Photo: Basi Italia

Having trouble finding the right gift for that hard-to-please person on your list? Does that person live in or travel to Columbus? Does that person enjoy good food?

If you answered yes to the previous questions, then I’ve got an easy solution for you: Dine Originals Columbus gift certificates .

Dine Originals Columbus is a group of locally owned and operated independent restaurants in the Columbus area. Gift certificates are offered at a range of prices and can be redeemed at 38 restaurants - every restaurant of the 38 offers its own unique menu and dining experience. Whenever I’m looking to try a new venue, I go to the Dine Originals website and browse their restaurant list. I know that my selection not only comes from a highly recommended dining directory, but also supports a locally owned business.

I recently tried The Refectory’s Bistro menu, which is offered during select hours and includes three courses at a great value. I was impressed with both the French cuisine and the rustic, yet elegant atmosphere. Previously, I tried Basi Italia and fell in love with the intimate setting and fresh Italian menu options.

I’ve been wowed every time, and I’m sure that the recipient of a Dine Originals Columbus gift certificate will be nothing but satisfied with their gift. Like they say, good taste is never returned.

Some of the Experience Columbus staff recently had the opportunity to tour the new Grange Insurance Audubon Center . Honestly, I was expecting the entire focus of the tour to be on birds, but I discovered that the center offers so much more.

First of all, the facility itself is amazing. It’s located south of downtown on the Whittier Peninsula, a key location for the center because many birds stop here along the Scioto River during their migration South. This location is also notable because the center is the first in the country to be built so close to the heart of a major city.

One side of the building is a tree-lined overlook of the Scioto and on the opposite side is an awesome view of the downtown skyline. So, the building acts as a physical connection between urban life and nature. It maintains that urban-nature balance through its green initiatives . For example, the parking lot and sidewalks are composed of an aerated material that allows rainwater to trickle through to an irrigation system that leads into the river to increase water quality. Very cool, right?

Inside the building is a multipurpose room that can hold 200 and acts as a very unique event space. The building also offers a native plant demonstration garden, bird observation deck, library, nature store and 3 classrooms for nature education programs. In addition, the facility has a natural playground area and a rock-climbing wall (note: I believe you have to have a belay certificate and your own gear in order to use the wall).

As you can see, the center is more than a place to bird watch, it’s also neat place to just hang out. They offer a wide range of events , such as date nights where you can look at the night sky through telescopes, workshops for how to winterize your landscape, and lessons on how to learn the calls of your favorite birds. They also provide fun volunteer opportunities if you’re a local looking to get involved.

All in all, the Grange Insurance Audubon Center is a great addition to the city of Columbus!