• Columbus Navigator
  • Posts
  • 🍷 The Perfect Winter Getaway Is Waiting in Ohio’s Wine Country

🍷 The Perfect Winter Getaway Is Waiting in Ohio’s Wine Country

Plus: 🌳 These Maple Syrup Festivals Are Too Sweet To Miss

Author

Chelsea Wiley
February 19, 2026

Sponsored by the Decorative Arts Center of Ohio
As America marks its 250th anniversary, celebrate the Buckeye State’s role in the nation’s story with Heartland: The Stories of Ohio Through 250 Objects. This new exhibit explores Ohio’s people, innovation and culture through artifacts that capture both iconic milestones and hidden histories. It will be on dsipaly through April 26 and you can plan your visit at decartsohio.org.

Hello, Thursday! Chelsea, here.

I know. It is mid-February. We are all tired.

Instead of booking a dramatic escape to somewhere tropical, we found something better, and it is only a few hours from Columbus. Let’s head to Geneva-on-the-Lake for a cozy wine weekend that also doubles as a crash course in Ohio’s surprisingly deep wine history. Turns out, we were making award-worthy wine long before it was trendy.

🌳 These Central Ohio Maple Syrup Festivals Are Too Sweet To Miss
It’s officially maple syrup season, my friends. Festivals and tapping events kick off around Central Ohio this weekend and run for the next couple of weeks. Treat yourself to something local and delicious.

😍 After Years In Ohio, These Manatees Are Finally Swimming Free
Some very large former Ohio residents just moved back to Florida. Seven manatees rehabilitated at the Columbus Zoo have officially been released into the wild, and their journey from tiny orphans to ocean-ready is pretty incredible.

Headlines 📰 

🚨 House Democrats who deposed Les Wexner at his New Albany mansion said they do not believe his denials about the extent of his ties to Jeffrey Epstein, calling his testimony not credible. Wexner maintains he cut ties with Epstein in 2008, had no knowledge of his crimes, and has not been charged, as the House Oversight investigation continues. (WOSU)

🎤 Columbus poet Wali Crowder will step into the role of Harlem Renaissance poet Countee Cullen at Streetlight Guild this weekend, bringing Cullen’s words and story to life while exploring new ways to connect with his own poetry and creativity. (Matter News)

👏 Mary Church Terrell was a trailblazing writer, educator, and activist who spent her life fighting for civil rights, women’s suffrage, and better education and health care for Black communities. From earning advanced degrees at a time when few Black women were able to do so, to leading national organizations and helping desegregate Washington, D.C., she dedicated nearly a century to lifting others as she climbed. (Ohio History)

🌥️ Weather: 63 and mostly cloudy, with widespread fog before 11 a.m., followed by rain.

Sponsored by CCT 🎭
Experience the Kit Kat Klub like never before in Cabaret. Music, dance, and daring performances bring 1930s Berlin to life in an interactive show that challenges, entertains, and surprises. Running February 22 through March 1, you can get more information right here. 

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.

Today's Photo 🤳

Instagram Post

📸 We’ve had some pretty interesting weather this week, including some pretty heavy fog! What a fantastic peek-a-boo view of the Leveque Tower through the fog!

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

Have a hot tip? Interested in advertising options? Hit that reply button - we love mail. 💌📭

- Chelsea