‘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? 
Special Events
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November 29, 2011
We Need a Caption for Jack & Friends!
Posted by irishattitude under Columbus Zoo, Events, Family Fun, Getaways, Holidays, Special Events | Tags: Columbus Zoo Hotel Package, Columbus Zoo Wildlights, Ohio Zoo Holiday ligths |[6] Comments
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: Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Columbus Zoo Getaway, Columbus Zoo Hotel Package, Columbus Zoo lights, Ohio Travel Package, Wildlights Columbus Zoo, Wildlights Hotel Package |Leave a Comment
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.
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: Kelton House Columbus Ohio, Ohio Childrens Theater, Ohio Halloween Event, Ohio travel, Ohio Underground Railroad |Leave a Comment
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: All Hallows Eve, Central Ohio Halloween, Ohio Halloween events, Ohio history |Leave a Comment
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: Apple picking in Ohio, Boo at the Columbus Zoo, COSI Columbus, Ohio autumn getaways, Ohio fall family fun, Ohio Fall Getaways, Ohio pumpkin patches |Leave a Comment
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
October 12, 2011
Explore the Spooky Side of Science at COSI
Posted by irishattitude under Columbus Zoo, Events, Family Fun, Insider tips, Ohio travel, Special Events | Tags: Columbus attractions, Columbus Halloween event, COSI Columbus, Ohio Fall Getaways |Leave a Comment
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
October 4, 2011
Experience Columbus Days Deals (Oct. 7-10)
Posted by irishattitude under Columbus Zoo, Insider tips, Special Events | Tags: Columbus Ohio tourism, Experience Columbus Days |Leave a Comment
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
September 16, 2011
Live Performances during Half-Way to St. Patrick’s Day 2011 Celebration
Posted by irishattitude under Events, Family Fun, Holidays, Insider tips, Irish, Music & Entertainment, Special Events, UncategorizedLeave a Comment
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
September 13, 2011
The Ripple Effect: Free Dance Performance in Dublin OH
Posted by irishattitude under Arts in Dublin, Events, Insider tips, Music & Entertainment, Ohio travel, Special Events | Tags: Columbus Arts, Dublin Arts Council, Dublin Ohio Arts, Ohio dance events, Ohio travel |Leave a Comment
This guest post is by David S. Guion, Executive Director of the Dublin Arts Council.
Have you ever dreamt of flying? This fascination with flying has helped inspire choreographer Keely Shaffer-Glenn to create Gravity’s Ripple III, a site-specific dance performance on the sloping riverfront grounds of Dublin Arts Council. Keely’s talented and agile dancers will incorporate balloons and paper airplanes as they encourage the audience to come along for the ride. Challenging the slope of the hill and the weight of gravity, the dancers will guide the audience through journeys of flight and fancy.
Gravity's Ripple III
All are welcome to experience a dress rehearsal on Friday, Sept. 16 at 11 a.m. at Dublin Arts Council, 7125 Riverside Dr., in Dublin. Dancers and non-dancers of all ages are encouraged to attend. We encourage young children and their families to picnic on the grounds after the performance and enjoy the scenery.
You’re also invited to two free performances of this original work, Friday Sept. 16 and Saturday Sept. 17 at 6:30 p.m. at Dublin Arts Council. The performance is approximately 40 minutes in length and will be followed by a Q&A session with the choreographer and the dancers. Sunset and nature will surely play a feature role in the performance.
Gravity’s Ripple was first presented in 2009, and continues to receive supportive audience feedback. Most people have never attended a contemporary dance performance before – and certainly not outside. Their enthusiasm has encouraged us to continue this unique project.
The project is offered free of charge through an array of collaborations and financial supporters. Gravity’s Ripple III is presented by 
Dublin Arts Council and OhioDance in collaboration with The Ohio State University Department of Dance and Ohio Department of Education Division of the Arts with additional support provided by Ohio Arts Council and the Target Foundation.
Come fly with us! To learn more about Dublin Arts Council, please visit us at www.dublinarts.org
~Post by David S. Guion, Ph.D., Executive Director, Dublin Arts Council
September 9, 2011
Jack Hanna, Pumpkins and Ghosts … Oh My!
Posted by irishattitude under Columbus Zoo, Events, Family Fun, Getaways, Insider tips, Special Events | Tags: Boo at the Zoo, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Columbus Zoo Fall Fest, Jack Hanna |Leave a Comment
This guest post was provided by Katie Ronske at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. We figured she could give you the “inside scoop” on Jack Hanna’s Fall Fest far better than we could!
It’s fall in Columbus which means it’s time for, you guessed it, Fall Fest at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium! This summer has been a scorcher, and if you visited us here at the Zoo you may have left with a slight sunburn and
sweat…well, everywhere. Now that the temps have finally dropped, dig out your comfy sweatshirts and jeans and head to the Zoo for some fall fun beginning this weekend at Jack Hanna’s Fall Fest.
This year’s Fall Fest celebration kicks off on Sep. 10 -11 and continues Sept. 17-18. Festivities include pumpkin carving, delicious fall food, country music, kid-friendly entertainment, character caravans, animals bobbing for apples and more! Nick Jr.’s Kai-lan will join the fun on Sept. 10-11 and our very own Jungle Jack Hanna will be live on stage with our Animals on Safari stars on Sep. 17-18.
Looking for more fall fun? Meet your Best Friend at the Zoo on Oct. 8 when area rescue organizations and humane societies provide guests with an opportunity to rescue some of their favorite furry friends. This is your opportunity to visit the Zoo AND go home with an animal…no lions, tigers or bears, of course.
After you take your new friend home, come back on Oct. 9 for Colo’s Classic Car show featuring your favorite classic, muscle and low-rider cars from all over Ohio. The cars will be parked at Jungle Jack’s Landing and Colo’s Cove and there will be plenty of raffle prizes and awards!
Local retailers aren’t the only ones dusting off the black and orange Halloween décor. Boo at the Zoo is right around the corner and we’ve got Casper, Spider-Man and Captain America to help us celebrate. Witch? Lion? Ghost? There’s still time to decide, but mark your calendars for the weekends of Oct. 21-23 and Oct. 28-30 for this merry (not scary) event! We’ll see you at the Zoo!
For more information about these events, visit www.columbuszoo.org.
