(614) | July 2025

Clintonville • Grandview • Easton • Powell Clintonville • Grandview • Easton • Powell

Columbus Color Wall by Nick Kinney

Circles by Lisa McLymont

Opening Volley

JACK MCLAUGHLIN Editor-In-Chief

Urban Suburban

I grew up in a suburban bubble, located just a stone’s throw away from the needle that threatened to pop it.

The affluent Chicago suburb I called home as a kid in the ‘90s and early 2000s was what you would probably expect from an affluent Chicago suburb: an insulted paradise with pristine lawns and youth sports teams as far as the eye could see.

The only difference between it and so many other suburbs like it was one of proximity. To the city itself. To the often trash-strewn streets of the real world.

To the west, it met with more suburbs which continued to spiderweb outward away from Downtown. Directly abutting it to the east, though, was the Blue Line L Station. Traffic. Urban apartments and houses that didn’t meet the lofty ideals of the town I called my home.

I later learned that choosing a suburb that lined up against the real Chicago was intentional on the part of my parents. Everyone wants their children to grow up safe, with opportunity and in a strong school system. But there’s a fine line between safety and insularity that my parents knew how to walk.

They wanted me to experience a perfect world, as well as the real world, and the people who belong to both of them.

Only as I got older and moved away did I realize how much I appreciated this. How, when I think of home, I think of not only sleepovers in five bedroom houses, but also hoofing it to the supermercado on 26th Street for Jarritos, and riding the L train to any and every part of Chicago, at any and every hour of the day. Home to me is cement and blacktop as much as manicured lawns.

Some of this may be the romance of nostalgia coloring my lens, but–the way I think of it–there’s an unquantifiable magic that nearly all cities, Columbus included, exude. There’s something about such an enormous mass of humanity–whether they realize it or not–all coming together as a single unit, and offering so much diversity, so much life. Especially during the summer, when everyone steps outside into one beautiful blur of human energy and excitement.

It’s not just summer, it’s summer in the city. In this issue, we hope you can appreciate the magic of Downtown Columbus in July the way we can. The way I did with Chicago when I was a kid. And if there’s a little dirt, or a little grime on it, that’s just another part of the experience.

You’ll learn to love it, if you haven’t already.

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� STAFF PICKS PETS

In honor of the adoptable pets featured in this issue, and with it being summer and all, we wanted to hear from (614)’s staff’s pets. We asked our furry friends what their absolute favorite part of summer in Columbus would be, and here’s what they barked and meowed:

ON the WEB

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All the leftover picnic food on the ground in Schiller Park.

— Gus & Peanut, Sav McKee’s Dogs

I love sitting on our front porch and bird watching!

— Miso, Liann Trahey’s Cat

Running with my dad on the Scioto Mile.

— Damyon, Andrew Thomas’ Dog

I love going out on my leash and exploring our neighborhood!

— Rashi, Meg Rhoads’ Cat

We love a trip to the Scioto Audubon. A nice walk on the trails really gets our tails wagging.

— Sammy & Aycie, Meggin Weimerskirch’s Dogs

I love sitting on my perch and watching out the window. It’s like TV for me!

— Salem, Austin Black’s Cat

This viral four-pound cupcake is now available in Ohio stores

A former dessert powerhouse is back in a big way. Literally. According to a press release, the Colossal Cupcake from CRUMBS Bakeshop in New York is now available in Ohio Kroger stores.

Feds: Westerville woman faked pizza shop affiliation in $2.8 million pandemic relief scheme

A Westerville woman who falsely claimed ties with a popular pizza chain in order to orchestrate financial fraud was sentenced to five years in federal prison earlier today.

Walking by the shops and restaurants on Lane Ave.

— Heinrich, Mindy Wilhite’s Dog

The warm weather is perfect for escaping from my fenced-in yard to take a stroll through the neighborhood.

— Cooper, Jack McLaughlin’s Dog

Ohio man rebuilds hot dog boat, sets sail on Lake Erie

When Northwestern Ohio man Conner Sonnenberg purchased a storage barn a year and a half ago, it’s unlikely he could’ve ever guessed what his future held. Even if you gave him a million guesses.

FOOD & DRINK

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Did you know that (614) has a YouTube channel with some very shareable video content? It’s true. Scan the QR code to watch our newest videos, and keep an eye out for more!

(614) INSIDER

The Lingerie Bandit Strikes!

A Lingerie Bandit? OnlyFans crimes? A... vandal greasing doorknobs? Columbus, you never fail to provide.

SIP & STAY

Making the Perfect Summer Smash Cocktail

Our expert bartender shows you step-by-step how to mix this refreshing whiskey cocktail, perfect for warm-weather sipping.

#AsSeenInColumbus

Columbus glass blower and unashamed cannabis lover Will Star combines two of his life’s great passions through his artisan business venture, Will Star Glass

← Will Star blows glass and grass

By Laura Jones | Photos by Cheyn Roux | Story Design by Andrew Thomas

ill Star loves weed. Dabs. Flowers. Edibles. He does them all. Frequently. It’s his devotion to herb, coupled with a distaste for high school, that led him to follow his older brother Ted’s footsteps, right into glass blowing.

“He was doing it already and I bugged the hell out of him, little brother style,” Star said. “Like, ‘Come on, dude, you gotta teach me this. Seriously.’”

The apprenticeship led to almost three decades of creative glasswork that includes sherlocks, bubblers, spoon pipes, and ornamental pendants and marbles available through Will Star Glass, an Etsy shop, and at various retail locations like Headies Hideout.

His pieces are color-rich and strange, with curlicues and small bubble images — called milles — that personalize pipes with everything from NFL teams to Donald Trump. A recent mille of Trump eating a hot dog sold great across both sides of the aisle. “I’m a Sanders guy myself,” Star explains, although that’s pretty plain.

Star’s art is the funhouse mirror of the man. His shop is the same, part Alice in Wonderland, part factory. Glass tubing of every size is boxed in corners or stands

at attention, upright on stations. Brother Ted, outfitted with protective glasses, works a lathe, surrounded by stickers, graffiti art and a calendar with topless models. Star is dressed in head to toe Bengals gear — psychedelic orange socks included — while Clapton’s “Hoochie Coochie Man” plays appropriately in the background.

He explains that, to blow glass, you gotta know your POOP. “Propane, oxygen, oxygen propane. It’s the way it’s gotta come on.” You know, so you don’t blow yourself up in the process.

While Star demonstrates an energetic forty minutes blowing a “spoon,” he runs down the most dangerous injury he’s ever received from the torch, which burns a deceptive blue, as cool as a summer swimming pool.

“Yeah, I’ve accidentally stuck my hand in the flame before, but the worst wasn’t a burn but more of an impalement,” he recalls. While sliding two glass tubes together, molten from the 1400 degree flame, one rod accidentally slid right into his finger. He makes a gesture that communicates blood shooting up like oil from a geyser. “Did I go to the hospital? No. I finished that pipe. It happened maybe twenty years ago? I’m just now starting to get feeling back in that finger.”

STAR’S ART IS THE FUNHOUSE MIRROR OF THE MAN. HIS SHOP IS THE SAME, PART ALICE IN WONDERLAND, PART FACTORY.

Star says each aspect of glass blowing requires time and preparation →

Star creating lines by running a thin finger of glass down the surface ↓

Star's glasswork includes bongs, pipes, ornaments, and much more ↓

He’s a man dedicated to the task at hand, no pun intended. Each aspect of glass blowing requires time and preparation, even cutting down the colored tubes prior to shaping or texturizing them with weird and wavy lines. Star adds these by running a thinner finger of glass down the surface, the way you might draw a pencil down a page. He prefers to think of it in gamer terminology.

“Whenever I’m teaching someone how to do this, I tell them, this is like the most fun live action video game you could ever possibly play. Let’s say I have ten ‘points’ to decorate,” he says, referring to the fatter cylinders that will be spun into oners or slides, “they each have to be shaped and decorated and there’s a hundred places along the way you can mess it up.”

He goes on to talk about level one Super Mario and feeding quarters back into the machine, which maybe requires a few dabs from the hashuka to fully absorb. Either way, Star has gamified glassmaking for himself.

It also can be an assembly line. His brother Ted works all day despite the intense June heat, made worse by the torch flames, to prep for Star’s marathon all-nighters, some of which, like the recent one to prepare for Pride, go on for fourteen days straight.

“I’m more production and he’s more artistic,” Brother Ted says. But Star is quick to point out they both support each other, and occasionally, collaborate with other glass blowers. Some of this work is Star’s favorite, like a massive LOTR Treebeard rig or a tribute to Star’s favorite band Phish (of course) that started with $750 worth of branded milles.

Mille, by the way, is also the name of the grey and white alley cat who wanders in looking for food. He stretches out unfazed as the lightsaber-like torch pops from an unexpected oxygen surge. Star promises he’s going to feed him, as soon as he’s done blowing this pipe. ♦

A new chapter has arrived. Story Cannabis in Dublin o ers a welcoming, education-first experience for both medical and adult-use customers. Visit us and explore Ohio’s top brands!

A pipe made by Star, which you can purchase on his website or through his Etsy shop →

↑ An assortment of Palm Valley's cocktails: (from left to right) Cantaloupe Highball, Swim Club, Sabrina, Miss Atomic Bomb

Dublin’s newest cocktail bar transports you to the California desert in the atomic age

By Melinda Green | Photos by Tyler Jamison Story Design by Tori Smith

ou pull up a seat at the bar, under the yellowand-white awning. Above you, the hottest funk music plays through the speakers, and in front of you, static dances across black-andwhite Magnavox television screens. The pink wooden shelves behind the bar are stacked with bottles of rum, whiskey, gin, you name it. It’s the vibrant, edgy, happy-go-lucky, atomic age. Only…you’re in Dublin, Ohio. And it’s 2025.

“[Palm Valley] is a little bit of a fantasy element,” owner Jacob Treviño said. “We really want to transport you away. That's definitely something that is needed in the hospitality realm—forgetting that you are where you are.”

And, even on an overcast day, you feel like you’re transported to Southern California for a moment. It feels like a club, only not clubby.

“It's a cocktail bar, but with the friendliness of your neighborhood dives. Those two things don't need to be mutually exclusive,” Treviño continued. “I want it to feel like your neighbor’s pool house. When you walk in, you get the vibe without it being too kitschy.” →

The bar at Palm Valley →

He continued, "I think most bar owners are like, ‘All right, we're going to be the most dimly lit place in the world.’ And so for us and for our approach, it was, ‘Let's let the sun in. Let's make it bright; let's make it vibrant.’”

And in case vibrant isn’t enough, they’ve added a conversation pit. Yes, they’re bringing it back.

Treviño and his wife, Katie Fraser, own four restaurants and bars in Cincinnati (including the hugely-popular Tokyo Kitty) and, now, one in Columbus.

“[Katie] is the creative director of the company and she's the person that keeps all my crazy ideas on the tracks,” Treviño said, laughing. “She's the sounding board, [so] luckily for the world, half of my ideas have never gotten out of the test phase.”

Treviño fell in love with the service industry in his native Texas many years ago. In the ensuing years, he worked everywhere from “a 24-hour trashy sports bar in Louisiana” to some of Houston’s finest restaurants, learning from Michelin-chef mentees and James Beard Award winners. When he and Katie married, they settled in her hometown of Cincinnati and began forging their own path in the industry.

“We started opening our own things because we're like ‘No more stuffy bars. You can have a craft cocktail and a Miller Lite,’” he said. Their first bar, Overlook Lodge in Cincinnati, turns ten years old this year.

Meanwhile, in Dublin, Palm Valley opened in early May and found established regulars in its first few weeks of operation. Treviño still believes that you can have a craft cocktail and a Miller Lite. But with Palm Valley, he capitalized on his love for not only the mid-century color palette, but also the elevated flavors and classic crafting of the cocktails. “The cocktails are the star of the show,” Treviño said. “And we’re looking at Southwest California flavors: dates, cherries, cantaloupe, serrano pepper, cilantro— things that are evocative of both the desert and the beach.”

He continued, “When I looked across the spectrum of the cocktails, it was like, ‘All right, I want this to be my brightest menu I've ever designed.’” →

Interior of Palm Valley →

“We really want to transport you away. That's definitely something that is needed in the hospitality realm — forgetting that you are where you are.”

So he added sunny colors to surprising flavor combinations, and the resulting cocktails are irresistible. For the Swim Club, Treviño reverse-engineered the entire recipe, starting with the instagrammable lilac-purple color he wanted and working backwards to the ingredients and techniques that would produce it beautifully. And, for the Frank Lloyd Wright, he combines the vegetal flavor of Cynar with a rye base and the warm spice of Tiki bitters—it’s like Christmas in July.

If you’re looking for a bit more, Palm Valley has generous portions of party snacks to help you keep your chill. Looking for something light? Grab an effervescent Cantaloupe Highball and a plate of lightly buttered popcorn or watermelon and feta salad. Need something more substantial? The French Onion Dip with perfectly crunchy kettle chips fits the bill.

Or, if you want true mid-century decadence, order yourself a caviar bump and an ice-cold martini.

And, at Palm Valley, the staff isn’t like the staff in most of those dimly lit bars. They’re friendly, always eager to bring your next drink or chat about the menu. They’re having fun. The guests are having fun. And why wouldn’t they, with such a sunny vibe?

“When we say it's a club, it's, it's a club for everyone to be a member and everyone to know each other. That's kind of the level of hospitality that we're trying to deliver,” Treviño said.

Of course, the future is yet to be seen, but he’s confident. “I have amazing staff and amazing leaders. You know, the greatest thing is the hope is that if you fall off the face of the earth, does your legacy continue? And I feel like it would.”

And, at least for now, Palm Valley is quite possibly the happiest escape in town. ♦

By Jordan

hef Justin Wotring has been trained by culinary experts all over the world. He is experienced in French fine dining, was a former executive chef at The Crest, and is currently the Chief of Operations for COLO Market & Oyster Bar at The North Market Downtown. His latest move? Taking everything he has learned, and putting it in between two slices of bread.

This summer, Wotring opened his newest venture: Caroline’s Sandwiches, a fine dining sandwich concept currently popping up every other week at Bears Bagels in Hilliard.

While you may think that fine dining and sandwiches don’t usually belong together, there is a method to the madness.

“In this city especially, you have to trickle in your food. You can’t just show up as a new restaurant,” said Wotring, based on his experience launching

multiple restaurants with A&R (the group behind The Crest and The Market Italian Village).

“People need an easier vessel to try new things,” he added. For Caroline’s, that vessel is creatively assembled gourmet sandwiches.

Caroline’s is named for Wotring’s late niece, who passed at seven years old. Since then, he has aimed to open a restaurant in her memory–an aspiration since his college years training at a culinary school in Louisville, Kentucky. Caroline’s legacy has been at the core of this pop-up since before its inception, as a reminder to always put family first. For Wotring, his wife, and three kids, the timing for Caroline’s is now.

“I got married, had three kids, worked as a chef, and I am ready now to open my own brand,” explained Wotring. “I want to do the register, and make the food. Raising our kids inside a restaurant is something me and my wife have always wanted.”

Abbruzzese | Photos by Heidi Oliver | Design by Liann Trahey

During his time with A&R, Wotring traveled globally for two months to study various cooking techniques, learning in Lebanon, Spain, and Morocco, among other countries. The trip gave Wotring and the A&R team a unique opportunity to fully immerse themselves in cultures and fine dining preparation outside of what we see in the states.

“It’s very humbling when you see grandmas cooking things you never could in other countries,” laughed Wotring.

Today, Caroline’s offers combinations on their menu that “may not make sense” upon a first look, but are a culmination of all of the techniques Wotring has learned from experts near and far, including his time cooking upscale French cuisine at The Refectory on Bethel Rd. →

← Caroline's Sandwiches' Mush Love, with sauteed shiitake, cremini, and oyster mushrooms with garlic, shallots, herbs, mozzarella, truffle aoili and arugula

As a Columbus native and major creator in the food space, Wotring has crossed paths with many other beloved food concepts, from the folks behind Goood Friends at Jackie O’s, to Bobby Jo’s Pizza pop-up, and the Black Cap Hot Sauce team. His knack for collaboration has extended to Bears Bagels, where Wotring was a regular before forming a partnership with the owners. The popular bagel shop, located in Wotring’s own neighborhood, became the perfect spot to officially launch Caroline’s. Now, every other Thursday, Caroline’s is popping-up and slinging sandwiches, with the goal of opening their own brick and mortar sometime next year.

“We are trying to encapsulate the city of Hilliard and the suburbs, but we will do it [the pop-up] all over Columbus too,” said Wotring.

“I’d love to keep it in Hilliard,” he added, in reference to opening a standalone location in the future. “It’s where we live and where my kids go to school. The suburbs more than ever need better food.”

Caroline’s most popular orders are a tie between the vegetarian Mush Love, a shiitake, cremini, and enoki mushroomsbased sandwich with truffle aioli, and Pig in the Weeds, a grilled pork shoulder sandwich with Black Cap hot sauce. Wotring’s personal favorite is Mr. Meatball, featuring handmade meatballs with a beef and veal mix, topped with banana pepper relish. The menu presently features five sandwiches with thoughtful, high-end ingredients, and is set to evolve over time.

As Caroline’s Sandwiches grows, Wotring hopes to incorporate fine dining wine nights and other traditions to bring the community together. More than a sandwich shop, Wotring and his family aim to feed people with both good food and good company.

“Our slogan is ‘a damn good sandwich spot,’ but we want to be so much more,” said Wotring. “We want Caroline’s to grow into a spot where you can get amazing food all day long. Sandwiches, soups, salads, and even pastas. I have years of experience working with the best local farmers, and Caroline’s will be doing just that!”

Stop by Bears Bagels at 4142 Main St in Old Hilliard every other Thursday this summer to catch Caroline’s pop-up, from 5:00PM - 8:00PM. Follow @carolinessandwiches on Instagram for more updates and menu drops.

← Justin Wotring, owner and founder of Caroline’s Sandwiches

←

↑ The Pig in the Weeds combines grilled pork shoulder with Black Cap’s Jalapeno Ramp hot sauce, jalapenos, pickled red onions, pepperjack cheese, arugula and chimichurri

House pastrami, Primaterra Farms sauerkraut, thousand island dressing and Swiss cheese on rye bread make up the Uncle Rue

After launching as an after-hours slice shop in Kentucky in 2006, Goodfellas Pizzeria has landed their first Columbus storefront in the Short North

By Laura Hennigan

Two decades ago, Alex Coats and Eric Boggs were enjoying a night out in their hometown of Lexington, Kentucky, when the early morning hours rolled around and they realized they were hungry. Very hungry.

By that time, all the restaurants had stopped serving food, leaving them in a lurch and longing for a good slice of New York style pizza. And just like that, the Goodfellas concept was born.

“We thought, ‘You know what would be a great idea? A pizza by the slice place.’ Our initial plan was just to be a late night option, open Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10 p.m. to 3:30 a.m. to fill a void downtown,” said Coats. “There was no food after 11, since all the restaurants closed their kitchens. So we saw a need

and got to work.”

The duo found a tiny, 650 square foot storefront for rent and decided to pursue the idea, first opening in 2006. Neither had any pizza-making experience, but knew the type of product they wanted to offer, so crafting a solid pie was the first step. “There was a lot of trial and error,” said Boggs. “Once we put a test combination together, we would walk around the neighborhood and give away free slices, asking people for their feedback about the dough and sauce. We did this until we perfected the recipe. Great, freshly made pizza dough is really the foundation. We wanted to create an incredible, foldable, firm crust that is chewy on the inside, just like what you can get in New York.”

Photos Courtesy of Victor Cooper Sizemore

Story Design by Andrew Thomas

Pair your Goodfellas' pizza with a glass of world-class bourbon →

The original Goodfellas location had no seating, just a glass display case full of pizza and enough space for a few people to stand and order their slice. But the concept quickly gained traction, growing in popularity over the course of several years. Building on that success, Coats and Boggs decided to expand and open another outlet in Covington. It was there that they also added to the restaurant’s concept. “The Covington location had a second floor that wasn’t being utilized, complete with a hidden staircase in the back,” said Coats. “It was the perfect blueprint for a classic bootlegger, prohibition era-style bar. That’s where we came up with the Wiseguy Lounge.”

The lounge is a special spot in each Goodfellas location, serving up classic cocktails and paying homage to both its Kentucky and New York roots. There are literally hundreds of bourbon selections to choose from, along with standbys like the Manhattan and Sidecar, and signature seasonal drinks.

Fast forward a decade and the co-owners have established a full-on brand, with locations in four states, including three in Ohio. Columbus is the 12th spot for Goodfellas, and the restaurant is excited to be here. “We’d been eyeballing this location for eight years…. it’s a great hard corner spot right at the entrance to the Short North and we’re thrilled,” said Coats. →

“THERE WAS NO FOOD AFTER 11, SINCE ALL THE RESTAURANTS CLOSED THEIR KITCHENS. SO WE SAW A NEED AND GOT TO WORK.”

A Goodfellas' Calzone, alongside their Wiseguy (right) and Goodfella (bottom) speciality pizzas ↓

The menu is straightforward, offering slices of signature cheese and pepperoni, as well as specialty pies like The Don (pepperoni, sliced Italian sausage, ground beef, bacon, green peppers, onions, mushrooms, and black olives), Nonna’s Pie (meatballs, red onion, ricotta, garlic, and basil) and Fuhgetaboutit, which is garnished with every available topping. Guests can also opt to build their own pizza or calzone, or try the Al Pacino meatball sub. For dessert, there are several New York staples, including Black and White cookies and cheesecake. And don’t miss out on the lunch special, which includes any slice in the case, plus a side and a drink for $10.

Eight years was a long wait for The Arch City to finally land the popular slice shop, and in a city dominated by Columbusstyle pies, Goodfella’s is content to do their own thing, and carve a niche for themselves, the New York way.

”Columbus has a great style of pizza and a lot of places selling it. We offer a different kind of product. We’re trying to bring the excitement and energy of a New York pizza place to the city,” said Boggs.

“Everyone we’ve met in Columbus has been friendly and welcoming, and we’re very grateful. We like to have fun and everyone is welcome to come in and have a good time.” ♦

Grab a slice and a shot at 608 N. High St.

“WE’RE TRYING TO BRING THE EXCITEMENT AND ENERGY OF A NEW YORK PIZZA PLACE TO THE CITY.”

From left, Goodfellas’ founders and owners Eric Boggs and Alex Coats, photo by Heidi Oliver ↓

↑ A chef tosses pizza dough in Goodfellas' new Short North storefront

If you want a taste of history in every bite of delicious ice cream this summer, you’d be wise to step inside Wittich’s Candy Shop, which has been located at 117 W. High St. in Circleville for nearly two centuries.

Doria Welch, granddaughter of the current owner and manager-in-training, is heir to a legacy that stretches back to 1836, when G.F. Wittich, a German immigrant, arrived in Ohio as a bookbinder.

Finding little demand for his trade, he pivoted to confections, learning the art of hard candies in Cincinnati before opening Wittich’s as a general store. Over time, it evolved into the chocolate and ice cream haven it is today.

Wittich’s has stayed in the same family for years, keeping its name true to its roots. When G.F. Wittich died, his son Edward stepped up, with his son Frederick pitching in. After Frederick passed in 1947, his wife, Frances Louise Beery, took charge until she handed the operation over to her son, Fred.

← Wittich's Buckeye Sundae, topped with their homemade Buckeyes

By Chris Alexis Photos by Heidi Oliver Design by Liann Trahey

When Fred died in 2015, his wife, Janet, kept things going, and she’s still running the show. One day, Welch will take over operations.

Although it’s 2025, there’s still a historic feel to Wittich’s.

Customers will see the original soda fountain from Clintonville's Beechwold Pharmacy—which found its new home at Wittich’s in 1997. The antique bar and stools invite you to sit where generations before once did.

“We have people who sat at these stools as kids in Clintonville,” Welch said. “Now they bring their grandkids to the same seats.”

Welch shared a poignant moment when a man who worked with the Clintonville soda fountain as a 13-year-old in the 1940s visited Wittich's with his wife and granddaughter. And he couldn’t resist taking the reins one more time.

Donning an apron and soda jerk hat, he stepped behind the counter, reliving his first job.

“That was special,” Doria said, “seeing him share that with his family.”

The fountain churns out old-school

← Wittich's has been serving ice cream and house-made chocolates for nearly 200 years at its home in Circleville

A highlight for Wittich’s frozen desserts is its famous hot fudge sauce, a recipe perfected in-house with rich chocolate, heavy cream, and cocoa.

“You can’t beat something made fresh right here,” Welch said.

But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. (Or should we say ice cream?)

The Wittich Buckeye, a crowd favorite, piles creamy peanut butter, chocolate syrup, whipped cream, and a handdipped Buckeye candy atop your choice

Wittich’s carries Perry’s ice cream, with eight to 10 flavors appearing through the case. Classics like vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry are ever-present, but seasonal specials also capture people’s attention.

Summer brings limoncello ice cream studded with lemon sugar cookie bits. But we know time flies, so when fall arrives, look for their pumpkin pie if you attend Circleville’s famous Pumpkin Show.

The Deep Sea Treasure, a salty caramel ice cream laced with chocolate turtles, is a hit with all ages, though kids tend to gravitate toward cookies and cream, and chocolate milkshakes are always a hit.

(No one is surprised.).

The Wittich family invites your family to join them for some frosty ice cream during this hot season. It’s a place to add new memories in a space where many continue to swirl. ♦

Visit wittichscandyshop.com to learn more or

“YOU CAN'T BEAT SOMETHING MADE FRESH RIGHT HERE.”

How a group of friends transformed an 1868 schoolhouse into a dogfriendly distillery and one of the summer’s hottest hangout spots

By David Shaw

Photos Courtesy of Emma Parker Story Design by Andrew Thomas

Asmall, at-home alcohol still nicknamed Francisco and some flavored vodka experimentation turned out to be the first dominos to fall in a series of events resulting in the opening of DoG Distilling Company in June, Delaware County’s only craft distillery. Unlike so many pandemicera hobbies that faded as restrictions loosened, co-owners Kevin & Lauri Webb allowed their lockdownaccelerated passion for liquor distillation to blossom into visions of a post-empty nest life chapter.

Faced with a soon-to-be empty house and a pair of kids off to college, the Webbs began to toy with the idea of turning distillation into a full-fledged business venture, first envisioned as an on-site tasting room on the couple’s five-acre Galena-area property. The idea was shared with long-time friends Wes and Kelly Stark, ultimately roping the couple into the endeavor and creating what is now DoG Distilling Company’s joint ownership group.

“We were talking to them at dinner one night, that we had this crazy idea, that we were going to do this,” said co-owner Kevin Webb. “And then I think Wes was pretty excited about it, so it was a few days later he calls us and says, ‘Hey, would you like a partner in this whole crazy thing?’”

After collecting petition signatures in an attempt to zone the Webbs’ property for alcoholrelated use, property partition restrictions forced the group to pivot to an off-site, yet-to-be-discovered location. Kelly Stark is credited with discovering what would ultimately turn out to be DoG Distilling Company’s home, an 1868 Ohio schoolhouse that previously served as a Christmas-themed gift shop and pottery studio.

While collecting a fresh round of signatures to put this new location’s alcohol-related use to county vote, the Webbs and Starks fielded an abundance of community input on the type of drinking establishment locals wanted to see.

The only distillery in Delaware County, DoG offers several varieties of whiskey, with plans to make vodka and gin

“The community wanted a bar, they wanted a patio, they wanted dogs and all these questions kept coming up,” said co-owner Wes Stark. “‘Are you going to have food, a patio, dogs?’ And we were like, ‘Yeah eventually we want to.’ Let's just go for it, right?”

Early plans to use the reclaimed schoolhouse as a tasting room to complement a freshly constructed production facility quickly escalated into an expanded and more ambitious plan to add a full-size bar and patio to the production space, reserving the schoolhouse for event rentals and special occasions. The result is a spacious bar area nicknamed the Still House Bar that looks inside at freshly gleaming production equipment and outside at the scenic, forested wilderness next to Alum Creek.

DoG Distilling Company is currently bottling bourbon and rye whiskey varieties sourced from other local distilleries while completing production preparations that could unlock the ability to distill vodka and gin on-site as early as August.

Because of the lengthy aging process required to produce whiskey, a DoG Distilling Company product in that category is a few years away.

“It'll be all locally made here,” said Webb. “And we're trying to get as many raw materials as we can from around this area and Ohio especially. Not only is it because it's cheaper because you don't have to truck it as far or ship it, it also just kind of goes in with the theme of distilling and the local agricultural community.”

The acronym ‘DoG’ in DoG Distilling Company pulls double duty, referencing the ownership group’s shared love of dogs as well as referring to the Webbs’ informal label for their growing hobby at its outset, Distillers of Galena. Each bottle of liquor produced by DoG Distilling Company features a picture of the Webb family dog, a white German Shepard named Brinley, and a small, plastic dog collar around each bottle’s neck.

Visual reminders of this devotion to dogs are ample inside DoG Distilling Company thanks to a series of portraits commissioned from German photographer Christian Vieler. Vieler’s long-running “Dogs Catching Treats” project lives up to its name, snapping photos of dogs at the moment of trying to catch freshly flung treats. →

1. An acronym for Distillers of Galena

2. Referencing owners Kevin and Lauri

Webb's love of dogs

DoG Distilling Co.'s light-filled tasting room, nicknamed The Still House Bar ↓

Your four-legged friends are allowed on the distillery's spacious patio overlooking forested wilderness next to Alum Creek ↓

Cocktails made with DoG spirits, photo by Nina Lynch ↓

“HAVE FUN, PROVIDE FUN FOR OTHER PEOPLE, DO SOMETHING FUN AND DO SOMETHING ON OUR OWN.”

The distillery brought Vieler to Ohio to shoot a bespoke series of photos to decorate the bar area, aid in the adoption of each dog and ultimately create a calendar that will benefit the Delaware County Humane Society, DoG Distilling Company’s chosen charity partner. While dogs are not allowed inside the bar area, they are welcomed on the property’s patio.

“I think to make a fantastic spirit in four different categories and to provide just an awesome place for people to come and relax and enjoy one another, that's it,” Stark said of the distillery’s community-driven purpose.

“Have fun, provide fun for other people, do something fun and do something on our own.”

Visit DoG Distilling Company at 3773 E. Powell Rd. in Lewis Center.

Visual reminders of their owners' devotion to dogs are ample inside DoG Distilling Co. →

The Landing Dispensary focuses on customer experience and cannabis education in the heart of Franklinton

A CULTIVATED EXPERIENCE

By Jack McLaughlin | Photos by Cheyn Roux

Tinctures. Salves. Oils. Concentrate. Cartridges. Gummies. Topicals. Raw flower. The list goes on.

For a first-timer exploring cannabis after its recent Ohio legalization–and even for many experienced users–the terminology can be overwhelming all by itself.

This is why The Landing Dispensary, located at 724 W. Gay St., in the heart of Franklinton, prioritizes customer education and experience in the wide world of Ohio cannabis.

“That’s such a major part for us. There’s a reason why, if you come into our building, one of our entire walls is dedicated to information about terpene profiles. We’re ready to answer any questions," said William Starr, general manager of The Landing Columbus. “Especially because there are so many different pathways in the industry, our biggest goal is to educate and provide service, first and foremost.”

Christy Bezuijen, vice president of branding and marketing at The Landing’s parent company, Firelands Scientific, doubled down on the importance of customer comfort and edification throughout the dispensary experience.

“The shopping process is really a matchmaking experience–our Customer Experience Representatives (CERs) focus particularly on terpenes, the naturally occurring compounds responsible for different effects,” she said. “We encourage new consumers to ask questions, keep an open mind, and take notes on their experiences with different products, whether edibles, inhalables, or topicals, to guide future purchases.”

“WE ENCOURAGE NEW CONSUMERS TO ASK QUESTIONS, KEEP AN OPEN MIND, AND TAKE NOTES ON THEIR EXPERIENCES WITH DIFFERENT PRODUCTS, WHETHER EDIBLES, INHALABLES, OR TOPICALS, TO GUIDE FUTURE PURCHASES.”

And while Starr or another CER will be happy to walk you through each option carefully, The Landing offers a massive selection of cannabis products. This includes both psychoactive options, like raw flower, resin, vapes and edibles, and non-psychoactive products, like creams, salves, tinctures and more.

One of their best-selling products, according to Bezuijen, is the Sun Bites edibles from Firelands Scientifics, which are particularly popular in the Buckeye State for their consistency and ease of consumption, and the fact that they come in a variety of different cannabinoid combinations.

As the Franklinton dispensary oversees the entire “seed-to-sale” process, customers can be sure what they’re getting is nothing but the best.

“Firelands Scientific cultivates and processes cannabis at our facility in Huron, Ohio. This allows us to maintain complete quality control from seed-to-sale of our house brands, ensuring all products are safe, tested, and meet our high standards,” Bezuijen said. ♦

The Landing offers on-site parking and even a drive-thru option; If you’re cannabis-curious and over 21, you can learn more at thelandingdispensaries.com

up from the asphalt makes the objects ahead of you shimmer. It’s summer in the city.

As Columbus continues to grow, its options for summer fun expand with it. Our cover section this month, as we head into the heart of another Central Ohio summer, features a full list of local fairs and festivals, a guide to summer sporting events–in Downtown and beyond–in addition to rundowns of outdoor movie nights and city parks suited for the warmer weather.

So dab on that sunscreen, and make sure to bring an extra bottle of water or two. Things are hot out there, and getting hotter.

Section Design by Meg Rhoads

Take in the movie stars and the real stars with these Columbus outdoor movie nights

By Sav McKee

hile an air conditioned movie theater could be tempting in the summer heat, why not mix it up with a film under the stars on a cool night? Columbus has plenty of spots showing fan-favorite flicks al fresco—and some are even completely free.

So grab your not-quite-broken-yet lawn chair, a cozy blanket, your favorite people and snacks, and enjoy a blockbuster night. Here’s where you can do just that:

NIGHTLIGHT 614

Genoa Park nightlightseries.com/columbus

While Los Angeles might have Cinespia in Hollywood Forever Cemetery, we have our own 21+ series movie series that shows off our gorgeous skyline. Nightlight calls themselves a “Social Cinema Event,” with local brews, wine, and food trucks, all under the night sky with the twinkling lights of Columbus’ Downtown buildings reflecting off the Scioto River. Be sure to buy your tickets ahead of time—it understandably sells out quickly.

MOVIE NIGHT AT THE LITTLE GRAND

The Little Grand Market thelittlegrandmarket.com/events

Markets and movies go hand-in-hand. Stop inside for slices of pizza and cookies, or even Vietnamese and Korean bowls, then head outside for a night with your community. Movies start at 7:30 p.m. and are completely free.

SOUTH DRIVE-IN THEATER

3050 S. High St. drive-inmovies.com

Did you know that one of Ohio’s last drive-ins is right here in Columbus? And the best part is you don’t have to stay in your car. Bring chairs, blankets, and even tables and grills, and gather with friends to watch a double feature on the big screen, all outdoors.

East Market

eastmarketcolumbus.com/events-one

The best part of this movie series is that you’re not having to rely on popcorn and Milk Duds for dinner. Grab some tacos, sandwiches, and chicken tenders at East Market, then head out over to the green space at 8:45 p.m. for a free movie.

SCREEN ON THE GREEN

Softball Park at Goodale Park shortnorthcivic.org/screen-on-the-green

Starting at sunset, embark on a journey to one of the oldest parks in Columbus to enjoy fun, adult-forward summer movies like The Grand Budapest Hotel and The Devil Wears Prada. It’s completely free, too!

SUMMER MOVIE NIGHTS

Topiary Park, 480 E. Town St. downtownservices.org/events

Food trucks, trivia, and a completely free film? Sign us up. This gorgeous park located in Columbus’ Discovery District will show Clueless on July 25, The Goonies on August 22, and Ghostbusters on September 25.

MOVIES AT THE COMMONS

Columbus Commons columbuscommons.org/events-hub/entertainment/ movies-at-the-commons

You’ve seen concerts at The Commons and probably even Santa there too—so why not a popular movie? This familyfocused event shows kid-friendly favorites like Surf’s Up and Inside Out while surrounded by the stars and the city skyline. Oh, and did we mention they provide free popcorn, and no tickets are required?

These 8 city parks offer a serene escape from the everyday hustle and bustle

By Sav McKee

ometimes, we can’t necessarily make it out to one of Ohio’s Metro Parks, but we still need a breath of fresh air during a lunch break or a walk with our dogs. Fortunately, The City offers plenty of green spaces for lounging in the shade, from a hidden German Village hangout to a topiary garden shaped after a world-famous work of art.

SCHILLER PARK

1069 Jaeger St.

There’s something utterly enchanting about a large park nestled in a historic neighborhood, surrounded by houses built in the 1800s. Schiller Park, in the heart of German Village, was originally cleared to serve as a spot for festivities and fairs. In fact, The Ohio State Fair was even held there in 1864 and 1865! Now, the park offers spaces for picnics, tennis courts, a playground, a recreation center, a stunning pond, and even incredible plays presented by The Actor’s Theatre of Columbus almost every weekend from Memorial Day until Labor Day. Plus, local favorites like Brown Bag Deli and Jeni’s Ice Cream are only a stone’s throw away.

FRANK FETCH PARK

228 E. Beck St.

Right down the street from Schiller Park, there’s another green space, but just way smaller. This 0.2-acre park is easy to miss, but worth a visit to relax with your favorite book. It almost feels like a secret garden. The community in German Village comes together to take care of the park daily, handling deadheading and watering chores. Dogs are absolutely encouraged, with doggie bags and drinking bowls provided. Gas lights, hanging flower baskets, brick walkways, and wrought iron fencing make this park feel “old-world” along the lines of other German Village spaces, although the park was established in 1966.

Photos by Cheyn Roux

← A family enjoying the pond at German Village's historic Schiller Park

TOPIARY PARK

480 E. Town St.

The only topiary garden in existence to be based on a work of art is right here near Downtown Columbus. The Topiary Park features a stunning garden based on one of the most famous Post-Impressionist paintings of all time, A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte by George Seurat. The topiaries, which are bushes and trees, are hedged to be human, animal, and object-shaped, all perfectly blending together to recreate a reproduction of this world-wide famous piece of art. The artwork was created by the Columbus-based sculptor, James T. Mason and his wife Elaine, who unveiled their creation to the Greater Columbus arts scene back in 1992. If you look closely, you’ll find 54 people, eight boats, and a number of adorable animals situated by the park’s pond, which is supposed to replicate the River Seine in the original painting.

DOG TOPIARY PARK

4360 Dale Dr., Dublin

No, we don’t mean a dog park, although your leashed dogs are welcome to sniff around! This small (but adorable) little park popped up last year in Dublin, on the corner of Dale and Tuller Ridge

Dr. There are five giant shrubs located throughout the park, all shaped like dogs! There are several benches for leisure, too.

ANTRIM PARK

5800 Olentangy River Rd.

In the 1930s, the Antrim family donated land and funds to develop Antrim Park, a 122.62-acre park surrounded by a quarried lake and the Olentangy Greenway Trail. While running, walking, biking, or fishing this summer, you’d have no idea that High Street is on one side, and Bethel on the other. As enticing as the cool water of the lake looks, keep in mind it’s only for enjoyment with your eyes and fishing pole—no swimming is permitted.

PARK OF ROSES

3901 N. High St.

This public garden boasts 7,500+ rose specimens, so there’s no wonder this has become the spot for weddings, engagements, photoshoots, and outdoor picnics. Once part of a horse farm, the land was actually used by residents in the area for their victory gardens during WWII. That rich soil led the way for The Columbus Rose Club and city officials to create this rose garden in 1951. There are multiple trails adjacent to the Park of Roses, as well as tennis courts and even Whetsone Library.

FRANKLIN PARK

1777 E. Broad St.

When you hear the words “Franklin Park,” we’re sure you probably think of the gorgeous conservatory on Columbus’ East Side. But the park that the Conservatory sits on has a rich history, and rich beauty, too. This historic park began development in the 1880s and was home to the Franklin Country Fairgrounds for 30 years before it became the public park it is today. It encompasses 88 acres with ponds, terraced waterfalls, community garden, and playgrounds. Did you know that Franklin Park is home to twenty one cherry trees gifted from Japan?

GOODALE PARK

120 W. Goodale St.

In the midst of Victorian Village sits a 33-acre regional park dating back to the 1800s. When Franklin County was battling malaria, cholera, and typhoid fever, Dr. Lincoln Goodale recommended an open space to improve public health. He donated these acres to The City of Columbus to create Goodale Park, which was one of the first parks of its kind in the entire country! Dr. Goodale intended for this park to only be used for free leisure. When it was used as a temporary camp for Civil War soldiers in 1861, Columbus Recreation and Parks said that Dr. Goodale wrote to City Council threatening to take back the land. The soldiers were then relocated.

From family fun to food-focused and booze-driven, save the date for 30 of Central Ohio’s best summer fairs & festivals

By Jordan Abbruzzese

RED, WHITE & BOOM!

July 3rd @redwhiteboomcbus

View the largest display of fireworks in Ohio at this free event in Downtown Columbus, featuring a parade, street festival, and live entertainment.

MADISON COUNTY FAIR

July 5th – 12th madisoncountyfairoh.com

This year’s Madison County Fair includes its third annual rib cookoff, fair food, live concerts, a hot dog eating contest, bourbon tasting, and more!

COLUMBUS METROPOLITAN LIBRARY BOOK FESTIVAL

July 12th – 13th @columbusbookfestival

Experience this free festival for book lovers at the main Columbus Metro Library branch, where attendees can browse vendors, enjoy food trucks, see a lineup of over 200+ authors—including live panels and author talks!

FRANKLIN COUNTY FAIR

July 14th –20th @franklincountyfairohio

The Franklin County Fair is back in Hilliard, where it has been a community staple for over a century, featuring delicious fair food, fine arts, rides, and farm animals.

COLUMBUS JAZZ

&

RIB FEST

July 18th –20th @jazzandribfest

This highly popular annual festival is back with award-winning pitmasters serving up the best barbeque, drinks, and live jazz at West Bank Park and the Scioto Mile Downtown Riverfront.

SUMMER JAM WEST

July 19 th

@hilltopartscollective

Help make the last-ever Hilltop Summer Jam Festival an event to remember with local artists and vendors, food trucks, live music and cultural performances, face painting, and a parade of neighbors!

OHIO STATE FAIR

July 23rd – August 3rd @ohiostatefair

CANAL WINCHESTER BLUES & RIBS FEST

July 25th – 26th @destinationcw

This summer festival puts live blues music centerstage while featuring must-try ribs, children’s activities, and a beer and wine garden.

The Ohio State Fair is a must-go for all of your favorite fair food items, rides for the whole family, interactive displays, competitions, petting zoo, and an eightacre natural resources park.

COLUMBUS FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL

July 24th – 26th @columbusfoodwinefest

Celebrate Ohio’s vibrant food and wine culture in the heart of Downtown Columbus, enjoying the festival at over three different locations.

COLUMBUS

AFRICAN FESTIVAL

July 26th – 27 th @columbusafricanfestival

Join this annual gathering of the rich African culture and heritage in Central Ohio, including food, fashion, music, and art at Genoa Park, 303 West Broad Street.

IRISH FESTIVAL

August 1 st – 3rd @dublinirishfest

The City of Dublin boasts the “largest three-day Irish festival on the planet,” with live Irish music, traditional dancing, and all-thingsIrish-culture!

HEART OF GROVE CITY BOURBON & SPIRITS FESTIVAL

August 9 th @visitgrovecity

Pop on over to Grove City’s Historic Town Center to try bourbon and spirit tastings from top Ohio distilleries, including food trucks, live music, and a DORA that lets you sip and stroll.

COLUMBUS FOOD TRUCK FESTIVAL

August 16th – 17 th @colsfoodtruckfest

The Columbus Food Truck festival is back for its 14th year, inviting you to try food from 50 different Midwest food trucks at the Franklin County Fairgrounds.

FAIR

August 3rd – 9 th @hartfordfair1858

This annual fair in Licking County, billed as “The Biggest Little Fair in the World,” will kick off with livestock shows, competitions, exhibitors, and lots of live music.

FESTIVAL

August 7 th – 9 th @reynoldsburg.tomato.festival

Have your best “Tomato Girl Summer” at Reynoldsburg’s annual Tomato Festival, with food stands, vendors, live entertainment, and of course—an annual tomato fight!

UPTOWN UNTAPPED

August 9 th @visitwesterville

Enjoy craft beer from over 15 breweries, live music, entertainment, games, and food from Uptown Westerville’s many restaurants–all in the former “Dry Capital of the World.”

FESTIVAL LATINO

August 9th – 10 th @festivallatino

The family-friendly festival at Genoa Park will celebrate Latinx culture in Columbus with dance and music, children’s activities, and delicious food.

ZUCCHINI FESTIVAL

August 29 th – September 1 st @obetzzucchinifest

This family friendly event in Obetz (which was headlined by a Boyz 2 Men performance several years ago) celebrates everything zucchini, with a parade, pageant, rides, car show, entertainment, and food trucks!

GREEK FESTIVAL

August 29 th – September 1 st @colsgreekfest

Immerse yourself in the culture of Greece and their Orthodox Christian faith, with Greek food and drink, cultural performances, vendors, and gorgeous Cathedral tours.

WINCHESTER LABOR DAY FESTIVAL

August 30 th – September 1 st @destinationcw

Canal Winchester hosts Ohio’s oldest and largest Labor Day festival with a long weekend of musical performances, a vendor market, car show, beer pavilion, rides, and fun for the whole family.

TEQUILA FEST COLUMBUS

August 30 th @tequilafestivalcolumbus

Head to Land-Grant in Franklinton to try over 50 different tequilas, get food from Condado Tacos, and enjoy live entertainment.

THE GREAT BOURBON AFFAIR

August 23rd @eastmarketcbus

Come down to the East Market to join over 30 bourbon vendors and the excellent vendors at the market, accompanied by rock and country music!

UPPER ARLINGTON LABOR DAY ARTS FESTIVAL

September 1 st upperarlingtonoh.gov

Upper Arlington’s annual arts festival features over 200 artists, including vendors, live performances, and food and beverage providers.

COLUMBUS OKTOBER FEST

September 5th – September 7 th @columbusoktfst

The annual Columbus Oktoberfest kicks off at the Ohio Expo Center with a craft biergarten, wine garten, family events, Germaninspired food, and live entertainment like the Bavarian Stone Lift competition.

LITHOPOLIS HONEYFEST

September 5th – September 6th @lithopolishoneyfest

Enjoy all things honey at this annual festival with honey flavored treats, bee beards, the Ohio Honey Show, music and entertainment, and educational programming focused on bees and honey extraction.

HOPS ON HIGH

September 6th @shortnorthartsdistrict

This all-day event takes over the streets of the Short North Arts District by expanding the spirit of the monthly Gallery Hops and adding more vendors, live music, and food trucks for a one-day celebration of arts and community.

DELAWARE COUNTY FAIR

September 13th – September 20 th @del_fair

The Delaware County Fair has five days of thrilling rides, over 100 exhibitors to explore, a demolition derby, competitions, and the famous Little Brown Jug horse race.

NORTH MARKET WINE FESTIVAL

September 19 th – September 20 th @northmarket

Distributors and wineries from all around the globe will come to the North Market in Bridge Park to join live performances and North Market’s many food vendors.

ARTS IN THE ALLEY

September 19 th – September 21st @visitgrovecity

Join one of the longest running arts and music festivals in Central Ohio, where you can see over 100 exhibitors, vote on awardwinning art, enjoy food trucks, live music, and a kids’ outdoor arts area.

COLUMBUS ZOO LANTERN FEST

Entire month of September @columbuszoo

This summer and early fall, the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium will come to life after dark with a litany of beautifully-crafted and nearly life-size animal lanterns. The event is ticketed separately from Zoo admission.

From pro soccer to flat-track roller derby, the Columbus area offers sporting events for every possible taste this summer

By Jack McLaughlin

COLUMBUS CLIPPERS

Huntington Park April–September milb.com/columbus

No, the Clippers aren’t an MLB team (they serve as the AAA affiliate of the Cleveland Guardians), but yes, their games are still a ton of fun, and an ideal way to spend a summer night in Cbus. While Huntington Park isn’t massive, it’s a fun, energetic stadium with a sneaky-great view of the Columbus skyline. And that’s not to mention dime-a-dog night (10 cents a piece!) $5 Fridays, where beer, wine, pizza and more is $5, and the occasional Dollar Days, where select concession items are $1.

COLUMBUS CREW

Lower.com Field

February–October columbuscrew.com

We may have lied when we said summer wasn’t football season. And while American football still likely takes the cake in terms of local popularity, soccer is quickly closing the gap. And for good reason, as the Crew have netted two MLS Championships since 2020. With a state of the art new stadium (Lower.com Field opened in July of 2021), Crew games are action-packed affairs, and a fun—but just as frenetic—change of pace for American Football fans.

here’s no denying that Columbus is a football town. And while summer is the offseason for football, it’s also prime time for a handful of other teams, both professional and amateur, across sports you might expect, and a few others you may not have known existed. Here are our top picks for summer sporting events in the (614).

COLUMBUS SLIDERS

Pickle & Chill

Ongoing Yearly @columbusslidersmlp

You probably already knew that pickleball continues to take the country by storm, but did you know that The Arch City boasts its own pro pickleball team? Meet the Columbus Sliders. While they don’t play Downtown like the Clippers or the Crew, the Sliders home court is Pickle & Chill, the massive pickleball facility and eatery located at 880 W. Henderson Rd.

OHIO ROLLER DERBY (MULTIPLE TEAMS)

Heatwave Arena February–March; June–September ohiorollerderby.com

The Ohio Roller Derby league calls Plain City (and not Downtown Columbus) home, but did you really think we’d leave roller derby off a list of local sporting events? Ohio Roller Derby, which plays home matches at Heatwave Arena, is a member of the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association, and home to the All Stars and Gang Green teams. With a pair of home matches coming up (against the Charlotte Roller Derby and a TBD opponent) to round out the summer, there’s still plenty of action, and tickets, available.

DORA EXPLORER

Summertime in Columbus is peak DORA season, and the city’s most beloved designated outdoor refreshment area is the one located in the Arena District. The Arena District DORA goes into effect three hours before the start of any event at Lower.com Field, Huntington Park or Nationwide Arena, with the following establishments participating:

Betty’s Bar

Boston’s Pizza

Buca Di Beppo

Creole 2 Geaux

Fanatics Sportsbook

Moran’s Bar & Grille

R Bar

Rodizio Grill

Sunny Street Cafe

Ted’s Montana Grill

Whistle & Keg

ARENA DISTRICT

(614)’s “Man About Town” Matt Mahoney dives headfirst into FunBox Polaris, the world’s largest bounce park

By Matt Mahoney

Photos by Emma Mortellaro

Story Design by Andrew Thomas

← Our “Man About Town” and former cheerleader Matt Mahoney tackles the obstacle course at Funbox

Over the past few years, I’ve gained a great deal of insight into the nature of the greater Columbus community by interviewing big cat conservationists, attending public pools and visiting with local psychics; and I’m a firm believer that if you look hard enough at anything, you will learn something about the world, and possibly even yourself in the process.

So what did I learn in attending the selfproclaimed world’s largest bounce park? Probably nothing, but I had a ton of fun, which is almost just as good.

According to the website of FunBox—the new attraction open at Polaris Fashion Place until September—it is the “World’s Biggest Bounce Park.”

You may be surprised to find there has emerged something of an arms-race in the world of maximalist bouncy houses. First, a 200-person, 15,295.51 square foot bounce house in Karachi, Pakistan set the record in 2023, which was then broken by “The Big Bounce America” at more than 24,000 square feet. Later, FunBox took the record at 25,000 ft². Can you imagine if every arms race was this fun?

When at FunBox, it’s late afternoon and I find the place surprisingly abuzz given periodic rain throughout the day. I strike up a conversation with Millie, who is working at the entrance. With a face adorned with glitter and a septum piercing, she simply exudes fun and happiness. “This is my first summer with

Funbox,” she tells me. “I love it. I know this is an interview. I’m not exaggerating when I say this is my favorite job that I’ve ever had.” I know she might be required to say this, but I’m inclined to believe her.

Even better, I’m granted VIP access into the park (that is, normal access plus a snocone and a pair of crazy socks).

So what is FunBox actually like? We’ll, it should come as no surprise that the world’s largest bounce park is huge, featuring several giant slides, a climbing pyramid, basketball hoops and even an obstacle course.

While they are clearly meant for children, manchildren like myself can also navigate these inflated impediments with surprising ease. Full of confidence, I even attempt a long range three-pointer from the climbing pyramid, only to watch my shot sail past the hoop and out of the complex entirely.

Mike Breen does not “BANG;” I am no Steph Curry with the shot.

Not easily discouraged, I eventually make my way over to the obstacle course, and after asking a few bystanders, I settle upon two minutes and six seconds as the record time to beat. After a false start – I accidentally started at one of the exits – I plunge into the polyvinyl maze and give it my best effort. Taking the first corner with ludicrous speed, I feel the adrenaline start to pump. I’m really doing the dang thing, and I must say, I’m having a blast doing it.

“While they are clearly meant for children, manchildren like myself can also navigate these inflated impediments with surprising ease.”

The world's largest bounce house offers 25,000 square feet of ninja walls, courses, slides, beams, challenges, and more ↓

I feel any pretenses about writing an article, or making observations on life slowly melt away, and suddenly I’m a kid again. I’m literally jumping with joy. Vaulting another obstacle with a level of ease that would put Liu Xiang to shame, I feel on top of the world, before I then start to come back down to earth as my age begins to show.

As I wind turn after turn, I begin to feel pangs of distress from my surgically repaired right knee. Taking the final turn, I approach a wall so large it seems to cast a shadow on me despite being an overcast day. By this point I am so exhausted that I am literally gasping for air, and gathering the last of my remaining strength, I summit the hill, throw my body over the top, and roll down the other side towards the finish.

51.56 seconds. A world record. Maybe.

I lay in a jumbled mess on the ground catching my breath, and it takes more than a few moments for me to recover enough to regain my footing. Was being a kid always this exhausting? I exchange my VIP sno-cone for a water and grab a seat, collecting my thoughts as children dart to and fro.

Maybe we’re better off today than we have been in the past, but even now it seems like we’re rushing children into adulthood without ever giving them a moment to enjoy the carefree splendor of their youth. I can certainly tell you that I spent a great deal of time worrying about my future as a child, so much so that it may have interfered with my ability to enjoy those precious short years. My visit to the FunBox reminds me not only of the deteriorating condition of my aging body, but also, the importance of accepting and even nurturing one’s inner child. Grow up? Sure, but don’t forget where you came from. ♦

Visit FunBox at Polaris Fashion Place through September 1st.

Matt Mahoney summits a wall made entirely of vinyl and air ↓

Section Presented by:

Before my dog, Cooper, came into our family, he was chained up outside through the month of November, alongside his four littermates and his mother, before being surrendered to a shelter.

It’s special to have a pet you love and cherish, but when you adopt, you’re often saving a life.

This year, our annual pet section is dedicated to animal adoption. Whether that means dogs, cats, rabbits or reptiles, we look at a handful of adoptable animals from Columbus Humane, as well as profile the story of a pet finding their forever home.

This section is proudly sponsored by MedVet, the leading veterinarian owned and led network of specialty and emergency hospitals and urgent cares dedicated to delivering exceptional care and a deeply supportive experience to pets and their loving families in the Columbus community. →

↑ Lucky, a 5 year old adoptable cat at the Columbus Humane Society

Pets are family treat them that That’s why, at M we’re the leade veterinary eme & specialty car 24/7 Emergency & Specialty Care

hensive your pet ne roof.

← Cooper, Editor-In-Chief Jack McLaughlin's dog

Introduction by Jack McLaughlin

Photos by Emma Mortellaro

Section Design by Tori Smith

← Roger, an adoptable rabbit at the Columbus Humane Society

Solaris, a previous resident of the Columbus Humane Society who recently found a home →

From dogs to cats to rabbits and reptiles, check out Columbus Humane’s roster of adoptable animals

Looking for your new best friend? Check out Columbus Humane for a list of adoptable pets waiting to meet you!

Columbus Humane isn’t only a shelter; it’s also a nonprofit law enforcement agency protecting pets and livestock. Whether the animals they take in are strays, owner surrenders, dogs from a dog fighting ring, venomous snakes, 600 pet birds from a hoarding situation, or a harnesswearing goat roaming the streets of the Hilltop (seriously, look those last two up), the agency has to be prepared for pretty much anything. They work with partner agencies and zoos around the nation to re-home exotic species appropriately, and offer those legal to own in Ohio for adoption. There’s always a plethora of options for prospective adopters to choose from.

Dogs and cats move through the shelter quickly, but the other 30-or-so species at the facility usually take longer to find their forever home. “You don't think of the Humane Society for a reptile, and some people don't even know that we adopt out animals outside of dogs and cats,” said Brittany Thomas, the agency’s Director of Marketing. But Columbus Humane houses around 30 species, including pocket pets, reptiles, and a room full of adoptable bunnies—and they’ll help you find a pet perfect for you.

And, even after the adoption, Columbus Humane helps pet parents. “We are a pet and people organization,” Thomas said. “Of course, we help the homeless pets, but we're also helping pets that are in homes have access to resources and the things that they need as well.”

Whether it’s veterinary or pet food assistance, emergency boarding for crisis situations, or counseling to understand and address pet problems, the agency works to keep pets in their homes and build stronger bonds for pet families before and after adoption.

No matter whether your definition of “pet” is fuzzy, feathery, or scaly, check out some bios and visit Columbus Humane’s website for the latest roster.

By Melinda Green

Photos by Emma Mortellaro

Bios provided by Columbus Humane

↑ Ricky, a previous resident of the Columbus Humane Society who recently found a home

Cupid, 1

Dog | Mixed Breed

Male Large

Looking for a pup to love? Come out and meet Cupid! This terrific tripod is sure to win your heart with his loveable personality and beautiful eyes. Cupid is the sweetest boy around and wants affection from everyone he meets. He walks well on leash, knows a few basic cues, and has a positive, happy attitude. Cupid is dreaming of a forever family that will work with him as he recovers from losing his left rear leg, shower him in snuggles, and spend plenty of quality time together. Come meet Cupid during Columbus Humane's adoption hours and see if he's the perfect match for you!

Lucky, 5

Cat | Domestic Shorthair

Male Medium

Meet Lucky, an adorable, rotund greeter. He's a laid back guy who loves to watch the world through his window. He'll come out to greet you with a nuzzle on his way to find his favorite perch. Lucky is looking for a quiet home to ease into an early retirement. Preferred companions will have a sunny window and lots of treats.

Reptile | Bearded Dragon

Female Small

Meet Lulu! She is a friendly, young adult bearded dragon ready to be your best friend. Lulu likes to spend her days basking under a heat lamp, eating a fresh salad or catching bugs for tasty snacks. Stop by Columbus Humane to meet Lulu today!

Peggy, 3

Cat | Domestic Shorthair

Female

Medium

This sweet girl is recovering from a broken leg, but that doesn't keep her spirit down! She's happy to meet you at the door with a 'mew' for a head scritch and body rub. A lovely queen, she'll rule your home with a soft voice and gentle paw. Peggy is currently on cage rest and will need radiographs at the end of June (which Columbus Humane is happy to provide!) to check on her healing.

Olive, 1 Cat | Domestic Shorthair

Olive can be a bit shy at first but she loves receiving pets, especially on her head. Her comfort items are her box and blanket, and she may need some time to acclimate into her next home. Come meet Olive!

Rocket, 4

Dog | Mixed Breed

Meet Rocket! Rocket is a spunky boy with lots of love to give. He is always happy to meet new people, especially people that spoil him with treats! Being such a treat motivated boy, Rocket easily learns new cues and has already learned things like "sit" and "down." He previously lived in a home with younger children and was said to be very playful and cuddly towards them. We think Rocket would make a wonderful family dog, and could do fantastic in any forever home that is able to give him the enrichment and love he deserves. Come in and speak with the Columbus Humane Adoptions Team today about Rocket!

Periwinkle, 3

Dog | Mixed Breed

Periwinkle is energetic and friendly but can take some time to warm up to new people and environments. She has shown us that she has pep in her step and a song in her heart, and she's looking for a forever-family that will give her the TLC she deserves. Periwinkle would be an excellent fit for an active family that can continue her training and shower her with love. Periwinkle may also benefit from living with another dog who is more confident and dogsocial that could show her the ropes and help her gain more confidence. Meet Periwinkle during Columbus Humane's adoption hours to see if she is the perfect fit for your family!

Peppermint

Rabbit | New Zealand

Meet Peppermint! She enjoys snacking on carrots, craisins, papaya and banana chips. She also enjoys receiving pets and is getting more comfortable by the day!

To

See an animal you’re interested in adopting?

Unfortunately, not all the animals below and in the story above are still available for adoption. Their bios are updated in real time, however, so if an animal finds a

Meet Kermit the Dog, winner of this year's Cutest K9 Contest

Story by Jack McLaughlin

Story Design by Andrew Thomas

Move aside Kermit the Frog. Kermit the Dog has been crowned the winner of this year’s Cutest K9 Contest, which is presented by OSU Veterinary Medical Center.

And in case you were wondering, yes, the seven year-old Chihuahua was named in part due to owner Scotland Strain’s love of The Muppets

“It’s a little embarrassing but I love The Muppets. We grew up with The Muppets Christmas Carol and Muppet Treasure Island,” Strain said. “When I first saw him [at 10 weeks old] he was tiny, like Kermit: big eyes, little head.”

Kermit the Dog does embody characteristics of his amphibian counterpart, but not all of them, according to Strain, noting that he’s fine with family members, but still wary when even longtime friends try to scoop him up.

← Kermit the Dog stole the hearts of Columbus this year

“Everybody loves Kermit, but Kermit doesn’t love everybody,” she said with a laugh. “He loves all of my immediate family, my sisters, my husband, my parents. But friends that we've known for years will try to pick him up, and it's no dice.”

He does, however, love to cuddle up with Strain. And boss around her other dogs.

“I have three other dogs. He’s the smallest one, and he’s the boss of them all.”

And since so many Central Ohio pet owners love their animals just as much as Strain loves Kermit, having a reliable and knowledgeable animal care service is a necessity. OSU Veterinary Medical Center is your go-to medical facility for dogs, cats, farm animals and horses.

Ranked as the nation’s fourth-best Veterinary Medical School in 2025 by U.S. News & World Report, approximately 80 percent of veterinarians in the state of Ohio graduated from Ohio State.

With six different hospitals–the Veterinary Medical Center at Dublin, the Frank Stanton Veterinary Spectrum of Care Clinic, the Galbreath Equine Center & Ralph Rogan Equine Performance Evaluation Arena, the Hospital for Farm animals, the Hummel Trueman Hospital for Companion Animals and the Large Animal Services at Marysville–OSU offers comprehensive, compassionate care across the board. ♦

“EVERYBODY LOVES KERMIT, BUT KERMIT DOESN'T LOVE EVERYBODY.”

The heartwarming story of how Poncho, a retired racing greyhound, found his forever home

By Jordan Abbruzzese | Photos by Hannah Anthony

Until he was two years old, Poncho was a racing greyhound. He was brought into the foster system after retirement, and now lives a life of comfort and luxury in his forever home.

“He is a ‘45 mile per hour couch potato,’” said Claire Kasson, who owns Poncho with her husband, Luke. “He sprints now and then, but it’s not like they’re super high energy…He just wants to lay on the couch and cuddle all day.”

Claire's husband, Luke Kasson, adopted Poncho six years ago, when the retired racing dog was four years old. Poncho came from a foster program under the Team Greyhound Adoption of Ohio, a Columbus-area organization that carefully places retired racing greyhounds with permanent, loving homes. At the time, Luke lived with roommates–all men–which was the perfect placement for Poncho, who loved being around guys. Claire remembers the process as seamless, before the three settled into a new home together later in 2019.

“I think I always grew up having adopted dogs from the pound,” explained Claire. “I just always felt like if I had the opportunity to take a dog into my home, it would be wonderful.”

While greyhound racing is illegal in most states, including Ohio, it is still common in some communities and other countries, like the U.K., New Zealand, Australia, and Mexico. Team Greyhound works to place retired and rescued racing greyhounds with foster families, where the dogs are fully cared for until they can be adopted. While the greyhounds are with their foster home, the organization helps cover food and medical bills. Every applicant is carefully reviewed to ensure the greyhound is a good match for its potential new owner.

These days, Claire works from home, spending time with Poncho by her side. When he isn’t lounging around the house or enjoying a walk, Poncho loves a long car ride or going boating, where he can feel the wind in his face. After retiring from a life of racing, it took Poncho a few years to adapt to a normal dog life. Now, he plays with more toys at 10 years old than he did when Luke first brought him home. According to Claire, “He kind of aged backwards.”

“They’re almost like indoor cats or indoor deer,” laughed Claire, referring to the breed. “I would recommend anyone take a greyhound, whether you have a big yard or a small one.” ♦

For those interested in fostering a greyhound, or adopting a retired racing greyhound, you can learn more about the Team Greyhound Adoption of Ohio program at teamgreyhound.com, and by following them on Instagram at @teamgreyhoundadoption.

Poncho, 10 Dog | Greyhound

About Poncho:

“He is a ‘45 mile per hour couch potato.’ He sprints now and then, but it’s not like they’re super high energy… He just wants to lay on the couch and cuddle all day.”

↑ Poncho with his parents, Luke and Claire Kasson

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In 1926, a fatal series of suspected poisonings ravaged Ohio State University, and 100 years later, the deaths remain unsolved

By John M. Clark Story Design by Andrew Thomas

Apopular, new true-crime series on Netflix looks at a wave of drug tamperings that terrorized the United States in 1982. The so-called Tylenol poisonings killed seven people in the Chicago area. Copycats killed even more. But despite an intense investigation, no one was ever convicted. The renewed interest in the Tylenol poisonings brings to mind an eerily similar pill poisoning case at Ohio State University in 1925.

On a Thursday afternoon in February 1925, senior George Thompson was feeling well enough to catch a trolley headed from the Ohio State University campus into Downtown Columbus. A slight illness he had chalked up to a common cold appeared to be easing, after taking prescribed quinine capsules and aspirin from the Ohio State School of Pharmacy dispensary.

But while standing at the corner of North High & Gay, Thompson began feeling ill again. He walked into a nearby store and, after speaking with a clerk, promptly fainted. An ambulance took him to University Hospital, where he stopped breathing. It took doctors 10 minutes to

revive the young man, whom they quickly suspected was the latest victim in a string of strychnine poisonings to hit the university campus. Thompson was able to fight off the effects of the poison and survived, but two of his classmates had not been so fortunate.

One hundred years ago, OSU students and faculty who needed medical attention and did not have a local doctor often visited one at the school’s infirmary. Prescribed medication was usually filled at the campus dispensary, which was operated by the College of Pharmacy and its students. In early 1925, that dispensary became the focal point in an investigation of deadly poisonings that has never been solved.

Charles Huls was the first victim to die. During the last week of January, the senior from Logan developed cold symptoms and, upon having a tooth extracted, pain in his jaw. Huls visited the infirmary and was prescribed a routine drug combination for minor ills – “R & W’s.” “R” stood for five grains of aspirin, which was placed inside red capsules; “W” represented two grains of quinine, which was administered in white capsules.

The Ohio State Dispensary in the early 1900s ↑

After a few days, Huls appeared better. Then came a sudden and violent episode of thrashing and convulsing that drew residents from throughout the house to his side. Doctors were called, but there was little they could do.

At first, doctors assumed the culprit was tetanus, a result of the tooth extraction. Tetanus symptoms often mimic those of strychnine poisoning, which no one at this point had any reason to suspect.

The following day, 20-year-old David Puskin, an accounting major from Canton, arose from bed at his residence on Eleventh Avenue, took a capsule he’d been prescribed for minor ills. Within minutes, he, too, was thrashing about and convulsing. Death for Puskin came less than a half-hour later. In his case, doctors suspected viral meningitis, which, like tetanus, can cause symptoms similar to strychnine.

But when four additional students became ill over the next few days, authorities began to suspect poisoning. The dean of the College of Medicine ordered tests. Vomit from one of the victims was fed to a frog. When the frog died a few minutes later, it was examined and found to contain strychnine.

At least three investigations were carried out in short order, each finding the presence of deadly strychnine in the victim’s stomach contents.

Despite being a poison, strychnine was occasionally used in those days, in very small doses, as a stimulant. Some OSU students used it to keep alert while studying for finals. The dispensary kept strychnine on hand; but it was believed to be under lock and key, obtainable only by pharmacy instructors who oversaw the student-run facility. However, as it became known during the investigations, pharmacy students were not always monitored – a violation of state law. →

OSU student David Puskin died of a suspected poisoning in 1925 ↑

There were several theories. Perhaps there had been a drug mix-up at the dispensary. Maybe a spiteful person – from on or off campus – was targeting a specific student. Maybe it was a random attack by a mentally ill person.

Authorities identified two possible suspects. One was freshman pharmacy student Louis Fish. Fish was the roommate of David Puskin, the second to die. He had been the one who picked up Puskin’s prescription at the dispensary and delivered it to him. Investigators found inconsistencies in Fish’s story.

They also looked at another pharmacy student, Nelson Rosenberg. Rosenberg had been with Puskin the night before he died and had admitted to recently buying a small amount of strychnine from a local drug company. The 23-year-old Rosenberg explained that he had broken his eyeglasses and needed the strychnine to help concentrate on studying (believe it or not, strychnine was occasionally used as a stimulant and study aid in the early 20th century).

Both were later cleared.

For a short time, suspicion fell upon a Columbus businessman who had recently bought a large quantity of strychnine. He told police he had acquired the strychnine to address a problem with rats in a store he ran. He, too, was cleared.

In mid-February, the entire College of Pharmacy was brought together in OSU’s Chemical Building, known today as Derby Hall. Both the university president and Columbus prosecutor John J. Chester implored students and faculty alike to come forward with any knowledge of the crimes they might have. None did.

The Dispensary in 1925 ↓

“I

STILL BELIEVE IT WAS A CRIME AND NOT AN ACCIDENT”

Just three weeks after the poisoned capsules had been dispensed, Chester admitted defeat. He announced the end of his investigation, still not knowing for sure if students had been sickened by accident or by a malicious killer. “I still believe it was a crime and not an accident,” he said. “We will continue to run down clues. But at the present, we have no further witnesses to call.”

Following the case, new safety rules were soon put into effect – rules that would be adopted by pharmacy schools across the nation. Going a step further, Ohio State expanded its two-year pharmacy program to begin requiring four years of study – the first university to do so.

These were steps in the right direction, for sure. But they came too late to prevent the suffering and deaths of OSU students in one of the most mysterious criminal cases to ever hit Columbus. ♦

The OSU Chemical Building, known today as Derby Hall ↑

From retro Brewery District motels to Short North B&Bs, Columbus offers plenty of reasons to stay put for your summer vacation this year

By Jordan Abbruzzese

With over a dozen museums and historical sites, local festivals every weekend, and multiple nationally recognized dining experiences, there is always something new to do in Columbus. And yeah, a summer beach vacation is tempting, but why not save the cost of plane tickets or road trip gas and just stay here? These rentals provide unique amenities in the city’s best locations, all just outside your backyard. Whether you want to stay put and unwind, or hit the sidewalks and take in some new sites, our staycation list has you covered. →

Story Design by Tori Smith

The Junto

77 BELLE ST.

A weekend at The Junto means staying at a creative and trendy space that hosts both travelers and locals alike. Located on the edge of the Franklinton neighborhood and a stone's throw from both COSI and the National Veterans Memorial and Museum, The Junto is within walking distance from some of the city’s coolest spots and destinations for the whole family. The hotel has multiple restaurants onsite, including Maudine’s coffee shop, Little West Tavern and poutine window, Brass Eye rooftop bar, and The Trade Room in the lounge.

South Wind Motel

919 S. HIGH ST.

This historic motel located between German Village and the Brewery District has been renovated for comfort and style, perfect for walking to local gems like Emmett’s Cafe, Law Bird, and other drinking holes. The founders have deep German Village roots, honoring tradition as they independently brought the 1959 motel back to life. The 22 rooms have vintage touches with a modern flair, complete with coffee grounds from local shops, sustainable skincare products, and plush furniture. Relax at the South Wind Motel and easily see what the lively neighborhoods of Downtown have to offer.

The Timbrook Guesthouse

5811 OLENTANGY RIVER RD.

The Timbrook Guesthouse offers an elevated bed and breakfast experience with onsite amenities that are perfect for families, couples, or solo travelers. The getaway has a private pool with lounge chairs, a hot-soaking spa, a tropical aviary where guests can watch the Timbrook family’s private parrots, a dining area with snacks, homemade breakfast every morning, and a reading room for some cozy time. The estate sits in Northwest Columbus, close to Worthington, Dublin, and Bethel Road. Venture out to explore, or just stay put and relax at this quiet, natural escape.

50 Lincoln Short North B&B

50 E. LINCOLN ST.

Just a couple of blocks away from the Short North Arts District is 50 Lincoln Short North Bed and Breakfast, a quaint and charming stay near many of Columbus’s bustling, walkable neighborhoods. The bed and breakfast offers seven rooms, with fresh breakfast served every morning. Each room is light and modern, with a tub-shower combo, work desk, and in-room coffee and tea. The main parlor offers additional snacks, hot drinks, and espresso all day. Whether you’re relaxing and getting some work done with a hot coffee, or strolling over to the many cool shops and restaurants in the Short North, this bed and breakfast will give you thoughtful hospitality with easy city access.

Jungle House

MULTIPLE LOCATIONS

The Jungle House rentals are for “when urban meets jungle,” offering many eclectic and trendy vacation homes in the Short North Arts District. These getaways are known for their walkability to local dining and attractions, and touches of rare plants from all over the globe adding a tropical flair to your stay. The houses are furnished with a fully-equipped kitchen, complimentary coffee and snacks, and multiple Smart TVs for binging your latest obsession. The Jungle House rents over 10 featured properties ranging from six guests to 48 guests, making it ideal for large families, groups of friends, or a retreat.

The Pink Opal

ADDRESS AVAILABLE VIA AIRBNB

This Barbie dreamhouse-inspired mid-century modern home is perfect for a girls night or weekend getaway. The pink and blue house gives a Palm Beach aesthetic with a vintage twist, including a fully stocked record player, complimentary coffee, board games, and a rock garden perfect for unwinding with a cold beverage. Located in Beechwold, The Pink Opal is a short drive from both Clintonville and the Old North neighborhoods. The hosts prioritize the ritual of “getting ready” with bright lights, a full length mirror, and a cart full of little things you may have forgotten, like an array of nail polish. Let this colorful rental be the backdrop to your next night out–or in–with your besties.

Sun-kissed skin, glimmering gold, and the cool kiss of water—our Summer Collection is made for moments like this. Whether you’re poolside or seaside, make waves in bold, radiant pieces that capture the light and the season