📚 10 Wonderful Independent Bookshops In Columbus

Plus: 👻 The 5 Most Overlooked Hidden Haunts In Columbus

Author

Chelsea Wiley
October 09, 2025

In partnership with

Sponsored by CCT 🎭
Columbus is full of surprises, and this fall, one of the spookiest takes on a classic story awaits. Step into In the Land of Oz, a 60-minute immersive horror experience where the Emerald City has fallen, witches and obsessed munchkins roam, and every shadow hides a secret. Will you escape or become part of the legend? For ages 13+, September 26–November 2 at 1165 Dublin Road. Follow the yellow brick road…if you dare. For more info, or to purchase tickets, head over to columbuschildrenstheatre.org

Hello, Thursday! Chelsea here.

There’s something special about getting lost in a good book. Stories have a way of slowing us down, opening our minds, and helping us see the world (and each other) a little more clearly. Whether it’s an old favorite or something totally new, reading gives us space to think, dream, and imagine. Columbus is lucky to have so many incredible independent bookstores that make discovering your next great read feel personal again. And since it’s Banned Books Week, it’s the perfect time to celebrate the power of stories!

🥂 Mimosas, Pizza, And Cheesecake: Brunch Is Officially On At Budd Dairy
Weekend plans? Budd Dairy Food Hall just rolled out a brand-new brunch with dishes from local chefs and a cocktail list that includes bacon-infused bourbon and boozy cold brew.

👻 The 5 Most Overlooked Hidden Haunts In Columbus
Looking for a real fright this Halloween? From haunted bars to mysterious cemeteries, here are the spookiest hidden gems around Columbus for your next ghostly adventure.

Headlines 📰 

🍴 After more than a decade away, Columbus classic Milo’s Deli is back in Franklinton. This time, you’ll find Milo’s in the old Strongwater space, serving up all the sandwiches, salads, and baked goods you remember. (Breakfast with Nick)

🚨 New data shows 2025 is Ohio’s deadliest year for domestic violence in nearly a decade. The Center for Family Safety and Healing is stepping up to help survivors and calling on the community to help sustain its crucial work. (NBC4)

🏒 The Columbus Blue Jackets kick off their 25th season this week in Nashville, looking to build on last year’s near-playoff push. With young stars like Kirill Marchenko and Adam Fantilli, plus new goaltender Jet Greaves challenging Elvis Merzlikins, the team hopes to tighten its defense and make a serious postseason run. (WOSU)

☀️ Weather: 85 and sunny

Sponsored by PromoWest 🎸
No one does live music in Columbus quite like PromoWest. They’ve got some fantastic shows coming up, including O.A.R., Alex Warren, All Them Wtiches, and more. To see what’s on the calendar, or to grab tickets to a show, head over to promowestlive.com.

Coming Up 📆

Today's Photo 🤳

Franklin Park Conservatory has always been a little magical, but once Pumpkins Aglow kicks off, it’s out of this world..

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- Chelsea