✏️ The Quirkiest Museum In Ohio

Plus: 🍝 This Italian Hotspot Is Coming Back With A New Look

Author

Chelsea Wiley
July 16, 2025

Sponsored by the Columbus Recreation and Parks 🎷
Savor the sounds and the sizzle at Columbus' Jazz & Rib Fest, July 18–20! Enjoy world-class jazz, mouthwatering BBQ from top pitmasters, and riverside vibes, all for free along the Scioto Mile. For more, please visit hotribscooljazz.org.

Hello, Wednesday! Chelsea here.

It’s not every day you stumble into a building filled with thousands of pencil sharpeners. But if you’re heading through Hocking Hills, you might. Whether you’re killing time before check-in or waiting out the rain, this tiny museum is weird in the best way and absolutely worth a quick detour.

🍝 After 8 Weeks Closed, This Italian Hotspot Is Coming Back With A New Look
One of the Short North’s longtime Italian staples is just about ready to reopen after a summer makeover. The doors officially swing back open on July 23, with reservations now live if you’re craving pasta, pizza, and maybe a little something sweet to wrap it all up.

🎭 Short North Stage Brings Waitress To Life With Heart, Humor, And A Whole Lot Of Pie
Short North Stage’s most requested show of the season is here. Waitress brings heart, humor, and Sara Bareilles’ gorgeous score to the Garden Theater through August 10.

P.S. You can get 15% off tickets with the code NAVIGATOR — and while you're at it, read the article to find the password. Then just hit reply to this email with that password for a chance to win free tickets to the show!

Headlines 📰 

⚠️ A chemical leak at GFS Chemicals in Franklinton on Monday triggered a shelter-in-place. A review found the plant has a history of EPA and OSHA safety violations, though all past cases are now closed. (NBC4)

🏘️ Columbus officials are weighing stricter rules on short-term rentals after a fatal July Fourth shooting at a permitted Vrbo party house. Meanwhile, state lawmakers are again pushing legislation that would limit cities' power to regulate rentals, sparking concern among local leaders. (Axios Columbus)

🧑‍🍳 Columbus home cook Rex Alba is showcasing his Filipino roots on PBS' The Great American Recipe, where he’s competing with dishes like pork blood stew. Alba, who moved to Columbus 20 years ago, brings a mix of cultural pride and local flair to the national spotlight. (WOSU)

🌧️ Weather: 88 with heavy rain possible

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.

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Have a wonderful Wednesday, friends!

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- Chelsea