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- Columbus Curiosity - 13th June 2025
Columbus Curiosity - 13th June 2025
Your Weekly Dose of Columbus Events, News, and Fun
Nathan Griggs
June 13, 2025
Hey Columbus Crew—
This week was pure Ohio chaos—in the best way possible.
From black bears to LEGO gorillas at the Main Library, Columbus is serving up summer surprises like a brunch buffet with no line.
We’ve got headliner concerts, iconic food comebacks, and a heartfelt farewell to Lee Corso's headgear era.
Plus, we pay tribute to one of the wildest restaurants ever built: the late, great Kahiki.
Buckle up as we break down:
🗞️ News You Missed – Bears, bidets, and Brutus: wild headlines from Hocking Hills to $4M homes.
🔍 Hidden Gems – A Lego zoo, reborn fish joints, arty cafes, and street signs with soul.
🎟️ What’s On This Week – From Queens of the Stone Age to Creekside Jazz to ‘90s podcast nostalgia.
Let’s get into it:
🚨 The Headlines
🌄 Hocking Hills’ Rock House: America’s “Most Treasured View” (Besides My Bed)
USA Today crowned Hocking Hills’ Rock House a national treasure—and honestly, it’s about time Ohio got credit for something beyond cornfields and roller coasters.
A 200-foot "cave tunnel" halfway up a sandstone cliff (nature’s version of a luxury condo). Hike the 1-mile loop, pretend you’re in Jurassic Park, and try not to drop your artisanal trail mix.
Why it’s cool? It beat views like the Grand Canyon.
Why it’s very Ohio… The runner-up list included the Scioto Mile and Amish country tractors.
💸 Property Tax Nightmares: Seniors Choosing Between Roofs & Ramen
Sherri Smith’s taxes doubled since 2000—forcing her to skip meals to keep her east Columbus home. “It’s eating my dream alive.”
Cold stats:
Deborah Suber’s bill jumped 87% since 2010 ($800 → $1,500).
County’s advice: “Apply for exemptions!” (Translation: Jump through hoops if you’re 65+/disabled/a dead hero’s spouse).
Reality: Grandma’s pantry funding school levies she didn’t vote for.
🎪 Lee Corso’s Final Headgear Pick: Buckeyes or Tears?
ESPN’s College GameDay legend Lee Corso will retire in Columbus on Aug. 30—same place he first wore Brutus’ head in 1996.
Why we care:
He’s picked Ohio State 45 times (more than any mascot).
His final act: Choosing between a Longhorns steer hat or Brutus’ nut-shaped head.
Win rate: 66.5% (better than my fantasy football picks).
Prediction: 100,000 fans ugly-crying into their breakfast beers.
🐻 Black Bear Sighting: Ohio’s Version of Bigfoot
A black bear popped up in Licking County—first time since 2003. Because why not?
ODNR’s survival guide:
✅ Stay calm, back away slowly.
❌ Don’t climb trees (bears are better at it).
🤦♂️ Illegal to shoot it (Ohio’s bear population: 50-100. My patience: 0).
Hot take: It’s just scouting real estate. That $1M New Albany home? Bear-ready.
🦁 Lego Zoo @ Main Library (No Poop Scooping Required)
The Columbus Library built a Lego zoo so epic, it took 40 adults months to assemble.
Why go:
See mini-elephants, brick-lions, and habitats based on the real Columbus Zoo.
Free admission (unlike the real zoo’s $30 parking).
Summer Reading sign-ups—because literacy is sexy.
🐟 Arthur Treacher’s Rises Like Fried Phoenix
The 1970s fish ’n chips chain is BACK at 1216 W. Fifth Ave.—replacing Marino’s Seafood (RIP retirees).
Why care:
It launched in Columbus in 1969 (before disco died).
Hush puppies + tartar sauce = $6 bliss.
Only 3 locations left in Ohio. Be the nostalgia hero.
🥨 Tertulia Bakery: Where Coffee Meets Art (No To-Go Cups Allowed)
A new European-style café hits the Short North June 19. Think: Spanish cortados, Italian tarts, and art-covered walls (profits go to local artists).
Owner Almu’s vibe: “Sit. Savor. Pretend you’re in Barcelona.”
Translation: No rushing. Yes to almond croissants.
🕯️ Tommy’s Diner Legacy: Now on a Street Sign
The city renamed Jones Avenue "Tom Pappas Way" to honor the late founder of Tommy’s Diner.
Why we love:
Fed the hungry, hired the down-and-out, served pie with soul.
His sons’ quote: “Dad would’ve asked, ‘Why not West Broad Street?!’”
Friday, June 13
🎤 Lady Gaga Night: Dance Romance
Skully’s is going full Chromatica tonight — glitter, disco sticks, and “Bad Romance” on loop until your knees give out.
🎸 Afroman Live at Woodlands Tavern
He was gonna clean his room… but then he booked this tour. Rap nostalgia and chaos incoming.
🎷 Creekside Blues & Jazz Festival (Day 1)
The city’s jazziest lawn party returns. Bring a lawn chair and pretend you totally know what bebop is.
Saturday, June 14
⚽ Columbus Crew vs. Vancouver Whitecaps
It’s soccer under the lights — chant, cheer, and awkwardly pretend you know offside rules.
🎤 All Out Music Festival 2025
Multiple artists. One stage. Zero chill. From indie ballads to bass drops — it’s all happening.
🍕 Blondshell: If You Asked For A Tour
A raw, alt-rock heartbreak session. Sad girl summer soundtrack unlocked.
Sunday, June 15
🎸 Hot Mulligan at Ace of Cups
The Midwest’s favorite emo yellers are back — scream therapy set to guitars and nostalgia. Prepare to yell “Why would I stop doing what I love?” with 400 strangers.
🎷 Creekside Blues & Jazz Festival (Final Day)
One last day of sax solos, soul food, and suspiciously loud lawn chairs. Catch Magnolia’s dreamy set or just vibe out with a funnel cake.
🍳 Zayne of Blue Spectrum: Father’s Day Soul Brunch
Celebrate Dad with live music, southern food, and enough emotional saxophone to get everyone misty-eyed.
Monday, June 16
🎤 Santigold at Newport Music Hall
Genre-defying icon. Blends punk, pop, and power in one glittery, genre-agnostic show. If you know “Disparate Youth,” you’re already going.
🕵️♀️ Columbus's Secret Society: Mystery Hunt
Decode riddles, solve clues, and explore Schiller Park like a detective with a FitBit. Perfect excuse to say “trust no one” before brunch.
🎸 Greg Koch & Koch Marshall Trio
Blues guitar meets dad jokes and top-tier shredding. If you like your solos long and your vibe laid-back, this is the Monday night fix.
Tuesday, June 17
👑 Queens of the Stone Age
Desert rock royalty is touching down at KEMBA Live! Expect gritty riffs, crowd chants, and the kind of show that makes your Wednesday worthless.
🍷Round Pond Wine Dinner at Mastro’s
Five decadent courses, Napa Valley wines, and vibes that scream “I pay for valet.” One night only, four-figure flavor.
🎸 Youth Fountain (Pop-Punk Feels Night)
Sad songs, big hooks, and nostalgic breakdowns. If you ever wore skinny jeans in 2009, this one’s calling you home.
Wednesday, June 18
🎤 Hozier at Historic Crew Stadium
Take yourself to church — and a stadium full of swaying fans — as Hozier blesses Columbus with his soulful voice and poetic heartbreak.
🎼 Jack Blocker Live
Fresh off American Idol, the Texan alt-country crooner hits Rumba Café. Small venue, big voice — and probably your last chance to see him before he blows up.
🎶 Emily Nenni’s Vintage Honky-Tonk Vibes
Slide into Ace of Cups for a night of throwback twang and country sass. It’s retro, rowdy, and highly danceable.
Thursday, June 19
⚾ Clippers Day Game
Take an early lunch and sneak out to the ballpark. Hot dogs, sunshine, and no Zoom calls.
🎸 Colleen Green + Rozwell Kid
Indie pop meets fuzzy guitars in this Ace of Cups double feature. Nostalgic, weird, and wickedly fun — like a Tumblr feed in concert form.
🎧 Pod Meets World Live
’90s kids, assemble. The Boy Meets World cast is back for a nostalgia-filled deep dive. Stories, laughs, and Topanga references guaranteed.
How'd We Do This Week?We’re always cooking up new ways to make your inbox the best part of your week. Be honest—how’s this one stacking up? |
📸 Picture of the Week
Behold the Kahiki Restaurant: a Polynesian fever dream that once stood proudly in East Columbus, with tiki torches, volcano meatballs, and the kind of architecture that looked like a battleship doing a high kick.
The building (RIP) was shaped like a canoe crossed with a spaceship—complete with indoor thunderstorms, flaming drinks, and a Mystery Drink that summoned a gong and a hula-dancing waitress
🔥 One commenter said: “It looked like a building with teeth.” Another? “Dry ice drinks, Moai mugs, and Filipino mafia in the basement.”
🗺️ Now a Dollar General. Because Columbus loves replacing magic with bulk laundry detergent.
Got a legendary photo or a shot that screams “Columbus”?
Tag us #ColumbusCuriosity or reply to this email for a chance to be featured!
That’s a wrap, Columbus.
Whether you're dancing through Chromatica, dodging bears on the bike trail, or Googling “how to rebuild a tiki palace,” we’re glad you’re here.
Got a wild story, local mystery, or perfectly-timed neighborhood photo? Hit reply or tag us #ColumbusCuriosity.
Stay weird. Stay curious.
— Nate
Columbus Curiosity