
Founded in 1812 with the intention of making it the capital of Ohio, Columbus was always destined for greatness. Over the last two centuries, as Columbus has grown to become the most populous city in the state, it has developed a rich tradition of historical and cultural significance.
Heritage Treasures Day on Monday, January 11 is a perfect occasion to cherish the legacy of Columbus with a visit to these local historic sites.
1777 E. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43203
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The glory of nature is on full display at Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. Visitors can explore 13 acres of gardens, seasonal displays, and art exhibits, including a collection of glass works by noted artist Dale Chihuly. Kids and adults alike are fascinated by the Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus, which features an apiary, rose pavilion, and berry house. The John F. Wolfe Palm House, located on the grounds, dates back to 1895. Admission is $19 for adults and $12 for kids ages 3-12. Hours are 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. daily.
480 E. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43215
Founded in 1878 under the name Columbus Gallery of Fine Arts, the Columbus Museum of Art has a long tradition of making great art accessible to the local community. Their extensive collection of American and European works focuses on contemporary art, folk art, glass, and photography. Families love "Think Outside the Brick," CMA's annual spring exhibit of LEGO® creations, including a giant model of Columbus. Entrance fee is $18 for adults and $9 for students and kids ages 4-17. Tickets must be purchased in advance. CMA is open 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, with extended hours until 9 p.m. on Thursday.
588 S. 3rd St., Columbus, OH 43215
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A simple trip across a highway bridge transports you to old-world Europe in a matter of minutes. German Village is no commercially-created tourist attraction. This historic district was settled in the mid-1800s by German immigrants, who at one time made up one-third of the city's population. The lack of high-rise buildings and driveways are features from the days of quaint, close-knit neighborhoods where people walked everywhere and homes were often occupied by multiple families. Many of the streets still bear the original brick pavers. The sights and sounds of German Village are well worth multiple visits.
1 Capitol Sq., Columbus, OH 43215
A trip to the Ohio Statehouse serves a two-fold purpose. In addition to serving as the central location for the business of governing Ohio, the building is a stunning example of the Greek Revival style of architecture that was so predominant during the 18th century. Between stretches of bitter winter weather and struggles for funding, construction took 22 years. The Statehouse finally opened for legislative activity in 1857 and the building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972. Visitors may take self-guided tours weekdays from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. and weekends from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
260 N. Fourth St., Columbus, OH 43215
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Housed in an authentically restored 1908 engine house, the Central Ohio Fire Museum & Learning Center uses interactive programs to offer entertaining and educational lessons on fire safety. Displays of firefighting apparatus throughout the years trace the development of equipment as it has become safer and more effective. Boots the Fire Mouse is on hand to greet kids as they enjoy the play area. Admission is $8 for adults and $6 for children. The Museum is open 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
800 Alum Creek Dr., Columbus, OH 43205
Hanford Village was incorporated in 1909, but its true prominence came in 1946 with the development of the George Washington Carver Addition. This suburb of Cape Cod houses was marketed to African-American veterans of World War II. As a result, these men and women and their families had the opportunity to settle in a thriving, supportive middle-class neighborhood. Some members of the legendary Tuskegee Airmen made their home in Hanford Village while stationed at nearby Lockbourne Army Air Force Base.
886 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43201
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Short North Arts District, nestled between downtown Columbus and the OSU campus, is a hip neighborhood of colorful murals, trendy boutiques and hot restaurants. The district is also home to a slice of Columbus history in Victorian Village, the neighborhood's residential area. One of the more notable examples of Victorian architecture is Sells House, built by one of the owners of the Sells Circus, leading to the nickname "Circus House." Nearby is Cocoa Manor, another whimsically-named house that was home to the owners of Anthony Thomas Candy.
3141 McKinley Ave., Columbus, OH 43204
In pre-Columbian times, the Adena culture was a group of Native American societies living in Ohio, West Virginia, Kentucky and Indiana that shared a number of ceremonial rituals. Shrum Mound in Campbell Park is one of the last cone-shaped Adena burial mounds remaining in Columbus. The mound itself is 20 feet high and 100 feet around, named for the family that donated the land, while the park is named for James E. Campbell, governor of Ohio from 1890 to 1892.
1234 E. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43205
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See how "the other half" used to live with a trip to view the homes in the East Broad Street Historic District. Most prominent among these elegant houses is the Old Governor's Mansion, also known as the Lindenberg Mansion after the man who originally built the residence. Another landmark is the High Victorian-style Kappa Gamma National Headquarters, constructed in 1852.
586 E. Town St., Columbus, OH 43215
While Kelton House Museum & Garden is a striking example of art and architecture from the 19th century, the site has a much greater historical importance. The home of Fernando Cortez and Sophia Stone Kelton served as a stop on the iconic Underground Railroad. Fugitive slaves found a haven in these waystations on their journey toward freedom. Grace Kelton, granddaughter of Fernando and Sophia, bequeathed the home to the city of Columbus for educational use. Admission is $7 for adults, $4 for college students and $3 for K-12 students. The museum is closed in January, but make plans to visit when they reopen on Thursday, February 4.
What modern Columbus site do you think will become part of the city's history for future generations?

Did you know the Center of the World is in Ohio? Yes, there actually is an unincorporated community by that name near Youngstown, not far from the Pennsylvania state line.
But there are a number of truly compelling reasons why one of the state's slogans is, "Center of the Universe." If you're looking for a new home in 2021, here are a dozen fascinating features that make a great case for finding it in Northeast Ohio, Columbus, or Cincinnati.
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Chili is a dish that lends itself to a wide range of ingredients and preparations. But Cincinnati still managed to put itself on the culinary map with a unique version that keeps people coming back for more. More of a sauce than a stew or soup, Cincinnati chili is almost always served on top of hot dogs or spaghetti noodles. Unexpected seasonings such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and chocolate give the chili a Mediterranean flavor. Order it 3-way topped with cheddar cheese, add onions or beans to make it 4-way, or go for the works with 5-way.View this post on Instagram
Cleveland, Columbus, or Cincinnati: which one is the perfect fit for you?

Isn't it amazing how a humble ground meat patty topped with cheese can be transformed into an infinite variety of choices to satisfy any palate? Whether you like it simple, spicy, sweet, savory or even meat-free, there's a cheeseburger out there with your name on it.
Friday, September 18 is Cheeseburger Day, a time to celebrate this iconic staple of American cuisine. Honor the cheeseburger and support local businesses with a visit to one of these delightful restaurants around Columbus.
183 Thurman Ave., Columbus, OH 43206
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As one writer put it, if there were an NCAA-style tournament for burger joints around Columbus, The Thurman Cafe would be Duke. A German Village landmark since 1942, The Thurman Cafe is so well-known that they have their own Wikipedia entry. Adam Richman of Man v. Food traveled to Columbus to take on the Thurmanator, a behemoth with 24 ounces of beef, three types of cheese, bacon, sautéed mushrooms and onions, ham, and banana peppers But don't be intimidated: there are nearly two dozen types of burgers on the menu to accommodate any size appetite. The Thurman Cafe's kitchen opens daily at 11 a.m.
503 S. Front St., Columbus, OH 43215
Opened in late 2016, Rockmill Tavern has become a favorite destination in the trendy Brewery District. The menu features upscale gastropub food, but Rockmill's signature Tavern Burger strikes a pleasing balance between traditional and contemporary. Starting with a grilled ciabatta bun made exclusively for Rockmill by Matija Breads, the burger is then topped with Tillamook Cheddar, pickled red onion, bacon jam, and Dijonnaise. Pair your burger with one of the hand-crafted Belgian beers from Rockmill's brewery in nearby Lancaster. Rockmill Tavern is open for lunch and dinner from Wednesday through Sunday.
3945 Easton Station, Columbus, OH 43219
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When it comes to supporting local vendors, Flip Side backs up their words with action. All of their chef-driven burgers are made with Ohio-raised grass-fed beef, although you're free to substitute a chicken, turkey, or veggie patty. Purists go for the Simplicity Burger with lettuce, pickle and tomato, while the Uncle Jimmy Burger, with peanut butter, applewood bacon and habanero pepper jelly, is a creative take on comfort food. If you're looking for flavor and tenderness with less fat, try the farm-raised bison burger. Be sure to include a side of truffle fries, which customers rave about almost as much as the burgers themselves. Flip Side opens at 11 a.m. every day but Monday.
2822 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43202
Some like it hot, and if you're one of them, the award-winning Pepper Burger at O'Reilly's Pub is your dream come true. A black peppercorn crust is added to the half-pound patty to ensure a satisfying tang with every bite. Bacon, pickles, white onions, and Provolone cheese round out the fullness of flavor. Heatseekers also enjoy the Tom Burger, which is prepared with a healthy dose of spicy Jamaican jerk seasoning. And what would an Irish pub be without a pint of brew to wash it all down? O'Reilly's is serving up burgers and beer seven days a week.
4615 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43214
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Thanks to Irving Berlin's classic song, "Puttin' on the Ritz" has come to mean doing it up right. Nowhere is that more evident than Ritzy's, where your way is always the right way. The Ritz is one of their trademark crispy-edged smashburgers served with toppings that you choose. Options range from traditional add-ons, such as cheese, ketchup, and bacon, to more inventive ones, including sriracha and peanut butter. How hungry are you? The basic Ritz is a double-patty burger, while the Itzy Ritzy is a single patty and the Grand Ritz is a triple-threat. Head to Ritzy's any day of the week starting at 11 a.m.
1101 N. 4th St., Columbus, OH 43201
Popular, easy to make, and portable, burgers are a natural for food trucks. Street Thyme has gained a reputation for one of the best burgers in Columbus, encompassing the city's thriving food truck scene along with brick-and-mortar restaurants. The best-selling Single Suzy, topped with Cheddar cheese, dill pickle, and housemade Worcestershire aioli, is a masterpiece of simplicity. Add another patty and make it a Basic Betty. Start your day the way Mom intended with an Irish Breakfast Burger, two patties with bacon, grilled tomato, Cheddar, bacon, and jalapeño jelly. Find Street Thyme outside Seventh Son Brewing on Thursday evening and Saturday afternoon, as well as at Land Grant Brewing on Monday night, Antiques on High Wednesday night, and Parsons North Brewing Friday night.
1051 Goodale Blvd., Columbus, OH 43212
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In little more than two years on the Columbus restaurant landscape, High Bank Distillery has quickly established its place in the upper ranks. The slogan "Elevated yet Casual" applies to the handcrafted bourbons from their distillery as well as the upscale bar food favorites on the menu. High Bank's namesake double burger is an elegantly tasty combo of American cheese, red onions, pickles, and secret sauce on a brioche bun. Order online for speedy carry-out service. Doors open at 11 a.m. daily.
340 E. Gay St., Columbus, OH 43215
Pat and Gracie's may sound as though it's named for a vaudeville comedy team, but the backstory is even more colorful than that. The tavern sits on land once occupied by a horse farm purchased by big-time gambler Pat Murnan for his ladylove Gracie Backenstow, former madam of a downtown brothel. Fast-forward to the 21st century, when customers enjoy hand-formed Pat and Gracie burgers such as the Chimi, featuring Monterey Jack cheese, bacon, avocado mousse, caramelized onions, and house chimichurri sauce. Pat and Gracie's has a second location at the more conventional site of Graceland Shopping Center. Both spots are open daily for dine-in, carry-out, and delivery.
1455 W. 3rd Ave., Columbus, OH 43212
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As if spectacular food wasn't enough of a draw, the romantic speakeasy vibe earns Grandview Cafe a spot on Columbus Navigator's list of the city's 10 most beautiful restaurants. Billed as "the burger of all burgers," Grandview Cafe's impressive GC Burger lives up to the hype. An appealingly chewy pretzel roll holds a dry-aged beef patty topped with bourbon-caramelized onions, smoked bacon, tomato jam, and a three-cheese blend of Fontina, White Cheddar, and Gruyère. Less exotic but no less tasty is the Hadley's Diner Burger, with American cheese, pickles, and Dijonnaise. Grandview Cafe is open every day for lunch and dinner.
418 E. Whittier St., Columbus, OH 43206
Heading to a hot dog joint for a first-rate burger may sound counterintuitive. Not when it's Village Coney, where both burgers and hot dogs are served with equal amounts of love and respect. With no need to reinvent the wheel, Village Coney offers a beautifully basic cheeseburger with your choice of cheddar, mozzarella, provolone, pepper jack, or bleu cheese. Village Coney serves lunch from Monday through Saturday.
When you're creating your perfect cheeseburger, what's the one must-have condiment or topping you can't do without?

We have a lot of music lovers on our team here at Cutler Real Estate, and we know Columbus is a great place to find your inner Guitar Hero with its vibrant music scene and abundance of amazing guitar stores. Whether you're looking for music lessons, are in the market for a new axe to call your own, or just want to browse a selection of beautiful guitars, we recommend checking out some of these great Columbus music shops!
1423 Chambers Road, Columbus, OH 43212
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Starting out in 2009 as a small guitar repair business in a cozy home on Chambers Road, Guitar House Workshop has grown to become one of city's most treasured resources for guitar players. They offer a wide range of new and used guitars—mostly acoustics—with a focus on unusual and quality vintage guitars. Their in-house luthiers also offer a full range of guitar repairs and restorations, and Guitar House is widely known as one of the best places in town to take lessons on stringed instruments of any kind, from guitar and bass to banjo, ukulele, and mandolin.
2630 Bethel Road, Columbus, OH 43220
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Offering hard-to-beat prices on a wide range of new and used musical instruments, Music Go Round is a great place to find your first (or next) guitar. They first opened their doors in 1996 and are known far and wide as one of the best spots to buy or sell a guitar in Central Ohio. You can count on finding a wide and ever-changing selection of acoustic and electric guitars, bass guitars, amps, percussion, and gear. Be sure to also head to Music Go Round when you need to stock up on accessories like picks, strings, tuners, and capos.
350 S. Grant Ave., Columbus, OH 43215
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German Village Guitar Haus has been a staple of the Columbus guitar community since 1950. The shop offers an incredible selection of guitars and other instruments, whether you're looking for high-end professional instruments or a quality starter guitar. Every instrument sold here is guaranteed to be set up for optimum playability. German Village Music Haus is also a great place to bring your guitar for a tune-up, whether you need full-service luthiery and amplifier repair or just a quick setup and a fresh set of strings.
1370 S. High St., Columbus, OH 43207
Folk and bluegrass players in the Columbus area know Bluegrass Musicians Supply as Mid-Ohio's go-to destination for all things acoustic. They offer an amazing selection of new and vintage acoustic guitars but also so much more. Whether you need your banjo repaired or a new set of strings for your mandolin, this is the place. Bluegrass Musicians Supply also offers music instruction on guitar and other instruments, along with skilled instrument repair. It's always fun to browse their selection of guitars, banjos, violins, mandolins, harmonicas, hand percussion, and other fun stuff.
1597 W. 5th Ave., Columbus, OH 43212
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Fifth Avenue Fret Shop is among the best places in the Columbus area for highly skilled repair and restoration of guitars, and fretted instruments of all kinds. Their team of detail-oriented luthiers is truly second to none. This cozy shop also offers a selection of acoustic and electric guitars for sale, with a focus on vintage guitars in excellent condition. You won't find the widest selection here, but you'll know that any guitar you buy at Fifth Avenue Fret Shop is a great one.
3135 N. High St, Columbus, OH 43202
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After spending years operating a guitar repair shop, J. Thomas Davis decided he'd rather be making his own guitars. Now operating out of a small shop on High Street, Davis crafts stunning acoustic instruments, one at a time, based on each customer's specific needs. Every guitar that comes from J. Thomas Davis Guitar Maker is a work of art. From classical, steel-string, and twelve-string guitars to archtops and carved Irish bouzoukis and citterns, if you can't find the instrument you want in any shop, Davis will make it for you.
1359 N. High St, Columbus, OH 43201
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As you might guess from its name, Hippie Hut Guitars and Things sells guitars, and also a lot of other stuff. Tucked behind a storefront in the Short North Arts District, the shop offers clothing, posters, records jewelry, incense and incense burners, a wide range of gifts and novelty items, and of course guitars. Browsing through all the colorful novelties and oddities is half the fun, but Hippie Hut still has a great selection of guitars, including some genuine vintage gems that often find their way into the shop.
4290 Indianola Ave. #101, Columbus, OH 43214
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Offering repairs, restorations, and enhancements to take your guitar to the next level, the Guitar Repair Co. is dedicated to helping you get the most out of your instrument. Owner and guitar expert Sean Bowers is a seasoned musician as well as a luthier and provides a range of services for both acoustic and electric guitars. From simple guitar setups and restrings to crack repairs, fretwork, and electronics repair, this is where you take your guitar if you want it to come back better than ever.
2211 Glenmere Road, Columbus, OH 43220
The electric guitars made by Tony Cochran Guitars are truly one of a kind. Each one is hand-riveted, screwed, and nailed by guitar maker Tony Cochran—also the creator of the syndicated comic strip "Agnes"—to create beautiful steampunk-inspired instruments of metal, leather, and wood. These guitars would look equally at home in a museum as in a musician's hands, but they're fully functional and playable as well as visually striking. Cochran has committed to making only 300 guitars, so get one while you can!
Did we forget to mention your favorite Columbus area music store? Let us know in the comments section!

Dating back to ancient Greece and Rome, street food has been a staple of many global cultures. Today, the growing popularity of food trucks has brought the convenience and variety of street food to Columbus and other cities around the United States.
Find out firsthand how food trucks are changing the Columbus dining scene by visiting these upcoming events.
Seventh Son Brewing - 1101 N. 4th St., Columbus, OH 43201
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The Hawaiian cuisine of Aloha Aina is so authentic that you'll feel the tropical sun and breezes while you eat. Customers line up for their signature steamed buns with pork, chicken, tofu, or Spam filling. Their Maui Fresh rice bowl has been described as "deconstructed sushi" and the Loco No Moco bowl is a lighter take on the traditional Hawaiian dish. Find Aloha Aina outside Seventh Son Brewing on Wednesdays and Fridays from 4 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Care Point East - 543 Taylor Ave., Columbus, OH 43203
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Who knew lobsters and sharks made such a great team? Backing from Barbara Corcoran of Shark Tank turned Cousins Maine Lobster into a national sensation. Now owners Jimmy and Sabin (yes, they're cousins) have brought their New England seafood favorites to Columbus. Try an iconic lobster roll or shrimp tacos with a side of Cape Cod chips. Grab a tasty lunch from Cousins outside Care Point East on Tuesday, May 26 between 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Ohio Theatre - 39 E. State St., Columbus, OH 43215
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No, Two Fatt Indians doesn't describe owners Amit Kumar and Raj Sabherwal. They just thought it was a funny, catchy name for their truck, which serves genuine North Indian cuisine. The chicken tikka masala earns unanimous raves, while the yogurt-based strawberry lassi drink is a treat rarely found in the Columbus area. Several vegetarian options are available, and the owners are happy to accommodate your preferred level of heat. Two Fatt Indians can be frequently found outside the Ohio Theatre from 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Harrison Pond - 4720 Shull Rd., Columbus, OH 43230
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The all-American ice cream sundae gets a Latin twist at Glazed Churro Bar. Vanilla soft-serve is spiked with two churro sticks and dressed up with a range of sauces and toppings, such as the best-selling Cinna-Crunch featuring Cinnamon Toast Crunch and salted caramel glaze. If you can't live by dessert alone, the truck also serves tacos, burritos, and other savory street food. Stop by Harrison Pond on Monday, May 25 between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. for dinner, dessert, or both.
W. Broad St. & N. Front St., Columbus, OH 43215
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Remember what Mom said about the most important meal of the day? Heath, owner of Always Eat Breakfast, does. Start the day off right with one of their breakfast burritos or bowls made to order with your choice of ingredients. Heartier appetites may choose biscuits or tots topped with sausage or bacon gravy. Pick up one of Heath's extra-large muffins, baked on the truck, for a great midday snack. In a hurry? Visit the website the night before to order ahead. Always Eat Breakfast will be brightening the morning around the intersection of W. Broad St. and N. Front St. from 7 a.m. - 10 a.m. on Tuesday, May 26.
St. Vincent Family Center - 1490 E. Main St., Columbus, OH 43205
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Pita sandwiches are portable and filling, two qualities essential in street food. The fresh and flavorful sandwiches from Pitabilities have earned them a frequent #1 rating by Columbus residents. In addition to the traditional Greek gyro pita, the menu includes variations such as New Delhi with tikka masala sauce and Philly Steak with grilled onions and mushrooms. Possibilities Fries, topped with lettuce, tomato, onions, and your choice of protein, are a meal by themselves. On Friday, May 22 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., they'll be Quantum Health 2 at 5260 Blazer Pkwy.
Fifth Third Bank - 1669 Fishinger Rd., Columbus, OH 43221
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For nearly 150 years, Schmidt has been a legendary name in the Columbus food industry. Schmidt's Sausage Truck is the most recent venture for a family business that includes a meat-packing company, concession stands, and a German-themed restaurant. The Bahama Mama, Schmidt's signature pork and beef sandwich, was voted the official food of Columbus. Other offerings include bratwurst, knockwurst, and bologna, as well as classic sides of red cabbage, sauerkraut, and potato salad. Save room for one of the award-winning jumbo cream puffs. Catch Schmidt's outside the UA Five Points branch of Fifth Third Bank on Thursdays from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. and Fridays from 4 p.m. - 8 p.m.
DSW - 810 DSW Dr., Columbus, OH 43219
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If America had a national food, it would probably be fried chicken. Since 2012, people around Columbus have been flocking to Mya's Fried Chicken and their Korean-inspired, sweet-and-spicy take on the comfort food classic. The meat is brined in buttermilk for 24 hours and pan-fried to a crispy brown before the final touch: a drizzle of honey and vinegar infused with herbs and chilies. Choose from sandwiches, tenders, and wings with a selection of scratch-made sides. Stop by Mya's on Wednesday, May 27 from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. outside the DSW home office and truck lot.
Ace of Cups - 2619 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43202
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No roundup of top food trucks in Columbus would be complete without Ray Ray's Hog Pit. Pork, beef, and chicken are coated with dry rub and cooked low-and-slow for that trademark pink smoke ring. Sauces are served on the side so you can apply to suit your individual taste. Can't decide? Go for the Meatsweats box filled with smoked brisket, pulled pork, jerk chicken, dry-rubbed ribs, and a hot link. Ray Ray's flagship location, adjacent to Ace of Cups, is open Thursday through Sunday from 11:30 a.m. - 8 p.m.
If you opened a food truck, what would be your specialty?