It’s that time of the year when we tend to take a look back. When I reflect on what the past year and half has meant to Columbus, I’m reminded that this is a city with much to celebrate.

We’re number one. A lot.

I’m not just saying that, either. There’s proof:

Excitement abounded when COSI was named #1 science center in the country by Parents Magazine .

Shortly after that, Columbus was named #1 sports town in the U.S. by Scarborough Sports Marketing.

We love sports, but we also love books. The Columbus Metropolitan Library was ranked #1 library in the nation by Hennen’s American Public Library Rating (it’s been in the top four every year since 1999).

That was followed by the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium being named #1 zoo in America by USA Travel Guide .

Then, E. Gordon Gee, president of The Ohio State University , was named #1 college president by Time Magazine .

And most recently, Huntington Park was named Ballpark of the Year by Baseballpark Digest (and, the park received the same distinction from BaseballParks.com back in August).

We’re on a roll, Columbus. Who will be honored next?

This time of year, distances to walk at lunchtime seem shorter than they did during the frigid temperatures of the previous months. I like to take advantage of the warmer weather by strolling to some of the lunchtime programs in the area. They’re great escapes in the middle of the day.

Below are a few options to consider:

• Every Friday between May 29 and September 4, The Ohio Statehouse offers free lunch time performances from 12:00- 1:00 p.m. on the Statehouse lawn (except for Friday, July 3). You can check the performance schedule here .

• The last Friday of each month this summer, stop in the Experience Columbus Visitor Center to see and touch exotic animals from the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. The first visit this season is this week! Additional dates and details are here .

• On varying days, the OSU Urban Arts Space offers a variety of exhibits and lectures at their space located in the historic Lazarus building. Check the schedule for upcoming "Brown Bag" dates here .

Pearl Market

• Daily, the Arena Grand Movie Theatre shows nonstop movie trailers during lunch for free. You can also grab food from their Bistro & Bar , which offers lunch specials Monday through Friday.

• If you’re a sports fan or just want to check out the new ballpark , the Columbus Clippers offer afternoon games on the following dates:

Thursday May 28 at 11:35 a.m.
Thursday June 18 at 12:05 p.m.
Thursday July 9 at 12:05 p.m.
Tuesday August 4 at 12:05 p.m.

(The full Clippers schedule is here )

• Every Tuesday and Friday, the Pearl Market offers special events, fresh local produce and gift items from local vendors. More information can be found here .

Do you have any lunchtime escapes to add?

Sometimes, it’s hard to explain to someone unfamiliar with your city what the vibe is. It’s something that is better seen or . . . well, experienced.

One of the great things about Columbus is that we have a collection of unique districts that are drastically different from one another. Each with its own flavor and essence.

Through a video company called Turn Here , we discovered a dynamic way to tell the world about Columbus’ districts. We produced the Short North video a few years ago, and recently created brand new videos for additional districts.

What’s cool about these is that each neighborhood is introduced by local residents, who describe the scene in their own words and stories. Check them out on our YouTube channel :

Arena District

Downtown Columbus

Easton Town Center

German Village

The Ohio State University

Short North Arts District

A big thanks goes out to all of the folks who helped us out with this project. It was fun to hear your stories and to tap into the passion that you feel for your slice of Columbus. It’s contagious.

Andy Warhol Self-Portrait, 1986

My in-laws, Ed and Bonnie, recently flew in to Columbus from their home in Long Island. They’ve grown to love Columbus, and each time they’re here my wife and I expose them to something new.

This visit, we went to the Wexner Center for the Arts to see Andy Warhol: Other Voices, Other Rooms . While there, we ran into Wexner’s director, Sherri Geldin . Seeing Sherri was an unexpected treat and she shared extra background on Warhol that even this expansive exhibit couldn’t delve into, including Warhol’s fascination with Truman Capote .

One cannot help but be overwhelmed by such an intimate look inside this complex artist. Searching for his own identity, Warhol utilizes a wide range of media in his expression of social, political and cultural upheaval. I felt like a voyeur watching his home movies, reading his personal scribblings and viewing his sketches and photos. It’s as though Andy touches your shoulder and says, “Come with me, I’ll show you the good stuff.”

As Ed and Bonnie went through the exhibit, their eyes grew big at the site of the iconic Campbell Soup art, their faces wrinkled in amusement while reading Warhol’s writings, and they smiled warmly at the gentle sound of Warhol’s voice in his movies.

Lifetime New Yorkers, Ed and Bonnie are never shy about expressing their opinions. They wouldn’t rave about something unless they were truly moved by it, and they raved about Other Voices, Other Rooms . Their reaction to the exhibit was as expansive as the exhibit itself.

“He has many people in his head,” Bonnie said, and Sherri smiled and agreed. Bonnie remarked on how many times she had seen Warhol’s work in galleries in New York, but had never seen a collection like this one (Columbus is the only U.S. stop on this international tour).

Bonnie was nearly moved to tears imagining what Warhol might think if he knew how close to him we had become:

And I was reminded to never take Columbus treasures like the Wex for granted.