The Gates of Hell in north Columbus is one of those eerie local spots that sticks with you. It's an…read moreold, graffiti-covered tunnel that feels straight out of an urban legend--dark, damp, and definitely creepy once you step inside. The echo of footsteps, the dripping water, and the way the light disappears the deeper you go all add to the unsettling vibe. It's not an official attraction, more of a hidden curiosity, but if you're into spooky local history and a little adventure, it's worth checking out. Just be prepared--it definitely earns its name. I was there alone and I got a sketchy vibe from it. Nothing happened, of course, but you always want to be aware of your surroundings. Maybe pick up a rock incase someone there has ill intent.

This is smack dab in the middle of unhoused encampment. Because this is sort of a see at your own…read morerisk it is unkempt. I'm not sure if the storm over the weekend made it worse but we could figure out how to get around the water or if there was a less dangerous way of seeing it.

This beautiful labyrinth is located in a peaceful garden in the Lane Avenue section of Chadwick…read moreArboretum. If you enter through the trellis and head to the right, you'll find a cozy, shady area featuring the labyrinth and surrounded by benches. The labyrinth itself has its roots in an 800 year old French medieval one, the Chartres Cathedral Labyrinth. It's so peaceful and relaxing to walk it, and the setting really adds to it. Despite the fact that it is technically between a busy street and a parking lot, the trees and plants obscure these views and give it a great atmosphere. The arboretum designed it as a white blooming garden to minimize distractions and encourage feelings of restfulness and restoration. If you are unfamiliar with a labyrinth, it is a one way path designed for contemplation. You follow the prescribed path to the center and then follow it back out. If you often find your mind wandering during meditation when sitting still, you might find the labyrinth helpful, since you can focus on your breathing and the steps ahead of you to help you achieve the meditative state. I love a good labyrinth walk and enjoy that we have this one. There is a nearby parking lot, though it's campus parking, or you can find parking meters on Fyffe near Howlett Hall and the Learning Gardens section of the arboretum.

Gone are the days of college students jumping naked and drunk into the lake before OSU vs Xichigan…read moregames. After a much needed face lift, this space is now a peaceful place, there to be admired and enjoyed by students, visitors, and everyone in between. While the old tradition has come to an end, the memories and nostalgia it brings will never fade. The magic and pride that comes with being a buckeye, or heck, even a fan of the buckeyes, is rooted here, in its story and the history that comes with it. I usually visit while on long walks and I always make sure to swing by, to take is all in. There's park benches to sit and relax on, a wetland area, and even a little landing spot for gatherings. They do a good job of keeping the space clean and I often run into maintenance staff there in early mornings, making sure the upkeep is done. Definitely stop by if you're on campus!

Wow! I'm in love! By…read morethe time I started grad school at OSU, Mirror Lake 1.0 was already closed off due to construction. I was ecstatic when I walked by here a month ago with a friend. I had read numerous articles about the design plans because green spaces are everything! It looks absolutely fantastic! My friends told me that it was not as glorious before as it is now. It looks much more natural with all the plants and ducks. The pond is beautiful as well! I love walking around here, taking pictures, and just sitting in the shade. It's romantic. It's amazing. It's a must see on OSU's campus!

You may have seen a giant praying mantis peeking through the bushes at you if you've driven past…read moreChadwick Arboretum's Phenology Research Garden while on Olentangy River Road. That's Annabelle the Praying Mantis, a 15 foot tall steel sculpture designed by Pat Belisle and Chris Saylor. She's a fun sight to see and well suited for her garden home! It adds a little bit of whimsy to this research space. If you stop by to visit Annabelle, I also recommend that you spend some extra time checking out other areas in the arboretum - it's a beautiful space!

This is a very fun piece of functional art located at Tuttle Park. It is actually the bike rack!…read moreBut it's such a neat design, located near the playground, that I initially mistook it for a funky part of playground equipment (and given that a kid was playing on it, I was apparently not the only one!) When I approached it more closely, I discovered the signage that indicated that it was, in fact, also a bike rack designed by Michael B. Hays. It is brightly colored, eye-catching, and well suited for the location, in addition to being functional.

The art installation, Shelter, is located in the Chadwick Arboretum, Lane Avenue Gardens section…read morenear the corner of Olentangy River Road and Lane Avenue. It is a large mulched grid with 144 steel pipes designed by Erwin Redl. There's a great plaque that discusses the artist's goals with the piece, and it was intriguing to read about how the pipes are intended to interact with the wind. We enjoyed exploring the area and walking around the art. Very interesting piece.

This sculpture is located in Jesse Owens Memorial Plaza, outside of the Ohio Stadium on the Ohio…read moreRotunda side. It is made of bronze and was designed by Curtis Patterson in memory of Jesse Owens, who was a famous track athlete who attended OSU. You can walk around and in between each of the large triangular pieces, and as you go, you can read information about Owens, including quotes and statistics. Each piece symbolizes one of the gold medals Owens won in the 1936 Olympics. It is a very neat piece and a great memorial.

Short north gothic is downtown Columbus Ohio short north district on take on the classic American…read moregothic painting. Mural sits on the side of a business and shares the likeness of the old fame man and woman that the original does. Overall a very cool and nice tribute to one of America's most known painting. The entire short north area is stocked with public art murals and this was one of the most memorable ones for me and the family.

This is Columbus' version of NYC's Soho Arts District. Charming shops, murals. Reasonably priced…read morerestaurants & cafes. Treasures from Turkey, Torso, short supply ...had fun items for sale. Most were on their twenties here.There was even a Shake Shack, among many coffee shops & bars. There were interactive signs pointing us to attractions here.

Groundswell is a permanent exhibit located outside of the Wexner Center for the Arts. It is made up…read moreof pieces of glass in many small mounds. The artist, Maya Lin, indicated that it was inspired by a combination of interests: Ohio burial mounds and Japanese raked-sand gardens, which was a neat understanding to have when looking at the art!

Marcella's is one of those classic happy hour spots that my friends and I keep coming back to. Not…read moreonly do they always accommodate our large parties, but the low lit ambiance and impeccable service cannot be beat. The arancini is a MUST try. I had never tried it before and was pleasantly surprised. I recommend getting a pizza or their mussels on happy hour. Definitely a great spot for a date night or girls night outing!

Marcella's is a classic Columbus staple. What makes it stand out above the rest is their happy…read morehour! M-F half off drinks and apps. My wife and I brought some out of town friends here on a Friday and left stuffed and feeling like we didn't break the bank! Amazing food. The meatball is to die for. Service was great. Our waitress was very friendly. Great ambiance. It stays busy so you'll need a reservation. I can't recommend this place enough.