From the Staff

Opening Volley

Jack McLaughlin, Editor-in-Chief

The Open Road

There’s no road trip like the Midwestern road trip. This is a hill, I mean a cornfield, I will die on.

I mean, sure, the California coast is probably nice, and New England is cool in the fall, but when I really dig down to the roots of the American highway, what I think of is an endlessly flat plain against a stark blue sky, half-height cornstalks whipping in the mild breeze.

I’m an Illinois native, but the landscapes there and those here in central Ohio share a lot in common, in the sense that they’re largely defined by their negative space and their flatness. Maybe this is just something that happens when you’re reminded of where your from, but there’s a beauty in this that I can’t quite annunciate, but can never get enough of.

I remember once, just over a decade ago, I was freshly out of college and relocating to Virginia from Chicago. I bought my uncle’s 1998 Honda Civic, threw the few things I owned in the back seat, and started driving east.

I remember the way the sunlight struck the windshield when I pulled out of the driveway, the only real home I had ever known, in the middle of the summer sunset.

I remember driving through Indiana in the dark, and being awestruck at the ghostly wind turbines that stretched for miles, blinking their single red lights in unison again the midwestern night.

I remember a West Virginia sunrise, the day’s first light breaking out across the silent mining equipment, with the foothills of the Applachians still black in the distance.

There’s something about this trip that has stuck with me even after all these years. There’s an undeniable magic to the road trip, and there’s something undeniably American about it, as well. Sitting with your face pressed against the glass, or your hands gripping the steering wheel as you cruise through the rest of the country is truly the most personal way to experience it. And it’s a uniquelyintimate experience to share with a friend, too. There’s a magic that takes over when the first song hits your car speakers, and when your wheels touch the open road and an entire country of possibility is spread out before you, with nobody telling you which way to drive.

This is magic we want to capture with our April issue, as the weather warms up, and the car windows come down. So grab a copy, grab a friend or two, and let’s ride across Ohio together.

Welcome to the Road Trip Issue.

Inside the Parentheses

STAFF PICKS

Grab a 2 foot-long Slim Jim and buckle your seat belt, we're going on a road trip. Since our cover is dedicated to cruising the Columbus area and all of its roadside revelations, we've asked our staff about their favorite local roadside oddities. Here's what they had to say.

Perry's Monument at Put-in-Bay/South Bass Island. So much history. Beautiful at sunrise & sunset.

— Meggin Weimerskirch, Advertising Director

There's a giant Ronald McDonald statue in Sunbury with little to no explanation. Hell is Real sign is definitely up there, too.

— Jack McLaughlin, Editor-In-Chief

Definitely the corn statues in Dublin.

— Julia Attanasio, Social Media Manager

The wall of gum at the Maid-Rite Drive-in is weird but cool!

— Anna Gerhard, Account Executive

I don't know why but I love the giant duck boot outside of L.L. Bean in Easton.

— Victoria Smith, Creative Designer

Well I used to love driving by the Wonder Bread building and smelling the fresh bread!

— Justynne Pride, Marketing Coordinator

Grandpa’s Cheesebarn is an Ohio Cultural Icon at this point.

— Atlas Biro, Creative Designer

HELL IS REAL!

— Lizzy Saunders, Brand Manager, (614) Beer

On the Web

Do you check your news and entertainment updates on 614now.com? You should. Every day we’re posting Columbus’s 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 for chicken and fish launches first food truck

LB’s Golden Fried Fish N’ Chicken has hit the road. For the first time, this popular ghost kitchen–which launched in the 1400 Food Labs incubator space in 2021–recently launched a food truck of its own.

A literal half-pound buckeye candy is now available for a limited time in Clintonville

When The Buckeye Lady goes big, watch out. The popular Clintonville-based sweet shop known for its “stuffed” Buckeyes has rolled out a new seasonal special that matches its largest candy yet.

Fast-growing retail craze described as “treasure hunt” opening first Columbus location

While Dollar General recently ran into some trouble in Ohio, this time the company is coming with only good things in tow.

#AsSeenInColumbus

@shred145sawmill on Instagram

@cakebitebakery on Instagram

@eatplaycbus on Instagram

@occasionally.in.ohio on Instagram

Press Play Video

Did you know that (614) has 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 our newest videos.

• Rualco Tiny Homes

Rulaco Tiny Homes hopes to carve a sustainable, smart-sourced and beautiful future for Columbus residents during the housing shortage.

• Your New Favorite Margaritas

These delicious, filled to the salty rim, Giant Margaritas from El Vaquero are absolutely brimming with all that sweet sweet margarita-y goodness.

• Hearty Soups to Warm You Up

What better way to beat these repeated cold snaps than a warm, delicious, and authentic Mexican soup? You'll find some of the best right here at El Vaquero!

• Tasting Columbus: 3 Bites Bakery

Pulling together a fusion of globally inspired baked treats, 3 Bites Bakery is creating some delecatble treats beside their perfectly portioned lunch menu.