For over five decades, we have provided sustainable transportation options to the community we love, making it easier to move greener for all. We are committed to our environmental promise and going diesel-free by 2025. Thank you for moving with us and making Central Ohio more sustainable one COTA ride at a time.
JACK MCLAUGHLIN Editor-In-Chief
My fingertips are rubbed raw, I’m pretty sure my knee is bleeding, and I just fell from the top of a 10-foot wall less than a minute ago.
And I’m loving every minute of this.
I’m talking about rock climbing (specifically bouldering, but I enjoy lead climbing as well), a hobby I picked up around a year ago, and fell absolutely headfirst into.
If you had asked me a few years ago about my interest in climbing, I would’ve laughed. Mostly because of my fear of heights, which is not something we typically associate with an interest in scaling really tall walls and mountains. This is on top of the fact that I was never one of those kids growing up who was a natural climber, or who loved making their way up neighborhood trees. I couldn’t even do a single pull up before I started, for what it’s worth.
All of the (pretty substantial) evidence pointing towards the fact that rock climbing probably wasn’t for me amounts to nothing, though, because I absolutely love it. I love the movement, the fitness, and, most of all, how it lets me track small but continuous improvement, how I can see personal growth nearly each and every session.
I’m not writing this to tell you that you’ll probably love to climb. Who knows if you will, and regardless, it’s never
made sense for me to assume that other people will enjoy the things I do. Because everyone is different.
My point is this: Climbing as a wellness activity— something I do for myself—has brought me enormous benefits, and it’s something that, had I not buckled up to try one time, I never would have found.
Columbus, and the world at large, for that matter, is full of activities and hobbies that many swear by, though they might seem ridiculous to us at first. Even if you’ve mapped out the pros and cons of a new activity and the score does not appear to be in your favor, so what? I would have told myself the same thing, had I taken a purely logical approach to starting climbing.
Try it. Whatever it is: hot yoga, skydiving, pole dancing, or skateboarding. You very well may not like it, but there’s also a chance you could find one of your favorite things to do in the world, and I’d say that’s worth it.
There are so many ways to do wellness, to do something you enjoy that betters your life. And our April issue is dedicated to just a fraction of the unique ways you can practice wellness in Columbus. So long as you’re willing to give them a try. ♦
Wellness means something different to everyone. Running marathons, going on a long walk with your dogs, a sauna session, ab crunches during commercial breaks, lifting a very heavy bottle of wine for another pour…no judgment from us!
Here’s some wellness activities that keep the (614) Team healthy and grounded:
Going to the gym and just sitting in the sauna afterwards. A sense of rewarding satisfaction at its best.
— Wyatt Krupp, Account Executive
Walking through the woods on a nice day and…cycling in a 125-130 degree infrared sauna.
— Lindsay Press, CEO
Floatation therapy is my go-to!
— Austin Black, Video Producer/Editor
Dog walks & Peloton rides.
— Meggin Weimerskirch, Advertising Director
Bouldering and lead climbing.
— Jack McLaughlin, Editor in Chief
Mine has to be being a student and teacher at CorePower. So rewarding helping people move their body in ways that feel good.
— Lizzy Saunders, Events Coordinator & Brand Manager for (614) Lager
Hiking to a remote location in the woods to string up my hammock and sleep under the stars for the night.
— Paul VanHorn, Sales Manager
Hot pilates and taking my dogs on walks through Schiller Park every day.
— Sav McKee, Assistant Editor
Do you check your news and entertainment updates on 614now.com? You should. Every day we’re posting Columbus’ top news, entertainment, and sports stories from throughout central Ohio. Check out all the Columbus news online, including the new ones below at 614now.com and subscribe to our daily email!
→ Popular spot known for Bagel Bombs announces location of first-ever brick and mortar
Bagel Bombs are headed to Clintonville. Earlier today, the fast-rising Columbus eatery Bite This by Annie announced that its first brick and mortar storefront will be located at 3009 N. High St.
→ According to Untapped rankings, the three best Ohio dry ciders of 2023 are all from the Columbus area
According to the users of Untappd, the beer and cider review mega-platform, not only is the best dry cider of 2023 from the Columbus area, but so are the second and third place finishers.
→ Photographer gets sneak peek inside abandoned Longaberger basket building You want to know. I want to know. We all want to know. What the inside of the nowdefunct Longaberger basket building looks like, that is.
Did you know that (614) launched a YouTube channel with some very shareable video content? It’s true. Keep an eye out for more on our (614) Columbus account and on social media. In the meantime, check out the newest videos on our channel:
• Tasting Columbus—NEW episode!
Parable has some truly delicious coffee (and lets not sleep on those incredible alcoholic beverages) but its the community that really shines.
• Worthington Jewelers
All through the month of March, Worthington Jewelers is offering a BOGO 50% deal as well as dinner for 2 when you book appointments with coupon code GIFTCARD.
• El Vaquero
Media Partners: #
• Littletons
El Vaquero is here to rescue your taste buds with some incredibly delish dishes for Lent!
Cinema Columbus celebrates the diverse people and stories brought to life by independent filmmakers, sparking curiosity, conversation, and understanding through independent film.
Sponsors:
Venue Partners:
Littletons is challenging that idea by making a communal style market where customers and vendors can and often do meet face to face.
Clintonville • Graceland • Easton • Powell Clintonville • Graceland • Easton • Powell
The incredible story of how a Columbus amusement park set incubated infants on display in the early 1900s, and helped advance medical care for the rest of the worldBy John M. Clark Story Design by Bryce Patterson
Incubators for the care and treatment of premature babies date back to 1880 France. But it took amusement park sideshows like the one at Columbus’ Olentangy Park (a large, local amusement park that has since closed) before the lifesaving apparatus became acceptable at hospitals in the United States.
Having observed the benefits of incubators for chickens at the Paris Zoo, a doctor by the name of Etienne Stephane Tarnier introduced the warming chambers at a French hospital in 1880. A few years later, he published stories of his success at saving tiny lives. But a stubborn medical community refused to listen to him. They weren’t convinced of the benefits. →
↓ Olentangy Park
↑ Early 20th-century baby incubator at Coney Island
Tapped as the 11th best Italian eatery in the country, Quinci Emporium brings authentic Italian cuisine, and old-working cooking skills, to the heart of ColumbusBy Chris Alexis Photos by Jen Brown Story Design by Bryce Patterson
Ever wondered what it would be like to step into a space where the essence of Italy is captured in every aroma, every glance, and every moment? Well, it exists within the walls of Quinci Emporium.
People flock to this small business at 11 Buttles Avenue for cooking classes and wine tastings. They leave with a variety of authentic Italian fine foods and wines that Deborah Quinci sells in her retail shop. She co-owns the business with Connie Klema.
Quinci knows how to offer a genuine Italian experience. She was born in Sicily, Italy, and lived there until she was 20 years old. As of today, she's been in Central Ohio for 27 years.
She’s made an impression on food culture far outside of the Buckeye State, however, as Fodor’s Travel ranked the concept the 11th best Italian restaurant in the country several years ago. →
Deborah Quinci, founder of Quinci Emporium, on right →
Quinci Emporium was born in 2016 when Quinci took over a space in the Short North, previously home to the Cookware Sorcerer. "All my life I've been in food, and so I opened up just with the idea of having Italian imported foods, wines, and objects for entertaining, like dishes and some utensils," she said.
Her reputation as a masterful teacher during cooking classes ignited requests for her to once again offer her culinary expertise. The popular demand won her over, and she obliged.
And in 2018, Quinci Emporium opened a bakery, where people would come in and purchase various delights. But a problem began to brew.
"The cooking classes became so popular that I had to decide between the cooking classes and the bakery because they took too much out of my time together," she said.
Between the two, she was putting in 80-hour weeks.
"I couldn't travel," she said. "I felt like it was not the quality of life that I wanted."
In the end, the cooking classes won, and Quinci relocated to the smaller and current Buttles space. And when she talks about teaching authentic Italian cooking, she means it.
"People would have suggestions, like, ‘Oh, could you teach Alfredo? We love it,'" she said. "I will definitely tell you that I'm not going to make that because it's an Italian-American food. I want to just teach the Italian way with simple ingredients. Three or four ingredients, not more than that. Keep it very simple."
Her intimate, hands-on cooking classes range from teaching clients how to make homemade striped tortellini, to perfecting a spiral agnolotto, and even hand-crafting an impeccable Sicilian almond cookie.
Despite walking away from the bakery, she still serves wine alongside food, offers pairings, and hosts tastings.
“ I want to just teach the Italian way with simple ingredients. Three or four ingredients, not more than that. Keep it very simple. ”
She also has a background in food styling.
"All of that to me is a combination of who I am, even at home," Quinci said. "So I kind of transported that to the store because visuals are very important to me."
What's also important to her is the ambiance of Quinci Emporium.
"It feels like it's somebody's home," she emphasized. "It's very inviting. There's a fireplace. There is an old Italian table where people have dinners or wine tastings. It's a celebration of Italy and the food."
And Quinci plans to continue that celebration with her adopted home of Columbus, Ohio — bringing us the soul of her original home: Italy.
"It's my store with my touch, and I know so much about Italian culture; I've grown up there and I bring that to Columbus," she said. "I can't separate myself from the store. I feel like it's one thing with me that's perfect." ♦
No matter your reason for skipping out on the spirits, Columbus bars have your back with creative alcohol-free
cocktails
that sub alcohol for calming teas, herb-infused syrups, and N/A gins insteadBy Sav McKee Story Design by Tori Smith
Gone are the days of whispering to the bartender that you’d like a soda water with a splash of cranberry juice, but in a fancy cup, with a lime wedge on the rim, so that no one has to question why you’re not drinking alcohol. And according to the news (and by news, I of course mean TikTok), gone are the days of cocktails in general, actually.
Over the past five years, the popularity of mocktails, also referred to as zero-proof or no-proof cocktails, has soared. In the age of information, consumers are becoming more aware of the health effects of alcohol, both on the body and mind, and booze-free beverages are having their moment.
Drinking is a social experience, really, deeply ingrained into our culture. But let’s be real – it’s not about the alcohol for most of us. Going out for drinks is more about the vibe, the company, and the Instagram-worthy beverages. And we can still have all of that fun, sans hangxiety (hangover + anxiety).
We rounded up 10 of the most creative mocktails the city has to offer, served up in chic spots where you won’t feel left out for skipping the spirits.
• Ritual N/A Gin
• Lemon
• Lime
• Pineapple
• Bitters
• Soda
• No-groni float
Lawbird 740 S. High St.
• Juniper-infused Seedlip Garden N/A Spirits
• Giffard Aperitif Syrup
• N/A sparkling rose wine
Antiques on High 714 S. High St.
• Rambling House Ginger Beer
• Hibiscus Syrup
• Lemon
Seventh Son Brewing Co. 1101 N. 4th St.
• Rooibos
• Pink Peppercorn
• Pear
• Orgeat
• Lemon Parable After Dark 149 S. High St.
• Giffard Aperitif
• Lemon
• Raspberry
• Chamomile
The Bottle Shop 237 King Ave.
• Cardamom infused molasses
• Fresh Carrot Juice
• Orange Juice
• Lemon
• Turmeric
• Ginger Beer
MOUTON 954 N. High St.
• Butterfly Pea Tea
• Lemon
• Simple Syrup
• Soda Water
• Hopped Grapefruit
• Bitters
Soul at the Joseph 620 N. High St.
• Cold Brew Coffee
• Pineapple
• Coconut Cream
• Lime
• Lapsang Souchong
• Lyre’s Ameretti N/A Spirits Coconut Cream
• Orgeat
• Pineapple
• Lime
• Grenadine Float
VASO Dublin
6540 Riverside Dr. Dublin, OH
Getaway Brewing 108 N. High St., Dublin, OH
• Seedlip Spice N/A Spirits
• Strawberry
• Sumac Service Bar 1230 Courtland Ave.
Since 2009, Chef James Anderson has been perfecting his legendary barbeque skills through Ray Ray’s Hog Pit, which has now expanded to include five locations across Central Ohio.
Ray Ray’s has amassed a huge, loyal following and racked up numerous awards, including a nod last year from Food and Wine Magazine, calling it the best barbeque in the state, and the James Beard Foundation naming Anderson as a semifinalist for Best Chef in the Great Lakes region in 2020. And now, he’s offering something new to the Columbus culinary scene. →
Anderson has been itching to spread his wings and branch out a bit after building this small BBQ empire. “The artist in me always constantly wants to do a new concept, but the business man in me knows that it’s not always a good idea,” he shared. “Business-wise, it’s easier to keep doing what you’re doing so you can grow and scale, but creatively, I’ve been wanting to try something new for awhile. ‘Reload’ is a whole different concept from our other menu, and I had so much fun creating it.”
After opening on March 19, Ray Ray’s Reload is now parked at its permanent location next to The Bottle Shop at 237 King Ave. in Victorian Village. You can’t miss the new truck, which is covered in art courtesy of local artist Ashley Voss, a.k.a. Coreroc, a former high school classmate of Anderson’s. “We told him we wanted something bright and colorful and crazy and he delivered,” said Anderson. “We wanted a departure from our traditional branding, which is black and white with clean lines. The logo is a goat with blood splattered on his apron as he’s butchering something and he has a black eye that’s swollen shut because he got in a fight. It represents what we feel like, because sometimes this business is hard and you take some hits.”
While Ray Ray’s devotees will see some familiar elements on the Reload menu, everything has been completely reimagined. The signature dish is the street-foodesque jerk chicken fried burrito featuring smoked chicken thighs, yellow rice, pigeon peas and a creamy jerk sauce wrapped in a crispy shell. Early indicators are showing that the two-patty lamb smashies with cheese and pepper jelly will also be hugely popular. Other menu items include rib or mushroom poutine, hot honey pork belly and smoked escargot, which Anderson sees as the perfect dish to enjoy with some champagne from The Bottle Shop.
Once Reload is acclimated, they hope to implement plenty of collabs and pairings with the shop, which is owned by sommelier Gregory Stokes. “We’re hoping to start some supper club-style dinners, as well as some tasting menus off the truck,” Anderson said. “I want to show what I’ve learned over the last 15 years in the barbecue and culinary trades. There’s a lot of things I’ve been wanting to do in Columbus, and this is my opportunity. The dishes still have smoke and fire elements, but it’s definitely not traditional barbeque. The Reload concept is more out there and innovative.” ♦
From kava to cacao, the new SoHud speciality shop Casa Cacao leans into traditional, plant-based drinks from around the worldBy Chris Alexis by Leonardo Carrizo Story by Bryce Patterson
Nick Wolak is well-known in the Columbus area as the owner of Evolved Body Art. But he's opened a new business with his daughter, Ayala. And this one isn't about what goes on you. It's about what goes in you.
At Casa Cacao, located at 367 E. Hudson St. in Old North, you're not just ordering unique elixirs brimming with health benefits. You get to sip on history, too.
They serve a variety of plant-based drinks, mostly rooted in kava and cacao. They also serve kombucha and coffee.
What you decide to order depends on how you want to feel. Kava is an herbal supplement that will relax you. Imagine drinking alcohol and unwinding, but you never get drunk. You're just relaxed.
"If you drink large quantities of it, you'll probably want to get a good sleep that night, but it is not recommended to consume large quantities of it consistently," Ayala said.
She also wanted to make it clear that every person is unique, and so their reactions to each might differ as well.
"In general, all of these plants that we're introducing to Columbus are plants that we believe are beneficial and have positive effects," she said. →
Casa Cacao has seven kava options. Each features agave or maple syrup. The flavorings include cinnamon, ginger, and lime. There's also a canned option and a kava shot.
About 30 years ago in Columbus, Nick was introduced to kava. An infusion created using the root of the Piper methysticum plant, Kava has been consumed by Pacific Island communities for centuries. In recent years, kava bars have popped up in various cities across the United States. They believe Casa Cacao is the first kava bar in Columbus.
But let's say you need a pick-me-up. Casa Cacao has that too with…you guessed it, cacao.
It perks you up because it contains theobromine and a bit of caffeine. Theobromine is a non-addictive stimulant that raises energy levels slowly and for longer periods of time than caffeine. At Casa Cacao, they have three options: two are hot and the other is cold. You can enjoy the flavors of clove, cinnamon, or cayenne.
And then there's also kombucha. It's a fizzy, tangy drink made from fermented tea and sugar, created by adding a culture of bacteria and yeast to sweetened tea, which turns it into a bubbly, slightly sour beverage.
"We have great kombucha brewers locally, but we don't have a place to go and drink kombucha, much less kava or cacao," Nick explained. "These are international treats and luxuries from around the world that we now have in Columbus."
They also offer vegan and gluten-free baked goods, scones, and quinoa brittle, as well as an acai sorbet.
The owners have also opted out of refined sugar, instead turning to substitutes, including locally sourced maple syrup, alongside agave syrup and coconut sugar from farther away.
"These are things that it's just to shift a little bit in the consciousness of where we're getting things from, how we're eating, what we're putting into our bodies," Nick said.
A unique feature of the space lies in its custom-built furniture and surfaces, which were created by repurposing tables, chairs and pews from an old church nearby.
These artifacts, meticulously curated, represent a span of civilizations spanning approximately 14,000 years, showcasing the evolution of human activity within the region.
In the lobby of Casa Cacao sits a rock shelter collection from southern Ohio, which opens a window back in time into the daily lives of past inhabitants, serving not as simple dwellings but as temporary workshops or shelters.
"What's really cool is people walk in off the street all the time, and then all of a sudden they realize what they're looking at, and they go from table to table to table to table," Nick said. "If I'm in here, I'll start up a conversation, and I find out that maybe they grew up on a farm in Ohio."
The Wolaks have a strong connection to judo, and they want to honor their mentors. They named drinks after Sensei George Funakoshi, who introduced judo to Ohio State, Sensei Fritz Goss, Sensei Virgil Goodwine, and Sensei Irwin Cohen, a famous US Olympian in judo out of Chicago. Another person honored is Profe Rodolfo Alvarez, who was a big influence on Nick.
The father-daughter duo is also working with Mission Coffee, focusing on sourcing from women-operated organizations, a rarity in the coffee industry. So along with wellness elixirs, guests can also enjoy good ol’ cappuccinos and a cup of coffee.
"We're really happy to be supporting some women co-ops with the coffee that we have here," she said.
And we think Columbus will be happy to support Casa Cacao. ♦
Grab a cup of kava or cacao at 367 E. Hudson St., and follow along on their Instagram, @casacacao.columbus.
PRESENTED BY
Buckeye Beauty Bar is a progressive med spa and massage center, where innovation meets inclusivity, and every client is celebrated for their unique beauty journey. With a commitment to personalized care and cutting-edge treatments, our experienced team of specialists empowers individuals of all sizes, ages, genders and skintypes. From advanced skincare treatments and hair restoration, to cupping therapy and massage, Buckeye Beauty Bar is dedicated to helping you look and feel your best, inside and out.
We are determined to deliver fast, dependable internet with strong local support. And we're striving to create an easier and frictionless experience for our customers. We are constantly improving on everything we do, and going above and beyond to deliver a superior experience that adds something special to your life.
SPONSORED BY HOSTED AT
L I T is about allowing your work on the mat to transform the rest of your life. We aim to create a multisensory experience where what you see, smell, hear and FEEL are all part of our unique experience. We offer a variety of formats from foundations to advanced – all with the benefits of infrared radiant heat. Currently in Italian Village on N. 4th, our second studio opens in Dublin in April 2024!
From our brick and mortar cafes to our meal prep service and hosted wellness events, we’re redefining what it means to “eat healthy.” We don’t compromise when it comes to making seriously delicious, flavor-forward snacks and meals that help you feel your best everyday. We source ingredients seasonally from local farms and purveyors as much as possible. Our talented chefs, registered dietitian, and passionate team work daily out of our kitchen in Columbus, Ohio to craft our menus, specials and more.
We are heart-driven to Change Livez through clean, balanced food, thoughtprovoking education and motivational support that inspires results. We know personal wellness is not one-size-fits-all, so we craft nutritional products and fitness opportunities that meet the needs of every type of lifestyle.
Crunch Fitness is a fitness club and community open to everyone that comes through our doors. We have a variety of avenues to advance your fitness from light-to-heavy free weights, platform lifting, personal training and group fitness classes. All of which the management and staff uses to build a high-energy and fun atmosphere!
A better world begins within. Ebb & Float is an urban wellness spa offering an escape from the stressors of the outside world where you can relax and rejuvenate the mind, body, and spirit. We offer floatation therapy, infrared sauna, cold plunge, and massage therapy services to help you live an optimal life.
At GoYoga we offer a full spectrum of group yoga, barre and meditation classes. Whether you are just starting out or have been practicing for years, whether you are looking to relax and unwind or build balance and strength, we offer an array of class styles taught by friendly and passionate instructors to help create the space for you to find exactly what you need to care for your body, mind and spirit. It is our goal to make everyone feel welcome and comfortable in our spaces and to deliver yoga – no matter what the style – in a simple and empowering way.
Alive mvmt + Yoga Studio, located in the heart of Hilliard, is your destination for transformative aerial yoga classes that elevate both body and spirit. Our studio is more than just a place to practice; it's a community hub where exciting events and gatherings bring us together. Join the movement and discover a calendar filled with opportunities to connect, learn, and grow.
We welcome every individual as they are and celebrate the ways we are all different, yet also alike. We unite with open hearts and inspire real connections, in the spirit of service, to encourage everyone to thrive. We find strength through an intense physical workout rooted in the mindfulness of yoga. We believe that consistency allows us to fully experience the profound benefits of yoga in all that we do.
CycleBar is an interval and rhythm-based party on a bike sure to get your heart pumping! We offer an inclusive and inspiring low-impact/high-intensity indoor cycling experience for all ages and body types. No matter where you are in your fitness journey, our class experience promises to calm your mind, elevate your mood, and revive your senses. With 7 different formats, 3 different class lengths, a roster of amazing instructors, and classes every day of the week, you are sure to find your place in the CBUA community
Dr. Nikhil Verma at Essential Sports and Spine Solutions is a central Ohio leader in Regenerative Medicine and non-operative orthopedic care
Fitness doesn't have to be about size; It doesn't have to be about numbers on a scale or a scoreboard. It can be so much more when we discover the joy of movement. Heartfelt is a community coming together to honor and thank our bodies through movement. We are intentionally inclusive in our classes and instructors; Our priority is to create a safe space where you can be authentically you. If you never saw yourself represented in the fitness world and thought movement was not for you, we have been waiting for you. Join the Movement!
hOm is a unique and immersive sound bath experience based out of Columbus, Ohio where modern sound therapy, traditional sound healing, and musical composition all come together providing a space for rest, relaxation, and healing.
We are an innovative cold therapy studio specializing in athletic recovery, pain management, beauty and wellness. We offer whole body cryotherapy, leg compression, targeted cold therapy, facials and body sculpting.
HOTWORX is a 24/7 Infrared Fitness Studio that offers 3D training; heat, infrared, and exercise, which gives you more workout in less time! Tone faster, torch calories, detox, and relieve stress with our 11 different sessions! We offer 3 different HIIT sessions and 8 different Isometric sessions. You will never get bored with our cross-training method combined with our infrared heat!
Katie Grace Kissel is a life-long athlete and fitness enthusiast with over a decade of experience as a Personal Trainer and Fitness Professional, based in Columbus, Ohio. Her Personal Training offerings include: In Person Personal TrainingPrivate, Partner, and Small Group Available. Online Personal Training - Monthly Workout Plans, 6 Week Focus Plans, and Virtual Live Personal Training. She also offers In Home Personal Training, bringing her expertise straight to you!
Lotus Massage Chairs is a family owned business, started to offer people an easy, stress-free way to bring massage chairs, saunas, and other wellness products into their home or business. We feature high quality products, utilizing the latest technology. As authorized dealers, we have direct lines of communication with all our manufactures. With our extensive product knowledge, we will help you to make the right choice for your specific needs and budget.
The Merkle family has had a generational Real Estate presence in Central Ohio for the past 120 years--to say that Columbus and Real Estate is in our bones would be an understatement. We truly love everything about Columbus and Ohio. The members of The Merkle Group were all raised and attended colleges in Ohio, and have an expansive and diverse knowledge of the city, state, and it's Real Estate markets.We have chosen to plant our roots here and want to help you do the same by acting as trusted REALTORs for you. We strive to assist you in achieving all of your commercial and residential Real Estate goals, whether you are buying, selling, or investing. When you work with The Merkle Group, you're working with family.
We source the most nutrient-rich superfoods on the planet and we formulate them into products with unparalleled taste. At Pure Green, being mission-driven goes beyond simply having incredible products. Our mission is to build healthier communities around the globe by connecting people with superfoods.
We are a woman-owned healthy prepared meal delivery service in columbus, oh. your favorite comfort foods reimagined + ready in minutes
Orangetheory is a 1-hour, full-body heart rate zone and strength training workout that delivers a more personalized experience in a group setting. Designed to be effective and efficient, our workout classes boost your metabolism, burn fat and calories, build strength and confidence, and improve your overall fitness.
Our high-energy, music-driven group classes combine rowing intervals with lowimpact and effective floor exercises, providing you with a full-body workout that's both challenging and rewarding. Whether you're an experienced athlete or a first-time rower, our certified coaches will guide you through a class that's tailored to your fitness level and goals.At Row House Upper Arlington, we're more than just a fitness studio - we're a community. Our certified rowing coaches create an engaging and fun experience by lowering the lights and turning up the music, allowing you to row in sync with your crew and build lasting connections with your fellow rowers.
Through focused, joyful, and multi-faceted training, we provide barre, dance cardio, and trampoline cardio group classes and personal training services to clients of all abilities and backgrounds in a beautiful and carefully curated space.
Swerve Dance and Fitness is a unique fitness center in Worthington, OH, that combines the power of dance, exercise, and community in one dynamic space.
The NOW Massage Dublin and Worthington offers a space to escape the daily pressures of life and recharge your energy and spirit through the healing benefits of massage therapy. An oasis from today’s digitally driven society, our goal is to offer high-quality, affordable massage services in an inspired setting.
Unfold Remedies Medical Massage is unique because we provide exceptional and personalized experiences that meet the unique needs of each client. Creating tranquil massages that promotes health to your overall well-being.
Xyngular health products are designed to promote weight loss and improve overall wellness through a range of supplements that support metabolism, detoxification, and energy levels. These products, often part of a comprehensive health and diet plan, aim to assist users in achieving their fitness goals by providing nutritional support alongside a healthy lifestyle. With our NEW product GLPX, along with a designed plan for weight loss, Xyngular will start to dominate the market. https://www.myxyngular.com/en/bryonamykrupp/
SweatHouz is a contrast therapy studio specializing in deliberate exposure to heat and cold, which is scientifically proven to enhance physical and mental health. Clients enjoy up to 60 minutes in a private suite with an infrared sauna, cold plunge and vitamin-c shower. Suites offer full entertainment so you can choose to unplug, mediate, listen to music or watch tv.
Are you looking for a consistent service provider who listens to your needs and gives you space to relax and enjoy your service? We are the salon for you. Welcome to TF Salon: Home to self-employed service providers who come to work because we love what we do. We offer a wide selection of hair, skin, and nail services. We look forward to meeting you.
Discover the tranquility of our salt cave, a haven of relaxation that awaits you. We offer respiratory wellness as well as deep relaxation. With over 10,000 pounds of Himalayan salt boulders, our salt cave is very unique and peaceful. As you lie down on a zero gravity chair, pharmaceutical grade salt is ground and infused into the air, cleansing the sinuses and lungs. The therapeutic properties of the salt offer much relief for those struggling with asthma, allergies, skin issues, etc. Immerse yourself in the transformative experience of salt therapy, leaving you feeling renewed and invigorated.
Columbus OH bodybuilding sports supplements, powerlifting belts straps knee wraps, freeze-dried prepper emergency food and supplies.Welcome to Vince's Muscle Shop 828 Bethel Rd Columbus OH 43214 - over $150,000 of products on the shelves, more than any supplement store in Columbus. and our prices are better too.
Whether you need some time in a salt cave, or floating in a tank devoid of all stimulation is your thing, there are so many ways to do wellness. Our cover section this month explores some of the unique ways Columbus stays well, so you might even find a few that suit you. →
By Melinda Green / Photo by Leonardo Carrizo
The free-wheeling world of Columbus aerial yoga is turning expectations—and individuals—on their heads O
h, to be a kid again—swinging, climbing, hanging upside down and seeing the whole world through new eyes. What if you could pair that joy with the blissful respite of yoga? Well, you can, with aerial yoga.
It’s not exactly what it sounds like—it’s not completely off the ground, and it’s not always the fancy, advanced movements you may have seen on video clips. Instead, it combines traditional yoga with work in, on, and around a sling-like hammock suspended from the ceiling.
It’s best if you know the basic yoga poses first; other than that, it’s beginner-friendly. But don’t think it’s easier than conventional yoga classes. While the hammock helps balance in some positions, it challenges balance even more in others. There’s more pulling than pushing, with a wider range of motion. You’ll probably be amazed at how much grip strength you don’t have yet.
“People might think that it's a little scary, and then they realize how it's easier than it looks,” said Marya Barrios, owner of Alive Mvmt + Yoga in Hilliard. Her approach is welcoming, allowing students to explore movements at their own comfort level.
She recalled her own introduction to aerial yoga. “I wanted to find something that could be almost like the holistic way of doing yoga, where I wasn't just pushing for the ground anymore. I was teaching so much that my body was craving something new. And when I knew that I could do training for this, I jumped right in and fell in love with the hammock.”
Aerial yoga is invigorating. It challenges you to trust your body and your surroundings and, as Barrios said, to “truly release into gravity, instead of fighting gravity that we do so much."
“All of a sudden, with the hammock, you can truly release and find that swing, that sway,” she explained. “A lot of people love that.”
“All of a sudden, with the hammock, you can truly find release and find that swing, that sway”
Barrios also has training in trauma-informed yoga and strives to reach many communities that can benefit from the awareness and physiological & emotional connection that yoga provides. Alive offers around 15 classes every week, including an all-female class once a month and soon, a monthly class in Spanish. She even leads occasional aerial programs for children.
“What I like [students] to get out of it is stepping in a place where a little discomfort can happen, where that challenge can make them understand how they can be brave. Flipping upside down is not easy for everybody. It can be very challenging, where they can find a lot of physical release, stretching in different ways, understanding balance in different ways,” said Barrios.
She continued, “That proprioceptive system brings a lot of benefits for the way you move with the world. When you're upside down and left is right, right is left, all that really brings a lot of new neural connections in your brain. And then there's the yoga part, unifying your mind, body and spirit.”
Not to mention the joy of feeling like a kid again. ♦
Enter the vaguely mysterious, and holistically wellnessoriented, world of Columbus’ Tranquility Salt Cave, created using Himalayan-sourced salt
By Chris Alexis / Photos by Aaron Massey
↑ Tranquility Salt Cave Interior
Imagine a cave filled with big chunks of salt from the sea and Himalayan mountains, and the floor is covered with tiny grains of the same salt. Reds and pinks dance in your eyes.
When you're in this cave, the salt starts doing things to you. You’re not sure what; you're just focused on the fact that you feel calmer and can breathe easier.
That's what you'll find at 30 Dillmont Dr. in Columbus–the site of Tranquility Salt Cave.
You might be surprised to learn this is not a naturally formed cave. It all started seven and a half years ago when Leslie Dahn and her husband wanted to create a new venture.
But not just any venture. This would be something unique.
"This new business had to be something holistic, something that we could do together, something that was spiritual," Leslie Dahn said.
To find that goal, she began to meditate.
“This new business had to be something holistic, something that we could do together, something that was spiritual”
"I visioned, meditated, asked my higher self to show me these qualities," she said. "What could you do to create a business around that? And I kept seeing pink salt on the floor."
Baffled by these visions, she worked to decipher their meaning until the search led her to halo therapy.
"Halo therapy is dry salt therapy," she said. "Halo is the Greek word for salt."
She had found her pink salt. But more than that, she finally uncovered her new business through this dry salt therapy.
The couple found the right natural materials within the shopping center property where they're located. With help, they dug through walls and into the earth, creating a ground-level cave.
"The cave is exactly how I envisioned it in my mind's eye. I have a lot of arches and things in there and some decorative things that my higher self showed me," Dahn said. →
↑ Tranquility Salt Cave Interior
↑ Tranquility Salt Cave Interior
The 24x24 space features Himalayan salt bricks that have been imported from Pakistan. It can accommodate up to eight people in an open group, with the possibility of adding two more chairs for a total of 10.
The cave itself is filled with 10,000 pounds of Himalayan boulders, covering the walls from floor to ceiling. The floor is heated, and there's granulated Himalayan salt scattered on it.
“We use pharmaceutical-grade salt that's been ground and infused into the air,” she said. “This salt helps cleanse the sinuses and lungs, boosts the immune system, and is antiviral. The Himalayan salt mainly serves as decoration and releases negative ions.”
Dahn said, “Many people with sinus issues, colds, and even long-term COVID symptoms find relief in this room.”
Negative ions are electrically charged molecules suspended in the air or atmosphere.
When they get into our bodies, they're thought to trigger reactions that make us feel happier, less stressed, and more energized by increasing serotonin levels in our bloodstream.
“We use pharmaceuticalgrade salt that's been ground and infused into the air. This salt...boosts the immune system, and is antiviral”
Dahn said the reaction has been very positive, with people often returning to the cave. "We offer an unlimited package which is very affordable, so many people take advantage of it to relax," she said. "We have visitors with various issues like allergies. For example, there was a lady with eczema on her head who hadn't tried much to fix it, but after visiting, she noticed it clearing up. "
Some are drawn for the potential health benefits while others find it fun for corporate retreats or birthday parties. Dahn also hosts various events in the cave, including yoga, sound baths during full and new moons, and intuitive sessions.
"Our space is versatile and caters to different preferences and needs," she said.
Sessions last 45 minutes and cost $38 per person. Groups of six or more save $8 each, and private sessions are also available. The site also features a wellness center with services like sauna sessions, a crystal light bed, ionic detox foot baths, and a heated biomat.
As you step out of Tranquility Salt Cave, you realize that sometimes the most profound journeys begin with a simple vision and a dash of salt. ♦
To
Advocates claim it can cure cancer, help break addiction cycles, heal trauma and depression, and even aid in weight loss journeys. And it’s something we’re already doing almost every moment of the day.
The problem is, we’re doing it incorrectly, and not very intentionally.
The story of Breathworx614, the unique Columbus business dedicated to healing and wellness through controlled breathing
By Sav McKeeBut take a deep breath – literally – because Tiffany Berger is here to help us retrain our body, mind, and spirit, all through the power of breathwork.
Her business, Breathworx614, encompasses a holistic approach to wellbeing using somatic therapy, which means using your body to heal. Through conscious, connective breathing, participants can tap into their body’s innate ability to heal and release stored tension and trauma.
Breathwork, as Berger explained, is all about providing her clients with the tools to transform themselves. After all, everyone already breathes, but she just teaches clients how to breathe in a way that evokes awareness in your body. “I’m trained in understanding the patterns that we all participate in, like trauma and limiting beliefs, and anyone who feels like they’re being held back in life…I want to instill hope and wellbeing,” Berger emphasized.
Her own journey to breathwork began during the pandemic when she discovered the magic of intentional breathing. Previously a teacher for over a decade, she experienced
overwhelming burnout and sought various methods to cope, from yoga, to church, to bashing on a whole box of cookies. However, it wasn’t until she delved into breathwork that she found true healing.
Inspired by her own transformation, Berger became certified in breathwork by renowned coach, Juliana Ericson, and eventually opened Breathworx614 three years ago. “I had to go through this transformation myself to sit on this side of the chair,” she explained. “I can say, ‘I get it. I hold this space for you.’” Her tranquil studio, located in Grove City, is an oasis for those seeking to explore the healing potential held in their own breath.
At my appointment with Berger, I initially admitted that I was hesitant to trust the breathwork trend – that I’ve seen breathwork coaches on TikTok and Instagram claim that breathing correctly and intentionally can cure illnesses and even help people lose stubborn fat, and that signing up for a virtual session with them could “completely transform your life” – but that I was, of course, still up for trying it out myself.
Berger smiled and nodded. “Well, let me explain it to you in a quick and easy way,” she replied. “When you’re using your breath correctly, and all of the time, oxygen goes into your muscles, into your cells, and into your blood, making your blood more alkaline. If your body is under stress or trauma, or if you have chronic illness as your cells are reproducing in your body, those won’t be optimal cells.”
Moreover, the National Library of Medicine recognizes that breathwork has been shown to diagnostically improve symptoms of anxiety, depression, trauma, and even addiction. “Breathing allows you to rewire your neuro pathways,” explained Berger. “Putting the mind, with the breath and body, creates new experiences, and synapses fire and wire together to create new patterns. Breathwork allows you to create an experience with your body, and with all parts on board, you’re more likely to transform completely, and quicker.”
Berger continued, “My clients will say, ‘Wow, I’ve uncovered more here than in three years of therapy,’ because we’re getting the body on board.”
In my own session, Tiffany guided me through how to breathe (your stomach and chest should be expanding as you inhale, then as you exhale, your chest lowers first, then your stomach. It was difficult getting the hang of it!). Then, she directed me to more advanced breathing exercises. I could feel my fingers and toes tingling, and unfamiliar vibrations rushing to my brain. That’s really the only way I can explain it.
The rest of the morning, I felt energized, and physically & emotionally lighter – almost like I was floating into the office. And during my hot yoga class that evening, I incorporated the breathing exercises I learned earlier that day. It happened to be my best class ever.
Initially, I was a skeptic that something as simple as breathing, which we do all of the time anyways, could change any aspect of our lives. But after one session, I understood. ♦
The seemingly science-fiction world of Columbus float tanks provides a unique, immersive experience, along with the hard reset so many of us desperately need
By Laura Hennigan / Photo courtesy of Ebb & Float
It’s Monday. You’ve argued with your boss, been stuck in traffic, and spilled coffee all over your desk. You can feel the tension building in your shoulders, and a headache is quickly approaching. Now imagine shedding your clothes and stepping into a spaceship-esque tank of water that is heated to the same temperature as your skin. It’s dark and quiet, and soon you can’t tell where your body ends and the water begins. You are alone with your thoughts and enter a meditative-like state.
Sound nice? Enter floatation therapy, a sensoryrelief wellness practice that touts a myriad of benefits, including reducing stress, anxiety and pain and improving sleep.
In our fast-paced world where everyone is overscheduled and overstimulated, floatation therapy offers an escape from the noise and a chance to let your body rest. Ebb & Float, a popular wellness spa, provides floatation therapy in a calming setting, offering a space to restore your inner balance and get in touch with yourself.
Ebb & Float is unique in offering four styles of float tanks to meet you at your comfort level — not just pods. Each tank contains 10 inches of water and 1,000 pounds of Epsom salt, which supports your entire body allowing you to float on the surface. You can leave life's physical and mental stressors behind to give yourself some well-deserved time to relax and just be. This “social wellness club’s” flagship Downtown location has been offering floats since 2018, and a new space just opened at Polaris. You can also explore other therapies like cold plunge, massage and infrared sauna. Ebb & Float’s founder Kymberlee Lisk shared, “Floating is for everyone. Whether you’re looking for relaxation and stress relief, physical recovery and pain management, creative intention and increased cognitive function, or exploring altered states of consciousness, the float tank awaits.”
“As soon as you get in and lean back... you reach a state of relaxation that allows you to reset”
Another local option for floating is True REST, which has locations in Powell and at Easton, and promotes “the science of feeling great” as their slogan. Wife and husband duo Amber McAfee and Dave Ciarochi are the new owners of the Columbus sites and are excited to share the many advantages of floating. “As soon as you get in and lean back, you begin to feel better,” said McAfee. “Your body self-aligns, your muscles draw in magnesium from the Epsom salt, and you reach a state of relaxation that allows you to reset.”
Every room is private, with a door that locks and a shower for rinsing off before and after floating. The water in the tanks goes through an advanced filtration and sterilization system several times between guests to kill any germs and bacteria. For best results, McAfee recommends floating at least once per month, and more if possible.
“The more you float, the better you will feel,” Amber emphasized. ♦
To book your own float tank experience, reserve a spot at ebbfloat.com or truerest.com
hOm, the Columbus sound bath practitioners—and the group behind the world’s largest sound bath, which was held in Columbus last year—is helping to heal the city, one note at a time
By Cassady
Voase / Photo courtesy of Mallory Renee
↑ Amy Boganwright conducts a sound bath
hOm (pronounced “home”) is a unique, full-body sound and meditation experience based in Columbus, Ohio that thrives on cultivating an environment for its participants to relax, reset, and recharge through therapeutic and meditative sound techniques.
Sound baths focus on working with the nervous system to supposedly take participants from a sympathetic to a parasympathetic state of being in order to release energy back into the body, thus restoring peace and instilling mindfulness. hOm incorporates a wide range of acoustic and electronic instruments to create an immersive experience that bathes you in stillness and provides added benefits such as stress relief, improved sleep quality, and more.
The local wellness spot hosts a series of community-based sound bath events each month to reflect the astrological energies and lunar cycles at play. Each session is composed differently to evoke different emotions based on the theme of that event.
“Sound baths focus on working with the nervous system to... release energy back into the body, thus restoring peace and instilling mindfulness”
Recently, hOm hosted a Spring Equinox Sound Bath Celebration that took place last month at The Columbus Museum of Art, and the sounds focused on nature and uplifting musical notes, bringing positive energy to the room, with the idea of everything coming back to life for the new season.
And if you thought the Columbus Museum of Art was a big stage, just wait. Last year, hOm hosted what it has described as the world’s largest sound bath at the Columbus Commons on the International Day of Peace (September 21st). The massive event included more than 30 sound healers, a city-wide sound bath session, a variety of vendors, yoga, ice baths, art spaces, and more. They plan to host a full-day event again this year, and hope to have even more attendants come together as a community in a moment of mindfulness, intention and rest for ourselves, our neighbors, and our city.
In addition to community events, hOm also offers sound bath sessions for corporate companies and their employees. With options for either in-person or virtual, hOm has worked with a variety of local Columbus companies as well as with companies nationwide to build company culture and improve stress levels through meditative sound bath experiences. ♦
Ketamine infusions integrated with psychotherapy in a safe and caring space. Schedule a free telephone consultation with Dr. Caldwell.
A first-person account of (614) writer Katie Harriman’s empowering journey taking up pole dancing
here I was, hanging on for dear life in my underwear and knee pads, feeling like a grown toddler in a room of total strangers. I’m pole dancing for the first time at 37 years old, and I’m terrified. I haven’t stepped this far outside my comfort zone in years. I haven’t learned choreography since high school, or done anything that requires an ounce of upper body strength. Don’t panic. Sweaty palms will not help you here.
I’ve been interested in pole dancing since I accidentally watched Showgirls when I was in middle school—the costumes, the glitter, the hair! Unfortunately, back in my day, there weren’t any places one could go to try dancing on a pole without committing to a certain job. I mean, you couldn’t even take one for a spin when you were at the club. Even if it was your 23rd birthday, and nobody else was on stage, and you “just wanted to dance!” (My apologies to the good people at Vanity Gentlemen’s Club.)
These days, a pole dancing class is pretty easy to find. Columbus is home to a handful of studios, including Heartfelt Pole Studio in Short North. I had already visited Heartfelt Yoga, so I knew this would be a safe space to fall on my face. Luckily, they have mats for that.
The beginner class covers the basics—walking, spinning, sitting, climbing. Turns out, when you’re on a pole, these things are not basic. I’m trottin’, scootin’, sliding around and, generally, just trying to hold on. I was not at all surprised by how difficult pole is—it’s freakin’ acrobatics—but I was taken aback by just how much it bruises and rubs your skin off in all the wrong places. (That was a very long 30-minute walk home.) The good news is, like most things, it gets easier.
It is physically the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but the most difficult part is the mental aspect of it. Dancing sensually in front of others required a whole shift for me. I have had to let go of the version of myself I typically project in public. I had to drop the jokes, the anxious laughter and the overthinking, in order to ground myself in the movement and connect with myself in a way I never have. That has been the most exciting part of this experience. It’s also pretty cool to spin around until you feel a little sick. Nostalgia!
While pole has gone mainstream over the last decade, there is still stigma attached to the art form. I want to acknowledge my new hobby is also a career that has long been discriminated against. Instructor and dancer at Heartfelt, Gabriela Torres, feels it’s important to pay respect to the people who pioneered pole dancing.
“I think pole really allows people to tap into emotions that live within them and feel less shame,” she said. “Being in a space like this, it is sacred, and you have to respect the history of pole, because this studio would not be open if it was not for strippers. Without women like that in our history, we wouldn’t have been able to make the moves we’ve made.”
Owner Vinny Purtle opened Heartfelt Pole Studio in June of 2022 because he wanted to create a safe space for everyone who’s interested in pole.
“At Heartfelt, movement is not meant to be an intimidating workout, or to change your body,” he said. “But rather to celebrate who you already are, and just show you a different side of movement and wellness.”
Instructor and dancer, Aspen Boudreaux, agrees that while some people might look to pole dancing for fitness purposes, the activity is so much more than that.
“We all have our different goals that we want to achieve in life, especially when it comes to health and wellness, so if someone comes here and says they’re doing this for weight loss, or fitness, or to get stronger, I will encourage them,” she said. “Yes, that will be part of the journey, but I also want you to open up your mind to other things that might come with it. It’s dance. It’s movement. It’s supposed to feel good. Take out the equation of ‘I need to lose weight, gain muscle.’ All of that. I’m just moving my body because it feels good to me. Be open to any movement that makes you feel good.”
After three months of pole classes, I’m feeling more connected to my mind and body than ever before. As someone who has been on diets and exercise trends since age 8, it has been a long journey to find movement that really brings me joy. Pole dancing has allowed me to explore and expand on the parts of myself I’ve been ashamed of and uncomfortable with. It’s been a long time since I willingly went into something knowing I would be bad at it. I’m so happy I did.
These classes have offered a truly judgment-free space where I feel encouraged and celebrated. I would recommend a pole class to anyone who is looking to get a better grip on their hang-ups while letting go a little! ♦
To
(614)’s Matt “Man About Town” Mahoney undergoes hypnosis, while learning a thing or two about his fears, and himself
(614)'s Matt Mahoney (left) with Anne Margaret Carioti, certified hypnotherapist ↓
By Matt Mahoney / Photos by Alissa Ohashi
What horrors lurk behind the veil of consciousness? I don’t know, and frankly I’m not sure any of us do. The whole thing about the subconscious is that it lies below the level of thought that we are able to consider and contemplate. I believe this is a good thing. I am far from a trained expert in the field of psychology, but my limited reading on the topic leads me to believe that the subconscious is filled with things that we are not capable of knowing, and that we would not want to know anyway.
If you don’t believe me, go read some Siggy Freud, and you’ll understand.
While I would caution against embarking upon any deep dive into your own subconscious for legal reasons, I have no such concern for myself. Now, despite my natural skepticism towards the practice, there is something about it that stirs me, and I prepare myself to reveal many of my deepest fears to a relative stranger. But more on that later.
“Perhaps this will be less of a visit to the doctor's office and more like a conversation among friends”
As I pull up to the hypnotist, I am somewhat surprised by what I find. While I have always thought hypnotism to be a practice firmly inside the realm of mainline psychology, The Reiki Center, located on 5th Avenue in Grandview, resembles a yoga studio more than a doctor’s office.
I see they offer something called “CranioSacral Therapy” for dogs. I’m not entirely sure what to think, but I’m opened minded.
The first thing that hits me upon entering is the soothing flute music being piped in through speakers, and I immediately feel a wave of relief wash over. Perhaps this will be less of a visit to the doctor’s office, and more like a conversation among friends, I think. Later, I meet my hypnotist, Anne Margaret Carioti. I’m not quite sure why, but–even with my skepticism–I feel like I can come to trust her with my mental well-being. →
“I often have difficulty standing still, and yet, from the moment I close my eyes....I feel as though a weight was lifted”
Interior shot of The Reiki Center ↓
Anne Margaret Carioti, certified hypnotherapist (left) with (614)'s Matt Mahoney ↓
And just like that, a few moments later, I’m expressing some of my deepest fears as I lay upon a zero-g chair with my photographer spectating the ordeal in the corner.
One fear in particular I discuss: a fear of time. A fear that we waste our time, a fear that there will never be enough time in the day, a fear that we have spent our time poorly, a fear that we only have so much time remaining. It will predate us, and outlive us. And that scares me.
I often have difficulty standing still, and yet, from the moment I close my eyes for the session to begin, I feel as though a weight was lifted. Despite my deep state of relaxation, I remember the experience quite vividly. It began with an exercise meant to relax me, culminating with me imagining a walk down an imaginary flight of stairs, which leaves me in a state resembling a light nap.
What I recall next then involves a birthday I spent together with my now-girlfriend, very early on in our relationship. It was, perhaps, the first time in my life where I felt as though I was not wasting my time. After that, I for some reason revisit the final wrestling match I was a part of in high school, and while I don’t think I’ve ever thought about this scene too much, again, there seems to be something significant about it. What might that significance be? Well, you’ll have to ask my subconscious, and I doubt you’ll get anything out of that guy.
Anne Margaret slowly guides me back to a state of normal consciousness as our session concludes, and I walk away from the Reiki center feeling refreshed, and a bit off-kilter; not in a bad way necessarily. Just different. I spend the car ride home in silence, something I almost never do, and in the days that follow I do find myself feeling just a bit more patient with the world around me. Could these results be legitimate, or merely the product of some sort of placebo? I don’t know, and I’m not sure I care frankly.
If this column is about anything, it's about the underappreciated and unrealized parts of our lives. It’s about trying something new, even if you think it might be bullshit. It’s about approaching the unknown, the mysterious, and potentially dangerous, with a sense of curiosity and wanton disregard for one’s own well-being.
If you won’t, I will. So, what horrors lurk behind the veil of consciousness? I’m sure it varies from person to person but take it from me, there’s nothing there to be afraid of. It’s just you. ♦
Book your own session with Anne Margaret at thereikicenter.net/hypnosis.
How the world’s oldest board game, Go, is finding a new home and community in central Ohio
By Taylor Dorrell / Photos by Alissa Ohashi
Story Design by Atlas Biro
When first arriving at a building on East Broad, I thought I had the wrong address. Walking to the third floor of a large Victorian mansion, I found a room packed full of men, women, and children, all hunched curiously over square wooden planks slightly larger than chess boards with black and white circle pieces on them. It was, however, the correct address. The event was the Midwest Open Go tournament.
Created in China in the 7th century, Go is a game that predates its higher-profile counterpart, chess. It relies on black and white-colored stone pieces and an entire world of strategy that is easy enough to grasp, while still offering a nearly infinite level of depth and complexity at the highest level.
“This is my life,” Devin Fraze, the organizer of the tournament, told me. He was standing next to a Go practice board on the second floor now. “I don't really make any money with it,” he explained. “I do real estate work.” As it happens, he owns the extravagant building we’re standing in and normally rents it out as an office and event space. “Especially with the residency program, it just costs money,” he said, referring to a program he runs where Go players from across the country apply for a residency at his Columbus home to study the game—two of these former residents actually moved permanently to Columbus and were now competing in the Open.
Fraze is a kind-looking man with parted brown hair, a short mustache, goatee, and an eager devotion to the game of Go. He will not hesitate, if prompted, to deliver his philosophical takes on the game, its parallels with Japanese Bushido principles or meditations from Chinese monks. Along with his experiences playing across the world—from Latin America to China—he boasts an impressive resume in the field of Go organizing. Fraze was a Youth Director on the US Go Congress, founder of the Ohio Go Association, co-founder of the website wheretoplaygo.com, and runs the Columbus Go Club, one of the country’s most active clubs with meetups four days a week at different locations. →
"It's not about beating the opponent...It's about playing my best"
The rules of Go, people often say, are not complex. Unlike chess, the pieces are all equal. There are no sculpted hierarchical pieces with varying and constricted movements, no blocked moves or complex barriers to starting the game. The pieces are placed not in the squares, but on the corners between them, formally known as points. The goal of the ancient game is to simply connect your pieces to protect more territory on the board than your opponent.
But this reported ease of entry for the oldest living game in existence—around a thousand years before chess—is deceiving. Yes, players can swiftly learn the rules and understand the principles before making their first move, but once it’s time to place the first piece on that board with 361 points, a new barrier is introduced, one that can’t be as easily explained: strategy. A Go board, 19x19-inch square, looks from above like an aerial image of Midwestern agricultural fields. The number of potential games for Go, much like the number of potential compositions of fields, exceeds the number of atoms in the observable universe, making it far more challenging for computer programs who wish to defeat human players—although this tremendous feat was accomplished and displayed in the 2016 documentary, AlphaGo
The first symbolic interpretation of a game seemingly about seizing territory is to analyze it politically as one of conquest and plunder, of war. But upon further inspection, there is a more nuanced and delicate meaning, one that is more diplomatic than violent. Winning is not done with a final stroke or the taking of a single piece.
↑ Devin Fraze, Columbus Go Tournament Organizer / Photo by Taylor Dorrell
↓ Go board mid-game
“Here you build and create until you've reached equilibrium,” Fraze told me. “And then at the end, you both agree to pass and the game ends, and whoever has more of the board wins. The game for me is almost like moving meditation.”
At the Midwest Open, competitors flew in from other parts of the country. Some were local, and others, regardless of what physical place they were from, live-streamed their games in digital spaces like Twitch. The game has seen an uptick over recent years, and has currently found something of a home in Columbus, with the Columbus Go Club as its local nexus. This growth has likely been spurred by Go features in shows like the Netflix anime, One Piece, and the movie Knives Out. Whereas Go is considered an integral part of culture in the East, its relative obscurity in the US results in niche praise whenever it's featured in popular culture. Passionate Go players hope for a Queen’s Gambit effect (when a show sparks popular interest in a game like the Netflix show Queen’s Gambit did for chess).
But for now, Fraze and the Columbus contingent of the game are happy simply to have a venue to hone their skills–win or lose–and a passionate community behind them.
“It's not about beating the opponent per se,” he told me. “It’s about playing my best and if I do, maybe I'll win, maybe I won't, but that's my true goal when I play.”♦
“ATTITUDES IN OHIO HAVE CHANGED DRAMATICALLY IN THE LAST 5 YEARS. THAT’S NOT THAT LONG OF A PERIOD OF TIME GOING FROM [WHEN POSSESSION OF CANNABIS] RESULTED IN LONG TERM JAIL SENTENCES TO THE INDUSTRY WE HAVE TODAY.”
By Taylor Dorrell Story Design by Tori Smith
In recent years, drugs have witnessed a transformation in the way of public relations. Socially, politically, and institutionally, the 2020s is likely to be declared as the decade when formerly outlawed substances became accepted and implemented into our market economy.
And we’re not just talking about the world at large.
This can be seen and studied in Columbus: OSU is home to the Center for Psychedelic Drug Research and Education, where staff members study substances like psilocybincontaining mushrooms and MDMA; in November, Ohio voters approved the legalization of marijuana. Ketamine–a substance that has been vilified for decades as a recreational drug–has made its way onto the scene as a treatment for depression. Chemicals once confined to the obscene novels of Hunter S. Thompson and William S. Burroughs, considered taboo and fiercely criminalized, are now finding their ways into medicine cabinets all across Ohio.
“Attitudes in Ohio have changed dramatically in the last 5 years,” Jeff McCourt observed. “That’s not that long of a period of time going from [when possession of cannabis] resulted in long term jail sentences to the industry we have today.” McCourt is the CEO of the medical cannabis company and dispensary, Firelands Scientific, which operates a Columbus dispensary known as The Landing at 724 W. Gay St.
“Today you’re seeing guys in suits, you’re seeing dads who never would have supported this, and they’re slipping a gummy,” Firelands Marketing Director, Nate Darling, added. “We’re in this really interesting phase in cannabis.”
Ketamine is often thought of as a recreational dissociative, sometimes referred to as “horse tranquilizer” or straightforwardly as “K.” It’s common to hear fearful warnings of users getting stuck in a “K-hole,” a dissociative state that, for some under the influence, feels separate from their everyday reality.
“It has the psychedelic label and shares a stigma with mushrooms, Timothy Leary, and LSD,” explained Dr. David Caldwell of MiNDSET Ketamine Care, a new treatment center utilizing the drug safely, legally and alongside pyschotherapy for depression treatment.
Despite its medical usage since the seventies, ketamine’s reputation largely remained a street drug until very recently. “Around 2018, some very significant studies showed that ketamine was having a profound effect for patients who have treatment-resistant depression, which is around 3-4 million Americans, and they were discovering that around 70% of people were getting significant relief,” he said.
Dr. Caldwell has worked as an anesthesiologist for decades. “You might have knocked me out over there at Riverside,” I joked with him, “but I wouldn’t remember.”
He responded, “You're here today so I must have done my job.” He’s been giving ketamine to patients for twenty five years as an anesthetic, but the pandemic made him
“PEOPLE DON’T NEED TO SUFFER IN SILENCE. WE’RE STEPPING OUTSIDE THE TRADITIONAL REALMS OF MEDICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL TREATMENTS BECAUSE THIS IS WHERE RECOVERY IS POSSIBLE.”
His practice, a peaceful space off Riverside Dr. in Upper Arlington that he operates alongside psychotherapist Dr. Melissa BriggsPhillips, opened in August. MiNDSET Ketamine Care pairs six-week ketamine therapy with psychotherapy, a dual-operation that distinguishes itself from the handful of other ketamine clinics in the city. “There are no miracle drugs,” Dr. Caldwell said. We believe that it has to be the combination of the drug itself with psychotherapy and doing the work yourself.“ While it might not be a miracle drug on its own, it has been found to be effective in other areas too, including chronic regional pain syndrome (CRPS), PTSD, OCD, long COVID, migraines, and, according to a promising study in the UK, alcoholism.
The same goes for marijuana in Ohio.
“Similar to ketamine, marijuana is now also helping Ohioans.” McCourt said about medical cannabis. “With the surges of N/A beer and mocktails where people don’t want to have a hangover; that’s intersecting with our market. Our patients and customers find they drink a lot less alcohol.”
Even more today with the recreational legalization of marijuana in Ohio, McCout noted what the cannabis field can do for not jobs, but careers.
“We have 150 employees, and they’re awesome people who come from every sort of background imaginable,” he said. “This industry creates real career opportunities for people who society might have left behind. Very few industries can say that.”
While marijuana is legal in many respects now, the ketamine landscape in Ohio is still the Wild West when it comes to regulation and insurance coverage. Only in Massachusetts are ketamine infusions covered by insurance, but with the upsurge in studies and clinics, the next five years will likely include a wave of legislation across the country. For now, patients have to pay out of pocket, which usually comes out to over three thousand dollars after the six treatments, a standard price with the current state of the drug. It’s unclear if Ohio legislators have any plans to introduce legislation.
Cannabis is still being confronted by state legislators who want to tweak the voterpassed initiative and other psychedelics are still being studied, although doctors in the field are optimistic that the next five years will bring massive wins legally and socially in utilizing formally stigmatized drugs to help patients.
“People don’t need to suffer in silence,” Caldwell said. “We’re stepping outside the traditional realms of medical and psychological treatments because this is where recovery is possible.” ♦
← Dr. David Caldwell of MiNDSET Ketamine Care, photo by Taylor Dorrell
In a world where connection and inclusivity are more important than ever, Russell Lepley and Fili Pelacchi, cofounders and owners of Flux + Flow Dance Center, have created a unique and vibrant space for people to come together and dance in the heart of Columbus and beyond.
First crossing paths in Germany where their shared passion for movement and the arts ignited a connection, Russell and Fili experienced firsthand the challenges and body image issues prevalent in the dance industry and were determined to create a safe and supportive space where anybody can be a dancer. Seven years ago, Flux + Flow Dance Center was created and has over the years gained a huge fan club, partially due to an influx in attention from Flux + Flow’s most famous class—Baby Dance Club.
Russell and Fili welcomed their son into their lives last February and were looking for ways to get out of the house.
“I realized that there were limited options for engaging babies at such a young age and I wanted to provide a space where parents could bond with their infants through movement,” said Lepley. “I saw the need for a space where parents and caretakers could connect with their babies, as well as reconnect with their own bodies.”
What started as Russell’s 30 minute dance sessions with his son, turned into the start of a new type of class that would soon be known around the world. Russell started introducing a class for parents and caretakers to move with their babies through foundational, joyful movement that had an emphasis on community, rather than technical proficiency. The class is primarily aimed for infants and toddlers, with a flexible age
range of up to 18 months. Parents, nannies, aunts, friends, grandparents and caretakers of all kinds are invited to bring their baby in for upbeat, energetic dancing and music that is guaranteed to keep babies engaged and happy.
“We’ve had an overwhelmingly positive response to Baby Dance Club,” Russell explained. “Parents have expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to leave the house and connect with other families, with some even expressing that the classes have been a lifeline for them. Many of the caregivers who meet in class get together for coffee, playdates, and keep in touch outside of the Wednesday morning classes.”
Flux + Flow offers Baby Dance Club once a week, on Wednesdays at 11:30 a.m at its Clintonville studio. In addition to the in-person classes, they also provide online live streams at 12:30 p.m. and even offer on-demand options.
The online presence of Baby Dance Class has gone viral, with millions of views on social media, plus a feature on Good Morning America and in The Wall Street Journal, and it has led to the obvious need for connection classes similar to these all across the world. The Flux + Flow duo is training teachers all across the world, from Germany to California, and foresees Baby Dance Club being a whole new era of dance for families.
“We feel as if we’ve created the perfect space for families to bond, move and celebrate together and we’re tremendously excited to help bring more inclusive, relaxed activities to Columbus families.”
Nestled in the countryside near Mansfield, Westmeister Farm offers families an experience that feels directly out of a Disney movie. Owned and operated by Shawn and Lynn Westmeister, this exotic animal farm has become a haven of joy for families to connect with animals and one another.
At Westmeister Farm, every animal has its own distinct personality, thanks to the countless hours Shawn and Lynn spend interacting and taking care of them. From Ruth, the motherly Idaho pasture pig, to Delilah, the euroasian eagle owl who loves to play with dog toys.
Each animal has its own unique personality.
Homer and Vivian, the mini donkeys, are considered the farm’s personal welcome committee, as they express tremendous excitement when visitors arrive. The Nigerian dwarf goats, Stanley, Hank, Betsy, Herbie, Earl and Oliver, go wild for animal crackers. Bonnie and Clyde, the African crested porcupines, are the yin to each other's yang with Bonnie being a little shy and Clyde making up for that in his outgoing nature.
The farm is also home to Lincoln, the grand zebra, who loves posing for photos. Presley, Ryan, and Colt, the Tennessee Walkers, eagerly await carrots from visitors. Van, the social butterfly of the group, is a charming kangaroo who lived in the house with the Westmeister’s for the first two years of his life.
The farm houses River and Sailor as well, the Asian small claw otters, who are mischievous balls of energy and love
to paint with visitors. The paint with otters package allows visitors to pick a canvas and the otters can walk and play on it, creating an otterly-beautiful masterpiece.
From pigs, donkeys and cows to otters, sloths and even skunks, visitors can experience the joy of upclose interactions with these friendly creatures in what Lynn and Shawn call suites. Each ‘suite’ is personalized with decorations and photos to make each space feel homey.
Westmeister Farm offers guided tours throughout the year, allowing families to experience the wonders of the farm in every season. In the winter, visitors can enjoy exotic animal encounters exclusively. The farm is beautifully decorated for holidays, creating a festive atmosphere for Christmas tours and other special occasions.
As the farm continues to grow and evolve, Lynn and Shawn plan to introduce new opportunities for visitors this year while remaining a cherished destination for families seeking unforgettable experiences.
“What started as a personal sanctuary for Shawn and I has now become a beloved destination for families from all over the state,” said Lynn. “The overwhelming support and encouragement from friends and visitors led us to open the farm up in a larger capacity, offering tours 7 days a week. We often hear families and children leave the farm calling it the ‘best day ever.’”
For over 72 years, the Anthony-Thomas Candy Company has been delighting chocolate lovers with their delectable creations. As a fifth-generation family-owned and operated candy company, Anthony-Thomas has become a beloved institution in Columbus, Ohio. Offering fun and informative tours, the factory provides families with a unique opportunity to witness the magic of candy making firsthand.
Founded in 1952 by father-son duo and Greek immigrants Anthony and Thomas, the Anthony-Thomas Candy Company combines traditional recipes with innovative techniques. With some recipes dating back over 100 years, the factory has perfected beloved treats like Peanut Butter Buckeyes, English Toffee, and Pecan Dainties. The current facility, which spans 152,000 square feet, is the third location for the AnthonyThomas Candy Company in Columbus.
The Anthony-Thomas Candy Factory invites families for a ‘Wonka-fied’ experience through tours that provide an upclose look at the candy-making process. With approximately 30,000 visitors each year, the factory showcases its ten manufacturing lines, including the soon-to-be-added eleventh line. During the tour, guests can witness the creation of wrapped candy bars, the iconic buckeye treats and the preparation of caramel, nougat, fudge, toffee, and creams from scratch. The factory's 200 dedicated employees work diligently to bring the magic of candy to life.
“To make these tours a real-life Willy Wonka experience that’s loved by all ages, we have a third-floor glass catwalk that looks down on our second floor production facility, giving guests a birds eye view of the entire candy-making process, from the liquid chocolate to final packaging,” said Nick Trifelos, President and founding family member of Anthony-Thomas Candy Company. “Our tour guides are knowledgeable and passionate about the art of candy making, ensuring an engaging and informative experience for everyone.”
Guests can even witness the enchantment of a "chocolate waterfall" where chocolate cascades over various candies and ingredients, creating irresistible treats. In addition to regular factory tours, the Anthony-Thomas Candy Factory hosts an Easter open house two weeks before Easter each year. This highly anticipated event attracts approximately 6,000 visitors who can enjoy exclusive specials, free samples, and meet the Easter bunny.
Throughout its 72-year history, the Anthony-Thomas Candy Factory has continually evolved to meet the demands of the industry. The factory's expansion plans and dedication to the future ensure that they will continue to be a prominent player in providing families with an unforgettable experience, immersing them in the world of chocolate and candy making.
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