They say in order to truly observe something, you must use as many of your senses as possible. When entering the full-size Lustron home inside of the Ohio History Center, I felt like Marty McFly reemerging in the 1955 version of Hill Valley. 

Nothing on this earth rivals Ohio sweet corn. If you’re lucky enough to find your hands on a cob in late August, you devour. You devour and give thanks. 

Zanesville is a special place. It has vast history, heartland charisma, and a deep sense of community. In the six years I’ve been visiting my husband’s hometown, I’ve felt the white-hot hum of a cultural revolution. 

There are three shelves of My Little Ponies in my (pink) office. With accessories. Right by the box of Strawberry Shortcake Colorforms and unicorn coloring book, near my Smurf glass. I don’t necessarily broadcast this behavior, but after visiting The Art of the Brick at Discovery Times Square, I realized that there’s absolutely no shame in playing forever. 

We all know that New York is the city that never sleeps, but it’s more than that. It can morph into any country from around the world at any moment, making it the ultimate shape shifter. 

I used to think that magical forests existed only in fairytales. Then I discovered Inniswood Metro Gardens, whose lavish and playful world made me a believer of supernatural nature. 

Some people believe that gardens have souls. After visiting Schnormeier Gardens in Gambier, I agree.

I didn’t believe it was possible to hold a letter that George Washington wrote in 1788. Or flip through a 15th-century medieval manuscript. I definitely didn’t think I could do so less than a mile from home. The State Library of Ohio rules. 

Covert parking spots. The identity of Vinchen. Jeni’s Salty Caramel recipe. Some Short North secrets are best kept hidden. Dames Bond Marketplace shouldn’t be one of them, even if its name is inspired by a super secret agent. 

After learning about the free Elvis photography exhibit at Capital University’s Schumacher Gallery, I was skeptical. Rhinestone-studded visions of fist pumps and girdled velvet filled my head. Haven’t we seen all of Elvis there is to see? 

With the Kentucky Derby less than two months away, I had bourbon on the brain. It was time to tour Watershed Distillery in Grandview to learn more about the process of microdistilling.

I’ve been afraid of alligators my whole life. During a recent trip to Naples, I made the (shockingly brave) decision to (willingly) encounter one. 

The Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum is one of the biggest secrets in Columbus, but big plans are in the works to make it a place you won’t forget.

Shining like a beacon of well-groomed cotton, it hung on a corner endcap in the ladies department. Such a masterpiece of elegance and ease I hadn’t encountered.  

Yesterday was the Great American Peanut Butter Tasting & Challenge. The rules were simple. I asked friends to do a blind taste testing of five peanut butters and rank each one.

Five Columbus organizations collaborated to host a silent memorial flash mob in honor of World AIDS Day.

Bullying is not an easy subject, but it has been getting lots of global attention. You Will Rise Project hosted a student art exhibit yesterday with pieces by 11 Columbus students who have been victims of bullying. The display was as haunting and raw as it was uplifting. 

A lot can happen when you trade life’s bustle for the rustling of leaves.

Last night in Goodale Park, a couple hundred community members came out to show support for LGBT youth who have taken their lives or been severely impacted by bullying. 

We often hear about programs that benefit the community. Last night at the first annual Short Stop Youth Center Open House, I experienced one that changes it. 

Ten years ago this month, I wrote a story for Discover Ohio Magazine about 10 haunted places in Ohio. These are the sites I profiled.