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  • 🍸😍 This Columbus Rooftop Bar Is Getting A Dreamy Secret Garden Makeover

🍸😍 This Columbus Rooftop Bar Is Getting A Dreamy Secret Garden Makeover

Plus: 🤔 The Surprisingly Fascinating Story of George Washington in Ohio

Author

Chelsea Wiley
May 12, 2026

Sponsored by North Market 🍴
Celebrate 150 years of local flavor at the North Market 150 Year Celebration on May 15. This after-hours gala at North Market Downtown features chef-driven bites, drinks, live music and plenty of energy. Grab your tickets and get ready for a one-of-a-kind night supporting local businesses.

Hello, Tuesday! Chelsea, here.

As a kid, I was completely obsessed with The Secret Garden. Hidden pathways, overgrown flowers, secret little worlds tucked away behind ordinary doors? It all felt impossibly magical. So the idea of a Columbus rooftop bar leaning fully into that vibe? I’m so in. Later this month, The Junto’s rooftop bar Brass Eye is transforming into an immersive spring pop-up called “Secret Garden,” complete with florals, greenery, skyline views, and garden-inspired cocktails (but probably no mysterious cousins.) And if rooftop season has officially arrived in Columbus, this feels like a pretty strong way to celebrate it.

🇺🇸 Long Before His Presidency, George Washington Was Surveying Ohio’s Frontier
Before there was an Ohio, George Washington was floating down the Ohio River taking notes on the frontier that would eventually become the state. His 1770 diary entries offer a fascinating glimpse at what the region looked like more than 250 years ago.

🎥 The Longest-Running Classic Film Series In America Returns To Columbus
The CAPA Summer Movie Series is back for another season at the Ohio Theatre, and this year’s lineup is stacked with classics, cult favorites, musicals, Hitchcock films, and even a few free screenings. It’s hard to beat this Columbus tradition.

Headlines 📰 

🚨 A federal lawsuit filed against Columbus-based Rise Brands alleges tipped workers at Pins Mechanical Co. locations were improperly required to share tips with non-tipped staff and perform non-tipped work while earning tipped wages. More than 200 current and former employees have reportedly joined the case since it was filed in April. (NBC4)

🪫 Data centers keep popping up around Columbus, but now an environmental group is asking Ohio to hit pause on approving new ones. Their argument: the state’s power grid, water usage, and energy policies aren’t ready for the pace of growth we’re seeing. (WOSU)

🎢 The Sea Dragon turns 70 this year, which honestly feels impossible if you grew up riding it at Wyandot Lake or the Columbus Zoo. What most people probably don’t realize is that this little wooden coaster is actually a huge piece of amusement park history, and one of the oldest operating roller coasters in the country. (Columbus Zoo)

☀️ Weather: 73 and sunny

Sponsored by the Decorative Arts Center of Ohio 🖼️
The DACO Gala returns July 11, bringing runway fashion, local food and drink, and a night of art and celebration in Lancaster. Beyond the event, it’s the Center’s largest fundraiser—supporting exhibitions, education programs, and community arts initiatives across Ohio. For more info, please click here.

Coming Up This Week 📆

Coming Up This Month 📆

🏈🎸 The Best Things To Do in Columbus This Month
May in Columbus is absolutely packed, with everything from huge concerts and festivals to food events and neighborhood favorites popping up all over the city. If you’ve been waiting for a reason to get out and do something fun, this is your month.

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☀️ Have a good Tuesday, Columbus. Enjoy this beautiful weather while it lasts, because it’s going to heat up next week!

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- Chelsea