city-columbus Archives - MapQuest Travel

8 Great Microbreweries in the Midwest

Posted on December 4, 2015February 27, 2021 Author: Jeff Waddle

The heartland of the U.S. has brought us world-famous beers like Budweiser and Miller High Life and in recent years, it’s become home to an increasing number of outstanding microbreweries. These shrines to foamy goodness in a glass are bringing back the art of hand-crafted lagers and ales that was the norm for so long. Many of them are housed in cool, historic buildings and offer behind-the-scenes brewery tours as well as tap rooms where you can get a great meal and taste some of their finest, small-batch creations not available anywhere else. Here’s my “Great Eight” Midwest microbreweries.

1. Great Lakes Brewing -Cleveland, OH

Cleveland, like other cities, has seen the craft beer craze catch on in a big way recently. The one that got it all started is Great Lakes Brewing, Ohio’s first and most celebrated microbrewery. Many of Great Lakes’ brews like Burning River Pale Ale are among Ohio’s most popular craft beers, while others are only available at its brewpub. The brewpub and brewery are located in Ohio City, one of Cleveland’s oldest neighborhoods located across the Cuyahoga River from downtown. The brewpub, housed in an historic brick complex, serves excellent pub-style food in several quaint spaces including a tree-lined beer garden along a cobblestone street. Its beautiful tiger mahogany bar once hosted Eliot Ness, the leader of the ‘Untouchables’ law enforcement team that battled infamous gangster Al Capone. Brewery tours cost $5, last an hour and include four five-ounce samples. A gift shop sells Great Lakes and Cleveland memorabilia.

2. Bell’s Brewery Inc -Kalamazoo, MI

Bell’s Brewery was the first brewery in Michigan to open an onsite brewpub (1993) and since then, the downtown Kalamazoo landmark has become as an entertainment center with an expansive outdoor beer garden and indoor events center that holds up to 375 people. The two-story brick complex was expanded in 2011. Large and airy with lots of wood tables and an impressive collection of art and memorabilia, the centerpiece of the complex is the Eccentric Café and its creative menu featuring everything from deviled eggs and falafel to beef brisket and green curried tofu. Up to 20 Bell’s brews are poured at any given time at the brewpub including small batch, pub-exclusive options. The events center hosts popular bands on national tours and even square dancing and trivia nights. Free brewery tours are offered on weekends and take 30-45 minutes.

3. Barley’s Brewing Co. -Columbus, OH

Walking into Barley’s Brewing on bustling High St. in downtown Columbus is like stepping back in time. The delightful brewpub, located near the Ohio State University campus, has been serving hand-crafted beer since 1991. The brewpub is chock-full of charm, with authentic wood booths, underground brewery and rathskeller-like events area with century-old stone walls and brick arches. These guys take their ales seriously, keeping them unpasteurized and brewing only 10 barrels per batch. Every Friday, they tap a different cask-conditioned ale that complement a dozen other Barley’s 12 brews that rotate weekly. The large menu features burgers and gourmet dogs as well as upscale pub grub like white truffle mac and cheese. The quality of Barley’s food and beer has built quite a following over the years. Patrons have included best-selling author Stephen King, actor James Doohan (Scotty on “Star Trek”) and rock band Cheap Trick.

4. Schlafly -St. Louis, MO

The town that introduced Budweiser to the world has some great microbreweries, too, as evidenced by Schlafly, debuted in 1991 in two adjoining brick and timber buildings that opened in 1902 and 1904. The massive complex had steel-reinforced beams to hold printing presses that operated for the Swift Printing Co. for 65 years. After Swift moved out in 1969, the buildings vacant for 22 years and were almost destroyed by a fire. The thriving taproom, located between St. Louis University and downtown’s riverfront, serves 16 small-batch draft beers and a menu featuring brew and food pairings like mussels and pale ale. Taproom and original brewery tours on Sundays are free and end with a pint (also free). Schlafly’s nearby Bottleworks brewery and restaurant complex also offers free weekend tours and Friday afternoon ‘beer school’ seminars that focus on the brewing process and end with, you guessed it, beer tastings.

5. 3 Floyds Brewing Co. -Munster, IN

Some of the rich, aromatic ales brewed by 3 Floyds have reached cult status, like its Zombie Dust Pale Ale that people (including me) sometimes stand in long lines simply to buy a single 12-ounce bottle. If you want to find out where the legend was born, you’ve got to travel to Munster, IN to visit the 3 Floyds brewpub. There, you’ll find a rotating menu of fine brews including its popular Alpha King Pale Ale and, if you’re lucky, Zombie Dust. They also offer pub-only selections and a creative food menu which changes seasonally to stay focused on the availability of locally sourced ingredients. Brewery tours are conducted on Saturdays from 12:30-5:30 and last about an hour. The brewpub also sells collectible-quality merchandise featuring the colorful comic book-like artwork that graces the 3 Floyds bottle labels sold in five Midwest states.

6. Rhinegeist -Cincinnati, OH

Rhinegeist translates to “Ghost of the Rhine” and for good reason. The brewery is located in downtown Cincinnati’s historic Over the Rhine (OTR) district where thousands of German immigrants—and 38 breweries—called home at the turn of the 20^th Century. The microbrewery, which opened in 2013, is housed in the circa 1895 Christian Morlein Brewing Co. plant that sat empty for decades after Prohibition shuttered Morlein and other OTR breweries. Today, Rhinegeist offers up to 13 different ales, lagers, pilsners and hard ciders in its classic, beer hall-style taproom. The 25,000-square-foot space with high ceilings is massive, with rows of community tables and enough room to include indoor games like ping pong and foosball. TVs broadcast sports daily and guests are welcome to bring their own food. Private tours cost $10 and include a pint of beer. Free yoga sessions are offered on Sunday mornings in the beer hall.

7. Lakefront Brewery -Milwaukee, WI

The city that brought us beer icons like Miller High Life and Pabst Blue Ribbon has a lively microbrewery community. Its most popular micro operation is Lakefront Brewery, located in the former Milwaukee Electric Railway and Light Company building downtown that opened in 1908. Lakefront’s own history began in 1987 when brothers Russ and Jim Klisch took their love of brewing to the next level. Today, Lakefront has surpassed the 40,000-barrel milestone. Weekday tours are limited due to production but weekend tours give you the run of the place. Tours cost $8 and include four six-ounce samples and a souvenir pint glass. In-depth, technical tours are offered on Sundays for brew aficionados. They end with special beer and food pairings. Lakefront’ s beer hall is open daily and features a menu focused on locally sourced products. Fridays feature fish frys and live polka music (it is Milwaukee, after all).

8. Goose Island -Chicago, IL

Some people might not view Goose Island as a microbrewery anymore, given that its brews are sold in all 50 U.S. states and the U.K. But, the brewery on Chicago’s Near West Side certainly started out that way in 1988, and its lineup of ales, stouts and other delicious brews continue to taste hand-crafted. Interestingly, Goose Island recently opened its brewery to tours for the first time. Thursday through Sunday, the 45-minute, $12 tours include a tasting and take-home pint glass. Reservations are required. Its beautiful taproom overlooking brewery operations features several favorites as well as a changing menu of limited releases that are exclusive to the taproom. It doesn’t serve food but you’re welcome to bring your own.

Arts & Culture,Destinations,Inspiration

The 10 Best Children’s Museums in America

Posted on August 26, 2015March 2, 2021 Author: Lindsay MacNevin

In a country that loves innovation and learning it is no surprise that America is home to over 200 children’s museums and it is no wonder that millions of visitors flock to them every year as they offer incredible exhibits, engaging facilities, hands-on learning and fun for adults too. Nearly every city has a children’s museum, but if you want to experience the best of the best, we have rounded up our top 10 in America. From the largest children’s museum in the world to a renovated fish market, there is no excuse not to visit one of these incredible museums in America.

10. Please Touch Museum -Philadelphia, PA

With a name like “Please Touch”, it’s no wonder this is one of the best children’s museums in all of North America. This museum truly invites children to learn through playing and interacting with exhibits. Each section of this museum is designed to create learning opportunities that are completely fun and interactive. The six-themed exhibits include a mini Philly neighborhood, an Alice in Wonderland exhibit, a mock supermarket, construction zone and medical center. Kids love the halls of doors and mirrors, circular mazes and fairytale garden. Don’t forget about taking a ride on the 1908 carousel before you leave. With fair admission prices and enough fun to last all day, don’t miss out on this awesome museum.

Photo by: Jim, the Photographer via Flickr

9. Port Discovery -Baltimore, MD

This 80,000 square foot museum resides in a renovated fish market and is truly one of the anchors of Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. It just so happens that the Walt Disney Company Imagineers designed many of the exhibits here, so you just know they have to be pretty amazing. Kids interested in farming will love the Down on the Farm exhibit where they can milk cows, plant seeds and brush the tail of a real horse. For the active explorer don’t miss the three-storey treehouse where they can crawl through tunnels, explore a whole room of balls and cross narrow rope bridges. The HiFlyer hot air balloon is one of the favorites as kids get to experience a 15-minute ride above the Inner Harbor. Travel back in time to Egypt in the 1920’s, read one of the 3,000 books or join in a sing-along at this incredible children’s museum.

8. COSI: Center of Science and Industry -Columbus, OH

This is one of the few children’s museums that actually keep adults just as entertained as their kids and is a welcome relief from the normal kid’s museums. COSI has established themselves as a leader in innovation and features a number of awesome exhibits, including a working television station. The daily live show is a hit among all visitors and features such acts as real rats playing basketball. The 10,000 square foot area for kids under first grade was designed by early education experts and is perfect for the little ones to crawl, play and learn. From exploring space and energy to learning how the mind works to playing with gadgets, this museum takes visitors on a journey through science and innovation. A bit more expensive than others on this list, it is well worth it to visit.

Photo by: COSI Colmbus' Dynamic — Photo by: COSI Colmbus’ Dynamic

7. Minnesota Children’s Museum -St Paul, MN

Over six million parents and kids have visited this museum since it set up shop in downtown St. Paul and it remains one of the most loved children’s museums in all of North America. Here it is all about immersive experiences and encourages children to run and crawl through representations of Minnesota’s different natural habitats. This museum is actually promising to get even better with a $28 million renovation and expansion that is set to be complete in 2017. For now though it is pretty awesome and offers an array of experiences including a water-centric exhibit that allows kids to race boats down flowing streams and make their own recycled paper. A pretend neighborhood and art on the rooftop are hits among the kids. Watch for this museum to become even better in the next few years, but make sure to visit now to experience how awesome it already is.

6. Boston Children’s Museum -Boston, MA

This award-winning museum has been operating for over 100 years and offers plenty of fun for the whole family. This museum welcomes guests with its huge 40-foot high red-and-white milk bottle out front. It is one of the only museums to really focus on toddlers and preschoolers, with attractions such as the rock climbing wall that caters to kids aged three to five years old. A favorite permanent exhibit with kids is the Construction Zone, an exhibit allowing children to jackhammer, walk on high beam girders and ride in a real bobcat. Back in 2007 this museum became the city’s first “green” museum with its eco-friendly addition and landscaped waterfront park. The fully functional Japanese house, the three story climbing structure and the countdown to Kindergarten room are all huge hits among visitors. Families are welcome to bring in food into the lunch room or dine outside on the Milk Bottle Plaza, a great alternative for budget conscious families.

Photo by: Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism via Flickr

5. Children’s Museum of Denver -Denver, CO

It first opened in 1973 in a converted school bus but since has expanded into one of the best children’s museums in all of North America. Kids who love to build things will head right over to the assembly plant where they can use screwdrivers, saws and clamps to create their own one of a kind creation, which they can then take over to the art studio to paint. The fire station has to be a favorite as it features a real fire truck, 911 call centers, dispatch station and even a fire pole. The new outdoor adventure is a whopping 30,000 square feet of dynamic outdoor fun featuring ruins and forts, caves, hills, bridges and streams. A zip line, sand dunes, tunnels and waterfalls will keep kids running all day long. Stay tuned for new exhibits coming in late 2015, such as a teaching kitchen, three story climber, hands-in water lab and extreme energy station.

Photo by: Chlidren's Museum of Denver — Photo by: Chlidren’s Museum of Denver

4. The Strong -Rochester, NY

It calls itself the national museum of play and this awesome 100,000 square foot museum certainly makes well on that promise. One of the most popular exhibits with both kids and adults alike is the year-round indoor butterfly garden that features lush tropical plants and over 1,000 free-flying tropical and native butterflies. Between the aquariums, the toys hall of fame and the reading adventureland, it can be hard to choose what to visit first. Wee ones will go nuts for the Sesame Street exhibit as well as the life-sized dollhouse. Comic book heroes, e-games, a rock wall and a theatre complete with a stage are just a few of the permanent exhibits that kids go wild for. There are also plenty of food choices in the spacious food court or a sit-down style restaurant in the atrium, making sure everyone’s needs are met.

3. Children’s Museum of Houston -Houston, TX

This elaborate children’s museum recently doubled its size to 90,000 square feet and features both inside and outside exhibits. Kidtropolis is a highlight for kids, a huge pretend city where kids run the show and features its own bank, news center, vets office and more. It was designed to help kids understand occupations and economics and go with the expectation that your kids will never want to leave. Several outdoor galleries include a weather station and watery flow station which is a hit on those hot and humid days. The invention convention encourages budding inventors to create their own gadgets while the TV studio lets kids see themselves on camera, read scripts from the anchor desk and work the control panel. The smaller kids under three won’t be left out as they have their own padded play area and awesome ball bit. A bargain at just $9 for adults and kids, this museum is definitely worth checking out.

2. Brooklyn Children’s Museum -Brooklyn, NY

This New York City landmark is the world’s first and oldest children’s museum and remains one of the best in North America. It features over 100,000 square feet of exhibit space and costs only $9 to explore. The Neighborhood Nature exhibit is a hit among kids as they can explore the natural habitats that can be found throughout the nation, such as woodland fields and ocean tide pools. Youngsters will enjoy the 1,700 square foot totally Tots Area where they explore the sand spot, baby patch and peek-a-boutique. The museum features nearly 30,000 natural history specimens and cultural objects that will thrill both parents and kids. The coolest thing about this museum may just be the entrance, located underground in the side of a hill through an authentic 1905 New York City trolley kiosk.

1. Children’s Museum Indianapolis -Indianapolis, IN

It is hailed as being the best children’s museum in all of North America and the massive facility that measures over 472,000 square feet does not disappoint. It sits on 29 acres and is the largest children’s museum in the entire world. The Dinosphere exhibit is perhaps the favorite of all and features a working paleontology lab, hands-on simulated fossil digs, life-size simulated dinosaurs and one of the largest collections of real fossils and dinosaur art in the nation. Also this museum has a working 1927 carousel, the largest water clock in North America and a 130-seat planetarium. It is all about hands-on learning here and children are encouraged to touch, play and learn as they make their way through this huge museum. If you happen to be out of town visiting, make sure you spend at least an entire day here.

Destinations

10 Things to See and Do in Columbus, Ohio

Posted on January 12, 2015February 27, 2021 Author: Andrew Chapados

Right in the center of Ohio is the largest city in the state, the capital city of Columbus. The 15^th largest city in America, and home to Ohio State University, one of the largest universities in the country, the Buckeyes are one of the most famous college sports teams in the country. The city has a number of different attractions for every type of tourist, and it’s no mistake that a number of Fortune 500 companies choose Columbus as their home base. Here are 10 things to see and do in Columbus, Ohio.

10. Huntington Park

Huntington Park is a baseball stadium located in the heart of downtown Columbus. The stadium serves as home to the Columbus Clippers, the AAA minor league affiliate to the Cleveland Indians. Having just opened in 2009, Huntington Park is a truly state-of-the-art minor league baseball stadium.

The park was so successful that it was named Ballpark of the Year by Baseballparks.com in 2009, even beating out famed major league parks like Yankee Stadium. The award is given to the stadium that features the best combination of design, attractive site selection and fan amenities. The Left Field Building includes a 110-foot bar with six open patios overlooking the field on the second story. The third story features open air bleachers, similar to those found at Wrigley Field in Chicago. The stadium also occasionally plays home to concerts.

9. Columbus Museum of Art

The Columbus Museum of Art has traditionally focused more on European and American up through the early modern period, but has undergone a bit of a change in direction over the past few years. The museum has branched into more contemporary art exhibits and now includes a permanent photography section. Some highlights of the permanent collection include early Cubist paintings by Picasso, works by Ingres, Degas, Monet, Edward Hopper and Norman Rockwell.

The museum also features an extensive collection from Columbus native George Bellows. Temporary and travelling shows are regularly featured at the Columbus Museum of Art, with the most popular recent show being Renoir’s Women, featuring more than 30 works from the Impressionist style master. In the past few years, the museum has launched a massive reconstruction and expansion plan, with the third and final phase under way, the facility plans a grand celebration in late 2015.

8. Brewery District

Located just south of the central business district, the Brewery District has a history stretching nearly 200 years. A German immigrant opened the first brewery in 1836. At the peak of its existence, there were five breweries located within the district. As time passed, the consolidation of the breweries began to occur. When prohibition passed in 1920, the market obviously took a major hit. Because of this, the area declined in popularity and became home to some industry and warehouses.

In more recent times, the area has undergone a major redevelopment with numerous restaurants, bars and even a grocery store opening up in the area. With further redevelopment, expect the Brewery District to increase in popularity significantly over the coming few years as the masses cry for more brewpubs, local eateries and craft breweries.

7. Jubilee Museum and Catholic Cultural Centre

Established in 1998 the Jubliee Museum was established with the purpose of preserving the Catholic mind and memory as it is represented in art through paintings, sculptures, castings, stained glass, fabric, photography and books.

The museum promotes art that is primarily liturgical and art that in some way tells the story (directly or indirectly) of Christ, Mary, the saints and the history of the Catholic Church. The museum also holds Jewish art and history in high regard, and preserves a significant collection of Jewish art and history as well. Tours are open to those of any faith, and the museum has a goal to promote and preserve the rich history of the Catholic faith.

6. Ohio State Fair

The Ohio State Fair is one of the largest in all of the United States. The attendance for the fair in 2014 was over 916,000 people over the course of the 12 days, the highest attendance to date. The first ever Ohio State Fair was held in 1850 in Cincinnati over a span of 3 days, and has continued until the present as a celebration of Ohio’s products, people and their accomplishments for more than 150 years.

Held annually in late July/early August, the state fair contributes as much as $280-million to the state’s economy, and features a number of events from camel rides, a civil war encampment, fireworks shows, pig races, a parade, and a wide variety of other shows and activities. One of the fair’s highlights are the amazing concerts that are held during the fair each year which always include some big name performers. The 2014 fair saw such notable acts as The Beach Boys, Lady Antebellum, Aretha Franklin, and Boyz II Men.

5. Franklin Park Conservatory

The Franklin Park Conservatory is a botanical garden that was originally built in Columbus in 1895. Today, the conservatory acts as a horticulture and educational institution showcasing an exotic array of plant collections and special exhibitions.

Contained within the conservatory are more than 400 plant species from across the world. In 1994 the Franklin Park Conservatory debuted a seasonal butterfly exhibit, the first of which in the United States. In the mid-2000’s the conservatory presented Chihuly at the Conservatory, celebrating the works of Dale Chihuly, which saw an increase in attendance of 182% at the conservatory. The facility offers a wide variety of educational classes for school groups, families or individuals of all ages, who are looking to learn more about the natural world, gardening and the arts.

4. Columbus Crew Stadium

After opening in May 1999, Columbus Crew Stadium cost $28.5. In what is becoming increasingly rare in today’s sports world, the entire investment came from just one source; the owner of the Columbus Crew. Oil mogul Lamar Hunt under the Hunt Sports Group funded the entire stadium. With its erection, Columbus Crew Stadium became the first soccer-specific stadium built for Major League Soccer.

Located on the grounds of the Ohio Expo Center and State Fairgrounds, Columbus Crew Stadium hosted 3 FIFA Women’s World Cup matches in 2003, in addition to being the home of the United States Men’s National Soccer Team for a total of 10 matches dating from 2000 to 2013. Annual festivals make this stadium active in the offseason including Rock on the Range, a feature of rock bands that happens every year. While Major League Soccer may not have much history yet, Columbus Crew Stadium certainly has a foothold for being historic in the years to come.

3. Ohio Statehouse

The house of government for the state of Ohio, the Ohio Statehouse is a Greek-revival designed building that houses the Ohio General Assembly and the ceremonial offices of the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Treasurer and Auditor.

When the state government relocated to Columbus in 1816, it occupied a modest two-story building that began to become quite cramped as the country continued to grow. As work had just begun on the new building, Columbus’ agreement to be the state capitol was set to expire. Capitol square even became a grazing ground for livestock. Finally, years later in 1861 after much delay the building was completed. Unlike a number of other state capitol buildings, the Capitol Building in Washington did not influence the Ohio Statehouse since it was built before the expansion to the Washington building. The statehouse is considered a tremendous example of the Greek-revival style of architecture.

2. Ohio Stadium

A venue of many names, Ohio Stadium also goes by monikers “The Horseshoe”, “The Shoe”, and even “The House that Harley built” named after Chic Harley, All-American footballer inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1951. Ohio Stadium is the home of Ohio State University Buckeyes football, and formerly the Columbus Crew soccer team who moved into the aforementioned Columbus Crew Stadium in 1999.

Ohio Stadium is not famous just for its size and seating capacity, but for the fact the seating capacity is almost always growing. Starting at 66,210 in 1922, Ohio Stadium now seats 104, 944 raucous fans thanks to recent additions of stands over entrance tunnels. Now, Ohio Stadium is the 5^th largest stadium in the world and 3^rd largest in the United States. The most attended football game at Ohio Stadium happened in November 2014 when 108, 610 people showed up to cheer on the Buckeyes despite the capacity being almost 4,000 less the actual attendance.

1. Ohio Theatre

Known as the “Official Theatre of the State of Ohio” the historic movie palace from 1928 was saved from demolition in 1969 and fully restored. In 1977 it was declared a National Historic Landmark.

The theatre is owned and operated by the Columbus Association for the Performing Arts (CAPA), which was originally formed to save the theatre in 1969. A local company intended to buy the land and turn it into an office tower, however members of the community rallied together to help save the theatre, and the CAPA was formed in the process. The restoration of the Ohio Theatre was one of the first of its kind, and served as a model for many future restoration projects on other former movie palaces. Unlike the majority of other theatres that have gone under major renovations, to this day, the Ohio Theatre very closely resembles its original design.