My favorite experience from the Columbus To-do List project was going to Jeni’s Ice Cream with Brietta, Laura, Kayla, and Catherine (my wonderful suitemates). After going to Jeni’s we walked to a park nearby and enjoyed the beautiful weather. We decided to walk all the way back to campus down the streets parallel to high street. The houses were adorable and I got a little more familiarized with off campus neighborhoods. The weather was gorgeous and it was relaxing to go on a walk for fun (rather than for class).
I learned that Columbus does have more nature than I expected. Even though I did the “Ice Cream and Desserts” To-do List I still got to visit a park. The one thing I dislike about Columbus is that it does not have enough trees, grass, and nature. After going to Jeni’s Ice Cream, I got to see that Columbus does have places for enjoying the outdoors. It has little nature sanctuaries to give you a break from the bustling city. I also learned how easy the bus routes are to navigate. I was very scared of the confusing bus routes in Columbus before completing the To-do List. Now I am more comfortable because I understand the layout of the city.
Completing the desserts To-do List makes me want to complete the “Nature and Outdoor Adventure” To-do List. I am extremely interested in spending time in the parks within Columbus.
I would recommend doing a combination of different stops from different lists, so you get a feel for the various aspects of Columbus. Experiencing only the dessert list was fun, but I do wish that I knew more about the parks and coffee shops in Columbus.
Columbus To-do List Stop #2: Graeter’s Ice Cream
My favorite thing at Graeter’s Ice Cream was the ice cream; I got Buckeye Chip in a Waffle Cone (I have had cookie dough before as well). I also love the sign with the images of ice cream scoops because it is super cute. Just like Johnson’s Real Ice Cream, it was hard to see what ice cream flavors looked like because the ice cream tubs were not displayed directly in front of me. Although the images of ice cream scoops were cute, they did not give me a good feel of what the ice cream would be like, so I was confused about what to order. I learned how to take the bus route to Graeter’s. I also learned that the COTA website exists and I started tracking routes on the maps so that I understood how to use them for future endeavors. I would recommend Graeter’s Ice Cream to a friend because the ice cream was fantastic and the shop is adorable. The only drawback is that the ice cream is a little expensive.
Columbus To-do List Stop #3: Rocket Fizz Soda Pop and Candy Shop
My favorite things in Rocket Fizz Soda Pop and Candy Shop were the masks above the beverage refrigerators. The masks were different animals and I wanted to buy every single one of them. One was a cat head mask that reminded me of the cat masks in Taylor Swift’s “Look What You Made Me Do” music video. I was very confused about why the candy shop did not have chocolate peanuts or any homemade chocolate creations for that matter. I really love chocolate candies and I was sad that this candy shop did not have them. I learned that a wizard hat for cats exists. I had no idea that it was a product that people wanted to buy or that cats needed to wear. I would recommend it to a friend, but it is not the best candy shop I have ever been to. I know candy shops that have better chocolate products. Rocket Fizz Soda Pop and Candy Shop did not have fudge, chocolate peanuts, or any handmade chocolate covered foods.
Columbus To-do List Stop #4: Jeni’s Ice Cream
My favorite thing about Jeni’s Ice Cream was the ice cream! I got a scoop of milkiest chocolate ice cream in a bowl with the complimentary waffle cone triangle. It was the most delicious chocolate ice cream I have ever tasted. I was confused about how some of the flavors of ice cream were chosen. Some of them were extremely weird. There were flavors that had to do with sweet potato, lavender, eggnog, and pistachio. I learned that it is possible for there to be an ice cream flavor that tastes like goat cheese. Although I did not try the goat cheese flavored ice cream, I now know that it is possible for it to exist. I would recommend Jeni’s Ice Cream if you have plenty of money to spend. It is expensive for very small portions of ice cream. Although it tastes amazing, it would not be my first choice of ice cream place due to its price.
Columbus To-do List Stop #5: Kittie’s Cakes
My favorite thing about Kittie’s Cakes was the cupcakes. I had a cookies and cream cupcake that had the most wonderful frosting. I was a little disappointed with the selection of pastries when I walked in the shop. I learned that you should order food ahead of time so that they can set aside what you want. I would not recommend Kittie’s Cakes to a friend because they do not have a wide variety of pastries and the shop is super small to it gets crowded very easily.