🦋 Blooms & Butterflies Is The Perfect First Taste Of Spring

Plus: 😍 This West Side Parking Lot Had the Seven Wonders of the World

Author

Chelsea Wiley
February 17, 2026

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Sponsored by CCT 🎭
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Hello, Tuesday! Chelsea, here.

Okay, real talk. This is the part of winter where Ohio teases us with 52 degrees and sunshine before immediately throwing another frost warning on the calendar. So instead of fighting it, let’s lean into one of the most reliable mood boosters in the city. Blooms & Butterflies is back at Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens starting February 21, and it’s basically a tropical vacation without the TSA line. It’s got warm air, lush flowers, and thousands of butterflies fluttering around, and honestly, it might be the serotonin reset we need to survive the rest of February.

😍 This West Side Parking Lot Had the Seven Wonders of the World
In the 1950s, you could technically see the Seven Wonders of the World without ever leaving the west side, thanks to the Walk O’ Wonders at the Great Western Shopping Center. The quirky, wildly ambitious exhibit eventually fell into disrepair, but for a brief blip, it was weird and wonderful.

🖼️ Get Hands-On With Local Art At The 2026 Columbus Arts Festival
The Big Local Arts Village is returning to the Columbus Arts Festival, and applications for 2026 are officially open. If you’re a local artist, and you’ve been waiting for a reason to apply, this is your sign!

Headlines 📰 

As temps rise this week, roofing experts are warning that all that melting snow and ice could reveal hidden roof leaks, especially if your home had heavy icicles or ice dams over the past few weeks. Now’s the time to check for wet spots, sagging gutters, or anything that looks off before a small drip turns into a very expensive spring surprise. (NBC4)

Several Ohio politicians, including members of Congress and Columbus City Council, say they’re donating campaign contributions from New Albany billionaire Leslie Wexner to charity amid renewed scrutiny over his past ties to Jeffrey Epstein. Others, including a few high-profile names, have not committed to returning the money or have declined to do so. (WOSU)

Osteria Pizzeria in Olde Towne East is earning praise for its delicious house-made crust and thoughtfully crafted pies, backed by a full menu of pastas, subs, salads, and appetizers. With a warm, neighborhood feel and a solid happy hour, it’s quickly becoming a standout on Oak Street. (Columbus Monthly)

🌥️ Weather: 55 and mostly cloudy, with widespread dense fog until 10 a.m.

Coming Up This Week 📆

Coming Up This Month 📆

🏒 The Best Things To Do This February In Columbus
Columbus is buzzing this February. Whether you’re into live music, sports, theater, winter hikes, or family-friendly fun, the city has plenty of ways to get out and make the most of the month.

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☀️ Have a wonderful Tuesday, Columbus! And stay safe in this fog!

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- Chelsea