Air Force Museum

Do you like airplanes? History? War-time related artifacts, stories, movies? Here is just the place for you.



We had been talking about this place for a while, this place being the National Museum of the United States Air Force. It's got a great reputation. It's open everyday of the year except for a few (Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's). And... it's free!



With the grandies visiting, one of them being a Korean War veteran, it was a no-brainer that we should just jump in the car, drive an hour or so West (of Columbus) on I-70 (so easy and straight that I almost fell asleep driving), and visit the impressively large and information-packed museum.



We could have spent a few days in there and only scratch the surface. Maybe we will bring a tent next time.



From the Wright brother's stories and replicas to the fighters in both World Wars, to the beginning of the US Air Force, Korean and Vietnam wars. Fascinating in every possible way.



From 7 years old, to 77 (and some in between), we all found something to enjoy, reminisce and take away from. It's worth the trip!

National Museum of the USAF
Museum Hours
Open daily 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year's Day
FREE admission!

Museum Location
1100 Spaatz Street
Wright-Patterson AFB OH 45433
(937) 255-3286

Wexner Center, a portrait

The Wexner Center deserves a real, long, detailed post. I had but a short visit there today, just long enough to try their new eatery, Heirloom.

The day was so beautiful (must we say goodbye to this for many months?), I had to take a quick shot at the front of the building (graced with the current exhibition on landscape).

I will return to the Wexner, and do it justice, I promise.

Columbus Museum of Art

It's a crime, I know.

How did I spend a year in Columbus and not have visited this museum until today? I wish I could say that it was the distance (which it is not, because we are only 3 miles or so from it), or that I didn't have time (that's always a lie when someone tells you they don't have time for ___, it's another way of saying they don't want to do the said ___. I think you would agree).



The important thing is that I finally paid a visit to the newly renovated art museum in Columbus today. And I am so glad I did.



The Columbus Art Museum, though small compared to other big city art museums, boasts an impressive collection of art work. I was happy to see some big names there: Monet, Picasso, Degas, to name a few. It is also housed in a lovely building that has well appointed lighting, mixed with a naturally sun-lit central foyer (where I assume a lot of functions and events are held).



Most impressive of all actually, was the creativity room designed for children ages 3 and older. I brought my 7 year olds along, and they were quite happy with several hands-on stations where they could creatively build something resembling the real pieces of art in front of them. We could have stayed in that room for a long time, but Mama needed to explore the rest of the museum. They only exited the room willingly when I promised to take them to the outside patio where they could play chess with gigantic pieces of pons, kings, queens and the rest.



I could go on talking about the different galleries and exhibits in the museum, but I am pretty sure that you would rather go and experience it for yourself! Admission is free through the end of August, and I believe on Sundays in general. But if you happen to get there on a different day, the cost to get in will be worth every penny, I promise.



Columbus Museum of Art
480 E Broad St
Columbus, OH 4321
Monday - Closed
Tuesday-Sunday - 10am-5:30PM
Thursdays - 10am-8:30PM

The Geckos among us

I won't lie to you: I do not like lizards, of any kind.



But oh, we had to go catch the exhibit of these creatures at COSI... it was not only a good excuse to pay our first visit here, it was also a fun thing to do on this MLK day.



We are lucky to have been to a good number of museums in the kids' young lives. We have even been to the infamous American Museum of Natural History in New York City. And we plan to visit the museum of all museums in the next few months.



So I didn't hesitate to get the family membership upon arrival. Like other good museums we have frequented (and become members), COSI promises several more trips back to explore the wonders of nature, and science, and currently...these wonderfully ugly geckos!