This week, we’re featuring some adventurous and relaxing getaway ideas from the Hocking Hills. Just an hour southeast of Columbus, pairing these two destinations makes for a great summer trip that includes spectacular nature and the pleasures of a big city!

I recently had the chance to try two experienced that were brand-new to me. I will admit, they scared the tar out of me at first, but once I found myself in the moment, I had the most amazing time! I’m talking about rock climbing and rappeling, both with Hocking Hills Adventure Treks (HHAT).

I’ve been hiking in the Hocking Hills many times – I love the scenery – the mossy, green rock formations, the waterfalls, the cliffs and hemlock trees, the wildflowers and ferns. But I never once pictured myself hanging off one of those spectacular cliffs – 100 feet from the ground – dangling next to one of those incredible waterfalls.

Hocking Hills Adventure Treks offers all kinds of guided tours throughout Hocking State Forest, a vast area of wilderness less traveled that the more popular Hocking Hills State Park but no less beautiful. From the gravel parking lot we hiked over a river, through a valley and up into some giant sandstone boulders. HHAT’s naturalists pointed out the incredible bits of beauty all around us, and told us why the Hocking Hills are a place like no other. Awaiting us at a rock shelter was Shawnee storyteller, Ron Haddon, one of the last native Shawnee speakers in Ohio, who told us stories of how his culture viewed the special nature of this place.

Enlivened with a sense of awe and respect for nature, it was time to climb! I’ve never done this before, more than scrambling up some piles of rocks, so the face climb of one of the 40-foot boulders was exhilarating and a bit nerve-wracking. Expert climbing guides ensured I was properly belayed and gave me some tips for scaling the rock. I’ll admit, I made it about 1/2 way up before I ran out of foot- and hand-holds. It’s something I’ll definitely try again.

To cap off the trip, we had the chance to rappel off a cliff, right next to a waterfall. Looking down from the top, I figured this was about a 200-foot drop (I later learned it was more like 100…) Safe and secure in my harness and in control of the speed of my descent, I decide to trust the equipment and slowly lowered myself off the ledge. Slowly. Slowly. Once I got past the lip of the cliff, I was really hanging there – so far above the ground – above the treetops! And the waterfall was just feet away. It was such an incredible adventure I’ll never forget, made even better by Hocking Hills Adventure Trek’s naturalists, guides and storyteller, who made me truly value this amazing, singular place.

The post Climbing and Rappeling the Hocking Hills! appeared first on The Columbus Experience.

This week, we’re featuring some adventurous and relaxing getaway ideas from the Hocking Hills. Just an hour southeast of Columbus, pairing these two destinations makes for a great summer trip that includes spectacular nature and the pleasures of a big city!

The Hocking Hills is a go-to destination when I need a quick reconnection with nature. The scenery, adventures and hiking are incredible, and there is a huge variety of lodging options, from cabins, to campgrounds to inns.

While it’s a little bit of a splurge, Glenlaurel Scottish Inn is such a memorable experience, it’s hard to pass up. After a day zipping through the trees or tearing around on an ATV, Glenlaurel is a restful retreat. The rooms are the definition of  cozy – wherever they can stuff goosedown, they do! Your choices range from staying in the inn itself, a secluded cottage or a traditional Scottish croft.

Glenlaurel boasts on-site restaurant where you may be serenaded by a bagpiper and hear the the poetry of Robert Burns. Such delicacies as rack of lamb and pheasant are sure to leave you sated!

To make the Scottish experience complete, Glenlaurel added an 8-hole links-style golf course last spring! The traditional grass and sand fairways wind through the rolling hills, studded with stone fences and pastures.

In all, Glenlaurel is a great place to wind down from your Hocking Hills adventure! And the perfect jumping off point for the rest of a trip in Columbus!

The post Glenlaurel Scottish Country Inn – A Hocking Hills Retreat appeared first on The Columbus Experience.

This week, we’re featuring some adventurous and relaxing getaway ideas from the Hocking Hills. Just an hour southeast of Columbus, pairing these two destinations makes for a great summer trip that includes spectacular nature and the pleasures of a big city!

If you’ve visited central Ohio in the past few years, you’ve probably been told you HAVE to experience Hocking Hills Canopy Tours (HHCT.) Situated in a beautiful tree- and cliff-filled landscape, HHCT gets your heart pounding from the pure exhilaration of flying through the sky, and the breathtaking scenery. With 10 zip lines and five rope bridges, plus a free-air rappel back to earth, this is an experience to remember. The guides ensure your safety and make you feel comfortable while high above the ground, but also tell you about why the Hocking Hills are such an exceptional natural place.

If you’ve got a need for speed, HHCT has the Super Zip, as well! Once you climb the 75-foot-tall launch tower, you’re attached to the zip cables and can fly “Superman-style” down the line approaching speeds of 50 mph! If you have your wits about you, you’ll notice that you’re flying right over the Hocking River. And the best part is that you don’t even need to worry about slowing down at the end – you’re automatically braked to a smooth stop so you can enjoy every moment of your ride.

Dragonfly is a brand-new attraction created by HHTC, which includes eight zip lines for kids ages 5-12. Kids start their journey with adventure bridges and a tunnel. Young zippers can now enjoy the experience just like adults, as they fly from platform to platform taking in the natural beauty of Hocking Hills. Parents will be happy to know that Dragonfly zip line boasts a “continuous-belay” safety system that is the first of it’s kind in the zip line industry. This system allows children to stay connected to the cable from start to finish safely – no transferring necessary.

So whether you’re 5 or 85, Hocking Hills Canopy Tours has an adventure waiting for you!

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If you’re a frequent reader of this blog, you know that Columbus’ artisan beer, wine and spirits scene has exploded in the past few years. If you’re lucky enough to be in Columbus this Thursday, May 16, you’ve got to come join us and ColumbusUnderground.com at Glass Axis for an all-local tasting event!

The event runs from 5:30-7:30 p.m., and samples will be poured by Brothers Drake Meadery, Camelot Cellars, Middle West Spirits, Rockmill Brewery, Via Vecchia Winery, Watershed Distillery and Wyandotte Winery. Snack on complimentary hors d’oeuvres from Sunny Street Cafe and cake from The End Dessert Co., as well! Admission is $5 for Experience Columbus members and Columbus Underground readers (so go read some articles now…), which gets you 10 drink tickets!

So join us for a celebration of Columbus’ artisans! Get your tickets here. And if you tweet, use #SipCbus

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Columbus is on the rise! This is the final video in our series, which showcases some of the most impressive new attractions and amenities the city will roll out in the near future.

Ron Pizzuti began his collection with a single piece, bought in a local gallery, and paying in installments. Over the years, his collection has grown into one of the 200 finest private collections in the world.

The Pizzuti Collection, home to one of the 200 finest private art collections in the world, will open its doors in the Short North Arts District in fall of 2013! Focusing on contemporary works, the galleries are taking shape in a historic building in the Short North Arts District.

The Pizzuti Collection is just one more reason Columbus needs to be on your must-visit list this year!

The post Coming Attractions: The Pizzuti Collection appeared first on The Columbus Experience.

What if I told you that you could come to Columbus during one of the biggest and best festivals of the year, spend your days browsing the work of artists from around the country, and then tuck into a Heavenly Bed just five minutes from the heart of the action for as little as $99 a night? 

That’s exactly what is on offer at the Westin Great Southern Hotel during the Columbus Arts Festival! The Westin is a AAA four-diamond hotel, an expertly-restored historic property and one of the best locations in the city when you’re spending your days at the Arts Festival on the Columbus riverfront.

The Westin Great Southern boasts a location that’s within walking distance of not only the festival, but the shops, restaurants and parks of German Village, the Brewery District and Downtown.

This offer is valid for nights from June 5 – 10 – so you can extend your stay and explore more of Columbus in comfort and style!

The post Columbus Arts Festival Hotel Deal! appeared first on The Columbus Experience.

This post is written by Claudia Plumley, Marketing Manager for Experience Columbus.

Festival season is my favorite time of the year in Columbus. And being an English major, the Ohioana Book Festival on May 11 is one of my very favorites.

More than 100 Ohio authors will be there this year – all of whom have recently been published. Some are household names, like Columbus Dispatch sportswriter Bob Hunter, who released the aptly titled Saint Woody: The History and Fanaticism of Ohio State Football.

There are lots of chances to meet the authors. A book fair runs all day and all of the authors will participate on panel discussions. Topics range from romance novels and true crime to what a writer’s life is really like. Get your seat early if you want to hear from Arnett Howard talk about his new book, Ohio Jazz: A History of Jazz in the Buckeye State. One of Columbus’ most beloved local musicians, he attracted crowds of literary and music fans last year.

And, if you’re an aspiring author, this is the place to be. There’s a panel discussion on the oh so important topic of how to get published. (It’s not as easy as you might think!)

Of course, if books aren’t your thing – come for the food trucks. Several of Columbus’ most popular trucks will be there all day, including Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, Mikey’s Late Night Slice and The Green Meanie.

The post Attention Literature Lovers – Ohioana Book Festival is May 11 appeared first on The Columbus Experience.

This post is written by Anthony Cordo, Senior Visitor Services Manager for Experience Columbus. You can follow him on Twitter @Anthony_ExpCols

Volunteer With Columbus brings some of Columbus’ best volunteering opportunities to one place: this is some of the most fun volunteering you’ll ever have! Featuring only leisure volunteering opportunities at festivals and events, Volunteer With Columbus is an easy way for you to experience the events that make Columbus fun!

I’ve picked out a few of the volunteering opportunities; check out http://joinuscolumbus.com/volunteer/ to view dozens of others or to register to become a volunteer!

Asian Festival – Dragon Boat Marshall: if you haven’t seen the Dragon Boat races yet, you’re missing out. And you can’t watch from a closer place than dockside helping people enter and exit the boats!

Columbus Arts Festival – Hands-On Art Assistant: this is a really neat opportunity to work under the direction of some of Columbus’ most talented artistic groups to help children and adults complete art projects on-site.

Sail-A-Bration at the Santa Maria – Greeter: welcome people to the awesome fashion show and children’s activities and hand out programs to all of the attendees.

Solebrate! Food & Music Fest – Adult Beverage Server: who hasn’t wanted to be on the other side of the bar? Serve beer and wine redeemed with wristbands.

Red, White & Boom – Parade Section Leader: be a part of the parade and get some great exercise at the same time. This is an awesome way to experience the crowds and the performers from the best location!

Jazz & Rib Fest – Canoe Activity Aide: help attendees get in and out of canoes, and ensure everyone has a fun time at one of the neatest activities at the Jazz & Rib Fest.

The post Locals, Enjoy Columbus Events in a New Way – Volunteer! appeared first on The Columbus Experience.

Did you know Columbus is a huge fashion city? We boast more fashion designers per-capita than any U.S. city outside of New York and Los Angeles. A big part of what makes the fashion scene so strong here is the presence of the Columbus College of Art and Design (CCAD.)

This Saturday (and ONLY this Saturday) head to Easton Town Center to find FORTHMADE, a pop-up shop full of one-of-a-kind, handmade products from more than 50 students, faculty and alumni from various majors.

There will be apparel, accessories, art and some decor available for sale. FORTHMADE will be located on the first floor of the Easton Station Building, near the entrance to the east garage.

So get out, support some up-and-coming local designers and best of all, get yourself some stylish duds that will be unique to you!

The post One-Day Only Local Fashion Pop Up Coming May 4! appeared first on The Columbus Experience.

In 2009 I was introduced to a kindred spirit, Jill Moorhead, Director of Marketing for The Hills Market. We share a passion for helping small, independent, locally owned businesses, our markets are located at opposite ends of the Olentangy River Greenway (aka “the bike path”) and we both like to create events reflective of our respective markets. We brainstormed over coffees at the Cup O’ Joe in Clintonville one summer afternoon, mulling over the possibilities of co-branding an event. We think we came up with a doozy as the first Market to Market Bicycle Adventure was born and launched in October 2009. It has become a semi-annual event with a ride in May and again in October to bookend the casual bike riding season.

The basic premise is this: feed people breakfast at both markets and send them up (or down) the bike path to the market at the opposite end of the trail. Every rider is issued a “passport” and they can get it stamped along the way by organizations stationed along the trail like B1 Bicycles (who also has a tire pump and patch kits in case of emergencies), Friends of the Lower Olentangy Watershed, Wexner Center for the Arts and more. When you arrive at your destination market you are greeted with a drawstring backpack full of discounts and goodies from North Market, The Hills Market and participating organizations. Your passport has a coupon for a free scoop of Jeni’s Ice Creams to reward you for your travel. Both markets have additional activities to entertain you before you trek back to your market of origin: local food tastings, live music, a farmer’s market, a photo booth and more! The round trip is about 26 miles along the winding, lovely and not-too-strenuous Olentangy River Trail.

Always on the lookout for ways to make the ride more entertaining (for us and the participants), in October 2011 we instituted our first theme: Zombies vs. Pirates! Our riders responded so enthusiastically that we have had a new theme for every ride since. May 2012 was “Mustaches and Monocles” (in honor of the Columbus Bicentennial), October 2012 was “Wizard of Oz” replete with Dorothys and Tin Men and bike riding Flying Monkeys. For the May 4 ride we bring you “Clippers and Crew: a Celebration of Spring and Sports in Columbus”! All of our riders are encouraged to grab their favorite local team garb and hit the trail with us!

Market to Market will be held on Sat., May 4. Pre-registration is available online in advance for $20. Very limited registration will be available at the door for $25. Registration includes breakfast, a scoop of Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream (at either location), an event t-shirt and a drawstring backpack filled with goodies and coupons from both locations with up to $50 worth of savings on Ohio foods. Breakfast will be served at both markets from 8- 10 a.m. to allow for riders to eat and set out on the trail at their leisure. Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams will be available at both locations upon ride completion.

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