🏡 The Best Columbus Home And Garden Tours

Plus: 🐤 The World’s Largest Rubber Duck Is Coming To Ohio

Author

Chelsea Wiley
May 30, 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. They’re bringing in over 250 incredible artists from around the country, plus live music, performances, and food vendors galore. It’s the kind of event where you wander for hours, run into everyone you know, and leave with a new print, a full stomach, and maybe a little sunburn. See you down by the river? For more info, head over to columbusartsfestival.org.

Hello, Friday! Chelsea here.

It’s almost June, friends. I truly can’t believe how quicly 2025 is flying by, but if there’s one thing to be excited about, it’s that we’re so close to one of my favorite summer activites: home and garden tours. If “staring longingly at other people’s beautiful homes” is your idea of a good time (no judgment, same here), you’re in luck. Home and garden tour season kicks off this weekend—and whether you're scouting landscaping inspo or just want to peek behind some pretty front doors, we've got the list for you.

🐶 This New 24/7 Pet ER At Easton Is Changing Emergency Vet Visits
If you’ve ever had to rush your dog to the emergency vet at 2 a.m. and sat sweating in a fluorescent-lit lobby, this one’s for you. A brand-new pet emergency hospital just opened at Easton and it’s changing what emergency vet care looks like.

🐤 The World’s Largest Rubber Duck Is Coming To Ohio This Weekend
I’m not sure if it’s just because I’m getting older, or if it’s because it’s absolutely bonkers, but the idea of seeing a gigantic rubber duck actually sounds like an amazing way to spend the weekend. Also, no matter how big you’re imagining, I promise this duck is even bigger.

Headlines 📰 

🇺🇸 Step into the life of Colwell Porter, a 19-year-old Ohio farm boy turned Civil War soldier, whose letter home and worn forage cap offer a poignant glimpse into the sacrifices made by everyday heroes. (Ohio History)

🏠 Over the last five years, Todd and Martha Monk have brought new life to a historic 1892 home in German Village, preserving its original charm with custom restorations and rare materials. Their labor of love will be showcased during this year’s German Village Haus und Garten Tour. (Columbus Monthly)

🌮 After another chaotic shutdown at Columbus Taco Fest, including fights and a nearby shooting , city leaders are facing mounting pressure to better regulate large-scale events. As festivals grow in number and size, calls for improved safety and planning are becoming harder to ignore. (Axios Columbus)

🌧️ Weather: 70 and rainy

Sponsored by North Market 🍴
North Market is calling your name! Whether you're exploring the original downtown location for its classic market charm or the Bridge Park spot in Dublin for a modern twist, there's no better place to eat, shop, and discover the best of Columbus. For more info, head over to northmarket.org.

Coming Up 📆

Today's Photo 🤳

Have you ever noticed the McKinley Monument on the Statehouse lawn? It honors President William McKinley, who used to wave to his wife Ida from this very spot while she watched from their hotel across the street.

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- Chelsea