The winter can be so long and lackluster in Columbus that I let this category go during the colder months, but as we are starting to pick up in Columbus activities, it's time to breathe new life into it. Of course, as I sit writing this, it is snowing outside, so it's still a little wintry outside, alas.
- First of all, if the weather has got you down, I highly recommend a trip to Franklin Park Conservatory. I always recommend a trip there, but right now you can enjoy Blooms & Butterflies, the annual butterfly exhibit. It makes a great date (boys, listen up!) and kids enjoy it, too. You can see the entire life cycle of the lepidoptera, including an extensive incubator, where one could sit and stare at the butterflies emerging from their chrysalides and drying their wings for hours. The exhibit is open Tuesday through Sunday 10am - 5pm, with Wednesdays having hours extended to 8pm. New butterflies are released daily at 1pm. 1777 E. Broad Street
- This Saturday is Gallery Hop in the Short North. If you have a nice scarf you forgot to debut over the winter, here's your chance, because it's going to be cold, baby. Around 35 degrees. Technically, the hop begins at 6pm, but many galleries open early for lots of fun shopping. If you haven't been to the Short North in awhile, it's the perfect chance to check out some new spots, such as Rojo, where you can discover there is more to tequila than Jose. In fact, there is a whole slew of tequilas which are perfect for casual sipping, in the manner of bourbon. There's also Rosendales, where you can grab a drink at the bar and try some of the bar snacks I tried, or a few of the ones I haven't had yet - fries with Bearnaise, anyone?
- You can learn a thing or two about the history of the American garden in an ongoing exhibit at the Ohio Historical Society, 1982 Velma Ave in Columbus (near the fairgrounds). While you're there, you can learn all about the history of White Castle, that beloved Ohio institution.
- COSI always makes a fun day for the young and old. If you're from Central Ohio, it's always fun to go back as an adult and reminisce about all the field trips you took there as a child. Unless, of course, you went to old COSI as a child like Husband and I did, and then all you can do is talk about how cool the ancient and creepy old COSI building was,everything all crammed in and rambling. The weird old mining town with the fake elevator. . .okay I'll stop now. At any rate, COSI has an Einstein exhibit taking place until May, wherein one can explore Einstein's theories of space and time. 333 West Broad street - click for directions and other info.
- I wasn't even aware that Columbus had a Center for Paper & Book Arts, but we do: you can investigate the history of book bindings - accordion, scrolls, etc at 539 E. Town Street, Wednesday - Saturdays 11am - 4pm.
- Animation nerds like me would enjoy the traveling Ottawa Animation Festival taking place tonight at the Wexner Center for the Arts. If they didn't have to work, that is. 7pm in the Wexner Center Film & Video Center, 15th & High streets on the Ohio State Campus. While you're there you can shop in the super cool gift shop.
- Spending the afternoon in a graveyard might not seem like the most exciting way to spend a Saturday afternoon, but Greenlawn cemetery in Columbus has an interesting "First Saturday" series, where one can take a guided tour based upon a them. This week's theme is baseball, includes peanuts and Cracker Jack, and takes place at 11am. 1000 Greenlawn Ave.
- This Saturday marks the opening of the new season of the Ohio Roller Girls. Their new location is the Lausche building at the Ohio Expo Center (aka the fairgrounds), and the first bout will take place at 6pm. Tickets are $10-$15
- Those interested in history might find Second Sundays at the Kelton House interesting. Focus will be on the role of the Kelton House in the Underground Railroad, and will explain the inner workings of the operation. Call 614.464.2022 for reservations.
Okay, hopefully I've given you some things to consider during this (icy) Columbus weekend. I'll be working, and then preparing for the last season of the Sopranos. Have fun!
