Posts from May 2022

Is there anything as enjoyable as biting into a good, juicy burger? If you've been looking for an excuse to indulge your burger craving, the wait is over. May is National Hamburger Month, an occasion to celebrate this American culinary creation. Whether you prefer your burger with or without cheese, thick or thin, there are plenty of great burger restaurants to visit in Columbus. Plan a trip to one of these burger restaurants in celebration.

Bareburger

463 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43215

Bareburger is a staple in Columbus and the surrounding area. Their High Street location is well worth visiting on your lunch break or after a busy workday. Bareburger takes pride in preparing their food with ethically sourced ingredients. Their beef is all organic, grass-fed, and hormone-free. They also offer a great selection of plant-based burgers.

One favorite at Bareburger is the Blazin' Bacon, which is topped with pepper jack, smoked bacon, pickled jalapenos, and habanero mayo. The Guadalupe is a popular plant-based option that comes topped with organic tomatoes, pickled red onions, and avocado. Don't forget to order some truffle asiago fries or organic sweet potato fries for the side.

Flip Side Easton

3945 Easton Station, Columbus, OH 43219

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Flip Side is a gourmet burger restaurant with a few locations throughout Ohio. All of their beef is grass-fed and raised in Ohio. In addition to burgers, they also offer some incredible craft milkshakes made with local ice cream, and their macaroni and cheese practically has its own fan club.

If you like peanut butter, you have to try Flip Side's Uncle Jimmy burger. It's topped with peanut butter, applewood bacon, and pepper jelly. This may sound like a strange combination, but the ingredients complement each other well. Another fun choice is the One Red Door burger, topped with crispy shallots, melted brie, and applewood bacon aioli. Not a fan of beef? Flip Side offers an Impossible Burger, along with several turkey burger options.

Matt and Tony's Kitchen x Tavern

340 E. Gay St., Columbus, OH 43215

Matt and Tony's Kitchen x Tavern is a local pub that has a few great burgers on the menu. They make their burgers with Certified Angus Beef, but you can substitute chicken breast if desired. The Chimi Burger is a great choice if you like smash burgers. It's topped with melty jack cheese, chimichurri, caramelized onions, and bacon. They also have a build-your-own burger option.

Matt and Tony's is a great place to celebrate National Burger Month with kids. They have a dedicated kids' menu with options including a burger, mac & cheese, and chicken tenders.

Alley Burger

26 N. High St. Rear, Columbus, OH 43215

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You enter this casual restaurant from an alley, and that's part of the appeal. It's tucked away like a secret, but it's a secret worth sharing. Alley Burger often has live music, and the chef relies on traditional family restaurants to make delicious meals.

At Ally Burger, you don't have to stick with a beef burger, though their beef burgers are certainly delicious. The Fish Burger is a popular choice; it's topped with a house-made Creole tartar sauce. The Greek Burger, made with tzatziki cream, banana peppers, and feta, is another smart choice. Make sure you order some fries for the table. There are lots of creative options, such as the Oscar Alley fries topped with chorizo, pico de gallo, lime crema, chimichurri, and cheese.

Burger Theory Columbus

175 E. Town St., Columbus, OH 43215

With a name like Burger Theory, you'd expect this place to have some creative, innovative burger choices. And the selection does not disappoint! Even their BT House burger comes topped with their own KGB Sauce. If you're feeling adventurous, try The Boss. It's actually two burgers stuffed with bacon, onion, cheddar, and Swiss cheese. Pair it with some Parmesan-panko onion rings, and you have a truly munch-worthy meal.

Mason Jar Treats are another favorite at Burger Theory. They're the perfect, sweet way to end a meal. Choose from flavors like key lime pie, s'mores, and carrot cake. Visit Burger Theory Monday-Friday from 5-7 pm for Happy Hour Specials, which vary by the day.

Arch City Tavern

862 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43215

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Located in the Arts District, Arch City Tavern is known for their lively happy hours. Visit Monday-Friday between 3 and 6 pm to take advantage of their drink specials. Of course, you'll want to order a burger while you're there. The Arch City Burger, topped with muenster cheese, onions, cilantro, chile aioli, and peppered bacon, is excellent, and try the lamb sliders instead if you want to be a little experimental.

The bartenders at Arch City Tavern are pretty talented, making this a good place to order cocktails. Their Smoked Tavern Old Fashioned, in particular, is incredible. They also have a delicious Spiced Pear & Pomegranate Margarita.

Press Grill

741 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43215

Press Grill is a casual neighborhood bar and restaurant serving craft cocktails and house-made cuisine. They always have a good selection of Ohio-brewed craft beers on tap.

One of the top choices here is the Press Burger. You can choose a single, double, or triple patty. Add cheese or a fried egg for something extra special. If you have a big appetite, then add on some sides. The Yukon Gold potato salad is delicious, as is the Texas toast. Even the balsamic greens are fresh, delicious, and a great way to get your veggies.

Get Your Burger On!

National Burger Month comes but once a year. Where will you be getting your burger on this May?

Mother's Day is fast approaching: it's time to start thinking about what you'll get your mom. Why not help her relax and get away from it all by taking her for a day at the spa?

There are countless luxury spas with excellent reputations scattered around Columbus, Cincinnati, and Northeast Ohio. Check out the ones listed below and see if any of them are the right choice for your mom's special day.

PENZONE Salons + Spa

2260 W. Henderson Rd., Columbus, OH 43220

With three locations in Columbus and several more in other parts of Ohio, PENZONE has built a reputation for excellence in its local community. The spa offers massages ranging from light contact to deep tissue treatments and even a foot massage. Luxury facials are also available. 

For beauty treatments, your mom can choose from body hair removal, lashes and brow sculpting, full makeup applications, and hairstyling. The spa also offers packages called "experiences" that you can purchase if you want to make your mom's trip into a full-day event.

Paloma

1197 W. 5th Ave., Columbus, OH 43212

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Paloma is a top-ranked luxury spa in Columbus, offering a subdued yet sumptuous experience your mom will love. The spa is well-known for its special massages, including The Paloma (an adapted Swedish massage that uses long stroked of light to medium pressure to produce a relaxing effect) and The Power (a deep pressure massage focused on the knots in your muscles). Their infrared sauna helps guests sweat out toxins without the discomfort of steam. 

Paloma also offers custom spa journeys for guests who want to try out a few different services in one day. These packages are the perfect gift to show your mom how much you love her. 

Lacquer Gallery HAIR + NAILS

448 W. 3rd Ave., Columbus, OH 43201

Does your mom like to stray from the beaten path? She'll love The Lacquer Gallery. This Columbus salon and spa is known for its avant-garde style and rebellious approach. 

In addition to hairstyling and nail manicuring services, this spa offers a selection of luxury facials, massages, and other spa experiences. Some of the most popular include the Migraine Miracle Massage and Crystal Healing Massage. Their Luxe Body Polish treatment provides potent skin rejuvenation that will have your mom feeling vibrant from head to toe. They also offer additional treatment facials, scrubs, and cosmetic treatments like eyelash extensions, tinting, and waxing.

Charles Scott Salons and Spas

19025 Old Lake Rd., Rocky River, OH 44116

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Does your mom have trouble disconnecting from her devices? Charles Scott Salons and Spas are phone-free spaces where patrons are encouraged to leave the outside world behind. 

This spa is all about taking the time you need to really decompress. They offer spa packages that last much longer than your typical treatment, starting at 2 hours and a half hours in length and going up to 6 and a half hours. These packages include facials, massages, manicures, makeup application, and more. They also offer a variety of specialty treatments, including hydrafacials, spray tans, and face and body waxing.

A White Pond Paradise Salon and Day Spa

566 White Pond Dr., Suite D, Akron, OH 44320

A White Pond Paradise Salon and Day Spa has been operating in Akron for over 20 years and has won several awards for its excellent service. Customers can enjoy massages, facials, and manicure and pedicure treatments in a tranquil and relaxing setting. 

If your mom is interested in switching up her style, you could also get her an appointment at their salon for a professional cut and color after her spa treatments. The salon's talented stylists are sure to help her find a new look she'll love.  

The Spa at Yellow Creek

3636 Yellow Creek Rd., Akron, OH  44333

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Located inside a beautiful building that once served as a local church, The Spa at Yellow Creek's serene environment sets the stage perfectly for a day of rest and relaxation. Some of the services offered here include massages, facials, dermaplaning, and CBD treatments. Their Signature Yellow Creek Massage combines traditional Swedish massage techniques with temperature therapy, while their Tranquility Escape Sleep Massage is gentle, soothing, and intended to promote rejuvenation through rest. 

The staff has also created ritual treatments with multiple steps designed to help your whole body relax. These treatments take a little longer than your standard massage or facial, giving your mom more time to enjoy her outing. 

Face It Spa

229 W. 9th St., Cincinnati, OH 45202

As the name suggests, the Face It Spa is all about luxury face treatments that relax, hydrate, and rejuvenate your skin. Your mom can choose from facials, peels, masks, and microdermabrasion treatments to improve her skin's color, smoothness, and elasticity. 

If she enjoys her time here, you can also purchase some of the luxury beauty products used by the staff. These masks, creams, and other facial treatments from PCA Skin and DMK Skincare are perfect for replicating the spa experience in the comfort of home.

The Spa at 21c

609 Walnut St., Cincinnati, OH 45202

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The Spa at 21c is located inside the 21c Hotel in downtown Cincinnati. At this luxury spa, your mom can enjoy Swedish and Himalayan salt stone massages, peels, and facials. The spa even offers treatments using the SWiCH dermal rejuvenation system, an advanced anti-aging device that triggers the skin's natural healing response without damaging it. 

Most treatments last about an hour, and treatment enhancements like The Wrinkle Reducer and The Eye Lift can be added to facial treatments to target specific areas for an additional boost. The Spa at 21c is currently closed Monday through Wednesday, and certain treatments are only offered on specific days, so be sure to call ahead or check their online menu to see what is available on the day you plan to take your mom out. 

Inner Peace Organic Spa

811 Race St., Cincinnati, OH 45202

The Inner Peace Organic Spa is well-named: Its calm atmosphere is perfect for soothing stressed nerves. Some of the services guests can enjoy include foot baths, sauna sessions, and Shirodhara oil treatments. All of the products used are made from the finest organic, natural ingredients for gentle yet effective results. 

The spa also offers alternative services like hypnosis, spirit card readings, and chakra balancing to complete the experience. Your mom is sure to walk away from this spa relaxed, refreshed, and brimming with life. 

Dream Spa Day

Which of these enchanting establishments will you be sending your mom to this Mother's Day?

Going on a picnic with either a significant other or your family is a tried-and-true tradition that's become a national pastime throughout the ages. There are plenty of great parks in the Columbus area where you lay out a blanket or sit at a table for a nice meal and even nicer company. Here are some of our favorite picnic hotspots for National Picnic Day April 23.

Scioto Grove Metro Park

5172 Jackson Pike, Grove City, OH 43123

You could spend nearly the entire day at Scioto Grove Metro Park because there are so many things to do. In addition to picnic shelters that will keep you off the ground, you can burn off some calories with a nice walk along one of its eight trails. You'll also find a sizable event space, archery ranges, disc golf course, and beautiful river views.

Topiary Garden Park

480 E. Town St., Columbus, OH 43215

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Situated next to the Columbus Metropolitan Library's main branch, Topiary Garden Park is a wonderful place to enjoy a picnic with friends or family. The spot is also unique because it's home to the only existing topiary interpretation of a painting. This makes it great for art lovers or people looking to snap a cool picture for their Instagram.

Franklin Park Adventure Center

1755 E. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43203

As one of the many iconic parks in Columbus, Franklin Park Adventure Center is perfect for couples and families who are interested in having a picnic or simply spending time together. After your feast, feel free to head over to the conservatory where you can explore several types of environments and plants. You'll need to purchase admission, but it's a small charge and worth every penny.

Columbus Park of Roses

3901 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43214

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As you can probably guess from the name, the Columbus Park of Roses is an absolutely gorgeous spot for a picnic. This 13-acre park is also known as Whetstone Park and the landscape changes throughout the seasons depending on which flowers are in bloom. Every park on our list is beautiful and unique, but this is arguably the most romantic in the Columbus area.

Scioto Audubon Metro Park

400 W. Whittier St., Columbus, OH 43215

Whether you're in the mood for a gorgeous view of the city or prefer a river view, Scioto Audubon Metro Park has more than enough options. In addition to a healthy amount of picnic tables, you'll find a dog park, rock climbing area, obstacle course, picturesque water tower, and more. There's even a playground for kids of all ages and a mister to keep them cool on hot days.

Goodale Park

120 W. Goodale St., Columbus, OH 43215

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Perhaps one of the greatest things about Goodale Park—Columbus' first public park—is that it's situated near quite a few restaurants, which means you can grab food at one of those instead of cooking yourself. While you're there, you'll surely be enthralled by the architecture of Victorian Village homes and can find plenty of things to do between the park's pond, tennis courts, baseball diamonds, and playground.

Hoover Reservoir Park

7701 Sunbury Rd, Westerville, OH 43081

With more than 4700 acres, Hoover Reservoir Park has many great spots to enjoy a picnic. There's wildlife in many areas of the park to enjoy. If you're lucky, you may even spot a bald eagle. There are also many types of water sports available and families often spend some time on the water before returning to land for a picnic.

Genoa Park

303 W. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43215

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For fans of skylines, Genoa Park is the place you want to be because you'll get some stunning views of Downtown Columbus. The first things most visitors will notice, however, are the humanized deer sculptures that are enjoying a day at the park just as you will be. This park is also home to an amphitheater that holds concerts and other events throughout the year.

McFerson Commons Park

218 West St., Columbus, OH 43215

Often referred to as Arch Park thanks to the iconic Union Station Arch that's found there, McFerson Commons Park is what you might consider an urban oasis. Surrounded by a wall of trees that provides plenty of shade, this is a popular spot for annual festivals, 5K races, casual sports leagues, and more. 

Life is a Picnic

What picturesque surroundings will make your Columbus picnic-perfect?