
Having access to fresh, healthy food is more important than ever. As we're confined to our homes for the majority of our weeks, it's vital that we receive the nutrition we need to preserve our wellbeing as our physical activity decreases. With warm weather right around the corner, our local farmers markets are reopening to provide our families, friends, and neighbors with the freshest local produce available. Thankfully, the following markets around Columbus are now offering delivery and no-contact pickup options to keep everyone safe.
Ohio History Connection, 800 E. 17th Ave., Columbus, OH 43211
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The Clintonville Farmers Market is currently open each Saturday from 9 am to noon until November. In a new location at the Ohio History Connection, Clintonville's market is only operating on a pre-order basis. You can order all of your food online, including produce, meats, and bakery goods, and schedule a pick up your order at the Ohio History Connection. You won't even need to leave your car, as representatives from each farm will place your items in your trunk.
2340 W. Dublin Granville Rd., Columbus, OH 43235
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As is the case with other retail establishments around Columbus, most farmers markets are closed to foot-traffic. However, the HTH Farm Market is one of the many farmers markets enabling you to purchase your fresh goods online through the rest of the year. For the price of a cup of coffee, HTH Farm Market will deliver to homes within a radius of five miles. If you'd prefer to pick up your order in person, you can do so from noon until 3 pm every afternoon.
The Shops at Worthington, 7227 N. High St., Worthington, OH 43085
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If you want to enjoy the freshest produce from the Worthington Farmers Market, you'll need to get an early start. From now until October, you can preorder your items through each individual farmer, producer, or vendor and pick them up in a single trip. Simply head down to Worthington Community Center between 9 am and noon on Saturdays to have your order placed directly into your truck, free of contact.
13246 Wooster Rd., Mt. Vernon, OH 43050
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If you haven't heard of Yellowbird Foodshed, you're in for a treat. This foodshed works with more than 100 food producers from Ohio to deliver fresh, sustainably grown produce to families throughout the state. All of their items are available for delivery. However, we suggest that you choose one of their subscription boxes so that you can receive regular boxes of the freshest in-season produce without ever leaving home.
Granville High School, 248 New Burg St., Granville, OH 43023
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As of right now, the Granville Farmers Market is one of the few farmers markets that will continue to be an in-person, foot-trafficked market. Held at the Granville High School parking lot, the Granville Farmers Market insists that all visitors practice social distancing by sending only one member from each household and remaining 6 feet apart from other shoppers. Please don't bring pets, point to each item that you wish to purchase, and don't attend if you're showing any symptoms of a fever or other illness. Keep in mind that you can also arrange for alternative pickups by contacting each vendor directly.
36 E. Canal St., Newark, OH 43055
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Another of the only farmers markets still allowing in-person shopping, the Canal Market District Friday Farmers Market will continue with new social distancing protocols in place. You're encouraged to wear face masks, only send one person from each family, remain 6 feet away from other shoppers, and refrain from attending if you're feeling unwell. Staff will be limiting the number of people inside the market at any given time to prevent overcrowding and customers will move through the market on a dedicated path to streamline the process. Similar to the Granville Farmers Market, you can connect with these local vendors directly if you want to arrange other pickup options.
Grove City Town Center, 4069 Broadway, Grove City, OH 43123
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The Grove City Farmers Market is a 30-year long tradition that city officials don't want to disrupt. To keep the market functioning while abiding by the best health and safety practices, this market will be a prepay and pickup only market from mid-May until September. More details will be provided as the event nears its opening date of May 16th.
7370 Bell Station Rd., Circleville, OH 43113
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Similar to the Yellowbird Foodshed, the New Century CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) is an organization that partners with other local farms to provide subscription-based deliveries to families throughout the Columbus area. You can sign up for a subscription and receive a box of fresh produce on your doorstep.
Fresh, locally grown food is not only healthy for your body, but it's also healthy for our local economy. By purchasing food from our Ohio farms, you fund our community during a critical time and ensure that these natural resources don't go to waste.
Where do you prefer to get your produce around Columbus? Let us know in the comments below and be sure to tell us about any other farmers markets offering pickup and delivery services that we might have missed.

COVID-19, typically referred to as the coronavirus, has impacted every aspect of our daily lives. Social distancing and quarantine-appropriate behavior have forced many of us to work, study, and spend all of our free time at home. Even with plans to begin re-opening the state in May, the CDC is still encouraging all individuals to wear protective masks when in public. Our healthcare workers, emergency personnel, and other essential workers have an even greater need for personal protective equipment (PPE).
At Cutler Real Estate, we consider the health and wellbeing of our family members, friends, and neighbors throughout the community to be a top priority. In these unprecedented times, we must come together and do our part to reduce the risk of spreading the coronavirus around Columbus. By making, wearing, and donating homemade masks, we can decrease our chances of spreading or contracting this virus.
The coronavirus is a microscopic virus that is small enough to pass through nearly all facial coverings. However, when someone infected sneezes or coughs, the virus attaches itself to water molecules before leaving the body. Facial coverings made of nearly any fabric can effectively contain these water molecules, essentially providing a significant element of protection that everyone has immediate access to.
The masks that are most effective at preventing the spread of coronavirus are N95 surgical and procedure masks, which are typically used in healthcare settings. Although these forms of PPE are available for the public to purchase, government officials are asking that these masks only be reserved for healthcare workers who are constantly at risk of coming in contact with infected individuals. However, all other non-medical individuals can create homemade face masks to wear or donate to others in need.
For a quick and easy no-sew way to make an effective mask using materials in your home, refer to these instructions provided by the Center for Disease Control.
If you're interested in sewing your own mask, the CDC also offers guidelines. For this task, you'll need a sewing machine, scissors, a needle and thread, two pieces of elastic-like rubber bands or hair ties, and two pieces of cotton fabric measuring 10"x6".
If you have the time and materials, please consider making extra homemade masks to donate to those in need. Here are a few organizations around Columbus that are accepting donations of PPE.
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If you know of any other healthcare or frontline facilities accepting donations of homemade masks or other critical PPE, please let us know in the comments below.

Did you know that your Columbus Library card grants you free access to some of the top digital research tools in the world? Many of the best databases and research tools normally require significant subscription fees, but you don't have to worry about that when you have a library card. Delve into 150 years of full-text editions of local newspaper articles, research your family's genealogy, stay up to date with the latest editions of popular national newspapers and magazines, or learn a new language. Best of all, you can do it all from home! Learn more about all of the online resources at your fingertips, with our guide to the free research tools from the Columbus Library system.
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While you could normally visit any of the Columbus Library system's 22 locations to apply for a card, procedures are currently different while all branches are closed due to COVID-19 precautions. Fortunately, you can still apply for a card online, and online applications are being expedited while the physical library branches are closed. Any resident of Ohio can apply for a free card from the Columbus Library, and you can expect to receive a library card number via email within 48 hours. Your card number will grant you immediate access to all of the online tools offered by the library, and you'll receive a physical library card in the mail when branches re-open.
If you're interested in learning about your own family members or discovering the personal stories of prominent military members from history, Fold3 offers a goldmine of military documentation dating back to the American Revolution. With documents sourced from some of the world's most prominent military archives, Fold3 allows you to explore the records, letters, photos, and personal stories of countless military members.
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Whether you're an Ohio history buff or interested in learning about your own family's local history, the Columbus Dispatch Digital Archives are a great place to start. These archives feature full-text editions of the Columbus Dispatch dating all the way back to 1871, covering the most important local, national, and international stories of the times. For sports fans, these archives are also excellent for learning about your favorite teams, with in-the-moment reporting on the biggest historic games in Ohio and beyond.
Staying up to date with the latest news and opinions is easy when you have a Columbus Library card, thanks to tools like US Newsstream. This digital resource features newspapers from the biggest cities around the United States, along with blogs, wire stories, transcripts of news broadcasts, and information from news websites. It's all easily searchable, with both graphics and full text available for each source.
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Looking to use your extra time at home to develop a new skill or advance your professional career? Then Lynda.com, a LinkedIn resource, is the place to be. This website features thousands of online courses on everything from programming to business, web development, and photography. Every class is taught by industry experts, with plenty of support available to help you master valuable new skills.
Whether your kids love to learn or they're simply trying to complete school work from home, Explora for primary and secondary students is an invaluable resource for learners of all ages. There are databases for primary and secondary students, along with a full database geared more toward adult researchers. Dig into thousands of articles, essays, and primary source documents, on topics that touch every corner of education.
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Learning a new language is one of those things that always feels like a good idea—right up until you try to work out the logistics of how to do it. Fortunately, tools like Mango Languages exist to simplify the process for learners of all ages and types. With your free access to Mango Languages, you can learn a new language from home at your own speed, through critical thinking, memory, grammar, and cultural exercises.
Have you been meaning to catch up on the classics? Then there's truly no time like the present. LitFinder, a resource from Gale Literature, grants you access to thousands of classic poems, stories, speeches, plays, and essays from some of the greatest authors in history. You can also learn more about the people who created those works, through biographies, photographs, and work summaries.
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Has there ever been a better time to learn a new hobby from home? The Hobbies and Crafts Reference Center, from research giant EBSCO, is your source for both beginner and advanced tips on a host of popular hobbies. Discover the secrets of beer and winemaking, learn new arts and crafts, find tips for home improvement hobbies, get a greener garden, or help your kids connect with a new hobby of their own. This resource features profiles, videos, and thousands of full-text magazine articles, along more than 13,000 recipes perfect for learning new things in the kitchen.
Do you have a pot of gold waiting at the end of a rainbow in your attic or garage? The Price It Antiques and Collectibles resource makes it easy to find out! Billed as the most in-depth pricing tool in the world for art and antiques, Price It makes it simple to search for your items and find out what they're worth on the open market. Even if you're not searching for prices on items of your own, this tool is a great way to browse through interesting antiques and works of art that you may not have seen before, without ever leaving the comfort of your computer or mobile device.
When you can't go to the art museum, why not bring the art museum to you? The Ohio Online Visual Artist Registry is a robust online collection of visual art, primarily from Ohio artists but also featuring work from artists located throughout the United States. Easily browse thousands of pieces of visual art, with detailed descriptions that tell you more about the artist, the work of art, and the time that the art was created. Everything is searchable, and you can easily bookmark your favorite artists for repeat viewings.
No matter your passion, digital resources from the Columbus Library make it easy to get lost in researching your favorite topics, and discovering new things. Where will you start first?

With many businesses in Northeast Ohio shut down, and "social distancing" in full effect, it's time to start getting creative about finding things to do. Productive hobbies are becoming more popular, and taking up knitting is a great choice.
If this appeals to you, then you'll be glad to know that there are plenty of ways you can learn to knit online. Once you're ready, you can support the local area knitting shops that so desperately need your business right now. Here are some tips for getting started and a few of our favorite stores in Northeast Ohio and beyond.
There are plenty of online resources where you can learn to knit. Start by checking out some YouTube channels, like AllFreeKnitting or Craftsy Knitting. If you prefer a more structured class style, you may want to take a look at the classes on websites like SkillShare or Instructables.
Once you've got the basics down, you'll want to visit the websites for some of the area's best knitting stores. Here are a few of our favorite Ohio stores where you can shop for all of your knitting needs.
1387 Sloane Ave., Lakewood, OH 44107
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River Colors Studio carries a huge selection of gorgeous yarn. They also have all the materials you'll need to start your knitting projects including needles, hooks, accessories.
Check out their selection of patterns, including some great free ones that are perfect for beginners. You may also want to order a few publications, like Pom Pom Quarterly and Mason-Dixon Field Guides. These are a great way to learn more about your new hobby.
100 North Main St. Suite 230, Chagrin Falls, OH 44022
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A fun, boutique-style shop, The Artful Yarn carries an internationally-curated selection of yarns. They currently offer curbside pick-up, limited-distance delivery, and 2-day USPS shipping. You can order over the phone and even video chat via FaceTime. They have some inventory online and will be expanding their online offerings very soon.
On March 30th, they're starting a "Magical Mystery Knit" that you can join right from the comfort of your home. Sign up for their email list or follow them on social media so you can keep up on all the latest news and updates.
129 Portage Trail, Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44221
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Harps & Thistles Yarn Emporium carries an eclectic selection of yarns and prides itself in offering reasonable prices. You'll love browsing through their gorgeous yarns, and you can also find all of the needles, hooks, bags, and accessories you need.
If you're a beginner, check out the "Yharma's Basement Clearance" section. This is a great way to stock up on supplies without breaking the bank.
12620 Larchmere Blvd., Cleveland, OH 44120
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You'll find everything you need to get creative with your knitting projects at Fine Points. They specialize in unique yarns and offer kits that have all the materials you need to make a specific project. They also carry needles and accessories, patterns, books, jewelry, and more.
15708 Lorain Ave, Cleveland, OH 44111
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Destination Yarn is an independent shop that hand-dyes their yarn onsite. It's easy to lose yourself in their website, where you can shop by yarn type, dye technique, or collection. They also sell lots of great kits for sweaters, shawls, and pullovers and fun gifts for other knitting-lovers in your life.
13572 Chillicothe Road, Novelty, OH 44072
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Fiber Addiction carries a wide variety of brand-name yarns including Euro, Berroco, and Cascade. They also offer products from indie dyer Cornbread & Honey. In response to recent events, they're offering individual appointments for those who want to come shop in person, or you can shop online. In addition to yarn, they also carry a fun selection of bags, books, notions, needles, and hooks.
You can get some great deals right now, including free shipping through April 15th. They also offer pick-up orders for those who live nearby.
Other shops around Ohio worth checking out online:
1200 Rock Road, Mansfield, OH 44903
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Do you want to make a truly luxurious knitting project? If so, then you'll want to pay a visit to Alpaca Meadows' website. These Ohio residents have a happy herd of alpacas that provide a limited amount of fiber each year. It's either processed on-site or by a local mill. Alpaca yarn is incredibly soft. It's also warm, comfortable, durable, hypoallergenic.
If you see something you like, make sure to stock up, because once it's gone, it's gone. Not sure what to do with alpaca yarn? Take a look at some of their beautiful patterns as well!
1 N. Main St., Mt Vernon, OH 43050
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The Makery also carries a wide selection of hand-dyed, hand-spun yarns and fair trade fiber. You can choose from a variety of materials, including alpaca, cotton, bamboo, linen, silk, wool, and more. They also carry needles, hooks, and notions.
Need some inspiration? Check out some of their super-cool books with many interesting ideas. They also carry fun craft kits designed especially for kids, so if you're home-schooling right you, you'll definitely want to check this out as well.
35 S. High Street in Dublin, Ohio 43017
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For a wide selection of yarn at a variety of price points, as well as needles, buttons, and books, you'll definitely want to take a look at Knitting Temptations' website. They carry many popular brands and you can keep yourself on-budget by shopping by price range.
Don't have a ton of money to spend right now? Create an account and build a wish list! This way, when you're ready to move on to future projects, you'll already have your shopping list ready!
217 South B St., Hamilton, OH 45013
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Lambikin's Hideaway is a local yarn store that prides itself on offering amazing customer service, fair prices, and a huge selection of yarn. Here you'll find a variety of options including lace, fingering, sport, DK, worsted, bulky, and super bulky yarn. While you're on the website, don't forget to subscribe to their newsletter to stay in the loop about their latest classes, promotions, and specials.
What kind of knitting project are you looking forward to trying first?

When you need a breath of fresh air far from the city crowds, you'll find ample space to roam in Columbus. With many miles of bike paths and trails, our city has a lot to offer for anyone who loves the great outdoors.
Columbus is also a major hub for state-wide trails and greenways, some of which stretch for hundreds of miles across the Buckeye State. These bike paths in the Columbus area offer ample opportunities to get outside, get in shape, and simply enjoy the greener side of Central Ohio.
Three Creeks Metro Park, 3860 Bixby Road, Groveport, OH 43125
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A favorite multi-use trail that stretches roughly 25 miles across Franklin County, the Alum Creek Trail offers a well-maintained hard surface for hikers and cyclists. The trail follows the picturesque Columbus river corridor, from Westerville to Three Creeks Park, passing through several parks and neighborhoods along the way. Construction on the trail was completed in 2015, and the Alum Creek Trail has quickly become the go-to destination for Columbus residents looking to get outside.
Whetstone Park, 3901 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43210
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The Olentangy Trail is a great place to go for a bike ride, but for many first-time visitors to Columbus, its central location makes it one of the most popular ways to explore the city on foot. The trail connects the community of Worthington to downtown Columbus, meandering through several neighborhoods along the banks of the Olentangy River. Along the way, the Olentangy Trail passes through the Ohio State University campus, with trailheads at Whetstone Park as well as several other major city parks.
Scioto Trail Park, 2951 S. High St. Columbus, OH 43207
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The first greenway ever built in Columbus, the Scioto Trail has been a treasured resource for hikers and cyclists in the city since 1976. It's still a favorite local bike path, with sections on either side of the Scioto River, including the downtown riverfront, where you can get a great view of the Columbus skyline. The most well-known section of the path is the Scioto Mile, which includes a string of prominent parks, promenades, and landmarks. Near the south edge of Downtown Columbus, the trail traverses the beautiful Scioto Audubon Park, including a trailhead at the Audubon Nature Center. The Scioto Trail also directly connects to the Olentangy Trail.
7262 Hayden Run Road, Hilliard, OH 43026
Following an old abandoned rail line from Old Hilliard to Cemetery Pike, the Heritage Trail one of the less-used bike paths in the Columbus area. That makes it a great place to beat the crowds, although the Heritage Dog Park at one end of the trail does make it a popular spot for dog walking. Paved, well maintained, and easy to follow, it's a great place for an afternoon bike ride, passing through about 7 miles of fields and farmlands just outside Columbus.
Three Creeks Metropark, 3860 Bixby Road, Groveport, OH 43125
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Running parallel to its namesake creek for most of its 18-mile length, the Blacklick Creek Greenway stretches from Reynoldsburg to Groveport on the southeastern edge of Columbus. There are several parks and trails in the Columbus area where you can hop on the Blacklick Creek Greenway, but a favorite spot is Three Creeks Metro Park. This park marks the spot where the Alum, Big Walnut, and Blacklick creeks join; and it's also home to sections of both the Blacklick Creek Greenway and the Alum Creek Greenway.
Chestnut Ridge Metro Park, 8445 Winchester Road NW, Carroll, OH 43112
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While many of Columbus' bike paths are great for easy rambles along relatively flat, paved trailways, the mountain bike trail at Chestnut Ridge Metro Park offers something a little more extreme. Just a few miles southeast of Columbus, Chestnut Ridge is actually the first ridge of the Appalachian Mountains, and the Chestnut Ridge Mountain Bike Trail is a great place for an intense mountain biking experience. The trail runs a little over 9 miles through deep woods, with many steep climbs and descents, along with a few bridges and some steep, banked turns. The trail is divided into two loops, one for beginner to intermediate mountain bikers, and the other for experienced cyclists only.
Inniswood Metro Gardens, 940 S. Hempstead Road, Westerville, OH 43081
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The Big Walnut Trail stretches a little over 10 miles through several Columbus area parks, including Inniswood Metro Gardens, a lovely botanical garden and nature preserve that's open free of charge seven days a week to the general public. Popular for jogging and dog walking as well as biking, the Big Walnut Trail is a paved multi-use trail that also offers expansive views of Hoover Reservoir and the parks along the lakeshore.
Battelle Darby Creek Metropark, 1775 Darby Creek Dr, Galloway, OH 43119
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Just over 16 miles long, the Camp Chase trail runs between the cities of London and Columbus, acting as a connector between Madison and Franklin counties. The trail is relatively level and easy for biking, consisting of paved double-track that follows the course of a railroad line. In addition to being a great biking spot for Columbus residents, the Camp Chase Trail is also a crucial link in the much longer Ohio to Erie Trail, which stretches 326 miles across the state of Ohio from southwest to northeast.
Did we forget to mention your favorite trail? Be sure to let us know in the comments section!