What would fall in columbus be without a trip to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium’s Boo at the Zoo! It is a merry-not-scary experience, presented by Wendy’s® over 5 weekends in October 2021. 

Join the Zoo Character Ambassadors and other costumed guests to celebrate the season! Boo at the Zoo takes place October 1-3, October 8-10, October 15-17, October 22-24, October 29-31, 2021.

This family-friendly event also features Tommy C. Turtle’s Trick or Treat Trail, Cali’s Pirate Dance Party, Frogwortz Academy, Zoo Boo Choo Choo rolling through Vertebrate Village, plus animal encounters, character ambassadors, and many other exciting Halloween activities and demonstrations.

Go on Jama’s Jack-o-Lantern Journey seek-n-find to help find all of the character ambassadors’ pumpkins scattered throughout the Zoo. Help Jama Giraffe locate all of them to be entered to win a prize!

Wear a costume* and have a blast at America’s #1 Zoo! Special rides and attractions may be an additional cost to the zoo admission.  

*Only adults accompanied by a child or children under 13 years of age will be permitted to wear costumes on zoo grounds and adult faces must be uncovered, because otherwise, that’s just creepy….

Boo at the Zoo Hours

October 1 –3, 8 – 10, 15 – 17, 22 – 24, 29 – 31

Fridays: 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. (Zoo opens at 10 a.m. Boo festivities begin at 5 pm)

Saturdays: 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Sundays: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

The Heart of Africa and Congo Expedition will close at 5 pm each day.

Event is included with regular Zoo admission and with memberships. Parking is $10 for non-members. Advance tickets are not required, but encouraged to reduce the wait in line at ticket windows.

Troy Marsh

I just read the most interesting trend for lawns. Here are some things that are happening instead of your traditional grass lawns. Many homeowners have decided to investigate green alternatives, stating a carpet of classic grass too taxing on such resources as time, water and money. Others don’t want to use chemical fertilizers and weed killers and prefer to provide a habitat for more diverse fauna than a monoculture lawn supports. 

A quick fact about grass you may not know is most lawns in North America are not adapted to North American conditions, and therefore need more care to flourish here. Kentucky Bluegrass, you think that would be from Kentucky. It’s from Europe.”

Since the pandemic began, for example, sales of one of the lawn proxies, Wildflower Farm’s Eco-Lawn, have more than doubled. Here are some ideas to devote at least part of your yard to popular alternatives and cut down on lawn care.

Some new home owners have stated after buying a home with nearly 3 acres of lawn. “The first time I mowed, it literally took me four hours on a sit-down mower.” Three years later, they have decided to swap out most of their acre-plus front lawn for a meadow of wildflowers.

Not all deviations from the classic lawn require that you pull up your current carpet. Before it was vilified by herbicide producers in the 1960s, clover was prized in lawns as a species that pulls nitrogen from the air into the soil, acting as a natural fertilizer. Microclover, now widely available, is a smaller-leafed version of Dutch white clover that grows only 4 to 6 inches high. Via overseeding, it can be easily added to your existing lawn.

Another alternative that doesn’t demand a blank canvas are fescue Grasses.  Over two to four years, annual overseedings of Wildflower Farm’s Eco-Lawn, a hard-wearing fescue blend, will convert your traditional lawn to a grass like look. It takes time and patience but definitely works, says many experts. Once established, the fescues are drought tolerant and need little fertilizer: Their deep roots find moisture and nutrients where other species don’t reach. Slow-growing fescues require fewer mows, and if left unshorn, their thin blades flop over in silky mounds. If you’re looking for a more traditional look. Ecological landscape designer Jodie Cook, admires the classic green, though in her area she would recommend low-water UC Verde Buffalograss.

The last non conventional type of lawn talked about in the article was moss. A home owner noticed that moss grew like gangbusters on his shaded property, which suffers very wet springs and dry summers. He spent three years transforming a 5,000-square-foot section into an arena of moss. He put the grass out of its misery with organic weedkiller, allowing moss that cropped up naturally to fill in, then covered bald spots with species bought from mosseries. He weeds deeply twice a year and waters for five minutes a day when needed. He stated “The great thing about moss is that the leaves are typically one cell thick, and water—even a heavy dew—almost instantly penetrates [them] via osmosis.” Unlike grass, which can become “a goner” in dry August heat, the moss stays green year round. It also requires no mowing or fertilizer, as it takes its nutrients from the air. 

If you are considering a change, autumn is a prime season to undertake one of the following options. The article advised visiting your local garden center to determine what species have the best chance in your area; what thrives in one zone might shrivel in another. Consider starting with a pilot plot to gauge how your choice pans out. Best of luck in how ever you choose to care for your lawn.

It’s almost autumn, and I am so pumped for sweater weather, hayrides, all things pumpkin and of course fall decorating ideas both inside and out. Everyone loves a house with incredible curb appeal, so let’s start with the front porch. Let’s create the ultimate welcome for friends, family, and neighbors come this fall.

Your porch is bursting with decorating potential for this time of year. You can go as simple as hanging a pretty fall wreath to spruce up the  front door or stacking pumpkins for a classic autumnal touch. But there’s no need to stop there. After all, fall is an ideal time to pull out all the stops with gourds, hay bales, cornstalks, fall mums, and more, as you’ll see there are so many creative ideas this time of year.

Taking  your fall porch decor to the next level, use garland to drape around a window or doorway. Lay out plaid blankets in fall hues to cover rocking chairs, benches, porch swings, and sofas, and pile on outdoor pillows for added comfort and color. I love the look of a chalkboard sign for a friendly message or fall quote.

Whether you have a small stoop or a large wrap around porch, get inspired and get out there and decorate your porch!!

Troy Marsh

Ready or not, here comes the first day of school! Take the time to plan ahead and get ready, so you can relax, be comfortable, the night before. Here are some easy steps for your kids to follow:

• Pick out your clothes the night before
• Get your book bag and any other supplies ready
• Eat a good dinner
• Decide on breakfast for the next morning
• Pack your lunch the night before
• Set your alarm clock before bed.
• Get a good night’s rest
• Be confident!!!

I want to elaborate a bit on the last point. Not everyone is excited to go back to school and see friends, sometimes social situations are a struggle. Although it might seem like you hear it way too often, confidence really is the key to success.

It is never a bad idea to get both little and big worries out in the open. Have conversations with your child with an open mind.Give them time. Coach them to think of antidotes to their concerns. Teach your child to tackle their worries proactively. What could make that worry disappear? Keep the language that you use with your child as positive as possible. When you are praising or disciplining your children, try to be constructive and kind. 

Model the behaviour and attitude that you wish to see. If you want your children to have a positive attitude to learning, model it. If you want your children to be kind to their friends, show them how it’s done. If you want them to be excited about the future, talk about your own goals, dreams and aspirations. If you don’t want them to be on screens all the time, put your own device down! (This is hard, especially when working from home.)

Finally, your child has other adults in their lives besides you! They may have a great relationship with their grandparents, cousins, favourite aunt, uncle or your best friend. It is good for children to experience relationships with these different people and to develop their own unique friendships. These people might do things differently to you, but sometimes this diversity of approach can really benefit children. Children need to know that there are many people in their world who love them and are there for them.

There are many ways to prepare children for the school year, but the most important is love and support! Here is to a GREAT year!

They say a picture is worth 1000 words. In real estate, a picture can be worth thousands of dollars. Thanks to cell phones, taking photos isn’t hard. However, taking quality, professional real estate photos that help showcase a home is another matter. In the real estate world, the right photos can help a home sell for top dollar. So if you’re selling your home, you want to make sure your agent is investing in professional real estate photos.

Reason #1 Buyers use the internet to find homes for sale: 

Because of the advancement of technology,as well as Covid,  more than 90% of the people are making the use of the internet to buy or sell homes. It is said that 92% of home buyers use the internet to search houses for sale, and buyers on average will spend 60% of the time viewing photos whereas only 20% of the time in reading the description. With the rise of social media, marketing the products has become easier. Posts with images receive 39% more interaction than text-based posts. This increases the competition so high-quality photos are a must to make your home stand out.

Reason #2 Buyers find pictures very important when buying a house: 

It is said that “First impression is the last impression. Researchers found that 95% of users viewed the first photo in the listing for a total of 20 seconds before their eyes began to wonder further about the house around the screen. Buyers who used the internet during their search, 87% of buyers found that photos were useful whereas 85% found that the detailed information about the properties for sale was useful.

Reason #3 Professional photographers know very well how to showcase your house: 

Today’s smartphones have some good HD cameras and can click a pretty impressive photo but it cannot match the professional photography done with cameras.

Reason #4 A professional photographer helps in saving your agent’s time: 

Delivering great photos can be a very time-consuming job. Your agent can use this time to ensure that the rest of the home selling process is going smoothly. Real estate photography is not just about showing up and snapping a few pictures. There are many other things to consider. There are many questions that pop up in one’s mind like ‘Will the home be staged and when will it be?’, ‘What is the geography of the property and what are the best angles?’, ‘Which way does the house face and when does it receive the best light?’, ‘Will any particular equipment be needed?’We should always consider the time a photographer puts into editing and the software they use. Post-production can be almost as important as the photoshoot itself.

Reason #5 Homes With Professional Photos Sell For More Money: 

Believe it or not but, this is true. According to some data, homes with high-quality photos receive on average a 47% higher asking price per square foot, and homes listed between $400,000 to $500,000 sell 18% better in the first six months with high-quality photography.In the $200,000 to $1 million range, homes with listing photos taken with DSLR cameras sell anywhere from $3,400 to $11,200 more relative to their list price. It’s a proven fact that displaying a home with high definition photos helps in selling your home at a great price.

Remember that a great photo can capture the true look and feel of a home, giving it emotional appeal. Let’s face it, many home purchases are not only based on finances but also on emotion. Home is where the heart is and it’s hard to fall in love with a poorly lit, out-of-focus dwelling. So please take this into account when you are looking for a Realtor to list your home, be sure they will provide you with Professional Pictures.

As we talked about in the blog a few weeks ago: what is the difference between AIRBNB & VRBO. I will remind you when booking a VRBO, the main difference is VRBO has a very specific Book with Confidence Guarantee and Trust & Safety page, while Airbnb simply has a Trust & Safety page.

In addition, VRBO charges a refundable security deposit to your credit card at the time of booking. Airbnb simply places these funds on hold and does not charge your credit card unless the property owner files a claim. This one will make a big difference to some.

Some of our greatest attractions in Columbus are our Sports teams. One that draws a lot of attention is THE Ohio State Buckeyes. Here is a great VRBO for fans coming into town or for a Traveling nurse that wants to be close to the Wexner Medical center.

 

 

 

#1 – Beautiful Studio Across from The Shoe at OSU

This charming  3 private individual bedroom unit is new to the scene! With your own private bedroom, kitchenette and bathroom, right outside your door is a shared full kitchen, shared laundry room, and shared living space! FREE Complimentary Wifi Enjoy stylish accents, rooftop terraces, 24-hour gym access, private conference rooms, billiards, a community event space and dynamic views of THE Ohio State University & The Olentangy trail! Step outside your apartment and you’ll have unparalleled walking access to St. John Arena and Ohio Stadium, Fisher College of Business, Jesse Owens Rec Center, shopping, dining, and entertainment. The Point provides access to The Short North, Downtown Columbus, and surrounding areas. Right down the street are great restaurants and coffee shops such as Starbucks, Chipotle, Buffalo Wild Wings, Varsity Club, Panera Bread, and a CVS Pharmacy if anything is needed!

Our next VRBO is a fun themed stay for any Harry Potter Fan. It is located in an area with plenty of fun things to do, or just stay in and enjoy an arcade and wonderful backyard.

#2 – Mcgonagall’s Mansion Private Home w/Gameroom

If you want your stay in Columbus to be truly magical, our 3-bedroom house is exactly what you need. Th8is is place is perfect for the TRUE Harry Potter Fan. The entire house is enchantingly decorated with plenty to do. The game room has a shuffleboard and 3 arcade cabinets. Each bedroom has its own Smart TV. Want to relax outside? Our backyard has a shaded pavilion with plenty of seating.

Located in Southern Orchards, an urban neighborhood near Nationwide Children’s Hospital. 15 min to airport, 10 min to OSU.

Finally, just a 50 minute drive from Columbus is Indian Lake. Indian Lake offers a variety of on-the-water recreational options including boating, fishing, jet skiing, and swimming. Off the lake, visitors can enjoy camping, picnicking, and winter activities such as ice fishing and snowmobiling.

 

#3 – Sassafras Waterfront House w/ Private Dock & Patio Across From Froggy

Welcome to Gills Lakeside Landing! Be one of the first guests to stay in our renovated waterfront home. Brand new furniture and amenities. Modern and “lake chic,” this home is ready for your family vacation, girls weekends, friends reunions, or fishing trip.

This home has a cozy three-seasons sunroom facing the lake, perfect for morning coffee, family meals and evening cocktails. The patio has plenty of seating options for relaxation by the water.

The private boat dock includes an *uncovered* spot for your boat (the covered lift houses the owner’s boat). Great location to paddle board or kayak. There is a public boat launch nearby.

Location, Location Location!

I know some of you may ask yourself Why should you visit Columbus? Or why should you explore your hometown. Well, with its flourishing music industry, a growing hub of makers and artisans and the friendly atmosphere of a smaller town, the “Biggest Small Town in America” should be on your list of future vacation/staycation spots. So get out there and start planning your visit and see for yourself what makes Columbus so beloved.

Continuing with the theme from last week. I thought I would share 3 unique Airbnb’s in Cbus and around. Whether you choose to vacation in your hometown or to find a place for your in-laws to stay rather than your home. There are so many cool choices here in columbus. The Capital city  is filled with museums, parks, and zoos. We takes pride in having an urban oasis called Scioto Mile that comprises greenways, trails, and parks. The city is also home to Center of Science and Industry (COSI), a facility with interesting exhibits and a planetarium. There are also plenty of distilleries in Columbus that offer tours. With a lot of things to see and do in our city I have located 3 Airbnb’s in three unique locations in and around columbus!

# 1- Is a brand new Premier Downtown Condo

Welcome to our newest Columbus urban environment apartment community.

With eclectic shops, restaurants, and short proximity to Columbus Commons, Harlow is the premier location. Perfect for a weekend away or business travel, this property will not disappoint. Here at Harlow your location is your biggest amenity!

We made a list of the urban hotspots that are steps from your front door!

The Walrus, The Little Palace Restaurant, 16 Bit Bar + Arcade, Mikey’s Late Night Slice, Pecan Penny’s and Hadley’s Bar and Kitchen.

Also, a short distance to Columbus Commons which is a six-acre park set within the scenic Downtown skyline.

Children’s Hospital – 1.4 miles

Columbus State Community College – 1.2 miles

Amenities within our property:

Secure building access, bike storage, community-wide Wi-Fi, and a coffee bar are just a few of the additional amenities Harlow offers.

We offer covered off-street parking with elevator access, 24-hour fitness center and a dog park for your furry friend.

#2- Beautiful & private barn apartment close to zoo

Perfect getaway space for groups or family! Enjoy 1000’ sq ft of freshly updated living space all to yourselves. Our farm has beautiful views, a pool, pool table and all the necessities for a peaceful retreat. We are a quiet place just minutes from the #1 rated Columbus Zoo. Close to Dublin and Powell. Approx 30 min to OSU and downtown cbus. Enjoy a private bedroom and bath along with a small kitchenette. Special touches to make your stay memorable. Recently added adorable children’s teepee!

#3- The Paddle Inn-Buckeye Lake cottage on the Water

Welcome to this lovely lake front cottage on the North Bank of Buckeye Lake! Beautiful views from the wall of windows & doors in the spacious vaulted Great Room. This 1930’s cottage has many recent updates & improvements including a loft with spiral stairs, gas fireplace, exterior balcony overlook with spiral stairs for panoramic views of the lake, dock, & more! Located in a premium part of the lake within a short walking distance to the Yacht Club, Boat Yard, & Brewery & N. Shore Coffee.

These are just a few of the many places to stay in Columbus. Next week we will highlight a few other unique places through VRBO!