Special Events

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February 23, 2012

Dublin, Ohio St. Patrick’s Day Parade 2012 Schedule

Posted by irishattitude under Events, Family Fun, Historic Dublin, Holidays, Insider tips, Irish, Music & Entertainment, Shopping, Special Events, What's New | Tags: |
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One of the BEST St. Patrick’s Day Parades in America (according to U.S. News Travel and Special Report) will be held on Saturday, March 10 at 11 a.m. in Dublin, Ohio. The wearing o’ the green occurs a little early this year, so what exactly can you look forward to during this all day celebration? Mark your calendar with these great activities:

FRIDAY, March 9, 2012

Rest Up
Come to town on Friday night and stay in one of our 14 hotels with Irish Attitude! Enjoy Irish touches like Embassy Suites’ Kilpatrick’s Restaurant or Chase Suites’ cozy, Irish-inspired lobby, complete with a fireplace.

Strut your Stuff
(Friday, 6 p.m.) 75 S. High St.
Show off your legs in the annual Best Legs in a Kilt contest on Friday at the Dublin Village Tavern. The contest is sponsored and hosted by Ha’penny Bridge Imports of Ireland, Dublin Village Tavern and Historic Dublin Business Association.
Registration is $10. Rent a kilt for an additional $5.
The first 17 contestants will be judged and all contestants receive a prize.

Want to know what it takes to win? Watch the video below. To register, call 614/889-9615

Watch the fierce competition from 2011

SATURDAY, March 10, 2012

Pancake Power Up
(7 a.m. – 11 a.m.) Sells Middle School: 150 West Bridge St.
Start your day with The Lions Club Pancake Breakfast. Fill up on pancakes and sausage   before you head out and watch the parade. Win a variety of prizes during the ongoing raffle. Everyone wins because your money goes straight to a variety of eyesight-related charities.

Inflation Celebration
(9 a.m.) Crowne Plaza Hotel Parking Lot – Metro Center: 600 Metro Place North
What does it take to make one of the nation’s best St. Patrick’s Day parades? A lot of hot air. Watch the giant parade balloons come alive.


Jam Out
(10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.) (Bridge Street near Indian Run Elementary)
Enjoy some iTunes (Irish Tunes) by The Hooligans. Listen to their version of Black Velvet Band.


Meet St. Patrick
(10-11 a.m.) Dublin Library: 75 N. High St.
Join the Man of the Hour(s). St. Patrick himself will be telling stories about his life and Irish traditions.

The Big Event
(11 a.m. – 1 p.m.) Metro Place North into Historic Dublin.
Enjoy the 2-hour long, full mile stretch of Irish heritage.  Dublin, Ohio celebrates St. Patrick’s Day with floats, bands and bagpipers, not to mention the Grand Leprechaun.  The city-sponsored parade steps off at 11 a.m. from Metro Place North. (Don’t forget to wear your green!)

Get Jiggy With It
(Noon – 1 a.m.) Brazenhead Irish Pub & Restaurant 56 North High Street
We said ALL-DAY celebration, didn’t we? Raise your pint of Guinness and enjoy a full afternoon and evening of great food, Irish music and dancing at our traditional Irish Pub, the Brazenhead.

Performances:
Noon – 3 p.m. Bob Ford & The Ragamuffins
4 p.m. – 7 p.m. Jenkins & Scott
9 p.m. – 1 a.m. Plow Kings
Irish Dancers
Authentic Irish Drums & Bagpipes

Drink Specials:
$4 Irish Girl Scout Cookie Shots
Green Bud Light Drafts

Stroll the Streets.
Special St. Patrick discounts and freebies are happening all over Historic Dublin:

OurCupcakery Don’t just enjoy cupcakes, come play a game with Irish Attitude! (16 N. High St.)

Sister Sweet Shoppe : Needs some shamrock shaped chocolates? Who doesn’t? Wander in and meet the Sisters while sampling a variety of sweets. (45 N. High St.)

Ha’penny Bridge Imports of Ireland : It might be your “lucky” day. Shop around this Irish import store and play the Lucky Coin Drawing. You could receive up to 17 percent (March 17th – get it?) or enter to win an eight-day trip for two to Ireland.  (75 S. High St.)

TehKu Tea Company will feature live music during the day, as well as Irish themed teas like “Kiss Me I’m Not Irish” and treats. (55 S. High St.)

Visit the City of Dublin for more information about the parade and visit the Dublin Convention & Visitors Bureau to learn where to stay and play.

(www.IrishisanAttitude.com) or call 800/245-8387.

-Post by Allison

 

February 9, 2012

Happy Birthday Columbus!

Posted by irishattitude under Columbus Zoo, Events, Family Fun, Ohio travel, Restaurants, Special Events | Tags: , , , , , |
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This is a big year for Ohio’s capital city, located just 15 minutes south of Dublin. Columbus is celebrating its 200th birthday! While there are special events and celebrations happening all year long, February 11-15 marks 200Columbus Days–a citywide partnership offering great deals, discounts and reasons to plan a central Ohio getaway!! (Or, if you are a local, discover some attractions, shops or restaurants you’ve never visited!)

Enjoy discounted tickets to 20 local attractions including COSI, The Ohio History Center, The Kelton House, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Franklin Park Conservatory or Columbus Museum of Art.  Take in a show at the Arena Grand Movie Theatre, CATCO or Shadowbox. Go on a Columbus Food Adventure, attend a Promusica Chamber Orchestra concert, go to a Columbus Blue Jackets game or play laser tag at Laser Kraze. Shop at Tanger Outlets, Sugardaddy’s Sumptuous Sweeties, Better Earth or Wyandotte Winery.  

To take advantage of some or ALL of these great deals, just print out and show the 200Columbus Days flier or simply visit it on your mobile device and show the screen to the participating business’ ticket taker, cashier or restaurant server.

Take your friend, your Valentine, your kids or your Mom. Just remember (at some point during your adventure) to toast a Happy Birthday to Columbus!! 

For more information about Columbus’s bicentennial celebration, visit www.200columbus.com

 

January 11, 2012

Creative Vacations 2012 Travel Show

Posted by irishattitude under Getaways, Ohio travel, Special Events
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Do you live in Central Ohio and need to plan a vacation? There’s nothing wrong with a “Staycation” (especially when you have great things to do in Dublin) but we understand that Dublin doesn’t necessarily have the ocean.

Use this Sunday to explore a world of possibilities with Creative Vacations at their 2012 Travel Show.

Creative Vacations & Cruise Centers has more than 20 years’ experience serving Central Ohio, and their agents have more than 100 combined years in the travel industry. They are a family-owned business in Dublin, Ohio, specializing in providing the personal touch to help plan your dream getaway to the last detail.

As Creative Vacations’ largest show to date, please bring your friends and they will help you with your vacation needs.

  • Talk with 30+ Vacation Companies as well as Creative Vacations’ counselors about your next vacation, a Honeymoon or Destination Wedding, or a group trip with friend & family.
  • Attend any of the 13 Vacation Seminars
  • Exclusive deals and special discounts during the show.
  • Enter to win a vacation for two to Aruba or Mexico!

Schedule:

Time Salon 1 Conference Room 5
12:30—1:00 Princess Cruises
Escape Completely to Europe,
Alaska, the Caribbean and more.		 Globus Family of Brands
Home Sweet Home – GoParks
Tours, A great way to see US
National Parks
1:00—1:30 Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity’s Modern Luxury		 Trafalgar Tours
A World of Opportunity &
European Food Network
Vacations
1:30—2:00 Royal Caribbean
Exploring the Oasis &
Allure of the Seas		 AMAwaterways
THE Ama DIFFERENCE
2:00—2:30 Walt Disney World Orlando
Let the memories begin.		 Regent Seven Seas
Luxury Cruising
2:30—3:00 Sandals & Beaches Resorts
Offering more Quality
Inclusions …		 Silversea Cruises
The Ultimate Luxury
Cruise Vacation
3:00 – 4:00 Holland America
On Stage Alaska Presenting
Alaska & the Yukon

-Post by Allison

 

December 13, 2011

Central Ohio Holiday Events You Can’t Miss

Posted by irishattitude under Columbus Zoo, Events, Family Fun, Getaways, Historic Dublin, Holidays, Insider tips, Music & Entertainment, Ohio travel, Shopping, Special Events
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Thursday, Dec. 15th |1 p.m. – 8 p.m.
“Wrap it Up” Holiday Shopping Day
Excitement is building with 10 shopping days until Christmas. Visit Historic Dublin for an afternoon and evening of fun-filled shopping, dining and free trolley rides. Enjoy the Luminaria Walk and help fight cancer.

Month Long, December 1st – 23rd
The Twelve Elves of Dublin Contest
Throughout the month of December, contestants hunt for 12 carefully hidden elves in participating businesses. Contestants enter their cards for great prizes. Print your Passport or get one at the listed businesses. Once you find all the elves, drop off your completed passport at a business for a chance to win.

Friday, Dec. 23rd | 10 p.m. – 12 a.m.
The 11th Hour at Whole Foods Market
Whole Foods Market Dublin is making your last minute shopping fun. The “11th Hour” will feature:
Live Music, Champagne & dessert tastings, Raffles every 15 minutes
$10 gift card for every $50 spent
**Valid only 10PM-12AM on 12/23
3670 W. Dublin-Granville Road Columbus, Ohio

Month Long | 5 p.m. -10 pm.
Wildlights!The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium has decked the halls, trees, bushes, everything but the animals with all new eco-friendly LED lights for the brightest Wildlights display ever! Musical animated light shows around the lake are every thirty minutes starting at 5:45.

  • Enjoy the Magical Timbernacle Forest Chorus
  • A Down Home Country Christmas in the barn at Habitat Hollow
  • Polar Bear Express, Kiddie Mini Sleigh Ride
  • Moose Habitat and Santa’s Reindeer Corral
  • Santa’s Holiday Home and Santa’s Holiday Wishes Tree
  • The Diving Claus – an Island Holiday at the Manatee Coast and many more fun family activities!

Stay the night and save. The Dublin CVB Kids Go Free Wildlights Package is still available.

Saturday, Dec. 17th | 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
The Nutcracker will be performed at Dublin’s Abbey Theatre in the Recreation Center. Enjoy this annual treat from Dublin Dance Centre and Gymnastics. Its shortened time is perfect for families. $5 admission. 5600 Post Road. 410-4550.
December 17th through the 23rd

COSI (Center of Science & Industry) Put on your railroad engineer’s cap and check out a huge room full of model railroad layouts from Central Ohio model train enthusiasts. COSI is hosting this special Trains Exhibit of all train sizes and shapes – plus wooden trains and tracks for little engineers to explore. 333 West Broad Street, Columbus. 228-2674.
Sunday, Dec. 18th | 3 p.m.

Dwight Lennox – Holiday Jazz Performance at Dublin’s Abbey Theatre will feature Columbus’ finest jazz singer that will delight you with holiday standards and favorite songs. $7 adults, $5 students and seniors. 5600 Post Road. 410-4550.
Sunday, Dec. 18 | 10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Holiday Brunch with Santa – Matt The Miller’s Tavern
Enjoy a Sunday Brunch with your friends, family and Mr. & Mrs. Santa Claus. Matt The Miller’s Tavern will be hosting the jolly couple so bring your camera to take pictures and enjoy the following brunch buffet features:

Carving stations, prime rib, honey glazed ham, omelet station, eggs benedict, breakfast favorites, pastries, flatbreads, pastas, salads, chef specials, fresh fruit, desserts and holiday favorites.

Reservations are Required. Call 614-799-9100
6725 Avery-Muirfield Dr. Dublin, OH
Adults: $24.95
Kids 5-10 yrs old: $7.95
Kids 4 and under FREE with each paying adult. (Additional 4 and under: $4.95 each)

All month
Silent Movie Sundays at the Ohio History Center
The Ohio History Center in Columbus is featuring a classic silent film with live theatre-organ accompaniment and free popcorn. Enjoy scenes from A Christmas Carol (1910) and The Adventures of the Wrong Santa Claus (1914) starting at 3 pm in the auditorium.
The adjacent Ohio Village will be featuring A Dicken’s Christmas with crafts, decorations, caroling and cooking demonstrations 1982 Velma Ave., Columbus. 800/686-6124.

All month
Graeter’s Ice Cream
Enjoy a fantastic assortment of specialty holiday Graeter’s ice cream that will make your elves go crazy! Stock up on pints for when your houseguests are raiding the freezer at midnight. Seasonal flavors include peppermint, eggnog and cinnamon. Don’t miss the gift card sale: For every $30, you receive a $5 gift voucher. 6255 Frantz Road. 799-2663; 546 West Powell Road, 336-3661.

-Post by Allison

 

December 6, 2011

How the 19th Century started Santa Claus (and other holiday staples)

Posted by irishattitude under Family Fun, Getaways, Holidays, Insider tips, Ohio travel, Special Events, Treasures, What's New
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The hustle and bustle of holiday shopping, decorating and traveling makes me want to write “CHRISTMAS TO BE OVER” on my wish list to ol’ Saint Nick. That’s why I’ve decided to take a step back and find out the history behind these seasonal necessities, instead of spinning around in a blind fury of tinsel. 

Before Coca-Cola was placing a tall, cold, glass of soda in Santa Claus’ hand, America’s favorite holiday didn’t have our current traditions until the mid 19th century. I mean, how did a fat man in a red suit get so deep rooted into popular culture?

In 1821, an anonymous poem was published in a popular children’s book. This poem referred to a “Santeclaus” and was the first mention of a character based on St. Nicholas having a sleigh. Fun Fact: St. Nicholas in Dutch is “Sinterklaas” which would eventually evolve into our English “Santa Claus” which would eventually evolve into Tim Allen.

The tradition of the Christmas tree originated in Germany, but it didn’t gain popularity in British and American society until Queen Victoria’s husband, the German-born Prince Albert, decorated a Christmas tree at Windsor Castle in 1841. Illustrations of the tree were published in America a year later. The tree became a fashionable home-decor necessity for upper class homes.
I can understand this considering I want every outfit Princess Kate wears.

What else in the 19th century sparked our current holiday traditions? What traditions have been put to rest?

Find out by going to the Kelton House Museum & Garden Holiday Tour. From November 26, 2011 through January 6, 2012, The Kelton House will celebrate the holidays with a special tour of the Victorian-era Museum and teach you a little holiday history. This is the only home in Columbus that has been preserved exactly how life was from 1850 to 1900.

The Holiday Tour includes a display of 19th century Christmas ornaments from a collection provided by local collector Michael Girard.  Visitors will be able to see feather trees, handcrafted and glass ornaments, scenic cardboard villages, and observe how Santa Claus has changed over the years.

This truly beautiful home and tour is the perfect opportunity for you to slow down and enjoy the lovely holiday season.

The Details:
The museum offers an audio tour Monday through Friday from 10 a.m to 4 p.m. (last tour begins at 3 p.m.).

Docent-led tours are available on Fridays from 12 noon – 2 p.m. and Sundays at 1:00, 2:00, and 3:00 p.m. Reservations are not required.

Tours for groups of six or more can be scheduled throughout the week by calling the Kelton House Museum and Garden at 614-464-2022.

Ticket prices are Adults $6, Seniors $4, Children 6 and over $2.
For more information, call 614.464.2022 or visit www.keltonhouse.com

586 East Town Street, Columbus, OH

-Post by Allison 

 

November 29, 2011

We Need a Caption for Jack & Friends!

Posted by irishattitude under Columbus Zoo, Events, Family Fun, Getaways, Holidays, Special Events | Tags: , , |
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‘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?

 

November 29, 2011

What’s New at Columbus Zoo’s Wildlights?

Posted by irishattitude under Columbus Zoo, Events, family dining deals, Family Fun, Getaways, Holidays, Special Events | Tags: , , , , , , |
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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
__________

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.

 

October 21, 2011

Something Wicked is Coming to The Kelton House

Posted by irishattitude under Events, Family Fun, Holidays, Insider tips, Music & Entertainment, Ohio travel, Special Events | Tags: , , , , |
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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

 

October 17, 2011

Old Fashioned Halloween in Ohio Village Never Gets Old

Posted by irishattitude under Events, Family Fun, Insider tips, Ohio travel, Special Events | Tags: , , , |
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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

 

 

 

 

October 14, 2011

Family Fall Fun in Dublin, Ohio!

Posted by irishattitude under Columbus Zoo, Events, Family Fun, Getaways, Holidays, Insider tips, Ohio travel, Special Events, Treasures | Tags: , , , , , , |
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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

 

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