For starters, the events start at 5:30 p.m. (and run until 10 p.m.). You know the price, and the place; the exact address is 1777 East Broad Street. Reservations are recommended and to make them just call the Conservatory at (614) 645-1800. If you’re wondering ‘well, what do I get for my $11?’; rest assured, you get a lot. Of course, you get admission into the Conservatory. But guess what? You get some of that back right way: every guest receives $10 back in tokens, and the tokens can be used toward the purchase of food and drinks. So you get f-r-e-e parking, and essentially you pay $1 for admission into the Conservatory. That’s not all. You’ll listen to live music while enjoying your munchies and drinks. More, you can view current exhibitions while you’re there, view the Chihuly Collection, and if you’re there at the right time, watch as James Turrell’s Light Raiment II illuminates the John F. Wolfe Palm House. That would be right at dusk.

If you’re into exotic or simply yummy tasting drinks, you’ll be offered a chance to purchase their special cocktails. On February 9th they’ll have Espresso Martinis, and the week after, Spicy Rum. By the way, yes, you have to be 21 years or older to get in these Thursday evening events.

The City of Columbus, The Columbus Foundation and other partners stand proudly behind and for the Conservatory. Here’s your chance to contribute, and to enjoy yourself in the doing!

Photo Credit: Franklin Park Conservatory by Rellim

Never noticed a second message box on your page? Most of us don’t. Think you don’t have one? Everyone does. Click on your message box, and your OTHER message box will magically appear right underneath. Again, it happens quietly, and without notice.

The next question many of us have, after peeking into our OTHER box, is how we can rescue the messages we DO want to see. We’re happy to have Facebook protect us from some of what’s in there, but other messages and senders are more important than the math might suggest.

Blogger Erika Napoletano has a solution and step-by-step instructions for how to rescue your messages from particular senders, and keep them safe from OTHER! Click through to get to her blog post and simple instructions. You’ll be glad someone figured it out, even if you are one of the few Facebook users that realized the OTHER box was there!

All Month – for All – COSI presents a new exhibit, “Race: Are We Really So Different?” for more information, contact the COSI Call Center at 614.228.2674

All Month – for Adults and Teens – The Wexner Center presents “David Smith: Cubes and Anarchy” and for hours and more info, see the Wexner Center web site.

All Month (2:30-6pm) – for kids 7-15 – The King Arts Complex presents the Afterschool Arts Institute (AAI) 
September 6, 2011 – May 11, 2012 for a $10 registration fee and $35 per week Monday-Friday Students participate in 8 week, arts focused sessions featuring all different visual and performing arts taught by amazing local artists in the city. Past instructors include: Jazz Arts Group, Columbus Children’s Theatre, and Thoissane West African Dance. For more information, see their web site.

Fridays – for All – February by the Fire means snuggling up to our cozy fireplace and listening to good music. Snuggle with your honey or your kids and enjoy! 3- Dave Powers, 10- Teen String Quartet, 17- Ukulele Cowboy Society, and 24- Mark Flugge at the Old Worthington Library, 820 High Street Worthington OH 43085 at 614-807-2626

February 1-19 – for Adults – CATCO presents “The Rubenstein Kiss” A theatrical production about the infamous Rubensteins in the 1950′s. Contact CATCO for times at 469-0939

February 2 (7pm) – for Adults – Food for Thought: Just Desserts Learn about decadent desserts, and taste some. Plan for your Valentine’s Day treats in advance! Free – reservation required, so call the Old Worthington Library, 820 High Street Worthington OH 43085 at 614-807-2626

February 4 (4-10pm) – for Adults – Short North Gallery Hop: Resolved to broaden your horizons, do something different, or just finally do the gallery hop you’ve read about? Come see what the buzz is all about. The first Saturday of every month, galleries and other businesses stay open late, and welcome those who celebrate art, take in the sights, and enjoy food, shopping, and a great neighborhood. The calendar of events for the Short North is available at their web site.

February 5 – for Kids – From Pulp to Paper: A class where kids learn how to make paper from beginning to finished product! At the McConnell Arts Center. For reservations and more info, see the MAC website.

February 7-12 for All – The Palace Theater host the Blue Man Group, for times and tickets see capa.com.

February 8 – for Teens and Tweens – Most of the library branches are hosting something fun for you today! Plus, many branches have gaming or other activities weekly for kids this age. Contact your library branch or look here for more info.

February 14 – See our Valentine’s Day events post for all the possibilities around town! Book early!

February 16 – for Adults and Teens – the Lincoln Theater presents “Bill Blagg’s the Science of Magic, a behind-the-scenes educational experience on how magic is done! For time and tickets, contact capa.com.

February 20 and 23 (7pm) – Women 12 & up – Self Defense 101. This course is free, but reservations are required, so call about the Feb 20th class at the Old Worthington Library, 820 High Street, Worthington 43085 at 614-807-2626 or for the Feb 23rd class, call the Northwest Library, 2280 Hard Road, Columbus 43235 at 614-807-2626 for reservations.

Blendon Woods, in northeastern Franklin County, has itself seven different trails! All are walkable, and depending on the amount of snow, joggers would be able to run on most of them. There’s even one especially for pet owners: Goldenrod Pet. Goldenrod is available for walkers, joggers, or hikers, and is we mentioned, is pet-friendly. It passes through two meadows, is 1.2 miles in length, and is classified by Metro Parks as “easy”. Sound good? The six other trails—Sugarbush, Brookside, Overlook, Ripple Rock, Hickory Ridge, and Pond—run from one-quarter mile to 2 miles (Hickory Ridge being the shortest, and Sugarbush the longest). Most of the six other trails are listed on Metro Parks’ scale as “easy”, with Sugarbush and Brookside having a “moderate” rating as well. Cross-country skiers will delight in that the longest trail, Sugarbush, is for you!

The Blendon Woods trails have a variety of surfaces, from grass to crushed limestone compacted to paved (Pond). Four of the seven have connector trails. What an amazing array, all in one area! In the Winter, the trails open at 6:30 a.m. and close at 8 p.m.

Metro Parks makes good use of the trails, as it has programs that run year-round, taking you on various outdoors adventures. Blendon Woods has two programs coming up on Saturday, February 4th and Sunday, February 5th. These are not the only programs available at Blendon Woods, nor through Metro Parks, but we wanted to cover these two in this article.

On the Saturday, there’s a special 2-mile winter hike that takes you to Thoreau Lake and the Nature Center. For those with boundless energy, there are off-trail segments that will add on another 2 or 4 miles for you! Chicken soup will be waiting for you when you’re done! There is no charge for this program, and it’s open to youth, teens, adults, and seniors. Bird lovers: on the Sunday, you can get in on the Audubon Bird Hike. Don’t forget your binoculars as you wonder around the various trails in search of winter waterfowl. There is no charge for this event either, and it’s open to teens, adults, and seniors. Neither program is wheelchair accessible.

If you’d like more information on either of these weekend programs, or would like to reserve your spot, please phone Metro Parks at (614) 508-8111. We suggest you do phone, as you’ll need to know where to meet when you get there. Both events start at 10 a.m. You can also pop over to the main Blendon Woods events page which is at MetroParks.

So it’s for kids from ages 3-12. Yep, it is a “Just for Kids” event! If your boy or girl is under 9 years old, she or he will have to be accompanied by an adult. You will need to pre-register for this event, so you have a week to give them a call 614-836-3333.

We’re going to share a little more information about Crooked Alley KidSpace, but if you want the full story, visit the Village of Groveport’s KidSpace webpage.

KidSpace has all sorts of interesting programs, and facilities that you can rent for private functions. There’s a Kid’s Art Gallery, a children’s garden, and even an enclosed playground (with a treehouse, no less). There are two separate rooms you can reserve for your own function, with FunSpace, the larger, holding up to 84 people. The cost is only $50 per hour, and for the smaller room (Library), the cost is half of that. Groveport residents or taxpayers don’t have to pay anything to reserve for functions.

If you have preschoolers, there are several different programs available. For example, you or a caregiver can learn to grow along with your child in KidSpace’s “Grow With Me” program. Together, you can do arts and crafts, storytelling, music and dance, and more. Every Tuesday and Wednesday morning (9-10:30 a.m.), activities are themed, and themes are explored in a variety of ways.

So get out for the January 25th craft night, or get in touch with KidSpace on the phone or through their website, to enjoy some quality time with your children.

Dining

Valentine Wine Dinner: 
February 12 from 7:30-10pm.
 Love wine? Wyandotte Winery offers a six course wine dinner for $75 per person, including tax and tip. Reservations required, call 614-476-3626 or email: info@wyandottewinery.com.

Entertainment

Love in the Time of Comedy: 
Friday & Saturday at 8pm, now through February 12. 
MadLab’s improv interactive comedy troupe, Full Frontal Nudity, retells your best and worst first date stories from a different point of view. Tickets are $10 per person and are available under the heading “FFN’s Date Night” at MadLab.net

The Un-Valentine’s Show: February 16 from 8-10pm at the McConnell Arts Center. Had enough? Of course you have, and here’s the antidote: an evening of laughs, healthy cynicism and fine music titled “The Un-Valentine’s Show: Songs and Tales of Unforgiveness, Heartbreak, Dysfunction and Revenge.” For tickets and more information, see the MAC website.

Valentine’s Day at the Conservatory:
 February 14 from 5:30-10pm. 
This Franklin Park conservatory event is an evening of live music, wine and chocolate, three pairings are included for the $11 ticket price (cash bar available), and access to all the exhibits. Reservations not required.

Valentine’s Day Dinner and Airplane Ride: February 14, from 5-9pm. Appetizer, Dinner and Dessert Buffet, music, dancing, games, prizes, Champagne Fountain, Cash Bar and romantic airplane ride around Downtown Columbus. Tickets: $179 per couple for party and airplane ride; $89.50 tax per couple for party only.
 Location: JPS Boltonfield Airport, 200 Norton Road, Columbus, Ohio 43228 
For tickets call 614-878-7422 or stop by JPS.

Sculpted Hearts and Paperweights: Glass Art Class at Glass Axis. February 7, 6-9pm. 
With the help of an instructor, pick up colored powders on molten glass, and then sculpt it into the shape of a heart; additional glass tools may be used to create a fancy pattern with the color, $60. If you wish, you may create additional hearts for $5 off the regular price. For more information, see www.glassaxis.org

Getaways

Romance Escape, an overnight Package for 2: Granville Inn. No matter what time of year or what day of the week, whether carefully planned or a spur-of-the-moment surprise, a Granville Inn Romance package is the perfect escape. Enjoy an award winning dinner in our Oak Room or Acorn Pub, then relax in the comfort of one our historic guest rooms with champagne and chocolates. Your Romance Escape package includes the following: Overnight room for 2, a $75 dining certificate, 750mL Segura Viudas Brut Reserva Heredad, Locally made Gourmet chocolates, Continental breakfast in our pub.
Horse & Carriage rides may be arranged for an additional fee. Phone: 740-587-3333

Rekindle The Romance at the Inn at Cedar Falls: Any day of the week in February.
 Want to do something special for the loved one in your life? Here’s the package for you! Spend two uninterrupted nights together in a cozy cottage. Arrive and enjoy a picnic basket dinner with a bottle of wine the first evening. Spend the evening soaking in the whirlpool tub as you become mesmerized by the gas log stove. Join us for a leisurely hearty breakfast each morning. Saturday can be spent strolling or shopping the day away. Return in the afternoon for two 50 minute relaxation massages, followed by a nap. A scrumptious 4-course candlelight dinner will end the perfect day. This romantic package is $749.00 plus tax and gratuity.
(additional fees apply for upgrades) Visit on the web or call 1-800-653-2557

Ravenswood Castle’s Annual Salute to Romance: February 10 & 11. Arrive Friday night at the regular rate, and find a complimentary red rosebud and a sweet surprise in your room or cottage. Stay Saturday night in the same room or cottage at half off the regular rate! After the included breakfast, spend the day on a romantic hike or a treasure hunt in or nearby shops and malls. Then return to the Castle for a hot soak in your bath tub or jacuzzi and perhaps a nap. Next, enjoy a delectable dinner of traditional “foods for love” with an included bottle of champagne or sparkling fruit juice. John and Barbiel Saunders will serenade the dinner Guests with beautiful love songs. The rest of the evening is up to you! The cost is your discounted room rate and $35 per person for dinner plus tax and gratuity. The discount applies only if you stay both Friday and Saturday and reserve dinner for two. Book your Sweetheart weekend including dinner by phone at 740-596-2606 and ask for the “Sweetheart Serenade Special” to get the discounted rate. (New Plymouth, Ohio 45654). email: ravenwoodcastle@hughes.net

Celebrate Valentine’s Day at The Blackwell: Package is available February 12-14. Treat your special someone to an evening at the Blackwell. Our Valentine’s Package is sure to delight them! Includes: Overnight Accommodations in Deluxe King guest room for two, Turndown Amenity in the room, including chilled champagne and chocolates, Breakfast Buffet for Two in Bistro 2110 and Valet Parking Package is $139.00, based on double occupancy and hotel availability, plus tax. Package Upgrade Options available must be added at time of reservation and include:
Valentine Dinner for Two, a four-course meal featuring a Lobster/Filet Duo: $125+tax & tip
One hour in-room massage: $105
One Dozen Long-stem Red Roses arranged in a vase: $75
One Dozen Long-stem Red Roses in a box: $50
Three Long-Stem Red Roses arranged in a vase: $25
Velvet Heart-shaped box filled with handmade, European-style Chocolates (14 pieces): $28
Satin Heart-shaped box filled with handmade, European-style Chocolates (15 pieces): $25
16 piece Square Valentine’s Box filled with handmade, European-style Chocolate: $20
Red Rose Petals Added on the bed during Turndown Service: $8
Please contact the Reservations Department to reserve your package and additions by calling toll free at 866-247-4003. Limited Availability

Chocolate Lover’s Package: The Lofts hotel in Downtown Columbus. Drench your senses in pure love with this indulgent package for two. Your experience includes: Overnight accommodations; two half-hour in-room chocolate massages; Dinner for two ($50 value) at your choice of romantic nearby restaurants including Hyde Park, Cameron Mitchell Restaurants, and more; Bedside sparkling wine and chocolate truffles; Rose petal turndown service in the evening; Breakfast for two delivered to your room the following morning; Valet parking at our hotel. Transportation to and from nearby restaurants may be available. Please inquire at check-in for more information. BOOK NOW to reserve this package.

For Kids/Families

January:

All Month – for young families – COSI offers Early Childhood Workshops, for children from 6 months to 6 years old. For more information, contact the COSI Call Center at 614.228.2674 or email COSI at explorationprograms@mail.cosi.org

All Month – for All – The Columbus Museum of Art at 480 E Broad St, presents a Caravaggio exhibit. Museum is closed Mondays. Admission is free on Sundays. www.columbusmuseum.org or call 614-221-6801

All Month – for Teens and Tweens – Tired of being stuck indoors? The Libraries have teen and tween video gaming, parties, book clubs, and other activities. For information about what YOUR library is offering, check out! events.columbuslibrary.org

Saturdays – for ALL – North Market at 59 Spruce Street presents live music from 11-3. For more information see their calendar of events at www.northmarket.com

January 6-7 – for Families – CATCO presents “If You Give a Mouse a cookie” as a theatrical production. Contact CATCO for times at 469-0939 or www.catco.org

January 10 – for Adults – Is one of your resolutions to lose weight? Get some free help and information at 7pm. Overcoming Overeating, with a clinician from the Center for Balanced Living. Free – Old Worthington Library 820 High Street Worthington OH 43085 614-807-2626

January 10-15 – for Families – The Ohio Theater presents “Shrek: The Musical”, for details on times and tickets, go to www.capa.com

January 14 – for Teens – Teen Read-a-thon. Did you make a resolution to help others? This is a read-a-thon from 10am-5pm to raise money for the Worthington food pantry. Make your English teacher happy and feed a hungry neighbor, all at once!
Free – Pick up your pledge form at your branch of the Worthington Library: Old Worthington 820 High Street Worthington OH 43085 614-807-2626
Northwest 2280 Hard Road Columbus OH 43235 614-807-2626
Worthington Park 1389 Worthington Centre Drive 614-807-2626

January 14 – for Adults – Learn to research and write true crime novels! Mark My Words: Clues to Writing at 2pm. True Crime at the Old Worthington Library. Free – reservation required, so call 614-807-2626

January 18 – for Adults – Make a resolution to work on your family history this year? Come join us at 6:30 to learn more about how DNA can help you research your genealogy! Main Branch, Columbus Library. http://events.columbuslibrary.org/

January 25 – for Adults – Did you resolve to grow your business this year? The Main Branch of the Columbus Library is hosting a free class on “Research Strategies for Business Growth” contact the Main Branch today for reservations, or see event info http://events.columbuslibrary.org/

January 24 or 26 – for Kids – Stick it! Kids in grades 4-6 learn to make wallets & bracelets with duct tape at 4pm. A new inexpensive hobby for 2012!
Jan 24 Free – Northwest Library 2280 Hard Road Columbus OH 43235 614-807-2626
Jan 26 Free – Old Worthington Library 820 High Street Worthington OH 43085 614-807-2626

Looking ahead:
If you love to cook, or want to learn, the North Market Cooking School may be just what you’re looking for. Classes sell out quickly, months in advance, so if you are interested in upcoming classes, such as the April 22nd Brunch Class, from 1 to 3 p.m in the Dispatch Kitchen with Dispatch Food Editor Robin Davis: Call 614-463-9664 to register or buy tickets online here. Quick, before it sells out!

Come back and see us here at The Columbus Team for great places to spend Valentine’s Day!

The first of the annual hikes takes place on Saturday, January 7, 2012 at 10 a.m., in Blacklick Woods. There are will be two main hikes to take in that day (2 or 4 miles), but there’s a total of 7 amazing hikes. You can go your own way on a self-guided hike, or enjoy a guided one. Refreshments are provided as you take in one or more the trails that range in length from 1 to 7 miles. If you’re ambitious, and decide to complete all 7 hikes, you’ll get a decorative patch. This is a great annual tradition, and a healthy one.

Besides Blacklick Woods, here are the other hikes available to you in January:

January 14 – 10 a.m.
Sharon Woods – 1.5 or 3.5 miles

January 15 – 2 p.m.
Prairie Oaks (Darbie Bend Lakes) – 1, 3, or 5 miles

January 21 – 10 a.m.
Scioto Audubon – 1 or 2 miles

January 22 – 2 p.m.
Chestnut Ridge – 1.4 or 2 miles

January 22 – 2 p.m.
Inniswood – 2 miles

January 28 – 10 a.m.
Clear Creek – 1-3, 5, or 7 miles

Consider getting out of the house and getting into nature with your family and friends for one of these wonderful winter outings. There are more scheduled for February, and we’ll keep you updated. We do advise you, however, to double-check timings and availability before you go by calling Metro Parks’ Infoline at (614) 508-8000.

We wish all of our clients and neighbors a happy, healthy new year in 2012!

Dining:

New Year’s Eve at Cameron Mitchell Restaurants
Ring in the New Year at your favorite Cameron Mitchell Restaurant. Whether you’re in the mood for an intimate, elegant night on the town, or a casual celebration with friends and family, call now to make your reservation. We look forward to ringing in the New Year with you and we wish you much health and happiness in 2012!
Cameron’s, Cap City Diner, M, Marcella’s, Martini, Ocean Club, Molly Woo’s, and Ocean Prime
614-621-1204
Cameron Mitchell Restaurants around Columbus

Columbus Brewing Co. New Year’s Eve Dinner
Gourmet dinner includes: A 12oz Prime Cut NY Strip Steak, spiced tomato hollandaise with jumbo lump crab, yukon gold whipped potatoes, asparagus sauteed with roma tomato and shallots.
$27 per plate
525 Short St., Columbus, 43215
614-464-BREW
Columbus Brewing Co.

New Year’s Eve at Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse
Featuring Any Signature Salad, 7oz Filet Mignon with Broccolini Garnish, and choice of Colossal Sea Scallops, Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes or Scampi-Style Jumbo Shrimp, Choice of Dessert: Vanilla Bean Crème Brulee, New York-Style Cheesecake or Flourless Chocolate Torte.
614-224-2204 Downtown, 614-717-2828 Dublin, 614-442-3310 Upper Arlington,
and 614-438-1000 Worthington
Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse

Especially Family Friendly:

Columbus Blue Jackets Hockey vs. Washington Capitals

The Columbus Blue Jackets celebrate the New Year and the Columbus’ Bicentennial with a game against the Washington Capitals at 7 p.m. Featuring special Bicentennial activities throughout the game, and a fantastic indoor fireworks display inside Nationwide Arena immediately following the game. The team offers a Bicentennial Family Fun Pack starting at $25 per person, which includes a ticket, food, beverage and a family skate pass in the Ice Haus.
200 W. Nationwide Blvd., Columbus, 43215
614-246-4625
Nationwide Arena

First Night Columbus
$10 admission, Activities begin Saturday at 5 p.m. Fireworks at midnight
First Night Columbus, Central Ohio’s award-winning New Year’s Eve celebration is a community-oriented, family-friendly, alcohol-free event. There is something for everyone with more than 40 live performances including jazz, funk, ragtime, storytelling and magic, hands-on activities and a children’s festival. COSI will stay open until 11 p.m. At COSI, see performances by Transit Arts, check out a talent show featuring some of Columbus’ teenage musicians and artists, take a whirlwind tour of holiday lighting with our Holiday Lights Live Show and explore COSI’s 300+ exhibits.
614-299-9221
Location: Throughout Downtown
First Night Columbus

Fort Rapids New Year’s Eve Family Package & Party
New Year’s Eve Family Friendly Party in Grand Ballroom including Food (including unlimited Pizza, Chicken Fingers, Salad, & Dessert) , Drinks, Games & prizes, and DJ.
$45-$289 admission
4560 Hilton Corporate Dr., Columbus, 43232
877-33-SPLASH
Fort Rapids Indoor Waterpark Resort

Magic Mountain Family New Year Eve Party 2011
All kinds of extra New Year’s fun at both locations!
$16 per person (plus tax)
Magic Mountain Polaris 614-840-9600 or East 614-840-9600

Sequoia’s NYE Rockin Bowl Party
$95 for up to 6 per lane, with champagne toast at midnight
5501 Sandalwood Blvd., Columbus, 43229
614-571-2135
Sequoia Pro Bowl

New Year’s Eve at Ten Pin Alley
Bowling with family and friends in a vintage setting, two packages available.
$100 Per Lane
5499 Constitution Blvd., Hilliard, 43026
614-876-2475
Ten Pin Alley

Adults Only:

Barrio New Years Eve
$5 cover
Old-school hip-hop party, bottle service, drink specials, with DJ Patrick.
185 N High St., Columbus, 43215
614-220-9141
Barrio

Celebrate New Year’s Eve With Mike Albert and The Big E Band
Dinner, Dancing, Hats and Noisemakers, Open Bar and much more.
6500 Doubletree Ave., Columbus, 43229
614-792-3135
The Crowne Plaza Columbus North

Celebration Dock Style: Urban New Year’s Eve
One of downtown Columbus’ most unique, urban catering and event companies, Dock580 has available space for New Year’s Eve in the Venue. Working out of the historic Smith Bros’ Hardware building, our talented staff of planners and chefs take pride in crafting elegant dining experiences for our clients. Contact us for prices and reservations.
580 N. Fourth St, Columbus, 43215
614-905-2306
Dock580

Gresso’s News Eve Party
Drinks, D.J., Champagne Toast, Pizza Buffet, Free Shuttle and much more!
$59 admission
961 S. High St., Columbus, 43215
614-444-0131
Gresso’s

Hyatt Regency’s NYE on High
For over 30 years we’ve been throwing the largest New Year’s Eve celebration in Ohio. 70,000 square feet transformed into the region’s most engaging and interactive live entertainment party complex in Ohio! Only the Hyatt Regency Columbus is big enough to bring together eleven of the region’s best bands, live entertainers, and DJ’s. Party with bands like The Personnel, Soul Kitch’n, Love Sick Radio, Bon Journey, Lt. Dan’s New Legs, Granny Shot, My Sister Sarah, Reaganomics, & Eldorado Karaoke. Laugh and sing along with Columbus’ very own entertainment legend and Ohio State party tradition, Chris Logsdon live! Mix up your evening of live entertainment with DJ Marino Monaco and DJ Ant pumping out all of your favorite techno, club, hip hop, and top-40 dance tunes with video.
$129-$499
350 N. High St., Columbus, 43215
614-463-1234
Hyatt Regency Columbus

Park Street Complex New Year’s Eve Extravaganza
The official WNCI New Years Eve 2012 Extravaganza hosted by Jimmy Jam! Park St Complex consists of 3 different bars (Park St. Patio, Park St. Saloon and The Social) all connected under one roof, Live Music, DJ’s, dancing, ball drop at midnight, party favors, circus performers and more! This is a 21+ event. Doors open at 8pm!
614-245-5115
Park Street Complex

ProMusica Chamber Orchestra: Celebrate! A New Year’s Eve Performance
Ring in the New Year at the historic Southern Theatre, a premiere downtown Columbus destination, as ProMusica Chamber Orchestra performs a program of Broadway tunes and a night in old Vienna. Enjoy an elegant performance featuring soprano, Sarah Pfisterer, and lyric baritone, Keith Buterbaugh, singing favorites from Phantom of the Opera, Beauty and the Beast and more. Includes a special champagne toast at intermission to kick-off the Columbus Bicentennial! (Ticket buyers may attend a special pre-concert party at The Westin Columbus for an additional cost.)
Concert Tickets: $32-$62. Party Add-On: $22-$30
Southern Theater, 21 E. Main St., Columbus, 43215
614-464-0066
ProMusica

Shadowbox Live’s New Year’s Eve Party
New Year’s Eve party at Shadowbox Live! A appetizer, dinner & dessert banquet, champagne toast at midnight and hours of dancing to Shadowbox Live house band BillWho? provide the perfect elements to ring in, and rock in, 2012 in style. Enjoy two bands throughout the evening. Billwho? plays your favorites in the theater and Dr. Simple will performs in the Backstage Bistro. Attendees can book a room at Springhill Suites, Columbus OSU at a rate of $124. Springhill Suites has free shuttle service to and from Shadowbox Live for their guests and a complimentary hot breakfast. To make your hotel reservation call 800-901-6628 and reference the “Shadowbox Live NYE Party.”
$100 or $180 for two. Reservations required.
503 S. Front St, Columbus, 43215
614-416-7625
Shadowbox Live

Venetian Masquerade Ball
Masquerade Balls came to prominence in Renaissance Italy, especially in Venice and were held to celebrate important events. Elaborate masks were a hallmark of these beautiful parties. Camelot Cellars will be featuring our signature Venetian wine, Valpolicella Classico at special glass prices that night. A glass of bubbly at midnight will be part of the celebration along with Italian-inspired appetizers. Guests will also have the opportunity to have their mask replaced and painted on their face by Leigh Ann Ehmann of Make You, LLC as part of their ticket.
$25 per person or $40 per couple.
958 N. High St., Columbus, 43201
614-441-8860
Camelot Cellars Winery

Wyandotte Winery’s New Year’s Eve Winemakers Pairing Dinner
Ring in the New Year on a high note when you attend our Special Winemakers Food and Wine Pairing Dinner. Join us for an intimate evening featuring passionate foods, and wonderful wine. Includes a six course wine dinner as well as a special take home gift. Seating is limited and online reservations are required.
$150 per couple.
4640 Wyandotte Drive, Columbus, 43230
614-476-3624
Wyandotte Winery

This fabulous, accessible trail is part of President Obama’s America’s Great Outdoors (AGO) initiative; it’s a plan that in the grand scheme of things includes two major projects for each of 50 states “designed to protect special places and increase access to outdoor spaces.” The overall design and purpose of projects like the Ohio to Erie Trail are to establish community-based initiatives for “conservation, recreation, and reconnecting Americans to the outdoors.” More details of the plan, released in November by Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar, can be found on the Ohio to Erie Trail website.

The massiveness and importance of this one project for Ohio can’t be underestimated. Eventually a continuous trail will connect Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, Cincinnati and several other communities. Once gaps are closed in the Columbus area, the route will run 160 miles! These two gaps— Alum Creek and Camp Chase—will give access to 18 city parks, and will also connect with both Battelle Darby Creek and Big Darby Creek rivers.

Look for more changes in 2012, courtesy of Metro Parks’ capital improvement projects, as the Camp Chase extension will be connected via the canoe access through the park, to Galloway.