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Thinking of Inking? How to Choose the Right Tattoo
I’d been thinking about a tattoo for years. Not the sidekick on Fantasy Island who didn’t say much, but some ink that really said something. So when my daughter Birdie offered to get one with me as a Father’s Day gift, how could I possibly refuse? But how to choose the right tattoo? I’d spent days…weeks…years actually, imagining what tattoo to get. I’d concepted and sketched dozens of options. Even had my art director friend Gene illustrate a few possibilities with skulls and fire and such. In the end, I settled on something simple and meaningful to me. An ampersand. The “&” sign. I’ve always been fascinated with typography and…
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Beer, Bites & German Delights: 3 Cheers for Hillgarten!
My good friend recently opened a German biergarten. But even if I didn’t know the owner it would still be wunderbar. Hillgarten Beer and Wine Garden is an upscale (but relaxed and comfy) German-inspired bar and restaurant located in the charming downtown of Old Hilliard, a suburb of Columbus. From the moment you step foot in this impressive outdoor space, you can feel the attention to detail. My friend and co-worker of 30 years, Marty Nowak, put his heart, soul, and considerable talent into making it a special gathering spot. It’s the Prost with the Most You can see the love in the inviting design, meticulous woodworking, and oh man…
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Dare to take a Haunted Hike through Moonville Tunnel
Legend has it there’s a haunted railroad tunnel in Vinton County, Ohio. So of course we had to walk through it at night. On Halloween. Now dotted with graffiti and loaded with haunted hype, Moonville Tunnel strikes an imposing image as you approach. Moonville was a small mining and railway town that popped up during the 1800s iron boom, yet totally disappeared years later. Barely a trace left behind. Haunted history According to local legend, the ghost is that of a railroad worker who was crushed by an oncoming train in the spring of 1859. Those who claim to have seen him say he carries a lantern and often appears…
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The ultimate African Safari…Kenya dig it?
I’ve been an animal lover my whole life. Even thought I wanted to be a veterinarian when I was a kid. I was especially captivated by African wildlife. Elephants, giraffes, lions, zebras, rhinos and the rest. Life took different turns and of course the natural, logical alternative to animal welfare doctor is…um, advertising creative director. Fortunately, sometimes life brings you back to those childhood dreams, and you find yourself filming those amazing animals on an African safari. Wild thing, I think I love you Landing in Kenya’s capital, Nairobi, we then board a small plane into the Heart of Africa. Next thing we know we’re riding in a Land Rover…
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King-size fun in Tupelo, Mississippi, Birthplace of Elvis
From Tupelo tot to the King of Rock n’ Roll, Elvis Presley became the biggest, brightest star in the world. Whether you’re a long-time fan or just caught a thing for the King after seeing the new Elvis movie, Tupelo, Mississippi, birthplace of Elvis, is a must-see destination. Visit the first home of a future king We flew from Columbus, Ohio to Columbus, Mississippi (kinda confusing on the airline ticket) and took the short drive to Tupelo. The Elvis Presley Birthplace is a historic museum dedicated to preserving the King’s humble roots. When they say Tupelo is the birthplace of Elvis, they mean it. He was born in this exact…
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Your New Profile Pic is waiting in Arizona’s Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend
You know the stunning screensaver photos that pop up every time you ignore your TV for more than a minute? Ever walked through one? You can, at Arizona’s Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend. While on a weekend trip to Sedona, we took the 3-hour drive north to Page, Arizona. Located just outside Page within the Navajo Nation, Antelope Canyon is unlike any place else. The Navajo Sandstone was formed by deposits swept there by swirling wind 180 million years ago, during the Jurassic Period (sadly we saw no dinosaurs). The breathtaking slot canyon was then carved by years of erosion and flash flooding as monsoon rainwater rushed through the narrow…
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5 Fave Buckeye Bike Trails
There are sooooo many amazing bike trails in Columbus and throughout Ohio. I’m lucky to say I’ve ridden many of them with my awesome daughter Hannah. AKA “Birdie.” While I lovingly taught her how to ride a bike, she’s repaid that kindness by now smoking past me and leaving me in her dust. While it’s hard to narrow it down to just a few (mostly) local rides, here are our five fave Buckeye bike trails. 1. Olentangy Trail The OT is the OG of awesome C-bus bike trails. It can get a little crowded at times, but there’s a reason it always ranks at the top of most lists. Pedaling…
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Visiting Capri, Italy with Steve Harvey
When work sends you to Capri, Italy for a quick 36 hour trip, you go. Especially if the job requires a night in Naples, a day on the magical island of Capri, and a recording session with the one-and-only Steve Harvey. We flew out on Friday night and arrived in Naples Saturday morning. Jet lagged but curious, we wandered the ancient streets and back alleys of Napoli –– aka the “Birthplace of Pizza.” As you can imagine, the place that invented pizza knows how to make a great slice. So we tried a bunch of them, and yes, it’s that good. Naples is Italy’s third largest city, and despite it’s…