1. Get there early

Setting up your tailgate early is key to getting a good spot. If you know Columbus, you are aware that traffic around the stadium will be crazy. Be sure to leave 30 minutes earlier than you think you need to. You want to be close enough to the stadium so you can hear the band and the crowd, but not so close that you can't enjoy your own pre-game festivities.

A good rule of thumb: If game time is at noon, aim to start tailgating around 9 a.m. This will give you plenty of time to set up and socialize before things really get going.

2. Bring the essentials

No tailgate is complete without a few key items:

• Chairs or blankets to sit on
• Coolers for food and drinks
• Grill or portable stove
• Tables
• Games
• Canopy or tent
• Portable speaker

Remember that you can make your setup as low-key or as over-the-top as you want. Some people like to bring TVs so they can watch other games. Others prefer to just relax and catch up with friends.

3. Make a menu

Now let's get to the fun stuff — food.

Plan ahead and decide what you want to eat and drink. You can't go wrong with snacks like chips, dip, and pretzels; for drinks, water, soda, and beer are always popular choices. Will you be grilling? If so, make a shopping list of everything you need. Bring enough hot dogs and chicken wings for your group plus extra in case some friends drop by.

Tip: Teamwork makes the dream work. Ask your friends and family to make their favorite dish (potato salad, anyone?) or bring their go-to beverage. There are so many options for great food in Columbus, pick up something on your way! 

4. Decorate your space

This isn't the time for subtlety. When it comes to tailgating college football, the more festive you get, the better.

Here's how you can show your team spirit:

• Hang flags and banners from your canopy or tent
• Put team stickers on your cooler
• Break out the team-themed tablecloth
• Slap a temporary tattoo on your arm

1000. importantly, you'll want to dress the part by wearing your school's hat or jersey. Dedicated fans might even paint their faces or bodies with school colors.

5. The games before THE game

Tailgating parties are a great opportunity to socialize with friends, family, and even rival fans from opposing teams. Bring yard games like corn hole or KanJam to get people interacting. If you have kids with you, pack a foam football or frisbee so they can run around and burn off some energy.

General tailgate etiquette is to be respectful of your fellow fans. Make sure your group is staying within your designated space and not blocking anyone's view.

6. Play some tunes

Music always gets people pumped up for the big game. Put together a playlist with your favorite pregame songs or create a Spotify station dedicated to your team.

7. Be prepared for the weather

Great weather makes for a great tailgate. But even if it's not looking so good, you can still have fun. It is central Ohio. After all, the weather could change in an instant! Tarps or umbrellas will help keep your space dry in case it rains.

8. Don't forget the little things

A few other items you might not think to pack, but could come in handy:

• Trash bags for cleanup
• Bug spray
• First-aid kit (just in case)
• Hand sanitizer

When you're loading up the car, be sure to double check that you have everything. It's always better to err on the side of caution than to find yourself without something important. (Cough, paper towels, cough.)

9. Clean up before you go

There's no bigger buzzkill than seeing trash all over the parking lot after a tailgate. Be sure to clean up your area before you head into the stadium. This includes disposing of any food waste, picking up garbage, and putting away all your tailgating gear.

10. Have fun!

Whether your team is a perennial powerhouse or just starting to make some noise, college football tailgating is always a good time. The energy in the air, the cheering fans, the delicious food — it's all part of the experience. And the pageantry and tradition is even more special when you're surrounded by friends and family.

Be safe and enjoy the game. Go team!

The post 10 Best Tailgating Tips for Columbus College Football Game Day appeared first on Preferred Living Blog.

Brought to you by Katie from Zen Life and Travel

Columbus, Ohio, is a great place to live, but sometimes you just want to get out and explore. That’s great because there’s lots to do in Ohio. These are the best day trips from Columbus, Ohio — for both adults and families traveling with kids. Even better, these day trip ideas are within a 2-hour drive of Columbus.

Day trips can make a quick daycation (a day of vacation, get it?!) or an easy overnight trip. So, hop in the car and get ready to explore Ohio!

1. Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Cuyahoga Valley National Park is located between Cleveland and Akron along the Cuyahoga River. It’s one of the nation’s 61 National Parks and the only National Park in Ohio. Inside the park, you’ll find forests, hills, hiking trails, and waterfalls. Highlights include Beaver Marsh, Brandywine Falls, The Ledges, Blue Hen Falls, and The Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail.

Location: 15610 Vaughn Road, Brecksville, Ohio 44141

Contact: 440-717-3890 | Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Approximate Drive Time From Columbus: 1 hour 55 minutes

2. The Wilds 
 

The Wilds, located in Cumberland, is one of the most unique places you’ll find in Ohio. Without leaving the midwest, you can experience an open-air safari tour at this 9,000+ acre non-profit wildlife park and conservation center (which is a partner of the Columbus Zoo). You’ll get to see some incredible animals, including zebras, rhinos, antelopes, giraffes, cheetahs, and more.

Location: 14000 International Road, Cumberland, Ohio 43732

Contact: 740-638-5030 | The Wilds

Approximate Drive Time From Columbus: 1 hour 35 minutes

3. Hocking Hills State Park 
 

Hocking Hills State Park in Logan is a gorgeous area for enjoying the outdoors and one of the most popular day trips from Columbus, Ohio. You’ll find plenty of hiking, mountain biking, and camping. If you want to make this an overnight trip, there are lots of great cabins to choose from. I enjoyed the private cabins at the Inn and Spa at Cedar Falls and Cherry Ridge Retreat for a romantic getaway.

• Location: 13178 Route 664, Logan, Ohio 43138
• Contact: 1-800-HOCKING | Hocking Hills
• Approximate Drive Time From Downtown Columbus: 1 hour 10 minutes

4. Mad River Mountain

Mad River Mountain is Ohio’s largest ski and snowboard resort. Located in Zanesfield, it’s a great spot to learn to ski for the first time or to hone your skills close to home. As part of Vail Resorts, you can even use your Epic Pass here.

Location: 1000 Snow Valley Rd, Zanesfield, Ohio 43360

Contact: (800) 231-7669 | Mad River Mountain

Approximate Drive Time From Downtown Columbus: 50 minutes

5. Ohio Caverns 
 

Ohio Caverns has crystal stalactites, stalagmites, and other amazing formations. The caverns are the largest in the state and are recognized as “America’s Most Colorful Caverns.”

You can take a guided tour that lasts about 1 hour, and don’t forget to bring a jacket — the caverns remain at a constant 54 degrees throughout the year.

Location: 2210 East State Route 245, West Liberty, Ohio 43357

Contact: 937-465-4017 | Ohio Caverns

Approximate Drive Time From Columbus: 1 hour

Stay Tuned for the NEXT Five locations later this month!

The post Day Trips from Columbus appeared first on Preferred Living Blog.

This article is from Columbus on the Cheap. 
https://www.columbusonthecheap.com/best-photography-locations-in-columbus/

Is it time to update your family photos, or looking for somewhere to take Homecoming photos or senior pictures? Spring, Summer, and Fall are all great seasons to take outdoor photos, and provide a variety of scenery. We’ve gathered a list of some of the best locations for photos in Columbus.

In the spring you’ll have bright greenery, budding trees, and early flowers. Summertime features lush green and an abundance of flowers, including roses, wildflowers, sunflowers, and more.

Fall can’t be beat with beautiful fall leaves, mums, pumpkins, cozy sweaters, and boots…you can’t get more perfect than that!

Whether you want nature, a barn, waterfalls, a train, wildflowers, a lake, or more – you’ll find places to take pictures in Columbus! I polled my readers for some of their favorite photography locations in Columbus and came up with a great list!

Grab a photographer or your own camera and catch some beautiful photos at locations in Columbus.

Best photography locations in Columbus

Scioto Mile and Riverfront Park: Great view of the city, walking paths, woods, Scioto River, beautiful landscaping, fountains, seasonal flowers, “porch” swings.

German Village: Brick streets, beautiful buildings with character, and lots of brick and stone, landscaping

Frank Fetch Park: Benches, brick paths, beautiful gardens and landscaping, large trees

Schiller Park: Garden lined brick paths, stone columns, small lake, large trees, wooden bridge

Short North, Italian Village, and German Village: Find unique brick buildings and streets, murals, and so much variety on the side streets in these communities.

Park of Roses in Clintonville: Plenty of trees and variety of gardens that have something to offer through all seasons. Roses are in bloom off and on from May – September, depending on variety.

Topiary Park: Living art topiaries, small pond, landscaping, fountain, gazebo

Columbus Museum of Art: Indoor option; reservations and fee required.

Franklin Park Conservatory: Sessions must be scheduled, and there is a fee for taking professional photos. Indoor options as well as outdoor. Some displays and exhibits change with the season.

Gantz Park, Grove City: Brick and stone paths, barn, beautiful landscaping, large trees, labyrinth,

Ohio State University and Ohio Stadium: Ohio State campus has so many photos options with landscaping, old buildings, brick paths, Mirror Lake, mature trees, and more. You can also make reservations to take photos in Ohio Stadium for a fee for the biggest Buckeye fans.

Coffman Park in Dublin: Bridges, small bodies of water, stone pavilions, white barn, fence, landscaping, public art

Scioto Park in Dublin: paths, mature trees, landscaping, access to rocks along the river, wooden bridge, and the famous Chief Leatherlips head.

Indian Run Falls in Dublin: Wooded area with trails, waterfall, and a bridge

Hayden Falls between Dublin and Hilliard: Waterfall with viewing area, wooden boardwalk through the woods that lead to the waterfall. Best after a rain when the falls are full. Very scenic area and the falls drown out all of the city noise.

Liberty Church in Powell: Old barn, stone building, landscaping, stone arches, wood log fences, small waterfall feature, wooded area

Ohio Statehouse Rotunda and Ohio Statehouse grounds: Outside offers paths, large columns, steps, and beautiful landscaping. Photo permit required.

The Everal Barn & Homestead at Heritage Park in Westerville: White barn and brick building, nice landscaping, beautiful lake

Inniswood Metro Gardens in Westerville: Streams and woodlands, themed gardens, and more

Historical Village in Hilliard: Old school house and chapel, red train, log cabin, covered bridge, granary, gazebo

Homestead Park in Hilliard: Covered bridge, picket fences, barns, trains, tractor, pond, and more.

Creekside in Gahanna: Creek with rock area you can stand on, ducks, woods, paddleboats, wooden boardwalk, fountains, and woodland paths.

Prairie Oaks Metro Park: Lake, wooden bridges, path with tree canopy, wildflowers, and more

Columbus Metro Parks: All of these 19 parks have beautiful scenery that are stunning for photos. All seasons are great at the MetroPark photos due to the mature trees and beautiful colors.

The post Best Photography Locations in Columbus appeared first on Preferred Living Blog.