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Mushrooms are thriving in Central Ohio's wet August

Experts say they're probably nothing to worry about — but don't eat them.

News

As Central Ohio residents deal with an <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="abnormally stormy August" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/08/13/central-ohio-storm-rain-weather" data-vars-content-id="efb44b09-6488-460d-a0a3-49c75ac6311d" data-vars-headline="Mushrooms are thriving in Central Ohio&#x27;s wet August" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/08/13/central-ohio-storm-rain-weather" target="_self">abnormally stormy August</a>, our spore-bearing cousins are thriving.Why it matters: My normally green yard has become filled with dozens of large white mushrooms in recent days — some nearly as big as dinner plates.

Weekend picks: Take your dog to Bark Bash

Plus: ArborFest, ¡Festival Latino! and Hot Wheels Monster Trucks.

Things to Do

Well, hot dog — there&#x27;s a break in the rain in Saturday morning&#x27;s forecast, just in time for thousands of pups to go paddling at Prairie Oaks Metro Park.🐶 Our pick: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Bark Bash" data-vars-click-url="https://www.metroparks.net/event/bark-bash/" data-vars-content-id="1397043f-a7e3-4e51-be1d-8d1ce66563e6" data-vars-headline="Weekend picks: Take your dog to Bark Bash" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.metroparks.net/event/bark-bash/" target="_blank">Bark Bash</a>.

Teachers are AI-curious, but worried about screens

A Columbus-based education company surveyed teachers across the globe.

Teachers are struggling to embrace useful and increasingly unavoidable technology while keeping students focused, per a new global survey from a Columbus-based education company.Why it matters: Many Central Ohio students are back to school this week for the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="first school year" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/07/08/ohio-schools-require-ai-policy-artificial-intelligence" data-vars-content-id="f450e040-cef1-4795-82c8-228982452ddb" data-vars-headline="Teachers are AI-curious, but worried about screens" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/07/08/ohio-schools-require-ai-policy-artificial-intelligence" target="_self">first school year</a> in which all Ohio K-12 public districts must have policies in place related to AI in the classroom.

Micro Center doubles down on in-store experience

The retailer is debuting a new look at its flagship Columbus store.

Micro Center is adding AI development space and 3D printing tech as part of a reintroduction to its hometown this weekend. Why it matters: Micro Center&#x27;s flagship Columbus store is a notable outlier in the fading electronics <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="retail" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/14/retail-sales-amazon-world-cup" data-vars-content-id="6beeaf75-f9e7-4979-bd3e-32a1156e4336" data-vars-headline="Micro Center doubles down on in-store experience" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/14/retail-sales-amazon-world-cup" target="_self">retail</a> space.Driving the news: The company is hosting a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="grand reopening" data-vars-click-url="https://www.microcenter.com/site/mc-news/article/micro-center-columbus-remodel.aspx" data-vars-content-id="6beeaf75-f9e7-4979-bd3e-32a1156e4336" data-vars-headline="Micro Center doubles down on in-store experience" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.microcenter.com/site/mc-news/article/micro-center-columbus-remodel.aspx" target="_blank">grand reopening</a> of its Bethel Road store Saturday, showing off a new look for its &quot;home base&quot; and oldest location.

Amara makes a splash on the downtown riverfront

The ambiance is the main attraction — but the food is great, too.

Food and Drink

I finally snagged a reservation at one of Columbus&#x27; buzziest new restaurants, the long-anticipated replacement of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Milestone 229" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2024/12/16/ohio-milestone-229-restaurant-closing" data-vars-content-id="5dc0be3c-5e37-46f8-9767-5bb4df99c70d" data-vars-headline="Amara makes a splash on the downtown riverfront" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2024/12/16/ohio-milestone-229-restaurant-closing" target="_self">Milestone 229</a>.Dining the news: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Amara" data-vars-click-url="https://www.eatamara.com/" data-vars-content-id="5dc0be3c-5e37-46f8-9767-5bb4df99c70d" data-vars-headline="Amara makes a splash on the downtown riverfront" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.eatamara.com/" target="_blank">Amara</a> opened about a month ago and tables have been filling fast. Billed as &quot;Mediterranean at Heart,&quot; it&#x27;s the latest concept from Josh Dalton, the chef behind Veritas and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Speck" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/06/16/speck-restaurant-review-downtown-italian" data-vars-content-id="5dc0be3c-5e37-46f8-9767-5bb4df99c70d" data-vars-headline="Amara makes a splash on the downtown riverfront" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/06/16/speck-restaurant-review-downtown-italian" target="_self">Speck</a>.

Anything Bagel keeps the classic Block's recipes alive

We tried the bagels Columbus has loved for decades.

Eighteen months after the beloved Block&#x27;s Bagels closed its doors, a second brand is taking its shot at reviving the Columbus shop&#x27;s recipes. Catch up quick: Block&#x27;s, which launched in 1967, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="closed" data-vars-click-url="https://www.dispatch.com/story/entertainment/dining/2025/02/10/blocks-bagels-of-columbus-closing-after-founders-death/78383298007/" data-vars-content-id="ebcb1b8d-4de0-448c-97c4-ba75977e7260" data-vars-headline="Anything Bagel keeps the classic Block&#x27;s recipes alive" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.dispatch.com/story/entertainment/dining/2025/02/10/blocks-bagels-of-columbus-closing-after-founders-death/78383298007/" target="_blank">closed</a> in March 2025 after the death of founder Harold &quot;Hal&quot; Block.

The Hilltop Dairy Twist is back

New ownership revived the nostalgic spot after years of uncertainty.

It&#x27;s been a summer full of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="fancy" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/06/18/graeters-summer-ice-cream-flavors-2026-review" data-vars-content-id="b3dc795f-ad2f-4129-900d-cdd1b3f823bd" data-vars-headline="The Hilltop Dairy Twist is back" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/06/18/graeters-summer-ice-cream-flavors-2026-review" target="_self">fancy</a> <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ice cream" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/07/13/jenis-summer-ice-cream-flavors-smores-strawberry-chili" data-vars-content-id="b3dc795f-ad2f-4129-900d-cdd1b3f823bd" data-vars-headline="The Hilltop Dairy Twist is back" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/07/13/jenis-summer-ice-cream-flavors-smores-strawberry-chili" target="_self">ice cream</a> at Axios Columbus, but here&#x27;s a nostalgic option that won&#x27;t break the bank.Why it matters: Longtime newsletter readers know I&#x27;ve long lamented Columbus&#x27; lack of mom-and-pop ice cream shops.

The Ohio State Fair's new food hall is a hit

Bypass the corn dogs and funnel cakes — eat local instead.

State Fair

Though fairs are synonymous with rows of traveling <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="vendors" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/07/13/2026-ohio-state-fair-new-foods-schmidts-cream-puff" data-vars-content-id="1bdb937e-28d8-4550-bd46-8c93101b0964" data-vars-headline="The Ohio State Fair&#x27;s new food hall is a hit" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/07/13/2026-ohio-state-fair-new-foods-schmidts-cream-puff" target="_self">vendors</a>, I actually didn&#x27;t visit one during my <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="latest Ohio State Fair trip" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/08/03/ohio-state-fair-new-buildings" data-vars-content-id="1bdb937e-28d8-4550-bd46-8c93101b0964" data-vars-headline="The Ohio State Fair&#x27;s new food hall is a hit" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/08/03/ohio-state-fair-new-buildings" target="_self">latest Ohio State Fair trip</a>.Dining the news: I left stuffed after visiting the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new Food Hall" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/06/25/ohio-state-fair-food-hall-vendors-showcase-building" data-vars-content-id="1bdb937e-28d8-4550-bd46-8c93101b0964" data-vars-headline="The Ohio State Fair&#x27;s new food hall is a hit" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/06/25/ohio-state-fair-food-hall-vendors-showcase-building" target="_self">new Food Hall</a> on the first floor of the Ohio Showcase building and a couple other stops for local eats.

The best Ohio State fair food deals

Coupons, $3 Thursdays and free water help your wallet at the 2026 fair.

The Ohio State Fair is known for its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ridiculous food" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/07/25/ohio-state-fair-stick-food-guide" data-vars-content-id="237da338-7218-4eb2-9f70-73fc9afa1c5b" data-vars-headline="The best Ohio State fair food deals" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/07/25/ohio-state-fair-stick-food-guide" target="_self">ridiculous food</a> — but if you&#x27;re not careful, it can hammer your wallet.Pro tip: A little strategy can help.

This nostalgic diner's breakfast still costs under $10

Cherry Street Diner in Ashville serves up big nostalgia and an even bigger bargain.

I&#x27;m convinced I recently time-traveled during a lunch trip <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="while exploring" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/07/21/south-bloomfield-ohio-growth" data-vars-content-id="13f4f539-7d73-486f-8348-39da53f3d6a1" data-vars-headline="This nostalgic diner&#x27;s breakfast still costs under $10" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/07/21/south-bloomfield-ohio-growth" target="_self">while exploring</a> the Pickaway County villages of Ashville and South Bloomfield.What I found: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Cherry Street Diner" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/p/Cherry-Street-Diner-61557738135106/" data-vars-content-id="13f4f539-7d73-486f-8348-39da53f3d6a1" data-vars-headline="This nostalgic diner&#x27;s breakfast still costs under $10" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/p/Cherry-Street-Diner-61557738135106/" target="_blank">Cherry Street Diner</a>, an adorable greasy spoon.

Tulip Cafe's Turkish dumplings are comfort food at its best

This cozy Columbus cafe serves Turkish coffee, bagels, manti and more.

Our <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="international restaurant tour" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/visuals/global-international-food-cuisine" data-vars-content-id="d3fd632f-fb2b-4af5-86e2-602b628e4050" data-vars-headline="Tulip Cafe&#x27;s Turkish dumplings are comfort food at its best" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/visuals/global-international-food-cuisine" target="_self">international restaurant tour</a> takes us to Turkey with the best dish I&#x27;ve tried so far this year.Dining the news: Columbus has no shortage of Turkish coffee, but the &quot;kitchen&quot; part of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tulip Cafe" data-vars-click-url="https://tulipcafecatering.com/" data-vars-content-id="d3fd632f-fb2b-4af5-86e2-602b628e4050" data-vars-headline="Tulip Cafe&#x27;s Turkish dumplings are comfort food at its best" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://tulipcafecatering.com/" target="_blank">Tulip Cafe</a>&#x27;s tagline sets it apart.

The new food lineup at the 2026 Ohio State Fair

The list includes ridiculous fried foods and trend-chasing adaptations.

This year&#x27;s lineup of outrageous <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Ohio State Fair food" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/07/25/ohio-state-fair-stick-food-guide" data-vars-content-id="8a00d831-6d61-403e-972d-d6005ac1be70" data-vars-headline="The new food lineup at the 2026 Ohio State Fair" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/07/25/ohio-state-fair-stick-food-guide" target="_self">Ohio State Fair food</a> has been set.The intrigue: The fair <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="announced" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ohiostatefair.com/p/visit/food" data-vars-content-id="8a00d831-6d61-403e-972d-d6005ac1be70" data-vars-headline="The new food lineup at the 2026 Ohio State Fair" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ohiostatefair.com/p/visit/food" target="_blank">announced</a> over two dozen new food and drink options, ranging from ridiculous fried things to trend-chasing adaptations of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Dubai chocolate" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/02/09/valentines-day-dessert-spots" data-vars-content-id="8a00d831-6d61-403e-972d-d6005ac1be70" data-vars-headline="The new food lineup at the 2026 Ohio State Fair" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/02/09/valentines-day-dessert-spots" target="_self">Dubai chocolate</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="dirty soda" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/31/dirty-soda-trend-mikes-hard-lemonade" data-vars-content-id="8a00d831-6d61-403e-972d-d6005ac1be70" data-vars-headline="The new food lineup at the 2026 Ohio State Fair" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/31/dirty-soda-trend-mikes-hard-lemonade" target="_self">dirty soda</a>.

Jeni's offers 3 more summer ice cream flavors

Three very different flavors featuring fruit, chocolate and spice.

The summer <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ice" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/05/29/jenis-ice-cream-summer-2026-flavors-review" data-vars-content-id="8342512e-e916-4701-9b4d-6f371f7de9cc" data-vars-headline="Jeni&#x27;s offers 3 more summer ice cream flavors" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/05/29/jenis-ice-cream-summer-2026-flavors-review" target="_self">ice</a> <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="creams" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/06/18/graeters-summer-ice-cream-flavors-2026-review" data-vars-content-id="8342512e-e916-4701-9b4d-6f371f7de9cc" data-vars-headline="Jeni&#x27;s offers 3 more summer ice cream flavors" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/06/18/graeters-summer-ice-cream-flavors-2026-review" target="_self">creams</a> keep on coming — this time with another batch of seasonal flavors from Columbus&#x27; own Jeni&#x27;s.I tried them:⛺️ <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Campfire S&#x27;mores" data-vars-click-url="https://jenis.com/products/campfire-s-mores?srsltid=AfmBOoqzPGHSkBEfTR07mOKSec75632cz9KI099ZcqMI82tdYi8SzJc2" data-vars-content-id="8342512e-e916-4701-9b4d-6f371f7de9cc" data-vars-headline="Jeni&#x27;s offers 3 more summer ice cream flavors" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://jenis.com/products/campfire-s-mores?srsltid=AfmBOoqzPGHSkBEfTR07mOKSec75632cz9KI099ZcqMI82tdYi8SzJc2" target="_blank">Campfire S&#x27;mores</a> is about what you&#x27;d expect: marshmallow and toasted sugar ice cream with &quot;gooey chocolate&quot; and graham cracker pieces.

An ice cream showdown to be Central Ohio's best

It's Graeter's vs. Handel's for reader favorite.

Earlier this week, we <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="asked" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/07/06/central-ohio-best-ice-cream-flavor" data-vars-content-id="b7f9bd0f-1671-4fcc-b47c-f81f8c944cbc" data-vars-headline="An ice cream showdown to be Central Ohio&#x27;s best" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/07/06/central-ohio-best-ice-cream-flavor" target="_self">asked</a> our readers for the best single ice cream flavor in Central Ohio to commemorate National Ice Cream Month.⚔️ The intrigue: It&#x27;s a scoop-off.

Food and Drink 🍽

Amara makes a splash on the downtown riverfront

Anything Bagel keeps the classic Block's recipes alive

The Hilltop Dairy Twist is back

The Ohio State Fair's new food hall is a hit

The best Ohio State fair food deals