Grumpy’s Coffee Garage, set to open in late Fall 2025 at 5210 Groveport Road, is turning heads not just with its coffee but with the story of the space itself. Longtime locals will remember the building as home to Grumpy’s, a custom motorcycle shop. Now it is being transformed into a modern neighborhood coffeehouse while holding onto pieces of its past.

The renovation has been moving at full speed, with updates like a new drive-thru window and freshly roughed-in HVAC and electrical systems.

One detail that stands out is the care given to preserving history.

One of the original light posts from the motorcycle shop has been restored rather than replaced, thanks to the collaboration between Grumpy’s and Shyft Collective.

Inside, guests can expect an industrial garage aesthetic that nods to the building’s former life, paired with the warmth and comfort of a space made for coffee lovers. The menu will feature freshly baked cinnamon rolls, breakfast sandwiches, gluten-free options, and other baked goods. Every item will be made from scratch and delivered fresh daily.

Coffee at Grumpy’s Coffee Garage will be roasted by Roosevelt Coffee of Columbus.

Roosevelt is a company known not only for its high-quality beans but also for its commitment to social impact. Every cup promises flavor, consistency, and the satisfaction of supporting a business with a mission.

With its combination of local history, carefully crafted menu, and community-minded coffee, Grumpy’s Coffee Garage is shaping up to be more than a place to grab a morning latte. It is becoming a new Obetz tradition, one that honors the past while welcoming a fresh start for the neighborhood.

Location: 5210 Groveport Rd, Obetz, OH 43207
Opening: Late Fall 2025

If you want to follow along with the renovation, you can follow Grumpy’s Coffee Garage on Instagram.

The post Grumpy’s Garage Gets A Second Life As Obetz’ New Coffee Spot appeared first on Columbus Navigator.

For five years, the restaurant served up thoughtful, inventive dishes that blended comfort and creativity in a way that kept the dining room full and the neighborhood buzzing.

Now, the team at Chapman’s is giving fans a way to keep a little piece of that magic alive at home.

On their website, they’ve published a collection of signature recipes — the same dishes that became instant favorites on the menu. From the addictive crunch of General Tso’s Cauliflower to the silky sweetness of Maple Budino to their iconic Chappy Sauce (yes, the one that made the burgers unforgettable), the recipes are as much a thank you to the community as they are an invitation to cook along.

“From our home to yours, featured Chapman’s Recipes are now available on our website! These recipes are a thank you for the 5 years of amazing memories created at Chapman’s,” the team wrote in their announcement.

It’s a bittersweet moment for fans who miss the cozy dining room on East Whittier Street, but it’s also a reminder that Chapman’s was always about more than just food; it was about connection. Sharing these recipes means those flavors, and those memories, can keep showing up in kitchens all over Columbus.

You can check out the recipes here. And if you do try your hand at them, Chapman’s wants to see your creations, so snap a photo and tag them!

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What better way to enjoy the season than to take an Instagram-worthy drive through some of the most beautiful countryside in the Buckeye state? In fact, there are tons of scenic roads and byways you can check out.

They offer different vibes, so figure out what you’re looking for, break out your sunglasses, and make the perfect road trip playlist. Here are the 8 best drives to take this fall.

Covered Bridge Scenic Byway

Length: 44 miles
Time: 4 hours
Best places to stop along the way: Stop by Campus Martius Museum, learn about all things steamboat at the Ohio River Museum, or just enjoy the scenery in Wayne National Forest. Obviously, this road trip takes you through some covered bridges, so the smaller the car, the better!

More info: Covered Bridge Scenic Byway

Gateway to Amish Country

Length: 30 miles
Time: 1 hour
Best places to stop along the way: Looking for a quiet afternoon? The Gateway to Amish Country is one of the most peaceful drives on this list. There are plenty of hiking trails along the route, including the Mohican Valley Trail. But the can’t miss item on this itenerary has to be the 370-foot covered bridge in Birkhaven, “The Bridge of Dreams”.

More info: Gateway to Amish Country

Lake Erie Coastal Highway

Length: 179 miles
Time: 3 hours
Best places to stop along the way: Love the country but also enjoy a nice urban road trip? This is definitely the byway for you. The Lake Erie Coastal Byway goes right along the shore of Lake Erie, through some stunning scenery, into Cleveland, and then back into nature. You can check out the leaves and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame all in one afternoon.

More info: Lake Erie Coastal Highway

Lower Valley Pike Scenic Byway

Length: 11 miles
Time: 20 minutes
Best places to stop along the way: This trip will be short and sweet. The Byway itself is just 11 miles long, but it’s full of beautiful views of Mad River. Stop for a picnic lunch at George Rogers Clark Park, the site of a Revolutionary War Battle.

More info: Lower Valley Pike Scenic Byway

Maumee Valley Scenic Byway

Length: 61 miles
Time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Best places to stop along the way: If you’re taking the Maumee Valley Scenic Byway, you won’t want to miss Fallen Timbers Battlefield Memorial Park. This park has beautiful views of the Maumee River. Visitors should also make time to stop at the Defiance Public Library, one of the most beautiful buildings in Ohio.

More info: Maumee Valley Scenic Byway

Miami & Erie Canal Scenic Byway

Length: 58 miles
Time: 1-2 hours
Best places to stop along the way: Learn about Ohio’s first “highways” as you cruise along the Miami & Erie Canal Scenic Byway. Stop for a canal boat ride at the Johnston Farm & Indian Agency or take a hike around one of the many trails and state parks near the byway.

More info: Miami & Erie Canal Scenic Byway

Hocking Hills Scenic Byway

Length: 27 miles
Time: 45 minutes
Best places to stop along the way: This trip winds it’s way through the beautiful Hocking Hills. Hop out of the car at the Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls for a relaxing afternoon, or hit the trails to Old Man’s Cave. If you want to extend your road trip, you should definitely consider booking a stay at the brand new Hocking Hills Lodge. It’s a totally stunner.

More info: Hocking Hills Scenic Byway

Old Mill Stream Scenic Byway

Length: 52 miles
Time: 2 hours
Best places to stop along the way: Want to admire some quality craftmanship? The Old Mill Stream Scenic Byway is a quaint drive through beautiful pastures and farmland, as well as through historic Findlay. Changing leaves on trees surrounding gorgeous farmhouses sounds pretty great, right?

More info: Old Mill Stream Scenic Byway

Wondering when to plan the perfect trip?

Here’s when the leaves will be at their most vibrant.

The post Windows Down, Leaves All Around: Ohio’s Top Scenic Fall Drives appeared first on Columbus Navigator.

Whether you’re into history, wildlife, or family fun, the park is rolling out hikes, hands-on activities, and seasonal celebrations that make the most of cooler days and crisp evenings.

One of the highlights of the month is Darby Creek Day (Oct. 5, 2–5 p.m.), a celebration marking the anniversary of Darby Creek’s designation as a Scenic River.

Visitors can get their feet wet with seining, meet live animals, try their hand at archery, and explore kid-friendly crafts. Food trucks will be on hand, and local conservation groups will share their work to protect the Darby Watershed.

History buffs (and adventure seekers) should mark their calendars for the Adults-Only Cemetery Hike (Oct. 12, 10 a.m.–12 p.m.), a 4-mile off-trail trek that visits pioneer cemeteries tucked away in the park and even an Adena Mound, a reminder of the area’s deep Indigenous history.

Other October events bring nature to life in creative ways:

• Full Moon Hike (Oct. 2) – A brisk 4-mile evening hike through forests and fields.<.li>
• Whooo Cooks for You? (Oct. 11) – Learn about Ohio’s barred owls, then make a themed treat.<.li>
• Magic for Muggles (Oct. 16) – Explore the science of animal transformations through the lens of pop-culture spells.<.li>
• Halloween Scavenger Hunt (Oct. 25) – Put on a costume and follow clues with Jackie O’Lantern.<.li>

With more than a dozen programs packed into the month—from preschool leaf crafts to fireside talks on animal survival strategies—there’s no shortage of ways to connect with nature, history, and community this fall at Battelle Darby.

To learn more, you can head over to the park’s Facebook page, or check out metroparks.net.

The post Here’s How You Can Embrace Fall At Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park appeared first on Columbus Navigator.

Harvest Blooms opened back on September 27, but you’re nearly out of time to see the beautiful fall colors. The exhibit will only be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. until November 2.

So what can you expect?

“Harvest Blooms instills the Conservatory’s outdoor gardens and courtyards with the magic of the harvest season. Thousands of pumpkins, mums and ornamental cabbages decorate the landscape while two spectacular Pumpkin Houses stand ready to welcome guests.”

Oh, and did I mention the larger-than-life cornucopia filled with overflowing color and a whimsical ‘tree of pumpkins’? It’s seriously going to be epic.

Admission to Harvest Blooms is included with your admission to the conservatory, and it’s a great experience for the whole family. The harvest theme will be incorporated into existing exhibitions, like the Paul Busse Garden Railway.

Later on in the season, you’ll also be able to experience the magic of Pumpkins Aglow. This ticketed event will feature the beautiful Harvest Blooms while surrounded by glowing jack-o-lanterns and themed light displays.

Of course, there’s nothing quite like visiting the conservatory when the fall foliage is in full swing. Each week, Franklin Park Conservatory offers weekly reports to help visitors identify where to look for color at the Conservatory or in the surrounding Franklin Park. The reports are published on Thursday morning, giving you plenty of time to make your weekend plans.

For more info about Harvest Blooms and Pumpkins Aglow, please click here.

Featured image via Facebook.

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Now, after more than a century on the city’s East Side, the beloved bakery is closing its doors at 4061 E. Livingston Ave.

Founded in 1912 by Wilhelm Resch, the family-owned shop has been a fixture in Columbus for six generations. From its first home at 1029 E. Livingston to its longtime base since 1962, Resch’s became a go-to for buttercream birthday cakes, trays of donuts, and the kind of old-school service that keeps people coming back for decades.

But starting this fall, all roads to Resch’s will lead to Gahanna.

The family has decided to consolidate operations into its new, significantly larger space there — a move they say will allow them to increase production and even roll out new menu items.

The timing is bittersweet: the Livingston Ave. bakery will serve its final customers on September 30. The Gahanna shop will welcome its first guests the week of October 6.

While the shift marks the end of an era for East Side families, it’s also the beginning of a new chapter. The Gahanna store is significantly larger than the Livingston Avenue location, which will allow them to “increase output and potentially introduce new menu items,” the bakery shared when the Gahanna plans were announced.

So if you’re craving one last Livingston Ave. cream horn, or want to stand under that familiar neon sign one more time, now’s your chance. Because come October, Resch’s next century begins in Gahanna.

The post After Generations of Cakes, Donuts, And Memories On Livingston Ave, Resch’s Bakery Is Moving On appeared first on Columbus Navigator.

Following its annual September shutdown for cleaning, maintenance, and a little behind-the-scenes magic, the museum reopens Wednesday, September 24, with plenty of new reasons to visit.

First up, a treat for the little ones (and their parents who know every “creature power” by heart). COSI is welcoming a brand-new traveling installation, Wild Kratts: The Exhibits. Based on the hit PBS Kids series, the two-part exhibit invites kids to dive into the ocean, explore animal habitats, and unlock the “creature powers” that make wildlife so extraordinary.

It’s designed for ages 3 to 9, but let’s be real: grown-ups will be tempted to test their inner Kratt brother, too. The exhibit runs through January 4, 2026.

On October 11, COSI will launch The Science Behind Pixar, an interactive exhibit that peels back the curtain on the artistry and math that bring characters like Buzz Lightyear and Dory to life. Visitors can expect hands-on activities, eye-popping displays, and plenty of moments where you realize just how much science hides in your favorite animated films.

Of course, COSI wouldn’t be COSI without a little fun for the adults.

After all, we were all COSI kids once, too! On October 9, the museum’s 21+ series returns with COSI After Dark: Apocalypse. There will be cocktails, food, and zombie survival games among the exhibits. Tickets start at $20 in advance.

So whether you’re wrangling kids, planning a night out, or just craving some hands-on science, COSI’s grand reopening has something on the calendar for you. To learn more about what COSI has going on, head over to cosi.org.

The post COSI Is Back, And It’s Bringing Pixar, Wild Kratts, And Even a Zombie Apocalypse appeared first on Columbus Navigator.

On October 11th, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Slate Run Metro Park is hosting its annual Fall Fest, and it’s going to be a fun-filled day for the entire family. Best of all? It’s completely FREE to attend!

Fall Fest Activities

For those who love a little bit of music with their outdoor activities, there will be live performances to keep the energy going all day long. Of course, no fall festival would be complete without some s’mores! You’ll find plenty of snacks and sweets, along with food trucks offering up tasty options if you’re feeling hungry after all that fun.

Exploring Slate Run Metro Park

While you’re there for the festival, it’s worth taking a little time to explore the park’s scenic hiking trails, too. The views in the fall are nothing short of stunning, with vibrant foliage making it the perfect spot for a post-festival walk.

Tips for Families

Planning on spending the whole day at Fall Fest? Be sure to pack a few essentials, especially if you’re bringing kids along. Bring plenty of water and snacks, as festivals can get busy and food lines may take a while. You’ll also want to dress in layers, as fall weather can be unpredictable. Finally, consider bringing a stroller or wagon for younger kids, as there will be a lot of walking involved.

Save the date for October 12th and get ready for some serious fall vibes at Slate Run Metro Park. Whether you’re all about hayrides, diving into crafts, or just soaking up the season’s beauty, Fall Fest is packed with everything you need for a perfect autumn day out. For more info, head over to metroparks.net.

The post Pumpkins, Hayrides, and S’mores: The Ultimate Fall Fest Is Happening at Slate Run appeared first on Columbus Navigator.

That wish is finally coming true. Downtown Columbus, Inc. announced that Giant Eagle will anchor Phase II of The Peninsula development with a brand-new 20,000-square-foot Market District.

The store will sit at the corner of Belle and Broad Streets and promises the whole package: fresh produce, meat and seafood, ready-to-eat meals, beer and wine, and all the pantry staples you’d expect from a modern grocery run.

In other words, no more cobbling together groceries from convenience stores or driving to the burbs.

“This is a proud moment for our team in Central Ohio and an important milestone for how we plan to elevate our commitment to this region in the years to come,” said Bill Artman, President and CEO of Giant Eagle.

The grocery will occupy the ground floor of a mixed-use building, with more than 200 apartments stacked above and an attached parking garage.

Mayor Andrew Ginther pointed out that the store’s location will connect Downtown and Franklinton while also tying into future transit corridors. “This store will help Downtown Columbus meet growing residential demand and remain competitive with other thriving metros,” he said.

It’s also a direct response to what residents have been asking for.

A grocery store was one of the top recommendations to come out of the 2022 Downtown Columbus Strategic Plan. City Council President Shannon Hardin called it “a promise kept to the residents and workers of Downtown who have long asked for one.”

The development team behind Phase II includes The Daimler Group and Flaherty & Collins, working alongside Downtown Columbus, Inc. and the city. The addition of Giant Eagle signals growing confidence in Downtown’s evolution into a dense, walkable neighborhood.

“When we talk about growing to 40,000 residents and 120,000 workers Downtown, we’re not just talking about buildings – we’re talking about creating a complete community,” said Alex Fischer, Chairman of the Downtown Columbus Inc. Board of Directors.

Construction on the new Market District is expected to begin in 2026.

Featured image via Facebook.

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Instead, it’s Ohio: Wild at Heart, a sweeping new documentary from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and MacGillivray Freeman Films. The movie takes audiences into the state’s forests, rivers, and skies with a front-row seat to bald eagles, fireflies, and the kind of scenery you usually only see in glossy travel magazines.

The film is narrated by Ohio legend Archie Griffin.

It explores both the beauty and the behind-the-scenes work that keeps our parks and wildlife thriving. Expect stories of conservation wins like the return of bald eagles and trumpeter swans, plus jaw-dropping aerial views of Hocking Hills, Lake Erie, and more.

“Ohio’s great outdoors has set the scene for many captivating stories of conservation and adventure,” said ODNR Director Mary Mertz. “Ohio: Wild at Heart is our love letter to the mission of protecting our natural resources and expanding opportunities to explore, and we are excited to share these stories with the world.”

The movie will debut in select theaters across the state this fall and winter, with a Columbus showing at COSI’s giant screen theater on Saturday, November 8.

Here’s the full rollout schedule:

• Toledo – Imagination Station, October 10
• Dayton – Boonshoft Museum of Discovery, October 19
• Cincinnati – Cincinnati Museum Center, October 24
• Columbus – COSI, November 8
• Cleveland – Museum of Natural History, November 15
• Cleveland – Great Lakes Science Center, opening in 2026

Ohio: Wild at Heart started filming in July 2024, so everything on screen will feel fresh and familiar. You can watch the trailer now on YouTube or find more details on the official website.

If you’ve ever needed an excuse to trade in Netflix for nature, this might be it.

Featured image via ODNR (Facebook).

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