This post is written by Linda Ketcham, Executive Director of Columbus Santa Maria, Inc.

In 1991, Columbus commemorated the 500-year celebration of Christopher Columbus’ first voyage by commissioning a full size replica of his flagship to serve as a history museum and a flagship for the city.

The Santa Maria was built from plans given to the city from the kingdom of Spain. She was constructed in Albany, New York, cut in half and trucked to Columbus, where she was set on the riverbank beside Veteran’s Memorial. Rejoined and rigged, she sailed from the west side of the Scioto River to her permanent mooring at Battelle Riverfront Park and christened on Columbus Day, 1991.

The ship is owned by the City of Columbus and operated by Columbus Santa Maria Inc. She attracts 16,000-18,000 visitors annually. Besides 45 minute tours of the ship, there are numerous events held every year including the Gospel Sail-A-Bration,  RiverJam, Dueling at the Dock (an epee fencing tournament) and Talk like a Pirate Weekend. The ship is available for rentals, overnight educational programming, day camps
and pirate birthday parties for kids. The season ends with the Haunted Ship fundraiser on October 27, 28 and 29.

This year marks the Santa Maria’s 20th anniversary as the city’s flagship.  A dockside celebration on Friday Oct. 7 from 1-2 p.m. will feature Johnny DiLoretto from Fox 28’s Good Day Columbus as emcee and
speakers from Experience Columbus and the Columbus Italian Festival.  Columbus State Community College’s Brass Ensemble and the Columbus State Gospel Choir will entertain and things will conclude with a performance of sea shanties from the Hard Tackers.  Everything’s free.

The ship is located at 25 Marconi Blvd. in Battelle Riverfront Park in downtown Columbus. Come join the celebration!

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…)

COSI

This post is part 5 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, Cathe features things to do that are fun for the entire family 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 and perfect for art fans . Stay tuned for the last post in the series - we’ll feature Experience Columbus Days activities that are recommended for history buffs.

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With 50% off admission (or BOGO) at so many attractions, it’s crazy not to take the entire family—kids and all—out and about during Experience Columbus Days.

It looks like we’re in for good weather this weekend but regardless of how it shapes up, there are both indoor and outdoor options. (more…)

I haven’t yet settled on what to do for Halloween this year; there are plenty of options for families and night-lifers alike in the days leading up to October 31st. Read on for a few suggestions on how to celebrate the year’s spookiest holiday in Columbus.

HighBall Halloween
Photo: Short North Arts District

HighBall Halloween
High Street, Short North Arts District
Saturday, Oct. 31
4 p.m. - midnight
$2

Last year I attended Highball Halloween; being the first year the event had ever been held I was amazed by how well attended and orchestrated it was. This is a party on a grand scale - think of it as a massive masquerade ball, complete with costume contests, a Costume Couture Fashion Showdown and the Dogtober Howloween Procession for costumed pets. And how often do you get to enjoy beverages and dance to awesome house music with thousands of friends in the middle of High Street? The area will be very busy that night; if you’re not walking, consider calling a taxi or riding a COTA bus to the Short North to avoid the parking congestion.

The Haunted Hotel
Hyatt Regency Downtown Columbus
Saturday, Oct. 31
10:00 p.m. – 2:30 a.m.
$29.99

For a 21 and over crowd, the Hyatt Regency Columbus will transform itself into an oasis of decoration, entertainment and music including a large ballroom, swanky lounge and breathtaking reception balcony.  Check out three rooms of sound with live bands and DJ’s playing the best hip-hop, mash up, techno and house music.

Scarey-oke
Sequoia Pro Bowl
Saturday, Oct. 31
9:00 p.m. – 2:30 a.m.

For a 21 and over crowd, the party will feature karaoke, food and drink specials, costume contests and other events in bowling shoes..

The Haunted Ship
Santa Maria
Thursday, Oct. 29 – Saturday, Oct. 31
7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
$5

A family event promising a little "boo" for children of all ages. Take a 15-20 minute walk through the Haunted ship and hear a tale from the high seas about a Captain Boney and his pirate ship. Meet a talking head, a large spider, one of the captain’s original crew and a sea monster.

Spooky Science Weekend
COSI
Friday, Oct. 30 – Saturday, Oct. 31
5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
$5.50 - $7.50

Bring the whole family in costume and explore the spooky science of Halloween with COSI’s Pumpkin Patch Science Show, Pumpkin Patch You Try It Family Workshops, trick-or-treat stations, and cart activities like exploding pumpkins and more.

Gables, Gargoyles and Ghosts – oh my!
Columbus Landmarks Foundation
Monday, Oct. 19 – Friday, Oct. 29
7:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
$25

A great event for the whole family, this bus tour explores the most haunted locations in the downtown Columbus. Hear ghost stories about museums, antique malls, restaurants, and other spooky attractions on the tour.

Looking for more ideas?
Browse a comprehensive list of Halloween events here . You can also download this PDF for trick-or-treat times in each Columbus community.