision lightly — try a flight to get a little bit of everything. Beer to Try: The Shadowed Mistress American Strong Ale hopped with Citra hops, balanced with roasted malt, and amped with a tropical juice flavor blast. ABV: 9%

Elevator Brewing Company

Elevator Brewing Company was founded in 1999 by a father/son duo that found almost as much joy in making quality beers as they did in drinking them. Their passion shines through in the quality of the beers, which have won a smattering of awards and bring Columbus locals back to the tap room time and time again. Beer to try: Dark Force Lager A year-round staple and a palate-pleaser, this beer earned a bronze medal in the 2007 Great American Beer Festival (out of 2,832 submissions, mind you). The brew is well-balanced, lightly hopped and full of warm flavor. ABV: 5.9%

Lineage Brewing

As the name suggests, Lineage Brewing pays homage to its roots (and the history of its home, Clintonville) while constantly trying to find new ways to evolve and pave a path for the Columbus craft beer scene. The brewery is located in an old car wash, but has been transformed into a well-lit, modern space with a friendly atmosphere. The brewers are constantly on the quest to create the perfect pint, but we're sure when they find it, they won't stop there. Bonus: This brewery is dog friendly, so bring Fido along for the ride! Beer to try: The Oscura Obscura We bet you haven't seen many blonde stouts in your beer tasting ventures. Brewed like a traditional stout, but without the toasted malt, this delightfully confusing beer incorporates cocoa nibs and vanilla beans to create a robust, creamy flavor. ABV: 7.9%

Columbus Brewing Co.

Columbus Brewing Company was originally founded in 1830, but the name was resurrected in 1988 to dub the current operations. We'd certainly hope that a brewery with our city's namesake would produce beers worth bragging about, and we haven't been disappointed! While Columbus brewing's tap room is still under construction, you can find bottles of the tasty brews in liquor stores around town. Do not confuse this spot with CBC Restaurant, which is also quite tasty, but not affiliated with the brewery. Beer to try: Thunderlips Experimental Pale Ale The deep golden color of this pale ale is produced with Simpsons Golden Promise Malt, which is then amped up with plenty of hops in several varieties. The result is striking and thunderous, if you will. ABV: 5.3%

Smokehouse Brewing

Photo courtesy of Cheryl Harrison via Smokehouse Brewing

Smokehouse Brewing is the spot to settle if you're looking for a bit of barbecue with your beer. While the juicy wings, sauerkraut balls and messy ribs are certainly delightful, the refreshing beers are certainly the main event. The tart IPAs and bold stouts pair well with the sauces, and always leave you wanting another. Beer to try: The Woody Haze Barrel Aged Scotch Ale Brewed every Valentine's Day, this dark, amber ale is a celebrated staple of Smokehouse Brewing. The bourbon barrel-aging process gives the brew a rich flavor that pairs well with gamey meats.

Cheers! 

April
28

Memorial Day is nearly upon us. This time to remember and pay respect to our country's fallen soldiers warrants a day off from school and work (and rightfully so), and many also consider it the beginning of summer. If the warm weather and beach-goers haven't convinced you to get outside and celebrate, we're sure we can tempt you with some of the summery events happening over the weekend in Cleveland and on the shores of Lake Erie. We've rounded up some of our favorites below, so don your white pants and your swimsuit, and get ready to make this the best Memorial Day yet.  

Blossom Time Festival

May 25-28

Photo courtesy of Blossom Time Festival 

Celebrate the beginning of summer with one of the most colorful parties in the area. The annual Blossom Time Festival takes place in downtown Chagrin Falls, and includes carnival rides, a hot air balloon glow, a pie-eating contest, and plenty of other family-friendly activities. Additionally, guests are invited to get a taste of Chagrin, with more than 20 food trucks and local vendors serving up bites and sips throughout the weekend.

Berea's National Rib Cook-off

May 26-29

Photo courtesy of Berea's National Rib Cook-off 

For the 19th year in a row, barbecue connoisseurs, meat lovers and ribbing experts will come together to celebrate the carnivore's favorite entrée: ribs. Meander through the fairgrounds at Berea's National Rib Cook-off, snacking on a tasty morsel from tens of local vendors while enjoying live music and family-friendly games and activities. There's no doubt about it — this event is finger lickin' good.

Tremont Greek Festival

May 26-29 While you don't have to be Greek to enjoy the Tremont Greek Festival, you do have to enjoy Greek food, Greek bevvies and Greek dancing. Somehow, we don't think that will be a problem! Visit Cleveland's historic Tremont neighborhood for a taste of all the above, and enjoy a variety of Greek performances and shopping from local vendors. Can you say "Opa?"

Memorial Day Weekend at Put-in-Bay

May 26-29 Memorial Day Weekend is one of the most popular weekends at Put-in-Bay, welcoming visitors from all over the Great Lakes region. Whether you hop on the ferry for a day trip or reserve a hotel for the weekend, there are plenty of activities to take part in — especially on Saturday!  While you're not basking in the sun and taking in all this island has to offer, enjoy performances from popular entertainers, a gorgeous Memorial Day service at Perry's Victory, and a grand parade on monday featuring antique cars.  

Main Street Port Clinton Walleye Festival

May 25-29

Photo courtesy of the Main Street Port Clinton Walleye Festival

The annual Main Street Port Clinton Walleye Festival is one of the most anticipated events in the area, and it's easy to see why! For its 37th year, the event will invite locals and visitors alike (including over 100 vendors from around the nation) to take part in an array of free live concerts, tasty food and beverages, and outdoor activities on the picturesque shores of Lake Erie. Highlights will include a kids fishing derby, a grand parade and the Walleye 5K race.

Ohio Bike Week at Sandusky

May 26-June 4 Memorial Day weekend also marks the beginning of Sandusky's Ohio Bike Week. Even if thundering motorcycles aren't really your thing, you'll enjoy marveling at the displays of gleaming metal and impressive beards that will set Sandusky apart during the week. There will also be exciting live performances, a great selection of activities, and plenty of food to keep you entertained.

Cedar Point Shores Opening Weekend

May 26-28 This lakeside amusement park is known as the roller coaster capital of the world, but it also has one heck of a water park. Cedar Point Shores will open on Memorial Day Weekend, offering a swimmin' good time to fun-loving Ohioans of all ages, plus four new water attractions! Get a first look at the new waterslides, Point Plummet and the Portside Plunge, or enjoy some family fun at Lemmy's Lagoon and Lakeside Landing. The beginning of summer means it's beach season, so celebrate by taking a dip!  
April
27

Guy Fieri made a name for himself back in 2007, when he starred in the first episode of Diners, Drive-ins and Dives. Since then he has continued on a career path that can only be defined as a dream job, traveling across the country to sample the greasiest, tastiest, most satisfying cuisine America can offer. If anyone has watched this show while hungry, you know what a mistake that can be. Luckily, we're here to satisfy those cravings. Cleveland is home to more than a few spots that were deemed worthy by Fieri himself, including a grilled cheese mecca, a farm-to-table breakfast joint offering legendary biscuits and gravy, and a chic modern Mexican cafe with six guacamoles. We've gathered them here for you so you can get a true taste of Cleveland comfort food. Enjoy!

Melt Bar & Grilled

(Aired 2/08/2010) Craving a grilled cheese? Of course you are. Look no further than Cleveland's Melt Bar & Grilled, which serves everything from a gooey, crispy classic grilled cheese to the Wake & Bacon (with an egg and hickory bacon), and the Mighty Macaroni (with creamy, homemade macaroni battered and deep fried). Hankering for something with a bit more substance? Opt for the Korean War Big, with Korean BBQ pulled pork, seared pork belly, kimchi slaw, pear onion cilantro relish, and muenster cheese. Regardless of your choice, we're sure your sandwich will leave you cheesin' with joy. Melt Bar & Grilled also chooses a different charity to donate to each month — and what's better than eating for charity? The beloved grilled cheese joint in Cleveland was featured on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives on February 8, 2010, and has since expanded to include 12 locations across Ohio. Look for a new location in Cedar Point opening this Memorial Day Weekend!

Lucky's Cafe

(Aired 10/12/2009)

Photos courtesy of Lucky's Cafe

This coffee shop turned restaurant in Tremont has truly redefined the meaning of "cooking from scratch." Here, you'll find the epitome of comfort food, including fluffy cheddar scallion biscuits topped with sausage gravy and a classic reuben with house-brined corned beef. The beloved cafe sources as much as it can from local farmers and vendors, grows its veggies in the garden out back, and makes all of the breads and pastries in house. Can breakfast get any better than that? We think not.   Bonus: Lucky's Cafe was featured on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives in October, 2009, but soon after, Iron Chef's Michael Simon stopped in to try the biscuits and gravy, which he deemed "soul-satisfying."

Parkview Nite Club

(Aired 10/26/2009) This self-proclaimed "cool place for shady people" is steeped in history. The now nightclub was actually established in 1898 as L. Schlater Brewing Company, and went on to become a speakeasy in the '20s, and a working man's bar in the 50's before it found its current owners in 1993. Parkview is popular for lunch, during which it serves up home-style entrées like the honey chipotle pork tacos, or the ever-satisfying smoked salmon BLT. Swing by on a crowded weekend evening, you'll be treated to energetic live performances from local and national acts. There's no doubt about it  — Parkview is the spot for a laid-back good time with great food.

Geraci's Restaurant

(Aired 1/16/2009)

Photo courtesy of Geraci's Restaurant

This old-school pizza joint has been family-owned for more than 60 years, perfecting age-old recipes that have been passed from generation to generation. The daughters of the original owners still run the place, and you'll find them meandering the dining room, making conversation with loyal customers. Locals flock for mainstays like the no-frills pepperoni pizza, assembled with dough that's made fresh several times a day. The meatballs are nothing to scoff at either, made from a recipe developed in Sicily that has been unchanged since. Regardless of what you choose, you'll be able to taste the history and the love that went into the menu. Make sure to bring cash — credit cards are a no-go here.

Sterle's Slovenian Country House

(Aired 1/11/2010)

Photo courtesy of Alex Pogrebinsky via Sterle's Slovenian Country House 

It's not just the amazing food that makes Sterle's Slovenian Country House stand out — the friendly atmosphere and family-style dining experience make every visit to this beloved standby memorable. A meal is $24 per person, and it'll come with heaping portions of pickles and pretzels, pork schnitzel, beer-braised sausage, pierogies and much more cooked up by acclaimed chef Natasha Pogrebinsky. Additionally, you'll be treated to some of the best brews around in Szemerszky's Bier Garden, and lively performances from accordian-bearing polka bands several nights a week.

Momocho

(Aired 3/22/2010)

Photos courtesy of Momocho

Guy Fieri stopped by this small, modern Mexican cafe for the guacamole served six ways (goat cheese, crab, pineapple, pecorino, smoked trout, etc.), but there's so much more to Momocho than the beloved appetizer. The small dining room means the chefs can make everything fresh to order, doing away with the freezers and heat lamps that accompany so many other Mexican restaurants. Stand out items include the Dos Equis-braised beef short rib tamales with red & green mole sauces and crema, or the crab and smoked trout tostadas with tomatillo verde, black beans, queso mixto and a fried egg to top it all off. You really can't go wrong here, as long as you're willing to chase down your choice with a house-made margarita (or a sampler of three flavors).

Bon Appetît!

Now, please excuse us as we eat ourselves into a stupor.
April
20

The weekend has finally arrived, so it's time to plan date night! While there is no shortage of fantastic restaurants in the Columbus area, maybe the time has come to shake up your traditional dinner and a movie routine. Whether you're on a first date or going out on the town with your sweetheart of 20 years, there are plenty of fun activities in our beloved town that are sure to provide a good time and even better memories. We've rounded up some of our best date night ideas, from letting your inner child soar at a bounce park, to romantic sunset picnics. All you have to do is choose what to try first!

Fly High at Sky Zone

Love is in the air (literally) at Sky Zone. While trampoline parks are now common, Sky Zone in Columbus was the first indoor bounce park in the nation, and is filled from wall-to-wall with massive floor trampolines. Flit and fly across the floor, and then flip into a foam pit filled with 10,000 cubes. If you're feeling competitive, position yourself across from your date on the trampoline dodgeball court. It's a workout like you've never experienced, and your inner child will be grateful for the gigglin' good time.

Catch a Concert at EXPRESS LIVE!

Located in the Arena District, EXPRESS LIVE! is Columbus's most desirable venue for nationally renowned acts, offering both indoor and outdoor accommodations as well as state-of-the-art acoustics. There are more than 100 events to choose from every year, so check out the schedule and pick a night to experience the sound with your beloved! There's sure to be an artist you both love on the agenda.

Picnic in Schiller Park

Pack your picnic basket with the essentials (wine and cheese, of course), and head out to Schiller Park to catch sunset. There's nothing quite as romantic as sharing a picnic on a blanket in a beautiful park. Schiller, nestled in the famed German Village, is certainly one of the prettiest around, but also has an interesting history. The 23.5-acre park was established in 1857, originally dubbed Stewart's Grove. In 1891 however, the park was renamed for the famous German poet, Friedrich Von Schiller, who is forever commemorated by his statue in the center of the park. In World War I, when American sentiment was anti-German, the park was named after Washington (along with several nearby streets), but luckily the change didn't last long. Due to the poetic nature of this Columbus gem, it is only fitting it is named after an artist! Enjoy your packed meal here among the trees and beautiful scenery, and hit a nearby pub for cocktails in the German Village afterward.

Cheer on The Columbus Clippers

Photo courtesy of Joe Santry via the Columbus Clippers

When the weather gets warmer, buy yourself some peanuts and cracker jacks and take yourself out to the ballgame! The Columbus Clippers play on summer evenings at Huntington Park, which has been named the best ballpark in the nation. Root, root, root for the home team alongside your sweetheart. This is a great opportunity to see where his or her loyalties truly lie. Go Clippers!

Go Rock Climbing at Vertical Adventures

Photo courtesy of Cooper Fenske Photography via  Vertical Adventures

Rock climbing is a fun and challenging way to work your mind and your body at the same time, and it's even more fun when you take your honey along with you! Whether you're belaying or bouldering (no ropes), you will work together to help each other complete problems and reach the top. And bringing a plus one means you'll always have a partner to hold the ropes. Just don't tick them off while you're on the wall — your life is in their hands. On your first visit to Vertical Adventures, you have the option to start bouldering right away, or take Rope 101: Intro to Climbing. This class is $39 a person, but includes your lesson, equipment, and a two week trial at the gym.

Watch a Blue Jackets Game at Arena District

No list would be complete without Columbus's beloved Blue Jackets, which play during the winter months in the Arena District. Don your red, white and blue apparel, and get ready to hoot and holler along to what is bound to be a thrilling game — the Blue Jackets always put on a show for their fans.

Bowl in Style at Star Lanes Polaris

Photo courtesy of Star Lanes Polaris

We see you rolling your eyes — bowling is nothing new. But when you reserve a lane at Star Lanes Polaris, you can count on a party. It's bowling like you've never seen it before. Grab a bite and cocktails at the Point Bar & Grill before hitting the pins. Far from typical bowling food, the cuisine here is contemporary, made fresh to order, and delicious as heck. Then grab your shoes, pick out a ball, and aim for the pins in a black-lit setting with private suites and quirky decor.

See a Drive-in Movie

Make movie night a bit more interesting by hitting the drive-in theatre. You'll be able to catch the latest hits from the comfort of your own car, enjoying a picnic dinner and your choice of bevvie in the front seats or from a blanket. If you have the time, you can stay and enjoy two movies for just over $9 a person — well worth it for a fun and cozy night out with your plus one.

Go Wine Tasting at Wine on High

Photo courtesy of Wine on High

Ready to wind down with a glass or two of your favorite label? Or looking to try something new? This locally-owned shop is home to more than 300 varieties of wine, all of which are available to enjoy by the glass, in a tasting, or in a bottle that you can take home with you. Kick back with your sweetheart and take in the upscale atmosphere while you sip and savor to your heart's content. We recommend pairing your choice with a charcuterie board, filled with artisan cheeses and meats.

Create a Work of Art at Wine & Canvas

What's better than drinking a glass of wine with your sweetheart? Sipping that wine while creating an awesome work of art to hang in your lovely home! At Wine & Canvas, you'll find all of your supplies waiting for you before you sit down, and learn to paint the featured piece while an instructor patiently guides your strokes. You'll have some liquid courage from the wine, so go ahead — paint the town red!

Catch a Performance at Shadowbox Live

Photo courtesy of Tommy Fiesel Shadowbox Live

The Shadowbox Live troupe produces a wide variety of theatrical shows each year, ranging from rock operas and traditional musicals to contemporary dances and comedy shows. Currently Columbus residents can catch the popular sketch comedy, the Lunchbox on select Fridays, Evolutionaries (the stories of Prince and Bowie) through June 22, and so much more.

Have a Great Date!

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