Photo by
Randall Lee Schieber

Still figuring out how to ring in 2009?

Maybe we can help with a little inspiration from the Columbus Events Calendar. Click here to check out a list of events, performances, restaurants and hotel packages available across the city on December 31.

And thanks to Cara Keithley on Twitter, I also came across this list with additional options provided by Columbus Alive.

Have a suggestion you don’t see here? Feel free to leave a reply to share it with fellow readers.

Happy New Year!

On the heels of Kelly’s North Market post where she mentioned her love of Riesling Poached Pear Sorbet, I thought I’d share this update I received from the Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams Facebook page :

"In his endless quest for the best sweet and salty treats around, that charmer Marc Summers stops at Jeni’s Ice Creams to watch us make our ROXBURY ROAD!

Milk Chocolate with smoked almonds and our own handmade caramel sauce and marshmallows … ROXBURY ROAD is a winter favorite, and it’s only around for a short time! We’ll start making it in January– check our website for availability!!!

TUNE IN THIS FRIDAY, DECEMBER 26 AT 11:30 PM!!!"

Unwrapped is broadcast on the Food Network and Jeni’s will be featured on a Sweet and Salty themed episode. Tune in to see one of our Columbus favorites spotlighted.

Okay, dear readers, we all know we love it. But got a favorite Jeni’s flavor to recommend to first time tasters? Do tell…

The North Market
Photo by Rod Berry

The North Market is one of those unforgettable places in Columbus and I still remember my first trip. I was visiting a friend at The Ohio State University when she introduced me to the best ice cream I’d ever had (you guessed it, Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams ). When I moved to Columbus years later, a return visit was at the top of my agenda — I was craving Jeni’s Riesling Poached Pear Sorbet!

The North Market is a perfect combination of chaos and clutter. With 30+ merchants offering everything from fresh seafood to vintage wines, it’s no wonder this public market is a Columbus favorite.

During the week the North Market draws a sizeable lunch crowd. Whether you’re craving pizza, sushi or something to satisfy that sweet tooth, you can find it here . Not in the mood for a full meal? Take some time to wander around and fill up on abundant samples. On any given day you can snack on flavored gourmet popcorn from Pam’s Market Popcorn , challenge your taste buds with CaJohn’s Flavor and Fire salsas, and guiltlessly sample bite-size treats from Mozart’s Bakery .

The weekends often welcome special events to the market, and this holiday season has been no exception. A few weekends back I visited The North Market’s Holiday Open House & Craft Extravaganza. My goal was to find a Christmas ornament for an upcoming ornament exchange party and I wanted something with a special Columbus touch. I didn’t have to look any further than the Glass Axis table. Their hand-blown glass ornaments are one-of-a-kind creations and mine is sure to be the hit of the party.

Planning a visit to the North Market soon? Go with an open mind and an empty stomach — you never know what you might find when you’re there.

After a week of rumors, it’s official: U.S. Soccer has selected Crew Stadium to host the U.S. Men’s National Team’s rival Mexico on Feb. 11.

The match in Columbus is the first of five final round qualifiers for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The U.S. team has enjoyed success at Crew Stadium in the past, winning qualifiers in 2001 and 2005.

More on the story is available here , including this quote from U.S. head coach Bob Bradley:

"We are very excited about returning to Columbus. The national team has enjoyed a great history there, and the team has always appreciated the fantastic support from the fans. We are looking forward to an incredible atmosphere as we continue the difficult task of qualifying for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa."

This game, expected to be a sell-out, has found a great home in the number one sports town in the U.S . I’m looking forward to Columbus’ opportunity to share our seats and our city with fans from across the country and the globe.

This is Part 2 of a 2-part series posted on The Columbus Experience. Part 1 is by Amy Gatto Klein, who features her last-minute shopping gameplan. Part 2 is by Brian Cheek, who features some of his already-completed shopping stops made this holiday season.

With all of the talk about the economy, I tried to make a conscious effort to shop locally for Christmas this year. I wanted to support our Columbus merchants - those who would feel the effects of the economy first, those we can not afford to lose, and those who make Columbus what it is.

I’m typically a last-minute shopper like Amy, but this year I planned ahead and gave myself time to hit a few Columbus neighborhoods to find gifts.

• I started with Collier West in the Short North , a gorgeous store with a variety of wares including tabletop items by Michael Aram and decoupage pieces by John Derian . I received personal assistance, didn’t have to deal with a stressed-out sales person out to make a commission, and my purchase was packaged uniquely and ready to give.

• I still send good old-fashioned greeting cards (and actually, not just at Christmas but year round). For unique cards, I headed to my usual stop, Peabody Papers in Grandview. I love walking into a place that carries a variety of styles created by artists or companies with a specific style. You’re warmly greeted at Peabody Papers and given personalized individual attention - whether you’re there for a single card or a set of customized invitations.

• Since I work for Experience Columbus, it might seem cheesy to say I like to give a local "experience" as a gift. Well pass the Gouda, because the truth is that’s exactly what I like to do. I purchased tickets for a friend and me to take a Chef Series Cooking Class at the North Market . You can’t get more local then taking a cooking class from a Columbus area chef; ours will be taught by Paul Yow from Barcelona Restaurant & Bar . What I really love about this gift is that my friend would have never bought it for herself.

• I have nine nieces and nephews, so for their gifts I headed to Larson’s Toys and Games in Upper Arlington, a great alternative to big box toy stores. Larson’s carries a variety of classic wooden toys along with lines of toys from around the world. I never worry that I’ve bought the little ones in my life something they already have. Larson’s also offers free gift wrapping, all year round. Enough said.

• Finally, for my friend that has everything, I turned to food. Weiland’s Gourmet Market in Clintonville has a wide variety of seafood, meat, cheese and specialty international items. I chose an assortment of goodies specific to my friend’s tastes, and was able to do it all during one stop at this busy but friendly market.  Weiland’s also offers a wide selection of beer, wine and liquor. Their knowledgeable staff will help you find just the right drink to go with whatever you might be serving (and for some of you out there, they can help figure out which libation will get you through holiday get-togethers with the relatives).

This is Part 1 of a 2-part series posted on The Columbus Experience. Part 1 is by Amy Gatto Klein, who features her last-minute shopping gameplan. Part 2 is by Brian Cheek, features some of his already-completed shopping stops made this holiday season.

It’s just a week before Christmas and my shopping list is sadly devoid of checked-off items.  This is one of those times I especially love living in my Clintonville neighborhood because I can just stroll up the street and find a perfect gift for almost everyone on the list.

By the time I actually shop it might be too late to share my recommendations with you, so I’ll tell you where I’m headed on my last-minute Christmas shopping stroll in advance. My gameplan:

• First stop will be Cup O’ Joe . I’m nothing if not realistic, and my mission will clearly need to be fueled by something stronger than good cheer. In addition to my coffee, I’ll buy a pound of fresh roasted coffee beans and travel mugs as good stocking stuffers for my husband and brother. The warmth of the fireplace will, like always, be inviting and the tables will be packed with neighbors chatting, studying and tapping away on laptops. But I won’t be able to stay this trip.

• Energized by my coffee, I’ll make my way north on High Street to stop by Wholly Craft for fun and funky handmade gifts. This store is a treasure-trove of unique items from a variety of individual crafters . This is where I’ll find cute earrings for my mom and a few friends, and I’ll also grab a package of hand-stamped note cards as a general all-purpose gift. If anyone needs gift hints for me, I’m also not-so-secretly hoping someone thinks of signing me up for one of their upcoming crocheting classes.

Oilcloth totes at SoBo Style

• Next I’ll cross the street and continue north to SoBo Style , home of shabby chic gift options.  The vintage furniture covered in bright fabrics always make me smile, but I’ll be looking for smaller items this time – purses and totes made with oilcloth, perfect to send to my sisters-and-mother-in-laws. They’re fun and functional in a whimsical retro way, plus the totes are a great alternative to plastic bags at grocery stores. I’ll also pick up some adorable all-purpose holiday decorations which will be good for my grandmother and aunts.

• Across the street, I’ll stop by Skreened for clever designs made on American Apparel tees I have pre-ordered online.  Here I’ll check my husband and brothers off the list, admire all the quirky shirts and bright colors, and know the ones I picked out will be hits on Christmas morning.

• Finally, I’ll swing by Mozart’s Bakery & Piano Cafe for some buttery and delicious hostess goodies to serve to my holiday guests.

The beauty of my last-minute gameplan? I’ll do pretty well in a small amount of time, then head for home reminded about how much I love living in this part of Columbus.

Photo by Thomas Alexander
(see more on Flickr )

If you’re looking for an alternative to happy hour at a local bar, consider Cocktails @ the Conservatory .

It’s held at the Franklin Park Conservatory every Thursday evening from 5:30 p.m.-10 p.m. (except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day). There’s no cover and parking is free.

The holiday season is a great time to go since the Conservatory is decked out with beautiful holiday lights and decorations, including a 15-foot tall poinsettia tree. I attended with a friend and we enjoyed music by Encore Entertainment and delicious hors d’oeuvres (let’s just say I can never turn down food from Cameron Mitchell ).

The best part was seeing Light Ramient II , the Palm House light installation by award-winning artist James Turrell . It was chilly outside, but well worth stepping outdoors for a few minutes to take a look at the color-changing lights. Seeing the Palm House illuminated against the night sky was breathtaking.

I’ll definitely be back the next time I’m looking to kick off the weekend early.

Yesterday I attended a press conference announcing an exciting joint venture. The Columbus Museum of Art , COSI Columbus , the Columbus Metropolitan Library and several other central Ohio libraries have partnered to create Egypt in Columbus .

The Columbus Museum of Art and COSI will both feature Egypt-themed exhibits, and have worked together to create a joint Web site to promote them.  The site includes information about both exhibitions, a suggested reading list from participating local libraries and more.

These groups have also collaborated to create a Passport To Egypt for students ages 6-13. Passport holders can explore each of the exhibitions and visit a participating library to answer questions and receive passport stamps. When students finish their journey through Egypt in Columbus, they can turn in their passport at COSI for the chance to win a prize.

More about the exhibitions:

To Live Forever: Egyptian Treasures from the Brooklyn Museum
Columbus Museum of Art
February 13 – June 7
This exhibit explores ancient Egyptian beliefs about death and the afterlife. More than 100 objects tell the story of mummification, funeral processions and rituals, the contents of the tomb, the final judgment and the afterlife. Take your picture in an ancient Egyptian costume, play the board game of the Pharoahs, and hunt for hieroglyphics.

Lost Egypt: Ancient Secrets, Modern Science
COSI Columbus
May 30 – September 7
An interactive exhibition featuring animal mummies, forensic facial reconstructions and, for the first time ever, a life-size rapid prototype of a human mummy. View artifacts from the daily life and funerary culture of ancient Egypt, decipher hieroglyphs and use the tools and technology of archaeologists. Connect with modern scientists working on projects in Egypt through interactive experiences, video interviews and photographs from the field.

Egypt in Columbus will truly make our city a place of exploration and education, and will offer a great way to end the school year or start your summer.

Like art? How about sports? Want to do something a little different this weekend? If you said yes at least once, here are two events to check out. They’re both in Grandview Heights (just a hop from downtown), they’re both this weekend, and they’re both sure to be a unique experience:

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C-Note Art Show

Feel free to fall in love with the artwork here – every piece is only $100. Over 150 independent Columbus artists will be showcasing nearly 600 pieces of artwork. You’ll find every imaginable style of art – ceramics, paintings, jewelry, photography and woodwork will all be available.

• Preview Dec. 12, Show Dec. 13 at Junctionview Studios.
• Visit the C-Note site for complete schedule and admission info.

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Skatemare Before Christmas II , presented by the Ohio Roller Girls

The Ohio Roller Girls is Columbus’ first and only all-female roller derby league. At the Skatemare Before Christmas II , you can cheer the ladies on during a derby style “gift exchange” (read: a few good hits and bruises given on the derby track). Dress warm and bring a chair.

• Dec. 13 at Central Ohio Roller Hockey . Doors open at 3:30 p.m., game starts at 4:30 p.m.
• Tickets: $5 with canned good donation. $6 regular admission.