You may have not have heard my name yet, but I can be found in the OHLA office with Halle, I’m Cindy. The office historian and lover of all things Columbus, Halle asked me to step in while she has been on the road for a few weeks. Don’t worry, you’ll get to hear all about that soon! Until then, follow me on an overnight in one of my favorite places – Columbus!
My husband Greg and I had the opportunity for a weekend excursion, “close to home”. We arrived at our Columbus Staycation hotel in time to watch the OSU Buckeyes vs. Maryland Terrapins kick-off — Go 
Bucks! (I had to get that in here somewhere, you’ll never hear Halle say it!) We were staying at the Crowne Plaza Columbus-Downtown for an evening of dining out and a Columbus Blue Jackets game. Our room was on the 10th floor with a fantastic view of Nationwide Arena and the surrounding Arena District.
Although Halle and I don’t have the Bucks in common – we do both love to eat. 
Knowing we could watch part of the second half of the football game while dining, we walked to the Short North Arts District to BareBurger on N. High Street. We enjoyed Bison and Elk burgers while sharing some of the best [Onion] Rings & Fries we’ve ever had. They come with awesome dipping sauces. The restaurant is in a section of the old Yankee Trader party store, an icon of fun costume and party goods in Central Ohio. A section of the old stair case was kept to keep the historical nature of the building.
It was a short walk on a gorgeous November Saturday night to Nationwide Arena, where fans were lined up see the Columbus Blue Jackets play the St. Louis Blues. Fans were quickly pleased by an early goal which lead to an 8-4 win! A brief walk back to the Crowne Plaza = No traffic hassles, No long drive home!
Sunday morning found us at one of our favorite breakfast spots downtown, Mound St. & S. High St.-Dempsey’s Food & Spirits. Always a great quality breakfast in their quaint bar setting.
One thing you might not have known about me, I love art and fashion.
We left just in time to arrive at the Columbus Museum of Art upon opening to see Bodies@Work: The Art of Ruben and Isabel Toledo. The couple shows how they work their creativity together. I’m reading her book, Roots of Style and to see the exhibit, brings their stories and creativity to life! {Link to buy this book for someone you know who loves fashion! It’s the Christmas season after all!}
We arrived home in the afternoon and took a walk at Walnut Woods Metro Park in Groveport.
It’s sometimes easy to forget all of the great things your own community has to offer. Next time you’re in need of a day or weekend away, consider looking in your own backyard! If you’re in need of some inspiration, Halle and her guest bloggers provide new ideas every week and of course, you can always pick up the phone and call us!
Thanks for coming along on my journey with me!
“People don’t take trips, trips take people.” – John Steinbeck