Things to do in Ohio, other than toys.

[Brown Bear]

This August I will definitely be checking out the Ringside Cafe; a boxing-themed restaurant. Burgers named after my favorite fighters like Frazier and Duran.

Also saw there's a statute of Arnold which I'd like to see.

Any other cool stuff to do in Ohio besides just toys shows/stores? Post em here.

[B-Lister]

Are you talking Columbus, or the whole state? Which direction are you coming?

Arnold Statue is gonna be easy, it's at the convention center where the meet is held.

[MRP]

In Columbus, COSI (science museum) is awesome, as is the Columbus Zoo.

In Columbus on the campus of OSU you have the Billy Ireland Museum of Cartoon art which is a must see for any fan of comics or comic strips.

You also have the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens in Columbus.

Cincinnati also has a great zoo and botanical gardens.

In Ohio as a whole, you also have 2 Hall of Fames, the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland.

The Christmas Story House is in Cleveland as well.

If you like amusement parks, there are a few in Ohio as well.

Cedar Point in Sandusky
Kings Island near Cincinnati

There's the National Air Force Museum in Dayton

You can tour a number of Native American Heritage sites, including remnant of some of the mound building cultures throughout Ohio

If you like spelunking, The Ohio Caverns just outside of West Liberty are great for that sort of thing.

There are rail tours, brewery tours, wine tours, covered bridge tours, etc.

A lot depends on what your interests are outside of toys, how long you have, and where in Ohio you are (and how much $$$ you want to spend).

-M

[Brown Bear]

Cincinnati has that amazing Stretch Monster mural that was shown on plaid stallions - that'd be worth the 2hr drive from Columbus to see in person.

[pmwasson]

I'll be checking out some of the running trails around Columbus.

[TrekStar]

Kings Island amusement park in Cincinnati, is the on location episode they filmed the Brady Bunch episode, “The Cincinnati Kids” in 1973, it’s now actually the 50th anniversary of that episode.

[Duncan]

Morgan Wallen will have concerts at The Shoe on 8/11 & 8/12. You'll want to avoid the OSU campus around then unless you're going to the show.

Don't drive a Kia or Hyundai to Columbus, or use a Club, or similar if you do. Be careful about blowing your horn or flipping people off in traffic. We keep having traffic disputes ending with gunfire. Also, maybe look at a crime map to learn where to avoid. There are areas where you don't even want to go to the gas station.

Columbus is a foodie town, with many different international cuisines. You'll see plenty of places near the Meet in the Short North area. We have an area in the northwest part of Columbus with Korean & Japanese places, including Korean fried chicken (CM Chicken) and a Japanese grocery (Tensuke Market) and gift shop. The Refectory is a bit north of there, offering world class French cuisine. In other areas you can find Somalian, Mexican (including Spicy Cup (a bakery) and an ice cream place), pierogies, baklava, etc. You name it. But again, be careful of where you go. This week we had a murder across the street fr Ohio State, an interstate shut down for several hours after a traffic shooting, and a hotel guest shot when a stray bullet came through the wall.

[B-Lister]

I will add that Tensuke Market has a ton of great Japanese restaurants in the vicinity.

I personally recommend Tensuke express.

[Duncan]

I will add that Tensuke Market has a ton of great Japanese restaurants in the vicinity.

I personally recommend Tensuke express.

That strip mall is fun. There's also a bakery and bubble tea in there.

And further northwest you start seeing more Chinese and Indian. My favorite up there is Neehee's vegetarian Indian street food. The food looks absolutely beautiful, and the taste matches.

https://www.neehees.com/

[GaryB]

Columbus native here and avid runner. Highbanks Metro Park is an awesome place to get a good 6 to 8 miler in. Beautiful scenery and not too far from the convention center...20-25 minutes or so. A lot of other great parks too depending on how much spare time you have

[B-Lister]

That strip mall is fun. There's also a bakery and bubble tea in there.

And further northwest you start seeing more Chinese and Indian. My favorite up there is Neehee's vegetarian Indian street food. The food looks absolutely beautiful, and the taste matches.

https://www.neehees.com/

Thanks for recommending Neehees! We always drive past, but were never sure if we should stop and try it!

[Brue]

This August I will definitely be checking out the Ringside Cafe; a boxing-themed restaurant. Burgers named after my favorite fighters like Frazier and Duran.

Also saw there's a statute of Arnold which I'd like to see.

Any other cool stuff to do in Ohio besides just toys shows/stores? Post em here.

The Arnold statue is outside the convention center where Mega Meet is being held - so that will be an easy one. 486 n high (Convention center entrance at Spruce on N. High)

You might be able to go talk to Buster Douglas at Thompson Rec Center. He runs a boxing program there. It is a Columbus Recreation center open to the public. Call ahead to ask when he is around 614 645 3082. Just walk in. Gym is the first door on left. Stop at the desk ahead of you first. He is usually there late afternoon / evenings Tuesday to Thursday. My younger daughter took lessons from him when she was in 4th grade. He (and all the guys there) are A+ people. The videos of Eleanor sparring with him are precious. 1.5 miles north of the convention.

Entrance on Dennison Ave at W Greenwood Ave, Columbus, OH 43201

[Brue]

In Columbus, COSI (science museum) is awesome, as is the Columbus Zoo.

...

-M

COSI is a large science museum - if you have kids 3-11 coming, they would love it. There is an infant and toddler play area too. And while it is aimed at kids, all ages will have things to see, do and learn. it is close by. It isn't cheap. It is the same as many science and industry family museums I have been to across the country. 1 mile walk from the convention. Walk if you can, because parking is not free and will take almost as long to get there.

Whether walking to COSI or just out for a walk - stop at Battelle park on the Olentangy River and walk south to the Scioto Mile. The paved path along the River

The Zoo is top notch but a long way from the convention. it is world class and if animals are your thing, you should do it. not cheap. parking extra. (half hour drive if no traffic)

[Brue]

I'll be checking out some of the running trails around Columbus.

The lower Olentangy trail (https://columbusrecparks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Olentangy-Trail-South-Section.pdf)(shared use paved) head is 1.4 miles from the convention. It goes north 14 miles with half mile 5.75-6.26 on residential streets with one street crossing. I live near mile 6.5 on the trail. The trail does go south of the trail head a few miles as well.

The nicest trails are arguably Highbanks park (https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/highbanks/) 20-25 mins drive north of the city. These are mostly rolling wide dirt trails with some groomed pebble trails.

Besides great running/walking trails at Highbanks, there are Eagles and other wildlife in the park. There are Indian mounds. The nature center is nice and has lots to see and learn (with clean restrooms and AC). Entry and parking free.

here is a map of all the trails (https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/) in and connecting metro parks. also links to all of the metro parks


https://columbusrecparks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Olentangy-Trail-South-Section.pdf
https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/highbanks/
https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/

[Brue]

Scioto Audubon park (https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/scioto-audubon/) is close by and has a nature center (birds of course). It has a dog park if you brought one.

There is an outdoor obstacle course with stuff like you would see in Warrior Dash or other adventure race.

There is an amazing climbing wall park there. It is FREE to use and there are auto belays connected (you would need a harness - you can borrow mine). There are low climbing things and too. Or bring your own climbing gear.

it is a 10 minute drive with free parking. Or a 2 mile walk south (1.6 of it on the shared use trail).

https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/scioto-audubon

[Brue]

the SE corner of Goodale park meets the NW corner of the convention center.


32.5 Acres

All facilities open to public and free to use. (except shelter's if reserved)
Pond (no swimming)
Ball Diamonds
Basketball Court
Gardens
Floral Displays
Gazebo (where Brue got married in 1997)
Picnicking
Playground
Shelterhouse
Open Air Shelter
Tennis Court
Walking Trail

[Brue]

There is a Topiary garden recreating Sunday afternoon on teh ice of the grande behind the Main Library.

A little over 1 mile walk. If you drive, you will probably need to pay to park at a meter or in the library garage.

The Main Library also often has displays and activities (in addition to LOTS of books)

https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/the-topiary-park-columbus-ohio

[Brue]

Morgan Wallen will have concerts at The Shoe on 8/11 & 8/12. You'll want to avoid the OSU campus around then unless you're going to the show.
...


Other than the 11 and 12 OSU campus is a nice place to stroll and visit.

As mention the cartoon museum is there.

Also the Wexner Center modern art gallery Museum is next door FREE. https://wexarts.org/plan-your-visit

The Orton Geological Museum on campus in the 2nd oldest building is a small but amazing little museum along the south side of The Oval. The OSU main library is just west of it with rotating displays. Dale Gnidovec is awesome. He is the Collections Manager & Curator 160A Orton Hall gnidovec.1@osu.edu

parking is limited, towing is rampant on campus. you can park for free at Tuttle Rec center. It borders the north side of the University. Tuttle Park Pl & W Norwich Ave, Columbus, OH 43201

Tuttle has another lot at 240 W Oakland Ave a couple blocks north of that one.

We just built the best Skate board park in Columbus at Tuttle park FREE and open to the public. (I am on the fundraising board there)
There are also Tennis, Basketball and futsal courts.
https://columbusrecparks.com/community-center/tuttle/

[Duncan]

A few last minute suggestions/notes:

- COSI has the King Tut exhibit right now.
- Festival Latino will be downtown on the riverfront on Sat & Sun. It's only 2(?) years old, and I haven't been yet.
- Worthington Farmers Market is a nice traditional farm market on the main street in a suburb just north of Columbus. It's pretty big.
- Lynd's Fruit Farm is about 15 min east of the Columbus outerbelt. Right now they have amazing seasonal produce, including peaches (yellow, white, and white donut) & watermelon. They work with other farms to truck up crops, and their quality control is excellent. Last month they hauled up a load of special watermelons but refused to sell em because they weren't sweet enough.
- Reynoldsburg tomato fest is now thru Sun. I haven't been yet.
- Upper Arlington library has a used book sale, opening Sun at 1 PM to the public. Scanners will have already taken the $$ books by then, but they'll still have a LOT of fiction and kids' books. I think hardcovers are $2. North of here about 10 min are the Tensuke Market, Korean fried chicken, Rita's water ice, etc.

New article on 7 Indian places to try: https://www.dispatch.com/story/entertainment/dining/2023/08/10/7-indian-restaurants-to-try-in-columbus/70531481007/

And seriously - don't drive a Kia or Hyundai to Columbus. If you must, use a Club or similar anti-theft device. And be careful about blowing your horn or flipping people off in traffic. People here overreact to that.