Inspired to face your own crippling fears? We made a list of some common phobias and dug up some local places where you could go to confront them head on.
Heights
ZipZone is the newest zipline tour in or around Columbus — and it’s much closer than courses in the Hocking Hills or farther afield. Tours last about two hours and take riders above 20 acres of forested land.
ZipZone Canopy Tours
Camp Mary Orton, 7925 N. High St., Worthington
614-847-9477
Falling
Learn how not to fall at Vertical Adventures with the Indoor Climbing 101 class. You get a lesson, rental equipment, a day of climbing and a weeklong membership for the $29 class fee.
Vertical Adventures Rock Climbing
6295 Busch Blvd., North Side
614-888-839
Flying
Go whole hog on your commitment to overcome fear of flying by learning how to fly. It’ll cost a pretty penny, but all that anxiety about how a plane actually works could be resolved.
Capital City Jet Center
2000 Norton Rd., West Side
614-878-1200
Water
Learn to swim or get certified to scuba dive in the pools or dive tank at Aquatic Adventures. Lessons are given specifically for adults, and lessons are available during convenient morning and evening hours.
Aquatic Adventures
3940 Lyman Drive, Hilliard
614-545-3700
Darkness
Rent a cabin or yurt at The Wilds and get comfortable with complete darkness and, well, being in the wild. Creature comforts — a king-sized bed, fire pits, gourmet meals, wireless internet — will help offset your fear of being in the dark.
The Wilds
14000 International Rd., Cumberland
740-638-5030
Bridges
Take a little road trip to the Covered Bridge Festival in Jefferson on Oct. 13 and 14 and learn about the history of covered bridges in Ashtabula County. The festival has guided tours that are sure to include information about architecture and construction — and knowledge can go a long way to quelling fears.
Covered Bridge Festival
25 West Jefferson St., Jefferson
440-576-3769
Roller coasters
Cedar Point has some of the world’s tallest and fastest roller coasters with the steepest drops. There may be no better place to immerse yourself in your complete terror. Take comfort knowing everyone else will be screaming, too.
Cedar Point
1 Cedar Point Drive, Sandusky
419-627-2350
Public speaking
Toastmasters events welcome people who are fearful of public speaking or suffer from general stage fright. You’ll meet other people who are in the same boat and do a little networking while you’re at it.
Toastmasters
750 Piedmont Rd., North Linden
240 Parsons Ave., Olde Towne East
614-645-6032