This post is written by Sandi Combs, Marketing Coordinator for Experience Columbus. You can follow Sandi on Twitter @Sandi_ExpCols .

Part of what makes the holidays so magical to me is that the whole city seems to be shining with glittering decorations and twinkling lights. There’s just something about all of the glitz and sparkle that puts me in a good mood. So, it’s no surprise that one of my favorite things to do at this time of year is pick up some hot cocoa and head out to see holiday lights. Here are just a few of the best in Columbus:

1. Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium – Nearly everything (except the animals) is decked out for the season during Wildlights, a favorite event of locals and visitors alike. You can check out the all new animated light show, take a ride on the Polar Bear Express or see Santa’s reindeer. I even hear Santa himself may make an appearance or two… A full schedule of activities and events is here .

2. The Holiday Lights! at Olde Gahanna and Creekside – ‘Tis the season in Gahanna! From one of the most dazzling holiday evening parades to photo opportunities with favorite holiday characters, there’s no shortage of things to do during this event. See the calendar here .

3. Ohio Statehouse Tree Lighting & Holiday Festival – Now in its 96th year, the Ohio Statehouse Tree Lighting & Holiday Festival is a family-friendly, one-night-only event taking place Weds., Nov. 30 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Entertainment includes carolers, refreshments, model trains and, of course, the lighting of the Statehouse’s two magnificent holiday trees.

Need more ideas for places to enjoy the season? Check out: Merry & Bright: Holidays at the Conservatory or Holiday Fantasy of Lights at Alum Creek State Park .

What do you think? What other must-see places are your favorite spots to see holiday lights?

Have you seen the butterflies at Franklin Park Conservatory yet? If not, it’s absolutely worth a trip. I visited with a group of kindergarteners and they were engaged, educated and definitely entertained.

An annual exhibition, Blooms & Butterflies is a live “display” of butterflies flying freely in the Conservatory’s Pacific Island Water Garden. Immersed in the lush greenery, we looked up, down and all around, watching Blue Morphos, Swallowtails, Monarchs and Painted Ladies flit and flee. If you’re lucky, a butterfly will land right on your shirt for an up-close-and-personal examination. The woman next to me had a big Blue Morpho land on her jeans. It was pretty cool.

If your schedule permits, make sure you’re there for the live release of butterflies at 1 and 3 p.m. daily. A delightful young woman conducted the release yesterday and, with each specimen, described the type of butterfly and its traits. The kids were vying for spots up front and literally squealed with delight as she released one after the other.

A bonus for our trip was a visit to the Hot Shop. Each day, professional glass-blowers create spectacular pieces on site. It was pretty incredible to watch the blower take clear molten glass at 2000 degrees and form it into beautiful Chihuly-like bowls and vases right in front of our eyes. The finished pieces can be purchased in the Botanica gift shop.

Blooms & Butterflies is pure entertainment for all ages. See it on display through Sept. 11. For details, visit fpconservatory.org .

This post is written by Bri Pollard, an intern at Experience Columbus. Bri is a senior at The Ohio State University and will be graduating in June with a degree in Communication.
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We’ve all done flowers and breakfast in bed for mom. Why not show her you really care and do something different this Mother’s Day? With the assortment of things going on around the city, there’s sure to be something for every deserving mother. Here are eight ways to do Mother’s Day, Columbus Style.

1) Put a twist on the traditional Mother’s Day brunch at the Ohio Historical Center with Brunch at Ohio Village on May 8. Treat your mom to a delicious meal in the American House Hotel and watch “In Mother’s Drawers,” a historic fashion show featuring women’s and children’s fashions through the years in Town Hall. Sunday 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. $39 Adults. $16.95 Youth (ages 6-12).

2) Rather than just giving your mom flowers, take her to Plant Fest in downtown Worthington on May 7 to pick out the plants she likes for a much longer lasting gift. Spruce up her house or help her get her garden started. Outdoors on the historic Village Green at the corner of Rt. 161 and High Street. 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

3) Take mom out for lunch and shopping in Grandview , the Short North Arts District or German Village . (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

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Photo: bixentro on Flickr

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner and there are plenty of things to do in Columbus to celebrate - whether you spend it with a special someone, your dearest friends or with your family.  I started to research for my own plans, and thought I’d share a few of the things that sounded unique and fun.

Unique Dining

Valentine’s Day at White Castle
Feb. 14 from 5-8 p.m.
This is an annual tradition for many couples across America and I must say, it’s on my bucket list! Bring your valentine to White Castle to enjoy a juicy slider or two. Call 614-294-3753 ext. 24 for reservations.

Valentines by Candlelight
Feb. 11-12 from 6:30-9:30 p.m.
For a more elegant feel, take your date to the Ohio Historical Center. After a romantic dinner, you will be treated to Ohio Village Singers singing beautiful ballads and reciting romantic poetry. Cost is $60 per person or $50 for an Ohio Historical Society member. Call 800-686-6124 by Feb. 7 to make reservations.

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Looking for a respite from this frigid winter weather? Pop into the Franklin Park Conservatory and thaw out in The Orchid Forest .

The annual orchid exhibition by the Central Ohio Orchid Society, Orchid Forest is on display in the Atrium. These fragile plants thrive in this environment, shooting out vibrant blooms in fuchsia, yellow and, of course, winter white.

You’ll find special programming for all ages included with admission, such as tropical-themed family activities each Saturday from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. – think hula dancing, lei-making and luaus. Also, members of the Society host Orchid Talks each Sunday from 1-4 p.m. They’ll give free advice on how to care for orchids. You can even pick one up in the Botanica gift shop. Might make a good Valentine’s Day gift – or a pick-me-up for yourself.

If you’re looking something warm but gardening isn’t your thing, you might enjoy Cocktails at the Conservatory every Thursday night from 5:30-10 p.m. Admission is $11 and you’ll receive $10 worth of beverage/appetizer tickets. We’ve talked a lot about happy hours in Columbus recently; this is an option that definitely breaks the norm.

For more information on all things toasty and tropical this season, visit FPConservatory.org .

Holidays at the Ohio Statehouse

This post is part four in a four part series about the holiday season in Columbus. For craft shows and shopping fairs, check out part one here . For holiday light displays., check out part two here . And for places to catch a holiday performance, check out part three here .

Sure the holiday season brings cold weather, crowded shopping malls and endless errands, but it also brings exciting new activities to our favorite Columbus attractions. And a lot of the usual suspects get in the holiday spirit by turning their offerings up a notch. Whether they put up festive decorations, introduce a seasonal workshop or offer a special performance to their patrons, the mood is irresistibly merry. So take a break from your busy schedule and enjoy all the Columbus has to offer this December. (more…)

Yesterday was the opening of Susurrus at the Franklin Park Conservatory, so my coworker Kelly and I went to check it out. Written and directed by Glasgow playwright David Leddy, Susurrus is a unique audio play presented in botanical gardens. This collaboration between the Wexner Center for the Arts and Franklin Park Conservatory runs through Oct. 24 Update! The show’s been extended and will run through Oct. 31.

Patrons are scheduled to begin their journey every 15 minutes to allow for a personal, uninterrupted experience. After receiving an iPod, headphones and a map from the visitor desk, we were on our way, walking through Franklin Park Conservatory as well as the grounds of Franklin Park itself, stopping at eight distinct spots during the play. (more…)

This post is part 4 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, Ben features things to do that are perfect for art fans during Experience Columbus Days. You can also check out previous posts that feature delicious dining options , plus outings that are great for groups and great for dates . Stay tuned for the last two posts in the series - we’ll feature Experience Columbus Days activities that are fun for kids and recommended for history buffs.

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It’s no secret that Columbus has a lot to offer when it comes to the arts, and the same is true for Experience Columbus Days. If you’re an art fan, check out these options to make the most of Experience Columbus Days discounts (and don’t forget your discount flyer ). (more…)

This post is part 3 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, Kelly features some Experience Columbus days ideas that would be great for dates . Stay tuned for future posts in the series - we’ll be featuring Experience Columbus Days activities that are perfect for art fans, fun for kids and recommended for history buffs. You can also check out previous posts featuring outings that are great for groups and delicious dining options .

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Looking for a new date idea? There are some great options within the Experience Columbus Days discount offers. Several activities that are great for dates are highlighted below, so get planning. After all, nothing strengthens a relationship like sharing a new experience together. (more…)