Celebrate our favorite city on Columbus day weekend with Experience Columbus Days , Oct. 8-11.

You’ll get up to 50% off at at variety of Columbus entertainment and attractions, plus a can’t-be-beat 25% discount on food at Dine Originals Columbus restaurants. If you’ve been wanting to experience something new, or you just want to hit an old favorite, this is the perfect time to do it.

Attractions and entertainment venues offering great deals include COSI, Franklin Park Conservatory, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Columbus Museum of Art, Columbus Food Adventures, SegAway Tours of Columbus, BalletMet, the Wexner Center for the Arts . . . and the list goes on.

Dine Originals Columbus restaurants include those like Pistacia Vera, Figlio Wood-Fired Pizza (Grandview), Katzinger’s Delicatessen, Due Amici, The Refectory, G. Michael’s Bistro, The Top Steakhouse, Surly Girl Saloon . . . and again, the list goes on.

To see everyone participating, visit ExperienceColumbusDays.com . While you’re there, be sure to download and print the discount flyer . You must show it to receive your discount, and you can use it as often as you like.

Want to share this event on Facebook? Please do. Click here .

And, for other ways to get the word out about Experience Columbus Days to your friends, blog readers, Twitter pals and others, check out the resources here . Let us know if there’s anything else you need to help share the news.

There are lots of ways to get a great deal while you’re out and about in Columbus. Being a self proclaimed “coupon queen,” I have compiled a list of three Columbus organizations that not only help you save money, but also support local businesses:

Columbus Insiders Club - monthly deals you can use to explore the city and still keep some money in the bank.

The Columbus Insider’s Club, brought to you by the team here at Experience Columbus, highlights Columbus’ finest places to play, dine and shop.  Insiders receive a monthly e-newsletter with exclusive discounts and special offers.  Click here to register - there is no cost to join and the only information needed is your email and zip code. Past Insiders Club offers have included free tickets to COSI’s newest exhibit Titanic, a Broadway Across America Wicked pre-sale opportunity and discounts to great restaurants like Pistacia Vera and Donatos pizza.

Dine Originals Columbus – quarterly discounted certificates you can use to experience unique dining in Columbus.

Dine Originals Columbus is a community of independently owned and operated restaurants. Comprised of over 40 of Central Ohio’s favorite eateries, this group’s mission is to celebrate and support local restaurants. Each quarter Dine Originals Columbus releases a certain amount of discounted certificates that equal 30% off. The certificates range from $7 for a $10 certificate to $17.50 for a $25 certificate. The catch: When they are gone, they are gone! By signing up for their mailing list, you will receive a reminder email each quarter of when the next batch of certificates will be posted. Click here to sign up. At the time I write this, there are still a few certificates available from last quarter including Cotters, Spinelli’s Deli, The Refectory and more - click here to check them out.

Small Business Beanstalk (SBB) – money saving offers you can use 365 days a year.

The  SBB connects local businesses to neighbors in the community. Much like one of those grocery cards you have on your key chain, the SBB has their own version.  Using this card will get you fabulous discounts at independent retailers, restaurants and bars all throughout Central Ohio.  Participating neighborhoods include the Short North, Worthington, Grandview Heights, Downtown, Clintonville, Dublin and Gahanna.  To sign up for your very own free SBB card, click here .  Current offers include 20% off to The Candle Lab, 15% off food at The Worthington Inn and 10% off Sugardaddy’s Sumptuous Sweeties.

Happy saving!

Photo: The Elevator

Dine Originals Week returns!

Mark your calendar to dine out March 8-14, when the 40 locally owned restaurants of Dine Originals Columbus will offer 7 days of original menus .

Aside from being delicious, Dine Originals Week menus are specially priced at $10.10, $20.10 or $30.10. A portion of the proceeds will support the education programs of Local Matters , a Central Ohio nonprofit that works to make local, healthy food accessible to everyone in our community.

Reservations are strongly encouraged, so go on and make one. Or two. Three?

There is no better time to support the local food scene and visit an old favorite or try something new.

A giveaway! Win a $50 Dine Originals Columbus gift certificate

To celebrate Dine Originals Week, we have a $50 gift certificate to give away to one lucky reader. It’s redeemable at any Dine Originals Columbus restaurant.

To enter, comment on this post and list at least one Dine Originals Columbus restaurant that you plan to visit during Dine Originals Week.

You can check out the full roster of Dine Originals Week menus here . If you’re familiar with Columbus restaurants, I think you’ll agree that this is an amazing lineup of some of Central Ohio’s best fare.

You must comment by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 26 . After that time, we’ll select one random commenter to win.

UPDATE: The entry period has ended. Congratulations to our winner, Cory (#21)!

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.

If you like to eat at local restaurants (the kind you’ll only find here in Columbus), have they got a deal for you.

Next week, from September 7-13, Dine Originals Columbus presents Restaurant Week .  Many of the city’s best locally owned and operated restaurants will offer discounted fixed-price menus - some at $20.09, others at $30.09.

In other words, you’re in for some rather fabulous food at a really great price.

Plus, a portion of Restaurant Week proceeds will be contributed to LifeCare Alliance in support of their Meals on Wheels program.

Forty restaurants are participating, including Alana’s, The Refectory, Barcelona, Basi Italia, Cafe Corner, G. Michael’s, Katzingers, Due Amici, Surly Girl, Figlio, The Elevator . . . the list goes on and you can check it out (along with Restaurant Week menus) here .

Please note that reservations are strongly recommended. Bon appetit!

If you like to eat at well-loved, Columbus-only restaurants or you’re a visitor in town next week, you’re in luck. Columbus Restaurant Week is about to be upon us.

Who’s behind it:

Dine Originals Columbus , a group of over 40 locally owned restaurants.

What the deal is:

From March 9 - 15, Dine Originals member restaurants will offer special fixed-price menus. Price points are $15 and $30, and you can find detailed menu options here .

Diane Warren, president of Dine Originals Columbus and owner of Katzinger’s Delicatessen , says it best:

"Whether you want to try a new restaurant or treat yourself to an old favorite, Restaurant Week is a great opportunity for residents and visitors alike to sample the culinary skills of Columbus chefs."

These are great deals at great restaurants, so take note that reservations are strongly encouraged.

Planning to take advantage of Restaurant Week? Let your friends know with an RSVP on Facebook . You can also stay connected with Dine Originals Columbus by joining their mailing list or the Friends of Dine Originals Facebook group .

Which Dine Originals restaurant will you be heading to next week?