This post was updated on April 9, 2019 to include up-to-date information.
When the weather gets warm, Columbus residents know there is no better place to be than outside enjoying the sunshine. While our town is home to a variety of outdoor experiences and patios perfect for soaking up some Vitamin D, we also have a large number of farmers' markets that serve a dual purpose — allowing you to enjoy the day while purchasing locally produced groceries for the week. Sure, supermarkets are fine, but no one can deny that meals just taste better when created with farm-fresh produce and breads you picked out at the market that day. During the summer months, there are a plethora of markets around the city open almost every day of the week (some are even open daily). We've broken them down by day, so pick a time, find the one closest to your neighborhood, and enjoy!Pearl MarketMay 24 through October 11Tuesdays and Fridays, 10:30 am-1:30 pmThe opening of Pearl Market is highly anticipated every year, and every year, it manages to live up to the hype. Here you'll find all kinds of loot, from hand-crafted clothing and woodwork to delicious food. It's a great place to spend the morning, grab lunch, or simply swing through for a mood-booster.The Hilliard Farm Market May 28 through September 10Tuesdays 4-7 pmAt the Hilliard Farm Market (as with most markets in the area), all of the items sold are grown or made by the vendor. This guarantees a freshness and a quality that you just don't find at the supermarket, as well as wonderful conversations throughout your shopping experience.
The Farmers' Market at the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical GardensJune 5 through September 4Wednesdays, 3:30-6:30 pm Summer is the best time to be at the Franklin Park Conservatory — not just for the gorgeous blooms, but also for the Wednesday night markets. Don't miss the chance to shop for local produce, baked goods, sauces and flowers (of course) in a beautiful setting. Upper Arlington Farmers' Market June 5 through September 25Wednesdays, 3-6 pmAt the Upper Arlington Farmers' Market, you'll find a variety of delicious produce, perennials, herbs, hanging plants and more, all provided by local vendors. The market is held rain or shine, so don't be discouraged if those clouds start building up! Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market May 1 through October 30Wednesdays 3-6 pmThe Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market has been running for 11 years now, and is a prime destinations during summer afternoons for locals and visitors alike. You'll find fantastic produce, plenty of character, and an open-air atmosphere that will call you back week after week. Go ahead and bring your furry friend along! Dogs are welcome at this market.
Bexley Farmers' Market May 23 through October 24Thursdays 4-7 pmAt the corners of Dawson and Main Street, you'll find a thriving market that is as committed to the community as it is to the producers who sell there. In addition to the traditional goods you find at most farmers' markets, you'll also find food trucks, events for the kids and live music.The New Albany Farmers' MarketJune 20 through September 12Thursdays 4-7 pmThere's no better place to be on a sunny Thursday afternoon than at the New Albany Farmers' Market. Enjoy seasonal offerings, locally made honey and coffee, freshly baked pastries and more alongside local food trucks. It's a thriving market in the town's center, and is a great place to see familiar faces and stock up on groceries for the week.Pearl MarketMay 24 through October 11Tuesdays and Fridays, 10:30 am-1:30 pmThe opening of Pearl Market is highly anticipated every year, and every year, it manages to live up to the hype. Here you'll find all kinds of loot, from hand-crafted clothing and woodwork to delicious food. It's a great place to spend the morning, grab lunch, or simply swing through for a mood-booster.The Clintonville Farmers' Market Beginning on April 27Saturdays 9 am-noon Stop by the Clintonville Farmers' Market on Saturday mornings, and start your weekend off right! 2017 marks the market's 15th season, so the vendors are obviously doing something right. If you choose to ride your bike (or bring a stroller), you can park it at the Baer Wheels Bike Corral! Westgate Farmers' Market June 1 through October 19First and third Saturdays, 9 am-1 pmThe Westgate Farmers' Market was created by a group of like-minded local residents with one goal in mind: to make healthy, locally produced foods more accessible to the community. Since the market opened, it has grown each year, drawing Columbus farmers and artisans to show their stuff and build relationships with Westgate community members. The Canal Winchester Farmers' MarketMay 25 through September 28Saturdays, 9 am-12 pmNow in its 19th season, the Canal Winchester Farmers' Market continues to grow every year, offering varying supplies of fresh produce, warm baked breads and pastries, flowers and artistic trinkets to its guests — all while maintaining the atmosphere of a friendly, old-fashioned marketplace.The Worthington Farmers' MarketYear-Round May through October | Saturdays, 8 am-noonNovember through April | Saturdays, 9am-noonThe Worthington Farmers' Market is the largest in the area, boasting more than 70 farmers, artisans, bakers and more from Columbus and the surrounding neighborhoods. The market is open year-round, but moves indoors for the colder winter months. Here you'll find everything you need to make a fantastic wholesome meal, from maple syrup and breads to high quality cuts of meat, dairy, and fresh produce. Grove City Chamber of Commerce Farmers' MarketMay 18 through September 7Saturdays 8 am-noonPeach chipotle barbecue sauce, apple jelly, fresh breads, oh my! Find all of this and more at the Grove City Chamber of Commerce Farmers' Market.
North MarketYear-RoundSunday-Monday, 10 am-5 pm | Tuesday-Saturday 9 am-7 pmSince 1876, the centrally-located North Market has served Columbus residents — which makes it the most seasoned market in the area. The vendors (be they candy makers, fishermen, bakers or farmers) strive to promote the diversity and vibrancy of our Ohio community, serving only the best in locally produced products. The HTH Farm MarketApril 2 through December 22Monday-Friday, 10 am-5 pm | Saturday & Sunday, 9 am-5 pmVisiting this market-meets-Christmas tree lot is an experience in itself. Expect friendly service, plenty of options for fresh produce grown onsite, and a stirring conversation with the owners!
There's no doubt about it — ice cream is the most universally adored dessert around. Whether you're a chocoholic or a sorbet lover, there's possibly no better way to end a hot summer afternoon than with an overflowing cone of your favorite flavor. Although, we've been known to enjoy some mint chocolate chip on winter evenings as well — mmm mmm good.
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The summer months are finally upon us. Join us as we breathe a sigh of relief! As the weather warms, we can enjoy late nights grilling with friends on the patio, watching the kids play in the sunshine, and making everyone's favorite summer night snack, s'mores. While we'll be on the lookout for ways to enjoy this gorgeous Col...
Columbus is certainly making its mark in the craft beer industry. With 35 breweries (and counting), we have established ourselves as one of the beer hubs of the Midwest, and that's something to celebrate! Residents and visitors alike don't have to look far to find a crisp and refreshing ale, but the challenge is figuring out where to settle down for happy hour or a weekend bevvie with friends — there are just so many choices! In honor of Columbus Beer Week (May 12-20), we've rounded up our favorite breweries in the city, and listed a stellar brew to try at each one. The scene is constantly evolving, and we are always on the lookout for recommendations, so let us know if we missed one of your go-to brews!
Tucked into a charming corner of Columbus's Italian Village lies Seventh Son Brewing Company — a collaboration between childhood friends and a stellar spot to enjoy a beer. Stop in for a unique brew in a range of flavors and varieties, and be sure to accompany your choice with a bite from the food truck of the day.Beer to try: The Humulus Nimbus This strong pale ale toes the line between an IPA and a pale, and includes berry-piney hops and light malts. Mmm mm good! ABV: 6%
Four String Brewing Company
If you haven't visited this Rock 'n' Roll-inspired brewery, the time has come. Founder Dan Cochran is a bass guitar musician with a passion for creating interesting beer you can't find anywhere else — and it rocks. He has been perfecting his recipes since 1994, so stop in for a pint and see what all the buzz is about!Beer to try: The Switchblade IPA Tropical fruits and citrus are the flavor focus in this IPA, but this ain't no tooty fruity bevvie. The savage amounts of hops take this ale to the next level. ABV: 6.5%
This small-operation brewery focuses on quality, not quantity — and that might be why a pint here is so dang delicious. The cozy taproom is located mere steps from downtown Columbus, and offers a no-frills experience with a friendly atmosphere, fun games and great company.Beer to try: The Coop LooterThis American-style saison is made with whole white wheat and aromatic Belgian malts, and is packed with effervescent flavors, thanks to the hints of grapefruit and cracked pepper. ABV: 6%
Actual Brewing
Science is the name of the game at Actual Brewing, where the brewers don't hide their process. Rather, they revel in it, brewing each beer with courage, precision and experimentation (of course). Need a bit of a pick-me-up after sampling a few beers? Enjoy a hot cup of coffee made from house-roasted beans.
Beer to try: Conductor Imperial Rye IPA
This imperial IPA is a favorite for many, offering a flavor that is subtle, striking and complex all at once. Enjoy a stellar malt to hop balance that is worth every penny. ABV: 8.1%
This friendly brewery in Gahanna offers excellent brews created and served with love — and excellent food to boot! Stop in for Won off Wednesdays, during which the company will share a unique weekly small batch brew for one time only. Once it's gone, it's gone for good! Proof that the best things in life are fleeting.Beer to try: Autumn Wind Russian Imperial Stout An intensely roasty, dark brew with complex malts and hops. Look for notes of chocolate and coffee. ABV: 10.5%
Wolf's Ridge Brewing is where elegance meets adventure. Stop in at either the tap room or the more formal dining room to get a taste of incredible beer and delectable bites. In the tap room, you'll find bar snacks, shareables and sandwiches, and in the dining room you'll find more upscale fare. Look out for the Hudson Valley foie gras, the shrimp and grits, the scallops, and the New Zealand lamb rack — and make sure to chase down your choice with a house-made beer. Beer to try: Clear Sky Cream Ale This easy-drinking, crisp ale took home first place in the 2017 Beer Army Beer Wars. Pick up a bottle or a pint on draft, and we're sure you'll taste the winning quality. ABV: 5%
Barley's Brewing Company
Barley's Brewing Company has been on the scene for a while, perfecting its ale recipes since 1992. Over more than 20 years, the taproom on High Street has welcomed visitors and locals alike (even an impressive lineup of celebrities) to try its signature brews and enjoy the friendly atmosphere! Make sure you're one of them this year.Beer to try: Blood Thirst Wheat This refreshing ale is a joy to drink year-round, but especially satisfying in the warm summer months. The beer has an impressive citrus flavor due to the Sicilian blood orange zest added to the brew kettle, and purée added during and after fermentation. ABV: 5%
North High Brewing, located on (surprise!) North High Street, offers a new kind of experience — one that focuses on the actual brewing of the beer! While you can stop in anytime to enjoy a signature brew on draft (and we highly recommend that you do), you can also "Schedule a Kettle" and brew your own beer with the help of the owners using a North High recipe.Beer to try: The North High Pale Ale The North High Pale Ale is an easy-drinking brew with plenty of hops and caramel malt to balance the flavor. You might feel like a champ for drinking it, as this winning beer has secured a gold medal at Beer Wars, a silver at the 2016 World Beer Cup, and a bronze at the Best of Craft Beer Awards in Bend, Oregon. Look out for notes of tropical fruit, citrus and herbs. ABV: 5.5%
This brewery offers traditional German and Belgian beers served in a quirky, low-key environment that is 100% American. Zauber initially opened as a small alley-side growler fill station in 2012, but is now a lively, full-service bar and taproom nestled on 5th avenue. Stop in on Wednesday for board game night, or on weekend morning to catch the EPL soccer games.Beer to try: WunderlandA Belgian strong dark ale brewed in the traditional way, with only yeast, malt and hops. Still, the flavor is rich, complex and strong. ABV: 8.7%
Born from a passion for great beer, intriguing design and midwestern sports, Land Grant Brewing Company has certainly become a Columbus staple since it opened in 2014. The founders all come from different backgrounds, which means each offers an interesting perspective on the style of the taproom and of the beers themselves. Everything about Land Grant is a collision of flavor and culture! Stop in seven days a week to try the beer and sample from an impressive lineup of food trucks.Beer to try: Son of a MudderA brown ale that is truer than true. Brewed with toasty hops and balanced with seven different malt varieties, you'll find flavors of toffee, caramel and coffee. This beer is sure to warm you to the core! ABV: 6.1%
Zaftig Brewing Co.
If it's a full-bodied ale you're after, look no further than Zaftig Brewing Co. This brewery specializes in hefty Ambers, Stouts and IPAs. In fact, the lightest beer on the menu clocks in at an impressive 7% ABV. Don't make your decision lightly — try a flight to get a little bit of everything.Beer to Try: The Shadowed MistressAmerican Strong Ale hopped with Citra hops, balanced with roasted malt, and amped with a tropical juice flavor blast. ABV: 9%
Elevator Brewing Company
Elevator Brewing Company was founded in 1999 by a father/son duo that found almost as much joy in making quality beers as they did in drinking them. Their passion shines through in the quality of the beers, which have won a smattering of awards and bring Columbus locals back to the tap room time and time again.Beer to try: Dark Force Lager A year-round staple and a palate-pleaser, this beer earned a bronze medal in the 2007 Great American Beer Festival (out of 2,832 submissions, mind you). The brew is well-balanced, lightly hopped and full of warm flavor. ABV: 5.9%
Lineage Brewing
As the name suggests, Lineage Brewing pays homage to its roots (and the history of its home, Clintonville) while constantly trying to find new ways to evolve and pave a path for the Columbus craft beer scene. The brewery is located in an old car wash, but has been transformed into a well-lit, modern space with a friendly atmosphere. The brewers are constantly on the quest to create the perfect pint, but we're sure when they find it, they won't stop there. Bonus: This brewery is dog friendly, so bring Fido along for the ride!Beer to try: The Oscura ObscuraWe bet you haven't seen many blonde stouts in your beer tasting ventures. Brewed like a traditional stout, but without the toasted malt, this delightfully confusing beer incorporates cocoa nibs and vanilla beans to create a robust, creamy flavor. ABV: 7.9%
Columbus Brewing Co.
Columbus Brewing Company was originally founded in 1830, but the name was resurrected in 1988 to dub the current operations. We'd certainly hope that a brewery with our city's namesake would produce beers worth bragging about, and we haven't been disappointed! While Columbus brewing's tap room is still under construction, you can find bottles of the tasty brews in liquor stores around town. Do not confuse this spot with CBC Restaurant, which is also quite tasty, but not affiliated with the brewery. Beer to try: Thunderlips Experimental Pale Ale The deep golden color of this pale ale is produced with Simpsons Golden Promise Malt, which is then amped up with plenty of hops in several varieties. The result is striking and thunderous, if you will. ABV: 5.3%
Smokehouse Brewing is the spot to settle if you're looking for a bit of barbecue with your beer. While the juicy wings, sauerkraut balls and messy ribs are certainly delightful, the refreshing beers are certainly the main event. The tart IPAs and bold stouts pair well with the sauces, and always leave you wanting another.Beer to try: The Woody Haze Barrel Aged Scotch Ale Brewed every Valentine's Day, this dark, amber ale is a celebrated staple of Smokehouse Brewing. The bourbon barrel-aging process gives the brew a rich flavor that pairs well with gamey meats.
Memorial Day is nearly upon us. This time to remember and pay respect to our country's fallen soldiers warrants a day off from school and work (and rightfully so), and many also consider it the beginning of summer. If the warm weather and beach-goers haven't convinced you to get outside and celebrate, we're sure we can tempt you with some of the summery events happening over the weekend in Cleveland and on the shores of Lake Erie.We've rounded up some of our favorites below, so don your white pants and your swimsuit, and get ready to make this the best Memorial Day yet.
Celebrate the beginning of summer with one of the most colorful parties in the area. The annual Blossom Time Festival takes place in downtown Chagrin Falls, and includes carnival rides, a hot air balloon glow, a pie-eating contest, and plenty of other family-friendly activities. Additionally, guests are invited to get a taste of Chagrin, with more than 20 food trucks and local vendors serving up bites and sips throughout the weekend.
For the 19th year in a row, barbecue connoisseurs, meat lovers and ribbing experts will come together to celebrate the carnivore's favorite entrée: ribs. Meander through the fairgrounds at Berea's National Rib Cook-off, snacking on a tasty morsel from tens of local vendors while enjoying live music and family-friendly games and activities. There's no doubt about it — this event is finger lickin' good.
Tremont Greek Festival
May 26-29While you don't have to be Greek to enjoy the Tremont Greek Festival, you do have to enjoy Greek food, Greek bevvies and Greek dancing. Somehow, we don't think that will be a problem! Visit Cleveland's historic Tremont neighborhood for a taste of all the above, and enjoy a variety of Greek performances and shopping from local vendors. Can you say "Opa?"
Memorial Day Weekend at Put-in-Bay
May 26-29Memorial Day Weekend is one of the most popular weekends at Put-in-Bay, welcoming visitors from all over the Great Lakes region. Whether you hop on the ferry for a day trip or reserve a hotel for the weekend, there are plenty of activities to take part in — especially on Saturday! While you're not basking in the sun and taking in all this island has to offer, enjoy performances from popular entertainers, a gorgeous Memorial Day service at Perry's Victory, and a grand parade on monday featuring antique cars.
The annual Main Street Port Clinton Walleye Festival is one of the most anticipated events in the area, and it's easy to see why! For its 37th year, the event will invite locals and visitors alike (including over 100 vendors from around the nation) to take part in an array of free live concerts, tasty food and beverages, and outdoor activities on the picturesque shores of Lake Erie. Highlights will include a kids fishing derby, a grand parade and the Walleye 5K race.
Ohio Bike Week at Sandusky
May 26-June 4 Memorial Day weekend also marks the beginning of Sandusky's Ohio Bike Week. Even if thundering motorcycles aren't really your thing, you'll enjoy marveling at the displays of gleaming metal and impressive beards that will set Sandusky apart during the week. There will also be exciting live performances, a great selection of activities, and plenty of food to keep you entertained.
Cedar Point Shores Opening Weekend
May 26-28This lakeside amusement park is known as the roller coaster capital of the world, but it also has one heck of a water park. Cedar Point Shores will open on Memorial Day Weekend, offering a swimmin' good time to fun-loving Ohioans of all ages, plus four new water attractions! Get a first look at the new waterslides, Point Plummet and the Portside Plunge, or enjoy some family fun at Lemmy's Lagoon and Lakeside Landing. The beginning of summer means it's beach season, so celebrate by taking a dip!
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