25 Things to Do This Winter
6. Stay put for an entire pot of tea
ZenCha Tea Salon
Owner I Cheng Huang treasures tea and inspires others to do likewise inside his clean, bright, cozy tea parlor. From an extensive menu, you can sample the grassy greens of Asia, the bold blacks of Britain and numerous varieties created on site.
7. Plan an unforgettable date
Candlelight Nights at Franklin Park Conservatory
The romantic side of Franklin Park's extended holiday celebration peaks weekly during Candlelight Nights. While live music wafts around hundreds of votive candles, be sure to visit the Christmas tree made of poinsettias - and maybe find some mistletoe.
8. Cut your own Christmas tree
Timbuk Farms
Scotch pine, white spruce, Douglas fir and other favorite Christmas species await in the soil at this Licking County farm. Timbuk also offers pre-cut trees, holiday gifts and, for those pressed for time, a Santa on site.
9. Tackle an easy snow sport
Vertical Descent Tubing Park at Snow Trails Winter Resort
Snow tubing is the fastest-growing winter sport, and all four Ohio ski resorts offer it. Even those who can barely button their own parka can enjoy the smooth, 1,100-foot runs at Snow Trails. There's even a lift back up.
10. Catch (or just watch) Olympic-sized air
The Louie Vito Rail Jam
Ohio Olympian Louie Vito hosts an event that will use big air and tech tricks to benefit a local food pantry. Contest entry is free with a donation, and the action should be awesome, even for those who don't strap in.
ZenCha Tea Salon
982 N. High St., Short North
614-421-2140
Candlelight Nights
Franklin Park Conservatory
5-8 p.m. Wednesdays through Dec. 29
1777 E. Broad St., Near East Side
614-645-8733
Timbuk Farms
Through December
2030 Timbuk Rd., Granville
740-587-2178
Vertical Descent Tubing Park
Snow Trails Winter Resort
Through March (weather permitting)
3100 Possum Run Rd., Mansfield
800-644-6754
The Louie Vito Rail Jam
Mad River Mountain
3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 26
1000 Snow Valley Rd., Zanesfield
937-599-1015