Author: Emily Evans

Portia’s Cafe

| Emily Evans

Portia’s Cafe is a cheerful, spunky cafe that serves some of the best vegan food in Columbus. From cool chili to fabulous falafel, from no-tuna wraps to no-cheese quesadillas, Portia’s specializes in using local, organic, non-GMO, and gluten-free ingredients to serve a population of eaters that often goes unnoticed.tn_1200_168493aa19805279c2fc0f5bd4c9b074 tn_1200_ceaf008a8e611bf68ce3a9167d8e4769

No more will the anxious vegan have to settle for that typical baked potato and wilting salad, nor the sad sandwich with the cheese picked off. No, my friends! At Portia’s Cafe, a whole world of delicious food awaits you. They even serve vegan cheesecake!

Even if you’re not exactly a veggie-lover, you should give Portia’s a try! Their food is delightful, healthy, and filling, no matter who you are. And with the restaurant’s relaxed and fun atmosphere, you’re bound to have a good time, herbivores and carnivores alike.

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You can find Portia’s on Indianola Avenue in Clintonville. It’s a 25 minute bike ride away from the Ohio Union, or you can take the number 4 COTA bus from east 13th avenue. If you’re looking for a delicious meal or a fun adventure, go find it and try for yourself! You won’t be disappointed.

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The Olentangy Trail

| Emily Evans
The Olentangy corridor is home to all sorts of wildlife--including this young fawn!
The Olentangy corridor is home to all sorts of wildlife–including this young fawn!

The Olentangy Trail is a paved bike path and public trail that runs north and south through the city for nearly 14 miles, all the way from Worthington to downtown Columbus.

It’s a great place to explore, whether walking, biking, skating, or anything in between! I’ve been riding this trail for about a year now, and there’s always something new to discover.

In the campus area, you can find the trail just west of Morrill and Lincoln Towers, with entry points also at Lane Avenue and Woody Hayes Drive. If you ride a few minutes north you’ll hit Tuttle Park, where you can find children playing, open-use sports fields, a practice hockey rink, and much more.

A small pond at the Whetstone Park of Roses, where you can often find children, adults, and the occasional heron fishing in its depths.
A small pond at the Whetstone Park of Roses. You can often find children, adults, and the occasional heron fishing in its depths.

Ride north a few more minutes and you’ll find the OSU Wetlands, where interesting research and volunteer opportunities abound! Keep going and you’ll discover the Whetstone Park of Roses and eventually Antrim Lake, all the way up in Worthington.

The trail also contains many points of river access, so if you’re into canoeing or kayaking, you can easily do that too. (Check out the Outdoor Adventure Center for more info on their canoe trips!)

In the end, the Olentangy Trail offers a beautiful and scenic escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, at least for a little while. Green trees arch overhead, cute dogs play in the grass, and the river rushes past happily on its way to the Scioto.

Whether you’re going for a run or just relaxing after a long day of class, the Olentangy Trail is always a great place to be.

Come out and have your own adventure on the Olentangy Trail!
Come out and have your own adventure on the Olentangy Trail!