Good day Columbus Underground readers! In the spirit of local underground news, I thought I would pass along some recent places, events and items in town which I think a majority of people may not necessarily be aware that we have! In no particular order they include:
1. A new Indian / Asian market
Along Sawmill, a major road on the west side of town with several stores (exit 20 on 270 N), next to Asian Star buffet (a Mongolian BBQ is in the same shopping center) is a new grocery store which recently opened. In a way the place is similar to CAM, Columbus’s wonderfully large Asian market, only more Indian in focus.
There have several good deals, from inexpensive onions (10 pds. for $3) and garlic (5 cloves / $1) to raw ginger, naan and literally dozens of vegetables I have never seen before (and I consider myself something of a foodie!) They even have forest-scented incense, heh. It has been consistently busy each time I have been to it ; 7 rows of a truly nice resource for this city.
2. Free comic books
The 1st Saturday of May, in Columbus and elsewhere, the annual “free comic book” day occurs. One can visit a local comic store and pick up 32-page comics, at no charge, from multiple providers (from more mainstream publishers such as DC and Marvel to independent houses such as Drawn and Quarterly). Often times the books are created with this particular event in mind. The subject matter encompasses a wide variety of topics, from movie tie-ins to “one-offs” involving established characters (such as Archie) to, one year, a great Peanuts collection featuring nothing but comics originally published once, yet never gathered together in the numerous compilation books since.
One can find places locally which are participating, as well as see a list of this year’s selections, on their website : www.freecomicbookday.com. I myself have found some great new literature, such as the “Paul” stories from Michel Rabagliati or the wordless, timeless Owly tales.
3. Bi-monthly naked swims
In Westerville each 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month, from 7:30 ish to 10 pm, come and swim! Local clothing-optional groups (The Buckeye Naturists is one) rent the pool at 200 S. Otterbein Avenue (by a coincidence, essentially across the street from the Westerville South HS) for fun times. Food and drink are usually provided too.
It goes without saying this is -not- a make-out group of any kind ; this literally is just people having fun and skinny-dipping. They have volleyball and other items (such as splashers, etc).
As the event is a fundraiser, admission is around $10, however if one buys in ‘bulk’ you can save some money as well. This indoor event runs each October to May.
4. Free planetarium shows
Last year, OSU offered a fascinating event : they opened up parts of campus most individuals, even if one was attending, seldom saw. It was offered during graduation week in June. 2008’s places included : the marching band’s room in the main football stadium, the insectary / greenhouse atop the parking garage (west campus), the basketball / hockey locker rooms at the Schottenstein, the underground tunnels running under campus (a few entrances exist ; one is at the new, sterile RPAC athletic center) and : the school’s planetarium! Of course, if one took an astronomy class during one’s studies, you likely eventually saw this. However during “roof nights”, typically sometime between Monday – Wednesday during each of the quarters, the general public is welcome to attend a presentation, usually on a specific topic, for free. Telescope time is also often offered, weather-permitting.
For current times and more info, OSU’s website has more.
5. Tour a chocolate factory
Local manufacturers Anthony-Thomas, the largest independent company east of the Mississippi, have a location which can be seen from along the W / SW part of 270. Every Tuesday and Thursday (and occasionally on other special days, such as an Easter-related event tomorrow, March 28th), from 9:30 am to 2:30 pm you can see how the candies are made! The place in the factory to meet is the gift shop, of which is easily located driving into the parking lot and will have workers present to tell people where to go inside. The store itself features chocolates in unusual shapes (such as music notes), and a variety of tempting treats. After the tour, which typically begins when more than 2 or 3 people are present, there are free samples! I myself have taken this tour, with a friend. Their website has more information.
In any case, I was just passing these various events along for interested parties. Lots of large cities have unique items some people may have missed.
Okay. Have a good night! * Geoff
