St. Patrick’s Day is a big deal in Columbus. Whether you have true Irish heritage or are just Irish for a day, we’ve got some plans for you!

Family-Friendly Options
Thursday, March 17

St. Patrick’s Day Parade
The annual parade kicks off in the Arena District at 11:45 a.m. on Nationwide Blvd. and heads south on High street, then west on Broad Street to Franklin County Veteran’s Memorial where folks can join in the Shamrock Club of Columbus’ Family Reunion (below).

Shamrock Club of Columbus Family Reunion
Similar to a big indoor picnic, this event features Irish dancers, bands, kids’ activities and assorted beverages. This is a great option for a family that likes active adventures.

Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Detroit Red Wings
The puck drops at 7 p.m. at Nationwide Arena. Games versus Detroit are always high-energy and are a great option for families and singles alike.

The Real Festive Choices (for adults only)
For those ready to kick up their heels, just in case you need it, you better take the Yellow Cab number with you: 444-4444.

Flannagan’s
Billed as “Ohio’s Largest St. Patrick’s Day Party,” they open at 6:30 a.m. This is a great destination for band-lovers, as the music continues until 2 a.m. on two stages! $5-$15 cover.

Byrne’s Pub
This is an insanely popular spot on St. Patrick’s Day. Stop by to experience real St. Patrick’s Day spirit. Note that parking here can be a bit challenging. You’ll have to check out local side streets and be aware of any “no parking” or “resident parking only” signs as you search for a spot. $10 cover. (more…)

Today’s post is written by Bethia Woolf , owner of Columbus Food Adventures . A UK native, Bethia has long been a prolific chronicler of the Columbus food scene. She began Columbus Food Adventures with the belief that the quality and diversity of Columbus’s food scene is a story worth sharing.

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Last minute holiday gift ideas for food lovers
by Bethia Woolf, Columbus Food Adventures

If, like me, you are still looking for last minute gift ideas, here are some ideas for the food lovers in your life. These suggestions are Columbus based but might give inspiration to those of you living elsewhere.

Gift certificates

Gift certificates are available for many Columbus restaurants. If you don’t want to pick a restaurant for your giftee- then opt for a Dine Originals gift certificate and your recipient can choose from over 50 restaurants. You can use these at wonderful restaurants such as Tasi Cafe , Rigsby’s and Pistacia Vera .

North Market gift certificates offer similar flexibility as they can be used at any of the 30+ vendors. Jeni’s ice creams gift cards are a fun stocking stuffer, and best of all, of course is a Columbus Food Adventures gift certificate . You can choose a gift certificate for any of our scheduled tours and they are valid for a year. (more…)

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…)

Ballet Met’s The Nutcracker

This post is part three in a four part series about the holiday season in Columbus. Check out part one here , about craft shows and shopping fairs, or part two here , about holiday light displays. And stay tuned for part four later this week, where we’ll share what’s happening for the holidays at some of Columbus’ favorite attractions.

There’s something about the holiday season that makes me want to get dressed up and go out. Luckily December has no shortage of holiday-themed performances that fit the bill, including theater, music and performing arts. Since many are annual events, you have the opportunity to revisit an old favorite, begin a new tradition, or do both (it is the holidays, after all). But, don’t take too long to decide — some of these won’t be around long: (more…)

Photo: German Village Business Community

This post is part two in a four part series about the holiday season in Columbus. Check out part one here , about craft shows and shopping fairs. And stay tuned for more in the coming week - we’ll cover where to catch a great performance, and we’ll also investigate what’s happening for the holidays at some of Columbus’ favorite attractions.

Sure, holiday music has been on the radio for weeks and peppermint mochas are popping up everywhere, but nothing says the holidays are here more than lights going up around the city. And when it comes to lights, bigger is better. With larger-than-life holiday light shows combining hundreds of lights, catchy jingles and seasonal treats—how can you go wrong? See for yourself at one of these Central Ohio light displays…

Guernsey County Courthouse Holiday Light Show
The courthouse comes alive nightly with thousands of pulsating lights synchronized to holiday music. Four different light shows, each 8-12 minutes long, are performed each night.

Where: Guernsey County Courthouse Lawn
When: Nov. 1-Jan. 8; 5:30-9 p.m. every night
How much: FREE; donations are encouraged

More information is available here .  (more…)

Retro reindeer at Sobo Style

This post is part one in a four part series about the holiday season in Columbus. Stay tuned for more in the coming week - we’ll cover where to see holiday lights and places to catch a great performance. We’ll also investigate what’s happening for the holidays at some of Columbus’ favorite attractions.

Looking for unique gifts to surprise the people on your holiday shopping list this year? With an abundance of handcrafted, one-of-a-kind items around town, this is a great time to shop local. And what better way than at a holiday shopping fair? These all-things-handmade extravaganzas bring diverse artisans under the same roof to sell everything from blown glass ornaments and funky kitchen accents, to wheel-thrown pottery and wearable art. Stop by one of several shows taking place over the next few weeks, and who knows, you may even find a thing or two for yourself. (more…)

If you are anything like me, you are just now realizing Christmas is only a week away and you haven’t had time to think about New Years Eve yet.

So, I did a little homework and found some fun things to do for all types of groups looking to celebrate.

Family Friendly
This year marks the 15th Annual First Night Columbus . The event begins at 4 p.m. and ends at 10 p.m.; admission is $8 in advance and $10 the day of. Celebrate community spirit, rich cultural heritage and the arts in a substance-free, family-friendly environment. This year there will be more than 150 entertainers in more than 15 downtown performance sites as well as hands-on activities.

Always a sure bet for a good time for both young and old is Magic Mountain Fun Center’s New Year’s Eve Party , held at both the Reynoldsburg and Polaris locations from 6 p.m.-1 a.m. Admission is $19.95 and gets you a buffet, unlimited video game play, a hat and noisemaker, prize filled balloon drops, two performing acts, family friendly challenge games and a coloring contest for the littlest party goers. (more…)

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.