🌴 $35M Palm House Makeover At Franklin Park Conservatory

Plus: 🏛️ A Historic Italianate Mansion Is Downtown’s Newest Jazz Club

Author

Chelsea Wiley
October 01, 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, October! Chelsea here.

Franklin Park Conservatory is one of the first Columbus institutions I remember visiting as a kid. I went to AmeriFlora and became instantly obsessed. I’ve kept that love over the years and I’m so excited for what they’ve got on the agenda with their multi-year development plan. But I’m especially excited about the upgrades the Palm House is about to get. It’s such a joyful place to escape for an afternoon, and these renovations look like they’re going to be gorgeous.

🏛️ A Historic Italianate Mansion Is Now Downtown’s Newest Jazz Club
Last summer when the historic Snowden-Gray mansion went on sale, i wondered what’ it’s future would hold. But I certainly didn’t imagine a new jazz bar with a rooftop patio! This is such a great addition to the downtown music scene and I can’t wait to stop in for a drink and some jazz.

🍂 The Ultimate Fall Bucket List for Families in Columbus
Pumpkin spice is optional, but adventure isn’t. From scenic train rides to epic apple-picking missions, here’s your guide to making the most of fall around Columbus. October just started, but we all know it will be November before we know it, so get started!

Headlines 📰 

🚨 As of today, the federal government has shut down after Congress failed to agree on funding. Essential services like air traffic control, USPS, Social Security, and the National Weather Service will continue, but many federal employees and military members will miss paychecks, WIC and SNAP programs could face shortages, and national parks may operate with limited staffing. Here’s what you need to know. (WOSU)

🏘️ Hundreds gathered in Columbus for the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission’s sustainability summit, “Local Roots, Lasting Impact.” Sessions covered trails, energy, housing, and water, with organizers hoping to spark long-term change across central Ohio. (NBC4)

🎺 As a former marching band nerd, I have so much respect for Big Ten bands. These students put in insane hours learning music, perfecting choreography, and stepping in sync, all while bringing energy to packed stadiums and keeping decades-old traditions alive. (Arts Midwest)

☀️ Weather: 81 and sunny

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Today's Photo 🤳

☀️ Have a great Wednesday, my friends! If you’re looking for something relaxing to do today, I highly recommend you get out and enjoy some nautre. It’s supposed to be a gorgeous day.

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- Chelsea