NEIGHBORHOOD SPOTLIGHT

From Dublin to Bexley, there’s no need to hide at home all winter long

By Mallory Arnold Story Design by Victoria Smith

Come on it’s lovely weather for a sleigh ride together with you!

The line in the classic Christmas carol sounds fun, but who has a sleigh handy these days? We put together a few winter activities to do near you that don’t require a horse-drawn carriage.→

Winter Parks

Bundle up and take in Dublin’s beautiful parks cloaked in sparkling, white snow. Indian Run Falls drips in icicles hanging off trees and cascading waterfalls. The walk to Hayden Run Falls is a peaceful journey, finished with the picturesque frozen falls.

Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo AND Aquarium

No surprise here – Wildlights is one of the most exciting things to do in Dublin during the winter. The lights run Nov. 18-Jan. 1 and include glittering exhibits like The Sparkling Spruce, the S’mores Experience, Carousel and more. Admission is $24.99, but on Dec. 3, you can bring six canned goods and get in for free.

Whiskey Warmers

For those who prefer indoor winter activities, there’s no better activity to keep you warm than whiskey tasting. The Celtic Cocktail Trail brings you to some of the best Dublin bars and restaurants, all of which offer delicious whiskey cocktails. On Thursday nights, you can enjoyed themed whiskey at The Bourbon Barrel Room for $11. For a more local, relaxed scene, McClellan’s Pub has one of the largest whiskey and bourbon collections in central Ohio.

Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park

Nature enthusiasts will love the 7,000 acres of forests, wetlands and prairies at Battle Darby Creek Metro Park. Watch the infamous bison in the Winter Bison Pasture from the Nature Center’s two viewing platforms or snowshoe through the miles of trails. Not to mention Dyer Mill Trail is reserved for cross-country skiing.

Plum Run Winery

Get out of the cold and warm up with wine! Plum Run Winery offers an array of crafts including mead, cider, wine and beer. Try a holiday-themed wine like cranberry, apple or honey mead. Or sip on a house crafted cocktail like a butterscotch coffee or cinnamon apple whiskey sour.

Broadway

For a fun Christmas shopping experience, nab a coffee at Transcend Coffee + Roastery and stroll along Broadway in the Grove City Town Center. You’ll find unique gifts and décor from places like Country Hearth Primitives, The Farm Table on 62, Zassy’s Tap Room and Home Décor,

↑ Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium ↓

↑ Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park ↓

Spa Day

The holidays can be stressful. Sometimes the most fun winter activity is doing absolutely nothing. Woodhouse Spa offers muscle-easing massages, full-body skin treatments, luxurious facials and more. You can even pick from packages based on what you’re looking for, whether it’s a refresh for your dry, tired skin or day of pampering designed for expectant mothers.

Uptown Westerville

No one does Christmas like Uptown Westerville. Enjoy the Uptown DORA drinking on Thursday and Friday evenings from 5-10 p.m. and Saturdays from 12-10 p.m., when beer, wine and cocktails can be consumed while shopping. The Westerville Tree Lighting Ceremony at Westerville City Hall and encounter live music, carolers, costumed characters and more.

Inniswood Metro Gardens

The 123-acre Inniswood Metro Gardens is a winter wonderland come December. Streams freeze over and woodlands turn into a snowy backdrop. Get your body warmed up by taking hikes along Sister’s Garden Loop, Frog Talk Walk or Chipmunk Chatter. Interactive maps can be found at www.metroparks.net.

↓ Uptown Westerville

↓ Bakery Trail in Bexley

Self-Guided Walk Through Jeffery Woods

The Bexley Recreation and Parks Department has established informative trail signs displayed along the paths in Jeffery Woods, each highlighting features and facts about the views.

Bakery Trail

The holidays mean sweets, sweets mean bakeries, which Bexley has tons of. Take an afternoon to do a taste-test of pastries baked around Westerville. Try a granny roll or cheese Danish at Resch’s Bakery, a warm zucchini mini loaf or petit-choux from Cherbourg Bakery, and award-winning cinnamon rolls or scones from Kitties Cakes.