MediterraneanGrocery Wholesalers in Columbus, OH

Welcome to Columbus, Ohio, a city with a rich history, vibrant culture, and a host of intriguing facts waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re a lifelong resident or you just rented an apartment in Columbus, it’s time to put your knowledge to the test. In this Redfin article, we’ve gathered ten fun and lesser-known facts about the city that will surprise and entertain you. From its surprising role in shaping American fast food to its renowned festivals, architectural marvels, and noteworthy inventions, Columbus is a city that continues to make its mark on the world. So, how well do you know your city? Let’s dive into these fascinating facts and explore the hidden gems of Columbus,

1. Columbus is the birthplace of the iconic Oreo cookie

Did you know that Columbus, Ohio holds a delicious claim to fame? This vibrant city is the birthplace of the beloved Oreo cookie. Back in 1912, the National Biscuit Company (now known as Nabisco) opened its first Oreo factory in Columbus, forever linking the city to this iconic treat. So, the next time you indulge in an Oreo, remember that it all started right here in Columbus!

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Columbus is a hub for innovation and knowledge, and the city proudly hosts COSI (Center of Science and Industry), the largest science museum in Ohio. COSI is a haven for curious minds of all ages, offering interactive exhibits, engaging demonstrations, and captivating shows that bring science, technology, and creativity to life.

3. The city has an impressive literary legacy

Columbus boasts a rich literary heritage, having been home to several renowned authors. Notably, James Thurber, an acclaimed American humorist and cartoonist, was born in Columbus in 1894. His witty and insightful works continue to captivate readers worldwide. Moreover, Columbus annually hosts the Ohioana Book Festival, celebrating the literary talent of Ohio and fostering a love for books and reading.

4. Ohio’s state tree, the buckeye, can be found throughout Columbus

Columbus is the capital of Ohio, which is also known as the “Buckeye State” after its official tree, the buckeye. These beautiful trees are found throughout the city, with their distinctive nuts serving as a symbol of Ohio pride. In fact, the term “buckeyes” is commonly used to refer to Ohio State University sports teams, demonstrating the deep connection between the city and its iconic tree.

5. The vibrant German Village neighborhood is one of the highlights of Columbus

One of Columbus’ most charming neighborhoods is the German Village. Founded in the 19th century by German immigrants, this historic district retains its old-world charm with its brick-lined streets, enchanting architecture, and delightful gardens. The German Village offers a rich cultural experience, with its traditional festivals, authentic German cuisine, and friendly community spirit.

6. Columbus is an art lover’s paradise

Columbus is a haven for art enthusiasts, hosting a diverse and thriving arts scene. The city is home to the Columbus Museum of Art, which showcases an impressive collection of American and European art. Additionally, the annual Columbus Arts Festival attracts artists from all over the country, transforming the downtown area into a vibrant tapestry of creativity.

7. Wendy’s was founded in Columbus

Fast food aficionados will be delighted to know that Columbus is the birthplace of the famous Wendy’s restaurant chain. Established in 1969 by Dave Thomas, the first Wendy’s opened its doors in this lively city. Today, Wendy’s has become a global fast-food giant, but its roots remain deeply tied to Columbus, where it all began.

8. The Ohio State University, a powerhouse in college sports, is located in Columbus

When it comes to college sports, Columbus takes center stage with The Ohio State University. The Buckeyes have a storied athletic program and a passionate fan base. The iconic Ohio Stadium, also known as “The Horseshoe,” is a must-visit for any sports enthusiast, offering an electrifying atmosphere during football games that is truly unmatched.

9. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is located here

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is a gem that brings joy to millions of visitors every year. This world-renowned institution is dedicated to conservation, education, and animal welfare. With its wide array of exhibits and diverse animal species, including the legendary gorilla named Colo, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is an unforgettable experience for all ages.

10. Columbus is known for its vibrant and inclusive LGBTQ+ community

Columbus has gained recognition for its dynamic and inclusive LGBTQ+ community. The city proudly hosts one of the most significant Pride parades in the Midwest, drawing individuals from diverse backgrounds to commemorate the values of diversity and equality. With its progressive environment, Columbus nurtures an atmosphere of acceptance and inclusivity, creating a welcoming haven for all who visit.

If you are represented by an agent, this is not a solicitation of your business. This article is for informational purposes only, and is not a substitute for professional advice from a medical provider, licensed attorney, financial advisor, or tax professional. Consumers should independently verify any agency or service mentioned will meet their needs. Learn more about our Editorial Guidelines here.

Chibuzo is part of the content marketing team and enjoys writing about local insights and home improvement. His dream home is a Mediterranean-style house with a large kitchen and plenty of windows.

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After Ohio State and Penn State's wins over Purdue and UMass, the Big Ten battle between the Buckeyes and Nittany Lions will be the game of the week in college football.

On Saturday, ESPN announced that College GameDay will be in Columbus for the top-10 matchup at Ohio Stadium.

COLUMBUS, WE'RE COMING TO SEE YOU NEXT WEEKEND#CollegeGameDay pic.twitter.com/CY5LzaqwoV

— College GameDay (@CollegeGameDay) October 14, 2023

The Buckeyes and Nittany Lions both boasted 5-0 records entering their respective games this week, with Penn State at No. 6 in the AP Poll and Ohio State at No. 3. The Buckeyes have won the last six meetings between the two schools, though none of those victories came by more than two scores.

Ohio State is 39-18 all-time when GameDay is on campus for one of its games. The team's latest victory was a 17-14 win over Notre Dame in Week 4, and its most recent defeat was a 42-41 loss to Georgia in the CFP semifinal.

Ohio State and Penn State kick off at noon on Oct. 21. The matchup will be aired on FOX as part of Big Noon Saturday and will feature Gus Johnson, Joel Klatt and Jenny Taft on the call. FOX's pregame show, Big Noon Kickoff, with hosts Rob Stone, Brady Quinn, Mark Ingram, Matt Leinart and former Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer will also be on campus for the game along with College GameDay.

Those driving through Columbus, Ohio, might notice a colorful new intervention amid the otherwise serene landscape. On the facade of Orange Barrel Media (OBM) headquarters, abstract painter Sarah Cain has created a public art installation—one that rewards a long look and, frankly, is hard to miss.

The monumental immersive painting, titled This is the thing they call life, wraps around sections of the building’s exterior from ground level to its 70-foot-tall central silos and through its interior spaces. A natural extension of Cain’s established practice, which questions the seriousness of art, This is the thing they call life includes both her bold geometrics and fluidly painted marks throughout.

Despite extensive preparatory drawings and planning, Cain told ARTnews, “I never really know what I’m getting into.” Cain has created large installations in the past, including painting buildings and furniture as well as creating stained glass windows, but this is her largest to date. (She hopes this project will open the door to more such future projects.)

“It was a really great, fluid process,” Cain said, after seeing a shift in the logistics of her practice during the work. “To let go of control and have help was pretty mind-blowing,” she said, adding, “I learned a lot and it was really a dream project.”

The efforts of a team of artists from the community, who will continue to maintain the work, helped bring this yearlong project together.

“It’s cool to me that it’s in Columbus, because I’ve done so many projects [there],” Cain said. “There’s not another midwest city that I’ve been to that much, but it’s nice because every time I go, I’m at another stage in my career.”

OBM CEO and art collector Pete Scantland acquired the abandoned concrete manufacturing facility, in the underinvested neighborhood of Franklinton, in 2013. Bringing together 17 total acres of property, OBM worked with architect George Acock to reimagine the historic structure and preserve the integrity of the concrete facility and silos while updating the building with glass and steel, before its opening in 2015. Now, it is transformed again with Cain’s installation.

Scantland, who has been following and collecting Cain’s work for years, noted the artist’s ability to move passionately between mediums with ease.

“I saw a project that she did at Frieze in LA back when it was at the Paramount Studios in 2019,” Scantland told ARTnews. “She took one of the movie set brownstones and did a stained glass work, a floor painting, and a number of multimedia works. What I saw was how she was using all these varied surfaces and how the whole artwork—it was several components—but it kind of really worked together.”

This latest intervention seems like a natural extension for the headquarters of a media company that has worked with such artists as Jeffrey Gibson, Barbara Kruger, Pipilotti Rist, and Nari Ward over the years to create public art interventions designed to reach a wide public audience.

“We had to develop commitment and, frankly, the courage to go ahead and paint our entire building with something that’s permanent,” Scantland explained. “Over time, we think it’s going to be an iconic part of the landscape in Columbus.”

He noted that among OBM employees and passersby, “it has quickly become a source of interest.”

The public is welcome to visit Cain’s work on the OBM campus at 250 North Hartford Avenue.

Joint $120 Million Investment Will Create New Training Center and Address Workforce Shortages in Nursing and Four Other Health Professions

OhioHealth and Columbus State Community College today announced an innovative partnership that will double the number of professionals trained in five healthcare fields, addressing a critical need for patient-care specialists throughout central Ohio.

The joint investment, totaling at least $120 million, will address workforce shortages being faced by provider networks throughout the region. Over the next 10 years, Columbus State will double the number of students in nursing, surgical technology, medical imaging, respiratory therapy and sterile processing – five healthcare fields where there is strong demand from both students and employers. The partnership will:

· Establish a new 80,000-square-foot academic building, expected to be called the OhioHealth Center for Health Sciences, and renovate other classrooms and laboratories in an existing campus building, Union Hall. Columbus State will use voter-approved bond funding for the building and renovations, which are collectively anticipated to cost at least $85 million.

· OhioHealth is providing the Columbus State Community College Foundation a $25 million endowment to expand and sustain academic programs at the college that will fund faculty and staff who train healthcare professionals in the five fields targeted for growth. OhioHealth’s gift to Columbus State is believed to be one of the largest ever to support a U.S. community college.

· Raise at least $12 million for student support and specialized equipment for medical simulation and other hands-on training. The foundation will raise funds through private philanthropy and grants.

· Collaborate on innovative approaches that support positive educational, workforce and healthcare outcomes for central Ohio residents and employers.

“This bold partnership will ramp up the talent pipeline within key professions that form the backbone of our healthcare community,” said Dr. Steve Markovich, president and chief executive officer of OhioHealth. “Together, we will increase the pool of home-grown talent, keep regional healthcare strong, and address health disparities by attracting a workforce prepared to care for our diverse community.”

Columbus State President David Harrison said, “We’re thrilled to partner with OhioHealth on innovative solutions to address the health care and workforce needs of our community. OhioHealth and Columbus State have a shared focus on health equity and expanded access to high-quality care. We hope to be a national example of how community colleges can work with employer partners to create economic mobility for residents while addressing workforce needs. As we double the number of graduates from Columbus State health care programs, this partnership will provide students throughout our region with affordable, accessible career opportunities.”

Health care organizations throughout central Ohio are experiencing workforce challenges. Since the start of 2022, employers have advertised nearly 5,000 health care jobs per month in the 11-county region, according to OHIO MEANS JOBS. In addition, the Aspen Institute predicts that central Ohio will need 9,000 additional health care jobs — a 22 percent increase —by 2028 to meet demand from the region’s population growth and number of aging seniors.

The Columbus State-OhioHealth partnership will expand the pipeline of health care professionals in five high-demand healthcare fields. On average, the college currently enrolls about 1,500 students in nursing, surgical technology, medical imaging, respiratory therapy and sterile processing.

“OhioHealth is pleased to partner with Columbus State to support the well-being of students and to enhance workforce opportunities in the central Ohio region,” said Karen Morrison, president of the OhioHealth Foundation and OhioHealth senior vice president. “Working together with Columbus State, we will expand access to healthcare careers and develop a new generation of providers committed to serving our diverse and thriving community. We’re proud to be full partners in this initiative.”

Columbus State will immediately begin planning work for the OhioHealth Center for Health Sciences, the name of which will be brought to the college’s Board of Trustees for approval, and Union Hall renovations. The timing of construction will be determined after design work is completed, with a new building projected to open as early as 2027. The new center will be built near the intersection of Cleveland Avenue and Spring Street on existing campus property.

In a process that began independently of the OhioHealth partnership, Columbus State is in the process of creating a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree – the college’s first bachelor’s degree program. Based on current and estimated growth among healthcare systems in the region, there are thousands of openings for BSN-trained nurses in the region. The program, currently undergoing state and accreditation review, is expected to welcome its first class in fall 2024.

Students who graduate from Columbus State are well prepared for work, passing certification exams that lead to automatic job offers at rates that exceed state and national averages. For example, 88% of graduates in Columbus State's registered nursing program have certified for employability since 2020 — the highest passing rate among Ohio’s community colleges that produce at least 50 graduates per year.

“This major development in Columbus’s Opportunity Corridor is a huge step forward for the city’s healthcare industry, our network of higher education institutions and our downtown,” said Mayor Andrew J. Ginther. “This is another example of the Columbus way brought to life, with a public-private partnership that benefits us all.”

For more information, go to www.cscc.edu/healthcare.

About Columbus State Serving more than 40,000 students annually, Columbus State is the largest community college in Ohio. The college has been nationally recognized for advancements in student success and workforce innovation, including the prestigious Leah Meyer Austin Award.

Among other collaborations to enhance student success and career opportunities, Columbus State convenes the Workforce Advisory Council, comprised of the chief talent officers of the largest employers in the region; co-facilitates the Central Ohio Compact, an alliance of leaders from K-12, higher education, employers, and social service groups focused on student achievement; and partners with four-year universities to offer debt-free pathways to bachelor’s degrees.

About OhioHealth Based in Columbus, Ohio, OhioHealth is a nationally recognized, not-for-profit, charitable, healthcare outreach of the United Methodist Church.

Serving its communities since 1891, OhioHealth is a family of 35,000 associates, physicians and volunteers, and a network of 14 hospitals, three joint-venture hospitals, one managed-affiliate hospital, 200+ ambulatory sites and other health services spanning a 50-county area. It has been recognized by FORTUNE as one of the “100 Best Companies to Work For” 15 times since 2007. For more information, visit ohiohealth.com.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — This fall is packed with central Ohio’s favorite events, including Schmidt’s Columbus Oktoberfest, Boo at the Zoo, and HighBall Halloween, along with numerous star-studded shows in the city’s biggest venues.

Freeman’s Farm Fall Festival

Freeman’s Farm on Sept. 16 to Oct. 31

Zombiezi Bay

Zoombezi Bay on Sept. 22 to Oct. 29

‘Jesus Christ Superstar’

Ohio Theatre on Oct. 3-8

Boo at the Zoo

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium on Oct. 6-29

All Hallow’s Eve

Ohio Village on Oct. 7, 14, 21, and 28

Drake | It’s All A Blur Tour [Postponed]

Schottenstein Center at 8 p.m. on Oct. 9

After canceling one of his performances, Drake rescheduled his July 1 concert in Columbus to October. Drake last performed in Columbus in 2016, and it is his first tour since headlining the “Aubrey & The Three Migos Tour” in 2018.

Matt Rife | ProbleMATTic World Tour

Palace Theatre at 7 and 10 p.m. on Oct. 11 and Oct 12

Pumpkins Aglow

Franklin Park Conservatory on Oct. 11-29

Columbus Fall Brew Fest

Huntington Park on Oct. 13

Bob Evans Farm Festival

10854 State Route 588 on Oct. 13-15

Chillicothe Halloween Festival

Yoctangee Park on Oct. 13-15

Circleville Pumpkin Show

159 E. Franklin St. on Oct. 18-21

Jason Aldean | Highway Desperado Tour

Nationwide Arena at 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 19

The Great Westerville Pumpkin Glow

Heritage Park from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. on Oct. 19-22

Chelsea Handler

Palace Theatre at 8 p.m. on Oct. 21

‘The Price is Right’

Palace Theatre at 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 26

An interactive stage show based on a classic game show is coming to Columbus this fall. Contestants will have the opportunity to play and possibly win money, appliances, vacations or even a brand-new car by participating in the popular games from the show including “Cliffhangers” and “The Big Wheel.”

‘Black Panther’ Live in Concert

Ohio Theatre at 8 p.m. on Oct. 27

Shania Twain | Queen of Me Tour

Schottenstein Center at 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 27

HighBall Halloween

Short North Arts District on Oct. 28

Ohio Renaissance Festival

Warren County, two miles west of I-71 at 10542 State Route 73, 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday through Oct. 29.

‘Mrs. Doubtfire’

Ohio Theatre on Oct. 31-Nov. 5

The 1975 | Still… At Their Very Best Tour

Nationwide Arena at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 3

Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band [Postponed]

Nationwide Arena at 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 21

John Oliver [Rescheduled]

Mershon Auditorium at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 19