All I can tell you is, I had one hell of a weekend. Weekends like this give me life and deepen the love that I already have for Columbus.
Friday night, my husband and I had dinner at Eddie Merlot’s. When the opportunity arises for a celebration – this is one of our go-to restaurants for fine dining. The service is always impeccable and the food is top notch. Well, we had reason to celebrate! For the past five years, we have not worked the same schedule (+ I have been in school for a billion years). For the past year, his only days off were Thursday & Sunday + he worked until 8:30/9 every night. This meant I only saw him on Sunday. Thanks to his promotion at work, we now have the same schedule! Yeahhh!!
For the main course, my husband had the 18 oz. Bone-in Bison Ribeye, adding the peppercorn crust and Bacon Gorgonzola Cheese. 
Per usual, I ordered the trio of medallions: 3-4 oz. filet medallions oscar-style, peppercorn, and bacon gorgonzola. Of course we had to have a side of fresh-cut Parmesan Truffle Fries, too. YUM!
We were both tired. I mean it was 8:30 on a Friday night!? Almost past our bedtime. We decided dessert to-go and picking up Deadpool at Target. Deadpool was good! I watched about 4 minutes before I fell asleep. Ya know, at 9:30? It’s on the list to watch…
The next morning, we got up (relatively) early and went to Serenity Salt Spa in Westerville. I wasn’t sure what to expect with this. It was on groupon + everything 20%. That was all I needed to convince myself to try something. Since it was the first weekend my husband hasn’t worked Saturdays, he got to go with me. How lucky is he?! When we got there, we were greeted by the owner. She was very friendly. After we filled out the typical forms, she walked us back to a room. There were 5 or 6 chairs, blankets and tons of different variations of salt rocks. She explained why dry salt therapy was important, what the benefits were and told us to sit back and relax. I didn’t really think I would get that relaxed in 45 minutes, in new strange room, but, I surprised myself! After 10 or so minutes, I felt completely relaxed. I think I was so focused on breathing, my mind didn’t have a chance to wander + my husband instantly fell asleep, which meant I had no one to talk to. Ha! When we were all done, she came and got us. I couldn’t believe it! I could breathe so much better. She also told us there was a chance it could help my husband snoring as quickly as that night. She wasn’t wrong! He didn’t snore at all. If you check out her website, you can find out more details. First visit is $20! Try it out!
After we were super relaxed, we needed to eat! The Hills Market Downtown was celebrating their three year anniversary in the best way possible. Tons of local vendors + free samples of sangria and beer. The Hills Market is one of my most favorite spots here in Columbus. They have amazing wine tastings, the most delicious catering, fun kids cooking classes and an amazing selection of local products. As soon as we walked in, we were greeted by free sangria. Yes, please! Two of my favorite vendors were Darista Dips & Lopaus Point Waffles. Oh, did I mention one of their employees were walking around passing out free pizza! Wish that happened to me daily!
Well, we we were hyped up from the celebration, so we decided to continue our day. I’ll call it a day date because that’s what it turned into. Next up, the new Camelot Cellars in Olde Town. I am a big fan of Camelot. I went there for my 21st birthday and made their ever so popular Green Apple Reisling. Now, almost ten years later, I am drinking their Pinot Noir. I love visiting them. The owner is so personable and knowledgeable about wine. She was cracking us up on Saturday. Her new space is AMAZING. All of the details they put into it do not go unnoticed. If you haven’t been, you have to go. Check their event schedule because something fun is always going on. This week they have Wine and Psychic night on Wednesday + Wine and Magic Night on Thursday.
When we first found out she moved to Olde Towne East we were unsure what that really meant. I have been to The Topiary Garden and The Kelton House, but, that’s about it. My mind was literally blown when we pulled up to Camelot. Right in front of me, I saw The Angry Baker, Yellow Brick Pizza and The Tavern. Dreams really do come true! I follow all of these places on IG, but, haven’t ever visited. I had NO idea they were all at the intersection of S. 18th and Oak St. I would say this is one of the BIGGEST hidden gems in Columbus. You could spend an entire day at a four way spot.
I think my husband could tell how excited I was to have found this, that he let us continue our day date – even though he was SO tired and I am sure would have rather been napping on the couch. We went over to Angry Baker to see what it was all about. As soon as I walked in and saw the stained glass windows and baked goods, I was in heaven. The guy at the counter probably thought I was crazy because I don’t even think I could speak for the first minute or two. I was overwhelmed with its awesomeness. I decided on the avocado toast. I was still pretty full from the ridiculous amounts of samples I had at the Hills Market. OH MY GOSH – the toast was amazing. You could taste the freshness of the bread. The toast had lemon, alpha sprouts and red pepper flakes on it. It was literally the perfect combination. I thought I would have a few bites, but, somehow I ended up eating the entire thing. Oops.
When we were leaving, we walked out the back. Best idea ever. We stumbled upon The Tavern’s incredible patio. If it wasn’t freezing outside, we may have sat out there and enjoyed the patio. Totally looking forward to summer nights out there.
Across the street from The Tavern and The Angry Baker is Yellow Brick Pizza. Still full, we opted against eating there. If I had any amount of room in my stomach, I would have convinced myself to eat there. They have the best pepperoni’s (via IG stalking) – you know the ones that turn into little cups? YUM! We decided to go upstairs to Arcade Super Awesome. We love the nostalgia of arcades! The staircase walking up to the arcade is incredible. You instantly feel like you’re walking in a time machine, ending up in the 80’s. The staff were all amazing – very welcoming and sweet. I think they could also tell that my mind was blown on how amazing Olde Town is. It was fun to hear from locals about the history of the town. You could tell they loved being there and were stoked about the progress! We each got a drink and attempted to play Killer Queen. No idea what I was doing. Somehow we won! It may have been because we were on the same team and we weren’t playing anyone else.
After Arcade Super Awesome, we stopped over at Easton to shop Homage’s weekend sale and pick up wine at Cooper’s Hawk. Obviously had to get a new Columbus tank! The husband ordered a new CINCY tank because they were all 25% off! They were out in the store, which meant we had to order it on their old school apple computer. All the nostalgia this weekend! The sale is still going on through tonight!
What a day!! We planned to spend the night at home – however, when adventure comes up, we accept! 1/2 of the new blogger babes Basic Columbus, asked if we wanted to meet them out at Balboa. We couldn’t turn that down. New friends, new spots and margaritas? Sign me up! However, like our entire weekend thus far, plans changed. We ended up at Tip Top first and then semi-catched Moonlight Market. After we made the guys take a billion pictures of us on random scooters and in the middle of the street, we headed over to Balboa. I didn’t have a chance to try the food, but, the drinks were delicious. I had the Sangira Rose and the Blueberry Basil Margarita. YUM! Plus, they have a selfie mirror by the bathroom. I know its a selfie mirror because it says #balboaselfie! The space has very cool decor, divided into two rooms like Shoku. I need to go back to give you a full review!
Side note: LOVED Lindsey. Meeting her in real life, I can see why their blog is taking off. She was so funny, had great energy and is willing to take a billion pictures. 😉 We ended up having so much in common, knowing a few of the same people and one of the best parts was the fact that our guys got along so well!
In the mix of all that adventure, we stopped at Late Night Slice to have a slice of their Mac & Cheezus pizza. It only comes out once a year, which means we had to go, right?
I hosted a baby shower at Antrim Shelter in Westerville. Only $25 to rent, covered, has bathrooms and a playground next to it? Perfect spot!
Later tonight, I am hosting a nanny dinner at Cheescake Factory for 15 or 16 of my favorite nanny friends! Looking forward to catching up with them all and eating far too much cheesecake!
Whew! Like I said, I had one hell of a weekend! Enjoy the week ahead.
xoxo
