Fun and Free in Central Ohio

Yes, I am cheap. If there's a free event going on in the area, I'm there. If you're a like-minded individual or a little short on cash, here's a list of entertainment in Columbus that won't put a dent in your wallet.

Free Art
The Columbus Museum of Art is a wonderful place to visit. One of the ongoing exhibits is Eye Spy: Adventures In Art. This is an interactive area for families and children to learn and have fun. Don't miss the beautiful Chihuly glass pieces which became a permanent part of the museum's collection after an exhibition in 1998-99. With ever changing exhibits, there is always something new to see. The recent Richard Avedon exhibition was phenomenal. Now through January 21st 2007 runs "The Last Landscapes", paintings by Edgar Degas.
The regular museum admission is $6 for adults, $4 for students however on Sundays admission is FREE. Also, free parking can be had Sundays at any of the nearby meters. Hours are Tuesday-Sunday 10am-5:30pm, Thursdays 10am-8:30pm.

The Schumacher Gallery on the campus of Capital University in Bexley is free and open to the public Monday through Friday 1-5pm. Its permanent collections offer more than 2,500 pieces comprising 2,000 years of cultural history. The Springboard exhibit, featuring works by Ohio glass sculptors, runs through December 8th 2006.

The Topiary Garden on E. Town Street is art come to life. A Sunday On The Island Of La Grande Jatte by Georges Seurat, is recreated in topiary. It is the only interpretation of its kind in existence. Artist James T. Mason created and installed the metal frames and topiary plants. There are 54 people, eight boats, a monkey and a real pond. It is a wonderful photo opportunity. My brother's wedding party (including me) had beautiful pictures taken there. The park is free and open to the public from sunrise to sunset daily, year round. However, the best viewing months are April through November.

Hopping good fun
The first Saturday of every month, the Short North Gallery Hop is held. This is a fun and FREE event that runs 4-10pm along High Street. Most stores take part by staying open late, having sales, and sometimes offering free snacks and/or refreshments. The stores aren't your average mall fare. You'll have a good time finding unique gifts or just window shopping. Also, along the walks are street musicians and performers.

Cemetery tour
For a more unusual Saturday, visit Green Lawn cemetery for a free First Saturday program. The first Saturday of each month at 11am in the Chapel, the program honors people interred at Green Lawn who had an impact on life in central Ohio. Afterwards, visits to their graves are offered. For November 2006, German Village beer brewers will be honored. You can also call 878-4214 to schedule a tour. Guides who often wear period costume, point out the different types of monuments, historic grave sites and sections.

Factory Tours
I love food factory tours. One of my favorites is the Anthony-Thomas Candy Factory at 1777 Arlingate Lane. Free tours are led by a guide who takes you past large windows that look into the chocolate production. The processes are explained step by step with some interesting facts. At the end, sample some of Anthony-Thomas' wares for free and browse their retail shop. Tours are given Tuesdays and Thursdays 9:30am-2:30pm.

Graeter's Ice Cream is a delicious staple in Ohio since 1870 when it was created in Cincinnati. Today there are locations throughout Ohio and Kentucky. The location on Bethel Road in Columbus has a small factory where you can take a free short self-guided tour anytime. There are also free guide-led tours available for groups of 10 or more by appointment. There is also a play area for kids and an extra room to accommodate parties.

The Krema Nut Company is a fun stop if you're nuts about nuts. This small factory, located on Goodale Boulevard, offers free tours January through October, Monday through Friday from 9am to 2pm. The guide-led tour is fairly in-depth and informative as you observe nuts being roasted and peanut butter being made. While they require a minimum of 20 in a tour, if there are only 2 of you, they'll fit you in with another scheduled group. There are also free samples in the shop.

Libraries
Did you know there was a Cartoon Research Library in central Ohio? I didn't either, until recently. The Ohio State University library is located at 27 W. 17th Avenue. They hold many free exhibits and events. Running now through January 5th, 2007, is Sugar and Spice: Little Girls in the Funnies, an exhibition of Peanuts Girls and Their Predecessors, Contemporaries and Successors. The library also features visiting cartoonists for free presentations, signings and workshops. Regular hours are 9-5pm Monday through Friday.

Of course you can check out books, movies, music, and magazines for free at the public library but there's a lot more free stuff available. Most libraries (the Grandview and Upper Arlington are ones I use) offer free computer use and internet access. The Grandview library also lets you print out your first 5 copies free. The library is also a wealth of free programs. Throughout the year, Grandview and UA have free music concerts and free classes. Grandview offers free career coaching and UA free movie nights (with refreshments). So skip Blockbuster and Best Buy and head over to your local library.