🍁 12 Magical Fall Getaways You Can Reach in Under 4 Hours

Plus: 🌳 Here’s How You Can Get A Free Native Tree For Your Yard

Author

Chelsea Wiley
September 12, 2025

Sponsored by the Greater Columbus Arts Center 🖼️
Explore Columbus through a new lens with the For Us by Us Public Art Tour curated by Lance Johnson. This self-guided tour highlights 11 inspiring works across the city, celebrating compassion, empathy, and connection through public art. Discover the pieces that bring our community together and experience art made authentically. For more info, head over to columbusmakesart.com 

Hello, Friday! Chelsea here.

Fall is knocking at the door, and there’s no better time to plan a little escape before winter sets in. Luckily, we don’t have to go far. Some of the most beautiful, colorful destinations in the Midwest are just a short drive from Columbus. You’ll find winding trails lit up in fiery reds and golds, small towns brimming with charm, and cozy spots perfect for warming up after a day outdoors. Scenic hikes? Check. Quirkey roadside stops? Check. Hours of peace surrounded by gorgeous fall foliage? CHECK. Who’s ready to get out of town?

🍦 Eat Ice Cream, Fight Cancer: Graeter’s Cones For The Cure Is Back
Graeter’s is serving ice cream for a cause with its annual Cones for the Cure campaign. Through Sunday, you can grab Elena’s Blueberry Pie — a flavor created in honor of Elena Desserich — and help fund groundbreaking childhood cancer research

☕️ 7 Brew Opens Walk-Thru Coffee Stand In OSU’s University District
Campus coffee cravings just got a lot easier to solve. 7 Brew Coffee has officially opened a walk-thru stand on High Street, right in the heart of the University District. The brand is known for its lightning-fast service, more than 20,000 drink combos, and a whole lot of good vibes.

🌳 Here’s How You Can Get A Free Native Tree For Your Yard
Want to make your yard greener this fall? The Columbus Free Trees Initiative is giving away 4–6 ft native Ohio trees at pick-up events in Franklinton, the South Side, and Linden, and we’ve got all the details.

Headlines 📰 

🌲 Nearly 3,000 acres of Appalachian foothills in southeast Ohio have been permanently protected as the new Joy Valley Nature Preserve, thanks to a historic land donation. The preserve will open to the public soon, offering trails, cliffs, and rich wildlife habitat. (WOSU)

☀️ Drought conditions are intensifying across Ohio, with only 4% of the state free from dryness as of Sept. 11. Columbus has seen little rain in recent weeks, and forecasts show no relief in sight as temperatures climb into the upper 80s and 90s. (Dispatch)

💉 Gov. Mike DeWine says Ohio will continue supporting vaccines and promoting their benefits, even as some Republican leaders nationwide push to restrict mandates. With childhood vaccination rates slipping, DeWine emphasized following decades of science showing vaccines are safe and effective. (Ohio Capital Journal)

☀️ Weather: 86 and sunny

Sponsored by Short North Civic Association 🏡
Party at the legendary Circus House ~ TICKETS ON SALE NOW! Short North Tour of Homes & Gardens PREVIEW TOUR & PARTY Sat. Sun Sept 20th - Experience champagne greeting & guided tour behind the velvet curtain - then party poolside, enjoy catered cuisine, open bar, signature cocktails, music & surprises! Learn more at ShortNorthCivic.org/home-tour.

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☀️ Cheers to a fantastic weekend, friends. Get out there and do something fun. It’s been a long week and we all deserve some joy.

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- Chelsea