What a great find! I occasionally pass by here and thought it was just a small orchard. To my…read moresurprise, there's a lot to do here. Parking: free parking, and lots of it! Activities: there's a kids area with a small kids train (I also saw adults hop on), a paintball area, 2 huge bounce areas, a corn pot, apple orchard, a small pond. and so much more! Food/Drink: fun selection of quick, fall free foods like shredded chicken or pulled pork sandwiches. You can purchase a cup of hot apple cider or a gallon of it. There are also pumpkin donuts - which I really wanted, but they were sold out when I arrived. Definitely recommend stopping by for some family/friend/solo fun!

Nice little apple orchard outside of the Columbus area. Took the family to go pick some fresh…read morehoney crisp apples. For best apple picking results please go to the company's web site as they keep track of when the apples will be in prime picking. This farm has a good selection of apple to pick from. We stopped in the market to grab some pumpkin donuts and fresh squeezed apple cider. The donuts are fresh and delicious, on the lighter pumpkin flavor side but not in your face. The cider was cold and refreshing, not overly sweet. You can pay for a day pass for the kids. This place has a lot of fun activities for kids, playground, bikes, tractor ride, zip line, ext... If you are looking for something close to home but different this might be the place to go for a few hours.

I hate to say it, but I was not a big fan of the festival this time around. I hadn't been in a few…read moreyears, but I moved close by so my friends that were in town and I decided to visit. Now I may be a little biased because it was extremely disruptive to the neighborhood for the two weeks they spent setting things up. As in, sound check at 7am when it didn't start until noon for example. I know I mentioned this in my previous review, but it seemed like there were even less local spots than before. The food I got also missed the mark, especially for the price tag. The one vendor I was excited about visiting and grabbing goods from ran out really early in the day, which was a bummer. Maybe because it's a fundraising event for the Baptist church, but compared to other festivals in the Columbus area this one just wasn't it.

Awesome parade! Great food! Really interactive performers! Very informative and lots of fun for the…read morewhole family! Highly recommend checking it out!

Its just not that big a deal…read more I'm going with 2 stars (per Yelp - I'v experienced better). I really have experienced better festivals. This event is supposed to be a community festival that showcases local business, but in the past several years the event just keeps getting more and more blah. There seems to be lots of canopies with vendors under them but its mostly roofing, siding, gutters, churches and other similar businesses. What I would like to see is more of the local businesses coming out to give back to the community by giving out coupons, samples etc. Maybe somebody who plans these events or is involved with these events will see this review and bring this to the right persons attention. There are bounce houses in the middle that are roped off and are only allowed by people with wrist bands. The bands cost $20, what?!? that's terrible. This event is not worth going to and I would recommend spending your time doing something else that is more fun. If I hear that the Festival has changed more to what a community festival should be then I will update my review.

This year was the 16th annual Powell Festival and it was the best I have been to in Ohio yet!…read moreIts right downtown Powell by the kids splash pad which is really nice and perfect for a hot summer day. They had so much to do for kids and adults alike. Foodwise I was a bit dissapointed but had eaten lunch before coming, so that was not a problem. The reason this gets 5 stars from me is that everything (expect for said food) was FREE! We actually left with 3 huge tote bags (also free) PACKED with free goodies! The festival is about local vendors/stores/shops/retailers promoting their businesses. So free toothbrushes/toothpastes from the dentists, free sunglasses from the optical stores, free snacks drinks and coupons from Giant Eagle, free facepainting, free videogame truck for the kids, free ice cream sundaes and coupons for free froyo from Cherry Berry, it went on and on, we spent hours just chatting with vendors and stocking up. Everyone was friendly and in good spirits, it was a great day and a festival I'll be back to for sure!

Today I volunteered at the Arthritis Foundations Cruise - In and Car show. It was great. It will…read morebe going on all day Saturday also. I would like to say that I really enjoyed working at the car show on Friday afternoon and evening. I was there from 2:30 PM to 10 PM. I was only supposed to do a 3 to 6 PM shift, but I was enjoying myself so much, and we were a little short handed anyway after 6 PM. It seem more people were drinking beer in the evening. I am so glad and thankful for the golf carts they had. I had knee surgery in April on my left knee and it is still healing. I got a ride to the beer truck from the hotel lot and then back when it was time to go home. During my time I got to go around a little and see some of the vintage cars also. I have enjoy volunteering for the foundation, and hope to do more in the future. I would love to work full time or part time for a non profit eventually here in the Central Ohio area. I worked for Safe Horizon in NYC, a big Non profit there that does many programs for that city in all the bourghs. I worked in their Counseling center and with homeless families. In my family we get Arthritis as teenagers, usually by age 16. My younger brother became an Orthopedic Surgeon just so he can help people and maybe even do some research into a cure or better implants and prosthetics. I am so proud of him. Well enough of my rambling. I just want to say I enjoyed myself and this Car show and Cruise -IN is put on every year, so I do recommend either paying to see it, or volunteering some time. Either way you are helping a great cause.

Always a good time. Good for adults. Individuals. Groups. Families with kids. Multiple kinds of…read morebeer. Authentic foods, and music. Various things to purchase from the little pop up shops. $15/vehicle to park. Then admission is free. They have people who drive park and forth from the parking lot on golf carts who will give you a ride for FREE...just have a little cash to tip them.

Fun Fun Fun !!!…read more Oktoberfest was a Blast ! Loved the Live Bands ! Loved the Beer & Food Fun people everywhere smiling and enjoying life

This is my 2nd year at the Upper Arlington Labor Day Festival. I typically go when there is not…read moremuch to do. This year we got lucky and attended for our 2nd year but with new addition of course our daughter. So it was quietly different experience than the last. This year we enjoyed the kids activities, while exploring all the vendors. I do appreciate now with a child how much there is to do with your children to occupy them. Such as touch a truck and the children can learn fire safety with Upper Arlington's Fire Department. I believe fire safety is an important lesson for children. Thank you Upper Arlington for a great Labor Day Festival. I cannot wait for many more year's with my child.

Some may call be crazy, but even moreso than the Columbus Art Show that used to be down on the…read moreriver and recently moved to Broad Street, this is the Arts Festival I look forward to most each year. Less pretense, more affordability, less crowds, and easier parking. Sure its still got the same nasty fair-food and sure there isn't enough shade, but that is of little concern when browsing the top quality art at relatively bargain basement prices (compare this festival to Columbus, Ann Arbor, Black Swamp, Birmingham.....enough said on prices.) If I had only one complaint it would simply be to make the event more than one day so that those with family engagements for Labor day would have a chance to visit on Sunday.

What's not to like. Fireworks, food, drinks and family. Oh, a concert with stuff for the kids. Wait…read morea minute, there is also fair food. I'm there. My man and I have been going for years. But would not have if it wasn't for his sister. She gets a spot each year. She goes early to mark her territory/spot. Usually there is another family there, but not this year. Also usually some friends of the kids also come, but alas no one else this year. There is a different act each year, we have seen some bands that I would not have been able to see in my youth. So I am thankful for that as well as my country, my health and my family. Peter Frampton was this year. We saw Little Richard a few years ago. Two years ago we took my mother, all the walking wasn't good for her. But she did have a good time watching the band and the fireworks. The only thing she had a problem with were the dogs. Go figure we had dogs my whole life and I didn't know my mom doesn't like dogs.

These were great for just small town fireworks. I headed over here with a friend on the 4th on a…read morewhim--we'd spent the day poolside and decided to check it out. I don't know a lot about fireworks, as I didn't grow in China nor am I a scientist/physicist type of person, but these looked good to me. Here's the trick: it's really crowded and there's no where to park. We got to the Dublin rec center just before they started and then stayed in the car in the air conditioning right next to a great viewing area. It was super hot this year--hottest 4th I can remember, so watching from the car worked out perfect. I wouldn't travel too far to see these, but if you are already close by they are worth it.

Never been to downtown Hilliard before. Enjoyed seeing my favorite bakery Crumbz Cakery set up…read morethere. The ladies even remembered me. Some national chains like Chick-fil-A, Dave & Buster's, and Max & Erma's had booths. Only a few local businesses were involved so a little disappointed. Did get to try the tacos at Local Cantina and mini popsicle at Diamonds. Great idea to get more people to see this downtown, but it was not crowded. Hope to go to other sites in this series to learn more about Cbus.

We found out about this via an Elite Yelp email. It was said that since we were Elite that the…read moreregistration fee would be waived. My wife and I signed up and the $10 registration fee was waived because we were Yelp Elite. Maybe the fee is the reason there weren't that many people at this event. When we arrived we were told that we could register for free but since we had registered ahead of time it just made it easier/quicker to get registered. That was rather odd! Now all of a sudden the event didn't seem very special. There were a dozen different places that were on the card as a place to visit. Some of the places were having a special and others were giving out small sugary snacks. Chick-fil-a was the only one giving out actual food and it was 2 chicken nuggets. The email said, "enjoy complimentary hors d'oeuvres and pick up your passport to discounts and samples" There was Chick-fil-A(nuggets), Max&Ermas(cookies), Crumbz(various confections) they were really late and didn't get setup until a few minutes before 6:00. Im not sure where the hors d'oeuvres were. Don't get me wrong, we had an enjoyable evening and enjoyed getting out of the house but it definitely wasn't what I was expecting. We did also each get to choose a random envelope with a gift card to a local Hilliard business. I got a gift card to Ten Pin Alley.

Great variety of food and goods! We always get some fresh meat products from one of farm vendors…read more Great time on a nice Saturday morning

I would say this is similar to the Worthington farmers market in terms of crowds, but much more…read moreenjoyable in other ways. This market runs the entire length of Longshore Street and it is closed off for pedestrian traffic only which is great. The market is on Saturdays from 9 AM to Noon in the summer. For your musical enjoyment, there were several folks performing live music which really adds to the experience. If you would like some breakfast while you shop, Saddleberk sells hot breakfast sandwiches and Sweetwaters has a tent outside their storefront with pastries and coffee (try the Dreamy cold brew). This market is mostly vendors selling speciality foods, gifts, jewelry, etc. I think there were only two or three vendors actually selling fruits and vegetables. Just like in Worthington, lots of big strollers and big dogs. The longest line was at The Crazy Cucumber, so if you are on a pickle run get there early.

Cows, Corn Dogs & Carnival Rides: Ohio State Fair Bound!…read moreJuly 29, 2025 Uncategorized July 29, 2025 | Uncategorized Every summer, Ohio throws a party so big it takes 360 acres to hold it--and this year, we weren't about to miss it. We packed up the car, grabbed some sunscreen, and took our 8-year-old granddaughter to the Ohio State Fair in Columbus. Let's just say: she came for the snacks and stayed for the all-day ride wristband. Honestly, she was living her best fair life. This isn't just a fair--it's a full-blown Ohio tradition. A glorious, chaotic mashup of fried food, farm animals, neon lights, and enough whirling rides to make your stomach question your decisions. And that's exactly why we love it. Let's Talk About the Butter Cow First stop? The famous Butter Cow and Calf--because nothing says "Ohio summer" like life-sized dairy sculptures. A tradition since 1903, this refrigerated masterpiece has evolved from just a cow and calf to full-blown buttery tributes. This year? A salute to our unofficial state symbol: the orange construction barrel. Because in Ohio, we only have two seasons--winter and construction. It's weird. It's wonderful. It's proudly Ohio. Pro tip: It's inside the Dairy Products Building. Bonus--air conditioning! Bring Your Appetite (Seriously) Fair food isn't just food--it's a commitment. We set out to sample the best of the best, and let's just say... stretchy pants would've been a good call. Here's what was on our culinary battlefield: Deep-Fried Buckeye - Chocolate and peanut butter, straight from the fryer. A sweet, melty tribute to Ohio pride. Donut Burger - A beef patty hugged by two glazed donuts. Equal parts wrong and oh-so-right. Roasted Corn on the Cob - Charred to perfection and slathered in butter like it owed us money. Fried Cheese on a Stick - Because what's life without deep-fried dairy on a stick? Lemon Shake-Up - Cold, tart, and refreshing enough to revive you after a lap around the livestock barns. Velvet Ice Cream - Locally made, and practically a rite of passage. But the new stuff this year really raised the (deep-fried) bar: Deep-Fried Tacos Ghost Pepper Fudge (your choice of chocolate or vanilla... and instant regret) Jalapeño Corn Dogs Strawberry Kettle Corn (because why not make popcorn weirdly romantic?) We nibbled, crunched, licked, and munched until we were full, happy, and debating whether to risk the Tilt-A-Whirl. (Spoiler: I sat that one out. Somebody had to hold the fudge.) Don't Miss These Fair Staples Here's what else made our day one to remember: Free Concerts & Live Music - Nothing says summer like live music drifting through the fairgrounds while you're holding a corn dog in one hand and dancing badly with the other. The Giant Slide - We grabbed burlap sacks and went for it. She beat me to the bottom. Twice. I demand a rematch. Livestock Barns - Horses, llamas, goats... and pigs racing like they're in the Indy 500. Plus, we may or may not have seen a baby cow being born. Fair magic. Natural Resources Park - A peaceful pause in all the chaos. She got to kayak. I got to sit in the shade and not be spinning for once. Win-win. The Midway - Where lights flash, music blares, and your granddaughter insists on riding every spinning, swinging, flipping ride back-to-back with zero fear. Me? I'll take a good bench and a funnel cake. Plan Your Visit The Ohio State Fair runs late July through early August at the Ohio Expo Center in Columbus. If you're planning to go, check out dates, tickets, and food maps here: Visit the official Ohio State Fair website Final Thoughts We came for the food, the fun, and the butter cow--but what we really took home were the memories. Watching our granddaughter's face light up after every ride, every snack, every silly moment--that's the kind of magic that sticks with you long after the powdered sugar's wiped off your shirt. The fair is a place to eat, laugh, ride too many rides, and maybe pet a goat--but for me, it's also a reminder that these little slices of joy... these sticky, loud, sugary-sweet moments... are what make life worth savoring. Take the Trip. You won't regret it.

Fun day at the fair! If you haven't been in awhile I highly recommend attending. A lot of once in a…read morewhile kind of food, sites to see, and rides to ride.