The Candy Spot has opened its doors at 1611 North High Street, just steps from OSU’s campus. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill candy shop: it’s a candy-lover’s dream, featuring unique sweets from across the U.S. and around the world that you won’t find anywhere else in central Ohio (hello, Dubai chocolate!)

Speaking of chocolate…

Chocolate fans, prepare to get hands-on at the chocolate bar, where you can craft your own custom chocolate creation with all the toppings your heart desires. Whether you’re stocking up on nostalgia-packed favorites or hunting for something entirely new, The Candy Spot promises a sweet adventure for every candy enthusiast.

Next time you’re strolling High Street, pop in—you might just leave with a bag full of happiness (and maybe a sugar buzz or two). You can check out The Candy Spot on Instagram to learn more about the shop, or visit the store for yourself!

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If you were out watching the Perseid meteor shower Tuesday night, you might’ve noticed something strange streaking across the Central Ohio sky—slower than a shooting star, brighter than a plane, and just odd enough to make you say, “Uh… what was that?”

Turns out, we weren’t imagining things.

Weird light in sky
byu/PammyBeasley inColumbus

In a rare bit of spaceflight timing, two different rockets launched within minutes of each other last night, and either could’ve been behind the mysterious glow.

First up was the Vulcan Centaur, United Launch Alliance’s most powerful rocket to date, which lifted off from Cape Canaveral, Florida, at 8:56 p.m.

The mission? Delivering a cutting-edge military navigation satellite capable of resisting jamming in geosynchronous orbit. Thanks to the timing, altitude, and clear skies, the Vulcan’s exhaust plume likely lit up for hundreds of miles, including right here in Columbus.

But just before Vulcan took off, Europe’s Ariane 6 rocket launched from French Guiana at 8:37 p.m., carrying the MetOp-SG A1 weather satellite.

Its path to a polar orbit may also have been visible from parts of the U.S., and skywatchers on Reddit noted the object they saw seemed to move north, which matches Ariane’s trajectory more than Vulcan’s.

So which rocket did we actually see?

The most likely culprit for the especially dramatic glow over Columbus is Vulcan, given its brightness and burn pattern.

But ither way, we got one heck of a free show. No tickets, no travel—just a reminder that sometimes, space history shows up in our own backyard.

Featured image via ULA (Facebook).

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The Ohio Renaissance Festival is one of the best things about fall in Ohio. The festival is a day in the life of a 16th-century English villager, including full-armored jousting, Renaissance musicians, dancers, comedians, jugglers, sword-fighters, storytellers and hundreds of costumed performers entertain patrons.

Is it perfectly historically accurate? Absolutely not. Is it one of the best things you’ll ever do in Ohio? Without a doubt.

In general, walking around the Ohio Renaissance Festival is a good time. But with the recent addition of a 5-acre space, the Whimsy Woods, there’s so much more space to roam. If you’re hoping to get out of the sun and into the shade, this is the area to head, as there are plenty of big old trees and rolling green hills to relax on.

There are artisans, vendors, tons to eat and drink, and plenty of opportunities to feel like you’re really a part of this village.

The Ohio Renaissance Festival is located in Warren County. It’s only about an hour drive from Columbus and as one of the largest renaissance festivals in the country, it can get a little crowded. You’ll probably want to purchase your tickets in advance, and there’s a chance it might sell out, so be sure to check out their website for updates.

You should definitely plan to arrive a little early, as the line to get in can get long. Additionally, you’ll want to have a full day for exploration. If you’d like to save a little money by packing a lunch, you totally can, but it will need to be left in your car.

To leave the park and head back to your vehicle, be sure to grab a hand stamp at the gate so you can come back in.

Wondering how exactly you’ll spend your whole day? We’ve got some suggestions.

Eat a turkey leg

There is, perhaps, no more iconic item of food available at the Renaissance festival than a giant turkey leg. Pro tip: grab yours before the joust begins, because afterward, the line will be very, very long.

Go on a medieval pub crawl

When your whole party has made it through the front gates, kick things off by visiting the various drinking establishments around the village. You don’t have to take my advice on the pub crawl order, but I can’t recommend ending the night at the Fool’s Tavern enough. It’s a swell atmosphere and you’ll 100% feel like a character in a movie.

Practice your archery skills

If you’ve ever wondered if you’ve got what it takes to join Robin Hood’s merry men, head to the games area and try a little archery. The instructors are helpful and they stay in character the whole time, which just adds to the experience.

Watch an actual joust

Okay so I mentioned the joust before, but we didn’t go into detail. This isn’t some choreographed pretend joust. This is real people on real horses, charging at each other with actual lances. You can pay a little extra to sit with the queen, but I personally enjoyed slumming it with my fellow commoners.

Heckle Queen Elizabeth

Okay so full disclosure, I don’t actually know what would happen if you heckle the queen. But she does walk through the park with her massive entourage throughout the festival, so it wouldn’t be hard to find out!

Climb to the top of the 25-foot Castle Tower

If archery isn’t your thing, maybe scaling a tower is! You can definitely give it a shot on the 25-foot castle tower climb. Or if like me you feel a little spooked by heights, you can cheer on any of your brave companions from the safety of the ground.

Drink things out of a horn

There are lots of vendors selling lots of things, but if you only buy one thing at the festival, let it be a hollowed-out horn. You can buy them for drinking or blowing, or a combo of both, and there’s just something about drinking beer out of one of these things that elevates the whole Renaissance festival experience.

Enjoy some live music

There is live music everywhere throughout the village. Just follow the sounds of bagpipes or drums and see where they take you.

Do a little shopping

One thing I definitely wasn’t prepared for on my first visit was just how much money I would want to spend. Don’t get me wrong, if you’re going on a budget you can have a fantastic time pretty cheaply. But if you’ve got some cash burning a hole in your satchel, you will be pleasantly surprised. From armor and cloaks to weapons and jewelry, you can find so many amazing souvenirs at the various vendors throughout the village.

Warm up with a spiced mead

The festival is open through late October, which can definitely get a little chilly. I’m convinced that there is no better way to warm yourself up than by partaking in a cup (or two) of spiced mead. Truly, you’ll feel warm and fuzzy almost immediately.

The Ohio Renaissance Festival opens August 31. To start planning your trip, please visit www.renfestival.com.

The post The 10 Best Things To Do At The Ohio Renaissance Festival appeared first on Columbus Navigator.

According to the Ohio Department of Health, infection rates in mosquitoes haven’t hit numbers like this since 2012, and the latest mosquito trap maps from Columbus Public Health show red dots, indicating positive tests, scattered more widely than usual across the city.

Health Commissioner Dr. Mysheika Roberts says the wet summer is a big reason why.

“We’ve had a rainy season with multiple days of rain, and so it’s an important reminder to everyone that they should do everything they can on their property to get rid of standing water,” she told NBC4.

Even a few tablespoons can become a breeding ground, and within a week, you’ve got a new generation of buzzing, biting neighbors.

This week, CPH set out another round of traps to test mosquito pools across the city.

So far, there’s only been one confirmed human case of West Nile in Columbus this year, plus another in northwest Ohio. While most people bitten by an infected mosquito won’t develop symptoms, the virus can be more serious for people over 50 and those with weakened immune systems.

The best way to lower your risk?

Keep mosquitoes from setting up shop in your yard: empty buckets, bird baths, clogged gutters, and kiddie pools regularly; keep screens in good repair; and wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothes when outside, and use bug spray.

This isn’t a “panic and lock yourself inside” kind of situation. We all just need to be a little more diligent, especially at dusk and dawn, to keep ourselves safe!

You can view all of the data regarding the West Nile Virus updates here in Franklin County at mosquito.myfcph.org.

Featured image by National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases on Unsplash.

The post Mosquitoes With West Nile Are (Unfortunately) Thriving In Columbus appeared first on Columbus Navigator.

The beloved Grandview spot, which announced its closure just a few months ago after 32 years in business, is officially reopening on August 20.

Originally, owners Harry and Rosemarie planned to retire and hand over the reins to Arthur Treacher’s, keeping the same staff and spirit alive. It would have been a big deal for the Ohio-based fish and chips spot, which hasn’t had a Columbus location in decades.

But as Marino’s shared on Facebook, “sometimes things just don’t work out.” The Treacher’s deal fell through, and now the original crew is back, ready to serve the same fried-to-perfection seafood fans have loved for decades.

For longtime customers, it’s a twist ending nobody saw coming — and a very delicious one at that. So mark your calendar, tell your friends, and get ready to welcome Marino’s back the best way possible: with a plate piled high with fish and chips.

The post This Beloved Seafood Spot Isn’t Closing After All appeared first on Columbus Navigator.

The Sells Family Origins

Our story begins with Ludwig Sells, a German immigrant who settled his family in Ohio in 1801. Ludwig’s grandsons, Ephraim, Allen, Lewis, and Peter, would later become the masterminds behind the Sells Brothers Circus. After serving in the American Civil War, the brothers found themselves in the auction business, where they often followed circus troupes to take advantage of the large crowds.

The Birth of the Sells Brothers Circus

Growing the Show

Sellsville: The Circus Headquarters

The Wild West Show and International Adventures

The Circus at Its Peak

The Final Curtain

Columbus’s Circus Legacy

The post Columbus Was Once The Circus Capital Of The Midwest appeared first on Columbus Navigator.

At 26 stories tall and nearly 2 million square feet, this new tower is designed with patients and families front and center, blending top-tier medical tech with thoughtful spaces that actually feel welcoming.

Inside, 820 private patient rooms offer plenty of space for visitors, high-tech entertainment, and telehealth tools that bring doctors and specialists closer than ever. Huge 9-foot windows flood rooms with natural light, because science shows that sunshine speeds healing. Laboring moms will appreciate quick elevator access to the state-of-the-art maternity floor, while quiet hallways and nearby staff workspaces mean less noise and faster care.

But it’s not just about the patient rooms.

The tower includes peaceful reflection areas and multi-faith spaces to support emotional healing. With 234 ICU beds, 50 elevators, and all the latest smart tech like digital room signs and smart beds, this tower is built to handle Central Ohio’s booming population, which is expected to hit 3 million by 2050.

John Warner, CEO of Ohio State Wexner Medical Center, says every inch of the tower was designed by asking, “How can we make this the best place for patients and families?” It’s a bold step forward in a city that’s growing fast and hungry for innovation in health care.

The post Ohio State’s Massive Hospital Tower Nears Completion appeared first on Columbus Navigator.

Homes in these “hottest ZIPs” typically get 3 to 5 times more online views than average and sell 30 to 40 days faster than the typical U.S. listing—and Bexley is holding its own with the best of them.

This isn’t the first time Columbus-area real estate has gotten national attention. In fact, Columbus has made the Hottest ZIPs list every year since 2017. While we held the number one spot in 2023, we’ve since dropped to number 10—but in a slow national housing market, even staying in the top 10 is a major win.

Bexley’s draw is no mystery.

With tree-lined streets, historic homes, and a quick drive to Downtown, it nails that rare mix of small-town charm and city convenience. The top-rated schools, walkable neighborhoods, and lively local shops and restaurants make it a dream for families and anyone craving a true sense of community.

Ohio is one of the only states with two ZIP codes in the top 10—Strongsville, near Cleveland, came in at number 2 this year.

According to Realtor.com, that’s pretty rare, and it shows just how much people are paying attention to Ohio’s housing market. Nationwide, most of this year’s top ZIPs are repeats from the past few years, which is a sign of how competitive these markets have stayed despite rising mortgage rates and limited inventory.

For Bexley, landing in the top 10 is just another reminder that Central Ohio continues to be one of the most competitive housing markets in the country. If you’ve been dreaming about a move here, you might want to start looking now… before everyone else beats you to it.

Featured image via City of Bexley (Facebook).

The post This Columbus Suburb Is One Of The Hottest Housing Markets In America appeared first on Columbus Navigator.

Farmer Tim spent the summer quietly planting a 13-acre maze with a secret message hidden in the rows: “Caroline, Will You Marry Me?” As the corn grew tall, so did the surprise. When Tim finally revealed the view from above to his girlfriend Caroline, she said yes.

“I wanted to do something big, something she’d never forget,” Tim told ABC6. “Seeing her face when she realized what it said… I’ll never forget that moment.”

The farm also shared their excitement for the engagement on social media.

“This year’s 13-acre maze was planted by our very own farmer Tim as a surprise marriage proposal to his now-fiancée, Caroline — and she said YES!,” they shared on Facebook. “We can’t wait to share their love story (and this one-of-a-kind maze) with all of you this fall at Circle S Farms.”

The couple kept their engagement under wraps until now, but come September, everyone can share in the magic. Visitors will be able to explore the one-of-a-kind maze when Circle S Farms kicks off its fall season, complete with pumpkins, hayrides, cider, and love.

The post A Grove City Farmer Hid A Marriage Proposal In An Adorable Corn Maze appeared first on Columbus Navigator.

The free, family-friendly event is all about celebrating the creativity and leadership of women and girls through performances, workshops, and interactive activities. This year’s headliner is Detroit Diamond, star of Netflix’s Rhythm + Flow, joined by an incredible lineup including Cincinnati Rope Twisters, Starlit Ways, Kelo, Gabrielle Solange, Ballet Folklorico, Priscilla Woodson, and more.

Festival-goers can expect a full day of entertainment and engagement.

There will be food trucks, live art, children’s activities, raffles, and community partner booths. There will even be a Lunch & Learn workshop hosted by Ruling Our eXperiences, plus wellness activities to round out the day.

“This festival is more than a celebration—it’s a movement,” said Dr. Elaine Richardson, Director of the Columbus Women & Girls’ Fest. “We are committed to uplifting women and girls through arts, culture, education, and entrepreneurship. This year’s festival continues our mission to create safe, affirming spaces where young voices are empowered and community thrives.”

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The event also serves as the finale for the Empowering Young Voices Summer Program.

The Columbus Women & Girls’ Fest is made possible with support from a long list of local organizations, including the City of Columbus Department of Neighborhoods, Greater Columbus Arts Council, and The Women’s Fund of Central Ohio.

Admission is free, and everyone is welcome to join the celebration. You can learn more about the festival by following #CbusWGFest on social media.

The post Columbus Women & Girls’ Fest Returns Aug. 23 With Music, Art, And Community appeared first on Columbus Navigator.