Insider tips


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

Our friends at Experience Columbus are celebrating Columbus Day with some great incentives to encourage you to come to Central Ohio and discover the city this weekend (Oct. 7-10). This guest post comes from Joe Vargo, Interactive Marketing Specialist at Experience Columbus.

Fall in Columbus – it’s the perfect time of year! With the beautiful leaves, beautiful weather and great produce coming to market, it’s no wonder we made National Geographic’s Top 10 Fall Travel Destinations list! But if Nat Geo’s endorsement isn’t enough to entice you to visit, we’ve got another great reason to explore Columbus in October: Experience Columbus Days!  

Experience Columbus Days is a city-wide partnership that runs Oct. 7-10, offering amazing deals and discounts to fun attractions, and 25% off your food bill at any Columbus Dine Originals restaurant!

If you’re a local, it’s a great time to explore the parts of Columbus you may have been missing –17 marquee attractions around the city like the Columbus Zoo, COSI, Franklin Park Conservatory and the Columbus Museum of Art offering half-price admission or buy-one-get-one tickets. If you’ve still never stopped a rhino at The Wilds or indulged in a tour with Columbus Food Adventures – they’re offering half-price tickets, too!

If you’re from out of town – what better time is there to visit? You can experience twice the number of attractions for your dollar, and get some great deals on Columbus’ independent and crave-worthy restaurants while you’re at it! It’s a great chance to turn a day-trip into an overnight stay to double the fun in another way!

To take advantage of these great deals, all you have to do is print out and show the Experience Columbus Days flier or simply visit it on your mobile device and show the screen to the particpating attraction’s ticket taker or restaurant’s server.

I hope you have a great time discovering the city! And make sure to share your experiences with Experience Columbus on Facebook and Twitter!

~Guest post by Joe Vargo of Experience Columbus.  For more information on hotels and getaway packages in the area, visit www.ExperienceColumbus.com or www.IrishisanAttitude.com  

Sigh. The busy summer travel season has come to a close again. Wait. Let me say that again … the busy summer travel season has come to a close again. Back in the day, that meant you had to wait another year until vacation rolled around again. But it’s a brand new day! Take it from a die-hard traveler, there couldn’t be a better time to take a getawaythan Fall. Why, you ask?Dublin Ohio Fall Getaways

1)      We’ve got your color. Ohio is showcasing its auburn leaves, orange pumpkins, golden sunsets and amber waves of grain (or corn or soybeans). There are hayrides, apple picking, pumpkin patches and ghost tours awaiting. The temperatures are cooler, the bonfires are warmer. Now is the time to stop and catch your breath.   Hint: DiscoverOhio.com (the website for the Ohio Division of Tourism) offers a Fall Color Report, an Autumn Adventures section and a myriad of fun events happening all over the Buckeye State.   

2)      Great rates. With the kids back in school and folks back to their fall routine, there are plenty of great hotel rates and packages to be found, making it possible for you to visit the same places you were considering a month ago … at a fraction of the price! Competition is fierce for your travel dollar at this time of year.   Hint:  Search online for great deals. Don’t forget to visit the Convention & Visitors Bureau websites of your destination—where you’re likely to find great, exclusive deals like the Dublin CVB’s Fall Getaway Package (which offers discounted passes to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and COSI Columbus).

3)      No Crowds.  Call me crazy, but I love to explore a Zoo, museum, shopping mall and other attractions when I don’t have to wait in long lines, get bumped by people around me or herded in mass crowds like sheep.  You, too? Then Fall could be your magic travel season, as well.  Hint: Mondays are usually one of the “lightest traffic days” at attractions, museums, etc. If you are going on the weekend, start early and arrive when the gates open to get a jump on the crowds. Check attraction calendars for special events.

4)      FOOTBALL!  At risk of contradicting what I just said about crowds, I have to admit that there are those rare occasions where you WANT to be part of a large crowd … like a college Football Game!  There’s something about being packed into a stadium like sardines, all dressed in your team colors and screaming GO BUCKS! (Or whatever your lesser team of choice might be : – )  Hint:  Check for online packages that cater to fans. For example, our OSU Football Getaway offers a choice of discounted hotels and team related goodies. (Tickets not included.)

For other autumn Ohio Travel ideas, visit www.IrishisanAttitude.com or www.DiscoverOhio.com.  

~Post by Mary

The Dublin Convention and Visitors Bureau encourages you to celebrate Half-Way to St. Patrick’s Day on September 17, 2011. This holiday is not nationally recognized, but we love St. Patrick’s Day so much that we just have to share the news.

In fact, according to US News & World Report, Dublin was chosen in the Top 10 Best St. Patrick’s Day Celebration and Parade in America, right along with New York, Chicago and Boston.

That’s a lot of Irish Attitude. And we can’t wait till March 2012!

The Shamrock Club of Columbus hosts a Half-Way to St. Patrick's Day Celebration

 St. Patrick’s Day Fun Fact: 
St. Patrick himself used the shamrock to explain the Trinity, and that is why the shamrock has been associated with him and the Irish since that time. The Dublin CVB proudly dots our “I” with a shamrock in our logo and Central Ohio is proud to have a great Shamrock Club.

 The Shamrock Club of Columbus knows how to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day – twice a year.  On Saturday, September 17, 2011, they will be celebrating Halfway to St. Patrick’s Day at their Columbus location.  Performances include Regan-Rankin Academy of Irish Dance, Cyril Scott Pipe Band, Capital City Pipe & Drums, Shamrock Club Pipe & Drums, and “The Hooligans” throughout the evening.

SCHEDULE:

When: Saturday, September 17, 2011 — Doors Open at 5:00PM
Where: The Shamrock Club- 60 West Castle Rd. Columbus, OH 43207
5:30p.m. Regan-Rankin Academy of Irish Dance (on the outdoor stage)
6:30p.m. Cyril Scott Pipe Band, Capital City Pipe & Drums, Shamrock Club Pipe & Drums
7:30p.m.  “The Hooligans” An Irish-American Band

ADMISSION: General Public $8.00, $5.00 for Shamrock Club members.
(12 and under admitted free of charge)

CONTACT:

www.shamrockclubofcolumbus.org 614-491-4449 email: shamrockclub1936@shamrockclub.com

-Post by Allison

 

 

 

« Previous PageNext Page »

Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.

Join 2,030 other followers