7 Events You Must Experience Over Fourth of July Weekend in Columbus

Spring has come and gone, and the summer sun is heating up Ohio. While we're loving this warm weather, we're also finding it hard to resist a refreshing dip in the pool to cool off. Splashing around in the water is fun for all ages, and for that reason, Cleveland's public pools can get fairly crowded during the summer months. When you're looking to make a splash without wading through people, perhaps look to our natural watering holes instead! We're lucky to have Lake Erie at our fingertips (which comes with sandy beaches and calm water), but there are also a number of swimming holes scattered around the area. Some are secret, some are well traveled, but all offer a new adventure. We've gathered up some of our favorites below, so go ahead and jump in — the water's fine!

Nelson Ledges Quarry Park

Nestled in the 250 acres that make up this gorgeous park lies a swimming hole of epic proportions. The deep turquoise waters and surrounding ledges make it a popular destination for cliff jumpers, but you could spend an entire day here paddling, hiking, and even snorkeling or scuba diving. Afterwards, you can avoid a long trek home by pitching a tent in the park and staying the night.

Huntington Beach

Huntington Beach is both spectacularly beautiful, and spectacularly popular. The area is home to a wide array of wildlife, and serves as an oasis for anglers and swimmers alike. If you're not in the mood for a dip, shaded picnic areas high above the beach allow onlookers to enjoy the water without being splashed by the waves. Fun fact: In 2011, Huntington Beach reached a new standard for success by becoming Blue Wave Certified beach on Lake Erie. The Blue Wave certification is a national, environmental certification.

Punderson State Park  

The natural lake at Punderson State Park covers more than 150 acres, and offers plenty of opportunities for splashing around. With cozy cabins and cross country skiing courses, the park is actually known as a winter destination, but don't miss out during the warmer months! After playing a round at the 18-hole golf course or hiking/biking on the trails, venture over to the 600-foot public swimming beach.

Squaw Rock

Squaw Rock is a cultural landmark located in the South Chagrin Reservation. Named for the subject engraved on the sculpture by a man named Henry Church, the rock has been around since 1885. A river borders the eastern end of the reservation, and provides ample opportunities for splashing around, especially to cool off after exploring the nearby falls on foot. The waters are not very deep — so no jumping here.

Chagrin Falls

Photo courtesy of Chagrin Falls

Smack dab in the center of town, you'll find a gorgeous waterfall that is the namesake of Chagrin Falls. The falls are perfect for an afternoon picnic, and the water offers an oasis for cooling off if you spend too much time in the sun — people enjoy fishing here, too. Walk down the stairs past the falls for access to all of it!

Fairport Harbor

Fairport Harbor is protected by a break wall — which means the water is calmer here than at most Lake Erie beaches. The amenities (including a playground, volleyball courts, and rental stations for water sports) make it a favorite for families with kids. The beach is expansive and offers plenty of room to lay down a towel and soak up the sun. Bonus: Fairport is also one of the few beaches in Ohio that welcomes dogs to the shore, and includes a special dog swim area on the eastern end of the beach.

Kelleys Island State Park Beach

Photo courtesy of the Ohio Division of State Parks and Watercraft

Commonly known as Lake Erie's Emerald Isle, Kelleys Island State Park is a relaxing, waterside retreat with plenty to do. Enjoy hiking on one of  the island's many trails, marveling at the unique geological and archeological features, and spending time on the water (of course). You can swim from the 100-foot swimming beach, which is easy to find. Afterward, make camp on the island or stay in a nearby lodge.

Dundee Falls

The trek to Dundee Falls is as beautiful as it is entertaining. Once you arrive at the idyllic waterfall, hidden away in the Beach City Wildlife Area of Tuscarawas County, it'll be tough to pull you back to reality. Spend the afternoon picnicking, enjoying the scenery, and splashing around in the falls — and remember to take pictures!

Just Keep Swimming!

Columbus, known for its friendly people and beautiful skyline, is also one of the greatest up-and-coming music cities in the country. Every night, a different band hooks up and ignites our local bars and venues to the applause of crowds both large and small. Some of these bands are just getting their start and some have been playing for years, but each has a unique sound that is tough to find and impossible to reproduce. Our town is home to some pretty incredible musicians, and while they tour the country and take in the sights, they'll never forget their Columbus roots! We're always hunting for new tunes to add to our Spotify playlist, and we've found some pretty great ones from bands that originated right here in Columbus. Whether you're into rock, reggae, garage punk or a little bit of everything, you're sure to find a new favorite on this list. Enjoy!

Angela Perley & The Howlin' Moons

Photo courtesy of Angela Perley & The Howlin' Moons

The Rock 'n' Roll beats of Angela Perley & The Howlin' Moons are as danceable as they are enviable. Perley's voice has the perfect balance of edge and clarity, and simply floats over the hard hitting bass and electric guitar. The band credits Tom Perry, Led Zeppelin, Nebula and David Gilmour as influences, but have created a sound that is truly their own. They play in their hometown (Columbus) fairly often, but have also embarked on many tours nation-wide (including the notorious South by South West festival in Austin, Texas).

All Dogs

Photo courtesy of Hillary Jones via All Dogs

This pop punk quartet hails from Columbus, but is known to play shows all over Ohio. They released a split cassette with Slouch, another Ohio band, before debuting with a full album, Kicking Every Day in 2015. The music is an impactful collision of soft vocals, rolling drums and snappy guitar, and is the perfect mix to listen to on a "Sunday Morning" with the windows rolled down.

Red Wanting Blue

Photo courtesy of Bridgette McCullough via Red Wanting Blue

Red Wanting Blue came to life back in 1996, when leader Scott Terry was in school at Ohio University, and was immediate success story. By 1998, the band had already released its second full-length album entitled The Image Trigger, and has since toured the country over two decades, playing an average of 200 shows a year. The band features toe-tapping, finger-snapping beats, as well as deep vocals and lyrics that are sure to stay with you long after the first listen.

Fever Fever

Just try to stay still while listening to Fever, Fever — this alternative indie band's upbeat tunes are sure to have you nodding your head and tapping your toes in no time. The quartet has been around since August of 2014, and though newer, have already made quite a splash with their full-length album, Aftermath.

Rascal Flatts

This trio originated in Columbus nearly 20 years ago and gained instant fame. Now, as one of the most recognized names in the nation for modern country, Rascal Flatts has headlined on tours more than 14 times since 2000 and released a number of highly-successful albums and singles alike. Whether you're a country music fan or not, you'll surely be captivated by the crystal clear vocals of Gary LeVox.

New Bomb Turks

Photo courtesy of the New Bomb Turks

The New Bomb Turks are masters of the garage punk genre, featuring a collision of danceable rock 'n' roll beats and the rebellious punk vocals that we know and love. They've been around for awhile, evolving from a college band at Ohio State University in 1990 to a European tour in 2017. Explore their ten full-length albums, two EPs and twenty singles — you won't regret it.

Earwig

Photo courtesy of Ryan Miller via Earwig

Earwig oozes an attitude that is oh-so enviable, and with clear vocals and hard-hitting guitar, they've got everything a great rock band needs. The band has released several full-length albums, each with a unique sound. Gibson Under Mountain was the most recent of these, released in 2014.

Twenty One Pilots

This iconic duo gained almost instant popularity after its formation in 2009, and have now risen to the top with two concurrent top ten singles in 2016 and a grammy under their belt for best pop duo performance. Tyler Joseph and Josh Dunn are known for snappy beats, electronic undertones, and their loyal fan club dubbed the Skeleton Clique. They've captured the hearts of many at their dynamic festival performances, but still call Columbus home.

Shrub

Photo courtesy of Shrub

In 2010, Jay Shrub decided that a white-picket fence life didn't sound as rewarding as the life of a musician, and released a reggae/rap album created in his basement studio (to his friends). Luckily the sound took off, and now Shrub has evolved into a seven piece band that performs locally and across the country. Their humor and musical talents  are sure to put you in a good mood.

Two Cow Garage

Photo courtesy of Two Cow Garage

The husky vocals and fast-paced beats of this alternative rock band will draw you in immediately. The band was formed in late 2001 by singer and guitarist Micah Schnabel, and has since released seven full-length albums. You'll find them touring the state and capturing the hearts their listeners — with a name as Ohioan as Two Cow Garage, how could they not?

Like Moths to Flames

Photo courtesy of Jonny Costa via Like Moths to Flames

If you're more of a metalcore fan, Like Moths to Flames will impress with their hard-hitting guitar and strong vocals. Since the band's formation in 2010, they have released two EPs and three full-length albums, the most recent of which was released in late 2015. Fans hope there's something else up their sleeves!

RJD2

Photo courtesy of RJD2

The famed RJD2 now hails from Philly, but his roots are in Columbus. This artist is a master of the psychedelic hip-hop genre, paving the way for this trancy, catchy music with hits like "Ghostwriter" and "A Beautiful Mine" (the theme song for Mad Men). If you're as captivated by these songs as we are, check out his newest album Dame Fortune, which was released last year.