(614) | July 2026

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Opening Volley

JACK MCLAUGHLIN Editor-In-Chief

The Road (Way) Less Traveled

When I was 25, someone asked me once, sitting around a table at a mutual friend’s birthday dinner: If I could have spent a few days anywhere in the world, where I would go. My answer was “Southern Illinois.”

More than the temples of Kyoto or the breezy cliffs of the Mediterranean, I said “Southern Illinois.” And I meant it.

I’m not afraid of leaving the country, I don’t have a fear of flying, and each of those places are unique, beautiful, and important in their own ways. But none of them felt like they were in my blood.

I’m from the Chicago area, a suburb just a few miles from Downtown. In this way I am nominally from Illinois, but it’s nearly 375 miles—an almost six hour drive—from Chicago to Cairo, the (fittingly named, since it might as well be in Egypt) city nestled at the southern tip of the state.

I realized, somewhere along the first 20-something years of my life, that I had never seen the vast majority of the state I lived.

Eventually, I took that trip south through Illinois, and it was about what you would expect. Mid-sized cities, lots of farms, etc. Nothing exceptional, but it resonated with me in a way few other travel experiences have.

Maybe this is too self-important, but I approached that trip with a sense of duty. Sure, other places around the world sound cool to visit, but if I’m living somewhere, if I’m using that state as part of my identity, I feel something like a responsibility to understand it as fully as I can. To actually see it.

Before someone grabs my shirt collar through the pages of this magazine to tell me about the cultural education that international travel offers, let me just say this: I agree.

I understand and appreciate the value of visiting other countries; I have partaken in it, and I almost definitely will do so again, but the way people live is different anywhere you go, even if we’re talking Carbondale versus Rockford instead of the USA versus South Africa.

I moved to Ohio in 2018. Since, I’ve been (slowly) making a point to see all of the beautiful state that I now call home has to offer. Since then, I’ve experienced the seismic energy of an Ohio State football game, I’ve soared above the shores of lake Erie on a Cedar Point coaster, and I’ve delved into the quiet mystery of Appalachian Ohio.

And I feel like I’m nowhere close to being done.

This issue, I think, is as much for me as it is for you. It gives me an excuse to explore even more, and it will give you—whoever you are, whether that’s a lifelong Ohioan or someone who’s simply passing through—a great place to start. And who knows, maybe you’ll find find some new perspective along the way.

� STAFF PICKS

With so many corners of Ohio featured in this issue, we can’t help but think about our preferred spots and activities in The Buckeye State. We asked staff to share their favorite Ohio destination for summer fun, here’s what they said:

I love visiting Yellow Springs, I like to grab a coffee, walk the trails, and go antiquing.

—Mary McCarthy, Associate Editor

I used to love visiting Port Clinton. Growing up, I spent some of my favorite summers there, boating, fishing, swimming, and visiting my great-grandparents.

—Abby Nocera, Creative Designer

Alum Creek State Park! Kayaking on the lake is the perfect way to spend a Saturday. I grew up camping on the grounds, and although close to home, a beach day at Alum Creek can make any weekend feel like a getaway.

—Maggie Valentine, Associate Editor

Arc of Appalachia. It’s a group of preserves and cabins in Appalachian Ohio, and it feels like a totally different planet than Columbus.

—Jack McLaughlin, Editor-In-Chief

Put-in-Bay holds a special place in my heart. The moment I step onto the island, my stress melts away. From boating and fishing to sharing meals and cocktails with friends and watching perfect sunsets, there’s truly no place like it. The island offers a vibrant summer energy balanced by a quiet coastal peacefulness—a true gem in Ohio!

—Meggin Weimerskirch,

ON the WEB

Every day we’re posting Columbus’ top news, entertainment, and sports stories from throughout Central Ohio. Check out all the Columbus news online, including the new ones below, at 614now.com and subscribe to our daily email!

FOOD & DRINK

Dot Cakes! Where to find the dessert that blew up overnight

This eye-catching dessert has quickly gained a devoted following, making it one of the city’s most talked-about sweets.

HOT TOPICS

4-ton potato coming to Central Ohio this summer

A 4-ton Idaho potato on wheels is making a stop in Ohio this summer, giving visitors a chance to snap photos with one of the country’s most unusual roadside attractions.

From 4th of July celebrations to cookouts and live music, July is jam-packed with events.

Doo Dah Parade + Music Fest

Short North Arts District & Victorian Village Free Admission

Columbus Book Festival

Main Library, 96 S. Grant Ave. Free Admission

Jazz & Ribs Fest

The Scioto Mile Free Admission

The Ohio Eggfest

The Fortress Obetz, 2015 Recreation Trail

$40 Admission (100% of proceeds benefit cancer research)

record for spinning while suspended by her hair

By Maggie Valentine

Cyara Hotopp is an aerial artist. For most, this likely recalls images of Cirque du Soleil performers on a misty, dramatically-lit stage. The only difference is the fact that Hotopp is often suspended by her hair, and that she likely just set a new world record for spinning while doing so.

Since the age of five, growing up in the world of competitive figure skating, Hotopp has always had a knack for spinning.

“The ability to make the micro adjustments to kind of fuel your spin and be able to make it faster was just something that I could kind of intuitively do coming from figure skating,” Hotopp said.

Burnt out from youth skating, she chose to pursue academics, earning a philosophy degree then attending law school. While studying to become a lawyer, she welcomed the birth of her first son, which added to the unease of her high-strung career path. Regardless, Hotopp carried on, finished school, and passed the bar. After a stint of legal jobs, she realized practicing law just wasn’t for her.

“I think I’ve always been more creative and artistic, and the people that have always known me really well know that. I don’t think law was ever a great fit for my personality,” Hotopp said.

COVID-19 allowed time at home with her son, so naturally, Hotopp made the leap and left the legal world behind. Serendipitously, she discovered aerial arts through workout classes, reigniting her spark for performance. She taught herself tricks and how to maneuver her body into difficult shapes, often resembling a pretzel, until finally Hotopp decided this was the career path for her. →

The crowd of family, friends and Guinness-mandated witnesses on hand to watch Hotopp’s world record attempt on June 7

Photos by Luke Leffel

Story Design by Julie Friedman

“Performing is what I love, and it’s a better fit for me,” Hotopp said.

Specializing in the lyra, an aluminum hula hoop suspended in the air, Hotopp connects with the artistry and challenges that come with it.

“I think I’ve found a way to strike a balance there, and then get the fulfillment from skill development and training, and also the fulfillment from performing the things that I’ve developed and always creating a better product,” Hotopp said.

Her spinning skills were recently leveraged in an attempt to break a Guinness World Record for most spins in 30 seconds while being suspended from the hair; the current official record is 69 rotations. On June 7, in her home studio filled with her students and fellow community members, Hotopp spun for 93 rotations.

Training nearly 15 hours a week, Hotopp spins from her hair braided around a small ring attached to a cable suspending her body feet above the ground.

Holding your entire body weight by your hair can cause quite the migraine, she said. Compared to other aerial acts where the body normalizes the pain over time, hair suspension causes the body to go numb—only feeling the effects after the stunt is done.

“A lot of training goes into it, especially to be strong and to be safe, and make sure that you’re safe in the air. You have to be very consistently in shape and trained,” Hotopp said in preparation for the attempt.

While she blew the current record out the water, the results still need to be verified. According to Guinness standards Hotopp’s attempt must have included two individual witnesses in good standing with the community, two experienced time keepers, and a slow motion video from multiple angles. Although confident she met the requirements and after endless paperwork, the official results of Hotopp’s attempt will be an excruciating wait, a process that could take up to 12 weeks. In the meantime, there is still plenty more aerial work to be done.

“I plan to keep the momentum going and see how far I can make it in this industry. I feel like I’ve really only just gotten started!” she said.

Being a circus performer based in Columbus, Ohio means work can be challenging to find. Luckily for Hotopp, she landed herself in a community that brings steady work and offers speciality facilities to train.

“Performing is what I love, and it’s a better fit for me.”

Practicing out of the Worthington-based studio Aerotique Columbus, Hotopp hones her skills while also offering instructional classes for all age groups.

“I think I put in my 10,000 hours at this point, but I’d say because I teach a lot of beginners, the nice thing about aerial [performing] is that you can have small goals, you can get into some fun tricks or some fun shapes pretty quickly,” Hotopp explained.

When she’s not suspended by the hair, you may find Hotopp towering above you, as she is a member of Columbus circus troupe The Amazing Giants, donning ridiculously high stilts.

“I love stilt walking. It’s not as hard on your body, it’s a little more like directly engaging with people, which is a nice balance,” she said.

During the year, Hotopp normally works based on contract events entailing large amounts of travel which can be tiresome. The Amazing Giants allow Hotopp to stay grounded during the summer so she can spend time juggling the most important act of all—her two kids.

“I have to find contracts that really fit with my family and our schedule. I do a lot of Christmas shows, because that’s kind of easy, and seasonal shows,” Hotopp said. “When I was in California, I was flying back to Columbus every week, and it was a lot of flying. A lot of times I’ll be in Virginia, and I’ll drive eight hours back, which isn’t fun, but it’s definitely worth it.”

Being a 33-year-old mother of two and a circus performer, you would think one would be more hesitant. Already pushing back against the stigma of aging in a performance based industry, Hotopp refuses to let others confine her.

“I try to just be completely upfront and open on all of my public platforms. Like, this is how old I am, I have kids, this is where I am in life. You can do this too, and it’s still a career that can be pursued,” Hotopp said. ♦

To learn more about Hotopp’s performances, visit cyaerial.com.

← According to Hotopp, she tabbed 93 spins in 30 seconds, a mark that would shatter the previous world record of 69

SummerSun Our to Guide

July has officially arrived, and while we all love catching those summer rays, this month marks Melasma Awareness Month. Melasma, often called the “pregnancy mask,” though it can affect anyone, presents as stubborn, patchy brown or gray pigmentation on the face that can be triggered by sun exposure and hormonal shifts.

If you are noticing these darker patches popping up on your forehead, cheeks, or upper lip, don't panic. Boss Gal’s focus is always on education and medical-grade solutions. Managing melasma requires a dedicated approach: think diligent SPF reapplication, pigmentsuppressing serums, and targeted professional treatments such as peels or lasers. If you don't take the steps to prevent it, this condition can worsen and deepen over time.

Skinbetter Science Sunbetter Tone Smart SPF 75

With the sun being one of its absolute biggest triggers, you want to ensure you are using an effective, broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 30 that contains iron oxides to block both UV rays and visible blue light. One of our ultimate go-tos is Skinbetter Science Sunbetter Tone Smart SPF 75. To truly correct and manage patches, incorporating a daily pigment-suppressing serum is essential. These medical-grade formulas work at the cellular level by using tyrosinase inhibitors—ingredients that essentially act as a “switch,” shutting down

SavetheDate!

To wrap up this month, we are throwing our annual Garden Party! Mark your calendars for Thursday, July 30th, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM and pop into any of our four Boss Gal locations for an evening filled with exclusive event-only pricing, light bites and sips, and plenty of fun. It is our favorite way to celebrate our community, hang out face-to-face, and toast to fabulous summer skin. We love helping you navigate your skin journey, ensuring your complexion stays bright, even, and thoroughly protected all summer long. If you’re looking for an excuse to perfect your pout or want to learn more about ways to treat your melasma, book with us online or give a call at any of our four locations - Clintonville, Grandview, Easton, and Powell! We can’t wait to see your face!

REquIRED ND PASSPoRT

← The Bueco De Flores (left), Tiki Fries and Bao Buns from Huli Huli

Beloved tiki bar Huli Huli has landed in Downtown Columbus at long last

By Sav McKee

by Joss Ford

Design by Brooke Stanley

If you close your eyes, take a long sip of your Mai Tai, and bask in the heat of the Moai statue with fire coming out of its mouth and smoke billowing from its nose, you could easily convince yourself you’re in Hawaii. Or, wait—Jamaica.

No, that’s not quite right either. Tahiti? Vietnam? Maybe Tulum? Somewhere else deep in the jungle? Perhaps none of those places. Or all of them at once.

“Tiki is pulled from a lot of different cultures and countries,” explained Dustin Sun, owner of Huli Huli Tiki Lounge. He recently opened a second location at 22 E. Mound St., in Downtown Columbus in late May, joining the original Powell outpost that debuted seven years ago.

Huli Huli’s bar manager, Nick Elam, known in local tiki circles as “Trader Nick,” agreed with Sun’s sentiment. “Food-wise, tiki bars lean Cantonese,” Elam explained, “but the drinks are inspired by the Caribbean.” →

Photos

Huli Huli owners Dustin (left) and

← Huli Huli's Gaijin Grog and Aloha Aina cocktails

Inside the Downtown location, vintage Hawaii travel posters hang near the bar alongside bamboo decor; shrunken heads grace the walls, inspired by traditions of the Amazon; a towering Moai statue most associated with Easter Island has been turned into a fireplace; and paper lanterns, adorned with cherry blossoms, reminiscent of an alley you’d find in Tokyo, are strung from the ceiling. Oh, and of course, salvaged tables and a canoe from the legendary Kahiki Supper Club, a bygone restaurant that was once in Columbus, are here, too.

There’s a little bit of everything at Huli Huli: kitschy decor, souvenirs, oddities, and treasures collected from seemingly every corner of the globe. Somehow, it all comes together to create one unmistakable feeling: tiki. Because despite common misconceptions, tiki was never meant to represent a single place at all.

The tiki movement was actually born here in America in the 1930s, creating a fantasy version of the tropics, inspired by Donn Beach’s travels to the Caribbean and South Pacific. Rather than faithfully recreating a specific culture and place, he opened Don the Beachcomber in Hollywood, which is considered America’s first tiki bar. He built an entirely new world centered on escapism, elaborate cocktails, immersive decor, and the feeling of being transported somewhere far from everyday life. That sense of escapism is initially what drew Sun in.

“I grew up in the second wave of tiki culture,” he said. “My parents had restaurants in Akron, serving Chinese, Thai, and sushi. And the drinks we served were all tiki drinks.”

Sun said he always admired his family’s tenacity in the restaurant business. “And, you know what? I love booze,” he laughed. “I wanted to sell booze and keep it Asian-themed, and the more I learned about tiki, the more I just really got into it.”

When The Grass Skirt closed the same year Sun opened Huli Huli in Powell, he knew that he wanted to fill that void, with the thought of eventually expanding to Downtown stuck in the back of his mind.

After searching all over Columbus for years, he eventually landed in the former home of The Jury Room, a bar whose history dates back to 1831. It’s reportedly one of the most haunted places in Ohio—something Sun is fully embracing. After all, tiki bars are a bit mysterious and spooky by nature. Eerie masks line the walls. Exotic artifacts lurk in dark corners. Delicious drinks arrive disguised in skull-shaped mugs. →

But the spirits that are sneaking up on customers are mostly inside the cocktails.

Elam, a self-described tiki aficionado, pays homage to classic tiki drinks behind the bar, serving staples like the Blue Hawaii, created in 1957, the Zombie from ‘34, and even a Kahiki favorite: the Instant Urge, a vibrant green cocktail that dates back to ‘61.

Just as tiki culture has continually reinvented itself, Elam believes the drinks should evolve, too. “I tend to talk a little smack against the classics,” he joked. “With all due respect to them, do people want to see the culture go away? Or can we keep adding to it and revitalizing it with new flavors?”

So, while you’ll find plenty of rum-forward drinks, you’ll also discover cocktails like the Yoshino, made with Suntory Roku Gin, yuzu, lemon, sakura simple syrup, and sparkling wine. There’s the Dokugiri, featuring Haku Vodka, Midori, and nigori sake. You’ll even find scotch, whisky, and tequila-based cocktails, all dressed up in striking glassware and topped with tropical fruits and flourishing garnishes.

Come thirsty, of course, but also hungry. Huli offers small plates, which Sun describes as “Asian fusion,” featuring Potstickers, Bang Bang Broccoli, and Pu Pu Platters, and plenty more designed for sharing.

Sun said he feels nothing but gratitude—not only for his “incredible team of bartenders,” who continue creating both faithful interpretations and inventive twists on tiki classics, but also for the Downtown community, which has packed the bar (and patio) since opening day.

“We love it here,” Sun expressed. “It’s a whole new vibe.”

Quite literally. There’s no single country, city, or coastline you can compare Huli Huli to. It’s an ode to an imagined destination—one that never existed on any map.

You’ll absolutely feel like you’re on vacation at Huli Huli—you just might not be able to point where.

And really, that’s the best part. ♦

Visit Huli Huli Tiki Lounge’s new Downtown location at 22 E. Mound St. And yes—there’s free parking out back!

Huli Huli's Bao Buns (left), Aloha Bowl (center) and Lobster Rolls ↓

THE KING OF

On a quest to try White Castle from the source, Andrew Meador instead found a home in Columbus, and induction into the eatery’s Cravers Hall of Fame

Andrew Meador is a member of White Castle’s 2025 Cravers Hall of Fame class →

By Laura Jones

In 2004, Harold and Kumar went to White Castle. In 2005, so did Andrew and Chad.

Andrew Meador was a college senior when he was inspired by the film Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle to take a road trip with his roommate Chad Wood. From their school in rural Athens, West Virginia, the two only were able to enjoy the White Castle Slider from the freezer section of their local Walmart. The nearest White Castle was as far away as Louisville, Kentucky or Columbus, Ohio. They chose Columbus.

“On that first trip, we went to German Village. To the Book Loft. To Cafe Kerouac. As we were walking around, I remember thinking, ‘Man, this is just such a livable city,’” Meador said. And White Castle?

“We hadn’t planned to go the first day, but we took Interstate 77 to 33, and as we were driving by, we saw it there. It was like this shining beacon on top of a hill.” The two stopped and history was made. →

Photos by Tommy Feisel

Story Design by Brooke Sheridan

Like most young people graduating from college, Meador was a little lost about what to do next. He interviewed for jobs in LA, he looked at DC, and even thought he might teach English in Japan. When those things didn’t pan out, Meador remembered

“One by one as the various opportunities fell away, I would always come back,” Meador said. “The more I came, the more I loved it.” And of course, those White Castle burgers.

“There’s something about the novelty of them. The presentation. The Sliders in the little boxes. The fact you can choose your own adventure with how many Sliders you get,” he said.

While Meador has taken down about ten Sliders in one sitting, he usually opts for the more traditional four. The Original Slider Combo, including a side of crinkle fries, and choice of soda. Meador also tacks on his new favorite item, Jalapeño Craviolis.

Meador loves White Castle so much it has become a family affair. The fast food chain was one of the first places he took his wife, Annie. They still show up every Valentine’s Day, when the restaurant decks itself out in red paper hearts, and converts to sit down dining as employees take orders at the table. He’s also introduced his mother, father, niece, and sister to the unique cuisine.

In 2001, the burger chain founded an exclusive club honoring longtime fans of the Sliders. The White Castle Cravers Hall of Fame recognizes “unmatched devotion and a love for Sliders that has earned [Cravers] a place in the hallowed halls.”

“IT WAS LIKE THIS SHINING BEACON ON TOP OF A HILL.”

Most inductees apply, making a case for inclusion by laying out their love for the Sliders. Meador was no different. Regarded as harder to get into than Harvard, he was accepted to the Cravers Hall of Fame on his second application. Inducted in 2025 along with Wood, the college roommates reunited in Las Vegas for a 20th anniversary trip to White Castle.

“I hadn’t seen him in a long time, but there are people in your life that if you haven’t talked to them for a while you realize nothing’s changed. And for me and Chad, it was like time hadn’t passed,” Meador said.

In his Hall of Fame induction speech, Meador called that initial trip to White Castle a “pilgrimage.” Maybe it was more. Maybe instead of looking for just an experience, he found a home, here in Columbus, a city he loves.

“In my speech I talked about the ‘crave,’ which is what White Castle calls it. I talked about it not just being a physical thing for the burgers, but for the things in our lives that we want to go for,” he said. “Our ambitions, our connections. If you pay attention to the movie, Harold and Kumar were both stuck in their lives, but for them the journey was a kind of clarity. They realized how to get themselves unstuck and move forward.”

So did Andrew Meador. He went to Columbus for White Castle. And he stayed. ♦

To learn more about the Cravers Hall of Fame, visit whitecastle.com/crave-central/craver-hall-of-fame.

After seven years without a restaurant, the historic Worthington Inn welcomes a new eatery from Wolf’s Ridge Brewing

on

A Wolf’s Ridge beer at the brewery’s space inside the historic Worthington Inn →

By Ameera Rasoul

After more than a decade as a fixture in Columbus’ food and craft beer scene, Wolf’s Ridge Brewing is embarking on a new chapter. The brewery has expanded beyond the busy streets of Downtown Columbus to the historic Worthington Inn, bringing its signature approach to beer, food, and hospitality to a new audience of diners.

Founded in 2013, the original Downtown location of Wolf’s Ridge has steadily grown over the years, even facilitating a large production center on the west side of Columbus in 2019, along with opening sister concept Understory in the Old North in 2021.

Bob Szuter, co-founder and head of restaurant operations, explained that this latest move is not just about booming expansion but about the brewery finding a right fit in a heartfelt community.

“We’ve always looked at opportunities for restaurants and for our beer throughout the state, but expanding restaurant operations has really been intentional,” Szuter said. “This one felt like a real natural fit.”

Szuter spoke about how the project came to fruition, along with some of the roadblocks encountered throughout the process. The Worthington Inn’s nearly 200-year-old building offered the historic character Wolf’s Ridge was seeking, while Worthington itself provided something new for the brewery: a strong sense of community.

“We’ve tried to align ourselves with authenticity,” Szuter said. “A historic building with a tight-knit community that we can actually be part of checked a lot of boxes for us.”

The move was also an effort from Wolf’s Ridge to meet customers where they were.

“A lot of people who used to come Downtown don’t travel as far to eat and drink anymore,” he added. “From a geographic perspective, it made a lot of sense.” →

Photos by Jen Brown Story Design by Brooke Sheridan

“WE’VE TRIED

TO ALIGN OURSELVES WITH AUTHENTICITY.”

Szuter explained how this expansion into the suburbs of Columbus has always been essential to the brand, as he himself is a native to the suburbs being raised in Dublin, right near Worthington. After spending some time in the Windy City, Chicago, discovering Wolf’s Ridge, Szuter and his partners knew Columbus was the place for the restaurant to thrive.

He said, “I had the opportunity to see some really great stuff in Chicago and wanted to see if we could try to recreate something of that and bring some of that to Columbus.”

Even with some typical hiccups of opening a new location, the brewery team worked hard to achieve their vision. Szuter explained how they even pulled their head chef from the Downtown location, Kris Ludwig, to work on perfecting the team in the Worthington space.

Ludwig started out as a sous chef for Wolf’s Ridge original location back when it first opened, and has since become the leader in the kitchen and artist behind the menu.

“He’s incredibly curious about food and just a really strong leader,” Szuter added.

The menu initially leaned heavily into traditional English fare that blends with the building’s heritage, but has since been adjusted to better balance to better balance for the Worthington audience.

“It’s going to keep evolving based on guest feedback,” he said. →

Executive chef Kris Ludwig →

Burrata with pistachio pesto, dandelion, golden raisin, and crostini ↓

↑ The remodeled dining room blends history with modern comfort

Szuter explained that the goal is to create a unique dining experience that feels comfortable for regular visits, but still offers an elevated option for special occasions, something the space has historically been known for.

On the beverage side, Wolf’s Ridge is experimenting in ways that set the Worthington location apart.

The new and exclusive standout addition is a traditional beer engine, a system commonly used in England to serve cask-conditioned ales. The result is a pour that is slightly warmer, softer, and creamier than standard draft beer.

“It’s a completely different drinking experience,” Szuter explained.

To match the system, the brewery created beers specifically for cask service, including Innkeeper, an English-style ale, and Hearthside, a house brew unique to the Worthington location.

“We’re leaning into more traditional English styles here,” he added.

For Wolf’s Ridge, the Worthington Inn isn’t just another location, it’s a reflection of where the brand has been and where it’s heading.

And as the company continues to grow, it’s doing so with the same mindset that started it all—thoughtful expansion, strong community ties, and a commitment to doing things the right way.

“Our hope is that this really increases awareness of our brand and gives more people an opportunity to experience what we do,” he said. ♦

Wolf’s Ridge at Worthington Inn is located at 649 N High St. Make your reservations at worthingtoninn.com.

Wolf’s Ridge bartender Atlas Jones mixing a drink at the new Worthington Inn space →

We’re proud to introduce an exciting new chapter: Hilliard’s flagship enneth’s location at rue ointe.

Designed as a modern sanctuar , this new space rings together elevated services and intentional self-care experiences, including our new pa ar, luxurious suite facials, immersive head spa treatments, expert hair services, nails, and more t ’s a place to gather, recharge, and redefine what eaut and wellness can feel li e.

REVOLUTION MORTGAGE

This downtown-based mortgage company is working to change the culture of traditional lending to get families into homes quicker

By Jordan Abbruesseze

When it comes to working in corporate banks and mortgage lending, the branch production managers of Revolution Mortgage have been there and done that. With decades of experience of working in large banks, co-managers Sam Martin and Brett Thomas wanted something different and knew that people looking to buy a home needed something different too.

“Revolution Mortgage was born out of being tired of corporate banking,” Martin.

Located at 580 N. 4th St., Suite 220 in the Smith Bros Hardware Co. building in Downtown Columbus, Revolution Mortgage focuses on speed, accuracy, location, and availability to change the culture of mortgage lending.

“Many treat this as a transaction, but we aren’t in it for that,” explained Thomas. “We are in it to help families every month. Not the number of closes per month, but the number of families we have helped reach their American dream.”

Photos by Aaron Massey

↑ Revolution Mortgage branch production managers Sam Martin (left) and Brett Thomas

“We’re in it to help families every month. Not the number of closes per month, but the number of families we have helped reach their American dream.”

After years of climbing the corporate ladder across multiple large banks and moving through the industry during the 2008 housing crisis, Martin and Thomas have seen the market shift, evolve, and shift again. Revolution Mortgage aims to fill in the gaps and make the process more approachable to everyone, from first-time home buyers to senior home owners.

Most banks and credit unions are closed on weekends and after traditional working hours. If a realtor needs to reach a lender, they may have to wait 48 hours or more. The Revolution Mortgage team, including Martin and Thomas, are willing to advocate for you any day of the week.

“If you need to close in 10-15 days to get a deal, we are structured to help that family close in that timeframe. We are ready to roll up our sleeves and get it done,” said Martin.

It all starts with a quick phone call or online application. After connecting with Revolution Mortgage Columbus, you’ll have a 15 minute “dreams and goals” conversation about your new home, refinancing, or investment property purchase. You’ll go through financial questions, what your hobbies are, if you have family or kids, the type of community or school system you’d like to be in, and if you have a current house to sell. Revolution Mortgage wants you to be in the best home for you, as quickly as possible.

“It’s important to build that rapport. We want to be your lender for the rest of your life,” said Thomas.

While a traditional corporate lender may take up to two days to get you prequalified, Revolution Mortgage has the technology and processes in place to do it in less than three hours. Oftentimes, you can get approval in as little as 30 minutes.

With Revolution Mortgage’s easy-to-use online application, applicants can electronically grab paystubs and asset statements by linking to providers—no manual uploading of hard copies and downloading multiple statements needed.

Part of the Revolution Mortgage culture is also giving back to the city they call home. The company regularly contributes to the Columbus community, and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) through their various outreach programs. From hometown football games to sponsoring free, live concerts at the Columbus Commons, Revolution Mortgage is out meeting people, ready to have conversations about financial literacy and buying your dream home.

“We have probably given 50,000 dollars back into the community in the past five years to help people purchase a home,” shared Thomas.

Martin and Thomas know that applying to buy a home can be scary. That’s why they want to make the process easy, fast, and painless—by being very available to clients and realtors, and sitting down to chat with folks at community events who have a dream of owning a home or investment property.

“People think they can’t go and buy a home because they have a preconceived notion or fear of what their credit is like, but there is a pathway to home ownership,” he said.

To learn more, visit www.revolutionmortgage.com/branch/2040 or call (614) 407-8524.

THE AB

FLAVOR

← Dustin Boninsegna, founder and namesake of The Dusty Touch

How a teacher turned ice cream mad scientist is serving up some of the most unique flavors in Columbus

By Camille Witt

by Jen Brown

Story Design by Brooke Sheridan

There’s something inherently nostalgic about ice cream in the summertime. Nothing quite brings back the little kid in you like sampling flavors from those tiny plastic spoons and watching a cone (Team Cone here!) get piled high with scoop after scoop of all your favorite flavors. But everyone has an opinion on what makes good ice cream great. Is it Madagascar vanilla? Thick cream from a local dairy farmer? Cones made in-house? For Dustin Boninsegna, founder of The Dusty Touch, creating the perfect scoop comes down to one unexpected yet not-so-secret ingredient—science.

Before formally launching the small-batch ice cream concept out of The Kitchen in German Village earlier this year, Boninsegna spent nearly a decade teaching earth and life sciences in Dayton. Even now, traces of his scientific background still shape nearly every part of his process. It’s the experimentation, trial and error, and bringing an idea to life that excites him.

“I always thought that ice cream was one of the best companion pieces of the scientific method,” Boninsegna explained.

Originally, he moved to Columbus while his wife attended The Ohio State University, expecting to continue teaching. Instead, he found himself working at The Kitchen, where the venue’s participatory dining experiences allowed him to rediscover the parts of teaching he loved most: exploration, creativity, and helping people engage in hands-on learning. →

Photos

“I always thought that ice cream was one of the best companion pieces of the scientific method.”

“It scratched that itch of empowering and educating others,” he shared.

For Boninsegna, ice cream offers something uniquely suited to discovery. Flavor, texture, temperature, and chemistry all shape the final product, allowing even small adjustments to dramatically change the result. For example, his Chocolate Maple ice cream uses maple syrup not only for flavor, but to help maintain a softer, scoopable consistency. His Strawberry Basil flavor required extensive testing to balance the sweetness and moisture of fresh strawberries against basil’s sharp herbal qualities. One floralinspired flavor experimented with butterfly pea powder and lemon to recreate the ingredient’s dramatic pH-driven color change—a reaction he’s still working on perfecting.

While some may find the challenge of getting it right frustrating, Boninsegna finds his most sincere joy in solving problems. His persistence and patience have paid off big time, resulting in some truly remarkable flavors. His RosemaryOlive Oil flavor was the first gourmet flavor he ever developed, born from a desire to reduce kitchen waste and avoid letting fresh rosemary go unused at The Kitchen. It’s still one of his favorites today.

“Creating that flavor made me really want to do something more with ice cream than just regular flavors,” he emphasized.

↑ Dusty Touch flavors are always changing, but include Butterfly Pea Shoot (left), French Vanilla Bean (top), and Strawberry Basil (right)

The balance between the unique and the familiar carries through the flavors offered by The Dusty Touch. Some are inspired by childhood nostalgia—Easter basket candies like Cadbury Eggs, French toast breakfasts, and cereal flavors reminiscent of Cinnamon Toast Crunch. Others are savory and completely unexpected: Duck Fat Caramel, Goat Cheese Peach, and Honey Blue Cheese.

Local sourcing also plays a major role in the brand. Boninsegna tries to source as many ingredients as possible from Ohio farmers, dairy producers, and local makers—and says that’s never going to change, no matter how much the brand grows.

Each month, Boninsegna releases a specialty trio of flavors available for purchase and pickup through The Kitchen’s website, alongside ten rotating staples. If you want unique ice cream flavors constantly on hand (who doesn’t?), a subscription option is also available. For those who want a more immersive experience, The Kitchen’s Inside Scoop series brings the science to life in real time. The ticketed pop-up events pair hands-on ice cream demos— including Boninsegna’s fan-favorite dry ice method—with cocktail pairings, light bites, and ice cream samples. The series sold out its first event and is sure to continue to draw crowds all summer long.

As for what’s next, Boninsegna’s dream is a brick-and-mortar that doesn’t compromise what makes The Dusty Touch worth seeking out in the first place: small-batch, locally sourced, unique, and always moving forward.

“There’s never a done button to be had,” he shared, “You should always be progressing.” ♦

Pick up a pint of The Dusty Touch ice cream at The Kitchen by ordering online at orderthekitchencolumbus.square.site.

Your guide to summer events, attractions,

and

adventures across the Buckeye State

By Mary McCarthy, Jack McLaughlin, and Jackson Hall

Section Design by Andrew Thomas Illustrations by Bitsy Voce

Say “Ohio” to someone on the West Coast, and they’re going to think of a sprawling cornfield. Say it within the Buckeye State and you’re likely to get more than a few different responses.

Ohio feels like it represents three distinct regions of the United States. If you can, imagine a pair of lines that run lengthwise through the state, partitioning it into three sections, each one representing a distinct area of the country: North is the Rust Belt, Middle is the Midwest, and South is Appalachia.

Suffice it to say that Ohio is, despite what others may think, very diverse. And we’re embracing that this summer. Our July cover package acts as your guide to Summer in Ohio, featuring 30 events, attractions, and adventures from every corner of the state, including rodeos, sailing, festivals, fruit picking, hiking, and much more. Think of it as your summer bucket list, only the all-Ohio version.

Maybe something like the Super Summer Buckeye Bucket list?

Whatever you want to call it, and whatever you choose to do with it, enjoy your guide to this summer, and the great state of Ohio along with it. →

OHIO RIVERBOAT CRUISE

The ocean is great, and receives plenty of praise, but we’re here to show some love to the bodies of water within the Buckeye State. All the way at the bottom of Ohio, this unique Marietta concept offers “cruises” in the form of daily sightseeing tours, dinners on the Ohio or Muskingum River, events with live music, and even excursions to Blennerhassett Island. You’ll be able to take in some deceptively stunning scenery on one of two historic boats (the Valley Gem Sternwheeler and the Major/Riviera) for prices that start at less than $20 per person.

Fossil Hunting

While Ohio may not seem overly exotic to many of us today, did you know the Buckeye State was once covered entirely by a warmwater tropical ocean filled with massive armored fish, like the 30 foot-long Dunkleosteus, featuring armor scales and razor sharp jaws? Thankfully, they’re gone now, but Dunkleosteus—like many other now-extinct animals—can be found in Ohio in the form of fossils. And a fossil-hunting mecca for many serious collectors is Caesar Creek State Park, where rare gastropods, bivalves, and more are still regularly uncovered. You must obtain a permit to do so (which is free), but this unique Ohio state park actually allows visitors to collect fossils from its massive, rocky spillway.

Caesar Creek State Park

Valley Gem Sternwheeler (Marietta)

The Wilds

Cumberland

Surrounded by camels, rhinos, ostriches, and cheetahs, it would be easy to think you had landed in Southern Africa. You’re actually in Cumberland, Ohio, however. Managed by the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium, The Wilds offers safaris through nearly 10,000 acres of reclaimed coal mine land populated by a host of unique creatures that definitely aren’t native to the Buckeye State. It’s not just a daytrip, either, as The Wilds offers a variety of overnight accommodations (in the form of a campground, cabins, and a lodge), and visitors even have the chance to zipline over animal pastures.

Cedar Point Great Council State Park

Roller coasters are a little bit like pizza. Even if they’re bad compared to other examples, they’re still great. The thing about Cedar Point however, is it boasts some of the best and most cutting edge coasters in the world. The park features nearly 20 different coasters, including options like Steel Vengeance (The world’s first and tallest hyper-hybrid coaster, which combines wood and steel in its frame), Top Thrill 2, which reaches speeds of 101 mph before rocketing riders up a 420 foot-tall tower, and Raptor, an inverted ride that flips riders upside down no less than six total times.

Ohio’s newest state park highlights the lives of some of the state’s oldest residents. Built on the site of the Shawnee village of Old Chillicothe, the park pays homage to the history of the Native American and European settlers who called Ohio home long before the internet or even Buckeyes football. The cornerstone of the park, which officially opened in June of 2024, is a 12,000 square-foot “interpretive center” modeled after a traditional Shawnee longhouse, complete with historical displays, theater and gallery spaces, and an interactive living stream. The park also includes a pair of easy hiking trails, a native prairie, and a scenic lookout with views of the Little Miami River.

Sandusky Xenia

Ledges trail

Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Ohio is rife with metro parks of all shapes and sizes, but it’s home to just one single national park: Cuyahoga Valley. And while it’s located just 30 minutes from Downtown Cleveland, it feels like its own universe. One of the cornerstones of the park? Its famous Ledges Trail. This 1.8-mile hike, also known as the Ritchie Ledges, shows off the area’s sandstone cliffs, a remnant of when Ohio was underneath a prehistoric ocean. It features overlooks, unique rock formations, and—most Instagrammable, at least—a winding set of ledges that form on either side of the trail, making it feel like a unique jaunt into the world of canyoneering, minus the road trip out west.

Hocking Hills Ziplining

Hocking Hills Canopy Tours (Rockbridge)

While ziplining is cool enough whenever you do it, how about enjoying it while suspended above the woods, caves, and rivers of the Hocking Hills? Enter Hocking Hills Canopy Tours, which has been tapped as one of the country’s best “aerial adventure parks” in USA Today’s 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards. True to its name, the Rockbridge destination leads visitors on a series of adventures across suspended skybridges in an idyllic section of the Hocking Hills. The original tour spans 2.53 hours, but shorter options are available, as are canopy tours intended for kids.

by Leonardo Carrizo

Central Ohio Sailing

Alum Creek State Park (Delaware)

To the untrained eye, Alum Creek Lake and its eponymous state park resemble your run of the mill Midwestern body of water. Look a little closer, and the kite surfers soaring across the skyline will tell you differently. Alum Creek Lake is not only home to a host of dedicated sailers and sailing classes (check out the Alum Creek Sailing Association for more), it’s also an Ohio hotspot for kite surfing, which is exactly what you think it is. If you want to give the sport a try (and let’s be honest, who doesn’t), or if you just want to learn more about kite surfing and how to get started, check out Central Ohio Wind Seekers.

Photo

American Sign Museum

Cincinnati

Neon lights, towering roadside advertisements, and vintage storefront displays might seem like relics of a bygone era, but they’re very much alive inside Cincinnati’s American Sign Museum.

Spanning more than 40,000 square feet, the museum showcases over a century of sign-making history through glowing neon displays, retro marquees, and larger-than-life commercial artwork. The attraction feels less like a traditional museum and more like stepping into a time capsule of Americana, complete with recreated streetscapes and signs that once lit up cities across the country. It’s quirky, colorful, and surprisingly fascinating, even for visitors who never expected to spend an afternoon admiring old signs.

Largest collection of comics

Think comic books are just superheroes? Think again. Located on Ohio State University’s campus, the Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum houses the world’s largest collection dedicated to cartoon and comic art, with millions of original pieces, books, manuscripts, and archival materials. Visitors can browse rotating exhibitions featuring everything from graphic novels, comic strips, and editorial cartoons. Whether you’re a lifelong comic fan or simply curious about a unique piece of Ohio culture, the museum offers a fascinating look at the artists and stories that have shaped popular culture for generations. Best of all, admission is free, making it one of Columbus’ most underrated attractions.

Billy Ireland Cartoon Library Museum (Columbus)

Findlay Market

Cincinnati

There’s a reason Findlay Market has remained a Cincinnati institution since 1852. As Ohio’s oldest continuously operated public market, the Over-theRhine destination is packed with local flavor, from familyowned butcher shops and bakeries to produce vendors and specialty food stalls. Visitors can grab lunch, shop for ingredients, or simply wander through the bustling marketplace while taking in the sights, smells, and sounds that have defined the neighborhood for more than a century. Between seasonal events, farmers markets, and live entertainment, no two visits feel exactly the same. If you want a true taste of Cincinnati, this is a pretty good place to start.

Young’s Jersey Dairy

Yellow Springs

Part dairy farm, part amusement destination, and part Ohio tradition, Young’s Jersey Dairy has been welcoming visitors to Yellow Springs for generations. The family-owned attraction is best known for its homemade ice cream, but that’s only part of the experience. Guests can also enjoy miniature golf, batting cages, wagon rides, farm animals, and plenty of open space to explore. Located just outside the artsy village of Yellow Springs, Young’s has become a summertime rite of passage for many Ohio families. Even if you come for the ice cream, don’t be surprised if you end up staying for the afternoon.

Lake Erie Islands

Put-in-Bay, Kelleys Island

You don’t have to leave Ohio to enjoy an island getaway. Scattered across western Lake Erie, destinations like Putin-Bay and Kelleys Island offer a mix of waterfront views, outdoor adventure, and laid-back summer charm. Visitors can spend the day exploring wineries, renting golf carts, hiking nature trails, or taking in lake views from historic lighthouses. Whether you’re looking for nightlife, nature, or a little bit of both, Ohio’s Lake Erie Islands feel worlds away from everyday life.

Newark Earthworks

Newark

Long before Ohio became a state, ancient Indigenous peoples were creating some of the most remarkable earthworks in North America. The Newark Earthworks, built by the Hopewell culture approximately 2,000 years ago, represent the largest surviving set of geometric earthen enclosures in North America. Massive circles, octagons, and embankments stretch across the landscape with a level of precision that still amazes archaeologists today. Recognized as part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Newark Earthworks offer visitors a chance to experience one of Ohio’s most significant historical landmarks while gaining a deeper appreciation for the region’s Indigenous history.

Otherworld & GAMEGROUNDS

Columbus

Forget everything you think a museum is supposed to be. Tucked away on Columbus’ East Side, Otherworld combines immersive art, science fiction storytelling, hidden passageways, and interactive exhibits into a sprawling 32,000-square-foot experience featuring dozens of immersive environments designed by artists from around the world. Visitors are encouraged to touch, explore, and uncover secrets hidden throughout the attraction, making each trip feel a little different. Right next door is Gamegrounds, a newer concept from the same creators that transforms classic arcade and carnival games into larger-than-life immersive challenges. Whether you’re looking for a family outing, a date night, or simply one of the most unique experiences in Ohio, this Columbus attraction feels like stepping into another dimension.

Photo by Aaron Massey

Little Switzerland

Sugarcreek

Nicknamed “The Little Switzerland of Ohio,” Sugarcreek feels unlike anywhere else in the state. Nestled in the heart of Ohio’s Amish Country, the village is known for its Swiss-inspired architecture, rolling countryside, and small-town charm. Visitors can browse local shops, enjoy authentic Amish and Swiss cuisine, or snap a photo with the town’s famous World’s Largest Cuckoo Clock, which comes to life several times each day. Between nearby farms, cheese houses, and scenic backroads, Sugarcreek offers a slower pace that makes it an ideal weekend getaway. It may not require a passport, but this corner of Ohio comes surprisingly close.

Rock House & Whispering Cave

Hocking Hills State Park

Hocking Hills is filled with natural wonders, but few are as unique as Rock House and Whispering Cave. Rock House, the region’s only true cave, was carved into a massive Black Hand sandstone cliff thousands of years ago and features tunnel-like passageways, skylight openings, and dramatic stone archways. A short drive away, Whispering Cave rewards hikers with one of the area’s largest waterfalls and a stunning recessed cave tucked beneath the cliff face. Together, the two destinations showcase the rugged beauty that has made Hocking Hills one of Ohio’s most beloved outdoor escapes. Just don’t forget your hiking shoes.

Photo by Sumner Howells

Roadside attractions

Across Ohio

Ohio offers no shortage of the weird and oversized roadside oddities and attractions that feel both distinctly American, yet also like they belong on another planet. Here are just a few:

• Giant Basket (Newark)

• VW Bug Tower (Defiance)

• World’s Largest Washboard (Logan)

• Hartman Rock Garden (Springfield)

• Giant Golf Ball (Heath)

• Shortest Street in America (Bellafontaine)

• Big Muskie’s Bucket (McConnelsville)

• Giant Bigfoot (Celina)

• Hell is Real Sign (Mt. Sterling, on I-71)

• World’s Largest Bobblehead (Bellville)

Blueberry festival

It’s a widely accepted fact that fresh berries taste better when you pick them yourself. The folks behind the Berryhill Farm’s Blueberry Festival agree. Held each summer on a family-run farm just outside Xenia, this event is a summer bucket list nonnegotiable. You can pick-your-own blueberries, hear live music, explore food trucks, and discover local vendors all in one place. The star of the show is obvious—the blueberries. Berryhill’s sprawling blueberry fields welcome you to fill a bucket straight from the bush before browsing the festival grounds with a blueberry lemonade in hand. Part farmers market, part summer festival, it’s the kind of event that makes you want to slow down and savor the season.

Ohio State Fair

Columbus | July 29-August 9

Nothing says “summer” quite like a massive cow made of butter. The Ohio State Fair happens to have one, along with a real life pioneer cabin, lumberjack shows, Smokey the Bear, pig racing, horse shows, live music, and (most importantly) every fried food you could imagine. The annual event held at Ohio Expo Center & State Fairgrounds has everything the quintessential summer experience should. From giant cream puffs to deep-fried Oreos, the fair is a one-stop-shop for food, music, and all things Ohio. Equal parts agricultural showcase, culinary adventure, and nostalgic summer tradition, the Ohio State Fair is about as Buckeye State as it gets.

Frog Jump Festival

The frog jump capital of Ohio (also known as Valley City) has been defending that title for 65 years. The Valley City Frog Jump Festival draws thousands of visitors annually to partake in an unusual tradition in which dozens of frogs, entered by everyone from toddlers to retirees, leap for distance and a chance at a trophy. Around the jumping ring, the festival offers food, music, games, souvenirs, and all things amphibianthemed. The event is one of the community’s biggest annual fundraisers—proceeds help support local projects and scholarships for area high school students. If you’re looking for a quirky tradition, a family friendly event, or you just love frogs, this one is for you.

Berryhill Farm (Xenia) | July 15

Valley City | July 19

PEZamania

Independence | July 15-18

Did you know that the world’s largest and longest running PEZ convention happens right here in Ohio? PEZamania— held annually in Northeast Ohio—brings collectors from across the globe together. Hosted at The Holiday Inn Cleveland South, this multi-day convention is a massive gathering of collectors, dealers, sellers, and a tight-knit community of PEZ enthusiasts. Hotel spaces transform into makeshift display cases full of rare, vintage, and highly prized PEZ dispensers. Collectors (also known as PEZheads) spend the entire weekend trading, buying, and selling while moving through hallways that feel more like an ant network than a convention floor. This is the type of niche event that somehow fills an entire hotel with people who speak the same very specific language of collecting—you might discover a new hobby when you attend.

LakeSide Craft & Art Show

Lakeside Chautauqua | June 18-July 25

If rowdy crowds and late nights aren’t your thing, the Lakesite Chautauqua Craft and Art Show might be the perfect summer event for you. This Ohio tradition brings together artisans, makers, and visitors for a slower kind of summer experience along Lake Erie. Strolling the show feels like an outdoor art museum made by your neighbors, with handcrafted jewelry, paintings, pottery, and woodwork lining the festival. The atmosphere is relaxed and walkable, with time to browse booths, talk with artists, and take in views of the lake between stops. This event invites you to slow down, savor the summer season, and appreciate local arts and crafts.

All-American Soap Box Derby

Akron | July 11 & 18

Most races include powerful engines and professional drivers. The All-American Soap Box Derby has neither, yet it might be better for it. Held each summer in Akron, this uniquely Ohio tradition puts gravity in the driver’s seat as young racers (age 7-20) speed down “Derby Downs” in handmade, engine-free cars. Started in 1934, the race has grown into the world’s premier soap box derby championship. It draws competitors from across the country and beyond to Ohio every summer to compete for scholarships and bragging rights. It began when kids started racing homemade, gravity-powered cars down public hills, a simple pastime that has grown into something much bigger.

Jazz & Rib Festival County Fairs

Columbus | July 24-26

For a few days each summer, the Scioto Mile feels more like New Orleans than Columbus. Every year, the Jazz & Rib Fest brings live music and mouth-watering barbecue to Downtown Columbus for one of the city’s most beloved traditions. The festival draws nationally recognized jazz musicians, and award-winning pitmasters from across the country. The riverfront fills with the sounds of saxophones and the smells of hickory smoke. Whether you’re sampling ribs from competing barbecue vendors, discovering a new favorite artist, or simply soaking up the atmosphere, there’s no way to go wrong with this event. The festival features 30 musicians across four stages, and nearly 40 food vendors—you don’t want to miss it.

Sunflower festival

Frankfort | July 24-26

Across Ohio

Every summer in Ohio, fair season moves across the state one county at a time—nearly 100 of them in total. From small-town fairgrounds to larger regional events, each county fair promises a familiar experience: livestock barns filled with prize animals, produce competitions, family recipes, neighborly competition, rides, and people watching. No two fairs are exactly the same, but they all share some mix of fried food, live music, and community pride that turns a few acres of dirt and grass into the center of town for a week. The Canfield Fair and Fulton County Fair are two of the state’s largest, and are both worthy of a quick jaunt across Ohio.

Nothing says “late summer” quite like sunflowers in bloom. The Frankfort Sunflower Festival celebrates Ohio’s tallest blooms with a sunflower contest, family-friendly activities, local vendors, and plenty of small-town charm. You can enjoy food, crafts, and live entertainment throughout the weekend. There’s a sunflower competition, crafts, a 5K run, pie auction, a petting zoo, and even a “baby contest,” where youngsters receive awards for best smile and costume. Held in Downtown Frankfort, this festival is a celebration of the entire community, and a perfect way to say farewell to the season.

Red, White, & RODEO

Beach City | July 10-11

Directly following the Fourth of July weekend, there is a rodeo that comes to town. Maybe not your town, but if you live anywhere near Beach City, Ohio you can attend Red, White, & Rodeo. Late summer nights, fireworks, country music, motorcycle shows, and rodeo shenanigans come together for one weekend. Red, White & Rodeo in Beach City promises professional rodeo action, bull riding, live music, a fireworks show, and family-friendly activities to keep your Independence Day celebration going well after July 4th.

From globetrotting Columbus cats to coral reef farmers, Central Ohio animal lovers prove that true companionship spans species

FIntroduction by Jack McLaughlin

or every type of person, there’s a different type of pet. I’m the kind of guy who needs an affectionate dog, but some people prefer the opposite. Others, like those behind the Columbus legend Joe the Cat, have accepted the whole “outside animal” role, understanding their pet’s peregrine lifestyle simply comes with the territory.

Some raise caterpillars into moths, while others love snakes and spiders. Some still, like Todd Melman, the founder of Central Ohio’s Reef Systems, are absolutely engrossed by the quiet intrigue of coral.

No matter who you are, there’s likely a perfect pet out there for you somewhere, and this Pets Section, which is sponsored by MedVet, gives you a glimpse inside just a few unique examples. →

NOT Your Average Joe

Meet the legendary cat enchanting Clintonville’s Walhalla Ravine, and everyone who comes across him

By Sav McKee

Joe is a regular at garage workout classes, church meetings, and choir concerts. He’s officiated weddings and comforted those at funerals. He’s completed a 5K in the rain, helped clean up trash in the Walhalla Ravine, supervised neighborhood hide-and-seek games, and earned a spot in the local elementary school’s yearbook. He’s been the subject of documentaries and local news segments. And now, of course, he has an entire magazine feature about him.

This would be an impressive resume for anyone. Joe, however, is an almost 9-year-old tabby cat.

Around Clintonville, that distinction hardly matters anymore. Mention Wanderin’ Joe to just about anyone near the Walhalla Ravine (located in Clintonville between High Street and Indianola Avenue) and you’ll likely hear a story—maybe he followed them home one afternoon, walked them to school, appeared on their porch, or was spotted roaming about, as if he had somewhere important to be.

If you ask Nick Fancher, Joe’s “dad,” it’s because he does.

“I think in his last life, he was a leader that wanted to unite people,” Fancher said. “Maybe he didn’t get the chance to, so now he’s on this mission.”

Joe’s excursions around the Ravine have been documented for years, with hundreds of people following along on the Facebook group called Wanderin’ Joe the Ravine Cat—started not by Nick or his ex-wife Beth, but by a community member who wanted to share the joy. Every day, people post about their encounters, enthused when they finally meet him.

“We realized, ‘Wow, there’s all these people that have their own experiences with him,’” Fancher said. “There’s a whole community that just really loves Joe.”

He continued, “Joe unites everyone, regardless of who they are—their lifestyle, age, religious beliefs, how much money they have, what they’re attracted to. None of that matters to Joe. He’ll let anyone hold him. People need that kind of purity right now.” →

Photos by Aaron Massey Story Design by Julie Friedman

← Joe the Cat and his “dad” Nick Fancher

“We realized, ‘Wow, there’s all these people that have their own experiences with him. There’s a whole community that just really loves Joe.’”

Joe’s lore goes back to 2018, when he was adopted by the Fancher family from Columbus Humane and named after former President Joe Biden. Almost immediately, even as a kitten, he insisted on going outside, throwing tantrums if he didn’t. The family let him wander around the yard at first, then he learned to hop the fence, and then he started turning up on neighbors’ porches. “He became the mayor of Franklinton,” Fancher joked. “We even got invited to a girl’s birthday party because of Joe.”

When the Fanchers moved to Clintonville, Joe took it upon himself to discover a new area of town. He’s become something of a local legend—an entity that shows up around Walhalla when people need him most. On a mild, sunny day with no rain in the forecast (he’s kept indoors otherwise, much to his dismay), he might hop into your arms or hitch a ride in your stroller. Finding Wanderin’ Joe has become its own kind of game in Clintonville. People make trips to Walhalla Ravine just to say they’ve seen him—just to say they’ve been blessed by his presence.

Joe wandering the Clintonville neighborhood

The same things that make Joe a neighborhood legend have also landed him in more than a few precarious situations. He’s been catnapped multiple times by well-meaning citizens convinced they were rescuing a lost cat. Once, he vanished for a week and came home dusty, scrawny, and holloweyed—likely trapped in someone’s closed garage. Another time, he was gone for almost half a year.

“We just assumed he was dead or gone. It was really, really hard on us,” Fancher recalled. It turns out, he’d been taken in as a farm cat by people with good intentions; only when they went to microchip him did a vet tell them he already had one.

His most serious brush came in 2020. After being missing for weeks, Joe turned up one morning dragging himself down the sidewalk, his leg badly broken—likely hit by a car or attacked by an animal. The vet recommended putting him down. Thankfully, the family chose rehabilitation instead, but Joe spent his recovery time waiting to get back to what he loves most: wandering. “He could barely stand, but all he wanted to do was get outside,” Fancher reflected.

Today, Joe is back out there of course—miles logged, community greeted, mission ongoing. Nick and Beth have made their peace with that.

“We’re certain he’s gonna do what he’s gonna do, and there’s nothing we can do about it,” Fancher laughed. “Are we going to keep him from doing the one thing that he loves most in life? Everyone is going to have their own opinion on this. But we feel selfish keeping him inside. We’re not going to force our own agenda on Joe.”

And so each night, after a full day of wandering and bringing smiles to everyone who comes across him, Joe comes home—ready to eat, rest, recharge, and reconnect with his three other cat siblings. Then he goes and sits by the door.

“Letting us know,” Fancher said, “that he’s ready to clock in for his next adventure.”

If you’re lucky enough, you’ll witness him on it. ♦

Learn more on Facebook in the Wanderin Joe the Ravine Cat group, or find him yourself in the Walhalla Ravine.

Meet Bonnie, the in Columbus Cutest K-9 Cutest K-9

The fluffy, four-legged athlete with a heart of gold that won this year’s Cutest K-9 Contest

By Maggie Valentine

This year’s Cutest K-9 Contest champion, presented by OSU Veterinary Medical Center, is 1-year-old Newfoundland mix Bonnie and this personality pup is taking her win in stride.

No great pup is complete without their eager owner hyping them up on the sidelines. Erica Mauder and Bonnie have been a dynamic duo since May 2025 and have been inseparable ever since.

“We do everything together, and the bond we share is something incredibly special. She’s my best friend and constant adventure buddy,” Mauder said.

Together the two hike, run, swim, and participate in canine obstacle courses including a recent OneWorld Canine course, a Spartanlike course for dogs and their owners to compete in.

“Bonnie is the floofiest, goofiest, most loving, and loyal big girl I could have ever asked for. She is absolutely obsessed with water. Swimming, paddleboarding—you name it, if there’s water, she’s in it!” Mauder said.

↑ Bonnie may be only a year old, but she’s already a seasoned hiker, paddleboarder, and now Columbus’s Cutest K-9

Her big personality is displayed often, whether it’s from volunteering at local animal shelters or participating in dog costume contests, Bonnie has a way of making people smile.

“Honestly, there hasn’t been a single day that I’ve taken her out in public without someone stopping to compliment her unique look, sweet personality, or impeccable behavior,” Mauder said.

The Cutest K-9 Contest is just another example of the love and community Bonnie effortlessly brings together.

“The support from friends, family, and even people we’ve never met means the world to us. As for Bonnie, I think she’s pretty thrilled too—mostly because I promised her a puppy party if she won!” Mauder said.

Keeping your animals active and healthy like Bonnie is simple with Ohio State’s Veterinary Medical Center. With six convenient hospitals in the Columbus area, our caring veterinary teams offer a full continuum of care for everything from companion dogs and cats to horses and farm animals. Whether you need primary care, urgent care, advanced specialty services, or 24/7/365 emergency support, we’re here for you. Plus, as a topfive ranked College of Veterinary Medicine (U.S. News & World Report), we combine world-class research with compassionate care to ensure your animals live their very best lives. ♦

Dogs. Cats. Horses. Farm animals. Around here, we provide every animal we treat with the best, most advanced care possible. Backed by cutting-edge research, state-of-the-art diagnostics, and dozens of board-certified specialists, we deliver complete, compassionate care for animals of every kind. Yes, even cats.

“They provide the absolute highest level of care for all animals. Yeah. Even cats.”

AND CORAL CORNFIELDS

The story of Central Ohio’s only coral reef farm

By Kristen Paige

Photos by Leonardo Carrizo

Story Design by Julie Friedman

When Todd Melman was younger, he recalls digging up ants with a stick in his yard. This memory wasn’t from his childhood, however, it was from his freshman year of college at Bowling Green State University.

So what would possess a legal adult to play with bugs like this? The answer is simple: archerfish.

It was during his freshman year that Melman saw a freshwater fish tank for the first time. Then he saw a brackish tank, and then an archerfish, which is known to be able to shoot down small prey, like insects, by spitting a stream of water at them.

“I was digging up ants in the yard as a college kid thinking, this is amazing—getting the ants to go across the stick, across the tank to try to get the archerfish to actually shoot them out of the water, like in the wild,” Melman recalled.

That fun lasted for three months, and continued as Melman fell in love twice. First with his future wife, Stephanie Callahan, and then again when he experienced coral for the first time.

The bug never left him, so to speak, as Melman started Reef Systems, Inc. circa 2000, offering aquarium services and maintenance. Some years later, he added Reef Systems Coral Farm, Inc. to the mix and began growing and raising coral.

At the time, Melman had never really been to the ocean, and he didn’t even know about scuba diving until he was 25. His first experiences with the underwater activity were from other people showing him pictures of their trips to Bali or Australia. →

A blue tang and clownfish inside a Reef Systems tank

“I was digging up ants in the yard as a college kid thinking, this is amazing—getting the ants to go across the stick, across the tank to try to get the archerfish to actually shoot them out of the water, like in the wild.”

Today, Reef Systems—in addition to a full retail store—operates a 3,000-squarefoot greenhouse that’s growing more than 10,000 individual corals, including varieties like acropora, montipora, pocillapora, and more. They also offer other marine animals, like zoanthids, clams, and anemones.

There are many different variations of coral, which is another reason why they can be difficult to grow. It may sound obvious that creatures with thousands of variations also have complexities in their growth. But many people, as Melman has noticed, don’t take the time to learn, and one of his passions is teaching this to people.

According to Melman, the process of raising coral is a delicate one. Tanks are monitored constantly for temperature, salinity, alkalinity, calcium, pH, and more, and all these must be kept in a tight balance. If water quality falls outside of these ranges, it must be corrected immediately. Reef Systems also uses only live rock and heavy water flow for filtration, along with protein skimming, to remove unwanted organic material or byproducts from the corals and fish waste. Fish waste and uneaten food go on to nourish the coral, which he says is

necessary for overall balance in the tank.

Ultimately, the goal for Melman and Reef Systems is education, allowing others to raise and enjoy the animal he’s built a large part of his life around.

“I want to help everybody. There are a thousand different ways to do things, but there are pros and cons to everything that you do, and there’s choices you make that will ultimately affect what’s going to happen,” he said.

Melman’s way of helping is through education. It’s also his way of expressing his desire for conservation. Corals in the wild are becoming endangered, and if there’s an opportunity to help improve their reality, Melman wants to be a part of it. Reef Systems Coral Farm, Inc. has been involved in several research projects spearheaded by academic institutions and even the National Science Foundation. His hope is to continue these research projects in the future.

“We’re all about education. Education is number one for us,” said Melman.

This strategy has paid off too. In February, Reef Systems Coral Farm will be celebrating its 20th anniversary and soon, Melman will

be celebrating 34 years with his wife— who plays an instrumental role in supporting his business.

“She’s helped me so much,” he reflected. That helpful spirit is central to their business, too. When visiting, you’ll likely be greeted by marine biologists, interns, and other hobbyists looking to expand their knowledge of aquatic life. They’ll enthusiastically explain their systems, show you the farm, and help you pick out corals ranging from $40 to $300 to build your own aquarium. And if there’s one thing for certain, Melman will make sure you’re getting the knowledge to set it up successfully. You can ask him all there is to know about corals and building a tank. But maybe refrain from asking him about his own aquarium.

“That’s a sore subject actually,” he laughed. Ironically, Melman may not have his own personal aquarium at the moment, but you could argue that his whole business is one giant tank. And he’s there to care for it every step of the way. ♦

You can visit Reef Systems’ retail store at 8459 Peter Hoover Rd., in New Albany.

← In addition to its commercial coral farm, Reef Systems offers a full retail store for marine animal lovers

Here When You Need Us

Pets are family, and we treat them that way. We’re always open for emergency, urgent, and after-hours care needs.

Collaborative Specialty Care Under One Roof

Advanced surgical suites, on-site diagnostics, and collaboration between multiple

Keeping It Real

MedOne prioritizes real people taking care of real people by prioritizing accessibility and provider connection

By Jordan Abbruzzese | Photos by Polly Sellers

When something feels wrong with your health, you shouldn’t have to wait for weeks to be seen. A patient needs to have immediate access to their physician’s office, and most importantly, feel heard. The MedOne Primary Care team in Worthington, which includes Dr. Rachel Kirk, have created a space where they prioritize patients’ needs.

“We want people to have same day access or next day

access, where they can schedule easily online and get in soon,” explained Dr. Kirk. “I have enjoyed seeing my schedule fill up with people from the night before.”

“The access, and even the way the office is set up, is because we want people to feel at home here,” added Dr. Kirk. “The ambience, the energy, the centeredness, we want it to feel like real life and real people taking care of real patients.”

Dr. Rachel Kirk with a MedOne patient ↓

A Columbus transplant from South Carolina, Dr. Kirk is a former Miss America contestant who brings a compassionate energy, hospitality, and a passion for continuity of care to the MedOne practice. Her biggest goal is to be a good listener to patients, who often feel like they are not heard and understood by physicians. Often, patients find themselves speaking to a doctor behind a laptop screen typing notes, or are rushed through appointments feeling confused and disheartened. MedOne’s environment prioritizes engagement and genuine connection.

“I think that a lot of time patients feel like they’re not listened to in every practice of medicine. And we are trying to revitalize what it feels like to be heard,” said Dr. Kirk.

From their patient portal to their note-taking AI tools, MedOne physicians have the technology in place that allows them to care for patients with a personal touch. The note-taking capabilities lets Dr. Kirk focus on the patient conversation, where she can look people in the eye instead of being caught up with typing notes.

“We want to understand the whole person, and that takes time. Using technology allows us to do that instead of being glued to a computer where we can’t engage with the patient,” said Dr. Kirk.

In addition to ease of access and prioritizing one-on-one conversations, MedOne and Dr. Kirk’s work is based on a foundation of caring for the whole person, not just their physical symptoms.

“What we are seeking is beyond medicine, rooted in the whole person—not just a diagnosis, medicine, or prescription,” explained Dr. Kirk.

“I think that a lot of time patients feel like they’re not listened to in every practice of medicine. And we are trying to revitalize what it feels like to be heard.”

Currently, Dr. Kirk sees young adults experiencing anxiety, depression, and other health issues. Not only is it essential for younger folks to be established with a physician in their early years, but they can learn how to manage their mental and physical wellbeing in a world where we have access to everything, all of the time. Knowing that you can use technology to schedule an appointment, and don’t have the barrier of long wait times, makes it easier to get started with MedOne.

“Social media has created awareness, but not given the tools” said Dr. Kirk. “That’s why you need a provider – someone who can be engaged with you. Meaningful exchange doesn’t happen over a cell phone or behind a computer. We want to meet people exactly where they are, in whatever stage of life they’re in.”

Addressing concerns early on in adulthood, while giving patients a safe place to talk through what their needs are, can help set the younger generation up for their more mature years. According to Dr. Kirk, it starts with how you eat, what you say to yourself, how you take care of yourself, and how you exercise.

“I think that MedOne is in the business of healing,” Dr. Kirk concluded. “It’s focusing on the quality, not the volume. It’s listening with compassion instead of a cacophony of noises, and it’s using the practice of medicine and evidence-based education to have a system in place that makes people feel like they’re getting taken care of.”

↑ Dr. Kirk, a South Carolina native, is a former Miss America contestant

By Jordan Abbruzzese

Photos by Aaron Massey

Story Design by Kevin Krznar

← Tom Parr, inside of his oversized trap sculpture

↑ Good Medicine members Patricia Winbush (left), Kristie Koehler Vuocolo, and Xema Whitley

Some days, Kristie Koehler Vuocolo is Gigi—a wannabe Vegas showgirl cutting her teeth performing in senior centers. Other times, she is Nurse Nee Nee, a loveable goof who gets laughs out of pediatric patients. Today, Koehler Vuocolo had just hung up her magic professor cape for the evening, after teaching kids acting and improv at the annual “Wizard Camp” under Good Medicine Productions.

There are many improv and theater groups in Columbus, but Good Medicine’s live and interactive performances are a little different. While the company often engages directly with the community through favorites like its walkable Uptown Scrooge production, ghost tours, or the Westerville Fourth Friday Festival’s 10 Silly Things sketches, the real hat trick is building relationships with senior centers and children at the Ronald McDonald house. →

↑ A crowd looks on at Good Medicine’s 10th anniversary show, which was held in Westerville last month

Funded by its neighborhood-based programming and theater camps, Good Medicine Productions was founded by Koehler Vuocolo. The organization has three branches (performances, Circle of Care programming, and education), and has created a community with a dozen different nursing homes in Central Ohio, along with the Ronald McDonald House. The Good Medicine troop visits twice monthly with a silly cast of characters aimed to empower residents through its Circle of Care initiative.

“I’m from Westerville, but I lived in Chicago for 20 years,” explained Koehler Vuocolo. “I was an actor there. I mostly did comedy and clown theater, and one of the jobs I got was working for the Big Apple Circus® Clown Care Unit where they brought comedic performers into children’s hospitals and nursing homes. That is where my training in this work happened.”

After having her daughter and returning to Columbus with her young family, Koehler Vuocolo continued to do live, scripted theater throughout Central Ohio. However, she missed engaging creatively with seniors and pediatrics patients.

“Once it’s in your heart, it’s hard not to do it,” said Koehler Vuocolo.

While the Good Medicine performers are certainly a circus—in a very intentional, sensitive way mind you—the actors will always meet the energy of the resident without using the word “clown.”

“This is the big secret: We are clowns that come into these facilities, but we don’t wear red noses. I rarely use the word “clown” because it has such a bad connotation—thank you Stephen King,” laughed Koehler Vuocolo. “But really what that means is that the performer is present and helps make authentic connections with the resident.”

Good Medicine performers Jesse Pimpinella (left), Deb Mylin, Sinead Devlin. Xema Whitley, Patricia Winbush, Kristie Koehler Vuocolo, Christina Yoho and Samuel Patridge ↓

For Koehler Vuocolo and her quirky ensemble (including Dr. Weeble Wobble, Dr. Gooey, and Ralph the Therapy Dog to name a few) meeting the seniors and children where they’re at and with consent to engage and play is their priority.

“Our performers are larger than life, but we are working in sensitive settings,” said Koehler Vuocolo. “We come in with an energy that meets the moment, and we hope to elevate that energy based on our interaction.”

“We knock on the door and ask for permission. If they say ‘no,’ that’s the first step of empowerment, and we say ‘We got it! Maybe next time!’ and dance away,” added Koehler Vuocolo.

With seniors, the Good Medicine Specialists may play music and dance, even if that means sitting quietly and holding a resident’s hand while singing classic hits together. Not only do senior residents and the children come to expect these visits, the ensemble quickly becomes a regular part of the residents’ care.

“The kids we see are kids with chronic illnesses who often have spent a day in the hospital with different procedures and tests, and they get poked and prodded and they have no agency,” explained Koehler Vuocolo. →

“ONCE IT’S IN YOUR HEART, IT’S HARD NOT TO DO IT.”

Good Medicine’s Xema Whitley →

“IT’S REALLY ABOUT GIVING THEM AGENCY

...WE WILL BUILD A COMMUNITY WITH THESE KIDS.”

Nurse Nee Nee and Dr. Gooey may visit with one of these kids and their siblings, asking if the kids can help with a humorous and imaginative procedure. For example, Dr. Gooey cannot stay awake and needs an emergency “Wakey Operation.” Often, the kids will jump right in, turning their own experience into a moment of play and laughter where they have full control.

“It’s really about giving them agency,” Koehler Vuocolo reiterated. “At the Ronald McDonald House, we will build a community with these kids.”

This year, Good Medicine Productions is celebrating its 10th anniversary of providing public art, theater education, and their Circle of Care program to Westerville and the greater Columbus area. For the holiday season, they will be bringing Uptown Scrooge to MadLab in Downtown Columbus for the first time, at 227 N. 3rd St. This bi-annual favorite will take on life in a whole new space, with a new audience.

“We don’t perform shows where you sit and passively watch a story,” said Koehler Vuocolo. “We are interactive with the audience in nonthreatening, fun ways. The shows will always be interactive.” ♦

To learn more about Good Medicine’s Productions Circle of Care program and upcoming shows, visit goodmedicineproductions.org.

↑ Good Medicine members

Samuel Bowen (top), Kristie Koehler Vuocolo (left), Xema Whitley, Christina Yoho and Patricia Winbush (bottom)

LOVE YOUR LEGS

Ohio Vein & Vascular: Downtown, Polaris, and Reynoldsburg help Central Ohio patients find relief from leg pain

By Sav McKee

LOCATIONS IN DOWNTOWN, POLARIS, AND REYNOLDSBURG

I f you’ve noticed aching, swelling, or heaviness in your legs after a long day, it might be more than just fatigue. For many Central Ohioans, these are early warning signs of vein disease, a condition that affects nearly one in three adults. Left untreated, it can lead to serious health complications.

Ohio Vein & Vascular helps patients find relief through expert, minimally invasive care. With offices in Downtown Columbus, Polaris, and Reynoldsburg, most patients walk out the same day feeling better and on the path to improved circulation.

MORE THAN TIRED LEGS

“Many people think leg pain and swelling are just part of aging,” explained Dr. Centa, one of the leading physicians at Ohio Vein & Vascular. “But they’re often your body’s way of saying something’s wrong.”

Symptoms of vein disease can include:

•Aching or throbbing pain in the legs

•Swelling or heaviness, especially after standing or sitting

“Vein disease doesn’t discriminate,” Dr. Centa said. “We see teachers, nurses, athletes, and retirees. Anyone can experience it.”

Photos by Steven Rankins

ADVANCED, MINIMALLY INVASIVE TREATMENTS

All three Ohio Vein & Vascular locations offer advanced, minimally invasive treatments for varicose veins and venous reflux, such as thermal and mechanical-chemical ablation, that close damaged veins and restore healthy circulation. Procedures are quick, comfortable, and require no hospital stay or downtime. The team also treats Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD).

A LOCAL PRACTICE WITH A PERSONAL TOUCH

At all three offices, every patient receives compassionate, individualized attention. Most procedures are completed in under 20 minutes, and new patients are typically seen within days of calling us. Free vein screenings are available to identify symptoms and risk factors early. Best of all, Dr. Centa splits his time between the Polaris, Reynoldsburg, and Downtown locations.

“We’re here to make getting help simple and stress-free,” said Dr. Centa. “You don’t have to live with pain or swelling. Relief is closer than you think.”

Call (614) 426-VEIN (8346) to schedule a free consultation at Ohio Vein & Vascular. Their three Central Ohio clinics can be found at:

• 1070 Polaris Pwky., STE 100 (Polaris)

• 500 E. Main St. (Downtown)

• 6100 E. Main St., STE 105 (Reynoldsburg)

MEET THE DOCTORS

As part of the Ohio Vein & Vascular network, bringing together innovative treatments and leading physicians, the office is staffed by three vein & vascular doctors:

DR. JOSEPH CENTA

Dr. Joseph Centa, a board-certified general surgeon with over 25 years of experience, practices in Avon, Norwalk, and Columbus. He is a graduate of Ohio State's College of Medicine and a fellow of the American College of Surgeons.

DR. BARRY ZADEH

Dr. Zadeh, founder of Ohio Vein & Vascular, is a board-certified surgeon with 35 years of experience. He’s a leader in vein care and has served as Chief of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery at various institutions in New York City and Pennsylvania.

DR. MICHAEL LEVY

Dr. Michael Levy, a board-certified surgeon, has performed over 10,000 vein procedures. With prior roles at Mount Sinai and NYU, Dr. Levy now serves patients in the greater Cleveland area.

FREE LEG SCREENING

Don’t ignore the signs of leg pain, swelling, or visible veins.

A quick, free, non-invasive screening could be the first step toward healthier legs and a more active, comfortable life, especially if you have the following symptoms:

• Pain in the muscles of the leg, buttocks, thigh, or calf while walking

• Aching pain in the legs at night

• Tingling, heaviness, numbness, or swelling of the lower extremities

• Restless legs

• Varicose veins or leg ulcers

• Leg wounds that don’t heal

• Leg cramps

Retro REBOOT

South Wind Motel brings midcentury design, nostalgia, to Columbus’ Brewery District

The hotel’s vintage signage was inspired by midcentury modern design ↓

By Jackson Hall

by Aaron Massey

For Columbus residents looking to escape without leaving the city, the South Wind Motel offers something increasingly rare: A getaway that feels both nostalgic and distinctly local.

Located just south of German Village at 919 S. High St., the restored midcentury motel has become a destination not only for out-of-town visitors, but also for Columbus residents celebrating anniversaries, birthdays, and weekend staycations.

“We do get a lot of Columbus residents,” co-owner Michaela Dempsey said. “We’ve had bachelorette parties, anniversaries, birthday celebrations. We had somebody do a 40th birthday party where they really decked out the mayor’s suite and went all in on the Midcentury Modern theme.”

The motel’s story stretches back nearly seven decades. Originally opened in 1959 during the height of America’s road-trip era, South Wind operated continuously as a motel before falling into decline in the ‘90s and early 2000s. Michael and Michaela Dempsey purchased the property in 2021 and reopened it the following year after an extensive renovation.

Rather than rebranding, the couple chose to embrace its history.

“We wanted to keep it consistent with its original identity and what it had been over the last many decades,” Michael Dempsey said. “But we wanted to surprise people with the level of detail and design that could go on inside the rooms.”

The restoration included recreating architectural elements that had disappeared over the years, including the property’s distinctive horizontal cedar trim. The building itself, designed by Columbus architect Hal Schofield, reflects a Prairie-style influence with long horizontal lines, deep overhangs, and a stone facade that remains uncommon among surviving commercial buildings in the city.

Inside, guests will find organic mattresses, luxury linens, record players, and Chemex coffee makers stocked with locally roasted beans. The goal, according to the Dempseys, was to create the kind of independent, design-focused lodging they seek out while traveling themselves.

For the pair, South Wind represented a new challenge.

“This is a first for both of us,” Michael said. “We’ve never operated a motel before, but we do have deep roots in Columbus, and our families have roots in the hospitality industry.”

The couple said they were drawn to the project by a desire to create a space with more personality than a traditional chain hotel.

“We thought it would be neat to bring to other people the things we look for when we travel, which is something a little more unique and less cookiecutter,” Michael said.

That philosophy extends beyond the motel’s rooms. The Dempseys view the surrounding neighborhood as one of South Wind’s greatest attractions. Guests receive recommendations for nearby restaurants, bars, and coffee shops, and the motel regularly partners with local businesses. →

Photos

↑ South Wind Motel co-owner Michaela Dempsey in front of the location’s refurbished Midcentury Modern sign

“WE THOUGHT IT WOULD BE NEAT TO BRING TO OTHER PEOPLE THE THINGS WE LOOK FOR WHEN WE TRAVEL, WHICH IS SOMETHING A LITTLE MORE UNIQUE AND LESS COOKIE-CUTTER.”

“We like to say one of the best amenities we have as a hotel is the neighborhood that we’re in,” Michael said. “You’re such a short walk from so many different restaurants and bars.” South Wind is within walking distance from Cobra, Antiques on High, Emmett’s, Plank’s Bier Garten, and many more dining and drinking hotspots.

The approach has resonated with visitors. While the motel attracts everyone from wedding guests to retirees on road trips, the owners say some of their most memorable feedback comes from travelers who arrive skeptical of staying at a motel.

One guest traveling for work initially complained about being booked into a motel instead of a chain hotel. By the end of her stay, she had completely changed her mind.

“She came back and said it was the best hotel she’d ever stayed at,” Michael said. “Every time she traveled, she wanted to find something like that.”

For the Dempseys, those reactions have become the most rewarding part of the business.

“I think being able to offer guests a unique experience and have them come away feeling like they’ve stayed with a friend rather than at a chain hotel is really rewarding,” Michaela said.

For Columbus residents looking for a staycation, South Wind is betting that travelers want something more personal than a standard hotel stay.

Judging by the response since reopening, that bet appears to be paying off. ♦

To book your stay, visit southwindstay.com.

← Embracing its history as a 1960s motel, South Wind leans into midcentury charm throughout its decor and design.

Photos courtesy of Marshall Evan Photography