New Adventures...
Usually when women go through a major life change they cut their hair (blasphemy)....I moved to Ohio.
Often referred to as the "San Francisco of the midwest", it is a city full of foodies and music lovers. In the month that I've been here I've seen 3 concerts and have a couple more already lined up. They have a fantastic venue called the Newport. An old converted movie theater built in 1923 that has housed everyone from B.B King to Alice Cooper, it is the longest continually running rock club in the country. The Pearl and Bakersfield are two restaurants I frequently visit - sometimes alone, sometimes with others. The Pearl is one of a group of restaurants by local restaurateur Cameron Mitchell. It showcases classic cocktails (moscow mule anyone?) and delicious made from scratch food (the grilled cheese would be my last meal if ever given the option). Bakersfield is a tequila bar/restaurant (need I say more?). Coming from Texas I am completely biased towards mexican food - but as long as you're prepared for midwestern mexican vs southern mexican food then you'll be ok (guacamole is a bit heavy handed with the lime). Their margaritas are amazing though and they have a fabulous selection of tequila - plus there's something about seeing it all lined up along the wall that just makes me feel at home (I've been at least twice a week since I moved). Tip: make friends with a bartender - it just makes life easier and more enjoyable.
I think of the city as a mini Austin (minus the high cost of living and traffic but with equal parts hipster and flannel). It doesn't take longer than 15 minutes to get anywhere. There's a great outdoor mall called Easton (more on this later), plenty of great bars and restaurants near my apt (in fact there's a great restaurant in my apt building that serves gummy bear martini's and vegetarian sliders - Cray). The people are all incredibly nice and I'm interested to see how this new adventure plays out.....
When originally asked what I thought of when someone said "Ohio" I replied with "Applebees and open spaces". Turns out, I was wrong (at least for the city of Columbus, I cannot speak to the rest of the state).
....and I'm happy to report I still have my long hair and haven't seen a single Applebee's.