Your friends may be traveling, the weather may be cold, and the idea of a large family gathering may seem, well, less than relaxing, but, with a little creativity and an openness for adventure, you can make your Thanksgiving in Columbus enviable to all. For starters, try one of these eight ideas over your break from school.
1. Visit the North Market. Whether you’re in it for a meal or just to look around, the market has it all, from the trending bubble tea to blown glass from the Better Earth stand. If you want music with you’re shopping, head over on Sunday, December 1 for some live holiday tunes.
2. Climb at Vertical Adventures. Open Tuesday-Friday from 3-10 p.m., Saturday from 12-8 p.m., and Sunday from 12-6 p.m., this climbing gym has walls for all levels.
3. Host a Pie-Run. Thanksgiving morning, gather up some friends, go for a jog, and return home to eat pie. You’ll not only get an early start to your holiday, but also a workout in before eating more than you arguably should at dinner.
4. Try a new flavor at Jeni’s Ice Cream. Seasonal favorites like Dark Chocolate Peppermint or Cinderella Pumpkin aren’t to be missed this holiday.
5. Watch an OSU Men’s Basketball Game. On Friday, November 29, the Bucks take on North Florida at 5:00 p.m. Ticket prices start at $34.00.
6. See Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo (pictured above). The festivities run Sunday through Thursday from 5-9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 5-10 p.m.
7. Play frisbee-golf at Hoover Reservoir. Don’t let the cold weather stop you! Bundle up, bring your disks, and head over to Westerville. Make sure to go during the afternoon to see the sunset over the water and dam.
8. Wander Battelle Darby Creek State Park. This largely unknown 7,000 acres of prairies and forests not only holds over 18 miles of trails, but also features Bison on its property.
But channel your own inner Christopher Columbus. Scout out a new spot in the city. Make up games to play around the house, if you find yourself nostalgic for younger years. Even take the leap of faith from your habitual coffee routine–try a tea salon for a change. This holiday season, fun is in your hands.
Written by Margaret Sutton’14
