Events


‘Tis the season for Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium! Can you help us come up with a caption for this photo of the Columbus Zoo’s Jack Hanna with a couple of his 2-legged friends?

This insider Guest Post comes to us from Katie Ronske, Communications Assistant at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.

Since Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium was named one of the American Bus Association’s Top 100 Events in North America, we knew we had to go bigger and brighter than ever before … and that’s exactly what we did!

 This year, we’re spreading Wildlights cheer to the whole world, literally! In addition to millions of LED lights decking the halls, trees and bushes, guests will find a 24-foot in diameter, 8,200 lb. globe in the center of Conservation Lake that serves as the centerpiece for Global Celebrations, a brand new animated music and light show. The 8-minute light extravaganza features new songs and new designs and runs every thirty minutes from 5:45 p.m. to close.

In addition to Global Celebrations, Polar Pete’s Holiday Wishes Tree will help light up the chilly winter nights this year. This 28-foot-tall artificial sequoia tree shines bright with 15,500 LED lights. Here, guests can stop and say “happy holidays” to Rodney Reindeer and Wally Walrus before having their photos taken with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Of course, we had to stay true to Wildlights tradition. Guests can still see Santa in his holiday home at the Battelle Ice Bear Outpost, visit his reindeer at Polar Frontier, take a ride on the Polar Bear Express or the Mini Kiddie Sleigh Ride, hear sounds of the season at the Animals on Safari stage and more.

Celebrate the season at Wildlights now thru January 1, 2012. Festivities take place from 5-9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 5-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. For more information please visit www.columbuszoo.org
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Give your family the gift of fun! Treat them to a Columbus Zoo Wildlights Getaway package–featuring an overnight stay at a choice of 6 Dublin hotels, plus complimentary kids tickets to Wildlights and free Kids Meal coupons. Packages start at just $99 and are available through 12.31.11. Visit www.IrishisanAttitude.com or call the Dublin Convention & Visitors Bureau 800/245-8387 to learn more.

*Wildlights is efficiently powered by gridSMART from AEP Ohio.

What’s the BEST thing to make for Thanksgiving? Reservations! Not only do you get out of a long day standing in the kitchen cooking, but someone else cleans up.  That means you get to (1) sleep in, (2) watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade and (3) take a nap. (Why fight the Tryptophan-induced, after-Thanksgiving food coma?) Here are a few great restaurant options for turkey day … and a few Black Friday incentives to get you out the door the day after turkey day.

Matt the Miller. Fab buffet (from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.) that includes a carving station with oven roasted turkey, Garlic roasted Ribeye, Honey glazed ham, Cranberry-apricot relish, Mashed potatoes, Spinach and sage stuffing, Corn soufflé with honey and fried onions, Green beans with roasted shallots, candied yams with walnut crumbs, Shrimp cocktail, Flatbreads, Salads, Fresh Rolls, Pasta Veggie and cheese display, Great desserts. Reservations required. $28.95 Adults, $10.95 Kids 5-10 years old. Kids 4 and under are free with a paying adult. Additional 4 and under: $4.95 each.799-9100. 6725 Avery-Muirfield Dr. www.mtmtavern.com

 Salvi’s Italian Bistro. This luscious buffet (from 10 a.m.-8 p.m.) includes: Roasted Turkey, Pan Gravy, Cornbread dressing, Cranberry sauce, Roasted Prime Rib of Beef, Baked Ham, Pasta Alfredo with vegetables, Mashed Yukon Gold potatoes with Sour Cream and Chives, Candied Sweet Potatoes, Mini Pasta Salvi, Italian Green Beans and Kernel Corn, Baked Acorn Squash,  Assorted Hot rolls, Delicious Dessert selections, Shrimp Cocktail,  Medley of Relishes, Fresh Fruit, Cheese logs and cheese cubes, Marinated Tomato and Cucumber Salad, Cottage Cheese and Mandarin Orange Sections, Green salad with bacon. Reservations required. $24.99 Adults. $12.50 Kids 5-11. Children under 4 are free. 614/874-0466. 5000 Upper Metro Place. www.salvisbistro.com

J. Liu’s Restaurant. Enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving buffet as well as signature J. Liu favorites. Buffet will be served from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call ahead for reservations. $27.99 Adults. $25.99 Seniors. $14.99 Children ages 4-11. 614/718-1818. 50 West Bridge Street. www.jliurestaurant.com

Columbus Marriott Northwest. Savor your favorite holiday flavors with this traditional Thanksgiving buffet with Turkey, Ham, and Prime Rib, as well as delicious sides, salads and desserts. Buffet will be offered from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Seating is limited; please call ahead for reservations. $30.95 Adults. $24.95 Seniors. $12.95 Children ages 6-12. 614/791-1000. 5605 Blazer Parkway. www.columbusmarriottnorthwest.com

Embassy Suites Hotel/Kilpatrick’s. Just like Mom used to make. This traditional Thanksgiving buffet includes Oven Roasted Turkey, Mashed potatoes with gravy, Corn Bread stuffing, Green Bean Casserole, Mixed Green Salad, Assorted Pies and Cakes. Buffet will be served from 5 -8 pm. $17.95 Adults. $8.95 Children 12 and under. 614/790-9000. 5100 Upper Metro Place. www.columbusdublin.embassysuites.com

Black Friday Specials

Kogen’s Asian Cuisine & Sushi  is having a one-day sale on gift cards. Buy a gift card and Kogens will match 50% of the amount in a gift card back to you! Nov. 25 only. 614/798-8882. 9711 Sawmill Pkwy. www.kogens.com

Sunny Street Café Fuel up on breakfast before you hit the shopping! Open at 5 am and offering $3.99 breakfast specials ‘til 9 am. Also serving a BBQ Rib dinner Friday evening. Receive a $10 bonus gift card for every $50 gift card purchase. 614/389-3640. 7042 Hospital Drive. www.sunnystreetcafe.com

For more information about dining and shopping options in Dublin Ohio, visit www.IrishisanAttitude.com or call 800/245-8387.

Here at the Dublin CVB we are fully aware that it’s mid-November, but with our Kids Go Free/Columbus Zoo Wildlights Package available online we can’t help but be excited for the holidays. So before you cut that Thanksgiving turkey, go out and explore the charming Historic District in Dublin this Thursday, Nov. 17th from 1 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Historic Dublin is located at the intersection of Bridge St. & High St.

The District Open House features specials from 10 different shops that are sure to help you get in the spirit and get some of that necessary shopping done. So hop on one of the Trolley Rides (available 4-7 p.m.) or stroll through the Luminary Walk, compliments of the American Cancer Society, and increase your holiday joy before the snow even falls.

 

1. Ha’penny Bridge Imports of Ireland: Belleek & Galway Open House (1pm- 6pm)
Gifts personalize by Belleek Painter, Collette Green, from Belleek, Co. Fermanagh, Ireland. Enjoy light refreshments and Enter to Win 10 Gifts on your Ha’Penny Christmas Wish List. 17% discount on any one item priced at $50 or higher and purchase of a Belleek event piece.

2. The Sister’s Sweet Shoppe: Enjoy fruitcake tastings and try samples of the gourmet chocolates. There will be fun activities for you to view like their chocolate dipping and peanut butter harvest movie.

3. Z Bearla’s Gifts: Try some tasty treats like holiday cheese balls and champagne.

4. Blankets & Booties: Receive a 25% discount on your purchase of full-priced merchandise and enjoy refreshments and free Christmas gift wrapping.

5. Dean Insurance Group: Enjoy wine and food sampling along with a jewelry party.

6. Clover Boutique: Holiday treats and 20% off entire store and 30% off jewelry.

7. Our CupCakery: Holiday cake pop tasting and demonstrations. Enter to Win a free box of Holiday Cake Pops.

8. Boho 72 Boutique: 20% off handmade jewelry, scarves and handbags at this chic boutique.

9. What’s the Point: Delicious holiday cookies are available as you peruse a variety of needlepoint items.

10. Woodhouse Spa: Appetizers and seasonal beer tasting courtesy of Mezzo’s Italian Restaurant. The Diamond Cellar will be showcasing several of extraordinary pieces. You can also register to win tickets to the last big Ohio State football game. Purchase $100 gift card and you will receive an additional $20 gift card to pamper yourself or a friend.

For more information about the District Open House and future “Holly Days in Historic Dublin” please visit www.HistoricDublin.org

-Post by Allison

I believe happiness should be pursued daily. That happiness can come in the form of an act of kindness, accomplishment, or time with a good friend.

This week, November 8-14, is recognized by the International Society of Friendship and Good Will as Pursuit of Happiness Week.

So I tried to think of 7 simple things that make me happy:

  1. Peanut Butter
  2. Learning something cool
  3. Really good food… and lots of it
  4. Singing loudly to a live band
  5. Exploring art exhibits
  6. Shopping with no regrets
  7. Sleeping like a baby

In honor of this week, I have decided to complete these simple little things that make me happy. So whether you are a resident of Dublin or a visitor, I challenge you to explore a week’s worth of Dublin treasures.

Peanut Butter: Maybe this list isn’t necessarily in order, but yes, I consider peanut butter life’s simple treat that makes rain clouds disappear. The best peanut butter in the world (seriously) is made right here in Dublin. KREMA Peanut Butter. This peanut butter has been featured on The Today Show, Prevention Magazine, Men’s Health Magazine and Cooking Light Magazine.

Why is it so awesome? Well besides from being owned by the two most adorable, blonde sisters, Melissa and Nanette, it has only one ingredient; peanuts. Who would have thought?

Grounds of Rememberance

Learning something cool: Did you know the City of Dublin commissioned a public artwork in recognition of veterans and their families? The Dublin Veterans Project is a lasting tribute to those men and women who have served our country in war and peace. It also received a National Honor for outstanding achievement and is featured in the September 2011 edition of Landscape Architecture.

The Grounds of Remembrance in Dublin Veterans Park will be hosting Dublin’s Veterans Day Ceremony from 11 a.m.-noon Friday, Nov. 11. Veterans are invited to enjoy a complimentary breakfast from 9-10:30 a.m. at La Chatelaine, 65 W. Bridge Street.

Really good food… and lots of it: The varieties of culinary creations keep growing in Dublin. I’m not sure if that directly correlates with my growing waistline… either way, when I do bring home bags of groceries, I usually just go out to eat anyway. Why? Because it’s more fun. Also because I’m good at finding deals.

Like at Max & Erma’s Restaurant. They have ongoing weekly specials; $5 munchies during their Happy Hour (Monday-Friday), Free Cookie Wednesdays and Kids Eat Free Tuesdays. Ok, I don’t have kids, but if I did you better believe I’d be taking little Audrey to get her chicken tenders.

Live music at Brazenhead Pub

Singing loudly to a live band: It’s a very realistic possibility I will have hearing problems in the future because I love experiencing live music. You may think we only have fiddlers and bagpipers here in Dublin.

I challenge you to check out our authentic Irish Pub this Saturday, Nov. 12 and listen to some rocking covers by The Jenkins & Scott Band. There’s live music here in Historic Dublin every weekend. Singing loudly is optional. Eating fish & chips is mandatory.

Exploring art exhibits: If my artistic talent could support my shoe fetish,  I’d be at home painting. Since some things have to be labeled “hobbies” I choose to view the masters by going to art museums. Did you know Dublin has its very own art gallery? The Dublin Arts Council selects incredible exhibits and will be featuring “Oh Rats!” a collection of ceramic sculptures by Juliellen Byrne.

The exhibit’s grand opening is Tuesday, Nov. 15 with a reception for the artist from 6 to 8 p.m. The exhibition remains on view at Dublin Arts Council through Dec. 16.

Clover Boutique

Shopping with no regrets: When I go shopping, it is a hunt. I scour clothing racks and home goods like a lioness ready to make her kill. Here at the Bureau, we understand you probably look for deals too. That’s why we have amazing travel packages, like our new Kids Go Free Columbus Zoo Wildlights Getaway Package. You can also download our Discover Dublin Discounts where you can get deals from some of our favorite places in Dublin. *Cough… Clover Boutique… *cough *cough.

Sleeping like a baby: Sometimes the best part of being awake during your day is knowing you can soon go back to sleep. I take my slumber very seriously. So does the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Dublin. They actually did a study about the sleep necessities so you can receive your best night’s sleep.

Lavender room spray, a curtain clip, and body hugging duvets are all a part of their Sleep Advantage system. Oh and if they miss your scheduled wake-up call your room is free. Be sure to check out all of our Dublin hotels.

Your happiness list may vary, but be sure to turn to the Green Team at the Dublin Convention & Visitors Bureau if you need help. We are the local experts here to make your experience a happy one.

-Post by Allison

As the leaves change, so do our weekend priorities. If you are as crazed a football fan as my fellow coworkers, friends and basically everyone I come across with in Columbus, you will understand that Saturday is not the day for raking those orange and red leaves. No, Saturday is the day for college football.

Living here in the Capital City, I have an advantage of wandering to Lane Avenue donning necklaces made of poisonous nuts and sporting a scarlet and gray shirt.

As an Ohio State alumnus, I have perfected my season ticket holder status and have become quite the tail-gaiting aficionado.

Thanks Bachelor’s Degree!

I understand that to be a Buckeye fan does not mean you need to live in Central Ohio. We have Buckeyes all over the nation, the world, the universe! Ok, I’ll calm down. I’ll also let you in on a secret…

A part of my duty here at the Bureau is to celebrate all-things-Irish, but here in Dublin we have just as much Buckeye Spirit in our soul as Irish Attitude.

For you see, being so close to Ohio State’s campus (approximately 15 minutes) Dublin has become the hotel choice for the visiting teams and their families.

“Ick!” You might be saying to yourself, “I don’t want to stay in the same hotel as those Wisconsin Badgers!”

The 'Shoe - A short drive from Dublin, OH

No worries, dear Buckeye fan. We have 14 hotels to choose from in this fine City and several are offering special packages to accommodate your basic survival needs. Like providing our favorite candy Buckeye treats, indoor swimming pools, complimentary breakfast, flat screen TV’s, hotel bar or restaurant, and free parking.

So if you’re a Buckeye fan traveling to the game or the visitor rooting for the “other” team, take advantage of the upscale facilities, affordability and convenience Dublin provides.

Check out our Ohio State Football Getaway Packages to select your hotel and save even more money with our Dublin Discounts.

Feel free to call me at 614-792-7666 to answer any of your OSU football travel needs.

OH!… Dublin!

 

Upcoming home games:

Nov. 5 (vs Indiana) — 12 p.m.
Nov. 19 (vs Penn State) — TBA

-Post by Allison

Is there a little girl in your life who is dressing up like a witch for Halloween? My daughter can’t decide if she wants to be a scary witch or a good witch. She also thinks there is a third type – the diva witch which features a combination of a princess dress, rock star sequined gloves and a witch’s hat!

Her favorite witch story is the Broadway musical Wicked with the beautiful music by Stephen Schwartz. On Sunday, October 30, at 3 p.m., the Imaginating Dramatics Company of Grandview will present The Tale of the Wicked, an adaptation of the Broadway musical Wicked created especially for children. With a tale appropriate for ages 4 and older, audience members will learn the story of friendship and what happened before Dorothy skipped down the yellow brick road.

Light refreshments will be served and the Kelton House will be open for tours. (A real “Treat” all by itself–as this grand Victorian home was once a stop on the Underground Railroad.)  

Reservations are required and seating is limited,  so please call 614/464-2022 or visit www.keltonhouse.com  so you can reserve a spot. I know my little witch can’t wait to see this!

~Post by Katie

Mark Holbrook, Marketing Manager with the Ohio Historical Society authors this guest post about a spooky Central Ohio tradition that has more than a few skeletons in its closet.

The holidays are a time of tradition. And no Halloween tradition in Central Ohio is complete without a visit to OhioVillage for the annual All Hallow’s Eve. In fact, many families have been attending the 19th century-themed celebration since it began more than 25 years ago.

Why is this low-tech, no-special-effects event so popular with kids and adults alike? Perhaps it is the atmosphere of OhioVillage at night. Lit only by gaslights and candles, the characters roaming the boardwalks seem to pop in and out of the shadows without notice. Characters like Krazy Kate make All Hallows Eve memorable. Or maybe it is the widow’s house over by the apple orchard. Seems every year her poor husband is befallen with a mortal ‘accident.’ Curious about her past husbands and their ‘accidents?’ Just ask the person next to you who just might have the answer. (Many Village regulars can recite the widow’s 12 plus years of marital mishaps.)

Aside from the spooky happenings, All Hallow’s Eve simply offers a safe, family fun evening with lots of activities like The Amazing Maze, decorating masks, the Search for the Golden Pumpkin, pumpkin carving and more. And of course, you’ll learn a little history while you’re having fun. Discover how the Jack-o-Lantern came to be, hear ghost stories from the past, listen to your fortune being told in strange ways or see the Museum of Oddities.

All this adventure making you hungry? Enjoy Halloween cookies in the General Store or pick up a hot drink and hearty meals from our mobile food vendors. The evening ends with all gathered on the hillside for a dramatic telling of Washington Irving’s The Legend of Sleepy Hallow. But beware, you never know where and when the Headless Horseman might show up!

All Hallow’s Eve is this Saturday, October 22, from 5:30 – 9:30 p.m. in OhioVillage (800 E. 17th Avenue). For more information, call 614/297-2300. Admission is $12 for adults, $9 for youth (ages 6 – 12), $10 for adult OHS members and $7 for OHS youth members. Children 5 and under are free.

~Post by Mark Holbrook, Marketing Manager with Ohio Historical Society

 

 

 

The weather is turning and the leaves are in full color. It’s a great season to be in Dublin, Ohio! In addition to fantastic family events like Boo at the (Columbus) Zoo and COSI’s Festival of Physics, visitors will find an entire cauldron (otherwise known as a pot o’ gold in Dublin) full of local activities!  

I love the cool mornings and warmer afternoons – and so do Ohio Apples. There are lots of great orchards within easy driving distance from Dublin. Pick your own at Cherry Hawk Farms  for delicious Gala, Jonafree and Delicious varieties. It’s a real working farm so wear your hiking boots and be sure to look at their pheasant cage while you are there!

Another family friendly place to visit in the fall is Jacquemin Farms. The strawberries are resting ‘til next year but the pumpkins are ready to pick! Each weekend the farm is busy with hay rides, kid-friendly play areas and my families favorite – fresh pumpkin donuts with apple cider. It’s one of those food treats you only have once a year. Don’t miss these!

Is it a rainy Wednesday morning? Go to the Abbey Theatre at the Dublin Recreation Center. For $2 (on select Wednesdays in October and November), you can enjoy live music performed by Marlene Metz Hartzler. This interactive fun experience is specially designed for 2 – 5 year olds, so be sure to bring your camera!

A Dublin Halloween tradition is to visit the Dublin Library (75 N. High St. Dublin, OH) to hear Dublin ghost stories. From 7-8 p.m. Wednesday, October 19, storytellers will amaze guests with real tales from the Dublin area. The first half of the program is family friendly followed by spookier stories creeping into the second half of the evening! (Look for our favorite local “Fruitcake Sisters” — the owners of Sisters Sweet Shoppe–to be performing as “Two Wicked Witches” in a spirited rendition of The 12 Days of Halloween!)

The city celebrates Halloween with the community Spooktacular event held at the Dublin Community Recreation Center from 3:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday, October 27.  Enjoy a “Trunk” or treat trail with timed tickets for easy access, a hay maze, hay rides, pumpkin carving, COSI science spot, the Bug Man and lots of great family fun. Dublin Dance Center will be performing, and Dublin Police and Washington Township Firefighters will be on hand for the activities.

Don’t forget that the Dublin CVB’s awesome Fall Getaway packages offer discounted tickets to the Columbus Zoo and COSI Columbus, plus special hotel rates and a location just minutes away from all of these fun activities.

Embrace some fall fun and be sure to stop by the Dublin Visitor Center in Historic Dublin (9 S. High St. Dublin, OH)  if you need more suggestions!

~Post by Katie

Looking for some economical and crazy seasonal fun for the family? Check out this guest post from Jaclyn Reynolds, PR and Social Media Manager at COSI Columbus.

There’s just something about fall.  The crunching leaves, heading back to school, pumpkins everywhere, and specially-flavored coffee (yummy pumpkin spice lattes!) to brighten up your day.  This is my first fall at COSI and right away I’ve noticed it’s done a little differently.  COSI is all about inspiring curiosity, which is what drew me to it in the first place.  Why just pick a pumpkin when you can see fire breathe out of it?  Have you ever seen a flying turkey?  How about a crystal ball made entirely out of dry ice?  I did, during our Pumpkin Patch Live show! 

For me, high school Physics was scary but there’s nothing to be afraid of at COSI’s Festival of Physics.  October 15 from 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m. and October 16, 2011 from 1 p.m.-4:30 p.m., we’ll explore whether or not you can be two places at once, what quantum physics and gumdrops have in common and what makes atoms explode!  Physicists from The Ohio State University will explore the deepest mysteries in the universe with the COSI Team.

My very favorite part of fall has always been Halloween!  Ever since my aunt let me borrow her real tiara so I could dress up as a real princess – I have been in love with Halloween.  Here at COSI, we have Spooky Science going on Oct. 28 (from 5 p.m.-9 p.m.) and Oct. 29 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.  We’ll have a (gently) spooky storyteller, a professional pumpkin carver, creepy crawlies, fun crafts and science cart activities transformed for a Halloween motif!  Plus – Spookley the Square Pumpkin is on the giant screen.  This cute fall-themed movie has a great anti-bullying message – perfect for October which is Anti-Bullying Month.

Teenagers have an extra special party at COSI with the Late Night Teen Event: Fangtastic Edition on October 29, 2011 from 8 p.m.-11 p.m.  It’s a fun party for teens in grades 9-12 with creepy crawly critters and a chance to explore COSI’s amazing “Adventure” exhibit.   

So take a break from carving those pumpkins and getting those costumes ready and head into COSI for a lesson in the science of fall!  And pssst…..let me sweeten the deal by urging you to look for coupons on your placemat at Columbus area Frisch’s Big Boy restaurants.  PLUS, your Giant Eagle Advantage Card will get you $3.00 off an admission.  For more information on all of these fun events, visit cosi.org.  If you need me, I’ll be figuring out just what a barfing pumpkin is.    

Coming from out-of-town to visit COSI?  Take advantage of Dublin Convention & Visitors Bureau’s  Fall Getaway Packages and enjoy discounted tickets to COSI (and the Columbus Zoo) plus great hotel rates and more. Go here to check out rates and availability or call 800/245-8387 for more info.  

~Guest post by Jaclyn Reynolds

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