columbus ohio

How to Discover Outdoor Adventure in Columbus

October 19, 2016 By Nedra McDaniel 5 Comments

When I visit a city, I seek out locations and experiences that are unique, that I can’t replicate anywhere else. I discovered that Columbus, Ohio has a lot to offer when it comes to connecting with nature through outdoor adventure. You can choose your own outdoor adventure in an urban setting, a scenic park, or the woods.

So did I find anything unique, that I couldn’t replicate anywhere else, in Columbus? YES, and there is a good chance that you will want to add these adventures to your list too!

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Columbus Food Adventures ~ Taco Truck Tour

August 16, 2016 By Nedra McDaniel 3 Comments

I joined Heather from The Food Hussy on a Taco Truck Tour with Columbus Food Adventures in Columbus, OH. I was excited about this for multiple reasons. Mainly because I LOVE Mexican food, taco trucks and any meal that I don’t have to cook.

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Transfigurations at Wexner Center for the Arts

November 3, 2014 By Nedra McDaniel Leave a Comment

My family visited the Wexner Center for Arts this fall during a trip to Columbus. It was our first visit to the art museum. I was really interested in checking out the current exhibit because a very large collection of pieces from the artist Pablo Picasso would be on display.

Here is a little more about the exhibit.

“A collection of this caliber and magnitude requires rare discipline, passion and discernment,” says Storr, who further notes, “Those who take the opportunity to view and absorb this exhibition will count themselves incredibly lucky to have looked over the shoulder of such avid collectors.” Transfigurations will be complemented by lectures and symposia featuring preeminent art historians, critics/cultural commentators, and contemporary artists.

Wexner Center Director Sherri Geldin notes, “Presenting the exquisitely focused Wexner family collection allows us to offer audiences—especially university students and scholars—an unparalleled look at some of the pioneering artists whose work in the first half of the 20th century transformed the cultural landscape of their time, and continues to resonate in our own.

We are so grateful to Leslie and Abigail Wexner for providing this singular opportunity to illuminate the creative continuum between early 20th-century masters and contemporary artistic practice.”

“This is the ideal moment to celebrate the profound and continuing impact of the WexnerCenter, a multidisciplinary laboratory for new ideas, creativity, and freedom of expression purposefully situated at the gateway of The Ohio State University—a great land grant institution and my alma mater,” says Leslie H. Wexner, Wexner Center Foundation chair and chairman and founder of the Limited Brands.

“Abigail and I are happy to share the collection that we have the privilege and pleasure to live with every day. We are so grateful to the Columbus community forits generous support of the center over 25 years. At the same time, the exhibition creates an opportunity for Ohio State to be an incubator for new scholarship and critical dialogue surrounding these remarkable artists, their work, and their influence.”

“The art center represents a unique public/private partnership that directly links a major research university with the world’s most creative innovators in arts and culture,” notes Wexner. “It serves as both a local and global hub that connects with virtually every academic department and student association on this campus. The Wexner Center for the Arts serves as an important portal to the university, with a presence and impact felt the world over.”

*No photography is allowed while you are visiting the exhibit but there is a book that you can purchase in the bookstore that showcases the artwork that you see.

It’s one thing to learn about the art in school and it’s another experience to see it in real life. I was really glad that my kids and I had the opportunity to see the works of such a famous artist. It’s really interesting to learn about the history behind the work of art and the artist who created it.

Transfigurations Exhibit will be on display from September 21–December 31, 2014

Admission

Student FREE

OSU Faculty & Staff $6

Adult $8

Member FREE

Senior $6

**Free for visitors on Thursdays after 4 PM and on the firstSunday of each month

(must be reserved in advance).

*All Transfigurations tickets are timed and must be purchased or reserved in advance

The Wexner Center for the Arts is located at 1871 North High Street, Columbus, OH

You can find out more from the Wexner Center for the Arts website.

Disclosure: I was given admission for my family for review purposes. All opinions are my own.

Fort Rapids Indoor Water Park Review

January 7, 2013 By Nedra McDaniel 5 Comments

We had a great family experience at Fort Rapids indoor water park in Columbus, Ohio. It’s central Ohio’s largest indoor water park and it did not disappoint. They offer something for the whole family to enjoy.

Fort Rapids uses a western theme throughout the complex. The water park has displays and attractions that highlight the wild west.

If you have younger kids, the “Kiddie Korral” is an area just for them with lower basketball hoops, small water slides, water mushrooms and bouncing swings for babies.

The first water attraction that we tried was the “Cowboy Creek” which is a lazy river. It was very relaxing …..but we were feeling the need for speed.

We moved on to the water slides next. The water slides start indoors and then twist and turn outside of the side of the building before coming back inside. This makes for more room in the facility and a great advertisement as you drive by the hotel.

The facility does have a workout area but you won’t need it if you ride the slides a lot because you get plenty of cardio going up the stairs. The stairs also help keep your body temp warm too. The inside of water park is climate controlled at 84 degrees. If you want to warm up even more, you can check out the 30 person hot tub.

If you are a parent who likes to read by the pool, my suggestion is to take a seat away from the entrance door so that you don’t feel the cold air as people come in.

The “Shoot out Racer” mat racing slides were our 1st bigger attraction. They were sooo fun! They were the balance of just enough twists and turns in the dark before opening up to a fast dip to the bottom. (As you can tell, I clearly won that race!)

We tried the “Ambush Alley and Raging Bull” racing tube slides next. We opted to race with the double tubes first and then try it as singles.

Next, we tried the “Black Out Pass”. It was great! The ride starts out like a normal tube slide in total darkness and then you are thrusted into a swirl that reminds me of being flushed down a toilet. Depending on how many times you circle around the funnel, you can either go into the hole forwards or backwards. Backwards, in my opinion was the most fun. This ride was such a great time with the boys!

The “Activity pool” is an area for swimming and water basketball for older kids and the “Rascal Roundup” is a nearby play water structure with water cannons, dumping buckets and water slides for kids as well.

My younger son loved the lower basketball hoop for littler kids.

If your kids want a break from swimming for a bit, there is a nearby game room that is steps away from the water park for them to enjoy.

Our room, “Oak Creek Canyon” held two queen size beds, a sofa bed, mini fridge, microwave, mini coffee maker, two tv’s, and a small dryer.

The dryer was really convenient to have with using the pool so often.

The hotel does provide small complimentary towels for the pool on a first come, first serve basis but we preferred to bring our big beach towels.

There are several restaurants inside the hotel.

We opted to get pizza poolside. The price was not bad for the convenience of being able to stay in swimming mode. Everyone agreed that the pizza was pretty good too.

Overall, our family had a great stay at Fort Rapids. We enjoyed getting away and spending quality time together as a family. When you are staying at the hotel, you can swim before your check in time and also enjoy the water park after you check out. I recommend bringing a hairdryer if you plan on using the pool after you check out. There are also lockers available for rent.

Check out the Fort Rapids website to begin planning your next family adventure.

There is currently a coupon for Fort Rapids on the US family guide website until 6/30/13.

**I was not compensated for this post. Our family did receive a complimentary visit for review purposes. All opinions are my own.