Top Five Things to Do in and Around Columbus, Ohio, in the Fall

Residents of Columbus realize there is a lot of fun to be had all year round in the city. But the city seems to come alive in the fall, and the five activities listed below have become annual autumn traditions for my family. Why not put one or all on your fall to do list?

Attend an Ohio State Buckeyes football game (or just tailgate)

Ohio State football fans are nuts about their Buckeyes! Every home game Saturday around Ohio Stadium, often referred to as the Horseshoe or just the 'Shoe, is full of tailgating madness. You don't need to own an RV to get in on the fun. All along Lane Avenue, restaurant and shop parking lots fill up with bands, beer stands and food vendors. The partying starts at least two hours before game time for early games and more than three or four hours prior to the games with afternoon or at night kickoff times. Wander around until you find a band whose music you like, buy a beer, and be a part of a giant pep rally. Go Bucks!

Get your chrysanthemums at Baker's Village Garden Center

Nothing says fall like a basket of mums on your front porch.

There are probably lots of cheaper and closer places to your house to buy chrysanthemums, but Baker's Village has the top selection of colorful mums in central Ohio. Available in a wide variety of colors and sizes, the mums at Baker's always have very dense flowers. Be sure to look for a plant with lots of closed buds so the blooming will continue after you take your lovely find home.

Baker's is located in Shawnee Hills, right outside of Dublin, Ohio. To get there, go north on N. High Street/Dublin Road. From the intersection of Route 161 and N. High Street, the shop is approximately 5 miles.

Out for a ladies lunch? Be sure to stop by the tea room at the Morgan House next door.

Hike Highbanks Metro Park

There are many great metro parks from which to choose, but you can't go wrong with Highbanks Metro Park, located on US Route 23 about 3 miles north of Interstate 270.

At peak season, this park is a great place to take in the spectacular leave colors. It is so beautiful, that you will likely encounter several professional photographers in the park who are there to take advantage of the autumnal scenery. Trails vary in terrain and difficulty, so be sure to look over a map with the trail descriptions to select the best hike for you.

Go apple or pumpkin picking

What would fall in Ohio be without an expedition to go apple or pumpkin picking? Take advantage of Columbus being a city nestled within a farming region by selecting your own produce. Many of the apple orchards and pumpkin patches also include family fun activities such as corn mazes and petting zoos.

Check the Dispatch newspaper for a thorough list of locations.

Eat some comfort food in Plain City

When the temperatures turn crisp, the craving for comfort food hits! Grab some fantastic Amish home cooking at Plain City's Der Dutchman. Whether you dine family style, order the buffet or just get a standard menu item, you will not leave hungry. Der Dutchman is best known for its broasted chicken, a technique combining broiling and roasting. Be sure to leave some room for a slice of cream pie, available in flavors ranging from the standard banana to peanut butter and chocolate.

Walk off your meal by browsing the gift shop and the bakery, which allows you to take some of that comfort food home with you.

Der Dutchman is located in Plain City, which will give you a nice bit of a country drive adding to that farmhouse feeling. The restaurant is located at 445 S. Jefferson Route 42.

While Columbus offers many activities year round, be sure to experience some of the activities that make autumn in Ohio special.