The final week of 2015 seems like the perfect time to recap some of my favorite adventures of the year. One of these adventures was the Ohio State Fair. I went while I was nursing a stress fracture. Nothing puts your love of fried food to the test quite like a stress fracture. I realized I might love fried buckeyes a little too much because I was willing to hobble around the Ohio State Fair in one of those Stormtrooper looking boots they put you in when you’ve got a broken foot - FOR FOUR HOURS - all for a fried buckeye. I exaggerate a bit, there was a lot more to see and do at the fair that I went for: baby pigs, butter cows, Smokey the Bear, a petting zoo, corn dogs, bison, the list goes on and on. One of my favorite features of the fair, and where I spent a big part of my day, is the Natural Resources Park. Here you will find a prairie, butterflies, fishing, archery (for real!), lots of info on the Ohio State Parks, and much more. Definitely plan a stroll through next year if you’ve never stopped. You’ll learn a lot about the state, and feel like you’re a million miles away from the midway. The Fair also brings in a variety of bands and artists each year, and there are usually at least one or two decent acts. While I didn’t attend any of the concerts this year, I saw the Beach Boys there two years ago, and it was obviously amazing. John Stamos joined on the drums. I’m still not ready to talk about it. Rides, animals, Ohio history, crafts, food, drink, games, and much more are all found at the Ohio State Fair. Keep it in mind next summer if you’re looking for something different to do! Things you must check out when you go:
0 Comments
One of the highlights of 2015 for me was the Columbus Ale Trail. There are 25 breweries in the Columbus area. They teamed up, along with a network of partners and supporters, to create the Columbus Ale Trail. You simply stop by any of the participating breweries to get your Ale Trail Brew Book, then get it stamped at each location you visit and purchase a beer from. When you make it to four, stop by one of the Experience Columbus locations for a free pint glass. The first 500 people to visit all 20 participating breweries receive a free tshirt (legit most comfy shirt ever), which can be picked up at the Ohio Tap Room. There are about 60 left, and shirts will be available to purchase for $8 after. The trail isn’t just about drinking beer - it takes you to new parts of town, allows you to meet cool people (the staff and customers alike), and supports local businesses. We started in May and ended in August, and found it the perfect summer activity (but really any time of year would have been perfect for it). We often paired our trips to breweries with stops to restaurants or parks nearby that we might not have otherwise visited, adding to the adventure. Good news from Ale Trail cofounder, Cheryl Harrison of Drink Up Columbus fame: The trail is returning in 2016, and making its debut during Columbus Craft Beer Week May 13-21st! There may be new breweries and there will be new rewards, so even if you complete the 2015 trail, there will be incentive to trail again next year! Here is a roundup of my 5 favorite stops. Even if you don’t want to complete the full trail, or are just visiting Columbus for a day, definitely look into these spots out - you won’t regret it! Rockmill Brewery: Located in Lancaster (about 30 minutes from Columbus), Rockmill is one of the most unique locations on the trail. They specialize in Belgian beers because the water found on their farm has a similar mineral content of that found in Wallonia, Belgium. You’re free to roam around the property, so you can enjoy a beer on one of the couches in the old farmhouse, out on the patio, or down by the pond. While they don’t serve food, they encourage you to bring your own. They sometimes close for private events, so check their website first before visiting. *Tip: Rock Mill Park is located just down the street. Stop by to check out the old grist mill, covered bridge, and charming little waterfall. I also suggest a trip to Slate Run Farm or Chestnut Ridge, which are close, for a hike if you’re feeling real ambitious. North High Brewing: This was our first stop on the trail. We’d been before, and quite a few times since, and not just because we can walk there. We love the beer, the staff is always friendly (and super excited to give us tips on other breweries to check out), and the crowd never too fratty or crazy. North High is unique in that you can brew your own beer here. You can choose from dozens of blends, and even get to come back to bottle. There is always a party there brewing - which you can watch from the bar. Perhaps that will be on my 2016 to do list! *Tip: There is parking, across the street, behind Kroger. Come during sunset and, thanks to the open lot across the street, you can view the best sunsets. Elevator Brewing Company: Elevator operates a bar and restaurant, as well as a taproom. We opted to visit the taproom on a rainy Saturday. It’s perfectly low key, with a small bar (with kegs for stools!) a few tables to hang out at, a couple of tvs with old school Nintendo - yes, please. The atmosphere alone is enough to bring me back, but the beer is delicious. If you can’t make it to all stops on the trail, prioritize this one. *Tip: There is parking lot, as well as plenty of street parking. Wolf’s Ridge is a block away - two for one stop! Homestead Beer Company: We made to Homestead, located in Heath, on a sunny afternoon in the summer. Although it was nice outside (and they have cornhole!), we opted to sit at the bar where the staff and patrons were so friendly and fun to talk with. The bartender was knowledgeable about the company's operations, the fellow patrons immediate new friends, and the beer delicious and reasonably priced. Not surprising, lots of regulars stopped in to get growlers refilled while we were there. We opted to start with a flight of 5 samples before committing to a pint. When you visit (and you must), note that you will not see signage for it off the main road. It will look like you’re turning into Boeing’s facilities, but you’ll cross the train tracks and drive on back and find this small but awesome operation. *Tip: Check out their website in advance for hours and food truck offerings, and a map view of where you’re heading. Four String Brewing Company:
Like most stops, Four String offers flights or pints in their small but awesome tap room, tucked away off 6th Ave in Grandview. There isn’t much here but a small bar, a few tables, and the equipment used to brew their beers, but really what else do you need? Their Brassknuckle IPA is my current favorite beer, and has been for some time. I order it wherever I go, and gave my mother strict orders to have it for me at Thanksgiving. *Tip: Check out their website for food truck offerings, or swing by Zauber (across the street) for a bite and another stamp in your book. |
aboutDiscovering everything Ohio has to offer. Archives
December 2015
Categories
All
|