TEAM Conley and Partners Blog

Entertaining your parents in your hometown can be intimidating. Putting together a perfect schedule full of fun activities, incredible restaurants, tourist attractions and local hangouts is almost impossible. Thankfully, your parents probably just want to see what your life is like in Columbus—giving you the perfect excuse to mix in spots like your favorite cafe and craft brewery with the touristy stops like art museums and trendy neighborhoods.

We rounded up some of our must-visit stops to put on your parent-friendly itinerary. Have fun!

Buckeye Donuts

 

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You haven't had a donut until you've had a Buckeye donut. From Boston Cream to plain glazed, all of the donuts at Buckeye are made fresh daily using only quality ingredients. The shop is conveniently located on High Street in the heart of the campus neighborhood and is a favorite for college students looking for a late-night study snack. Looking for something savory? Buckeye Donuts also has a selection of delicious breakfast items, gyros, salads and more—but seriously, don't leave the shop without a donut.

Center of Science and Industry

One of the most famous, and impressive, attractions in Columbus is the Center of Science and Industry or COSI. Officially opened in 1964, COSI inspires interest in science, technology, engineering and math topics through a special "hands-on fun" brand of learning. All across their 320,000-square-foot facility, they bring science to life through 300+ interactive experiences and exhibits. Go stargazing in the Planetarium; interact with dinosaurs in the Dinosaur Gallery; or take a ride on the High Wire Unicycle—17 feet above the ground!

Ohio Statehouse

The Ohio Statehouse is our state capitol building and is truly a magnificent sight to behold! Unlike many of the other states' capitol buildings, the Ohio Statehouse didn't take inspiration from the United States Capitol, because it was actually designed and built before the glorious building in D.C. was ever erected. Instead, it was built in the Greek Revival Style, with many features drawing inspiration from the Tholos of Delphi and the Parthenon of Athens. You can tour the historic building for free—Monday through Friday every hour on the hour, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

The Park of Roses

Photo courtesy of Karen Martens via Park of Roses Foundation

This public garden in the heart of Columbus has grown over the years to include over 12,000 roses or more than 400 varieties. While late May through mid-June is the best time to visit to find peak bloom, each season offers a unique and beautiful perspective. The park is free year-round and open to visitors from dawn to dusk.

Seventh Son Brewing

Since April of 2013, Seventh Son Brewing has been producing incredible beers at the intersection of 4th and 4th in Columbus' historic Italian Village. When you visit this top-rated Columbus brewery, you're guaranteed a good time thanks to the delicious food trucks outside, the creative brews, and the unique events they hold every week.

The Topiary Park

Inspired by Georges Seurat's famous painting, A Sunday Afternoon on the Isle of La Grande Jatte, this park is truly a local gem. Stroll through the garden and admire the artistry of the sculptures, each of which has a personality of its own. The iconic park is located downtown and is open 7 a.m.-11 p.m. daily.

North Market

Photo courtesy of North Market

Since 1876, the centrally located North Market has served Columbus residents—which makes it the most seasoned market in the area. The vendors (be they candy makers, fishermen, bakers or farmers) strive to promote the diversity and vibrancy of our Ohio community, serving only the best in locally produced products. They are open year-round and feature everything from ethnic foods to gourmet groceries and unique gifts.

The Ohio Theater

While this stunning theater is one of the state's most beautiful buildings, featuring Spanish-Baroque architecture with breathtaking details (including the 21-foot high chandelier!), it was created as "a palace for the average man." Thomas W. Lamp, the Scottish architect in charge of the Ohio Theatre project in the 1920s, envisioned a place where anyone, regardless of wealth or status, could go and see a film or a live performance. Today, you can experience all of the history and majesty at one of the 100+ performances the theater puts on each year.

Northstar Cafe

When visiting Columbus for the first time, a meal at this popular vegetarian eatery is a must! While they do serve a few dishes for meat-lovers at Northstar Cafe, it's their vegetable-focused meals that truly stand out. All of their salads are excellent—our favorite is the Chopped Salad, crafted with avocado, almonds, blue cheese, apples and an optional turkey or bacon topping—but you can't go wrong with anything on their extensive menu.

German Village

Photo courtesy of the German Village Society

German Village is located in the heart of Columbus but still feels like it's worlds away. This is due to the German Village Society's efforts to maintain the historical feel of the neighborhood, the intricate architecture, and the idyllic urban garden parks throughout the area. In fact, German Village is one of the largest, privately funded historic districts in the country. Take a few hours to explore the charming streets and quaint shops and restaurants all around the neighborhood to give your parents a true taste of Columbus area history.

The Book Loft

While you're exploring German Village, don't miss the chance to stop into this bibliophile gem. The Book Loft offers an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. It is one of the nation's largest independent bookstores and is made up of a grouping of pre-Civil War era buildings that were once general stores, a saloon and a nickelodeon cinema. The 32 rooms of bargain-priced books are bound to make you forget about the outside world for just a bit.

Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams

Even most out-of-towners know about Jeni's. Jeni's Splendid Ice Cream creates some of the most famous ice creams around—they've even been named one of the best ice cream shops in the country by Food & Wine Magazine, Thrillist and US News. And it all started right here in Columbus when Jeni Britton Bauer decided to open a trendy ice cream shop in 2002. Stop by one of their many locations around the city for a cold treat; we highly recommend Brambleberry Crisp!

The Scioto Mile

 

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Short North Arts District

Due to its high concentration of art galleries, music venues, boutiques, restaurants and the like, the Short North Arts District is sometimes fondly referred to as the "art and soul" of Columbus. Vibrant urban attractions abound in this area, so there is never a shortage of fun things to do and see. In fact, it's one of the areas most recommended for visitors! Need some itinerary inspiration? Check out our guide to the neighborhood.

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'Tis the season to dress up as your inner hero or villain and get free candy! The most committed of trick-or-treaters are already forming their routes and strategies for a successful night of trick-or-treating. When it comes time to knock on doors, there are several fail-safe methods for filling your bag with sweets. Of course, part of it has to do with wearing the perfect costume, but choosing a route that is safe, walkable and full of friendly, candy-bearing houses is just as important.

We rounded up the neighborhoods in Cincinnati that are the most ideal for trick-or-treaters. If you are new to the area or want to try some new locations to maximize your trick-or-treating loot, these are the spots where you want to ring doorbells!

Use our interactive map to find the best trick-or-treating neighborhood near you! 

Hyde Park

This upscale neighborhood located just east of town is known for its popular shopping district, safe streets and beautiful homes. The spacious front yards are always filled with crowd-pleasing decorations, and residents of the homes will generously dole out candy to those who approach their door. Regardless of what route you take, you will surely be met with friendly faces and other fun-loving families taking part in the candy hunt. For some extra fun before Halloween, make sure to stop by Hyde Park Square on October 29 for Halloween on the Square!

Mt. Lookout

This Halloween, make your way to Mt. Lookout, located on the east side of Cincinnati next to Hyde Park, for a warm, welcoming atmosphere, extravagant Halloween decorations, and (most importantly) plenty of candy. Known as an accessible, family-friendly neighborhood, the streets of Mt. Lookout are filled with children of all ages on Halloween night. Make a day of it and check out the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden in costume before trick-or-treating starts!

Deer Park

Known as a safe, family-friendly community with plenty of small-town charm, Deer Park is a prime location for trick-or-treaters on Halloween night. The streets in this area are well-lit, very walkable and incredibly festive. Because the area is such a well-kept secret on Halloween night, a huge candy haul is inevitable—so don't forget to bring an extra bag!

Oakley

The well-lit, decorated streets in Oakley make it an ideal location for trick-or-treaters. On Halloween night, expect the neighborhood to be teeming with foot traffic! The residents welcome locals and visitors alike with open arms, doling out generous amounts of candy and other goodies. And if you happen to be a little too old for trick-or-treating these days—no problem! Several businesses around the area are planning on hosting Halloween parties this year, including the 20th Century Theater who will be hosting their annual Oakley Masquerade on November 1st.

College Hill

College Hill is one of the most diverse neighborhoods in Cincinnati, welcoming anyone and everyone to their park-like streets on Halloween. The residents go all-out every year, slinging pumpkins, fake spiderwebs, eerie skeletons and spooky lights on every surface they can reach. The area also happens to be home to Mark Wiechman, a Halloween enthusiast who has been putting on a massive haunted house to scare families for more than 50 years. So put on your costume and head to 6791 Marvin Avenue, Cincinnati in North College Hill to start your spooky night off right. The haunted house experience is completely free, but they do accept donations for the Pray, Hope and Believe Foundation.

Mt. Washington

If you're a resident of the Mt. Washington neighborhood, make sure to get extra treats! This area transforms into a Halloween stomping ground for little monsters and their families on All Hallow's Eve. Also make sure to come back to the area the weekend after Halloween for the neighborhood's annual Pumpkin Chuck, where they'll launch leftover pumpkins from trebuchets and enjoy live music, craft beer, kids games and more!

Wyoming

Located about 15 miles from downtown Cincinnati, Wyoming is a quiet suburb full of tree-lined streets and historic sights. This year, the community is planning on handing out goodies from 6-8 p.m. on the 31st. If you're lucky, you might even snag a cup of hot apple cider or a bag of freshly popped popcorn.

Price Hill & West Price Hill

Just west of Cincinnati lie the Price Hill and West Price Hill neighborhoods, a candy-hunter's haven on Halloween night. An estimated 500+ trick-or-treaters gather in the area on the spooky holiday to beg for candy, popcorn and other tasty treats! Important note: Residents of Price Hill turn OFF their lights if they are giving out candy and turn ON their lights if they are not.

Pleasant Ridge

Located in Northeast Cincinnati, Pleasant Ridge is a charming neighborhood and very popular among families. The residents take their Halloween festivities seriously, hosting several Halloween events—including an annual pub crawl and Ghoul Fest—prior to October 31, and decorating their homes to the nines for trick-or-treating shenanigans.

Have a Great Halloween!

Did we miss your favorite spot to go trick-or-treating in the Cincinnati area? Tell us all about it in the comments or on Instagram using #CutlerExplores!

Halloween is nearly upon us, which means that Akron and Canton's most prepared ghouls, goblins, princes and princesses are already forming their routes and strategies for a successful night of trick-or...

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Fall is officially underway! The leaves are changing colors, pumpkins are back on the menu  and you've probably already started thinking about this year's Halloween costume.

But the season will be over before you know it, so take advantage of autumn before it ends by attending one of these events happening in the Cincinnati area this fall!

To help you get started on your seasonal calendar, we rounded up some of our most anticipated fall happenings in the area. Here, you'll find everything from fun harvest festivals to must-attend 5K races and a...

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While Vermont and New Hampshire might get more national attention for their beautiful displays of fall foliage, residents of Northeast Ohio know that our autumn colors are just as breathtaking. Our slice of paradise is bursting with sprawling parkland, sparkling lakes, wooded roadways and trails where you can get a taste of our seasonal beauty—you just have to know where to go.

We rounded up 12 of our favorite places to see fall foliage in the area—including some parks, waterfalls and covered bridges—so grab your camera and get ready to fall in love with Ohio all over again!

Note: Most of Ohio's best fall colors occur in the middle of October, but you can still see some leaves changing all throughout September. For the most accurate prediction, check out this fall foliage map from the Smoky Mountains National Park website.

Ashtabula County

Photo courtesy of Richard McBride via the Ashtabula Covered Bridge Festival

Nestled in the extreme northeast corner of Ohio, Ashtabula County is chock full of stunning places to view fall leaves, due to its dense deciduous forests and sparse population. For the best views, drive south on State Road 534 from Geneva to Windsor, where you'll be treated to miles and miles of vineyards as well as two of the county's 19 covered bridges. We recommend visiting on the second weekend of October when the Ashtabula County hosts their annual Covered Bridge Festival—full of entertainment, rides, games and a festive parade!

Bedford Reservation

The Bedford Reservation, nestled just above the Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Bedford, features a deep gorge carved out by Tinker's Creek, full of picturesque vistas and waterfalls. In the forests, you'll find mature trees adorned with yellow, orange and green and other abundant wildlife. The area also offers plenty of opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, picnicking and horseback riding. But to get the most out of your scenic visit, we recommend heading straight to the overlook along Gorge Parkway, which boasts one of the best views in Northeast Ohio.

Cuyahoga Valley National Park

 

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This centrally located national park is just a short distance from Cleveland and Akron, but its many acres of untouched scenery and countless species of plants and wildlife make it feel like it's worlds away. Cuyahoga Valley National Park is perhaps the most popular outdoor destination in the state, and frequently makes lists of "must-visit" parks in the country. During the fall, this is even more true! The trees explode into color, providing a warm and welcoming atmosphere for leisurely hikes and picnics. If you're interested in taking a hike while you're there, make sure to check out our complete guide to hiking in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park!

Hocking Hills

This popular, outdoorsy destination is filled with some of the most interesting scenery in the country, from breathtaking sandstone cliffs and waterfalls to caves and colorful forests. During the day, you can hike, bike and fish your way around the hills, or visit the charming towns nearby. And while locals and visitors alike flock to Hocking Hills for the camping, we highly recommend booking a cabin for a weekend or longer. Most of these cabins are outfitted with hot tubs, fireplaces, hammocks and spectacular views (of course). On your way, don't miss out on the chance to stop by Ohio's Ravenwood Castle, which has repeatedly been named one of the coolest destinations in the state.

The Holden Arboretum

 

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If a visit to the Holden Arboretum isn't on the top of your fall to-do list, then stop everything you're doing and head over right now. This famous arboretum is practically an outdoor playground that features cultivated gardens, trails and interesting attractions like the Murch Canopy Walk and the Kalberer Family Emergent Tower, which stands 120 feet above the forest floor. Not only will you have a blast exploring all of the interesting fauna among the bright autumn colors, but you'll also be able to stand in the trees and catch a breathtaking view from above. Need we say more?

Holmes County

Holmes County, the heart of Ohio's Amish Country, is certainly one of the most charming places in the state. On any given day, a leisurely walk or drive in the area will reveal narrow, winding roads, horse-drawn carriages, roadside farm stands, wavy fields of corn and a variety of beautiful trees. During the autumn months, these trees (including maples, oaks and buckeyes) explode into vibrant reds, oranges and yellows, transforming the county into something out of a fairy tale. But don't take our word for it—according to National Geographic, Holmes County is one of the top 10 places in the world to see fall foliage.

Lake Erie Bluffs

If you're not ready to give up the fun of summer quite yet—don't worry, we get it. Head out to Lake Erie Bluffs on the coast, which offers the perfect mix of summertime lake activities and scenic fall views. If it isn't too cold, you can take a kayak or canoe out on the water and experience the shoreline views of trees and trails first hand. There's also a 50-foot observation tower where you can get a 360-degree perspective of Lake Erie and the best of Ohio's natural fall beauty!

Lanterman's Mill

 

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Lanterman's Mill dates back to 1845 and is recognized as one of Mahoning County's most historic landmarks—and one of its most picturesque! The mill sits adjacent to the Mahoning River and overlooks Lanterman's Falls, which makes for a great photo from the outside. But don't leave without venturing in—the mill still offers stone-ground flours and gifts to the public, and is staffed by knowledgeable people who can inform you about the history of the area!

Rockefeller Park

If you want to find a place to enjoy the season within the city, pay a visit to the Cleveland Cultural Gardens in Rockefeller Park just outside of Cleveland. The lush grounds host more than 30 gardens, all designed and cultivated by distinct cultural or nationality groups, representing the diversity and multiculturalism of the city. The area is even more gorgeous in the fall when trees all over the park turn a startling bright yellow and shed their leaves. The gardens are often driven through rather than explored by foot and admission is free!

Rocky River Reservation

Photo courtesy of Kyle Lanzer via Cleveland Metroparks

Cleveland Magazine calls the Rocky River Reservation one of the best places in the state to view fall leaves, and we tend to agree! The reservation includes a nature center, marina and stables along with interesting hiking trails so you can see the fall foliage up close. While you're there, make sure to take advantage of the Fort Hill Stairs, which ascend 90-feet above the east and west branches of the Rocky River, providing an optimal view of the area's fall foliage.

Squire's Castle in the North Chagrin Reservation

Perhaps the most picturesque destination in Cleveland, the ruins of Squire's Castle stand proudly in the heart of the North Chagrin Reservation. After a hike in the woodlands (or a rousing game of golf at the Manakiki Golf Course), set out a picnic in front of the castle. From here you can admire the beautiful architecture, soak in the autumn sunshine, and capture pictures of the colorful foliage. While there, make sure to share the story of builder Feargus B. Squire, whose wife supposedly still haunts the grounds.

Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens

Photo courtesy of the Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens

Built in 1915, the Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens is a spectacular example of architecture from the era. The home once belonged to the founder of Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, Frank Seiberling, but was opened to the public after his passing. It now stands as a beloved Akron landmark and has even received the title of "best historic home tour in America" by the readers of USA Today. Tour the house and marvel at the antique furniture and detailing, but don't miss out on a turn through the gardens. During the fall months, a picnic outside allows you to view the marvelous mansion and the surrounding color all at once.

What did we miss?

Did we leave out your favorite spot in Northeast Ohio to see fall colors? Let us know in the comments!