Broadway Across America-Columbus brings another highly anticipated show to Columbus this week with The 39 Steps .

Adapted from the 1935 Alfred Hitchcock film of the same name, this play has already proven itself a hit with people of all ages. It just finished a two-year run on Broadway, and the original production is in its third year in London. Critics have taken notice as well, awarding the play two Tony Awards and the Olivier Award for best new comedy in 2007.

Credentials aside, this is a show unlike anything I had seen before. Four actors play over 150 characters, and in the process create a frenzied pace that never slows down. The play transports you to a world of make believe—one in which four chairs can be believed to be a car, men can pass for women and a windy day can be conveyed with the mere shaking of the actors own clothes.

The best part? You, the audience, are in on the joke. The actors do not pretend to be fooling anyone. Instead, they embrace the minimal props and get creative with what they’ve got. They even go as far as to purposely slip up on occasion—forgetting to switch into a new character or leaving a prop behind a little too long—just to remind you they know you’re there.

Based on the reaction of the opening night crowd—people were laughing, a lot—I would say this show is a winner. But don’t take my word for it, catch one of the seven remaining performances at the Palace Theatre and judge for yourself. Tickets range from $20-$55 and can be purchased here .

Tip from the CAPA Facebook page : If you act fast, you have the opportunity to purchase two tickets for only $39 to the Wednesday or Thursday show. To redeem this offer, call the CAPA ticket office at 614-469-0939 and use the password “TRAINS”

Photo by Bob Macklin/courtesy of BalletMet

With Thanksgiving come and gone, the holiday shopping list is now on a lot of minds. But before you hit the mall, consider getting a little more inventive.

Why not give your friends and family members an experience you can enjoy together? Who knows, you might even start a new holiday tradition.

Last Christmas, my boyfriend and I took our moms to see the musical Grease at the Palace Theatre. The day was such a hit that we’re continuing the trend this year. We tossed around several possible places to take them, including Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium , Shadowbox: Holiday Hoopla and the Short North Holiday Hop , which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this weekend.

In the end, we decided on a true holiday classic: The Nutcracker , which BalletMet will perform at the Ohio Theatre. Prices start at $29 and performances run December 11-23, so even the busiest holiday schedule can be accommodated. But don’t wait too long to buy tickets, because they go fast - you can get them online here .

I can’t think of a more perfect excuse to get dressed up, enjoy a night out and truly get into the holiday spirit.

Looking for a few laughs? Check out one of my go-to spots, Funny Bone Comedy Club & Restaurant . With six or seven performances a week, there are shows to fit any sense of humor. From stand-up comics and hypnotists to Last Comic Standing contestants and celebrity guests, they do not disappoint.

Located in Easton Town Center , it’s easy to take advantage of the free parking, the abundant shopping and the delicious restaurants nearby. Another option is to check out Funny Bone’s full food and drink menu that’s available before each show—you can view it online here . As an added perk, all pre-show diners receive priority seating.

Before you leave the Funny Bone I recommend you fill out the information card on your table, to sign yourself up for the email list. Sure, you’ll receive emails promoting upcoming shows, but you may also receive emails containing offers for free tickets. Just another reason to keep going back!

Photo: Randall Lee Schieber

When I moved to Columbus last year, my Dad had a good excuse to make his first trip to the Ohio State Fair . Yesterday, we made our way to the Ohio Expo Center for a night of fried food, unusual entertainment and people watching.

While I have been to my share of fairs, the size alone made this a new experience. Rows upon rows of food vendors, rides and game booths filled the fairgrounds. Buildings throughout were hosting horse competitions, cow milking demonstrations, pig races and even a Kenny Rogers concert.

My favorite surprise of the evening was stumbling upon the “Wild About Monkeys” show. It featured a man performing rehearsed scenes with two different baboons. Both have acted in films such as Evan Almighty and on TV shows like the Jay Leno Show. The baboons would banter back and forth with the man on cue, creating a funny and mind-boggling show for the audience.

It was the food, however, that really made the fair experience. There were the typical favorites (funnel cakes, french fries and everything on a stick), the nostalgic (for me it’s the Flavor Burst ice cream I loved as a kid), and the outrageous (deep fried Twinkies, s’mores and peanut butter buckeyes—if you can fry it, you can find it here).

If you’re going to go, make it soon - the fair only runs through August 9.  More details can be found on their Web site .

If you haven’t heard about the CAPA Summer Movie Series yet, you are missing out.

In keeping with the tradition of the past 39 years, CAPA is screening 20 films at the Ohio Theatre . This summer, they have done a great job of mixing it up for us. On the menu: classics such as Raiders of the Lost Ark and Dirty Harry, chick flicks like Dirty Dancing and Steel Magnolias, and even a Cartoon Capers Saturday for the kids.

Last Friday I made it to the first film of the Series, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. A favorite of my Dad, this was a film I had always considered to be “before my time.” While it was unlike many of today’s blockbusters, it was certainly an enjoyable ride that introduced me to a much younger Robert Redford—one with a very strong resemblance to Brad Pitt.

But beyond the movie, it was the overall experience that really won me over.

The moment you walk into the Ohio Theatre you are taken to another world. Time flies as you admire the stunning Spanish-Baroque interior and listen to the live organ music flowing from the stage. Before you know it, it is time for the show! I loved watching the film in a true theater setting.

For only $4 per ticket—and $2.50 per ticket if you buy a strip of 10—there is no reason to skip this Columbus favorite.

For more details and a link to the CAPA brochure including schedule, click here . Enjoy the show!

The summer months bring not just warmer weather, but also plenty of community-wide events. My personal favorite: yard and sidewalk sales. Anyone on a budget - or just looking for a good deal - can find items that range from random to playful to useful, and everywhere in between.

At last month’s Short North Neighborhood Yard Sale, my roommates came back with a Chop-o-Matic, a stained glass flower vase and a vintage polyester Hawaiian shirt - an eclectic assortment reflecting the neighborhood itself.

This weekend welcomes the annual Short North Summer Sidewalk Sale . The event takes place July 17-18 along High Street, between Goodale and Fifth Avenue. More than 50 local merchants will sell merchandise at discounts ranging from 10-75% (click here to see details on some of the places you’ll save). With art, clothing, gardening, wine and furniture stores all on the list, this is one-stop shopping at its finest.

For me, the timing could not be more perfect. With a new apartment and a lot of decorating to be done, I will be searching for a few items to spruce the place up. Happy hunting!

Photo: Larry Hamill Photography

As a resident of Victorian Village, I enjoy my daily commutes to and from work. It is my time to admire the beautiful, historic homes that line Neil Avenue.

Last September, I took part in the Victorian Village Tour of Homes . It was my opportunity to take a peek inside, and what I discovered what very different from what I had imagined. While each home was distinct—varying in size, age and design—the strong focus on art and modern decor both surprised and impressed me.

This Sunday presents another opportunity to step into what seems like another world. This time it is the chance for a peek inside one of Columbus’ most beloved neighborhoods: German Village . The German Village Haus and Garten Tour , celebrating its 50th Anniversary, opens the door to nine homes and four gardens in the neighborhood. With tours running from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., this can be an all-day adventure or a quick stop on your list of to-dos.

Tickets are already on sale, available at the following locations:

• $15 advance sale – GermanVillage.com or 614.221.8888
• $12 advance sale – All Central Ohio Kroger locations (with Kroger Plus card)
• $20 day of Tour – Meeting Haus, 588 S. Third St.

This is the perfect opportunity to get outdoors, enjoy the summer weather and discover one of Columbus’ favorite traditions. I can’t wait to see what I’ll discover this time…

Grandview Hop

This Saturday welcomes the second Grandview Hop of the year to Grandview Avenue. I attended last month’s hop and had a great time. Taking place the last Saturday of each month, this local street fair caters to all ages.

In the mood for a little shopping? Check out the local vendors lining the sidewalk, and choose from a number of one-of-a-kind, handcrafted items. You can find anything from an airbrush tattoo artist to a vintage cartoon button maker—and everything in between.

Did the shopping make you hungry? You’re in luck because Grandview Avenue is home to many delicious options. My personal favorite: Figlio Wood Fired Pizza . Their creative take on Italian gives you options like Avocado Bacon Pizza and Chicken Diablo Pasta. Or, if the weather permits, grab a seat at one of the outdoor restaurant patios and settle in for a great night of people watching.

Looking for something a little different to do? The warmer weather and the longer days provide a perfect opportunity to get outside and enjoy the scenery.

The Hocking Valley Canoe Livery in Logan, Ohio offers several canoe trips that are affordable and only about an hour outside of Columbus. My boyfriend and I took part in the Romantic Full Moon Canoe Trip this past weekend. We joined an eclectic group of canoers including a mother and her two sons, a couple celebrating their fifth wedding anniversary and even one surprisingly well-behaved dog.

Getting ready to row

An hour before sunset, we were all dropped five miles up the Hocking River to paddle our way back. The trip is supposed to last about two hours—although this depends a great deal on whether you are in the mood for exercise-like rowing or laid back drifting. When we arrived back at the livery, the sounds of music and the warmth of a roaring bonfire greeted us. We grabbed a glass of wine and joined the livery staff and our fellow canoers around the fire. After enjoying several perfectly roasted s’mores, we said our goodbyes and hit the road.

With two nighttime canoe trips each month for beginners and experts alike, there are more than enough opportunities to fit your calendar. Grab a group or a friend and experience Hocking Hills in a whole new light.

Confluence Park Restaurant

While Confluence Park Restaurant may be widely known for it’s stunning, waterfront view of the downtown Columbus skyline, it may soon be known for much more.

After closing for winter on Dec. 26, Confluence Park did an overhaul of the facility, the menu and the events calendar. Their new upscale look and feel will be revealed on Friday, April 17 at a Grand Reopening. Confluence Park will host a free open house from 7-9 p.m. to showcase the new menu and the facility’s vendors. Complimentary hors d’oeuvres, DJ music, ice sculptures, cake displays and a cash bar will round out the night.

Beginning April 18, the Confluence Park Restaurant is officially open for business. While new offerings such as Sautéed Sea Scallops and Crab Cake Benedict are sure to be delicious, I am most excited about the event lineup for 2009.

One of the first events to experience will be the “Wasted in Margaritaville” Murder Mystery Dinner Theater on Saturday, May 16. This interactive production (a flashback to the board game favorite, Clue) will allow guests to guess whodunit based upon clues in a three-act show. For only $45 (includes entertainment, dinner, tax and tip) this is an affordable way to break from the dinner-and-a-movie tradition.

Dinner theater not your thing? No problem. Check out any of these other upcoming events:

• A La Carte Brunch– Every Sunday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
• Friday Entertainment on Patio– Weekly, 5-9 p.m.
• Mother’s Day Champagne Brunch– May 10, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
• Kick-Off BBQ in the Park– May 31
• Pig Roast on Patio– July 10