Raptor Hike Search for owls and hawks at Glacier Ridge Metro Park on this 1.5 mile hike led by a Park Ranger. Meet at the bulletin board by the picnic shelter. Sunday, January 29^th at 2 pm. Free. 9801 Hyland-Croy Road. 891-0700.

Echos in Time Theatre: Ruth Lyons Meet beloved pioneer broadcaster Ruth Lyons (1905-1988), said to have “invented” talk TV. “Mother” as she became known to millions of fans, hosted the 50/50 Club, one of the most popular shows on Cincinnati station WLW from 1949-1967. Portrayed by Robin Schuricht, the performance will start at 1 and 3 pm. Saturday, January 28^th. Performance is included with your admission to the Ohio History Center. 800 East 17^th Ave., Columbus. 297-2300.

Support Your Local Artist Day is this Saturday, January 28^th. Come to TehKu Tea Company in Historic Dublin to see local art and enjoy a hot cup of tea! 55 South High Street. 761-3808.

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium wants to thank everyone for their record breaking attendance last year by offering half-price admission through February 29^th. Adults will be $7, $4.50 for children ages two to nine, and $5 for senior citizens age 60 and over. Be sure to see the polar bears Aurora and Anana swimming in their geothermal heated pool or enjoy the warm indoor exhibits like the aquarium at Discovery Reef, gorillas in the African Forest or the Manatee Coast buildings.  9990 Riverside Drive. 645-3400.

COSI is having their Family Friday Night this week. A special admission rate of $9 provides non-stop fun from 5-9 pm. Experience all their exhibits plus a movie in the Giant Screen Theatre.  Current features are “African Adventure – Safari in the Okavango” and “Tornado Alley”. 333 West Broad Street, Columbus. 228-2674.

Phoenix Bats is open for tours during the winter! Tours run every Tuesday at 6 pm and on Thursday and Friday at 1:30 pm. During the one-hour tour, you will learn how the business began, how they work with professional baseball players and teams, the process of creating a bat and will also spend time in the shop seeing a close-up view of the bat making and finishing process. 7801 Corporate Blvd., Plain City. 873-7776.

For more winter ideas visit: www.IrishisanAttitude.com

-Post by Allison & Katie

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:

Luck of the Door
After the clock strikes twelve on New Year’s Eve the Irish would watch to see who enters through their door first. If a tall, dark and handsome man is first to enter, this will bring the home and the family good luck, but if a red-haired woman enters, she will bring hardship and grief.

Luck in Love
Mistletoe is commonly associated with Christmas, but for the Irish this magical plant would be put underneath their pillows so they dream of their future wife or husband and receive special luck in love.

Honoring the Dead
The Irish honor loved ones by having an extra place setting at the table to represent a deceased friend or family member. The front door would also be unlocked to allow spirits to freely enter the home.

Luck of the Home
“Cleansing” is a spiritual action. The Irish represent this cleanse by cleaning the home for the New Year. A spotless home also represents making room for new memories, new joys, and new luck.

Traditional Irish Soda Bread was used to scare away bad spirits by banging it against the walls of the home. This also allowed good spirits to enter the home.

At midnight many would enter the house through the front door and leave through the back door for good luck.

Luck of the Hotel
Our Dublin hotels offer great packages for New Year’s Eve. It’s the perfect way to relax and packages start at $89. Aren’t you lucky? Start your own traditions with a fun hotel party and perhaps add in some of the Irish traditions you just read about.

Chase Suites Hotel
Enjoy a cozy fireplace suite, a fresh hot breakfast, indoor hot-tub, free movies for your in-room DVD and an Irish Gift Basket. Packages start at $89. 4130 Tuller Road. 766-7762. www.chasehoteldublin.com

Embassy Suites Dublin
Enjoy early check-in, an upgraded manager’s reception, movie rooms for families, big screen TV’s with football games, indoor pool and a Champagne toast at midnight. Packages start at $139. 5100 Upper Metro Place. 790-9000. www.embassysuitescolumbus.com

Hilton Garden Inn
Enjoy a champagne toast, a free in-room movie, indoor pool and spa and a hot breakfast buffet. Packages start at $99. 500 Metro Place North. 766-9900. www.columbusdublin.gardeninn.com
For more information about Irish traditions go to www.IrishCentral.com 

-Post by Allison

But I do remember being excited. I remember hardly being able to sleep through the night knowing that glorious presents will be there in the morning waiting for me to rip them open. You could say I was a little like Ralphie. 

For whatever reason, I was always really excited for the first day of school too. I was kind of a nerd.

With the holiday right around the corner and me being well out of school, I now experience a different anticipation.

The anticipation of giving.

You proudly place your gift in the hands of your friend or family member, anxiously watching them figure out where the invisible scotch tape is located and then wait for the classic, “I love it!”

As much as I love anticipation there is one ugly thing that I can’t seem to avoid.

Procrastination.

How are we only a few days away from the big event? Where did the time go? Why am I paying shipping costs and hoping items arrive on time?

From the looks of our malls, I’d say procrastination or “last-minute shoppers” are in the majority. So to help you out, majority, here is a quick list of some awesome last minute gifts.

For the Hostess with the Most-ess

The Woodhouse Day Spa
Who doesn’t like to be pampered? Especially after the stress of having family over for the holidays. Make a spa day extra special and tell your mom or sister that you both are going for some quality time.

PRICE TAG DEAL:  For every $100 Woodhouse day spa gift certificate you purchase, you will receive both a free $20 Woodhouse gift card and a free $20 Mezzo’s Ristorante of Dublin gift card. You can knock out three people on your list!

For the Food “Nut”

Sister’s Sweet Shoppe
‘Cash & Pistach with Panache’ and ‘Pecan and Peanut Lover’s Unit’ are two gifts that are already put together and ready to be devoured. Don’t forget to buy one of the Sister’s famous fruitcakes.

PRICE TAG: $25.95 – $58.95

For the One Miles Away

Sometimes a person just can’t make it home for Christmas. So give the gift of Columbus, Ohio’s own, Jeni’s Splendid Icecreams. Jeni’s will ship a collection (or at least four pints) directly to their home. The new Holiday Collection will make their taste buds quake.

PRICE TAG: $50 – $175 per collection. $12 per pint.

For the Big Family
Do you have family in town for awhile? Give them something to do while they are here in Central Ohio. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Wildlights is a great event for all ages. You can even coax them into staying in a Dublin hotel by wrapping up the Dublin CVB’s Kids Go Free Columbus Zoo Wildlights Package.

PRICE TAG: The Dublin Wildlights Package rates at Dublin hotels begin around $109. With the package, kids ages 2-9 receive free admission to the Zoo, plus free kids meals at participating restaurants.

MILITARY DEAL: The Zoo is offering FREE Zoo admission to all who are serving and have served our great nation, including their immediate family, starting Monday, Dec. 26 through Sunday, Jan. 1. Military personnel should show their military ID and veterans must show proof of service for free entry to the Zoo. Immediate family is defined as active or non-active military personnel, their spouse and any kids living in the household.

For the Crafty One
Guess what? You can make that bracelet (above).The Adventurine & Flower Bracelet (Toho Kit) is available at 1 Stop Bead Shop. Or buy one of the several classes and go together.

PRICE TAG: $36.60 Toho Kit.  $70 Class Fees + Class kit.

Happy shopping and happy holidays!

-Post by Allison

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

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 

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.

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.

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