Winter Festivals in and Around Columbus, Ohio

There may be snow on the ground in central Ohio, but there are still plenty of things to do in and around Columbus. The Buckeye State's capital city boasts flowers, wine, food, and ethnic celebrations in January, February, and March. Below are just a few of these events:

Orchid Forest
From January 15 to March 27, the Franklin Park Conservatory in Columbus erupts with tropical beauty as hundreds of colorful orchids are on display, adding a bright light in the middle of winter. These delicate, tropical flowers are complemented by lush foliage and water features. A miniature train snakes through the display and area artists craft flowers from glass. The Conservatory is open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily and until 8:00 p.m. on Wednesdays. Admission is $11 for adults, $9 for seniors and students, and $6 for children ages 3-17. Parking is free.

Franklin Park Conservatory
1777 E. Broad St. in Columbus
614 645-8733
fpconservatory.org

Champagne and Cake Trail
The wineries and wine shops of Columbus are joining forces to celebrate Valentine's Day and to raise money to battle heart disease. On February 11, eight area retailers are opening their doors for Champagne samples, desserts, and appetizers. Transportation is provided between locations. The fun starts at 8:00 p.m. and participants include Via Vecchia Winery, Europia Cellars, and the Wine Guy Wine Shop.

champagnecaketrail.com

Maple Sugar Festival
March is maple sugar season throughout Ohio, the fourth largest maple sugar-producing state in the United States. The town of Delaware, northwest of Columbus, marks this season with the annual Maple Sugar Festival, March 5 and 19 at the Stratford Ecological Center. Activities include an interpretive tour of the maple taps and maple samples. Tours begin every half hour from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. You must pre-register and the cost is $3 per person.

Stratford Ecological Center
3083 Liberty Rd. in Delaware
704 363-2548
stratfordecologicalcenter.org

St. Patrick's Day in Dublin, Ohio
What better place to celebrate St. Patrick's Day than in Dublin...Ohio? The 2011 parade steps off at 11:00 a.m. on March 12 at Metro Center and continues through the center of Dublin's downtown shopping district. Other events include a pancake breakfast before the parade at Sells Middle School in Dublin and post-parade celebrating at the city's numerous pubs and restaurants.

Other Articles about Ohio by Sandy Mitchell
Where to Go Antiquing in Greater Cleveland
Lakefront Restaurants in Greater Cleveland
Maple Syrup Means Spring in Northeast Ohio

sources:
http://www.stratfordecologicalcenter.org/January2011.pdf
http://www.champagnecaketrail.com/
http://www.dublin.oh.us/events/stpats/
http://www.ohiotraveler.com/Venue%20Files/dublin_ohio_st_patricks_day.htm
http://www.fpconservatory.org/orchids.htm