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…)

This post is written by Claudia Plumley, marketing manager, here at Experience Columbus.
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When I first heard the name of the Ohio Historical Society’s newest exhibit, “Controversy,” I was immediately intrigued. How couldn’t you be?!

But it was the subtitle that really got me. “Pieces You Don’t Normally See.” I did a college internship at the Ohio Historical Society and had gotten behind the scenes enough to know just how strong their collection is and what could await.

They’ve brought out their most thought-provoking artifacts – hence the name, “Controversy.” Among the items on exhibit are Old Sparky, the electric chair used 315 times from 1897 to 1963, and a Ku Klux Klan robe.

Before you see anything though, you walk through an area that asks if objects – even objects like these - have meaning. I wasn’t sure myself until I turned the first corner and saw the KKK robe. You could see the marks from where the robe was charred in fires. At the next corner, I turned and saw a wooden crib bed used to restrain patients at a Cincinnati mental health facility. I quickly got in the camp that objects have meaning.

No matter your conclusion, one thing’s for sure, the Ohio Historical Center’s done an excellent job of making us take a look at our history and see how accepted beliefs and practices have changed over the years.

“Controversy: Pieces You Don’t Normally See” is on display through Nov. 20 with special discussion programs scheduled throughout its run.

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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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…)

Leslie’s Creperie
Photo: Kit Yoon, Cool Columbus

Recently we’ve talked quite a bit about the Columbus food truck scene, and especially about the tours available through Columbus Food Adventures . If you don’t go the tour route, two other options are available: 1) Track down the food carts yourself. Many post their hours and location on Facebook and/or Twitter each morning. 2) Find an event that does the work for you and brings together several trucks in one location. I opted for option number two.

This week I had my first food truck experience at Food-Truck-A-Palooza. The event brought ten diverse food vendors together, all for our eating pleasure. Offerings included sweet and savory crepes, gourmet cupcakes, quesadillas, tacos, pulled pork sliders and more. The only thing that held us back from sampling the specialties at all ten trucks was the size of our stomachs. Overall the event drew a great crowd, who also got to enjoy the Ohio Historical Center at no cost, and several vendors even ran out of food before the night’s end.

If you missed Food-Truck-A-Palooza don’t fret. Your next chance to be part of the fun is this Sunday, Oct. 17 . The Food Cart Food Court will be open from 4-7 p.m. in the Wonderland parking lot (697 N. 4th St.). Fifteen food carts and trucks will be on hand, including FOODie Cart, Leslie’s Crepe Cart, Skillet, Yankee Cajun and more. If you’re like me and want to browse the menus before you go, you can see reviews and sample menus for most of the food trucks here .

A few tips:
1) Go early.
2) Go hungry.
3) Bring plenty of cash. You never know what will catch your eye!

Blacksmith at Historic Roscoe Village

This post is part 6 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, Tony features great spots for history buffs to enjoy during Experience Columbus Days. You can also check out previous posts that feature delicious dining options , plus outings that are great for groups , great for dates , perfect for art fans and fun for the whole family .

Have a great weekend experiencing Columbus. The discounts start tomorrow!

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Did you know that downtown Columbus was once a strand of forest called Wolf’s Ridge? Or that Columbus was once known as the “Arch City,” because dozens of wooden arches spanned the streets at the turn of the twentieth century?

If you can appreciate history and you’d like to take advantage of Experience Columbus Days discounts, this is the post for you. This weekend you can save some sawbucks at these historical hotspots. (more…)