Columbus has been quietly racking up the accolades and it’s time we stop keeping it to ourselves. In our series, Behind the Buzz, we’re unveiling the people, places and experiences that make our city worthy and deserving of all the hype. Keep reading and you'll be asking yourself, "Can all of this exist in one city?" Yes, Columbus.
You may have heard that ZipZone was recently named a Top 10 Aerial Adventure Park by USA Today 10Best, but did you know that owner Lori Pingle grew up in Columbus and loves Columbus Food Adventures? Read on to learn more about Lori and what makes ZipZone such a special part of Columbus' national appeal.
Courtesy of ZipZone Outdoor Adventures
For those who have never been to ZipZone Outdoor Adventures, how would you describe the guest experience?
ZipZone is one of those places that constantly surprises people and gives them a chance to unplug from the ordinary! We're tucked away in a beautiful forest just minutes from downtown Columbus, so it feels like you've escaped to the middle of nature without really leaving the city. Whether you're soaring through the treetops on our guided zip line tour or climbing through our Adventure Park, it's all about having fun, enjoying the outdoors, and making unforgettable memories together.
One of the things we're most proud of is our team. Our guides and staff go through extensive training, not only in technical skills, but also in creating exceptional guest experiences. We strive to make people of all ages and ability levels feel welcome and encouraged. Whether you're an experienced adventurer or someone who is a little nervous about leaving the ground, our team is here to help however we can.
We hear it all the time: "I can't believe this is in Columbus!" Watching people arrive a little nervous and leave smiling, laughing, and feeling accomplished is one of the best parts of what we do.
Congratulations on being named a Top 10 Aerial Adventure Park in the Country by USA TODAY 10Best again! What does this recognition mean to ZipZone?
Thank you! Being recognized by the readers of USA TODAY for the fourth consecutive year and being ranked #1 in Ohio and #5 in the entire country this year is incredibly humbling. When we opened ZipZone, we wanted to create an amazing outdoor experience for our community. To now be mentioned alongside some of the best attractions in the country is an enormous honor.
It's also a testament to our incredible team. They work so hard to create a welcoming and memorable experience for every guest who visits. This recognition is a reflection of the culture and environment our staff takes pride in.
What makes Columbus a great place for an attraction like ZipZone?
Columbus has always been home to me. I grew up here, graduated from Worthington Kilbourne High School, and now have the privilege of owning a business in the community that helped shape who I am. That makes this recognition even more meaningful.
Columbus is such a fun, energetic, and welcoming city. People are often surprised by just how much there is to do here! You can spend the morning zip-lining through a forest, then grab lunch in an incredible local restaurant and still have time to explore a museum or neighborhood, and head to a sporting event to finish out your day!
One of the things I love most is how collaborative the tourism community is. We have so many outstanding attractions, restaurants, parks, and local businesses that all help make Columbus an incredible destination. It's exciting to see national organizations recognizing so many Columbus experiences, and we're excited to be one of them.
What's on the horizon for ZipZone? What can people look forward to?
We're always looking for new ways to create memorable experiences! This summer we've expanded our themed events, including our popular Night Flights where guests can zip through the forest after dark. We continue to add new community events, school programs, and special opportunities that give people even more reasons to come back. We're also excited to launch Adventures for All, a new grant program that helps bring the adventure to more youth throughout our community.
We're also exploring new ideas for the future. We love helping people make lasting memories together, so guests can expect more fun, more adventure, and maybe even a few surprises down the road.
What places in Columbus do you recommend to people visiting for the first time?
Oh, that's a tough one because there are so many! I always recommend spending time exploring North Market, for families - visiting COSI, and checking out the Franklin Park Conservatory. I also love the water feature at Bicentennial Park on a hot day!
If you're here on a Saturday, the Worthington Farmers Market is just down the road and is one of my favorite places to spend the morning. And if you're looking to experience Columbus through its food scene, I can't recommend Columbus Food Adventures enough. Or Bridge Park in Dublin is one of my favorite places to get a meal and walk around – especially walking across the pedestrian bridge! I always recommend at least one stop at Graeter’s and Jeni’s to round out the trip. Of course, I'd also tell people to carve out a couple of hours to come fly through the trees with us at ZipZone!
Is there anything else you want our readers to know?
As someone who grew up in Columbus, this recognition is especially meaningful. I know firsthand what a wonderful place this is to live, raise a family, and build a business. Seeing Columbus continue to earn national recognition for so many incredible attractions, restaurants, and experiences is something that makes me incredibly proud, and being able to represent our city on a national stage is an absolute honor.
If you haven't explored your own backyard lately, now is the perfect time. Columbus is full of amazing places to discover, and, incredibly, ZipZone can be one of the experiences that helps create lifelong memories for families, friends, and visitors alike.
Most of all, thank you to everyone who has visited, supported us, and voted for us over the years. This honor belongs to our incredible team and our amazing guests just as much as it does to us. Whether it's your first visit or your fifteenth, we'd love to welcome you out to the forest and help you create your next adventure.
