I work with a variety of groups visiting Columbus – girlfriend getaways, family reunions, church groups, school groups, book clubs…the list goes on. And they almost always ask for “something different” to do.

In response to these requests, Experience Columbus has worked with a number of partners to develop a variety of options for people looking to do something fun and hands-on. We now have 57 different “experiential” activities that include everything from interacting with exotic zoo animals to learning about herbs to tasting and toasting with Irish beers .

If you’re part of a group looking to plan something unique in Columbus, check out some of what’s available:

• Be a Columbus Clippers baseball player . Attend a press conference announcing your signing with the team, dress in the clubhouse, warm up in the cages and then take the field.

 

• Go behind the scenes of the renowned BalletMet and discover what it takes to bring a production to life. Learn secrets the audience never sees, enjoy an interactive meeting with dancers and take an exclusive backstage tour

 

• Participate in a one-of-a-kind sensory experience in Worthington . Blend and pour a scented candle, then sniff and sample among two-dozen distinctive wines.

 

• Learn what’s in fashion from the experts , create scrapbook memories , and learn to cook with top chefs – all at Easton Town Center.

 

• Cook with spicy foods master CaJohn , sample an array of amazing tastes and learn how artisan ice cream is made from farm-to-table at Columbus’ lively and historic North Market

 

• Tour a 13,000 year-old cranberry bog where only a rare few are permitted to travel, create a blown glass ornament and make teas when you explore Licking County

 

• Pamper yourself at a spa , enjoy an evening of adventurous dining , and become a winemaker in the lively Short North Arts District

 

• Be a horse trainer for a day , learn about saddles, bits and more or discover some betting secrets of the pros with a behind-the-scenes thoroughbred racing experience

 

A complete list of current tours can be found here . For more details or to set up an experience for your group, feel free to call me at 614-222-6136 or send me an email .

Mixing at The Candle Lab

When I moved from Cleveland to Columbus this past August I decided I would explore my new city like a tourist. A recent coupon available through the Columbus Insiders Club featured two stops in  Olde Worthington . For $12, my coupon would let me pour my own soy candle at The Candle Lab , then go enjoy a glass of wine next door at House Wine . Since I am not one to pass up a great deal or a nice glass of wine, I found my next date night activity.

The Candle Lab was our first stop. Because I am indecisive by nature, I knew I’d need a full half hour to narrow 120 scents down to just two to mix together. While sampling no less than half of them, I discovered a few favorites: whipped cream, graham cracker, toasted marshmallow and merlot. However, once I realized these aromas might lead to “inexplicable” cravings for s’mores and wine, I decided a combination of sweet grass and white ginger tea was a more figure-friendly option. From there it was easy - mix the scents, stir the wax, go drink wine.

House Wine

At House Wine I ordered a glass of the house white wine (seemed appropriate), sat in one of the retro neon green chairs and wondered how I had never heard about this place before. On every new adventure I discover at least one new thing I must try. In this case, I discovered that every Thursday evening House Wine hosts wine tastings for only $15. Now I just need to find out which week they’ll showcase Riesling.