Hanukah at Ohio State...

And also in Bexley and at Easton Town Center...

Several Activities During Hanukah for Ohio State University Students

Pumpkins, Laurelville Cider and Corn Mazes OH MY!

My first thought to anyone who asks where to buy pumpkins is to go to the farmers market. You know - that place close to you where all the farmers gather once or twice a week and let you select your choice from their hard work? There are still several farmers markets going strong in Columbus, I'm sure very close to you.

But, some families want pumpkin picking to be an "event" - they want the whole experience of being away from the city streets and want their kids to actually visit a farm. Fact is, there aren't many "farms" with a Columbus zip code and pumpkin farms are a different breed. It takes more than a backyard to grow enough pumpkins to supply the masses.

I've visited each of these pumpkin farms at other times of the year, usually a stop for whatever produce happens to be in season. Pumpkin season is different - my kids are grown, so we don't do the decorating thing. These pumpkin farms - Renick's, Lynd's and Smith's - are within an easy, reasonable drive from anywhere in Franklin County. Each has a little something "extra" to make them attractive. I'll admit - my reason for including Smith's is a combination of primarily selling Ohio-made produce and products (YAY!) and OD on BBQ. So, Smith's is more for those who don't really feel the need to tromp through a field but are just as happy buying a pre-picked pumpkin. That will leave more time for barbecue!

Pumpkin Farms Near Columbus, Ohio

Photo courtesy dbgeorge at sxc.hu

Halloween Haunted Houses...

Making plans for the weekend? The Columbus haunted house season is in full swing!

Halloween Haunted Houses in Columbus

Perennial favorite Haunted Hoochie is still here and the House of Nightmares has officially changed its name to The Terrorfest. The folks who used to run Terror Park at Cooper Stadium (RIP) have a new gig - The Scare-A-Torium that includes a costume shop. The newest kid on the block is the Trail of Fears in Hilliard.

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.