😍 32 Hidden Spots & Natural Wonders Around Ohio

Plus: 🎃 Hundreds of Glowing Pumpkins At Franklin Park Conservatory

Author

Chelsea Wiley
October 06, 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, please click here.

Hello, Monday! Chelsea here.

Welcome back, friends! I hope you all had a fantastic weekend. Whether or not we’ll get super vibrant fall foliage is yet to be determined. But one thing we do have is sunny, dry weather on the horizon, which we can all make the most of by getting out there to explore Ohio, in all her glory. There are so many beautiful spots around this state that don’t get the hype and recognition they deserve, so consider this my love letter to Ohio’s unexpected scenery.

🎃 Hundreds of Glowing Pumpkins Are Back at Franklin Park Conservatory
Pumpkins Aglow is one of my favorite annual events in Columbus. Franklin Park Conservatory doesn’t need any help being cool, but the glowing pumpkins, the fun activities, the signature cocktails… it’s just an awesome way to enjoy a fall evening in Ohio.

🎭 Inside In the Land of Oz: Columbus’ Spooky, Story-Driven Halloween Experience
Looking for something spooky but not straight-up terrifying? In the Land of Oz turns the classic story into a haunting, walk-through experience you won’t forget.

Headlines 📰 

💉 Columbus and Franklin County health officials are warning of possible measles exposure after an infected person visited a couple of New Albany spots at the end of September. Anyone who was at either location during the listed times and isn’t fully vaccinated is urged to watch for symptoms and get the MMR vaccine, which health officials say is safe and highly effective. (WOSU)

🕹️ Level One Bar + Arcade is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a fresh look, new ownership, and a renewed focus on gaming. New owner John Reemtsen plans to make the Worthington spot an arcade-first hangout with more tournaments, themed events, and a welcoming vibe for longtime regulars and new players alike. (Axios Columbus)

🚨 More than $6,000 worth of pumpkins were stolen from Sam’s Pumpkin Patch in Pickerington, leaving farmer Terry Dunlap devastated after months of work vanished overnight. Dunlap has since installed fencing and is offering a reward for information, urging anyone with tips to come forward as thefts rise at central Ohio farms. (NBC4)

☀️ Weather: 85 and sunny

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 

Coming Up 📆

Today's Photo 🤳

🌅 Stop and watch a sunrise or a sunset this week, my friends. We’ve been having some real beauties lately.

Want your photo to be featured? Use #columbusnavigator or tag us!

Do red cars cost more to insure?

You may have heard the myth that red cars cost more to insure, often with varying reasons why. The truth is, the color of your car has nothing to do with your premium. Insurance companies are more interested in your vehicle’s make, model, age, safety features, and your driving history. What’s not a myth, though — is that people really can save a ton of money by switching insurers. Check out Money’s car insurance tool to see if you could, too.

Have a hot tip? Interested in advertising options? Hit that reply button - we love mail. 💌📭

- Chelsea