The cravings are real, but restaurant meals can start to feel like a splurge. A new program from Columbus Independents is offering a way to stretch your dining budget while still showing love to locally owned restaurants across Central Ohio.

The organization has launched a discounted gift certificate sale that gives diners 30% off at participating restaurants. Gift certificates are available in $25 and $50 increments and are valid for five years, so there’s plenty of time to use them. Whether you’re planning a date night, a long brunch with friends, or just want a reason to leave the house, these certificates make it a little easier to say yes.

Columbus Independents represents a wide mix of locally owned spots, and the gift certificate program reflects that variety. The participating restaurants range from casual neighborhood favorites and brunch staples to breweries, bakeries, and higher-end dining destinations. You’ll find places scattered throughout Columbus as well as in Dublin, Westerville, and Powell, covering just about every mood and appetite.

How Does It Work?

The gift certificate sales will run quarterly, with limited quantities available each time. Restaurants choose how many certificates to offer per sale, and the proceeds help cover their membership dues to the organization.

The model is inspired by a similar program that has worked well for Cleveland Independents, offering a practical way to support local restaurants during slower seasons.

For diners, the appeal is simple.

You save money now, lock in meals for later, and get an easy excuse to revisit favorite spots or finally check out somewhere new. For restaurants, it’s a chance to bring people through the door and stay connected to a network that advocates for independent businesses.

Gift certificates are available through the Columbus Independents website, where you can browse the full list of participating restaurants and purchase directly. Quantities are limited, so some restaurants may sell out quickly.

Whether you treat them as future dinner plans, easy gifts, or a reminder to explore more of the local food scene, the program is a small but meaningful way to keep Columbus dining vibrant through the winter months and beyond.

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Did you know that Columbus, Ohio was once home to four different amusement parks? The parks of yore had swimming pools that could hold 5,000 people at the same time, state-of-the-art thrill rides that made people squeal with glee, men and women jitterbugging in dance pavilions for hours, roller coasters, and so much more.

Can’t imagine it? Well, you can read about the amusement parks of Columbus’ past and see the pictures below.

Minerva Amusement Park

Minerva Amusement Park opened in the summer of 1895 and was the first amusement park in Franklin County. The park had a zoological garden, an ornithological museum, the Scenic Railway roller coaster, and even a water slide. Minerva Amusement Park’s original dance hall burned down in 1896, and a casino took its place. Weirdly, the casino wasn’t a place to gamble, but a place to enjoy vaudeville acts, orchestral performances, and other high-class entertainment.

The park was forced to close its gates in 1902 because Minerva Amusement Park could not compete with the popularity of Olentangy Park. The new park was much closer to downtown and was easier for the general public to get to. The Village of Minerva Park pays tribute to Franklin County’s first amusement park by taking its name.

Olentangy Park

Speaking of Olentangy Park… the amusement park was first opened in 1899. It was run by the Dusenbury Brothers who wanted their park to be a family-friendly place to visit. Olentangy Park was a sight to be seen and featured a beautiful theater, a Loop-the-Loop ride, a Shoot-the-Chutes ride, Ferris wheels, and many other thrills in the 44 years it was open. In its heyday, Olentangy Park was the largest amusement park in the country.

Daily visitors started to dwindle during the Great Depression. Many amusement parks across the nation were forced shut down and Olentangy Park was no exception. The park finally closed in 1938 and its rides were sold to various other parks. Today, the Olentangy Village apartment complex is located where the amusement park stood. Though Olentangy Park may be long gone, you can still ride its whimsical carousel at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.

Indianola Park

Opened in 1905, Indianola Park was in the heart of the University District. It stretched from 18th Avenue to Norwich Avenue and 4th Street to Big Four Street–a total of 30 acres. Not only did this amusement park have numerous rides and coasters, but it also boasted a huge swimming pool, a dance hall, and later, a stage for touring music groups to perform. The park was extremely popular and it wasn’t uncommon for thousands of Columbusites to go for a dip in the pool in a single day.

The park was closed in 1937 due to hard financial times, yet another victim of the Great Depression. 11 years later the property got a second chance at life and the Indianola Park Shopping Center was built.

Norwood Amusement Park

This popular destination in Bexley, at the corner of Alum Creek Drive and E. Livingston Ave., had over 20 attractions. Norwood had multiple kids’ rides, a small Ferris wheel, a swimming pool, and other rotating exhibits.

The park was open until the late 1950s and was the last remaining amusement park in the Columbus area. Norwood was reportedly torn down to make way for the I-70 ramp off of Alum Creek Drive. Today, the space where the park once stood is known as Pump House Park.

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This 1860s limestone beauty has been standing strong for over 160 years, and now, you can stay in a piece of history—all while enjoying modern comforts like a fully renovated kitchen and enough space for your entire crew.

A Historic Gem with Modern Perks

West Manor has been standing on Kelleys Island since the 1860s, and over the years, it’s seen some fascinating characters pass through its limestone walls. The house was originally built by Paul and Franceca Kromer, early settlers who bought the land from George Kelley (yes, that Kelley). In 1867, it was sold to Uriah “Uri” Ward, an Ohio legislator who later returned to the island to farm and grow vineyards—because politics and wine have always gone hand in hand.

Fast-forward to the 1940s, when Lester and Henrietta Beatty turned the parlor into a tea room, adding a touch of mid-century charm. Then, in 1980, Gerald West took over, meticulously restoring the house to its 19th-century beauty. The current owners, who bought the home in 2020, have continued the tradition of preserving history while adding modern comforts, making West Manor a one-of-a-kind getaway that blends past and present effortlessly.

The Magic of Kelleys Island

Kelleys Island itself is an adventure waiting to happen. Located in Lake Erie, this little slice of paradise is known for its natural beauty, rich history, and laid-back vibe. Once a hub for limestone quarrying and winemaking, the island now draws visitors looking to escape the daily grind.

MORE LIKE THIS: 7 Fun Things To Do On A Weekend Getaway To Kelleys Island

One of the island’s must-see attractions is the Glacial Grooves, a jaw-dropping natural wonder left behind by glaciers thousands of years ago. If you’re into hiking, Kelleys Island State Park offers scenic trails that lead to stunning lake views. History buffs will love exploring the Inscription Rock petroglyphs, an ancient slice of Indigenous history etched into the island’s limestone.

What to Do While You’re There

Once you’ve settled into West Manor, it’s time to explore. Here’s how to make the most of your island getaway:

• Rent a golf cart: It’s the preferred mode of transportation on the island, and honestly, it just makes everything more fun.
• Hit the beach: The public sand beach is less than a mile away, making it the perfect spot to soak up the sun.
• Sip local wine: Kelleys Island Wine Co. and Monarch Winery are both worth a visit.
• Try a classic island fish fry: The village’s local spots serve up some of the best Lake Erie perch you’ll ever taste.
• Go on a kayak adventure: Paddle around the island for a whole new perspective of its stunning shoreline.
• Catch an epic sunset: The island’s west side has some unbeatable sunset views, so grab a drink and enjoy nature’s nightly show.

Ready To Book Your Stay?

The post This 1860s Kelleys Island Manor Is The Perfect Weekend Getaway appeared first on Columbus Navigator.

From Italy to the American Dream

Ettore Boiardi was born in Piacenza, Italy, in 1897. By age 11, he was already working in a local restaurant called La Croce Bianca, peeling potatoes and taking out the trash instead of spending his days playing outside.

That early start set him on a path that would eventually bring him across the Atlantic and into American kitchens.

A Culinary Star Is Born

By 16, Boiardi had followed his brother to New York City and landed a job in the kitchen at the Plaza Hotel. He worked his way up to head chef and later cooked for 2,001 World War I soldiers at a White House banquet hosted by President Woodrow Wilson.

His big break came in 1924, when he opened Il Giardino d’Italia in Cleveland. The restaurant quickly became popular, and customers loved his spaghetti sauce so much that he started bottling it for them to take home.

The Birth of a Brand

As word spread, demand for the sauce grew beyond what the restaurant could handle. With help from grocery store owners Maurice and Eva Weiner, Boiardi began canning it for wider sale, marking the beginning of the Chef Boyardee brand.

The name “Chef Boyardee” came about because many Americans struggled to pronounce “Boiardi.” His canned meals, including an early spaghetti kit, quickly became staples in households across the country.

A Legacy Beyond the Kitchen

During World War II, Boiardi’s company produced food for U.S. troops, earning him a Gold Star from the United States War Department. Despite his success, family disputes and financial challenges eventually led to the sale of the brand.

Even after selling it, Boiardi continued appearing in advertisements well into the 1970s.

An Ohioan at Heart

Ettore Boiardi died in 1985 in Parma, Ohio, and is buried at All Souls Cemetery in Chardon Township. It’s an unexpected detail for someone most people know from a pantry shelf, but it’s part of what makes his story so tied to this state.

Ettore Boiardi was not just a character on a label but a culinary pioneer whose legacy is still enjoyed by millions today.

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This museum is a treasure trove of African American history and culture, showcasing powerful exhibits that explore Black heritage, artistic expression, and social justice.

Since its opening in 1988, NAAMCC has been home to one of the largest collections of African American artifacts in the country. With over 9,000 artifacts, 350 manuscript collections, and thousands of photographs, the museum preserves and shares stories that span centuries.

Highlights include Alex Haley’s typewriter and final draft of Roots, a Buffalo Soldier’s buffalo hide coat, Gregory Hines’s tap shoes, and an incredible collection of Black dolls, including the recently donated Lillian Bartok Collection.

Must-See Exhibits

There’s no shortage of engaging exhibitions to check out this year:

Trailblazers of Innovation: African American Inventors Who Changed America (now open) – This new permanent exhibit spotlights lesser-known African American inventors whose groundbreaking innovations transformed fire safety, refrigeration, lighting, water management, and more. Developed in collaboration with Wright State University Public History graduate students and NAAMCC curatorial staff, the exhibit celebrates the enduring impact of Black innovation on everyday life.

African Art: Form, Function, and Fraught Histories – Drawing from the museum’s extensive African Art collection, this exhibit explores how African art has shaped global aesthetics while addressing modern conversations around cultural appropriation, representation, and repatriation.

African Americans Fighting for a Double Victory – A powerful look at African American service during World War II, featuring stories of the Tuskegee Airmen, the Red Ball Express, the Triple Nickels, Wilberforce-area veterans, and the civil rights advancements sparked by Black military service.

Queens of the Heartland – Part of the Ohio History Connection and NAAMCC Women’s Suffrage Centennial celebration, this exhibit honors 30 African American women from Ohio who played vital roles in the Suffrage and Civil Rights Movements, with portraits by New York artist Nichole Washington.

Rhythm of Revolution: The Transformative Power of Black Art (1619–Present) – This sweeping exhibition traces Black artistic, cultural, social, and political movements from 1619 to today, highlighting how artists, activists, and faith leaders shaped Ohio and the nation through creative expression.

Plan Your Visit

The museum is open Wednesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and the average visit takes at least an hour—though you’ll probably want to stay longer. Admission details and nearby attractions can be found on the Ohio History Connection website. Whether you’re a history buff, an art lover, or just looking to expand your perspective, NAAMCC offers an unforgettable experience.

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Wilberforce itself holds a unique place in African American history, with Wilberforce University being the nation’s oldest private historically Black university. Pairing a museum visit with a tour of the area makes for an afternoon well spent diving into history.

So, if you’re in the mood for a meaningful cultural outing, add the National Afro-American Museum & Cultural Center to your list. It’s a must-visit destination that brings history to life and honors the profound contributions of African Americans to our nation’s story.

The museum is located at 1350 Brush Row Rd, Wilberforce, OH 45384. For more info, you can visit ohiohistory.org.

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As of the afternoon of Jan. 29, there were over 50 active water main breaks reported across Columbus and nearby communities, following days of bitter cold and the aftermath of winter storm Fern. The ruptured lines have turned roadways into sheets of ice, trapped vehicles in place, and created dangerous conditions for pedestrians and drivers alike.

According to the City of Columbus, extreme and prolonged cold is the main culprit. Mayor Andrew Ginther said, “A lot of these water main breaks happen when there’s extreme fluctuations in temperature or when it is extremely low for an extended period of time,” according to the Dispatch. He added that with frigid temperatures expected to continue, the city anticipates more breaks in the days ahead.

Neighborhoods feeling the impact

Water main breaks have been reported across much of central Ohio, affecting Columbus neighborhoods as well as Whitehall, Dublin, Grove City, Upper Arlington, Worthington, Hilliard, and Mifflin Township. Streets from North Linden to the Near East Side, from German Village to the Northwest Side, have seen flooding and ice buildup.

In many cases, flowing water has frozen faster than crews can clear it, leaving thick layers of ice that make streets impassable.

A prolonged problem in German Village

One of the most difficult situations has been unfolding in German Village, near Brust Street and East Sycamore Street. Residents say water has been flowing continuously, freezing over and refreezing, despite multiple reports to the city.

German Village resident Michael Rourke said the issue has persisted for about a month. “At least a dozen times, if not more… and they’ve responded, come out and looked at it, they even dug a hole out here, but they never stopped the water,” Rourke told 10TV.

The ice buildup has created hazardous conditions and secondary flooding concerns. “It’s spilling into our neighbors… below their basement but getting in their sump pumps so all the sudden you’ll start having a geyser of water come out and then it’ll flow for 15 minutes of just rapid water, so it just keeps building back up,” Rourke said.

Several vehicles have been stuck in the ice for days, and at least one towing company reportedly declined to attempt a rescue due to the conditions.

City officials say a leak in the area was repaired last week, but ongoing testing has not indicated that the continued water flow is coming from a city-owned water line. Department of Public Service crews have been working to break up and remove ice, though conditions remain dangerous.

Why repairs are taking time

City crews are working around the clock, but repairs are slow-going. Columbus Water & Power spokesperson George Zonders told the Dispatch that the city has seven repair crews, along with contractors, addressing active breaks. On Jan. 28, each city crew repaired about one leak per day.

Winter weather complicates the process. Ice buildup makes streets inaccessible, while extremely low temperatures reduce the effectiveness of de-icing chemicals. “It is challenging because we have snow warriors and others getting snow off of roadways, but when you have these water main breaks, you have an exceptional amount of ice that makes some of these roads not passable,” Ginther told the Dispatch.

The Department of Public Service has also reported equipment issues caused by the cold, including salt freezing inside trucks and requiring time to thaw.

How to report a water main break

City leaders are urging residents to report suspected water main breaks as soon as possible. Signs can include water bubbling up through pavement, unexplained ice buildup, reduced water pressure, or the sound of running water underground.

Residents can report issues by:

• Calling 311 or 614-645-3111 (weekdays, 7 a.m.–6 p.m.)
• Calling 614-645-7788 after hours or on weekends
• Emailing 311@columbus.gov
• Using the Columbus 311 mobile app or visiting columbus.gov

As temperatures remain below freezing, officials warn that water main breaks will likely continue to pop up across the region. For now, residents are encouraged to avoid icy streets when possible and to report problems quickly to help crews respond as efficiently as conditions allow.

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The locally founded coworking and community brand has finalized a private-public partnership with the City of Dublin to bring Riverview Village to life, a nearly two-acre innovation district along the Scioto River, just west of Bridge Park and steps from the Dublin Link. The goal? Turn a long-anticipated stretch of riverfront into a walkable, buzzing hub for entrepreneurs, small businesses, nonprofits, and the community at large.

The project has been in the works since 2023, with the partnership officially completed in December. Construction is expected to wrap up in the next 18 to 24 months.

“This is our biggest initiative to date,” said COhatch CEO and co-founder Matt Davis. “We are creating the future of work and life, a place where thousands of entrepreneurs, innovators, and small business owners can live their best lives in the communities they love.”

Riverview Village will sit on the west bank of the Scioto River and blend historic buildings with new development. Plans include a new 14,000-square-foot COhatch headquarters featuring private offices, coworking space, meeting rooms, and an event space that can host more than 100 people.

Three turn-of-the-century homes will be fully restored and used for work retreats, complete with outdoor patios designed for brainstorming, dining, and connecting.

But this won’t just be a Monday-through-Friday workspace. Evenings and weekends will transform the area into a community gathering spot, with art festivals, family events, street markets, startup showcases, and speaker series open to the public.

Food and drink will also play a big role.

North High Brewing’s historic 1890 farmhouse location will be refreshed as part of the development, and a brand-new riverfront restaurant, bar, and café called Reds is planned. Reds will be led by a world-class chef and managed by COhatch’s newly formed Lifestyle Group.

Another standout piece of the project is how it’s handling tax incentives. Riverview Village will offer special incentives specifically designed for small businesses, and COhatch plans to pass those benefits directly on to its members, rather than keeping them at the developer level.

“Riverview Village represents a highly connected environment for innovation and entrepreneurship,” said Dublin City Manager Megan O’Callaghan. “It reflects Dublin’s vision as a sustainable, connected, and resilient city of choice.”

The site will also connect directly to future green space at Riverside Crossing Park West, with public decks, patios, and river overlooks designed for lingering, relaxing, and soaking up the view.

Beyond bricks and mortar, COhatch says the project aligns closely with its broader mission. Through its GIVE Scholarship and Boost Scholarship programs, the company already provides coworking access and resources to nonprofits and startups across the region, and Riverview Village is expected to expand that impact even further.

The post A New Riverfront Innovation District Is Headed To Historic Dublin appeared first on Columbus Navigator.

Pickleball is officially making its way downtown. Eight brand-new public pickleball courts are slated to open this summer on the Scioto Peninsula, right across from COSI and next to One at the Peninsula at 344 W. Town St.

The courts are being built on a currently vacant lot at the corner of Town and Belle streets and will be open to everyone, not just nearby residents. Once they open, they’ll operate on a first-come, first-served basis and be available daily, making them an easy option for casual games, spontaneous meetups, or finally learning what the scoring rules actually are.

The project comes from Downtown Columbus, Inc., which has been leading the larger redevelopment of the Scioto Peninsula. While the site is still earmarked for future development, the pickleball courts are considered a temporary use of the space.

Pickleball’s popularity has exploded in recent years, and Columbus has leaned into it in a big way.

Through Columbus Recreation and Parks alone, there are 118 pickleball courts spread across 35 locations throughout the city. That includes 60 indoor courts and 58 outdoor courts, with three dedicated pickleball courts at Marion Franklin Park. Odds are very good there’s already a court near you, and now downtown is getting in on the action too.

These new courts also fit right into what the Scioto Peninsula is becoming. Phase One of the area’s redevelopment is already complete and includes apartments, office space, the Junto Hotel, and a large parking garage. More is on the way in 2026, including additional residential and mixed-use buildings. In the meantime, the pickleball courts add another reason to spend time along the river and make downtown feel a little more playful.

Whether you’re a seasoned pickleball regular or just pickleball-curious, having public courts in such a central, scenic spot is a big win. This summer, downtown Columbus won’t just be for walking, biking, and river views. It’ll also be for arguing about line calls and squeezing in one more game before sunset.

Featured image by Aleksander Saks on Unsplash.

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This wasn’t some Fast and the Furious-style illegal street race; it was the Columbus 500. The first race was held in 1985 on a 2.65-mile course through the heart of downtown.

City crews spent weeks preparing the streets of Columbus for the race. Roughly 40 cars competed in the race, which zoomed through the Arena District and surrounding areas in front of thousands of fans.

It’s hard to imagine the incredible sounds of race cars flying through the streets at speeds of 170 mph, but the $2 earplugs that were sold as souvenirs paint a louder picture.

The race saw some of the most celebrated race car drivers compete, including John Andretti, Bobby Rahal, and Brad Wollek.

The prize for the initial race was $125,000, and the event not only brought racing fans but also several businesses and visitors to the city for the weekend.

Race headquarters was located at Veteran’s Memorial, while downtown hotels like the Hyatt on Capitol Square and The Red Roof Inn prepared to host the fans and drivers alike.

In the late 1980s, Columbus Mayor Buck Rinehart had undertaken a series of brash projects. While some have since been applauded as a necessary development to help elevate Columbus from cowtown to metropolitan city, mistakes were certainly made, including the unapproved demolition of the facade of the historic Ohio Penitentiary on Spring Street.

Although the Columbus 500 races were popular, drawing tens of thousands of fans, financial problems plagued the race. After the final race in 1988, Columbus City Council declined a $250,000 bailout for the race and the whole ordeal folded.

Racing fans in the city will also know that many fantastic races took place at Columbus Motor Speedway, which was open from 1946-2016. But nothing has quite captured the magic and exhilaration of the downtown course.

While I can’t imagine a race like this retaking the streets of Columbus again, it is incredibly fun to imagine. Where would the course be these days? And how many fans would the event draw? For now, we’ll have to keep wondering.

Interested in the finer details of the Columbus 500? Check out this original program sent out by Columbus 500 Executive Director Alan Wilson.

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Netflix’s Love Is Blind is officially coming to the Buckeye State for Season 10, and yes, that means people from Columbus, Cincinnati, Cleveland, and everywhere in between are about to fall in love through a wall while the rest of us watch from our couches with takeout and opinions. The new season drops Feb. 11, which is plenty of time to emotionally prepare yourself for engagements that feel way too fast and breakups that feel way too personal.

If you’re new here, Love Is Blind is the reality dating experiment where singles date, get engaged, and say “I love you” without ever seeing each other. Faces come later. Feelings come immediately. Chaos follows shortly after. Somehow, it works just often enough to keep us coming back.

Season 10 is a milestone season and the producers went big by bringing the pods to Ohio.

The cast includes 32 singles ranging from ages 28 to 38, with jobs that span doctors, professors, finance guys, real estate agents, a retired pro soccer player, and a former Cleveland Cavaliers dancer. It is giving LinkedIn meets group therapy meets speed dating.

And yes, there is a very Ohio-specific energy running through this cast. There are strong feelings about family, dogs, faith, and sports. Grandpa’s Cheesebarn gets a sincere shoutout. Someone is deeply committed to late-night vacuuming. Multiple people are looking for a partner who will go to church, watch reality TV marathons, or tolerate singing to pets first thing in the morning. This is not a coastal cast pretending they are chill. These people are earnest, specific, and fully ready to overshare.

Astrology fans, you are also going to eat this season up.

Pisces men are everywhere, which means feelings will be felt. Deeply. There are plenty of Aries women who know exactly what they want and are not interested in pretending otherwise. Virgo perfectionists, Sagittarius adventurers, and Taurus loyalty tests are all accounted for. If zodiac discourse is your love language, clear your schedule.

What makes this season especially fun is how familiar it all feels. These are people who complain about dating in Ohio, talk about being tired of the apps, and want something real without having to move to a different state to find it. Several cast members openly admit the local dating scene has not been kind to them, which makes the pods feel less like a gimmick and more like a last, slightly unhinged resort.

Of course, it would not be Love Is Blind without a few red flags waving proudly in the background.

There are firm stances against baby voices, flip-flops, poor communication, and chewing with your mouth open. Some contestants are fresh off long relationships. Others have been single for nearly a decade. A few are hoping this experiment magically fixes patterns they are fully aware they have. This is the good stuff.

The season also leans hard into themes of commitment and vulnerability. Many contestants talk openly about wanting marriage, kids, and stability. Others are wrestling with fears around opening up, losing independence, or getting hurt again. It is less influencer-coded and more “I have done some thinking and I am tired.”

Nick and Vanessa Lachey are back as hosts, gently nudging people toward life-altering decisions while maintaining strong “cool aunt and uncle” energy. The pods open Feb. 11 with the first six episodes dropping at once, so plan accordingly. The finale airs March 4, which gives us just enough time to pick favorites, argue about them online, and inevitably be disappointed by at least one man who seemed promising at first.

Will love be blind in Ohio? Hard to say.

But will it be emotional, awkward, occasionally cringey, and extremely entertaining? Absolutely.

Charge your devices, stock up on snacks, and prepare to yell “why would you say that” at your TV. Columbus, your group chat is about to be very busy.

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