Dinning:

Handke's Cuisine
520 S. Front St.
Columbus, OH 43215
614-621-2500

Although located below street level, this 19th century rathskeller-cum-brewery boasts vaulted stone ceilings,
pictures and other trophies from local celebrity chef Hartmut Handke -- and an intimate atmosphere that reeks of
exclusivity. Even the clink of the cutlery sounds elegant. The chef himself oversees every aspect of the operation,
including cooking classes and special menus for holidays. So it's no surprise the food has snagged numerous
honors, including top ratings by Zagat. The menu varies, from roasted sake-marinated Alaskan sable fish and
shrimp dumplings to black Angus pepper filet steak with asparagus (green) and potato to sauteed veal scallopine
with fresh morel cream sauce and asparagus (white). Make sure to use the right silverware for appetizers, such
as fresh Oregon morels in Madeira cream sauce or foie grass with apples, beets, and walnuts; soups and salads
like chilled peach soup with macaroons and Caesar in a parmesan cheese basket; and desserts of creme brulee
with seasonal berries or a white and dark chocolate terrine. Those Cotillion classes will be put to good use. --
Sandra Gurvis

The Refectory
1092 Bethel Rd.
Columbus, OH 43220
614-451-9774

Built in 1842, this church-turned-fine-dining establishment still welcomes members of its old congregation,
including a former pastor who celebrates anniversaries where he once preached. With stained glass windows and
wooden beams, the dining room has an almost hallowed atmosphere, perfect for divine service and food. Starters
include Maine Lobster Gateau with smoked salmon, fresh dill and sweet pea coulis, and Duck Foie Gras cured in
sea salt, among others. Then it's onto soup (butternut squash) and/or salad (green bean with feta cheese;
mesclun; romaine, and so forth). The main event is elegant simplicity that's almost too pretty to ruin by sticking
a fork in it: roasted monkfish stuffed with shrimp and served with a boar bacon sauce; spiced duck breast with
port wine sauce; flat iron steak with roasted shallot Bordelaise, and many more. With more than 700 selections,
the awe-inspiring wine cellar has its own worshipers and events and the cocktail lounge, which features a blazing
fire in the winter months, ministers a three-course price fixe menu

Bexley's Monk
2232 E. Main St.
Columbus, OH 43209
614-239-6665

Since its opening in the early 1980s, this popular eatery has drawn a steady crowd, particularly those of the fine
wine and olive-oil infused persuasion. Customers have two choices, the formal, wood-paneled dining room with
its elevated levels and brass railings or the spacious bar with its checkerboard floor and bright ambiance. Either
way, you'll be highly visible, so if you're with a new love or decide to participate in the open mike, you'll likely
hear about it the next day. Those who come for the food have a wide range of selections -- salads alone range
from Caesar to spinach, Mediterranean to mozzarella. The dinner menu is just as varied and selections include
seared maple leaf duck breast, roasted chicken, filet of beef, blackened tuna, horseradish-encrusted sea scallops,
among others. And there's lots of pasta, from marinara to pomodoro to fettuccine, while the pizzas are loaded
with exotica such as an array of wild mushrooms and boursin cheese. Later on there's generally a jazz band in
the bar, a perfect end note to a one-stop interlude.

Things to do:

Columbus Museum of Art

480 E. Broad St.
Columbus, OH 43215
614-221-6801

The Columbus Museum of art features an outstanding collection of art ranging from French impressionists to
American modernists. Works by Matisse, Picasso, Hopper, O'Keefe, Monet and Degas are highlighted in the
Russell Page Sculpture Garden and the Ross Photography Center. The museum includes several hands-on
activities for both children and adults. There is also a gift shop, and the Palette Cafe serves brunch and lunchtime
treats as well. Volunteer positions are always available as are classes on photography, African American art, and
art collecting. -- Allison Bloom
Ohio Historical Center
1982 Velma Ave.
Columbus, OH 43211
614-297-2300

With more than 1.5 million objects, the Ohio Historical Society houses a mind-boggling collection. Climbing up the
steps of this 250,000-square-foot concrete and glass structure provides an excellent warm-up, while exploring
the three floors that contain the museum, auditorium, gift shop and archives complete the workout. Ohio from
the Ice Age to the present is documented through archaeology, natural history and artifacts. Along with rotating
displays, permanent exhibits focus on industrial progress and include 1920s newsreels and a late 19th century
carriage shop, as well as prehistoric Indian art, weapons, tools and craft goods. Specimens, dioramas, computer
displays and re-created environments illustrate the human impact on nature. A genealogist's dream, the archives
offer up just about every written record of daily life from the settlement's early years. Along with the usual books
and souvenirs, the shop peddles such curios as astronaut ice cream, a biplane clock and reproductions of
Tremper effigy pipes.

Ohio Village
17th Avenue and I-71
Columbus, OH 43211
614-297-2300

Town square, parks, gardens, buildings -- all things typical of any American town. Not the Ohio Village. Things
there are reminiscent of Ohio during the Civil War complete with costumed interpreters portraying residents. Visit
the tin and leather shops, the Union Army recruiting office, Free Black House and more. Don't forget to sample
the authentic 19th-Century recipes served for dinner at the Colonel Crawford Inn. Take in the special festivals
that occur throughout the year or a enjoy a game of 1860s- style baseball courtesy of the Ohio Village Muffins
Baseball Club.

Easton Mall
http://www.eastontowncenter.com/
This is an upscale outdoor mall, considered one of the best in the country.