❄️ 8 Winter Weekend Getaways Worth The Drive From Columbus

Plus: 😷 Ohio Flu Hospitalizations Are Surging

Author

Chelsea Wiley
January 08, 2026

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Sponsored by Columbus Children’s Theatre
Bring the beloved bear Corduroy to life at Columbus Children's Theatre! Perfect for ages 0–5, this interactive 30-minute SandBox Series performance invites little ones to help Corduroy find his missing button and cheer as he discovers a forever friend. With playful movement, gentle humor, and hands-on pre-show activities, kids will explore friendship, kindness, and imagination like never before. To grab your tickets, please click here. 

Hello, Thursday! Chelsea here.

Winter gets a bad rap, but it doesn’t have to be something you just power through. There’s something kind of magical about leaning into the season, whether that means snowy hikes, steamy hot tubs, or a cozy cabin with nowhere to be. Some of the best winter moments happen when you stop fighting the cold and start planning around it. These winter getaways definitely turn chilly weather into part of the fun. Plus, all of them are an easy road trip from Columbus.

😷 Ohio Flu Hospitalizations Surge Amid Spread Of New “Super Flu” Strain
Ohio health officials are sounding the alarm on a tough flu season. During a press conference, ODH Director Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff explained what’s behind the spread of the so-called “super flu” and what Ohioans should know right now.

⚽️ USWNT Returns to Columbus for SheBelieves Cup Match Against Canada
Columbus is getting another major soccer moment this spring. The U.S. Women’s National Team will take on Canada in a SheBelieves Cup match on March 4, bringing an international doubleheader and four national teams to the Arena District.

🍦 Jeni’s Is Releasing Two Bridgerton-Inspired Ice Cream Flavors This Winter
Jeni’s is giving winter a very regal upgrade. The Columbus-based ice cream maker has teamed up with Bridgerton for two limited-edition flavors inspired by the show’s upcoming season, with one dropping in January and another in February. Consider this your excuse to embrace dessert-first energy for the rest of winter.

Headlines 📰 

Columbus Fire Chief Jeffrey Happ will resign on Jan. 16 following an investigation into his handling of a fatal 2023 fire engine crash. His resignation comes ahead of a scheduled disciplinary hearing that could have led to his firing. (Axios Columbus)

New research from Ohio State suggests meeting teens where they already communicate, through text and online chat, could help prevent suicide. Researchers found adolescents were more comfortable opening up through virtual, text-based crisis support than traditional in-person approaches. (NBC4)

Ohio State safety Caleb Downs is heading to the NFL, declaring for the 2026 draft after an incredible two seasons with the Buckeyes. A two-time unanimous All-American and Jim Thorpe Award winner, Downs leaves as one of the best defensive backs in OSU history. (Eleven Warriors)

🌥️ Weather: 56 and mostly cloudy, with fog before 8 a.m.

Sponsored by the Greater Columbus Arts Council 🖼️
Explore Columbus through a new lens by checking out the arts-focused event calendar from Art Makes Columbus. Discover the events that bring our community together and experience art made authentically. For more info, head over to columbusmakesart.com.

Coming Up This Week 📆

Coming Up This Month 📆

🖼️ The Best Things To Do This January In Columbus
January doesn’t slow Columbus down. From hockey games and big-name comedy to ice sculptures, winter hikes, and late-night museum events, this month is packed with reasons to get out and do something, even when it’s cold.

Today's Photo 🤳

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😍 The Winter Ice fest at Franklin Park Conservatory is almost here! If you’re looking for the perfect way to embrace January in Columbus, I can’t think of a better option.

READ MORE: ❄️ Franklin Park Conservatory’s Winter Ice Festival Will Make Your January Magical

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- Chelsea