🌳 7 Hidden Parks and Chill Spots in Columbus

Plus: 🍩 Where To Find The Best Donuts In C-Bus

Author

Chelsea Wiley
June 06, 2025

Sponsored by the Greater Columbus Arts Council 🎨
One of the best weekends of the year is almost here. The Columbus Arts Festival is taking over the Scioto Mile June 6–8, and it’s completely free to attend. But that’s not the only festival happening in Columbus this summer. If you’re hoping for a fun summer, there are plenty of events you can attend over the next couple of months. For more info, head over to columbusmakesart.com/events.

Hello, Friday! Chelsea here.

There’s something deeply magical about finding a quiet green space in the middle of the city, especially one that isn't crawling with pickleball enthusiasts and wandering flocks of scooters. Today we’re talking all about those hidden gems: tucked-away parks, peaceful garden corners, and little urban oases where you can hear your own thoughts (and maybe read a book without someone blasting a Bluetooth speaker nearby). Whether you’re craving solitude, shade, or a really scenic lunch break, we’ve got you covered.

🍩 Where To Find The Best Donuts In Columbus
It’s National Donut Day, which is basically a federal holiday in our hearts. Whether you want a classic glaze or a cereal-covered creation, we've rounded up the best donut spots in Columbus to match any craving. Go ahead, treat yourself! You deserve it.

😍 This Former Quarry Is The Perfect Ohio Summer Getaway
About an hour and a half west of Columbus, this historic limestone quarry has been transformed into a summer playground with a spring-fed lake, beach, camping, cabins, and even a floating obstacle course. Who’s up for a little adventure?

Headlines 📰 

🖼️ After years away from the gallery scene, Columbus artist Hakim Callwood returns with Revenge—a deeply personal solo exhibition that explores growth, grief, and self-discovery. Catch the opening June 7 at Sonny’s Barbershop & Art Gallery. (Matter News)

🏰 Real estate developer Jeff Ramm took a dated 1980s ranch on 31 acres of Ohio countryside and transformed it into an 8,200-square-foot modern farmhouse with soaring ceilings, sleek glass sculptures, and a wine lounge. After spending $1 million on the dramatic overhaul, the hilltop estate is back on the market for a staggering $3.9 million. (Mansion Global)

🛍️ Big Lots reopened its final wave of Ohio stores yesterday, bringing 13 locations back to life across the state, including spots in Akron, Canton, and Mentor. The relaunch is part of a larger revival by new owners Variety Wholesalers. (NBC4)

🌦️ Weather: 82 and partly sunny with a chance of showers and thunderstorms

Sponsored by PromoWest 🎸
No one does live music in Columbus quite like PromoWest. They’ve got some fantastic shows coming up, including Modest Mouse, Ryan Adams, Sierra Ferrell, 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 🤳

💦 Summer is in full swing out there, my friends. If you’re looking to cool off, head up to Zoombezi Bay and hop in the nearest slide or lazy river. Have a great weekend, Columbus!

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- Chelsea