Planning a summer wedding in Columbus?

Get busy! There are so many summer wedding locations in and near Columbus but summer 'tis the season. Have you tried all the popular venues and found out that they are booked?

If you are still looking for the perfect spot and are willing to travel a little outside of I-270 (or even to Clintonville!) you might still be able to have your wedding outside ON the day of your choosing.

Summer Wedding Venues near Columbus

The Short North - live, laugh, play...

Even though I'm a country girl, I have a certain affection for many of Columbus' neighborhoods. I don't know many people who have spent any time exploring the Short North and what it has to offer and then decide they don't want to go back.

Here's a quick snapshot of one of Columbus' best neighborhoods.

Short North - Neighborhood Profile

Hanukah at Ohio State...

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

Several Activities During Hanukah for Ohio State University Students

The Drexel Theater and Indie Flicks!

Independent movie theaters should be cherished. Even with all of the mega-chain theaters in Columbus, we still have a few gems and the Drexel in Bexley is one of them.

Yes - they do show some mainstream films but the focus for me is the array of indie-flicks. Oh - every month the Drexel has a viewing of "The Room" - second Saturday - don't miss it!

Drexel Theater is Columbus, Ohio's Home for Indie Films

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.

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

Big Plans for this Weekend?

So many options, so little time!

This weekend is the 25th Annual Mud Volleyball Tournament at Beulah Park - all day Saturday!

Mud Volleyball Tournament Celebrates 25 Years

Taste some wine and support the Franklin Park Conservatory, take a walk with your kids in Whetstone Park, learn how to hula hoop or see a free show from Shadowbox at Schiller Park.

This Weekend in Columbus

It's Opening Day!!!

Today's the day, Ohio State Fair fans!

I will admit I haven't been in several years - work often kept me out of town during the Fair. But, I can't help but get excited every year. Maybe it's the small-town heritage, maybe it's the memories of the year my daughter was a member of the All Ohio State Fair Band and eating my way through the midway!

Fairs - even without the rides - have so much to offer. There are so many free interactive activities for kids. How many city children have ever seen where milk, eggs and bacon actually come from?

There's discounts galore, practically every single day of the Ohio State Fair. While the commercial vendors offer discounts on siding and such, the real discounts are at the food service vendors. Coupons are available for free drinks with a sandwich purchase or even a bit of money off of a meal.

I've outlined all of the gate discounts and included a link to the vendor coupons in this article.

2010 Ohio State Fair Discounts

Oh - and in case you hadn't heard: the Selena Gomez show on Thursday night has been postponed. Apparently, promoting a new movie (Ramona and Beezus)and a concert tour has worn out the Disney tween queen.

Selena Gomez Reschedules Ohio State Fair Appearance

Enjoy the Ohio State Fair!

Ohio State Fair Starts Wednesday!

Do you have your tickets? Oh, you're not sure what the entertainment is at this year's Ohio State Fair?

2010 Ohio State Fair Concert Schedule

What to Do this Weekend?

OK, so the weekend is almost over, but there's still time for a walk through old North Columbus...or catch some free music down at the Jazz and Rib Fest!

This Weekend in Columbus