Feature stories - The LocaL

A Symphony of Senses

Posted on June 26, 2025June 26, 2025 by Editor - the Local

Discovering the Art of Anastasia Waldecker By Monica Jones There’s a certain magic in stumbling upon artistry within your own community, isn’t there? It’s like uncovering a hidden gem, a voice which speaks to the familiar landscape with a fresh and captivating perspective. It was at our very own Columbus Jazz Society Annual Soirée, amidst the soulful melodies and vibrant energy, that I had the pleasure of meeting Anastasia Waldecker, an artist whose work resonated…

Where History Blooms

Posted on June 18, 2025June 26, 2025 by Editor - the Local

Forty Years of Floral Artistry with David Benefield’s Highland Hall By Monica Jones Step through the stately doors of Highland Hall, and you don’t just enter a florist shop—you step into a living piece of history, filled with the scent of fresh blooms and the warm, welcoming spirit of owner David Benefield. For four decades, David has been a cornerstone of Columbus’s floral landscape, and his journey, much like the vibrant arrangements he creates, truly…

CineForge Co-op -Soap, Sweat, And Sentimentality: Why Westville Is The Time Machine We Can’t Afford To Lose

Posted on June 16, 2025June 16, 2025 by Editor - the Local

By Paul Rowe, a soap-slinging filmmaker who didn’t know he’d care this much. Five years ago, Historic Westville, a charming, living history museum in Columbus, closed its gates thanks to the pandemic. The world paused. Time stood still. And once the pandemic was over and time started again, I, somehow, found myself standing on its grounds twice for film productions, with a third shoot coming up (2025) that I can only describe as …historically sweaty….

Chattahoochee Valley Learning Resource Center: A Timeless Playground for Curious Minds

Posted on June 13, 2025June 13, 2025 by Editor - the Local

By Natalie Downey Here, the air hums with a familiar symphony: the joyful shrieks and thundering footsteps of children doing what they’ve always done best – learning through the sheer, unadulterated magic of play. It’s a nostalgic echo of simpler times, yet vibrantly alive with modern discovery. This is what it feels like to step back in time and into the Chattahoochee Valley Learning Resource Center (CVLRC). Every inch of this special place whispers tales…

Playing Dress Up – June 4

Posted on June 1, 2025June 1, 2025 by Editor - the Local

A Closet of Dreams and a Pocketful of Rock-n-Roll Come Alive for One Night Show The Bo Bartlett Center is about to undergo a transformation, morphing from a serene art gallery into a vibrant, intimate closet of dreams. “Playing Dress Up,” a one-night-only musical spectacle on June 4, promises to be an experience unlike any other, a fusion of rock-n-roll energy, childhood nostalgia, and the raw talent of singer Lucy Werner. At the heart of…

Paws Humane Society Brings Big Headliner And a Big Commitment to Community at Annual Barks and Blues Music Fest

Posted on May 26, 2025May 30, 2025 by Editor - the Local

A warm glow from the setting sun blanketing Woodruff Park, the air coming alive with the anticipation of live music, and the inviting aromas of our local food trucks mingling with the sounds of happy patrons and pets alike. On May 31, this vibrant scene will come to life as the Barks & Blues Music Festival, Paws Humane Society’s largest annual fundraiser, transforms the park into a celebration of music, community spirit and our furry…

Blooming Anew – Grier’s Farmer’s Market Cultivates Community

Posted on May 11, 2025May 11, 2025 by Editor - the Local

For generations, the familiar name of Fat Boy’s Produce has been synonymous with fresh, locally sourced goodness. A true cornerstone of the community, its history stretches back nearly half a century, weaving through the lives of countless residents. While the official business name is now Grier’s Farmer’s Market, the deep roots and commitment to quality which defined Fat Boy’s continue to flourish, nurtured by a vision for a modern, thriving marketplace. “Fat Boy’s Produce has…

A Cup of Kindness – How Take the City Delivers Hope and Healing To Community

Posted on May 8, 2025May 8, 2025 by Editor - the Local

By Natalie Downey A city’s unique needs are best understood by its residents. Local faith-based initiative Take the City seeks to meet those needs on a practical level while inspiring hope and connection. Driven by a profound Christian faith, their multifaceted approach is guided by a clear purpose: restoring lives, revitalizing communities, and raising up those in need. Beginning as an initiative in 2013 and becoming a registered nonprofit in 2015, Take the City continued…

Chili Dog Chronicles – A Local Foodie’s Quest for the Perfect Bite

Posted on May 7, 2025May 7, 2025 by Editor - the Local

By Chris Willums The quest for Columbus’s ultimate chili dog has concluded, and the results are in. This wasn’t about crowning a single victor, but rather a celebration of the diverse flavors and unique qualities which make each local establishment stand out. To ensure a fair and focused review, I established the following principles: Only locally owned and operated restaurants were considered, supporting the heart of Columbus’s culinary scene. Instead of numerical ratings, the emphasis…

CineForge Co-op / Local Roots, Global Screens: Supporting the Growth of Cinema in Columbus

Posted on May 7, 2025May 7, 2025 by Editor - the Local

By Andy Carpenter Watching movies on a streaming platform is a whole lot like having UberEats drop off a meal at your house. Both are convenient, with barely any effort involved at all. There isn’t much prep required, and not much to clean up after … and both tend to obscure all the arduous work the filmmaker who made your entertainment, or the farmer who cultivated your food, had to put in to bring that…

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