
Is it truly time to shake off the winter chill, and welcome the first signs of spring? You bet! The days are growing longer, the temperatures are rising, and the first flowers are emerging from the soil at greenspaces all around Columbus. Whether you're interested in a quiet, tranquil walk, a chance to gaze at gorgeous gardens, or the perfect place for a fun, outdoor family outing, there's certain to be a local greenspace with your name on it. Find your happy place with our guide to 9 of the best greenspaces in Columbus.
160 S. High St., Columbus, OH 43215
There's always something new to experience when you visit the John F. Wolfe Columbus Commons, a popular urban greenspace located in the heart of downtown Columbus. This park offers a little bit of everything, from flowery gardens and community events to a food truck court that features flavors from around the world. It's also home to the unique NEOS Electric Playground, which is certain to be a hit with younger members of the family.
120 W. Goodale St., Columbus, OH 43215
View this post on Instagram
With beautiful fountains, a scenic pond, and stunning views of the Columbus skyline, Goodale Park is the perfect place to shake off the winter chill. This is the oldest public park in the city, built on land that was donated by the first physician to practice in Columbus. Along with the scenery, this park has tennis courts for enjoying some outdoor recreation, a playground that is sure to keep the kids entertained, and plenty of lovely places to plan a picnic.
1069 Jaeger St., Columbus, OH 43206
Ever since the land was first converted into a park in the 1800s, Schiller Park has been a local favorite for outdoor recreation and relaxation. The park is named for German poet Friedrich Schiller, and the scenery just might be enough to inspire you to write some poetry of your own. At Schiller Park, you'll find a peaceful fishing pond, a collection of beautifully maintained gardens, and a wide variety of outdoor recreation facilities for enjoying your favorite sports. Schiller Park is also home to the Actor's Summer Theater, where you can enjoy public performances of Shakespeare during the warm weather seasons.
3901 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43214
View this post on Instagram
What could be a better way to celebrate the signs of spring than visiting a beautiful rose garden? And the Columbus Park of Roses isn't just any old garden. It features one of the most extensive selections of roses in the entire country, with more than 12,000 specimens when the garden is in full bloom. There are paved paths that make it easy to explore the gardens and plenty of places to snap some great pictures for social media sharing. Be sure to check out the Park of Roses website, where you can see which roses are in bloom before you visit.
152 Howlett Hall 2021, Fyffe Rd., Columbus, OH 43210
Looking for an educational setting where kids can learn while enjoying the great outdoors? The Chadwick Arboretum & Learning Gardens offer a unique blend of outdoor fun and education. The facility is located on the Ohio State University agriculture campus and is free to visit all year long. Enjoy expansive gardens, native trees, gorgeous greenhouses, and plenty of opportunities to learn more about all of the flora on display.
1777 E. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43203
View this post on Instagram
When you're in the mood for a lush, scenic outdoor setting with activities galore, it's hard to top the experience at Franklin Park Conservatory & Botanical Gardens. This facility features more than 100 acres of natural beauty to explore, with some of the most stunning gardens that you'll find anywhere. While you're here, be sure to check out the schedule of gardening workshops, educational classes, community events, seasonal farmer's market, and expert-guided tours.
400 W. Whittier St., Columbus, OH 43215
For unique outdoor recreation activities in Columbus, it's hard to top all that the Scioto Audubon Metropark has to offer. Scale a massive rock-climbing wall that can accommodate climbers of all skill levels and enjoy a wide range of recreational facilities for playing your favorite sports. There's also a popular dog park on-site, perfect for celebrating the start of spring with your furry friend.
233 S. Civic Center Dr., Columbus, OH 43215
View this post on Instagram
In the mood for a full day of visiting some of the best greenspaces in Columbus? Scioto Mile is a beautiful greenspace on its own, and its paved, well-maintained paths connect to eight other greenspaces within the city. The paths wind along the Scioto River, and offer outstanding views of the city skyline. You'll find unique public art exhibits as you explore the area, and may even encounter some free, public performances depending on when you visit. Be sure to come back again in the summer, when kids can enjoy a splash in the interactive Scioto Mile Fountain.
480 E. Town St., Columbus, OH 43215
If you're searching for something that is uniquely Columbus, then a trip to the Topiary Garden Park is definitely in order. What is a topiary garden, you might ask? It's a good question because this is the only garden of its kind in the whole world! The Topiary Garden Park is a recreation of Georges Seurat's painting, "A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte." But instead of paint, the garden uses sculpted plants and landscaping features to recreate the painting. This is one Columbus attraction that art lovers won't want to miss.
Which outdoor oasis is at the top of your list for celebrating the first signs of spring? The diverse, beautiful greenspaces of Columbus are ready to be explored, with family fun waiting around every corner.

From improving your mood to strengthening your immune system, there are many benefits of going outside and taking a walk. The Cincinnati area is full of parks and outdoor areas perfect for everyone, from hardcore hikers to casual dog walkers.
Next time you want to get some exercise and enjoy the great outdoors, consider visiting one of these eight beautiful parks.
1558 Stanford Dr., Cincinnati, OH 45223
Located in Cincinnati's Northside neighborhood, Buttercup Valley Preserve is a great option for avid nature hikers. The trails are very wooded, with steep inclines that will offer you a bit of a challenge. This trail is nestled in the middle of some of the city's best neighborhoods and is an excellent getaway that will make you forget that you're still in the city.
You'll find lots of flora and fauna in the preserve, including some trees that are over 200 years old. There are multiple walking and hiking trails here, including one that will provide a memorable view of Spring Grove Cemetery.
5090 Observatory Circle, Cincinnati, OH 45208
View this post on Instagram
As the highest point in Hyde Park, Ault park offers stunning views of the city. It's home to a 1.4-mile walking, hiking, and mountain biking trail that is one of the city's best-kept secrets.
This trail is hilly and will offer a bit of a challenge. However, once you get through it, you'll find that the beautiful views, scenery, and wildlife are well worth the effort. Many residents and visitors agree that this is one of the most beautiful parks in the Cincinnati area.
Riverside Dr. & Corbin St., Cincinnati, OH 45226
You can't beat the views on the Ohio River Trail. Once it's complete, this 23-mile trail will span along the north bank of the river. It runs from Coney Island through downtown to Sayler Park. While areas are still under construction, you can still enjoy 10 miles of it now. When it's completed, it will connect downtown to the Little Miami Scenic Trail and eventually extend all the way to Lake Erie.
There are many fun things to do here, including swinging on the 2-3 person swings, splashing in the interactive fountain, and riding the carousel. This family-friendly series of trails are ideal for running, walking, and biking. It's perfect for people of all ages and fitness levels.
6168 Given Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45243
View this post on Instagram
An easy urban trail with a lot of foot traffic, Red Bird Hollow Trail offers a nice walk near the river with plenty to see. It's a 3-mile in-and-out trail that's popular for running, hiking, and nature walks. We recommend starting at the top of the trail where you'll find plenty of parking spots.
This trail is also dog-friendly, although you must keep your furry friend on a leash while your walk. Generally, it's safest and most pleasant to use this trail between April and October.
3012 Section Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45237
One of the area's most underrated parks, French Park offers several looping trails that are good for walkers of all skill levels. Some areas offer a moderate challenge and a few inclines that might even qualify as strenuous.
This is an excellent kid-friendly trail. Little ones especially love heading down by the creek to explore. When you finish your walk, plan to drive to the top of the park to enjoy a beautiful view and a picnic lunch.
5083 Colerain Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45223
View this post on Instagram
The 1,459-acre Mt. Airy Forest is Cincinnati's largest park. It offers miles of hiking trails, a multi-use mountain biking trail, and bridle trails for horseback riders. It also has an enclosed dog park, disc golf, and Ohio's only wheelchair-accessible public treehouse. There are also picnic tables, charcoal grills, and swing sets, so you and the family can relax and spend an entire day exploring the park and taking in the beautiful scenery.
Mill Creek Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45233
The multi-use Mill Creek Greenway Trail currently spans just three and a half miles along the historic Mill Creek. However, plans are in the works to someday extend it to run over 50 miles and link to the Ohio River Trail.
There's a lot of cool stuff to see, including the Freedom Tree Edible Garden, where you're free to pick an apple or a pear and enjoy a tasty snack. You'll also want to visit the trail after dark so you can check out the 3/4-mile Space Walk, a 3.5-billion-to-one scale model of the solar system. Whether you prefer to walk, run, or bike, you'll want to add this trail to your list of "must-visit" sites.
5400 Kellogg Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45230
View this post on Instagram
The 113-acre California Woods Nature Preserve features more than 200 species of plants and 53 species of trees. Lick Run Creek also runs through the preserve. Here you'll find small fish, kingfishers, snapping turtles, beavers, ducks, and more.
There's also a hummingbird and butterfly garden in front of the nature center. If you keep your eyes peeled, you might see some woodpeckers and great horned owls as well. When you hike these trails, there's a good chance you'll get so caught up in the scenery that you'll forget you're also exercising.
Which walk-worthy park will you visit first?

Now that you've fulfilled everyone else's holiday wishes, reward yourself with a present from Cutler Real Estate and LoLo Gifts.
Greet the new year by exploring the wonderful shops and services around Northeast Ohio, Columbus, and Cincinnati. Our agents at Cutler Real Estate have partnered with LoLo Gifts in order to offer these special treats.
4630 Cleveland Ave. NW, Canton, OH 44709
View this post on Instagram
Dining with family or friends? Pizza is something that will make everyone happy. Share the tasty goodness of free pizza from Camellone Italian American Cuisine.
At Camellone Italian American Cuisine, their motto is, "Eat well, laugh often, love much." They take care of the first part by making pizza from scratch, including the dough and sauce. Choose from New York-style, Detroit-style, sheet-style, and even low-carb versions. Check the website for listings of lunch and monthly specials.
330.754.6995
Monday - Thursday 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Friday - Saturday 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Sunday 4 p.m. - 9 p.m.
3452 Manchester Rd., Akron, OH 44319
View this post on Instagram
Whether you need a quick pick-me-up before work or you want to relax with a good book, coffee fits the bill. Whatever your day holds, stop at Muggswigz Coffee & Tea for a cup of your favorite hot beverage.
Locally owned-and-operated Muggswigz Coffee & Tea has been recognized by USA Today as one of the 10 Best Coffeehouses in America. All coffee, including their signature espresso blend, is brewed in-house for superior quality and freshness. Place your order online ahead of time for quick and easy pickup.
234.900.8101
Monday - Saturday 7 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Sunday - 8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
1801 Race St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
View this post on Instagram
Not ready to stop the holiday celebrations? Every day's a fiesta at Mama Lo Hizo. Spice up your day with a free torta or tacos. Don't forget the salsa and guacamole!
Tucked into the west wing of the popular Findlay Market is Mama Lo Hizo, a delightful food stand serving Mexican favorites such as burritos, tacos, and flan. The name translates to "Mama made it," and serves as a tribute to owner Mark Whitworth's beloved mother. Mama Lo Hizo's family specials make a perfect dinner for those don't-want-to-cook days.
513.257.7959
Tuesday - Saturday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Sunday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
936 N. 4th St., Columbus, OH 43201
View this post on Instagram
In the mood for pizza but there's no one around to share? Any pie at GoreMade Pizza can be ordered as a convenient half-sized pizza boat.
GoreMade Pizza is truly a labor of love. It started with a group of friends gathering for pizza Sunday, then expanded to a mobile wood-fired catering company. Now you can enjoy their farm-to-table, Neapolitan-style pizza on the patio of their brick-and-mortar location, even during cold weather months.
614.725.2115
Tuesday - Sunday Noon - 9 p.m.
151 S. Market St., Wooster, OH 44691
View this post on Instagram
Tantalize your taste buds and expand your vocabulary with free coffee and a cretzel from Sure House Coffee Roasting. The sweet and savory croissant-pretzel mashup is bound to become your new go-to snack.
Sure House Coffee Roasting believes that a sense of community can extend around the globe. In addition to purchasing locally-produced products, they source their single-origin beans from fair-trade organic suppliers. Cretzels come in chocolate, cinnamon-sugar, and everything flavors, or choose gluten-free scones and chocolate chip cookies.
330.601.0645
Monday - Friday 7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Saturday 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
23 Public Square, Medina, OH 44256
View this post on Instagram
Medina is buzzing about the luscious cookies, brownies, and macarons at the Honey Bee Bakery. Indulge your sweet tooth with $10 worth of freshly-made baked goods.
Remember how comforting it was to eat Grandma's homemade cookies? The bakers at Honey Bee Bakery do, and they've mastered all the traditional recipes to give you that same nostalgic feeling. With more than 500 cookie cutters on hand, they can make their signature hand-decorated sugar cookies to coordinate with any event or occasion. If that's not enough, their espresso bar features dozens of flavors to create specialty drinks such as Almond Joy and Honey Lavender.
330.725.0912
Thursday - Saturday 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Sunday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

2020 may finally be coming to a close, but thanks to Cutler Real Estate and LoLo Gifts, the freebies will keep coming. Simply contact your Cutler Real Estate agent to get in on the fun.

The holidays are upon us in Cleveland and the surrounding areas. As always, one of our favorite parts of the season is heading out in search of the perfect Christmas tree.
Whether you're looking for a majestic, towering Douglas fir or a small Charlie Brown-esque tree in need of some love, you're in luck. These amazing Northeast Ohio Christmas tree farms offer something for everyone.
View this post on Instagram
Family-owned Storeyland Christmas Tree Farm has been planting Christmas trees since 1954. Making a family trip to this beautiful farm has become a beloved holiday tradition over the last 50-plus years, often with a tractor-pulled hayride and bonfire thrown in for good measure. The farm spans more than 100 acres of evergreens, including Canaan fir, Fraser fir, blue spruce, Norway spruce, and white pine. Cut your own or choose from their extensive selection of pre-cut trees, specialty wreaths, and pine garland.
7185 Williams Rd, Painesville, OH 44077
Whether you want to explore the fields searching for the perfect tree or choose from a vast selection of pre-cut trees, Mountain Creek Tree Farm has the goods. This third-generation family-owned farm has been in operation since 1949 and offers a beautiful 52-acre landscape of prime Christmas trees. From white pine and Norway spruce to Canaan fir and grand fir, Mountain Creek Tree Farm always offers many beautiful trees. You can also warm up by the fire in the gift barn while your tree is wrapped and prepared, but remember to bring a face covering and practice social distancing!
3898 Winchell Rd, Mantua, OH 44255
View this post on Instagram
Just a short drive from Cleveland and Akron, Wintergreen Tree Farm has been in business since 1986 and offers a great selection of pines, spruces, and firs. You can choose and cut your own tree from their picturesque rolling farmland, and the folks at the farm will be happy to wrap and prepare it for transport (this particular farm accepts cash and checks only). During the summer months, Wintergreen Tree Farm switches gears to offer pick-your-own blueberries and also offers chestnuts in autumn, making this a fun place to visit in any season.
1619 Township Rd 1455, Ashland, OH 44805
Sugargrove Tree Farm has been in the Christmas Tree business since 1984, but the farm itself goes back much further. The farm is one of Ashland County's oldest and has been continuously owned and operated by six generations of the same family since 1823. They offer pre-cut trees in four varieties—Canaan fir, Fraser fir, blue spruce, and white pine—and also provide tractor-pulled wagon rides into the field, where you can choose your own if none of the pre-cut offerings strikes your fancy. Only cash and checks are accepted (there's an ATM on-site), and masks are required on all wagon rides.
8916 Jefferson Rd, Shreve, OH 44676
View this post on Instagram
With cut-your-own, pre-cut, and live balled trees, Twinsberry Tree Farm has something for everyone. The farm itself has been a fixture of the Wayne County landscape since the 1930s, but it wasn't until the '70s that the Berry Family started dedicating 40 of its acres to growing Christmas trees. Their trees are grown pesticide-free, just as they have been on this 155-acre farm for more than 40 years. To help with social distancing, Twinsberry Tree Farm also provides an online store where you can pre-order a tree for pick-up. Handmade custom wreaths and greenery are available as well.
4374 Shreve Rd, Wooster, OH 44691
A 150-acre farm populated by about 75,000 trees, the Farms at Pine Tree Barn offer a complete family Christmas experience. That experience might look a little different this year due to social distancing requirements. However, Pine Tree Barn is still one of Northeast Ohio's best places to get in the holiday spirit, including a fully stocked gift shop, on-site restaurant, and rides through the fields on the Pine Tree Express. You'll find not only the perfect tree, but there's a good chance you can also pick up unique, hand-made gifts for quite a few people on your list.
9500 Mulberry Rd, Chesterland, OH 44026
View this post on Instagram
A favorite Geauga County tree farm for more than 35 years, Sugar Pines Farm offers an incredible selection and a memorable tree-cutting experience. The farm spans more than 100 acres, including dozens of acres of cut-your-own trees. It's a safe bet that your family will find just the right tree for your home. The farm also offers a great selection of pre-cut trees if venturing out into the field isn't for you. Live balled trees are available too, and the folks at Sugar Pines Farm are currently offering barn-side pickup and delivery options to keep everybody safe during the 2020 holiday season.
3301 Hamilton Rd, Medina, OH 44256
There's a tree for every family at Medina Christmas Tree Farm, including Norway spruce, blue spruce, Scotch pine, white pine, Austrian pine, Fraser fir, Canaan fir, and Concolor Fir. Select a mini tabletop-sized Christmas tree or a towering 15-foot giant from the pre-cut offerings, or explore the farm to pick your favorite among thousands of cut-your-own trees. Medina Christmas Tree Farm also offers handmade wreaths and fresh pine roping; you can even watch the process in person as the farmworkers create your special made-to-order wreath.
We're always excited to get out and find the perfect Christmas tree in Northeast Ohio. If we forgot to mention your favorite local tree farm, be sure to let us know in the comments section!

The Buckeye State is a spooky place! From Cincinnati to Columbus to Northeast Ohio and beyond, ghosts, ghouls, specters, and spirits have been sighted near some of our most popular landmarks. The Halloween season is the perfect time to scour Ohio and search for the souls that haunt our state. Don't forget to bring a flashlight when you explore these haunted sites around Ohio!
100 Reformatory Rd., Mansfield, OH 44905
Distance from: Columbus: 69 Miles | Cincinnati: 177 Miles | Cleveland: 78 Miles
View this post on Instagram
The Ohio State Reformatory is one of the most famous haunted prisons in the country. As the site of many paranormal sightings and events, the prison offers a variety of ghost tours for people of all ages. Ghost Hunting Classes and Ghost Walks are available for those 13 and older. For adults aged 18 and above, you can sign up for a Private Paranormal Investigation or a Public Ghost Hunt. Best of all, after the tour, you can pick up your own ghost hunting equipment from the gift shop so you can search for spirits wherever you go in Ohio.
4050 Bromfield Rd., Lucas, OH 44843
Distance from: Columbus: 69 Miles| Cincinnati: 176 Miles | Cleveland: 85 Miles
Malabar Farm State Park is considered one of the 10 Best Most Haunted Destinations in America, which makes it a must-see for any family who loves ghostbusting. Despite a tragic group of murders, the farm is still in operation…but paranormal activity has continued since the deaths. Visitors have felt "electric waves" crawl up their skin while others have witnessed other mysterious events. If there's one ghost adventure you take this October, a Night Haunt walking tour at Malabar Fark State Park should be it!
29100 W. River Rd., Perrysburg, OH 43551
Distance from: Columbus: 135 Miles | Cincinnati: 195 Miles | Cleveland: 112 Miles
View this post on Instagram
Fort Meigs was the site of an important battle during the War of 1812. As is the case with many historic war sites, this battlefield often shows signs of a haunting. Ghosts of dead soldiers are seen walking around at night, as are mysterious blue orbs that float around the battleground. If you listen closely, you might even hear the sounds of marching footsteps or canons being fired in the distance. A great place to learn about the history of our state, a haunted tour of Fort Meigs is perfect for history buffs.
301 Jackson St., Sandusky, OH 44870
Distance from: Columbus: 116 Miles | Cincinnati: 231 Miles | Cleveland: 61 Miles
If you thought the Merry Go Round Museum was all fun and games, think again! Paranormal activity has long haunted this colorful museum. The only haunted carousel horse in the world is located in this museum. The carousel's creator had a wife who fell in love with one special horse. They say that her ghost comes back to ride the Haunted Steed quite often. While you're listening closely for her footsteps, don't be surprised if you feel a tug on your shirt — a young girl also haunts this museum and sometimes interacts with visitors.
281 W. Lane Ave., Columbus, OH 43210
Distance from: Columbus: 6 Miles | Cincinnati: 110 Miles | Cleveland: 139 Miles
View this post on Instagram
Columbus Ghost Tours is known for taking visitors to the spookiest places in the city. While their city walking tour and cemetery tours are excitingly spooky, one of our favorites takes you to Ohio State University. Tour the school searching for ghouls as you learn about the dark history surrounding one of America's most popular campuses. Trust us, this is one history lesson you'll never forget!
1332 Vine St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
Distance from: Columbus: 107 Miles | Cincinnati: 1 Mile | Cleveland: 248 Miles
Cincinnati is a wonderful city to explore, full of museums, amazing sports venues, and plenty of restaurants where you can get your chili fix. Look a little closer, however, and you'll discover a sinister side to Cincy. The Queen City is Haunted walking tour is one of the best ways to learn about the ghastly and ghoulish events that have happened throughout the city. This two-hour tour will guide you through many areas of the town includes havens for paranormal activity and even hallowed grounds where remains have been recently discovered! The Queen City is Haunted is an interesting way to learn about Cincinnati's grizzly past while enjoying a night out in this beautiful urban space.
12025 Shore Dr., Loveland, OH 45140
Distance from: Columbus: 89 Miles | Cincinnati: 22 Miles | Cleveland: 231 Miles
View this post on Instagram
This historic castle is now a museum on the banks of the Little Miami River. Built in the 1920s by medievalist Harry D. Andrews, the chateau's beautiful landscape was the site of a fiery tragedy. A moonshiner and his wife lived in a small cabin near the end of the castle's property. One day, Harry Andrews heard an explosion at the cabin and rushed over to help. The moonshiner's wife was found dead and Andrews sustained severe burns that resulted in his untimely death. Visitors claim that the castle is haunted by three ghosts — a male entity who is likely Harry Andrews, a female entity who is assumed to be the moonshiner's wife, and a Viking entity that is said to haunt the castle's exterior. Find our for yourself on a walking tour of the grounds.
2413 Collingwood Blvd., Toledo, OH 43620
Distance from: Columbus: 144 Miles| Cincinnati: 204 Miles | Cleveland: 116 Miles
Once a retirement home for local nuns, just one look at the Collingwood Arts Center's Gothic façade is enough to make you believe it's haunted. The retirement home closed for a few years before being reimagined as an arts center…but a few spirits from the past stuck around. From residents dying of Typhoid and other diseases to the occult practices that used to take place in the basement when the building was vacated, guests have reported and photographed mysterious sights in the art center. Floating orbs can be seen in around the home, assumedly spirits of the nuns who perished there. In the basement, spirits have been known to scare visitors. Take a tour inside and see for yourself!
Where are your favorite haunted places in Ohio perfect for a spooky ghost tour? Tell us your ghost sightings in the comments below!