Crossroads Travels Revisited
Crossroads Travels Revisited
By Giles Kennedy
Family And Travel Columnist
I have been blessed to write for Columbus Wired since 2000.
I have covered the Columbus Blue Jackets, the Memorial Tournament, and many other Columbus sports and special events.
I have taken great joy in writing Family and Travel articles for Columbus Wired more recently.
Here’s a snapshot of places visited, revisited and less traveled via links and notes on your own road trip adventures to come.
Let’s start right in Dave Weissman’s hometown (our founder of Columbus Wired; RIP 2016).
Westerville
There is so much this Northeast Franklin County community has to offer. More than 20 parks of notable mention in many Columbus media sources, including Hoff Woods and Millstone Creek Parks; featured in Columbus Parent Magazine
Even the Ohio Board of Tourism has found a soft spot for Westerville
The mixture of natural playgrounds, park lands, pubs, microbreweries, eateries and great quality of life has made Westerville many families' hometown.
Not far from Westerville, right across the county line are the many locations of Preservation Parks of Delaware County.
Char-Mar Ridge Park, the Galena Boardwalk and many other natural preserves near Alum Creek and Delaware State Parks add the the splendor
https://preservationparks.com/
Although Franklin County and its county seat/Ohio State Capitol Columbus is growing; many places offer historical and recreational refuge.
Ohio Statehouse is one of the most beautiful US Statehouses in the Union.
https://www.ohiostatehouse.org/
Self guided and docent’volunteer guided tours are available. See website for details. Many other events are also hosted on the grounds as well.
Speaking of all things Ohio, the official state theater is right across the street.
Between their iconic Summer Movie Series, Broadway in Columbus performances, the Columbus Symphony and nationally known acts; there’s no shortage of entertainment.
My wife and I experienced the Blues Brothers Fathers Day this year with the Summer Movie Series.
This historical beautiful building offers a great artistic venue and great concessions.
https://www.capa.com/ohio-theatre/
Speaking of natural getaways in Franklin County; here’s a link to our visit throughout the Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks in 2024
https://www.columbus-wired.com/post/columbus-crossroads-great-park-getaways-2024
A small snippet of Quarry Trails Metro Park as well as taking in our beloved Columbus Blue Jackets is this vignette.
https://www.columbus-wired.com/post/hockey-hiking-and-hotels-columbus-getaway
The Ohio State Fair is coming up later in July; its home the Expo Center and Fairgrounds is home to many great events throughout the year.
Barrett Jackson will be landing next summer as well as many car shows, concerts and exhibitions.
Check out their socials and website for more details
https://www.ohioexpocenter.com/
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1139119014914562&set=a.623387669821035
Just down the road off Interstate 71 is the “Queen City of the Midwest”, Cincinnati.
We have been there so many times. Here’s some of our past visits.
https://www.columbus-wired.com/post/cincinnati-crossroads-pompeii-history-and-science
https://www.columbus-wired.com/post/cincinnati-hidden-gems-of-the-queen-city
https://www.columbus-wired.com/post/queen-city-crossroads-revisited
Ever go to Indianapolis? Ever drive by Richmond, Indiana?
You should stop by. Their Downtown is getting reinvented. The existing art galleries, antique shops have been an asset to the city.
Love great BBQ and great live Blues music?
When done exploring; check out Firehouse BBQ and Blues, just a stone’s throw away from their Model T Museum.
https://www.thefirehousebbqandblues.com/
Want a little more wanderlust West Virginia style?
We have been to West Virginia dozens of times.
The New River Gorge National Park and Reserve, Cass Scenic Railroad State Park, and Lewisburg are just a few of our favorites.
https://www.columbus-wired.com/post/the-road-to-appalachia-prep-work-and-traveling
https://www.columbus-wired.com/post/road-to-appalachia-harpers-ferry
https://www.columbus-wired.com/post/upon-the-mountain-cass-2022
https://www.columbus-wired.com/post/road-to-appalachia-new-river-gorge-national-park
https://www.columbus-wired.com/post/road-to-appalachia-elkins-w-va
Couple bonus round hidden gems; if you are headed down to Florida for vacation and you just happen to be on Interstate 77; check out the Southwest Virginia Farmers Market..
Right off the freeway near Galax and Hillsville; this is a beyond belief rest stop, antique mall, artisan craft shop and snack shack.
https://swvafarmersmarket.org/
If on Interstate 95, right before the Florida/Georgia state line in Midway; is one of the best low country/casual dining experiences ever.
https://www.facebook.com/melscoastalcafe2
Melody’s Coastal Cafe has been featured on food blogs and travel reviews alike. It is very much worth the stop; only 5-10 minutes away from I-95.
Remember, life is an adventure; get out there and live it!
