Ohio State Football Fever!!

As I look at my Weatherbug, the temperature is an incredible 53 degrees! That's football weather! My friend Sheri mentioned on Facebook that she had to wear a sweatshirt the other morning while she was taking a walk - yes, it's football weather and that means it's time for Ohio State fans to head to Lane Avenue.

We generally watch the games at home a lot of reasons. Our own incredible food - including the man's should-be-world-famous Wings! No chance of a DUI! Free parking! Comfy seats in front of a TV we can actually hear!

But, even at my age, I do like to head down to Lane Avenue once every season - without a game ticket! - to take in the Skull Session and the memories of a long tradition. The crowds aren't as large as they used to be and the REAL Hineygate is no more, but I still see a lot of people well-over college age drinking not-quite-cold-enough overpriced beer and celebrating a Buckeyes game!

Take a walk back in time...make one trip to Lane Avenue this season to celebrate the Ohio State Buckeyes!

Football Saturdays on Lane Avenue

Skull Session before the 2009 Ohio State-Navy Game. Photo courtesy Wikimedia Commons and is in the Public Domain.

Dating in Columbus

The first date...time to make an impression.

My favorite first dates were the simple dates. The times we could actually talk and get to know each other rather than being drowned out by a band or a thumping-bass DJ.

I've thought of three perfect first dates that - HEY! - won't break the bank.

Great First Dates in Columbus

Photo from Wikimedia Commons Public Domain

Real Beer, Local Beer

I freely admit to being a beer geek. I'm not "in the know" enough to explain all the fine nuances and determine by taste exactly where the hops were grown. All I know is I like real beer, microbrews.

Columbus has a great brewpub scene. Each of the locally-owned offerings also have great menus. For a summer night out on the town - eat local, drink local.

Columbus, Ohio Microbreweries

Pelotonia Only 11 Days Away

The 2nd Annual Pelotonia will hit the road from Columbus to Athens on August 20, 2010.

I've profiled one of the riders - Joshua Schonauer, a recent Ohio State grad and Centerburg native ready to head to the bright lights of New York City. He has one challenge left before he goes: helping to raise money for cancer research at Ohio State's Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Follow the link...I've provided links in the article to Joshua's Pelotonia rider profile and other ways you can help.

Pelotonia Capstone to Law School for Schonauer

Now What?

The Ohio State Fair has ended...the animals are going home or heading to the slaughterhouse. The carnies have packed up the rides and could very well be gone. The lemon-shakeup vendors are counting their money.

Now what do you do?

How about a great summer date night on one of the awesome patios that Columbus restaurants have to offer? Seasonal menu options are the main reason I selected these five restaurants. Go local - not only are you supporting a locally-owned restaurant instead of a huge conglomerate cookie-cutter chain, you are also supporting local suppliers.

My list of the Five Best Summer Restaurants in Columbus.