Farmer Tim spent the summer quietly planting a 13-acre maze with a secret message hidden in the rows: “Caroline, Will You Marry Me?” As the corn grew tall, so did the surprise. When Tim finally revealed the view from above to his girlfriend Caroline, she said yes.

“I wanted to do something big, something she’d never forget,” Tim told ABC6. “Seeing her face when she realized what it said… I’ll never forget that moment.”

The farm also shared their excitement for the engagement on social media.

“This year’s 13-acre maze was planted by our very own farmer Tim as a surprise marriage proposal to his now-fiancée, Caroline — and she said YES!,” they shared on Facebook. “We can’t wait to share their love story (and this one-of-a-kind maze) with all of you this fall at Circle S Farms.”

The couple kept their engagement under wraps until now, but come September, everyone can share in the magic. Visitors will be able to explore the one-of-a-kind maze when Circle S Farms kicks off its fall season, complete with pumpkins, hayrides, cider, and love.

The post A Grove City Farmer Hid A Marriage Proposal In An Adorable Corn Maze appeared first on Columbus Navigator.

Or, at least, quiet by their standards. The couple has been keeping things low-key, traveling together, and spending time away from the spotlight. But their latest trip to Ohio has fans buzzing, and not just because they grabbed lunch in the picturesque village of Chagrin Falls.

According to Cleveland Scene, Swift and Kelce may have been doing a little more than sightseeing in Kelce’s home state.

Multiple sources told the outlet that the pair toured “at least two opulent homes” in some of Northeast Ohio’s most exclusive suburbs.

We’re talking the kind of neighborhoods where “old money” meets “stealth wealth” — and where the median home price is a lot higher than your average Zillow scroll.

If true, the visit lines up with earlier reports from Us Weekly that Swift and Kelce have been talking about buying a place together. Back in January, a source told the mag that they were considering real estate in Kansas City, where Kelce plays for the Chiefs, but left the door open for other locations.

Looks like Cleveland, where Kelce grew up in nearby Cleveland Heights, might be on that short list.

And they wouldn’t be short on options. Hunting Valley, one of the area’s most jaw-dropping suburbs, currently has an $18 million estate on the market. There are also several dreamy Chagrin Falls listings in the $2.5–$4.5 million range, just in case the lovebirds want something walkable to their favorite lunch spots.

Neither Swift nor Kelce has confirmed the rumors, but fans are already in a frenzy, wondering if this could signal a big life change. Kelce has brushed off any retirement talk for now, telling reporters at Chiefs training camp, “Ask me that when I retire.” Until then, he’s been working hard to prep for the season, while Swift has been enjoying a break after wrapping her sold-out Eras Tour.

For now, it’s all just speculation, but if Swift and Kelce do make a move, they might just turn Northeast Ohio into their newest love story setting.

Featured image by Stephen Mease on Unsplash.

The post Taylor Swift & Travis Kelce Might Be Looking For A Love Nest In Ohio appeared first on Columbus Navigator.

The Perseid meteor shower, widely considered the best of the year, will peak in the early hours of Monday, August 12. Known for fast, bright meteors that often leave glowing trails behind them, the Perseids regularly produce 50 to 100 meteors per hour—and they’ve been inspiring awe for centuries.

Unfortunately, this year’s viewing conditions won’t be ideal, thanks to a bright 84% full moon lighting up the sky that night. But even with the glow, you may still catch some of the brightest meteors—especially if you’re willing to stay up late (or wake up early) and head somewhere dark.

Wait—what are the Perseids again?

The Perseids come from debris left behind by Comet Swift–Tuttle, which orbits the Sun every 133 years. As Earth passes through that cloud of dust and ice, tiny particles (some the size of grains of sand!) hit our atmosphere at 37 miles per second, heating up to 3,000°F and burning out in streaks of light we call meteors.

They’re named after the constellation Perseus, where the shower’s radiant—or point of origin—appears in the sky.

This isn’t a new phenomenon, either. Records of the Perseids go all the way back to 36 AD, when Chinese astronomers first wrote about a celestial display “more numerous than stars.” Since then, the shower has captured imaginations everywhere—from scientists to campers to John Denver, who was so inspired by a fiery Perseid display in Colorado that he wrote Rocky Mountain High.

How can I see the Perseids in Columbus?

If you want to make the most of your meteor watching this year, your best bet is to find a dark, wide-open space and go out in the early morning hours—after midnight and before dawn. And this year, you don’t have to travel far to do it.

Metro Parks is hosting a special Perseids viewing party at Glacier Ridge Metro Park from 2 a.m. to 4 a.m. on Monday, August 12. It’s one of the rare times the park opens its gates during the night, and they’ll have an info table and treats to keep you company while you stargaze. The event takes place in the Wind and Solar Lot, and while the rest of the park is closed, you’re welcome to bring binoculars, telescopes, blankets, and lawn chairs.

When: August 12, 2 a.m.–4 a.m.
Where: Glacier Ridge Metro Park, 9801 Hyland-Croy Rd., Plain City
What to bring: Lawn chair, blanket, binoculars, camera, maybe coffee

Can’t make it to Glacier Ridge?

You can still catch some of the action from your backyard or a nearby field. Just try to get away from streetlights, let your eyes adjust to the dark for 20–30 minutes, and avoid looking directly at the moon. You don’t need to look in any specific direction—the meteors can appear all over the sky.

A few viewing tips:

• Arrive early to get set up and let your vision adjust.
• Leave your phone off or face down—the light ruins your night vision.
• Avoid the Moon’s glare by using a building or tree to block it.
• Don’t use a telescope for meteor viewing—they move too fast!
• Be patient—even on a good night, meteors come in waves.

Is it still worth staying up this year?

Even with the bright moon, you can still spot the brighter Perseids, especially fireballs. And for a lot of people, watching even one meteor streak across the sky is enough to feel a little magic. Whether you’re camping, hanging out in the park, or just stepping out into the backyard in your pajamas, the Perseids are always worth a look.

The post Everything You Need To Know About The 2025 Perseid Meteor Shower appeared first on Columbus Navigator.

Now, thanks to his family, that list is available to the public at what-dan-read.com. It spans 109 pages and includes everything from Cold War thrillers and literary fiction to courtroom dramas and historical epics—a quiet record of a lifetime spent reading.

Pelzer’s daughter shared the story with the library, writing:

“Nobody loved the library more than Dan. When we were little, he took us to the downtown library every Saturday morning and enrolled us in every summer reading program. He was a regular at the Livingston and then Whitehall branches until he could no longer read.”

His family considered printing the list to distribute at his funeral, but it was simply too long. Instead, they digitized it. In his obituary, they encouraged mourners to read “a real page-turner” in lieu of sending flowers.

A quick scan through the archive reveals a mix of popular fiction, history, biographies, and more, including books like The Spy Who Came in from the Cold, Presumed Innocent, and A Man Called Ove. The entries are simple—just titles and dates—but the accumulation is deeply moving. Over time, the list becomes a kind of autobiography told through library checkouts.

In an era of algorithm-driven recommendations and digital reading goals, Pelzer’s handwritten archive is a reminder of the quiet joy of following your own literary path—and the power of a public library to shape a life.

Whether you’re looking for a new book recommendation, or just need a little reminder of the joy of reading for reading’s sake, Dan’s list is a surprisingly moving place to start.

You can explore his full collection at what-dan-read.com. Then go read a real page-turner, for Dan.

The post One Columbus Man Read 5,000 Books Over 6 Decades. Here’s What He Left Behind appeared first on Columbus Navigator.

The Ohio Poultry Association just announced that this year’s featured flavor at the Devilishly Good food stand will be none other than Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough. Yes, you read that right.

They’ve turned everyone’s favorite nostalgic dessert into a deviled egg.

It’s sweet. It’s savory. It’s a little unhinged. And it’s available for a limited time at the Taste of Ohio Pavilion & Beer Garden when the Ohio State Fair kicks off on July 23.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can grab the full deviled egg flight, which includes other new flavors like Hot Honey Everything, Sriracha Peach, Columbus Pizza, and Cranberry Feta. That’s right—Columbus-style pizza in egg form.

The Ohio Poultry Association says this is all about showing off the versatility of the humble egg. After a tough year for poultry farmers, they’re having some fun and spotlighting a classic protein in unexpected ways.

Still skeptical? That’s part of the fun. Try it yourself, film your reaction, and watch your friends go from horrified to intrigued in 30 seconds flat.

The Ohio State Fair runs July 23–August 3, 2025, at the Ohio Expo Center in Columbus. Gates open at 10 a.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. on weekends, with daily closing times at 9 p.m. (6 p.m. on the final day). Advance tickets are just $8, with on-site prices slightly higher. From rides and concerts to deep-fried everything, it’s a summer staple you won’t want to miss.

You can plan your visit to try the deviled eggs by visiting ohiostatefair.com.

The post This New Deviled Egg Flavor at the Ohio State Fair Is Absolutely Unhinged appeared first on Columbus Navigator.

And apparently, that taste came with a side of Somali hot sauce.

Back in the spring, Poulter popped into North Market and discovered Hoyo’s Kitchen, the beloved fast-casual spot known for serving up bold, flavor-packed Somali dishes. He loved it so much that he took to Instagram to rave about the meal—and the love didn’t stop there.

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A post shared by Hoyo's Kitchen (@hoyoskitchen)

In a recent episode of the Table Manners podcast, Poulter shared that on his last day of filming Union County, he had Hoyo’s cater the whole set. That’s right—he made sure his cast and crew got to experience the exact food that blew him away during his time in Columbus.

Hoyo’s (which means “mother” in Somali) has been serving the city since 2014, bringing traditional Somali flavors to a wider audience in a welcoming, modern way. Their second location at North Market Downtown opened in 2019, and it’s quickly become a go-to spot for anyone craving warm spices, perfectly grilled meats, and that signature Somali rice.

With a national spotlight from one of Hollywood’s most exciting rising stars, it’s safe to say Hoyo’s just got the recognition they’ve always deserved.

You can check out the full podcast episode on Spotify and Apple. You can eat Hoyo’s whenever you want, by stopping by the North Market, located at 59 Spruce Street in Downtown Columbus.

Featured image via Facebook

The post This Columbus Spot Was So Good, Will Poulter Brought It To His Movie Set appeared first on Columbus Navigator.

Tucked inside North Market Bridge Park, you’ll find The Bloom Box, a sleek, glass-front vending machine stocked with fresh, pre-arranged floral bouquets. It’s the first of its kind in Ohio, and it’s aiming to make flower gifting easier, more accessible, and a little more luxe.

So, how does it work?

It’s pretty simple. Walk up to the vending machine, browse the arrangements through the display windows, tap the screen to select the one you want, swipe your card, and voilà! The door unlocks, and your bouquet is ready to go. No human interaction necessary. Perfect for introverts, last-minute gifters, or anyone who likes their flowers with a side of convenience.

But what about the price?

Here’s the thing. These are not your budget blooms. Bouquets range from $48 to over $80, which is definitely more than your average Trader Joe’s haul. But you’re paying for more than stems in plastic wrap. Each bouquet is professionally designed and fully arranged, the kind of thing you could hand over at a dinner party or anniversary without needing to repackage or fluff.

If you’re used to grabbing a $10 bunch of tulips on your grocery run, this will feel like a splurge. But for a last-minute birthday gift, a spontaneous “just because,” or a little treat for yourself on a tough week? It hits the mark — and looks great doing it.

Why it’s cool

There’s something undeniably fun about the novelty of a flower vending machine. It’s a smart solution for modern flower lovers. It’s convenient, beautifully curated, and always available. Plus, it’s just one more reason to pop into North Market Bridge Park, which keeps leveling up its offerings.

Whether you’re the type to buy flowers often or just want a unique gift that’ll impress, The Bloom Box is worth checking out. You’ll find it at North Market Bridge Park, located at 6750 Longshore St, Dublin, OH 43017. While you’re there, grab something delicious to eat, walk around, and go check out the area. It’s an amazing place to spend an afternoon.

To learn more about The Bloom Box, you can visit their website here.

The post There’s A Fancy New Flower Vending Machine Inside North Market Bridge Park appeared first on Columbus Navigator.

The crash happened just before 1:45 p.m., leading to a fiery explosion visible for miles. Emergency responders from Columbus, Franklin Township, and even John Glenn International Airport rushed to the scene, deploying foam trucks and hazmat units to contain the blaze and limit environmental impact.

Leaving Easton mall taking 270E/161. Anyone know what happened here?
byu/Jazzlike_Action5712 inColumbus

The tanker’s driver was transported to Riverside in stable condition, and crews were able to extinguish the fire relatively quickly considering the scale. Officials reported that most of the spilled fuel burned off in the flames, and thankfully, no active fuel leaks into the ground were detected.

ODOT inspectors were called in to assess damage to the overpass.

The southbound ramp to SR-161 was closed overnight for emergency repairs, while the northbound ramp was also shut down for cleanup, with both expected to reopen in time for the Monday morning commute.

Vehicle on fire 161/near 270
byu/Kels-bar inColumbus

Featured image via Facebook

The post What’s On Fire? A Tanker Explosion Shut Down I-270 On Sunday appeared first on Columbus Navigator.

This massive metal sculpture tips the scales at nearly 3,000 pounds and measures 12 feet in diameter. It officially took root in Central Memorial Park on June 14 and yes, it’s exactly as gloriously ridiculous as it sounds.

Why a Giant Acorn?

Like many great ideas, this one started with a road trip. Oak Hill Chamber of Commerce president Kurtis Strickland had a habit of visiting “world’s largest” attractions on family vacations—giant rocking chairs, twine balls, chainsaws, turkeys, you name it. So when the town was planning its 150th anniversary (aka its sesquicentennial), Strickland had a thought: Why not make Oak Hill home to something epic?

The acorn felt like a natural fit. Oak Hill got its name from the white oak trees that drew Welsh settlers to the area in the 1800s. The local school mascot is even a giant acorn named Archie. So, really, the only thing missing was a metal sculpture to make it official.

The Backstory: A Giant Nut for a Good Cause

In 2023, the Oak Hill Chamber started collecting donations to fund the sculpture—originally budgeted at $25,000. Thanks to community support, they ended up raising over $30,000. The final acorn was fabricated, weighed (a very precise 2,835 pounds, thank you Ohio State Highway Patrol), and planted right in the middle of town.

But this isn’t just a quirky photo op. The acorn is part of the Ohio Art Corridor, a public art initiative founded by David Griesmyer that brings large-scale sculptures to small towns throughout Appalachian Ohio. Think of it as a trail of weird, wonderful, totally Instagrammable landmarks tucked into the state’s quieter corners.

Ohio’s Other Oversized Icons

Believe it or not, Ohio is kind of a heavyweight in the “world’s largest” category. If you’re into the big and bizarre, here are just a few more local legends:

• World’s Largest Rubber Stamp in Cleveland (it says “FREE,” obviously)
• World’s Largest Cuckoo Clock in Sugarcreek (complete with dancing Swiss villagers)
• World’s Largest Cheese Wheel in Berlin (sadly, not edible)
• World’s Largest Loaf of Bread in Urbana (fiberglass, not fresh-baked)
• World’s Largest Horseshoe Crab in Hillsboro (affectionately known as Crabbie)
• World’s Largest Pumpkin Pie in New Bremen (over 3,600 pounds of gourd-y glory)

These roadside oddities are more than just kitschy attractions—they’re little celebrations of local pride and creativity. And with the new acorn, Oak Hill is officially part of the club.

So if you find yourself headed through southern Ohio, consider taking a small detour. Snap a pic with the acorn, grab a bite in town, and revel in the simple joy of seeing something weird and wonderful.

Visiting Info:

Central Memorial Park, Oak Hill, Ohio
Learn more about the Ohio Art Corridor: The Ohio Art Corridor Is A 132-Mile Road Trip Full Of Fantastic Public Art

The post Oak Hill Just Unveiled The World’s Largest Acorn, And It’s Absolutely Nuts appeared first on Columbus Navigator.

The tiara once belonged to First Lady Ida McKinley, wife of President William McKinley (our 25th prez, and a big Canton guy). It’s a delicate gold halo topped with two diamond-studded wings—equal parts angelic and wildly extra. Over the years, it passed down through Ida’s relatives, who occasionally lent it to the museum. Then, in 2014, it randomly popped up… on Pawn Stars.

Yes. Pawn Stars.

Turns out a family member sold it to Gold & Silver Pawn in Vegas, where it landed in the hands of reality show regular Rick Harrison. When staff at the McKinley Museum saw it on TV, they did what any self-respecting Ohio history lovers would do: they picked up the phone.

Harrison agreed to sell it back—if the museum could raise the $43,000 he paid for it.

But there’s one more twist.

Rick Harrison, who lived with seizures as a kid and served on the board of the Epilepsy Foundation, donated the money from the sale to epilepsy research in honor of Ida McKinley—who quietly lived with epilepsy throughout her life in the White House. “As a kid, I looked for people whose names I might recognize who had epilepsy,” he said. “She was one of those rare names I found.”

So yeah, this isn’t just a sparkly museum piece. It’s a weird, wonderful, full-circle story that connects a 19th-century First Lady to a 21st-century pawn broker—and reminds us all that sometimes, lost things do find their way home.

The post This First Lady’s Diamond Tiara Ended Up on Pawn Stars—Here’s How Ohio Got It Back appeared first on Columbus Navigator.