😍 The Best Columbus Parks That Aren't Metro Parks

Plus: 🍴 A Favorite Columbus Diner Could Soon Be Forced Out

Author

Chelsea Wiley
August 28, 2025

In partnership with

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.

Hello, Thursday! Chelsea here.

If you’ve ever taken a stroll through German Village, biked along the Olentangy, or spent a summer afternoon surrounded by roses in bloom, you already know, Columbus has some of the most beautiful parks around. While our Metro Parks often get the spotlight (and deservedly so), the Columbus Recreation and Parks system is full of hidden treasures, historic landmarks, and one-of-a-kind green spaces that deserve just as much love.

🍴 A Favorite Columbus Diner Could Soon Be Forced Out
Some tough news out of UA: Honey Dip Diner and its neighbors on Kenny Rd. could be pushed out by redevelopment. After 50+ years of hot coffee and comfort food, they’re fighting back and they’re asking Columbus for a little love.

📝 This Local High School Named One Of The Best In Ohio (And The Nation)
U.S. News just dropped its best high schools list, and central Ohio is shining bright. Bexley, Dublin, Upper Arlington, and Olentangy all had strong showings, but only one cracked the top 10 in the state.

Headlines 📰 

🎭 “ZAZ: The Big Easy” opens at the Wexner Center this week, transforming the theater into a New Orleans nightclub for an immersive dance experience honoring Hurricane Katrina survivors. Created by Ryan K. Johnson, the production blends percussive movement, music, and storytelling to preserve history and reflect on resilience 20 years after the storm. (WOSU)

🪫 Columbus recycling company Rumpke is warning residents not to toss batteries in curbside bins after a string of fires at local facilities. Instead, drop off old batteries and electronics at designated hazardous waste sites or participating stores to keep your recycling, and your neighborhood, safe. (Axios Columbus)

✈️ Delta’s giving Columbus another reason to hit Texas: daily nonstop flights from John Glenn to Austin start June 2026. Yeehaw, anyone? (NBC4)

☀️ Weather: 74 and mostly sunny with heat index values as high as 104

Sponsored by PromoWest 🎸
No one does live music in Columbus quite like PromoWest. They’ve got some fantastic shows coming up, including Ani DiFranco, Sierra Ferrell, All Them Wtiches, 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 🤳

🌻 We told you about the sunflower field at Circle S Farm a few weeks ago, but consider this your reminder to pop out there before all the flowers are gone! It’s perfect weather for it and it’s absolutely magical.

READ MORE: This Dreamy Sunflower Field Near Columbus Is So Affordable

Want your photo to be featured? Use #columbusnavigator or tag us!

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- Chelsea