
Did you know the city of Columbus has a long and interesting history that can be told through its iconic signs? It's true! Next time you're itching to get out of the house, we suggest taking a drive around so you can see some of these historic signs and buildings for yourself.
Follow this list in order and you'll have the perfect driving tour. Let's get started!
153 East Main St. Columbus, OH 43215
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It's easy to spot the verticle red and white sign adorning the outside of Hawk Galleries. This retail art gallery was founded in 1986 and moved to this 5,000 square-foot location in 2002. It continues to be an icon in the culturally rich area of downtown Columbus.
Here you'll find museum-quality works of art made by world-renowned artists working in a variety of mediums including glass, sculpture, wood, metal, and paintings.
240 S. Fourth St. Columbus, OH 43215
The original Littel Palace Restaurant was a staple of downtown Columbus for decades. When the location was purchased by new owners in 2010, they decided to keep the name, in part, because of the recognizable neon sign. It reads "Little Palace | Food | Liquor" with an arrow adorned with the word "Restaurant" pointing towards the entrance.
The restaurant itself is incredibly popular among locals and is also a "must visit" spot for tourists. From the 1960s look to the delicious selection of American, Greek, Italian, and other ethnic dishes, this locally-owned restaurant and bar has more than earned its stellar reputation.
11 W. State St. Columbus, OH 43215
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The classic vertical sign adorning the Ho-Toy restaurant is easy to spot. It features a top that resembles a Chinese pagoda, large Asian-style lettering that reads "Ho Toy," and the words "Chinese & American Food & Cocktails" along the bottom.
The Ho-Toy restaurant, which was originally opened back in 1959, used to be located on Town Street. It moved to its current location, which was previously a two-story Burger King restaurant in 1980. The decor still has a 1980s flair and shows its Burger King roots including the original Formica counters, vinyl booths that are now covered in plastic sheeting. and faded paint, carpeting, and flooring that still bears the original Burger King primary colors.
Despite its unassuming interior, the restaurant is known for serving fresh and delicious Americanized Cantonese Chinese comfort food and Thai cuisine.
21 E. State St. Columbus, OH 43215
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The Planters Peanut sign is one of the most notable historical signs in Columbus. It features the "peanut man" that has long been part of Planter's marketing and the words "Planters Peanuts" in red neon.
The sign has been in this location since it was erected in 1936 by the Planters Peanut company. At the time, there were over 300 of these shops across the country. They were sold to independent owners in the 1960s. Today, there are only about a dozen of them left, including this one located on E. State St. This nostalgic candy shop now sells roasted nuts, a variety of chocolates, and themed candy.
36 E. State St. Columbus, OH 43215
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The 2,791-seat Ohio Theatre has been entertaining the people of Columbus since 1928. The building features stunning architecture and design, including the gorgeous original marquis. This red neon sign continues to be a local landmark to this day.
73 E. Gay St. Columbus, OH 43215
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The historic building that houses the Tip Top is a long-standing icon located in the heart of downtown Columbus. The black and white sign reads "Tip Top" in large lettering and "Kitchen and Cocktails" along the bottom. Most notably, the "I" in Tip is topped with a bright red cherry.
This neighborhood bar offers "Ohio Comfort Food," delicious whiskey drinks, and microbrews on draft. They also have pinball machines, 22 beers on taps, and always offer PBR drafts for just two bucks.
34 W. Broad St. Columbus, OH 43215
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The 2,695-seat Palace Theatre was designed to resemble the Palais de Versailles in France. The inside is adorned with a grand staircase, fountain, mural, and stunning chandeliers. The red neon sign that reads "Columbus Palace Theatre" is impossible to miss!
50 W. Gay St. Columbus, OH 43215
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The mid-century modern Beacon Building was built in 1957 and the huge teal blue and red sign remains a focal point of the area today. This beautiful six-story building faced in polished stone was purchased by the city in 1979 for $2 million. Today it's home Columbus' Public Service Department. Plans are currently underway to relocate the department, and, once this is complete, the building will be sold to a private party.
161 N. High St. Columbus, OH 43215
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It's hard to miss the giant beer glass sign with the words "Elevator Brewery & Draught Haus" along the side of the Elevator Brewing Co. This beautiful historic restaurant and brewery was founded in 1999 by a father-and-son team.
They've been producing award-winning craft beer for over 20 years and the menu features modern American fare that you're sure to love. When you're done enjoying your meal, you'll want to stick around to play a game on one of their three classic dartboards or restored antique billiard tables. Their eight-foot table dates back to 1891 while the seven-foot table was made in 1884!
59 Spruce St. Columbus, OH 43215
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The original North Market, located in downtown Columbus, is a 144-year-old market that houses an eclectic mix of over 30 independently owned small businesses. Here you'll find fresh produce, seafood, meat, poultry, specialty items, fresh flowers, prepared foods, and unique gifts.
Its huge neon sign, which reads "North Market" and is adorned with a sunshine pattern around the letter "O," is another iconic part of Columbus history.
Which of these iconic buildings will you visit first?

Big-screen TVs, surround sound, and streaming brought movie-watching from theaters into homes. Classic drive-in theaters combine technology and privacy to offer the best of both worlds.
As we transition to the "new normal," drive-in theaters may provide the perfect solution to safely enjoying a night out. Now that drive-ins have received the green light, check out these fun-filled theaters around Northeast Ohio and other parts of the state. Visit the website or Facebook pages for current schedules.
33395 Lorain Rd., North Ridgeville, OH 44039
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The name may have a nostalgic 1950s feel, but don't let that fool you. Thanks to modern theater enhancements, Aut-O-Rama Drive-In has remained up-to-date with the times. As the first Cleveland-area drive-in to offer two screens, Aut-O-Rama was also one of the local theaters to lead the way in transitioning from speakers to in-car audio. Outside food is not allowed, but the extensive concession stand menu includes vegan and gluten-free options for those with special dietary needs.
2736 State Route 59, Ravenna, OH 44266
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Midway Twin Drive-In has the distinction of being designed by Jack Vogel, a renowned architect whose drive-in theater drawing collection is in the Library of Congress. While the theater's original screen tower was destroyed by a storm in 2000, the new tower carries Vogel's trademark diamond-and-flags sign. Head to Midway's FunFlick page on their website to purchase admissions, reserve parking spots, and order swag such as t-shirts and keychains.
959 Broad St., Wadsworth, OH 44281
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When Blue Sky Drive-In opened in 1947, the theater featured a wooden screen with large speakers attached to either side. Legend has it the sound could be heard six miles away in neighboring Doylestown. The street side of the screen was covered with twinkling stars that drew people to drive by just to see them. Unlike Magic City Drive-In, its sister theater, Blue Sky has only one screen, but both drive-ins are run with the same focus on customer service and quality entertainment.
5602 S. Cleveland-Massillon Rd., Barberton, OH 44203
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Kids who came to Magic City Drive-In with their families in the 1970s and 1980s are now bringing their own little ones to share one of their favorite experiences. Digital projection and FM stereo sound are modern amenities, but visitors still find the same "magic" they enjoyed when they were young. A $5 permit fee is charged for bringing in outside food, but it can be applied to a minimum $15 purchase of additional snacks and beverages at the concession stand.
9735 State Route 250 NW, Strasburg, OH 44680
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Lynn Drive-In, opened in 1937, holds the honor of being Ohio's longest-running drive-in theater. As if that weren't enough, the Lynn is also #2 among continuously operating drive-ins around the world. Throughout its history, Lynn Drive-In has been owned by a succession of families. In fact, the drive-in is named after the daughter of Ray McCombs, who partnered with his father-in-law to run the theater in the 1940s. The concession stand accepts credit and debit cards, but admissions are cash only, so don't forget to stop at the ATM on the way.
2420 E. Main St., Lancaster, OH 43130
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In 1994, after working at the theater for 30 years, current owner Walt purchased Skyview Drive-In from founder Carlos Crum, maintaining a welcome sense of tradition. Walt's wife upgraded the concession stand to include a more extensive selection than usually found at drive-ins. Choose from treats such as pork tenderloin sandwiches, quarter-pound burgers, apple dumplings, and funnel cakes. Please note that you're free to bring in your own food except for pizza, which is available on the theater's menu.
3050 S. High St., Columbus, OH 43207
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Located, appropriately enough, on the south side of town, South Drive-In is the last remaining drive-in theater in Columbus. Opened in 1950, the South is one of several regional drive-ins built by the Yassenoff family. Over the years, the theater has survived a tornado and incorporated high-tech improvements to continue serving the community. For your convenience, South Drive-In is adding online ordering for concessions, with a text alert when your order is ready for pickup.
1816 Old Oxford Rd., Hamilton, OH 45013
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The website of Holiday Auto Theater proudly proclaims, "60 Years of Drive-In Fun!" In particular, their concession stand is so good that it's remained open on weekends to serve carry-out food. Tops on the list is the Family Combo, which easily feeds up to four people. The combo includes a personal pizza, burger, fries, two hot dogs, popcorn, candy and four drinks for $38.75.
What are your favorite memories of drive-in theaters?

Do you ever come down with a case of wanderlust, but vacation just isn't in the cards right now? With as little as one day and one tank of gas, get away from it all and take one of these fascinating trips around the Cincinnati area.
6282 Burlington Pike, Burlington, KY 41005

Quilts have a nostalgic appeal that instantly creates a homey feeling of comfort. Enterprising crafters have taken "quilting" to a new level, and many of their works make up the Barn Quilt Trail of Boone County. Donna Sue Groves, a representative of the Ohio Arts Council, inspired the project with a quilt square painted on the side of a barn in Adams County to honor her mother. Boone County's collection, sponsored by the Florence Women's Club, features more than 60 barn squares in traditional and contemporary patterns.
4521 Spring Grove Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45232
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It may seem a more appropriate site for Halloween visits, but Spring Grove Cemetery and Arboretum is not your everyday cemetery. Established in 1845, Spring Grove is the second-largest cemetery in the United States and one of only seven to hold the designation of National Historic Landmark. In addition to the burial grounds, Spring Grove includes a stunning 733-acre arboretum with an extensive collection of flowering trees, shrubs, and perennials. Download a map from the website and tour the grounds by car or foot. Hours are 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. daily.
Riverside Dr. and Greenup St., Covington, KY 41011
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Sneak in some local history with a family visit to view the impressive artwork along the Riverside Drive Statue Tour in Covington's Licking Riverside Historic District. Start with the statue of John A. Roebling at the foot of the bridge spanning Cincinnati and Covington that bears his name. As you make your way along the riverfront, you'll pass impressive historic mansions along with statues of notable figures such as Captain Mary B. Greene, first licensed riverboat captain along the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers, and James Bradley, a former slave who became one of the first black students at Oberlin College.
1292-1298 Elsinore Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45202
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Iconic Eden Park may define Cincinnati more than any other area in the city. Its name is taken from "Garden of Eden," as it was called by original owner Nicholas Longworth. Start your tour at Elsinore Arch, a stately structure built as a valve house for Cincinnati Water Works that also serves as the entrance to Eden Park. Other stops include Mirror Lake, a reflection pool with a 60-foot fountain, and Presidential Grove, which features a tree dedicated to each president of the United States. Hours are 6 a.m. - 10 p.m. daily.
229 Fairfield Ave., Bellevue, KY 41073
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Once you've seen the traditional Cincinnati sites such as Great American Ball Park and Fountain Square, it's time to check out the lesser-known but equally interesting spots. The "Secret Cincinnati" Tour is based on Kathryn Witt's book, Secret Cincinnati: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful and Obscure. Start at Petri's Flowers Building, where a whimsical mural imagines characters from artistic masterpieces enjoying a "Garden Party at the Taft." Other visual treats along the way include a Western mural adorning a park in Old Seminary Square and St. Mary's Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption, with an exterior designed to resemble iconic Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris.
1 High St., Hamilton, OH 45011
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Hamilton's commitment to culture led then-Governor Bob Taft to officially recognize it as the "City of Sculpture" on August 16, 2000. Community members founded a non-profit group under the same name to continue installing sculptures from local and national artists in various public spaces around Hamilton. One of their projects involves teaming up with Leadership Hamilton to provide a series of sculptural bike racks throughout the downtown area and along Main Street. After spotting the sculptures around town, finish your tour at Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park, featuring more than 80 sculptures in a beautiful natural setting. The park is open seven days a week from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Admission is $8 for adults and $3 for kids aged 6-12.
20 E. Central Parkway, Cincinnati, OH 45202
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Not all art galleries are behind four walls. ArtWorks is a non-profit organization helping to make Cincinnati a diverse and vibrant open-air art gallery. The Public Art program matches youths aged 14-21 with professional artists who serve as mentors. Since 1996, members of ArtWorks have created more than 12,500 projects, of which one of the more notable works is the "Sing the Queen City" sculpture greeting people entering the city on the Roebling Bridge. Visit the website and download the convenient map of self-guided walking tours.
19852 State Route 664 S., Logan, OH 43138
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With five separate sections offering a diverse range of landscapes and features, Hocking Hills State Park is like Mother Nature's amusement park. More than 330 million years ago, the area was submerged beneath the Atlantic Ocean. As the waters receded, various natural wonders carved out by a melting glacier came into view. Get a brisk workout on the hiking trails that's rewarded with breathtaking sights of cliffs, waterfalls, caves, and sweeping panoramas. Hours are dawn to dusk year-round.
506 5th St., Columbus, IN 47201
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When you hear "Columbus," you probably think automatically of Ohio. But the "other" Columbus, across the Indiana state line, has been named one of America's top historic destinations by National Geographic Traveler. Columbus has been dubbed "Athens on the Prairie" thanks to the city's unique mix of public art and modern architecture. The visitor center boasts a Dale Chihuly chandelier, while the library was designed by I.M. Pei and features a Henry Moore sculpture adorning its outdoor plaza.
5083 Colerain Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45223
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Cincinnati is a bustling urban center, but a peaceful oasis is only 15 minutes away. At 1,459 acres, Mt. Airy Forest is the largest facility in Cincinnati's park system. Along with miles of hiking and mountain biking trails, Mt. Airy has Ohio's only wheelchair-accessible treehouse. The arboretum features 30 acres of gardens, several gazebos, and a scenic lake. Bring Fido along for a romp in the enclosed dog park. Be sure to pack a picnic to enjoy at one of 23 picnic areas. Mt. Airy is open daily from 6 a.m. - 10 p.m.
What's your go-to carpool karaoke song?
Shop for locally grown produce all winter long at the Village Green Winter Market! You can also purchase grass-fed beef, pastured pork, eggs, handmade soaps, baked goods, locally roasted coffee, jewelry and so many other artisan goods.
Photo courtesy of Coporation for Findlay Market
Purchase fresh produce any time of the year at Ohio's oldest continuously operated public market! Located just a few blocks from downtown in Over-the-Rhine, you can peruse local produce, meats and handmade items from more than 40 indoor merchants.
The West Chester Farmers' Market has been providing fresh foods and handmade items in the West Chester area since 2004. Their winter market goes through March this season and offers everything from produce, eggs and meat to crafts, cookies, soaps and lotions.
You can find pretty much anything at Northside Farmers' Market — from locally grown produce, organic meat, eggs and plant starters to freshly baked goods, roasted coffee, street food, tea, nuts and sauerkraut!
This post was updated on August 20, 2019, to reflect current information.
Fall is officially here! Though we had a tough time bidding summer farewell, we are thrilled at the prospect of a new season filled with vibrant colors, warm apple cider and plenty of pumpkins. Visiting a pumpkin patch or an apple orchard is a beloved tradition here in Ohio, as it allows us to soak up some autumn sunshine, take a hayride and gather some amazing fall bounty. Whether you're looking to gather some apples for making pie, pick-your-own pumpkin to carve into a jack-o-lantern or simply wanting to enjoy some good old-fashioned family fun, these local orchards and patches should provide you with some incredible fall memories. Enjoy!
Photo courtesy of Bauman Orchards
If you make the hour-long journey to Bauman Orchards in Rittman, you will be treated to more than 40,000 apple trees and 18 different varieties (10 available to pick yourself). Visitors can pick their own apples from September 1 through October 13, and afterwards, are invited to enjoy fresh-pressed apple cider (and maybe a few baked goods) in the market. Looking for a pumpkin, gourd or squash for eating or decorating? You can find those in the market as well. Tip: Don't miss the Fall Festival on September 21, September 28 and October 5! There will be pick-your-own apples as well as live music, pony rides, a hay maze, homemade caramel apples, a petting zoo and more.
Hillcrest Orchards strives to grow the highest quality apples, the largest pumpkins, the juiciest peaches and the happiest family memories. On weekends during the fall, you will be treated to a fun wagon ride out to the apple orchard or pumpkin patch, as well as sage picking advice to help you harvest the cream of the crop. Make sure to check the 2018 ripening calendar before planning your visit.
Photo courtesy of Monroe's Orchard and Farm Market
Monroe's Orchard is a must-visit location for families looking for a fun day out in the sun. You'll find fresh fruits year-round, but it would be a shame to miss the sight of the bountiful apple orchards and the pick-your-own pumpkins during the fall months. The Apple Harvest Festival begins on the last Saturday of September, and is also when the pumpkins are available!
Red Wagon Farm is known for its incredible selection of local produce, which (depending on the season) includes pick-your-own strawberries, peaches, sweet corn, tomatoes and more. During the fall months, don't miss the pumpkin festival, which runs on weekends from September 22 to October 28 this year. Activities include wagon rides, a corn maze, face painting, delicious food, and a selection of seasonal homegrown produce in the market — including pumpkins, of course.
Photo courtesy of Sage's Apples
Sage's Apples is celebrating its 151st anniversary this year and it's no surprise why it has been so successful for so long! The farm grows more than 50 varieties of apples and sells a wide range of fresh produce in its market year-round. While you aren't actually able to pick-your-own apples at this location, the market offers several delicious varieties that you won't be able to find anywhere else, as well as a spectacular selection of melons, berries, peppers, corn and other local fruits and vegetables. It's certainly worth a visit!