Tag: Columbus

The Best Ice Cream in Ohio: Eight Popular Shops

Karyn Locke
Velvet Ice Cream in Utica, Ohio

Ask me what my favorite food is and I’ll say ice cream. Every time. It’s not only been a childhood dessert staple, it’s now my family’s so-to sweet treat. So, what better way to celebrate National Ice Cream Month than by celebrating the best of the Buckeye State and the best ice cream in Ohio! Here’s a salute to Ohio’s favorite ice cream shops from top to bottom and in the middle, too. 1. Johnson’s Real Ice Cream – Dublin, Ohio The Kid and I had the pleasure of popping…

Unique Lodging Review: The Hotel LeVeque Columbus

Karyn Locke
The Hotel LeVeque's lobby in Columbus, Ohio.

As a family that spends dozens of nights a year in hotel rooms, we love looking for unique lodging to spend time in – and we found the latest edition in Columbus, Ohio. Hotel LeVeque not only surprised us with its exceptional service and location, it gave us a starry night without ever having to open the curtains. Here’s our honest review for Hotel LeVeque. Hotel LeVeque – An Overview So first, let’s chat about its location. Located in the iconic LeVeque Tower (if you’ve seen pics of the skyline…

Off the Beaten Path Travel: 14 Ohio Hidden Gems

Karyn Locke
Places you won't believe exist in Ohio The Wilds Off the beaten path Ohio

Living in Ohio has its advantages. One, the state is only about six hours wide via road trip so you can allow plenty of time for pit stops. Two, being a Midwestern state has its benefits (no extreme weather conditions!). And three? There’s plenty of hidden gems. Once you stray way from the major cities, there’s plenty of off the beaten path Ohio attractions to discover. Here’s 14 Ohio hidden gems you need to check out when visiting the Buckeye State. 1. and 2. So Creepy It’s Downright Cool If…

Top Indoor Columbus, Ohio Activities to Beat the Cold

Karyn Locke
Indoor Columbus, Ohio activities COSI Unicycle

In our Midwest winters, we do get a handful of days that make me want to throw my boots and a jacket on and head outdoors. Then there are the rest of them: cold, blustery, and mainly downright willful to keep me and The Kid inside all day. Once we’ve tired of watching Netflix and playing video games (yes, I’m terrible at them but they’re still fun!), we want to get out of the house and enjoy fun, indoor activities. Activities that keep both our health up and minds sharp.…

Ohio Chinese Lantern Festival: Traditional Beauty & Culture in Columbus

Steven Locke
Ohio Chinese Lantern Festival

If  there’s one thing I know is true regarding Chinese lanterns it’s this: I’ve always been fascinated with the mystery and beauty of them. As a child, I remember watching lantern festivals on the tele and thinking that I’d love to be apart of a festival one day. What started out as practicality (using paper lanterns to keep flames from going out) turned into tradition. That tradition evolved into both paper and silk forms in homes and on the streets for lighting and eventually made its way over to North…

Columbus Holiday Guide | 2016

Steven Locke
Easton Town Centre holiday

There’s a reason that Ohio’s capitol sits almost perfectly in the center of the state: so all of its residents have easy access! If you’ve never visited Columbus, Ohio, you really need to start planning a trip. If you’ve never visited during the holidays? You’re really missing out on the merriment!  Beginning on November 18, 2016 Columbus holiday events are not to be missed! Check out our 9 favorite reasons to head into the city for the holiday fun this year for this year’s Columbus Holiday Guide. Franklin Park Conservatory From November 19 through…

Eating My Way through the Midwest: Columbus, Indiana

Karyn Locke
450 North Brewing Co Pizza Columbus Indiana IN

Road tripping this summer has become our favorite way to delve into the fine state of Indiana for sure. Not only did we have the pleasure of dining at popular Indiana Foodways Alliance foodie spots, but with each city and town that we’ve called home for a night or two we learned what makes the state appealing for families, couples, and folks that love to travel! Last month was all about Southern Indiana and what it has to offer both its travelers and residents. Our first stop on this leg…

30 Things to Do in Columbus, Ohio

Karyn Locke
Columbus Ohio: Midwest daycation ideas

Photo Credit for lead image: flickr/Always Shooting There are so many fun things to do in and around Columbus, Ohio, that it only makes sense to put them all in one spot! From top notch museums, delicious dining options, and cool neighborhoods, you may start out by passing through the city, but you’ll ending up exploring once you know what’s there. Here’s our list of 30 things to do in Columbus, Ohio – and a few bonus ones, too! Historical Things to Do in Columbus, Ohio Ohio Statehouse Kelton House…

Seven Places You Won’t Believe Exist in Ohio

Karyn Locke
Places you won't believe exist in Ohio

Ohio has something for everyone. Seriously. Love the beach? We’ve got them. Love American history? Check. Love checking out movie locations? Done. Here’s seven places you won’t believe exist in Ohio – but totally do.    Think about every movie or television show you’ve seen. Now, think about how many of the characters hail from the Midwest, especially Ohio. Maybe it’s because we live in Ohio and always catch the reference to the Buckeye State, but it’s a very common scenario. Leave it to Beaver ‘s very own Ward Cleaver was a…

Where Travel Channel’s Samantha Brown Would Visit with Her Kids in Columbus, Ohio

Karyn Locke

I admit it: When I had the chance to chat with Travel Channel’s Samantha Brown at the AAA Great Vacations Travel EXPO in Columbus, OH, last month I had a serious fan girl moment. I have been watching her shows including Great Weekends and Passport to Europe since her debut. And, if I was going to be inspired by a world traveler, she would be the one. On the expo’s last day in town, Samantha was the guest of honor- and I was elated! She talked about making traveling experiences…