Dan The Gutterman

Travel back in time to 1908 to tour an authentically-restored engine house where you will see a collection of hand-pulled, horse-drawn, and motorized fire apparatus. Find out what it was like being a firefighter and living in the engine house during those years and how the fire service evolved to what it is today. Ring the 500-lb station bell in the bell tower and learn about early communcations with the interactive 9-1-1 simulator. Check out their rotating displays, along with the static displays of vintage fire helmets, antique fire toys and more. There's even a play area for younger kids featuring the cab and tiller seat from a real fire truck, and a fire pole for kids to slide down. Make sure to participate in the age-appropriate fire safety education programs ranging from pre-K age to senior citizen. You'll learn how to make your home fire safe, and practice what to do if there is a fire in your home. After you learn about the “Home Escape Plan” you can practice how to safely get out of a house fire, and even take some materials home to develop a plan for your own home and family. Before you leave, visit the gift shop to pick up some souvenirs like the Columbus Fire t-shirt, sweatshirts, patches, and more for your favorite firefighter.  

See a garden attraction pruned after George Seurat's famous post-impressionist painting "A Sunday Afternoon on the Isle of La Grande Jatte' at the Topiary Park in Columbus. Walk through the "landscape of a painting of a landscape," where for once, nature is mimicking art through larger-than-life human topiary figures, animals, and boats.

Explore the Ohio Historical Society Museum. Learn about the state's past and future as you travel permanent exhibitions like Ohio's Ancient Past, Centuries of Change, The Nature of Ohio, Treasures of Christopher Columbus, and Ohio Architecture. Whether it's social, archeological, or political history, it's documented here.

Spend some down time at the 8 Ball Sports Bar & Billiards. Meet with friends to play a game of pool on one of the 28 Brunswick Gold pool tables, order dinner and drinks from the full-service restaurant and bar, drop your coins in the jukebox, and watch sports on the plasma televisions. It's the perfect place to enjoy billiards and a relaxing night out.