I have a serious weakness for sweets. I also love the feeling of going out with friends to an ice cream parlor and just chatting. Knowing that, it’s pretty clear why I chose the “Ice Cream & Desserts” Columbus To-Do List”. I also figured grabbing dessert would be cheaper than buying and entire meal and more accessible than going to parks (I don’t have a car or bike). Upon choosing this list I was hoping to explore downtown Columbus more and to be able to know a few good relaxing locations I can hang out with friends while curing my sweet tooth.

I first started this journey off with Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams. I had heard a lot of good things about Jeni’s and a few scary ones (yeah I’m talking about you, Listeria). Nonetheless, I headed over to Jeni’s after my ENR Short North Scavenger Hunt. I found Jeni’s on a corner in the heart of the Short North. It’s cute orange sign written in cursive and large window made the store appear very modern and comfortable. I fell in love before I had even eaten anything. I scanned over all of the unique options. I decided to go with a half scoop of torrone and half scoop of the salted peanut butter with chocolate fleks. The torrone is described as “toasted almonds, flecks of white chocolate, honey, sea salt, and grass-grazed milk”. They were both so fresh and light. Jeni’s was definitely a success. I would take my family here next time they’re in town. It’s not a typical ice cream shop experience; it’s something truly worth indulging in while in Columbus.

The next week my buds and I walked back to the Short North. The first stop was Whit’s Custard. I wasn’t expecting much from this little ice cream shop with a few tables inside that looked like patio furniture. I scanned over their menu and found an option that had a brownie and ice cream in it, “perfect” I thought, my two favorite things. I split it with my friend and oh what a pleasant surprise. A brownie on the bottom with the vanilla ice cream on top not to mention hot fudge and a cherry to top it all off, do I need to say any more? This ice cream shop has nothing to prove because it’s products do all the talking. It is a very fun environment where you don’t have to take yourself too seriously; this is pretty evident through the tables (you can chalk on them, how cool). My other friend got a buckeye sundae that I will definitely be looking to get my hands on next time I visit. If you’re looking for a fun ice cream store and some seriously “bad for you decadent ice cream” this is the place for you. I would definitely bring a friend or two here, it is a pretty family friendly environment and seems to attract a lot of teenagers and college students.

After Whit’s, the voyage continued to Rocket Fizz Soda Pop and Candy Shop. Whit’s was pretty close to here; it only involved crossing the street and back tracking a little. As soon as I opened the door I felt like Charlie Bucket in Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory. There was a wide range of candies, chocolates, and soda pop. Especially pop. There was an entire fridge stocked with the weirdest flavors you could imagine. There was ranch, barbeque, even peanut butter and jelly flavored pop. I wasn’t brave enough to try these weird concoctions so I just went with getting some chocolate covered espresso beans. These are delicious if you like chocolate and coffee! My friend got a chocolate bar with potato chips inside! Apparently it was delicious, something I will be reaching for next time I head over there. The staff here was also very friendly, the guy working behind the desk helped explain some of the weird products they have and even offered us some of his chocolate rocks. He knew the next customers that walked in the door by name, giving me the impressions that there are a lot of regulars here. This store is so colorful you can’t help but walk around the entire place just staring at all the signs on the walls and picking up the interesting candy. I would definitely take a few young kids here; they would lose their mind! Hey, it’s even nice for adults too; I enjoyed myself and will definitely be returning when I’m craving a chocolate bar with potato chips in it.

The next week my sister was visiting and I thought it would be a good idea to take her with me to my next stop, Pistacia Vera. This involved taking the #18 COTA downtown to the North Market. I had never been here before so I was a little nervous about finding it, but the bus driver helped to give us directions. Other than the creepy guy hitting on my friend, the bus was overall a nice ride down (thanks to the helpful bus driver). Once we got to the North Market I was taken aback. This place looked like a grocery store on the outside, but once inside, it was teeming with life and beautiful stands. It reminded me of the West Side Market back home in Cleveland. I instantly felt an attachment to this place. They had olive, cheese, bread, doughnut, taco, pretzel stands, and so much more. I eventually found Pistacia Vera after taking a lap around the place. They had cute little pastries that looked delicious, but I went for the salted caramel macaroon. Wow, those things are delicious! By the looks of the place, I am willing to bet that all of their products taste as good as this one. Considering I brought my sister here, who got a blueberry lemon glazed doughnut from a cute doughnut stand, I would definitely say it’s safe to recommend to family and friends! I would come back to Pistacia Vera again, but I think the North Market is the real winner here; it has so much to offer, there’s something for everyone!

I ended this To-Do list with Greater’s Ice Cream. The name sounded a little weird to me but I had heard good things. I took an Uber down to the shop with my friends. Apon arrival I thought the place looked adorable, the inside has a classic ice cream shop type of feel. I looked at their menu; everything seemed so clean and delicious. I was a little confused as to what a “dish” was. The worker explained it to me when I asked, but I still don’t know if you are supposed to get two flavors when you get a dish or what. I decided to go with the mocha chip flavor. I never really eat coffee flavored ice cream so I was excited for this. The worker handed me a little sugar cone with some white ice cream. I didn’t think much about this until after I had tasted it and realized it was coconut ice cream with chocolate fleks but it was so delicious that I decided to just go with it. The prices here are pretty reasonable and their ice cream is great. Normally I would be upset about getting the wrong flavor, but it’s trivial because the other flavor was so good! There were a lot of families here so it’s definitely a place I would recommend taking yours. It’s good for all ages; I had a good time with my friends and would definitely make the trip back out here (except maybe next time through a cheaper way of transportation).

This project taught me a lot about navigating through Columbus and what the city has to offer. I’m really glad that this was an assignment because it gave me the opportunity to get off campus. Being at such a huge college you could never venture into Columbus and not realize what you’re missing, because there’s always something going on at campus you would never think about leaving. Although my to-do list featured sweets and desserts I found a lot of cool clothing stores and restaurants that are definitely on my next to-do list! I learned that Columbus has a lot to offer art and community wise, along with their amazing food! Along the way I found a nice park, a cool thrift shop, and some pretty rad street art. Getting to know this city was a great experience and made me feel more mature, “hey mom, look at me, I can ride around on a bus in an unknown place and not get lost”… even though I did get lost a couple of times (but mom doesn’t have to know that). I’m happy I can navigate through the Short North and other parts of Cbus because I will definitely be going down there a lot more often. Anyone doing this list I would definitely recommend to go to all of the place I visited. They’re all so different and have great food. They bring out the culture of Columbus and are accessible for college students! Write down what you get and where you get it from, and take pictures! That’s the fun part. You will definitely be able to find me at these stores or just in the Short North in weekends to come. The next challenge; The Columbus Coffee Experience.