Columbus, Ohio

Playing Around Columbus’ Botanical Gardens

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The first thing that struck me about Ohio after landing was just how leafy Columbus was. I don’t know what I was expecting, but this was not it. It’s beautiful! Not at all the big city I envisioned, but quaint, laid-back and tree-lined.

Admittedly, we didn’t see a lot of the city, but on the way in, we grabbed a bite at Katalina’s Cafe Corner (so good!) and on the way out, we brunched at the Angry Baker and then spent the afternoon soaking up autumn with a new friend who answers to “Mayhem.”

Columbus, Ohio

I’ve known Mayhem’s mom Angie since meeting at Blissdom a year and a half ago, and I’ve been an adamant follower of her blog and Instagram (seriously, just check out the hashtag #FashionByMayhem and you will immediately fall in love with this three year old, too). So when they said they’d drive down from Cincinnati for the day to hang out with us, I was thrilled.

Franklin Park Conservatory in Columbus, Ohio

We were with my friends Spencer and Emilie, so after arriving back from the wedding in Hocking Hills, the four of us headed to Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Garden to meet the Mayhem family.

Franklin Park Conservatory in Columbus, Ohio

Franklin Park Conservatory in Columbus, Ohio

And what a beautiful botanical garden it was. Mayhem zipped in and out of the conservatory showing us around as if she were the official tour guide. (Perhaps they should consider hiring her.)

Franklin Park Conservatory in Columbus, Ohio

Franklin Park Conservatory in Columbus, Ohio

Franklin Park Conservatory in Columbus, Ohio

The gardens are free but it’s $12 to get into the conservatory, which is worth it, I think. Franklin Park, like Nashville’s Cheekwood, is also currently hosting Bruce Munro’s fantastic Light exhibit, but seeing as it’s only open on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday evenings through February 2014, we didn’t get to see the whole place lit up by fiber optic magic.

Franklin Park Conservatory in Columbus, Ohio

Franklin Park Conservatory in Columbus, Ohio

We spent some time ambling around the gardens after our conservatory visit, as Mayhem collected treasures and Spencer made her Queen of the Woodland Fairies with a crown all of her own.

Franklin Park Conservatory in Columbus, Ohio

Franklin Park Conservatory in Columbus, Ohio

This kid is too much. Crafty and thoughtful, too. She even brought Emilie and me Mayhem Originals: Rit Dyed scarves in support of breast cancer awareness!

Franklin Park Conservatory in Columbus, Ohio

Franklin Park Conservatory in Columbus, Ohio

After our time in the gardens, it was ice cream time (equally as important). Mayhem is allergic to, well, just about everything and doesn’t often get to enjoy too many indulgences as a result, but Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream—which is one of my favorite treats in Nashville, too—lists all of its ingredients and has several nut-free, soy-free varieties, so we were able to go there without sending Mayhem into a full-blown allergy attack.

Jeni's Ice Cream in Columbus, Ohio

Jeni's Ice Cream in Columbus, Ohio

All too quickly, it was time for SVV and me to head to the airport, sadly. Thanks for showing us Columbus, Mayhem! I hope you’ll let me come back to visit you in Ohio soon.

Columbus, Ohio

COMMENTS
  • October 19, 2013

    We had so much fun that day and I, too, was really impressed with the conservatory. It’s way bigger than ours here in Cincinnati and we all enjoyed it. Mayhem continues to ask when we get to go to “Nashbeel” to see Kristin (and Scott) again, so you better be prepared for another Mayhemtastic adventure 😉 And the Jeni’s ice cream has me sold! I’m in love with that stuff and I’d pay double what they charge just because I feel so good about their ingredients and that it’s safe for my multiple allergy kid.

    So great seeing you guys again and let’s not wait as long to force our paths to cross again!

    • October 22, 2013

      You guys need to plan a Nashbeel trip soon! Maybe early spring when you need a break from the Cincy winter? Mayhem will even get her own room, and we have a huge yard to wear her out in =)

  • October 20, 2013

    Third picture from the bottom, lol

    Like I know, Ohio name was from old old words ohi-yo that means great river.

    Your family is very beautiful.

  • October 22, 2013

    I’m so glad you enjoyed Cbus! Next time, you’ll have to try some of our local whiskey. 😉

  • October 22, 2013

    what kind of flower is in the picture? anyway you have a beautiful daughter 🙂

  • October 25, 2013

    Hi Kristin:) I just want to tell you that you are on my Top blog list best Travel blog. I think your blog Is Amazing and Ive been following for a while. I send you a GREAT job….all the way from Sweden:)

    Have a great weekend dear:)

    LOVE Maria at inredningsvis – inredning it’s, Swedish for decor 🙂

  • October 28, 2013

    As a native Ohioan (Chillicothe) I have to say that you made Columbus look pretty damn good. 🙂

  • November 18, 2013

    what a cutie!

  • November 28, 2013

    Such beautiful photos and she is the perfect little model 🙂

  • February 21, 2017

    This may not be really relevant to the post, but what camera do you use?
    Your pictures are phenomenal! 🙂

  • October 28, 2017

    Hi Kristin, first I love the layout of this blog. It’s good to come to a website and not be bombarded with dancing graphics and annoying ads. Good you are having a good time. I’m also preparing for my first travel abroad after my service. I’m already relishing the experience!

    Cheers
    Charlice

    • October 29, 2017

      Thank you for the kind words, Charlice! We try to keep the site free of ads or any unwanted pop-ups so it’s nice to know that’s appreciated =)

      Best of luck on your trip! Where are you headed?

      • November 8, 2017

        Yeah, I browse a lot and just a LOT use annoying ads it’s nauseating. I should be thanking you for making a blog that allows one to read in peace.

        I’m heading to Saudi Arabia once I’m through… thank you for the reply.

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