St. Patrick’s Day is a big deal in Columbus. Whether you have true Irish heritage or are just Irish for a day, we’ve got some plans for you!

Family-Friendly Options
Thursday, March 17

St. Patrick’s Day Parade
The annual parade kicks off in the Arena District at 11:45 a.m. on Nationwide Blvd. and heads south on High street, then west on Broad Street to Franklin County Veteran’s Memorial where folks can join in the Shamrock Club of Columbus’ Family Reunion (below).

Shamrock Club of Columbus Family Reunion
Similar to a big indoor picnic, this event features Irish dancers, bands, kids’ activities and assorted beverages. This is a great option for a family that likes active adventures.

Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Detroit Red Wings
The puck drops at 7 p.m. at Nationwide Arena. Games versus Detroit are always high-energy and are a great option for families and singles alike.

The Real Festive Choices (for adults only)
For those ready to kick up their heels, just in case you need it, you better take the Yellow Cab number with you: 444-4444.

Flannagan’s
Billed as “Ohio’s Largest St. Patrick’s Day Party,” they open at 6:30 a.m. This is a great destination for band-lovers, as the music continues until 2 a.m. on two stages! $5-$15 cover.

Byrne’s Pub
This is an insanely popular spot on St. Patrick’s Day. Stop by to experience real St. Patrick’s Day spirit. Note that parking here can be a bit challenging. You’ll have to check out local side streets and be aware of any “no parking” or “resident parking only” signs as you search for a spot. $10 cover. (more…)

Last week, we gave you a guide to The Arnold Sports Festival that included helpful tips for the upcoming weekend.

This week, we’re here to help you find a few extra ways to experience Columbus. If the evenings bring you some downtime, check out these popular attractions.

Thursday
Just a five minute ride from the Greater Columbus Convention Center you’ll find the Franklin Park Conservatory , home to Cocktails at the Conservatory on Thursday nights. This unique happy hour features botanically-themed cocktails along with fantastic hors d’oeuvres. What sets it apart from other nightlife is the setting inside the Palm House, which gives the atmosphere of a tropical rainforest. Combine that with an award-winning LED light installation and great music for a wonderful evening.

5:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
$10
21 and older

(more…)

Photo: Park Street Complex

This post is part three of a seven part series featuring Columbus happy hours . Whether you like to head downtown or to the suburbs, we have you covered. Check back each week as Experience Columbus staff spotlight their favorite areas of Columbus to meet friends, share a drink and have some fun.

In this post, Tony explores the happy hour specials on and around Park Street. You can also check out options in the Short North Arts District here , or options in Grandview here . Stay tuned for future posts in the series as we explore downtown, the University District at OSU, Easton Town Center and Worthington.

Park Street and the surrounding area is a popular place for nightlife and clubbing in Central Ohio. With dozens of bars in the immediate area, it’s never hard to find an establishment that fits your style.

A few tips as we continue this happy hour series: if you’re staying out for a few drinks, keep the number for the local Yellow Cab on you. If you’re driving, there’s plenty of parking in the convention center garage (accepts credit cards) and in a nearby flat-lot . If you’re heading in to town to experience the nightlife and happy hour is just the beginning, make reservations at a hotel within walking distance .

My favorites on and around Park Street: (more…)

Blacksmith at Historic Roscoe Village

This post is part 6 of a 6 part series featuring Experience Columbus Days , which takes place Oct. 8-11. During that time, Columbus attractions offer 50% off (or in some cases, BOGO or free admission). Plus, the restaurants of Dine Originals Columbus offer 25% off your food bill for two people.

In this post, Tony features great spots for history buffs to enjoy during Experience Columbus Days. You can also check out previous posts that feature delicious dining options , plus outings that are great for groups , great for dates , perfect for art fans and fun for the whole family .

Have a great weekend experiencing Columbus. The discounts start tomorrow!

——————————

Did you know that downtown Columbus was once a strand of forest called Wolf’s Ridge? Or that Columbus was once known as the “Arch City,” because dozens of wooden arches spanned the streets at the turn of the twentieth century?

If you can appreciate history and you’d like to take advantage of Experience Columbus Days discounts, this is the post for you. This weekend you can save some sawbucks at these historical hotspots. (more…)

September has arrived. School is starting, the days are getting cooler, and in Columbus, there is a sense of excitement in the air that means Ohio State football season is upon us. Dust off your buckeyes, gear up your Scarlet & Grey pride and read these helpful tips for how to enjoy your football Saturday on The Ohio State University campus.

O dds & ends

Before you experience a Buckeye game day, you need to do your homework. Do you have tickets to the game, the latest Buckeye attire, and a place to stay that night? (more…)

With the forecast calling for good weather this weekend, it’s time to take advantage of the great outdoors! The Boy Scouts of America are celebrating their 100th anniversary this year by bringing Adventure Base 100 to the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium on May 22-23.

Adventure Base 100 is a huge mobile, hands-on exhibit that will turn 10,000 square feet of the zoo into a scout experience that is fun for the whole family. Relive scouting days with your family on the ropes course, view awesome videos on the IMAX-like Go! Dome, or participate in the on-stage activities. And that’s just to start – there are many more activities!

The event is a fantastic experience, and because it’s being held at the country’s number one zoo you can spend an entire day exploring. Check out more details here .

I haven’t yet settled on what to do for Halloween this year; there are plenty of options for families and night-lifers alike in the days leading up to October 31st. Read on for a few suggestions on how to celebrate the year’s spookiest holiday in Columbus.

HighBall Halloween
Photo: Short North Arts District

HighBall Halloween
High Street, Short North Arts District
Saturday, Oct. 31
4 p.m. - midnight
$2

Last year I attended Highball Halloween; being the first year the event had ever been held I was amazed by how well attended and orchestrated it was. This is a party on a grand scale - think of it as a massive masquerade ball, complete with costume contests, a Costume Couture Fashion Showdown and the Dogtober Howloween Procession for costumed pets. And how often do you get to enjoy beverages and dance to awesome house music with thousands of friends in the middle of High Street? The area will be very busy that night; if you’re not walking, consider calling a taxi or riding a COTA bus to the Short North to avoid the parking congestion.

The Haunted Hotel
Hyatt Regency Downtown Columbus
Saturday, Oct. 31
10:00 p.m. – 2:30 a.m.
$29.99

For a 21 and over crowd, the Hyatt Regency Columbus will transform itself into an oasis of decoration, entertainment and music including a large ballroom, swanky lounge and breathtaking reception balcony.  Check out three rooms of sound with live bands and DJ’s playing the best hip-hop, mash up, techno and house music.

Scarey-oke
Sequoia Pro Bowl
Saturday, Oct. 31
9:00 p.m. – 2:30 a.m.

For a 21 and over crowd, the party will feature karaoke, food and drink specials, costume contests and other events in bowling shoes..

The Haunted Ship
Santa Maria
Thursday, Oct. 29 – Saturday, Oct. 31
7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
$5

A family event promising a little "boo" for children of all ages. Take a 15-20 minute walk through the Haunted ship and hear a tale from the high seas about a Captain Boney and his pirate ship. Meet a talking head, a large spider, one of the captain’s original crew and a sea monster.

Spooky Science Weekend
COSI
Friday, Oct. 30 – Saturday, Oct. 31
5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
$5.50 - $7.50

Bring the whole family in costume and explore the spooky science of Halloween with COSI’s Pumpkin Patch Science Show, Pumpkin Patch You Try It Family Workshops, trick-or-treat stations, and cart activities like exploding pumpkins and more.

Gables, Gargoyles and Ghosts – oh my!
Columbus Landmarks Foundation
Monday, Oct. 19 – Friday, Oct. 29
7:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
$25

A great event for the whole family, this bus tour explores the most haunted locations in the downtown Columbus. Hear ghost stories about museums, antique malls, restaurants, and other spooky attractions on the tour.

Looking for more ideas?
Browse a comprehensive list of Halloween events here . You can also download this PDF for trick-or-treat times in each Columbus community.

Mother’s Day is quickly approaching on May 10. Wondering what to do? Here’s a unique event I’ll be experiencing with my mom: Mother May I in German Village on Saturday, May 9.

Mother May I is a series of events at participating German Village shops and restaurants. Take your mom on a stroll through the very walkable village and stop in various picturesque establishments to try unique treats and get special Mother’s Day themed gifts.

Most shops and restaurants will be open with specials between noon and 6 p.m.; some are open longer. Here are just a few of the stops that will make Mom happy:

Bakery Gingham
189 Thurman Ave
8 a.m. - 8 p.m
Sample miniature cupcakes called “Minis for Moms.” With a $5 purchase (easy to do with all the tasty cuppies), get a Polaroid “CupTake” souvenir picture with your mom.

The Book Loft of German Village

The Book Loft
631 South Third Street
10 a.m.-midnight
Peruse 32 rooms and a porch full of books in this old-fashioned bookshop. With any book purchase you’ll also receive a special Mother’s Day gift book.

Caterina Ltd.
571 South Third Street
11 a.m.–6 p.m.
Check out a Caterina Ltd. sidewalk sale. If your mother is one of the first 25 moms in, she’ll get a free chocolate-orange lip balm from France.

Pistacia Vera
541 South Third Street
10 a.m.–7 p.m.
Delight in some absolutely wonderful desserts, and enjoy live music from 1 p.m-3 p.m. Don’t forget to sign up for a chance to win a "Sweet Afternoon" of dessert and coffee with three friends.

T. David Collection
897 S.Third St.
11 a.m.–5 p.m.
Enjoy complimentary iced herbal tea while you browse the beautiful handmade jewelry. If your mom sees something she likes, you’re in luck - many items will marked 10-50% off for this day,

Barcelona Restaurant & Bar
263 East Whittier St
Opens at 5 p.m.
After you’ve explored the unique shops across the village, stop in Barcelona for dinner and tapas. Plus, your mom will get a gift.