
Wanderlust is part of our American heritage. Fortunately, there are a number of intriguing road trips from Columbus, OH that are short on distance, but long on culture and entertainment.
Picturesque Marietta, just under a two-hour drive from Columbus, bills itself as "Ohio's First Adventure," but they're not just bragging. No less an authority than National Geographic calls Marietta one of the best "adventure towns" in the United States. Use this helpful guide to plan your own adventure in Marietta.
418 4th St., Marietta, OH 45750
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You'll feel like a member of royalty for a day when you visit The Castle, a stunning Gothic Revival home dating back to 1855. Built for the then-princely sum of $10,000, The Castle has housed lawyers, bankers, and even a member of the Ohio Senate. In addition to antiques and historical furniture, museum displays include many items related to various owners of the home. Admission is $10 for adults and $7 for students. Hours vary by season and advance reservations are required, so visit the website for more information.
241 Front St., Marietta, OH 45750
Enjoy the charm and history of Marietta from a comfortable seat on the Trolley Tours. You'll get a unique perspective of the town thanks to entertaining stories from the knowledgeable tour guides. The 90-minute trip covers all noteworthy areas of Marietta, including beautiful residential streets, so you can decide which places you want to explore in depth. Trips depart from the Armory parking lot at 10 a.m. Call or visit their Facebook page for more information.
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Marietta is nestled in the confluence of the Ohio and Muskingum Rivers. The latter provides a scenic backdrop for a pleasant walk along the Marietta River Trail. Construction is occurring in phases, but the current configuration runs 3.28 miles, just long enough for a family-friendly outing. Leashed four-legged family members are welcome, so bring your precious pooch along. The trail begins at the Indian Acres Boat Ramp, extending to E. 8th and Jefferson streets.
206 Gilman Ave., Marietta, OH 45750
Do your kids think history is boring? They'll love the "education" at the Children's Toy and Doll Museum. Founded in 1976, the museum outgrew two other locations before settling into its current home in a Queen Anne-style house. Nine separate rooms contain themed collections featuring dolls and dollhouses along with a wide selection of antique toys and games. Admission is $4 for adults and $2 for kids. Hours are 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. weekends.
152 Front St., Marietta, OH 45750
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When you visit Wit & Whimzy, the name alone lets you know you're in for a unique experience. The shop is filled with a carefully curated collection of artisan-crafted items from local and regional artists and small business owners. On any given day, you can find unique jewelry, home decor, bath and body products, apparel, and accessories that are perfect for yourself or gift-giving. Many items have a Marietta, Ohio, or West Virginia theme. Wit & Whimzy is open 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. weekdays, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday and noon - 4 p.m. Sunday.
290 Front St., Marietta, OH 45750
Tired of shopping at national chain stores with mass-produced clothes and no customer service? Teri Ann's features women's designer clothes and accessories so you can put together your own stylish look. Cheerful and knowledgeable service is a hallmark of the family-owned store, founded in 1961 by George and Virginia Zide and named after their eldest child. Store hours are 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
167 Front St., Marietta, OH 45750
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Marietta has a rich past, but the city has also embraced the best features of modern-day life. Head to Marietta Brewing Co. for locally-made craft beer and "guest" beverages from top Ohio breweries. The food menu includes eight types of burgers along with other brewpub classics such as pizza, chicken wings, and nachos. Dine in or order online for carry-out. Hours are 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
332 Front St., Marietta, OH 45750
Dining out is truly a special event at The Buckley House Restaurant. Located in an elegant Victorian-style home listed on the Ohio Historic Register, The Buckley House was built in 1879 as a private residence. The seasonal menu is influenced by the delicious flavors and healthy ingredients of Mediterranean cuisine. Enjoy the impeccably landscaped grounds from the outdoor dining areas on the front porch and back deck. The Buckley House serves dinner from 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. every evening but Sunday and reservations are recommended.
101 Front St., Marietta, OH 45750
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Legend has it that American Revolution hero Marquis de Lafayette was the first tourist to visit Marietta during its fledgling days. The occasion is memorialized in the name of The Lafayette, one of the last remaining riverboat-area hotels. Located in the heart of downtown Marietta, The Lafayette has a distinctive triangular shape that allows guests a view of either the Ohio or Muskingum rivers. Amenities include a private fitness center, dry cleaning service, onsite laundry facilities, two restaurants, and a coffee shop. Visit the website for a list of specials and themed packages.
203 Second St., Marietta, OH 45750
Marietta's past meets the 21st century at The Hackett Hotel, a "casually chic" boutique hotel located on the second floor of a fully renovated 1899 building. The hotel's five rooms have their own individual decor and each one is named after an influential figure from Marietta's history. Modern amenities include free WiFi and HD TVs. Conveniently located on the first floor, The Galley is a lively gastropub with 24 beers on tap along with a menu that combines gourmet dishes and bar food classics. Lunch and dinner are served Monday through Saturday.
What's been your most memorable road trip from Columbus, OH?

We all can agree that Columbus is a wonderful place to call home. Our state capital smack dab in the center of Ohio has everything we could ever want and need. From fantastic parks and restaurants to interesting museums, world-renowned universities, and a diverse cultural influence, Columbus has it all. We're not surprised that so many people want to call The Arch City home too, and if you're looking to sell your house to one of these prospective buyers, these staging companies and interior decorators will help you close the sale!
4165 Olentangy Blvd., Columbus, OH 43214
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The team at Staging Spaces is so talented that they're sure you'll fall back in love with your home's new look! They'll come in and design or refine every space, staging it appropriately to sell to the needs of current buyers in the market. Even though they are "staged" homes, their staging makes buyers feel as comfortable as if they were in their own homes. Staging Spaces treats every home like a mini interior design project and strives to help you achieve a swift and successful sale.
5000 Arlington Center Blvd, Columbus, OH 43220
At Staging Columbus, they're all about transformation. Their team understands that every house is one-of-a-kind and that the staging process should be just as unique. Beginning with a home analysis, Staging Columbus will use your goals and budget to create a roadmap to success. These customized plans will address everything from countertops and flooring to small updates and paint colors. With experience transforming spaces from vacant to occupied homes, Staging Columbus can showcase your home when it comes time to sell.
18 E. Bridge St., Dublin, OH 43017

With a philosophy to design personalized rooms that meet the client's dreams, Casa Décor is known for their innovative creations. For years, they've redesigned interiors to be functional, stylish, and most importantly, adjustable to the modern-day lifestyle. Let them outfit your home with the furniture and furnishings you need to capture the hearts of diverse buyers.
908 Mission Hills Ln., Columbus, OH 43235
Interior design services at a flat rate may sound too good to be true, but ReadySet Redesign is ready to dazzle you with their one-day decorating services. It seems like time and budget are always in short supply when selling your home, which is exactly why ReadySet Design helps sellers through this overwhelming process. They specialize in creating uniquely decorated homes based on color palettes, design style, and lifestyle, crafting an unbelievable finished product in only a few hours! Save money, save time, and save yourself a huge hassle in selling your home with ReadySet Design.
1205 E. 5th Ave., Columbus, OH 43219
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Do you want to potentially increase your home sale up to 25 percent? Then trust Columbus Home Staging to save you from the pitfalls of unstaged homes. They can specialize in vacant staging for investment properties and model homes, as well as supplemental staging for those still residing in the home during the listing period. Columbus Home Staging can even provide professional photography services to ensure that your staging looks just as good online as it does in person.
900 Old Pine Dr., Columbus, OH 43230
When searching for customized décor to stage your home, you want to be stylish yet selective enough to please a wide audience. We Decorate Columbus has the eye and experience for helping you choose the furniture and furnishings that will highlight the beauty and functionality of each room in your home. They'll put together several fully detailed design proposals so you can choose which you believe will give your home the presentation it deserves in its listing.
4106 Fairfax Dr., Columbus, OH 43220
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Snider Metcalf believes that exceptional interior design begins with listening to listening. They'll sit down and hear your home's story, capturing the essence of the environment to beautifully showcase every element. From lighting and plumbing fixtures to artwork and accessories, no area of the home will go unnoticed or untouched. When they're finished, you'll have a picture-perfect interior that will brilliantly adorn your listing and bring buyers in by the droves.
3040 Riverside Dr. #123, Columbus, OH 43221
When you sell your home, it's the details that truly convince a buyer to make an offer. Blue Designs understands this and ensures that their professional interior design services make the most of your home from floor to ceiling. Although kitchens and bathrooms are their specialties, Blue Designs offers entire room redesigns and whole-home remodeling, including outdoor spaces. No project is too large or small for their team, which is great for homeowners who want to flip their property and instantly list it.
1090 W. 5th Ave., Columbus, OH 43212
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Whether you're a design enthusiast or someone who doesn't know the first thing about home staging, Fourth Home is here to help. Obsessed with design, Fourth Home is will provide you with the décor you desire to stage your home with. Their vast collection of furniture, textiles, art, floral, candles, lighting, and home accessories are all handpicked. Something as simple as an elegant chandelier, as welcoming as a comfortable sofa, and as aromatic as a scented candle can engage the senses of your prospective buyers and leave a lasting impression.
What are some of your favorite interior design tips and tricks? Let us know the best way to stage your home in the comments below!

We have a lot of music lovers on our team here at Cutler Real Estate, and we know Columbus is a great place to find your inner Guitar Hero with its vibrant music scene and abundance of amazing guitar stores. Whether you're looking for music lessons, are in the market for a new axe to call your own, or just want to browse a selection of beautiful guitars, we recommend checking out some of these great Columbus music shops!
1423 Chambers Road, Columbus, OH 43212
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Starting out in 2009 as a small guitar repair business in a cozy home on Chambers Road, Guitar House Workshop has grown to become one of city's most treasured resources for guitar players. They offer a wide range of new and used guitars—mostly acoustics—with a focus on unusual and quality vintage guitars. Their in-house luthiers also offer a full range of guitar repairs and restorations, and Guitar House is widely known as one of the best places in town to take lessons on stringed instruments of any kind, from guitar and bass to banjo, ukulele, and mandolin.
2630 Bethel Road, Columbus, OH 43220
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Offering hard-to-beat prices on a wide range of new and used musical instruments, Music Go Round is a great place to find your first (or next) guitar. They first opened their doors in 1996 and are known far and wide as one of the best spots to buy or sell a guitar in Central Ohio. You can count on finding a wide and ever-changing selection of acoustic and electric guitars, bass guitars, amps, percussion, and gear. Be sure to also head to Music Go Round when you need to stock up on accessories like picks, strings, tuners, and capos.
350 S. Grant Ave., Columbus, OH 43215
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German Village Guitar Haus has been a staple of the Columbus guitar community since 1950. The shop offers an incredible selection of guitars and other instruments, whether you're looking for high-end professional instruments or a quality starter guitar. Every instrument sold here is guaranteed to be set up for optimum playability. German Village Music Haus is also a great place to bring your guitar for a tune-up, whether you need full-service luthiery and amplifier repair or just a quick setup and a fresh set of strings.
1370 S. High St., Columbus, OH 43207
Folk and bluegrass players in the Columbus area know Bluegrass Musicians Supply as Mid-Ohio's go-to destination for all things acoustic. They offer an amazing selection of new and vintage acoustic guitars but also so much more. Whether you need your banjo repaired or a new set of strings for your mandolin, this is the place. Bluegrass Musicians Supply also offers music instruction on guitar and other instruments, along with skilled instrument repair. It's always fun to browse their selection of guitars, banjos, violins, mandolins, harmonicas, hand percussion, and other fun stuff.
1597 W. 5th Ave., Columbus, OH 43212
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Fifth Avenue Fret Shop is among the best places in the Columbus area for highly skilled repair and restoration of guitars, and fretted instruments of all kinds. Their team of detail-oriented luthiers is truly second to none. This cozy shop also offers a selection of acoustic and electric guitars for sale, with a focus on vintage guitars in excellent condition. You won't find the widest selection here, but you'll know that any guitar you buy at Fifth Avenue Fret Shop is a great one.
3135 N. High St, Columbus, OH 43202
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After spending years operating a guitar repair shop, J. Thomas Davis decided he'd rather be making his own guitars. Now operating out of a small shop on High Street, Davis crafts stunning acoustic instruments, one at a time, based on each customer's specific needs. Every guitar that comes from J. Thomas Davis Guitar Maker is a work of art. From classical, steel-string, and twelve-string guitars to archtops and carved Irish bouzoukis and citterns, if you can't find the instrument you want in any shop, Davis will make it for you.
1359 N. High St, Columbus, OH 43201
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As you might guess from its name, Hippie Hut Guitars and Things sells guitars, and also a lot of other stuff. Tucked behind a storefront in the Short North Arts District, the shop offers clothing, posters, records jewelry, incense and incense burners, a wide range of gifts and novelty items, and of course guitars. Browsing through all the colorful novelties and oddities is half the fun, but Hippie Hut still has a great selection of guitars, including some genuine vintage gems that often find their way into the shop.
4290 Indianola Ave. #101, Columbus, OH 43214
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Offering repairs, restorations, and enhancements to take your guitar to the next level, the Guitar Repair Co. is dedicated to helping you get the most out of your instrument. Owner and guitar expert Sean Bowers is a seasoned musician as well as a luthier and provides a range of services for both acoustic and electric guitars. From simple guitar setups and restrings to crack repairs, fretwork, and electronics repair, this is where you take your guitar if you want it to come back better than ever.
2211 Glenmere Road, Columbus, OH 43220
The electric guitars made by Tony Cochran Guitars are truly one of a kind. Each one is hand-riveted, screwed, and nailed by guitar maker Tony Cochran—also the creator of the syndicated comic strip "Agnes"—to create beautiful steampunk-inspired instruments of metal, leather, and wood. These guitars would look equally at home in a museum as in a musician's hands, but they're fully functional and playable as well as visually striking. Cochran has committed to making only 300 guitars, so get one while you can!
Did we forget to mention your favorite Columbus area music store? Let us know in the comments section!

Could you spare a pint of blood for those in need throughout Columbus?
Believe it or not, you can "bleed" for a good cause without any pain or discomfort. In fact, a few minutes sitting on a comfortable chair is all that's needed to save a number of lives. Donating blood is one of the easiest, yet most selfless acts that you can do. If you've never donated blood before or haven't in a few years, now is the perfect time to perform such a heroic deed.
June 14th, 2020, is World Blood Donor Day. Organized by the World Health Organization, World Blood Donor Day is an annual event designed to raise awareness and spread education about the many benefits of blood donation. This international celebration unites us all in a quest to preserve the wellbeing of our communities with the life-saving gift of blood.
World Blood Donor Day began in 2004 in an attempt to raise awareness of the need for safe, clean blood, as well as to recognize the many selfless donors who voluntarily save the lives of thousands by simply donating their blood a few times each year.
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Think about how much any donation can impact a community. A few dollars can feed a person struggling with homelessness, a few donated clothing can help a family, and a few hours of volunteering can benefit countless members of our society. While time, money, and effort can go a long way in helping our fellow neighbors, blood donations can make quite an impact in ways that we may not even realize.
Like other donations, blood donations are used in a variety of ways. In some cases, donated blood is used in planned medical treatments such as blood transfusions. Donated blood is also used to facilitate urgent medical interventions, such as when an individual has lost a significant volume of their own blood due to an accident, injury, or natural disaster.
What many individuals, even some donors, don't know is that blood is also used for healthcare in other, long-term ways. Many blood donations are saved in a blood bank for future use while others are sent overseas to countries that do not have safe or sufficient quantities of blood. Blood plasma donations can also be used for other medical treatments.
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When you donate blood, every drop counts. While it may seem odd to think that something every human has is in short supply around the world, the reality is that there are thousands if not millions of men, women, and children across the globe that cannot obtain the clean, safe blood that they desperately need to restore their health. Here are a few vital facts about blood donations that we believe you should know:
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Would you like to learn more about donating blood? Here are a few frequently asked questions prospective donors inquire about via the American Red Cross:
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Saturday, June 13, 2020
Sunday, June 14, 2020
Monday, June 15, 2020
Tuesday, June 16, 2020
Friday, June 19, 2020
Note that many locations may require signup prior to donating, but these blood donation events are far from the only opportunities for donation. Nearly every day of the year, there's a way for you to donate blood around the Columbus area. There are also a number of blood buses that schedule frequent stops at popular locations such as shopping plazas, community centers, and school campuses.
Have you ever donated blood before? Tell us about your experience in the comments below and give other donors the support and advice you think will help make their experience as positive as possible.

Summer is the perfect time to breathe new life into your deck and landscaping with beautiful flowers, shrubs, and patio plants. These greenhouses around Columbus will help you find what you need to spruce up your yard this season.
2500 Airport Drive, Columbus, OH
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deMonye's Greenhouse has been family-owned and operated since 1929, so they must be doing something right! Their growers have over 50 years of experience in growing healthy plants, and their staff is happy to help you pick the perfect plants. You'll find succulents, annuals, perennials, tropicals, and garden vegetable plants. And if you're unsure about what plants to choose for front porch planters, you've come to the right place. deMonye's custom planters will talk with you about what plants you like and then plant them in a planter for you.
1156 Oakland Park Ave., Columbus, OH
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If spring has inspired you to improve your landscaping, you'll find a very large selection at Oakland Nurseries. The staff is trained in horticulture, so they'll be able to offer knowledgeable advice about their plants as well as what would work well in your yard's conditions. You'll find many unique and exotic plants, shrubs, ornamental and shade trees, houseplants, succulents, and bonsai plants. The nursery also has plenty of fruit, nut, and vegetable plants, seeds, bulbs, and gardening accessories as well as annual, perennial, and patio plants. Whatever you're looking for, you'll most likely find it at Oakland Nurseries.
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Strader's Garden Center has thousands of shrubs and trees to choose from, and if you don't have a green thumb, don't worry—most come with a one-year guarantee. You'll also find flowering plants to brighten your garden with, as well as indoor plants to bring a touch of nature inside. A variety of organic products are available, including lawn foods, plant foods, potting mixes, and supplements. And if you'd like to attract birds to your yard this spring, you'll find a good selection of bird feeders and seed.
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Dill's Greenhouse is an area mainstay, located southeast of Columbus between Groveport and Canal Winchester. Their original greenhouses were built in 1923, and the business has grown exponentially since then. Family-owned Dill's Greenhouse grows their own annuals, perennials, vegetable plants, and hanging baskets, and they have 10 acres of production and retail areas. Most of their trees and shrubs are grown in Ohio, so they're not traveling long distances, and you know they'll thrive in the state's climate. You'll also find natural and organic products to help your garden grow, including insecticides, fungicides, herbicides, and fertilizers.
182 N. Sunbury Road, Westerville, OH
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You'll be able to check off your list of exterior and interior landscaping needs at Hoover Gardens & Gift Center, since they carry everything from pond care items to trees and shrubs. They pride themselves on great customer service and even host an annual spring festival as well as other events throughout the year. And if you'd like to learn more about particular gardening topics, check out their seminars and workshops, which include topics such as herb and fairy gardens. And before you take your purchases home with you, take time to pet Smokey, the garden center's cute resident cat.
4899 Hendron Road, Groveport, OH
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Located just 15 minutes from downtown Columbus, Cuthbert Greenhouse was founded in 1951 as a way to supply starter plants to the Cuthbert family's large vegetable farm. Since then, it has expanded to over 15 acres devoted to growing. The business supplies other greenhouses, retail chains, and other customers but also has a neighborhood garden center called The Market. Cuthbert Greenhouse grows a wide variety of flowers, including tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, and more.
6125 Westerfield Road, Westerfield, OH
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Kurtz Bros. plant nursery is located next to its landscape center, so you can easily find everything you'll need for your lawn and garden. They'll advise you about how to create and maintain a beautiful yard and will even deliver for an additional charge. The company produces topsoil, mulch, and compost to go along with the perennials, annuals, grasses, trees, shrubs, and more that it sells, so you'll be able to make sure your purchases are well taken care of when you get home.
3388 Castle Road, Alexandria, OH
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Baker's Acres Garden Center has 4,000 varieties of annuals, perennials, vegetables, herbs, trees, and shrubs, the vast number of which are grown in the area. Their staff will help you choose the right plants for your needs, and if you'd like anything potted, stop by the greenhouse. They have containers for sale, or you can bring your own and get them to arrange and pot it for you. And if you're looking for some fun yard decor made by local artists, Baker's Acres has that, too!
6368 Scioto Darby Creek Drive, Hilliard, OH
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If you need help deciding what plants to choose or how to care for them, Darby Creek Nursery has the experts to help. Certified Grower Technicians and Certified Garden Center Technicians can help provide the advice you need to give your project the best chance for success. The nursery sells an extensive variety of shrubs, trees, and plants, and all their shrubs and trees have a one-year guarantee. And if you'd like to spiff up your landscaping even further, check out Darby Creek's water fountains and patio decorations.
What plants will your Columbus area yard include this year?