🌲 Why Alum Creek State Park Should Be Your Next Day Trip

Plus: 🛍️ New Hispanic Market And Mexican Restaurant Coming To Downtown Columbus

Author

Chelsea Wiley
June 18, 2025

Sponsored by Columbus Recreation and Parks 🎶
Columbus Recreation and Parks Department and the Columbus Symphony Orchestra partner to bring you Sundays With The Symphony! This free concert features the full Columbus Symphony performing familiar classical pieces, movie soundtracks and popular favorites at Bicentennial Park! Come spend your Sunday evening with the Columbus Symphony along Columbus’ Scioto Mile. For more info, click here.

Hello, Wednesday! Chelsea here.

Thanks to everyone who took our little poll yesterday! It turns out that when it comes to taking a dip this summer, most of you will be running to a pool, not a lake or other alternative body of water. But for those of you who are still interested in a beautiful place to splash around, or maybe craving a quick escape that’s equal parts nature and history, I’ve got a suggestion. Head to Alum Creek State Park, where glacial cliffs, forest trails, and Underground Railroad paths come together in one seriously underrated spot. Whether you’re hiking, paddling, enjoying a beach day, or just pretending your dog is the next disc golf champ, there’s something here for everyone, even in flip-flops.

🚦 Central Ohio’s Transportation Future Is Taking Shape And You Can Weigh In
Columbus is growing fast, and MORPC is mapping out which big transportation projects get funded next. From new BRT lines to major highway upgrades, here’s how you can help shape the future of how we move in Columbus.

🛍️ New Hispanic Market And Mexican Restaurant Set To Bring Flavor And Life To Downtown Columbus
Downtown Columbus is getting tastier and fresher this fall with Toro Meat Market and Dos Hermanos joining the neighborhood. Think fresh groceries and killer tamales, all steps toward making downtown feel like home.

Headlines 📰 

🍓 A fast-spreading fungal disease called Neo-P is hitting Ohio strawberry farms hard, causing major shortages and forcing many you-pick spots to close early or not open at all. With all the rain and limited treatment options, growers are scrambling—while researchers race to develop stronger, disease-resistant berries. (NBC4)

👏 An Ohio jail is using education and life skills to break the cycle of incarceration with a program called IGNITE. It’s already helping inmates land jobs, earn GEDs, and get addiction support before reentering the world. (WOSU)

❤️ West Virginia holds a special place in my heart. It's where my family is from, where I found peace in the mountains on summer break, where my grandparents and generationgs before them were laid to rest. So seeing the devastating flooding there this week has been especially hard. Gresso’s in Columbus is collecting much-needed supplies this Saturday from 1–7 p.m. to support families recovering, and every little bit helps. (ABC6)

🌦️ Weather: 86 and partly sunny, with a chance of rain and thunderstorms in the morning

Sponsored by the Greater Columbus Arts Council 🖼️
The Columbus Arts Festival may be in the rearview mirror, but summer in Columbus is just getting started. From neighborhood block parties to music, food, and cultural festivals, there’s something happening almost every weekend. Don’t miss your chance to explore the city through art, creativity, and a whole lot of fun. Find your next summer favorite at columbusmakesart.com/events.

Coming Up 📆

Today's Photo 🤳

👍 Have a great Wednesday, Columbus. Don’t forget to do something fun today, and when you do, make sure you tell us all about it!

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- Chelsea