The Ultimate Gift Guide For Coffee Lovers | 614 Mom

If I’m being honest with all of you, I was never a big coffee drinker.  Diet Coke all the waayyy!! I loved the smell of coffee but the taste - blah. As a freelancer I take meetings in coffee shops multiple times per week and at some point I just started trying different drinks. I am not a H U G E coffee drinker and love my daily cup.  

If you follow me on Instagram you probably already know that one of my favorite coffee shops in Columbus is Coffee Connections in Hilliard.  I am so excited because one of the owners, Sharon, has written a gift guide for coffee lovers!! EEKKK! So excited. Check out the gift guide below and remember if you buy through any of these links - I may get a small percentage of the sale.  Thank you for supporting the site and always being such great readers!

What other kind of gift guides would you like?  Comment below and let me know!

Purchase WHOLE bean coffee and grind it right before brewing:

1.Great Grinders

KRUPS Electric Grinder

Baratza Encore Conical Coffee Grinder

2.Scale

To weigh out exactly the right amount of coffee: This digital kitchen scale is perfect.

Sharon from Coffee Connections and Eryn at the 2018 Celebrating You Event

3.Pick a FABULOUS Brew Method

Pour Over

You must get this Hario v60 - it helps make the perfect pour over.  To make the perfect pour over you need filters also.  We love these Hario V60 Paper filters.

French Press

This Stainless Steel French Press is a classic. It matches any decor and works so well.  

CheMex

This is a modern and beautiful glass pour over coffeemaker.  (Eryn’s Note: this is the one I want because I can also make tea with it)  Of course you’ll need filters with this one - grab these.  

The American Press

Is great for coffee drinkers and tea drinkers.  It brews quickly and makes delicious drinks if you use the beans which brings us to our next point….

4. GREAT COFFEE

FRESH coffee beans- order at Coffee Connections! HA!

A New Mug For Your Enjoyment

Last but not least... a STELLAR new mug for enjoyment... Here's a few great ones:

For the Target Lovers…

Any Bob Ross fans in the house??

For those with never ending To Do Lists...

At the end of the day, however you enjoy your coffee is the BEST! If you aren’t up for it - you can always head into Coffee Connections for the perfect cup.

My Birthday Wish Came True!

You guys I’ve been sleeping better this week than I have in YEARS! I should probably explain - I’ve had my mattress for over 10 years.  My parents bought it for me when I still lived at their house (if I told you the exact number of years you’d probably judge me for just now making this switch) This year for my birthday all I wanted was to get a new mattress. I wanted to trade in our queen for a king size and finally sleep like adults.  :) 

We’ve been looking for a long time and we kept feeling overwhelmed.  The big mattress stores just felt too salesy and not like they genuinely cared about helping us find something that worked for both my husband and I.  I have back problems and he doesn’t so we were looking for something we both loved - basically a unicorn. We went online and looked at all of the mattresses we could find and to be quite honest I didn’t want to take the risk of ordering a mattress that I had not tried before. The hassle of it all sounded like too much. 

A friend of mine who I met through my Business of Blogging course recommended I check out C*BUS Mattress.  They are located in Grandview and if she wouldn’t have told me about them, I never would have found them. C*BUS Mattress was everything I didn’t know I needed.  I set up an appointment with the owner, Ben, for a weekend that my husband could join us. Ben encouraged us to bring the kids and not stress about them running around while we looked.  

When we arrived at the warehouse it was quiet, I guess I had been so used to going into these mattress stores with 5-10 guys ready to pounce and that’s what I was expecting. I was wrong. Ben was there along with some candy for the kids, water and beer for the adults, and his mattresses.  We started talking, he got to know us and we got to know more about him and why he opened C*BUS Mattress and then we got down to business. He asked us a lot of questions about how we sleep, if we had any health issues, etc. Then he took us around and showed us all of the different mattresses we can choose from.  Ben encouraged us to lay on them as we would at home and to get comfortable.  

The kids had no idea what was going on because they made themselves at home on one of the mattresses and Ben put on their favorite Netflix show.  They were H A P P Y.  

We finally settled on one that was firm for me but with a pillow top for my husband and I’m not kidding - I’ve been sleeping better than ever since it was delivered.  

On delivery day we were given time between 4pm-5pm and they arrived around 4:30.  They do not dispose of old mattresses but they do help carry the old one to another room or to the garage if needed.  They set up the frame, box springs, and finally the mattress. We also purchased all of the needed items from C*BUS Matress including a mattress pad, sheets, and two king-sized pillows.  They were in a red bag on the mattress when they finished with the install.  

It made purchasing a new bed easy and convenient for a very busy mom and business owner who is always taking care of others. This time I put myself first and did something that would impact my everyday life.  

Things To Know About C*BUS Mattress 

1. Your appointment time is YOURS. You get to take your time without a sleazy salesman trying to get you in and out.  

2. Ben will take care of you.  He wants you to be happy and confident with your purchase. 

3. The delivery drivers are quality people. Ben would never send strangers into someone’s home. He wants to deliver the same great service at the warehouse and in your home.  

4. Get the accessories with Ben - the sheets are so soft and the pillows are a dream! 

5. There is a mattress for you there.  He has some in all price ranges but not so many that it feels overwhelming to pick one.  

Have questions?  Comment below or send me an email. I’m here to help! :)

Ignore our carpet - we need to get that replaced that too :)

Axe Throwing in Columbus: Things To Know and Where To Go!

My husband’s birthday was a few weeks ago and to celebrate I booked private party at Dueling Axes in Downtown, Columbus.  Before we get much further into this I want to be very honest with you - I am terrible at axe throwing. Like borderline embarrassing. I think I need lessons. LOL! It was a great time though - my husband and all of our friends were much better than me and they also loved it.  

We arrived a few minutes before our reservation to make sure everyone had time to sign waivers before we got started. Once everyone arrived they took us over to our lanes and gave us safety instructions, helped us with practice throws, and then explained a few games we could play. The first game we played was simple - each team member got five throws and at the end the team with the highest score won.  The second game we played was Blackjack with Axes. For us Blackjack with Axes ended with an axe faceoff - between my husband and our friend Matt.  It was an exciting end to a really great night.

Axe Throwing is new(ish) to Columbus so I thought I’d give you some tips before you head out to Dueling Axes - because if I can do it, anyone can.  :) 

1. You don’t have to book a party to go. You can go on a date night, friends, or by yourself if that’s your thing :) The pricing depends on how many hours you reserve and for how many people.  

2. Reservations are strongly encouraged if you want to secure a lane for your group.  They do accept walk ins - but there could be long wait times. Just be prepared. 

3. Make sure to wear closed toed shoes. I actually didn’t know this but had a feeling and I’m glad that I did because it’s a rule.  So make sure you put your toes away for this outing.  

4. I know I mentioned it was hard for me - and that’s true but to be fair I’m really good when putting pen to paper but bat to ball (or axe to target) kind of skills are just not where I excel. Everyone else in the group was able to master it with a little training and to be fair - I did hit the bullseye a few times (and EVERYONE in the place knew it because I celebrated with a little screaming and a dance) 

5. Speaking of - they do train you.  Before you get started, one of their trained staff members go through some required safety information as well as practice throws for everyone.  

6. It’s BYOB - and that’s important for two reasons.  1. They don’t sell alcohol on site and 2. You can’t bring liquor. I mean - would you want someone doing shots of tequila and throwing an axe?  ;) 

7. With that said - you can do what we did and order food and drinks for the Walrus when you run out.  There are a few other places nearby that deliver - Dirty Franks, Mikey’s Late Night Slice, and Pecan Penny’s.  My personal recommendation - french fries from the Walrus with the amazing sauce that comes with them.  

I originally booked my husband’s birthday party here because it was different, looked fun, and it was BYOB but after our experience I can say that we will be back and my husband is currently thinking of joining the leagues when they officially open.   We’re big fans.  Maybe we’ll see you there?

Book your axe throwing adventure now! 

Have an axe throwing question?  Drop them in the comments and I’ll be sure to answer.  

The 11 Best Ice Cream Shops In Columbus | July | National Ice Cream Month

July is National Ice Cream Month and in our house we love to celebrate all month long.  Nothing is better than enjoying an ice cream cone after a day at the pool or a long bike ride or just because. :-) We have so many great places in Columbus to enjoy the delicious frozen treat, and in honor of National Ice Cream month I’m sharing our top 11 favorite ice cream places. Each one has a unique reason we love it and I hope you'll love them too. 

Stay tuned later in the week for how we have fun making our own homemade ice cream.  

1. Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams - Brown Butter Almond Brittle, Salty Caramel, Brambleberry Crisp....enough said. 

2. Graeter’s Ice Cream - Classic flavors, sundaes, and kids sundaes

3. Handel’s Ice Cream - The Handel's Hurricane is AH-MAZING!!! I really love the nerds hurricane.  

4. Velvet Ice Cream - The delicious, super creamy ice cream is worth the drive to Utica and their food is also really great. You can also find them in the ice cream section at Giant Eagle.

5. The Little Ice Cream Shoppe -This adorable shop in Hilliard is delicious.  Sometimes they sell out which is awesome! 

6. Kilwins Dublin has so many delicious treats including ice cream!

7. Johnson’s Ice Cream - Check out their new location in Dublin or head to Bexley for their original location.

8. Mardi Gras Homemade Ice Cream - I remember this one from my childhood,  it's a staple in Worthington. 

9. Simply Rolled Ice Cream - looking for something a little different? Rolled ice cream is a fun new twist on an old classic. 

10. Cream & Sugar - Located downtown and super delicious.  

11. Cookie Dough Creamery - Love cookie dough?  Love Ice cream? This places combines the two. Pay by the size not the weight which is great since they have a full bar of toppings you can pour over your ice cream.  Not a cookie dough fan? No worries - you can get a bowl of just ice cream. 

3 Reasons I Love Huntington Bank

This post is sponsored by The Huntington National Bank and The Motherhood. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

If you were to open my wallet you would see all green - and I’m not talking cash, because who carries cash anymore? My wallet is filled with Huntington Bank debit cards, credit cards, and you can’t see it in my wallet, but I hold my mortgage with Huntington as well.  My husband and I have been huge Huntington fans for a long time and we’ve remained such loyal customers because they’ve always treated us right. 

When Huntington reached out to me about being an ambassador,I was really excited because it was already such a natural fit. I didn’t have to go and open a new account or learn the brand from the beginning. I already know that Huntington cares for our community, I know that Huntington believes in looking out for their customers and I know that Huntington has helped me take control of my finances by giving me the tools I need most. 

My husband and I like to think we know all there is to know about banking, I mean we were personal bankers, but that was a lifetime ago. I feel so old saying this but time is changing and we don’t know every detail - I didn’t know how to endorse a check the other day, guys, and it hit me that I can no longer call myself a banker.  Because of this, we are so thankful for our friends at Huntington who help us navigate the banking world so we can make sure we are doing every single thing we need to for our financial freedom.   

3 Reasons I love Huntington

1. They helped us get our mortgage at ages 20 & 21.  I’m really proud of that.

2. They aren’t afraid of change & innovation.  

3. I see them everywhere in our community & I know they care. 

There are a lot of reasons I love Huntington and a lot of things I’ve learned from being a customer - but I want to know...what do you want to learn over the next few months about banking, finances, Huntington, or anything else related to this new partnership?  Tell me in the comments so I can make sure to answer them all.  

8 Tips For Taking Your Kids To Their First Blue Jackets Game

If you follow 614 Mom on Instagram you know that I recently took my family to their first hockey game! I’ve always been a huge fan of the Columbus Blue Jackets (I used to have season tickets and never missed a game) so I was very excited to take them to their first game! I came prepared to do all the things - get the cotton candy, buy the souvenirs that they would inevitably want, and simply enjoy a fun night of hockey with my family.  

My son had actually just signed up for the Blue Jackets Learn to Play program that same day, during his weekly skating lesson, so he was really excited to see a real life hockey game.  If your child would be interested in learning to play - I highly recommend checking it out. It’s a great learning opportunity for them and is easy on the budget.  Anyways - back to their first Blue Jackets game.

My husband and I decided to keep it a complete secret - they knew we were going somewhere but they had no idea where.  After we parked at the Nationwide Arena Parking Garage we headed towards dinner.  On our walk we shared with them our plans and they literally jumped up and down with excitement.  It was seriously the cutest thing.

We grabbed dinner at Buca di Beppo which is right next door to the arena which made it easy and convenient.  Buca is home to one of my favorite salads in town - the Apple Gorgonzola Salad. Buca was, as always, a great place to kick off the night.  We were able to fill the little tummies and not feel rushed as we walked over to the game.

During our experience I came up with a list of tips so that when you take your kids to their first (or 100th) Blue Jackets Game you can go prepared and make the whole experience something for everyone to remember for a lifetime.  

8 Tips For Taking Your Kids To Their First Blue Jackets Game

1. Grab dinner beforehand. This helps limit the amount of lines you’re in and allows you more time in your seats to enjoy the game. I recommend Buca di Beppo or Boston’s.  If you don’t have time to get food before, there are plenty of options inside the arena for yummy food.

2. Pregame Warmups: 6:30 p.m. or 7 p.m. or half hour before puck drop. Arrive early enough to watch from ice level where you can hold your homemade signs and maybe even catch a puck that a player may flip over the glass.

3. Order team apparel ahead of time by visiting the Blue Line online store.

4. If it’s your child’s first game you can visit the desk next to the Blue Line store for a commemorative hockey puck with their name written on it.  This was really special for my three. I highly recommend making time for this.

5. Let the kids play - The IGS Energy Zone (located on main concourse near sections 108-109) features family-friendly activities such as a floor hockey rink where kids can play, interactive games for fans of all ages and a photo station where fans can take home a keepsake from the game.  

6. Be ready to answer a lot of questions. Read up on your hockey knowledge before you go :)

7. The Cannon: Nationwide Arena, the centerpiece of Columbus’ Arena District, is home for the Jackets where its fan experience consistently ranks among the best in the NHL and a cannon is a featured attraction. The Jackets’ game presentation includes a replica 1857 Napoleon field cannon that fires each time the home team scores a goal and takes the ice to start the game. The cannon is beloved by locals and despised by visitors (players, media, fans) who hate it for surprising them and the fact that it triggers a CBJ goal celebration. Fans line up before the game and during intermissions to get their photos taken at the cannon or with members of its Cannon Crew.

8. Don’t leave early.  I know with little kids and traffic sometimes it makes sense to leave just a few minutes early but let me tell you watching the Blue Jackets win is powerful and the room is filled with so much energy.  You don’t want to miss that. Traffic is handled really well in my experience.

How Coworking Helped Me Spend More Intentional Time With My Children | Haven Collective | 614 Mom

Wow. This blog post has been weighing on my heart for awhile now and it feels so good to sit down and get it all typed out.  There are a lot of articles about the benefits of coworking and I would have to agree with anyone who tells me coworking is great for business.  Coworking has helped me in my business tremendously and I remain thankful every single day for my membership at Haven Collective. The one thing I never predicted?  The way coworking would help me spend more intentional time with my children.

As a work from home mom my days are looooong. The day starts early with breakfast, school drop off, and playtime for the youngest two. We typically head to the park where I ask them to sit in the car just a few extra minutes so I can respond to that one email that turns into three and then we get out to play.  I check my phone a few times throughout the day, like a high school student in class, trying not to get caught….but they catch me. Every. Single. Time. I’m still TOTALLY in the moment though, I lie to myself.

I’m not trying to ignore them - I’m trying to help a client.  A client who pays me so I can pay for tball, ballet, random trips to the LEGO store, and everything else their little hearts desire. Because they deserve the world, and I’m going to give them the freaking world.

We head home and I make lunch and put them both down for nap.  Nap time - great that’s my work time. First though let’s switch laundry and run the dishwasher so those things can be working while I am. Work smarter not harder...right? Crap that dish hit the sink too hard and now the baby is crying.  Get her back down for nap and now I’m exhausted. I sit. For the first time all day, I sit. I email a little on my phone, scroll through social media (that is part of my job after all) and try to cram in as much work as possible in the precious hour that I have before going to pick up my oldest from school.   

Next thing I know it’s 9 pm and all the kids are in bed, I grab my bestie (AKA my laptop) and open it up to find an overwhelming amount of work that is going to keep me up until at least midnight.   I’m pretty sure in that day I wasn’t as in the moment as I thought I was, I saw my husband for all of twenty minutes, and I’m exhausted.

This isn’t the life I dreamed of when I first decided to go into work for myself, but it’s all part of the grind I try to tell myself while wishing I could be in the moment more.  It’s that stage of business that’s hard and I just happen to be going through it while also raising three young children.

My first time ever at Haven - February 27, 2018!! Taken from the Haven Collective Instagram.

When I decided to tour Haven Collective it was mainly just to see the space and say hi to two women I felt like I knew through the power of social media.  I had also recently won an award and part of that prize was a one month membership to Haven, so I was excited to talk about maybe turning that in and claiming my free month just to see what it was all about, I wasn’t ready to start paying for office space and my business wasn’t making enough to justify the expense.  Plus - what about my kids? Where would they go?

From the minute I sat down on the green couch to talk with Melissa (co creator of Haven) I felt like this was my space. They get me here, the struggle is so real being a business owner and then throw in being a parent, especially when you’re the primary caregiver for your kids, it’s tough. The guilt is so strong and hard to shake most days.  I could have sat and talked to Melissa for hours (and maybe we did?)

As soon as I left I could just feel that the change in my business was going to happen there.  That was where I needed to be to become the business owner I had always dreamed of being. I can’t really explain it, but I have proof because as soon as I got home I sent one email and took the rest of the day off.  That email - was to Melissa telling her to sign me up for my one free month and that I didn’t really have any plans on cancelling once that month was over. I was ready to dive all the way in.

Also from my first time at Haven on 2/27/18 - I needed so much to see this sign. Haven gave me the confidence to start growing my business like I knew I needed to.

When I started on March 1, 2018 I was still figuring out a lot about myself and my business. I was at a point of growth with very little vision on where I wanted to be other than I knew it was time to hustle hard. Does that make sense?  That was basically my brain for a few months, chaos. Thankfully the owners of Haven, Melissa and Danielle were there for me in ways that I desperately needed. I needed someone to talk through ideas with because I have A LOT of ideas and talking about them to myself in the shower just wasn’t cutting it anymore.  They helped me see the light, they push me when I’m doubting myself, and my business growth has a lot to do with their encouragement.

I now spend at least once a week at Haven and sometimes that’s all I need. A few uninterrupted hours to H U S T L E.

Haven does have onsite childcare serviced by the best babysitting service in Columbus - Sitting Made Simple and it's so fun for the littles. They are opening up new playgroups for members this fall and I've got my youngest ready to go so mama can hustle every single Monday. 

I can get everything done that I need to in one day at Haven that used to take my two weeks when juggling kids, house and work. Don’t get me wrong, I have a creative brain, there is always work to be done, but the most important stuff gets down so I can spend my nights working when I want to.  I’ve met some amazing business owners who have turned into some of my closest friends, I’ve grown my business and I’m making three times the income I used to make. The best part though? When I’m home with my kids, I am home with my kids. I can turn off email and notifications because I’m caught up. I’m not always behind.  I can just go to the park and catch them as they slide down the tallest slide. I can take the day off and drive to the candy factory without once checking my email and now when I turn on the laptop while they’re awake it’s to crank up Kidz Bop on Spotify for an epic dance party. My kids definitely get their love for a midday dance party from their mama! :)

This is the perfect image to sum up how I feel about being a member of Haven!! Sitting next to a friend and someone I admire so much - co creator of Haven, Danielle Lim.

5 Best Fruit Farms For Berry Picking | 614 Mom's Guide To Summer Series | 2018

I don't know about you but one of my favorite parts of summer is all of the fresh produce. I get so excited thinking about the schedule of farmers markets coming up but my kids get really excited about berry picking.  They love going out to the fruit farm and collecting the strawberries and coming home to clean and prep them.  I let them do it all for the buckets they pick including cutting the berries - we use this safety knife that protects their little hands but also gets the job done.  I will do a longer blog post on our prep after we go picking for the first time but for now let me share with you our five favorite places to go strawberry picking.

If you're new around here let me explain - I never share ALL of the places you can go do something, only the best. I have personally been to everyone of these farms and have had a great experience.  I've also been to other farms but I don't list them because the experience wasn't great.  

Quick Tips 

-Wear close toed shoes
-Bring lots and LOTS of sunscreen
-Bring an extra outfit (including shoes) for everyone - it can get muddy so it's nice to have a back up plan. On that note throw some towels and a trash bag in the trunk just in case.
-If you can bring your own containers - plastic containers like these work wonderfully. Make sure to check in at the front so they can weigh it before you head out to the field. 

 

 

Hann Farms Market

Address: 4600 Lockbourne Road

Phone: 614-491-0812

Cash ONLY

Mid to late May

Mitchells Berries

Address: 9331 Mitchell Dewitt Road Plain City

Phone: 937-243-0635

Cash preferred - Cards accepted

End of May

Blue Frog Farm

Address: 5499 Sportsman Club Rd.

Phone: 740.927.8559

Cash and cards accepted

Late June through August

The Maize at Little Darby Creek

Address: 8657 Axe Handle Rd.

Milford Center, OH 43045

Phone:(937) 349-4781

Blackberry and Raspberry

Granny B Farms - Organic

Address: 7201 Tucker Rd

Centerburg, Ohio

Phone:(614) 668-5251

Cash preferred. PayPal also accepted

Early June is the expected opening date.

Raspberry and Strawberry

Columbus Splash Pads | 614 Mom's Guide To Summer Series | 2018

Splash Pads

614 Mom's Guide to Summer! www.614mom.com

Summer just isn't complete without a little run through the sprinklers and luckily Columbus is filled with fun places to cool off and splash around.  It doesn't matter what part of the city you're in, there is a splash pad nearby to make all of your summer dreams come true.  I'm giving you all the details so Pin this page and refer back to it all summer long. 

Hilliard Station Park 

The Hilliard Fountains may be new but they do not disappoint.  Open daily from 8 am - 10 pm, from May to October.  Note: On Special Event days the fountains turn off around 3 pm so be sure to check their special event calendar. While we're on the subject let's talk about all the special events, Flicks on the Bricks, Celebration at the Station, Food Truck Thursday and more.  Hilliard we had to wait a long time for these fountains but you made us proud.  

Address: 4021 Main St, Hilliard, OH 43026
Parking: Plenty of free street parking available along Main Street.
Food: You can pack a picnic or eat at one of the nearby restaurants.  Local Cantina, Abner's Diner, and Old Bag of Nails just to name a few. Donatos is just a short drive down the street, and Coffee Connections is directly across the street.  
Shade: There is a large event space directly behind the fountains that you can pop into for some shade.  
Restrooms: Yes, they have public restrooms.  

Powell Splash Pad

Located at Village Green Park the splash pad is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day 9 am - 9 pm.  You can splash in the water and then have your picnic lunch in the solar picnic pavilion.  There is also a nice playground just steps from the splash pads.  This is also the same locations as the Lolli-Pops Summer Concert Series (June 4, July 9, August 6 this year). Note: If you're going to the Lolli-Pops concert be sure to bring a blanket to sit on as you watch and dance along. 

Address:  47 Hall Street Powell, Ohio
Parking: Plenty of free parking at the Municipal Building. 
Food: This is the perfect spot for a picnic, with tons of green space and the pavilion.  You can also grab lunch nearby on Sawmill Parkway, or at Local Roots not even 5 minutes from the park. 
Shade: The solar picnic pavilion is the perfect spot for a break and some shade. 
Restrooms: Yes, they have public restrooms.  

Ballantrae Community Park (The Bunny Park)

You've probably seen this one on social media a lot. The kids love the dancing bunnies at the top the big hill, and the open green space with the fountains makes for the perfect summer afternoon.  Opens on May 26. Operates daily from 10am-8pm

Address: 6350 Woerner Temple Rd, Dublin, OH 43016
Parking: Plenty of free parking in the parking lot adjacent to the park
Food: This is a no frills park - make sure you bring your own snacks, drinks, and anything else.  
Shade: Not a great park for shade. I have seen people bring tents - so that may be a good option for your family. 
Restrooms: Yes, they have public restrooms.  

The Scioto Mile

 is one of our favorites. Open Sunday - Thursday 9 am - 10 pm and Friday and Saturday 9 am - 11 pm.  According to the website, it is now open for the season. 

Address: Civic Center Dr Columbus, Ohio, OH 43215
Parking: Plenty of meter parking and a parking lot nearby.  
Food: Milestone 220 overlooks the fountains and is a great place for a kid friendly lunch. I recommend grabbing lunch there before hitting the fountains.  ;-) There is also plenty of green space for a nice picnic. 
Shade: There is some shade but it is hit or miss. 
Restrooms: Yes, they have public restrooms.  

Easton Fountains

I don't know about you but we can't go to Easton in the summer without our kids begging to play in the fountains. It is a must in the summer.  I will update this post with opening dates and hours when they become available. Note that on Wednesdays the fountain area closes at 4:30 for concerts.  The Kona Ice Truck is located just a few steps from the fountains for a fun, treat on a warm sunny day.  

Address: 160 Easton Town Center, Columbus, OH 43219
Parking: The Easton parking garages are nearby and have plenty of space.  You can find one next to Barnes and Noble and Panera as your closest spots.  There are also plenty of meter spots but those fill up fast. 
Food: Easton has plenty of places for a delicious snack. They typically have a snack bar located just outside of the fountains, as well as the Kona Ice Truck.  Northstar Cafe is very close, as well as Panera, Rusty Bucket, and Cheesecake Factory. The options are endless at Easton. If you're up for a quick drive Pies and Pints is at Easton Gateway and a great option for a summer lunch. 
Shade: There is some shade but it is hit or miss. 
Restrooms: Yes, they have public restrooms, nearby. 

Polaris Fashion Place

With all of the fun things going on at Polaris this is a very popular splash pad.  Head to Story Time at Pottery Barn Kids or The Disney Store and then go cool off at the splash pad.  Polaris also hosts many kid friendly events through their KidX Club. Every Friday from June 16 - August 18 from 10:30 - noon you can party at the fountains with Sunny 95, Polaris Mall, crafts, characters, and more. 

Address: 1500 Polaris Parkway ,Columbus, OH 43240
Parking: The parking is easy - park near Cheesecake Factory/Barnes and Noble for easy access to the splash pad
Food: So many options.  Food Court, Cheesecake Factory, Dave and Busters, and so much more. You can't go wrong. 
Shade: There is some shade but it is hit or miss. 
Restrooms: Yes, they have public restrooms, nearby. 

North Bank Park

With a beautiful view and fountains to splash in this park is sure to please.  You simply can't go wrong here. The fountain area isn't as big as other splash pads on this list but it is amazing. 

Address: 311 W Long St, Columbus, OH 43215
Parking: Meter Parking
Food: Make sure to pack your snacks or lunch. 
Shade: There is some shade but it is hit or miss. 
Restrooms: Yes, they have public restrooms, nearby. 

Hanby Park 

The newest splash pad in town!! When it opens I promise to come back and give a full update and review. 

Address: 115 E Park St, Westerville, OH 43081
Parking:
Food: Make sure to pack your snacks or lunch. 
Shade: . 
Restrooms:

Grove City Splash Paad

Grove City is getting a new splash pad!!! The new splash pad opens to the public on May 19 at Fryer Park. The park is free and open to the public 11am-8pm daily.  Open through labor day on days school is not in session.  Once we've been there to check it out I will come back for a full review.  

Address: 3600 Discovery Drive Grove City
Parking:
Food: Make sure to pack your snacks or lunch. 
Shade: . 
Restrooms:

Powell Splash Pad

www.614mom.com

Powell Splash Pad

www.614mom.com

Bottomless Mimosas and Mimosas by the Carafe in Columbus, Ohio

A few days ago a dear friend of mine sent me a message asking for a recommendation on where she could find the best place for bottomless mimosas.  I immediately sent her my favorites but it got me thinking that maybe you guys would also like my list so I'm throwing my list on the blog and hoping you can use it when planning your weekend brunch plans! :-) 

Below are places you can find mimosas by the carafe or bottomless mimosas.  This list is subject to change. I will update frequently but always good to triple check with the restaurant before heading in. 

Bottomless Mimosas

FORNO (Short North)

Saturday and Sunday Brunch 10 am - 3 pm
$20

Balboa (Grandview)

Saturday and Sunday Brunch 11 am - 3pm
$15

Oddfellow's Liquor Bar (Short North)

Saturday and Sunday 10 am - 2 pm
$15 for a bottle of bubbly and a carafe of OJ

Mimosas by the Carafe

Market Italian Village 

Saturday and Sunday 9am-2pm
$22 - one bottle of le colture fagher prosecco with carafe of orange juice

VASO (Dublin)

Saturday and Sunday 11 am - 4pm
$25 - Cava, orange juice, served by the glass or by Porron, classic Spanish vessel used to pour directly into your mouth

Milestone 229 (Downtown)

Sunday 10 am - 3pm
$30 - bottle of Cava and carafe of orange juice

Mimosa Bar 

The Goat

Sunday 10 am - 2 pm
$6 per mimosa - build your own mimosa with different fruit drinks, fruit, and other garnishes.