The American Issue is a sculpture located on the City Hall plaza in uptown Westerville. The…read moresculpture itself consists of several elements that make it very intriguing to look at on multiple sides: A giant wedge splits a boulder of rock. On each of the two larger sides of the wedge is printed numerous quotes and headlines, with each taking a different perspective on the "American issue" of the title: to adopt Prohibition (18th amendment) or not. There is an unraveling barrel balanced on top of the giant wedge, opposite from the boulder. The work was designed by Matthew Gray Palmer. I was, at first, a bit puzzled as to why there was a large sculpture memorializing Prohibition, but I got the opportunity for a history lesson, as a nearby plaque helped shed light on it: it declares Westerville "the Home of the 18th Amendment to the United States Constitution." There are other signs (literally) around town that I then began noticing (including one that names Westerville the "Dry Capital of the World"). Apparently, back in the early 1900s, Westerville became the home of multiple groups that fought for America to go dry, including the Anti-Saloon League of America, the American Issue Publishing Co., and the Temperance Education Foundation. I had no idea that Westerville played such a significant role, and I certainly hope I get a chance to use that information in a trivia night at some point! It's also interesting to see all of these historical signs on the topic, while you simultaneously walk by the modern signs indicating the boundaries of the uptown area's DORA.

The title of this sculpture, the Weary Gardener, definitely comes across as a good fit! This stone…read morefigure does, indeed, appear to be tired, and its location in the gardens communicates the rest. Poor thing seems like it needs a nap, with its head bent down and the rest of the body in restful positioning. It is made of limestone and was designed by Kenneth S. Foltz.

Inniswood is one of my current favorite places to walk. It has beautiful paths smooth, many of…read morewhich are ADA accessible, and a few dirt ones, as well as little boardwalks. Not only is it a great space to come explore and learn about different types of plants, but it's pretty friendly for all ages! They have a little play area and a treehouse, as well as a path called the storybook trail where there are signs and illustrations for a nature based story along the path- all at small children's height. There are always parts of the park that are secluded, even on busy holidays or weekends - it's easy to find a peaceful place to sit, paint, journal, or relax away from too much noise. There are many benches all over so plenty of places to sit in the sun or shade.

It's a beautiful morning…read more I think I'll go outside a while and just smile Just take in some clean fresh air Ain't no sense in staying inside If the weather's fine and you got the time It's your chance to wake up and plan another brand new day Either way It's a beautiful morning at Innis Metro Park I am going to get there at 7 and stay till dark It's free year round with activities that abound With 2,000 species of plants to look at I'm sure you'll see something that will astound

This is a nice sculpture located within the Inniswood Metro Gardens, along the paved trail near the…read morehouse. It resembles an abstract bee on a flower, which is quite fitting for the location. It is made of metal and designed by Judith Greavu. It has a nice whimsical element to it and is a fun touch for the gardens.

Another favorite of Baby K, and a good park all around…read more Driving past, she didn't see regular playground stuff so was disappointed. It's a newer park, with sort of modernist play equipment. Once she tried it out, she loved it. Right now the big treehouse/slide area is closed, but there is a toddler playground, and swings, and the whole area has a soft rubber surface plus some "hills" that she liked running across. Nearby are several "porch swings" that are popular, plus a railroad station-looking shelter with bathrooms. There's a "Presidential Grove" of trees, and some open areas. Plenty of parking to the west- come in from the library lot. A great park, in a handy location. We'll be back.

I like the addition of the sprinklers but the area is quite small and gets congested quick with…read morekids running around. As well, the playground isn't anything to brag about. The 2 slides have obstacle course you must climb to get to them and I can easily see kids getting stuck at top or falling. There's a lot of open space and I was very bummed to see how small the water area is and the park in general. This is definitely the worst splash pad in Columbus. Stinks because we live in Westerville. Hands down I'll still continue to travel to Powell, Hilliard, Delaware and Dublin before I come back to this extremely small park... The shelter is super small. Only positive in my eyes are the swinging chairs that watch the splash area and the bathrooms. Westerville you really disappointed me with this!!

I have been to Hawaii Fluid Art multiple times and each time Angelina has been great. I have done…read moremultiple painting types including resins canvases and water bottles. Angelina was very patient with the kids and very informative to the adults. We had a wonderful and will be back for more classes.

Such a perfect mid-day activity for kids who enjoy art -- or simply the act of mixing colors for a…read morebeautiful result. Reasonably priced and the manager, Cat, was so great with kids. Highly recommend.

To Life is a sculpture located in the parking lot of the Westerville Sports Complex. Made of…read morestainless steel, it is a large swooping figure designed by Cobert C. Collins. The description on the plaque is beautiful, stating that its intention is to illustrate how everyone is connected and connected with the Earth. It seems to have its arms open, and combined with the plaque inscription, creates a feeling of openness and joy. Very nice piece!

Today I made my first trip to Birdie Books and absolutely fell in love with it. It is small but it…read morepacks a punch. So many great titles and authors to choose from. I picked up two books on my TBR today. Everyone working there was so kind and friendly. I'm an introvert so I like to browse in peace but they were happy to answer a question that I had and were bright and kind at the checkout. I also picked up a little booklet of the local indie bookshops and got a stamp at checkout. I also picked up a chai latte from the cafe. And then I went out on their little patio and had the time of my life writing in journal, sipping my chai and reading my new books. This feels like a place that I can be an introvert but enjoy myself in public. I don't know if that makes sense but it is how I feel. Looking forward to going back soon!

A cute little bookstore, maybe a little too cutesie and heavily-curated for me, but packed with…read morepopular and interesting books. Great staff, a nice atmosphere, large children's room in back. Plus an attached coffee shop. I see the reviews here are mainly for the bookstore itself and the coffee shop is a recent addition, so I'll review it separately. They feel separate anyway- decor and vibe is different. Great to have local bookshops, and I'll be back for gifts and maybe with Kid K.

Life Force is a sculpture located outside of the Westerville Community Center. It is made of…read morestainless steel and was designed by Cobert C. Collins. It consists of several flowing swoops and points, all coming together to look like they are moving forward. The plaque at the base indicates that the artist was inspired by life, specifically his son's. It's a neat piece and fits well with its location at the community center and across from the sports complex, as great places to celebrate some of what life can do.