One of my new favorite places to go for dinner/drinks after work is Details Minibar & Lounge . Located in the Short North Arts District , Details serves unique drinks and tapas style dishes created by owner/operator Chef Richard Rosendale, team Captain of the 2008 U.S. Culinary Olympic team.

Details gets its name from their approach. They strive to make everything you experience there a work of art. I can honestly tell you, having been there several times now, from color, texture, flavor and presentation standpoints, mission accomplished!

Last week, I took my wife there for dinner and drinks. Upon entering we were promptly greeted by sommelier Chris Dillman who offered us a beverage menu. I went for my new favorite cocktail, the Pimm’s Cup - Pimm’s #1 and Fever Tree Bitter Lemon Soda garnished with cucumber and lemon. My wife went with Charles Smith Wines Riesling Kung-Fu Girls from Washington state. Because we were there for happy hour, we received $1 off our cocktails (½ price drafts are available as well).

Our reason for dining that Tuesday was that my favorite menu item was on special - the Ahi tuna tartar tacos. Each Tuesday, they’re only three for $5. We also had the white truffle popcorn, which was amazing. Then, after sharing a deep-dish cast iron pizza and cheese plate, it was time for dessert. We went with the s’mores, made from whipped chocolate, marshmallow and graham cracker streusel. It was so good, had we been at home, we would have licked the bowl clean.

In addition to happy hour drink specials and Taco Tuesday, I would highly recommend trying the Detailed Experience if you want an intimate and unique experience with one of the Details chefs. I did it a few months ago and thought it was one of the best dining experiences I’ve had in Columbus.

If you’re looking for inexpensive summer entertainment options, you’re in luck.

Columbus is home to the #1 zoo and the #1 science center in the United States. So this summer, Experience Columbus is helping families discover how affordable a weekend of fun and exploration can be. We have partnered with the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, COSI , Drury Inn & Suites , Bob Evans , Greater’s Ice Cream and Cameron Mitchell Restaurants to put together the Roar and Explore Package .

Through Labor Day, for only $299, a family of four will receive the following:

• Four tickets to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

• Four tickets to Zoombezi Bay water park

• Four tickets to COSI

• Two nights at the Drury Inn & Suites , with your choice of three locations in Columbus. Other hotel choices are also offered, but prices may vary.

• One free kids meal at Bob Evans

• One free junior cone at Graeter’s Ice Cream

• $15 gift card to Cameron Mitchell Restaurants

Additional family members may be added when booking. Packages can be booked online or by calling (888) 236-8084.

If you’re looking to create your own affordable getaway or show off the city to friends and family who are in town, check out these lists of Free Things to Do and Things Under $10 for ideas.

Also, festival and special event season in now upon us and Columbus has some of the best cultural and artistic celebrations  in the country - many with free or inexpensive admission. For specific details about some of them, check out this page that features members of the Greater Columbus Events Council.

There is plenty of inexpensive fun to be had and ways to save on some of the best entertainment in town.

Last week, several of our staff got to experience Columbus’ newest way to see downtown and learn about our city’s great history in two hours…on a Segway.

Beginning June 1, SegAway Tours of Columbus will begin operating daily tours of the capital city out of the Greater Columbus Convention Center. While you operate a Segway i2, the tour takes you through Columbus and parkland along the Scioto River. Some of the stops include the Santa Maria, Ohio Statehouse, Columbus Dispatch building, several theaters, the Arena District and Short North.

I was a bit nervous as my first Segway experience at top speed was not one filled with grace and ease, but owner and operator David Weller gave us great instruction and plenty of test runs on flat ground before we took off. The helmets you wear have a headset built in so you can hear David’s comedic history lesson as you go.

Along the way, David let us know about upcoming bumps in the road and would hold up caution and stop signs to help you gauge speed. By the tour’s end I had mastered the Segway and learned more about the city and some of its historic landmarks in two hours than ever before. Ever wonder how Columbus got its name? Or what that rock next to the Statehouse along the Scioto River is there for? Do you know how many times and the reasons why President Lincoln visited Columbus? You’ll find out on this tour.

Karina Nova from local CBS affiliate 10TV joined us. Here’s video from the segment that aired last week:

You can book June tours now by calling 614-222-3005 or emailing Tours@SegAwayToursofColumbus.com . The cost is $55 per rider for a two-hour tour and the maximum number of riders per tour is six. The only restrictions are that you must weigh between 100-260 lbs. and have a parent’s signature if you are under the age of 16.

Photo: Columbus Clippers

Saturday is going to be a memorable day in Columbus’ history with the opening of Huntington Park . When the Clippers take the field, they will be doing so under the affiliation of one of Ohio’s most historic and beloved sports franchises, the Cleveland Indians.

Also on Saturday, the Blue Jackets take on the Red Wings in the second game of the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs from Detroit (there’s a viewing party at the Arena Grand ), and Fleetwood Mac will perform live at Nationwide Arena .

With so much happening in the Arena District on Saturday, it might be helpful to have a rundown of events and tips for getting around:

Noon
Clippers standing room only seats go on sale at the Center Field entrance of Huntington Park, located at the corner of Nationwide Boulevard and Neil Avenue. There’s a limit of 4 tickets per purchase.

1:15 p.m.
Opening Day Parade begins at High Street and Nationwide Boulevard and will make its way west to Huntington Park. The parade will feature more than 50 participants, including former Cleveland Indians Bob Feller, Len Barker and Joe Charboneau and several ex-Clippers. Former Franklin County Commissioner and minor league baseball executive Harold Cooper will be grand marshal of the parade.

2:15 p.m.
Ribbon cutting ceremony and unveiling of Harold Cooper statue at the Center Field entrance. After the ceremony, Franklin County Commissioners will officially open the ballpark to the public and Party-at-the-Park begins featuring the Danger Brothers .

4:05 p.m.
First pitch at Huntington Park is thrown out and a new era in Clippers baseball begins.

6:00 p.m.
Blue Jackets vs. Red Wings in Game 2 of the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs in Detroit. The Arena Grand Theatre is hosting the official viewing party and admission is free.

7:00 p.m.
Doors open at Nationwide Arena for Fleetwood Mac in concert .

Parking in the Arena District is only $3 for Clippers Games; a parking map and directions are available here . If traveling from out of town, there are still hotel rooms available within walking distance of the Arena District; click here to book a room.

The Experience Columbus Visitor Center will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Saturday. Stop by and see Ben for info about more fun things to do or where to grab a bite to eat.

The beginning of the Columbus Clippers 2009 baseball season on April 9 in Louisville is truly historic time for Columbus sports. We’re looking forward to many years of success, and interest in the brand new Huntington Park is at an all time high.

For that reason, Experience Columbus , the Greater Columbus Sports Commission and the Columbus Clippers are hosting a special opening day eve reception.

When : Wednesday, April 8 from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Where : Experience Columbus Visitor Center , 277 W. Nationwide Blvd.

Meet and greet with players and management during an autograph session, get your hands on the latest Clippers gear featuring the team’s new logo, and hang out with team mascots LouSeal and Krash .

Free pizza and pop will be provided courtesy of Donatos and Pepsi, and you will also be able to purchase single game and season tickets on-site.

Hope to see you there!

Columbus Blue Jackets’ Rick Nash

After Saturday night’s historic win over Detroit, the Columbus Blue Jackets have inched closer to securing a playoff spot for the first time in franchise history.

But why wait for the playoffs? The remaining home games on the schedule are playoff-like in atmosphere and importance - teams in the Western Conference playoff race are only separated by a few points and every game counts.

Columbus had been waiting for nine years to see playoff hockey at Nationwide Arena . This year’s attendance is up over last year, averaging over 15,151 per game, and the team recently announced commitments to keep ticket pricing affordable as a way to thank fans for their support.

Upcoming home games include:

March 10 (tonight!) against Boston

March 12 against Pittsburgh

March 15 against Detroit

March 18 against Chicago

And here are some package options to save money, get great seats and still see the Jackets before the hoped-for playoff run begins.

Jackets Night Out
Two tickets for a Tuesday or Wednesday game, two 24 oz. draft beers and two Donatos pizzas for just $60.

All You Can Eat Package
A ticket to the exclusive AAA Sky Terrace and an All You Can Eat buffet of hot dogs, chicken strips, popcorn, peanuts, Pepsi products and more for just $39.

Ticketmaster’s ticketexchange
The opportunity to purchase tickets from season ticket holders unable to use their premium seating.

More promotions and discounted ticket pricing can be found here.

It’s Jackets time, Columbus! The question is…will you Carry the Flag ?

As Valentine’s Day approaches, I thought I’d share some budget-minded ideas for a unique, special way to celebrate this year. This list was shared with 10TV viewers on Saturday morning, so if you missed it, here’s a recap complete with costs.

Dining Ideas

Valentines by Candlelight at the Ohio Village
$57
From 6:30-9 p.m., guests will be greeted by Victorian costumed interpreters. After an elegant meal, the Ohio Village Singers will present a concert of period love ballads and comic songs interspersed with romantic verse, poetry and readings. Each guest also receives a handmade valentine.

Shadowbox Presents: Bringin’ Sexy Back
$30 or $20 for seniors and students
At 7:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m., this show redefines sex appeal. It features outrageous original comedy sketches and raucous rock ‘n’ roll. The subjects range from the first date to the last - and everything in between!

Valentine’s Warmup at Vino 100 Polaris
$12-$14
From 4:30-6:30 p.m. at Vino 100 Polaris, you can enjoy a specially selected red or white wines and enjoy a serenade by jazz and blues singer Lisa Imondi.

Entertainment Ideas

Photo: Will Shively
BalletMet dancers Adam Hundt & Adrienne Benz

BalletMet and the Columbus Jazz Orchestra present: Jazz Moves Take 2
$28-$45
At 2 p.m. at the Capitol Theatre, Riffe Center. Directed by Byron Stripling, this performance creates a mesmerizing fusion of dance and music perfect for Valentine’s Day. Jazz lovers and dance devotees alike will be jamming to the most American of all art forms.

Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus Presents: Obsessed, A Vox Performance
$2
At 8 p.m. at the Columbus Performing Arts Center. Join Vox, a small ensemble of the Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus, for a fun and eerie performance. Audience members will enjoy a wide collection of fun and slightly creepy songs, such as Can’t Get You Out of My Head, Every Breath You Take, From This Moment On, and All By Myself, among others.

Free Valentine Concert of Love Songs at Areopagitica Books
FREE
From 7-9 p.m., the evening features serious love songs and a humorous trivia quiz. Bill Cohen will strum and sing acoustic guitar favorites made famous by great American folk singers like John Denver, Bob Dylan, Simon and Garfunkel and others. In addition to the classic love songs, Bill will challenge the audience with trivia questions about famous couples and love songs throughout the decades.

Warhol Farewell Reception
FREE, $8 to enter the exhibit
From 5-7 p.m. at the Wexner Center for the Arts, the reception will feature a live auction (around 6 p.m.) of two Andy Warhol/Wexner Center street pole banners and an Andy cutout to benefit Wexner Center education programs. Stick around for other events later in the evening, including a Hitchcock screening, a Japanese theater group performance and a live performance by Columbus-based Velvet Underground tribute band, Times New Viking.

Family-Friendly Ideas

Columbus Children’s Theatre Presents: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
$10 - $20
At 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. at the Park Street Theatre. This sprightly version of Snow White has played to the delight of children of all ages from Toronto to New York to Los Angeles. The exceptional score and the caring relatedness of the young girl and the dwarfs distinguish this version of the classic Brothers Grimm fairytale.

Valentine’s Day Sweetheart Skate at Skate Zone 71
99¢
From 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m., featuring Radio Disney Music. Wear something red or pink for 99¢ admission to this family friendly Valentine’s Day party for kids. Skate, make Valentines, play fun games, and win great prizes.

For more ideas, you can visit the Columbus Events Calendar and search by date or enter keyword “Valentine.” Or please feel free to add your own in the comments.

No matter what you choose to do, I hope you share it with someone special. Happy Valentine’s Day from all of us at Experience Columbus.

After a week of rumors, it’s official: U.S. Soccer has selected Crew Stadium to host the U.S. Men’s National Team’s rival Mexico on Feb. 11.

The match in Columbus is the first of five final round qualifiers for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The U.S. team has enjoyed success at Crew Stadium in the past, winning qualifiers in 2001 and 2005.

More on the story is available here , including this quote from U.S. head coach Bob Bradley:

"We are very excited about returning to Columbus. The national team has enjoyed a great history there, and the team has always appreciated the fantastic support from the fans. We are looking forward to an incredible atmosphere as we continue the difficult task of qualifying for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa."

This game, expected to be a sell-out, has found a great home in the number one sports town in the U.S . I’m looking forward to Columbus’ opportunity to share our seats and our city with fans from across the country and the globe.

Yesterday I attended a press conference announcing an exciting joint venture. The Columbus Museum of Art , COSI Columbus , the Columbus Metropolitan Library and several other central Ohio libraries have partnered to create Egypt in Columbus .

The Columbus Museum of Art and COSI will both feature Egypt-themed exhibits, and have worked together to create a joint Web site to promote them.  The site includes information about both exhibitions, a suggested reading list from participating local libraries and more.

These groups have also collaborated to create a Passport To Egypt for students ages 6-13. Passport holders can explore each of the exhibitions and visit a participating library to answer questions and receive passport stamps. When students finish their journey through Egypt in Columbus, they can turn in their passport at COSI for the chance to win a prize.

More about the exhibitions:

To Live Forever: Egyptian Treasures from the Brooklyn Museum
Columbus Museum of Art
February 13 – June 7
This exhibit explores ancient Egyptian beliefs about death and the afterlife. More than 100 objects tell the story of mummification, funeral processions and rituals, the contents of the tomb, the final judgment and the afterlife. Take your picture in an ancient Egyptian costume, play the board game of the Pharoahs, and hunt for hieroglyphics.

Lost Egypt: Ancient Secrets, Modern Science
COSI Columbus
May 30 – September 7
An interactive exhibition featuring animal mummies, forensic facial reconstructions and, for the first time ever, a life-size rapid prototype of a human mummy. View artifacts from the daily life and funerary culture of ancient Egypt, decipher hieroglyphs and use the tools and technology of archaeologists. Connect with modern scientists working on projects in Egypt through interactive experiences, video interviews and photographs from the field.

Egypt in Columbus will truly make our city a place of exploration and education, and will offer a great way to end the school year or start your summer.

Crowd at the Crew Rally

Last night I attended a rally for the Columbus Crew at Easton Town Center . It was a great event with all players, coaching staff, Crewzers and Crew Cat in attendance.

There were a few hundred Crew faithful in attendance, from youth soccer teams to The Crew Supporters Union to suits and everything in-between. The event was to celebrate the Crew’s run into the playoffs and to encourage everyone to get tickets for Saturday night’s match up against Kansas City in Crew Stadium. The Crew displayed the MLS Supporters Shield and honored defender Chad Marshall for being named the 2008 Visa Defender of the Year .

Gino Padula and William Hesmer

One thing that I have always loved about professional soccer players in America, and the Crew is no exception, is their approachability. There was no formal autograph line with people ushering you through in turnstile fashion; instead the players and their families mixed and mingled with the crowd. Some stood on stage, some walked the crowd and others sat on the edge and let fans grab a seat next to them to chat for a few. Although professional athletes, these players appreciate their chance in the big league and know that there are many eager to take their spots.

Let’s hope fans and players alike can ride the wave into a victory Saturday night .