Columbus on the Cheap

Good, Cheap, Fun

Licking County

Pickle Fest, Farm market and upcoming U-pick at Branstool Orchards (and a fun play area!)

Branstool Orchards is one of our favorite u-pick orchards to visit in Central Ohio. We always pick peaches and apples (sometimes twice) each year, and they have so many offerings from Summer through Fall.  Located in Utica, Branstool Orchards is about 40 minutes from Columbus, and it's … [Read more...] about Pickle Fest, Farm market and upcoming U-pick at Branstool Orchards (and a fun play area!)

Lavender Fest Blooms at Timbuk Farms

Granville’s Timbuk Farms is bringing florals and family fun to Licking County in June with their first-ever Lavender Fest!  From June 14–15 and June 21–22, 2025, Lavender Fest invites guests to stroll down “Lavender Lane,” amongst the raised lavender beds. Take pics and enjoy the … [Read more...] about Lavender Fest Blooms at Timbuk Farms

Visit the Hartford Fair: “The Biggest Little Fair in the World”

Ohio LOVES fairs, and if you haven't visited the Hartford Fair before, put it on the calendar for this year for August 9-15, 2026. Located in Croton, just north of Johnstown, the Hartford Fair is only 30-40 minutes from much of Columbus. The first Hartford Fair was in 1858, and in all of … [Read more...] about Visit the Hartford Fair: “The Biggest Little Fair in the World”

Buckeye Lake Pirate Festival brings treasures and treasure hunters to the lake

Ahoy! The Pirate Festival is coming to Buckeye Lake! Pirates, Mermaids & Steampunk fans and the public are invited for a Treasure Hunt by Land and Sea, and a family friendly Pirate Marketplace. The annual PirateFest is at Buckeye Lake on May 16-18, 2025. This 3-day family friendly festival … [Read more...] about Buckeye Lake Pirate Festival brings treasures and treasure hunters to the lake

Central Ohio Art Networking Meetup at Davis-Shai House

Are you a member of the art community? Meet up with other artists at the Central Ohio Art Networking Meetup at the Davis Shai House in Heath, Ohio. Central Ohio Art Networking Event Join the Heath Community Arts Council at the free Central Ohio Art Networking event on Thursday, May 30, … [Read more...] about Central Ohio Art Networking Meetup at Davis-Shai House

Willow Wood Event Park Winter Wonderland Walkthrough

Get out of the house and explore with family at Willow Wood Event Park in Johnstown, Ohio this winter break. As a follow-up to their Fall Fantasy Walkthrough, they are hosting the first annual Winter Wonderland Walkthrough.  Willow Wood Event Park is an event and photography venue that … [Read more...] about Willow Wood Event Park Winter Wonderland Walkthrough

Living on the Cheap

Columbus on the Cheap is a member of Living on the Cheap, a network of websites published by frugalistas, journalists and consumer advocates. Find practical advice on saving money on groceries, travel and shopping, plus tips from our experts on how to live the good life for less at Living on the Cheap.