Columbus Curiosity - March 7th, 2025

Hey there, Columbus crew!

March is here, bringing all the vibes—budget cuts, Real IDs, and legal weed debates.

Let’s not forget the Arnold Sports Festival flexing its way through town. Whether you’re here for the headlines, the hidden gems, or just the sheer chaos of it all, we’ve got you covered.

But first, a joke to lighten the mood:

Why did the Columbus City Schools superintendent bring a calculator to the statehouse?
Because she needed to count all the zeros in that $45 million budget cut!

Okay, okay, I’ll stop before you start throwing tomatoes. Let’s dive into what’s shaking up Columbus this week 👇

🚨 The Headlines

✈️ Real ID Deadline Looms: Two Months to Upgrade

If you’ve got summer travel plans, listen up. Starting May 7, you’ll need a Real ID (or a passport) to board a plane in the U.S.

Ohio’s been issuing these bad boys since 2018, but only about half of us have upgraded. Don’t be the person stuck at the airport with a sad face and a non-compliant ID.

Pro Tip: The BMV recommends arriving early post-May 7 because TSA lines might be longer than a CVS receipt.

→ Get Your Real ID

🌲 Ohio Senate Tries to Tweak Legal Weed Laws

Ohio voters said yes to recreational marijuana in 2023, but lawmakers are already trying to tweak the rules—because why let democracy run its course?

Senate Bill 56, passed by Senate Republicans last week, would:

✅ Lower THC limits in edibles and extracts (because the government suddenly cares about your dosage).

✅ Limit home growing to six plants per household.

✅ Ban out-of-state weed purchases from being brought back to Ohio (so much for that Michigan road trip).

✅ Redirect tax revenue away from social equity programs and toward law enforcement instead.

If you’re wondering, “Wait, can they do that?”—Yes, because voters passed a law, not a constitutional amendment. That means lawmakers can change it as much as they want.

Not thrilled? Your only real option is voting out the lawmakers responsible (eventually). Or, you know, writing some strongly worded emails.

→ Join the Debate

💰 Columbus City Schools Faces $45 Million Budget Cut

Superintendent Dr. Angela Chapman is sounding the alarm: Governor DeWine’s proposed budget could slash $45 million from Columbus City Schools over the next two years. That’s a lot of zeros, folks.

What’s on the chopping block? Career advising, preschool classrooms, summer programs, and even school counselors. It’s like cutting the toppings off a pizza and leaving us with just the crust.

Chapman’s plea to lawmakers: “We just passed a levy. That wasn’t even a year ago, and now we’re taking another significant cut?”

→ Read More

🎂 The Original Goodie Shop: 70 Years and Expanding

One of Columbus’ most beloved bakeries, The Original Goodie Shop, is celebrating 70 years in business by expanding its space in Upper Arlington’s Tremont Center.

Run by third-generation owners Emilie and Miranda Smith, the bakery has grown to include an extra 850 square feet, allowing for more baked goods, grab-and-go items, and even pot pies and quiche.

Swing by for a sweet treat and a taste of history.

→ More on the expansion

🥤 Pure Green: Ex-OSU Linebacker Opens Juice Spot on Campus

Columbus just got a little greener with the opening of Pure Green at 1475 N. High St., led by former Ohio State University linebacker Curtis Grant and his wife Kayla.

The juice bar, which opened its doors on March 1, serves up pressed juices, smoothies, and superfood-packed bowls, offering a nutritious boost to students and locals alike.

The shop marks Columbus’ second Pure Green location, bringing even more healthy, flavorful options to the community.

Stop by for a refreshing pick-me-up!

→ More on the new spot

🏨 Lost History Of Columbus: The Christopher Inn

Once a futuristic luxury hotel, the Christopher Inn dazzled Columbus with its circular design, floor-to-ceiling windows, and a revolving restaurant offering panoramic city views.

Built-in 1963, it became a hotspot for business execs and celebrities—Columbus’ answer to mid-century glam.

But in 1988, despite public outcry, it was demolished to make way for a parking lot (because, of course). Today, all that remains are stories, photos, and a lingering frustration over the city’s love of bulldozing history.

→ Dive into its history

🛍️ Best Thrift Stores in Columbus

If you love a good deal, check out these gems:

• Out of the Closet - Every dollar helps fund HIV/AIDS programs.

• Flower Child - Step into a time machine full of ‘60s and ‘70s goodies.

• Ohio Thrift - Their recycling efforts keep 4 million pounds of material out of landfills each year.

• Village Discount - Sources from local charities, while also prioritizing hiring veterans and promoting sustainability.

March 7:

🎭 MadLab Presents: "AI vs Us": Humans vs. AI in a live theatrical showdown—will the robots finally take over, or will our WiFi cut out first? Find out at MadLab Theatre.
→ Prepare for the singularity

🎶 Candlelight: Tribute to The Beatles: Beatles classics, but make it elegant. This candlelit concert will have you feeling like royalty while you hum along to Hey Jude.
→ Experience Beatlemania, but fancier

🎨 "Echoes of Ohio’s Indigenous Legacy" at Denison Museum: Dive into Ohio’s rich Indigenous history with this fascinating exhibit. Learn, reflect, and maybe even impress your friends with newfound knowledge at your next trivia night.
→ Explore the past

March 8:

🍻 Columbus Brew Festival at COSI: Science and beer—finally, a use for that chemistry knowledge. Sample over 150 brews and pretend you’re a sophisticated beer connoisseur.
→ Sip smartly

🎺 Mnozil Brass at Southern Theatre: What happens when world-class brass musicians mix virtuosity with absurd comedy? You get Mnozil Brass—a concert that’s equal parts jaw-dropping and hilarious.
→ Blow your mind (brass-style)

⚽ Columbus Crew vs. Houston Dynamo FC: The Crew is back, and the atmosphere at Lower.com Field will be electric. Yell at referees, bond with fellow fans, and maybe witness a golazo.
→ Lock in your seat

March 9:

🎼 Choral Fantasy by the New Albany Symphony Orchestra: Beethoven’s masterpiece performed live? That’s a solid excuse to dress fancy and pretend you know things about classical music.
→ Get your culture fix

🎸 Wilder Woods - The Curioso Tour at The Bluestone: Need some soulful rock with a dash of folk to cap off your weekend? Wilder Woods (aka the frontman of NEEDTOBREATHE) is bringing the vibes.
→ Sing your heart out

🛍️ Lion Petal Women's Day Market at BrewDog New Albany: Women-owned businesses, handcrafted goods, and a great excuse to support small businesses (and grab a beer while you’re at it).
→ Shop like a boss

March 10:

🎨 Abstract Landscapes - Art Exhibit at OSU Faculty Club: Is that a mountain? A sunset? Your existential crisis? The beauty of abstract art is that you decide.
→ Contemplate creativity

📖 Speaking Volumes at Columbus Main Library: A powerful exhibit on the impact of books and storytelling. Because reading is sexy, and so is supporting your local library.
→ Expand your mind

🎭 The Eyes of Freedom: Lima Company Memorial at Ohio Statehouse: A moving tribute honoring fallen Marines through life-sized paintings. If you need a reminder of real heroism, this is it.
→ Pay your respects

March 11:

🎶 Mark Lomax Trio with Scott Woods: "Parables" at Short North Stage: A mix of jazz, spoken word, and storytelling—expect vibes, grooves, and some deep reflections on life.
→ Experience the rhythm

🏀 The History of Women’s Basketball in Columbus at the Ohio Statehouse: From pioneers of the game to modern-day hoop legends, celebrate the women who changed the sport. (Sue Bird, we see you.)
→ Shoot your shot

🎭 Open Mic Comedy at Saturn’s Sports Bar: Feeling brave? Step up and drop some jokes. Or just sit back, drink, and watch someone else try to be funny under pressure.
→ Test your comedic timing

March 12:

🎸 Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue: Shorty Gras Tour: Jazz, funk, and high-energy New Orleans vibes—this is guaranteed to get you moving, whether you mean to or not.
→ Let the good times roll

🎭 Experience Hendrix at Palace Theatre: A star-studded tribute to Jimi Hendrix, featuring mind-melting guitar solos and rock legends paying homage to the GOAT.
→ Shred into the night

🎷 Jazz Wednesday at Brothers Drake Meadery: Jazz, mead, and good vibes—because Wednesdays should be smooth.
→ Sip & swing

March 13:

🏒 Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Vegas Golden Knights at Nationwide Arena: The Jackets take on Vegas, and you know it’s gonna be a battle. Get loud, throw a hat if needed, and hope for a W.
→ Cheer (or yell) responsibly

😀 Irish Comedy Tour at Lincoln Theatre: The best of Irish humor, music, and storytelling—come for the jokes, stay for the craic (and maybe a pint after).
→ Laugh with a brogue

🎤 Live Band Karaoke at The Big Bang: Regular karaoke is cool. But karaoke with a live band backing you up? Now that’s rockstar behavior.
→ Claim your stage

🌿 Columbus’ Best Free Therapy

Columbus is packed with nature centers that are free therapy, minus the copay. Whether you want to birdwatch like a retiree, hike your stress away, or let your kids burn off energy in an indoor play area, these spots have you covered.

Bonus: they’re free, which means more money for snacks.

Here are some of the best spots to check out:

1. 🌿 Grange Insurance Audubon Center – Located in Scioto Audubon Metro Park, this one’s got a bird library, an art exhibit, and a Forest Playroom where kids can go full wildling. Also, hiking trails, a climbing wall, and river views—so you can technically say you exercised.

2. 🌳 Blacklick Woods Metro Park – Ever wanted to spy on birds while they eat? This place has a giant viewing window with binoculars. Also, a puppet theater, live turtles, an open aquarium, and the famous Canopy Walk, where you can pretend you're in an Indiana Jones movie.

3. 🦬 Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park – If you like your nature with a side of bison, this one’s for you. It’s got an interactive Living Stream where you can touch turtles and stick your head in an underwater tunnel (voluntarily).

4. 📖 Blendon Woods Metro Park – Features a Story Trail (because reading in nature makes you 10% smarter), mounted wildlife displays, and a secret bird blind that feels like nature’s VIP lounge.

Picture of the Week

This week's top snap goes to @CowTown-Mike—capturing the moment winter loosens its grip on Ohio. 🌤️❄️

Add #ColumbusCuriosity to your photo for a chance to be featured next week :)

That’s it for this week, Columbus! Whether you’re dodging budget cuts, upgrading your ID, or just trying to figure out how to grow six weed plants without your neighbors judging you, we’ve got your back.

Do you have a hot tip, a hidden gem, or an event we should know about? Hit reply and let us in on the secret—we’re all ears.

Until next time, stay curious, stay kind, and remember: life’s too short to skip dessert (or a good thrift store haul).

— Nate
The Columbus Curiosity

P.S. If you forward this to a friend, we guarantee at least five minutes of good karma.