6 Architecture Spots You Must See in Columbus, IN

There is always something going on in Indianapolis, and many of the events center around food and drinks. There are only a few months left in 2017, but that doesn't mean the fun is over; there are still many festivals and fun things to do before the year ends. Here are some delicious events still to come in 2017. The 5th Annual Pumpkin, Cider, and Fall Beer Festival On Saturday, Sept. 30th, Indianapolis will host the 5th Annual Pumpkin, Cider, and Fall Beer Festival in Opti-Park on East 66th Street. This fun event grows every year and features all kinds of food, beer, and fun. You can check out the more than 40 different pumpkin brews along with other fall beers, and make sure to get there to see the Elysian Great Pumpkin Road Show. You can also take part in the keg tosses, pumpkin painting, and even some pumpkin smashing along with many other activities. Tickets to the event are $35 in advance or $40 at the door, and designated drivers are just $5 at the door. The festival is for guests 21 years old and over. The Indianapolis Chinese Festival Experience Chinese culture at the 7th annual Indianapolis Chinese Festival. This event will take place in downtown Indianapolis at IUPUI's Wood Plaza. It takes place on Sept. 23rd, which is during the Chinese Moon Festival, one of the largest Chinese festivals. There will be all kinds of delicious Chinese food to eat along with music and dance performances. Visitors can watch or even take part in the famous lion and dragon dances, and explore the art exhibits. The festival runs from noon to 6 p.m. and ends with a beautiful lantern walk. more The Original and Fabulous GermanFest Celebrate everything German at the Original and Fabulous GermanFest on Oct. 14th starting at noon. This event takes place at the Athenaeum on East Michigan Street and has something for everyone. Try German food provided by the Indianapolis Sangerchor, and taste some German beer. There are also activities for the whole family, including live Wiener dog races, a strongman competition, and a 5K run/walk. The kids can head to ZwergenLand for fun activities designed just for them, or you can all browse through the Urban Flea market with over 100 vendors. Tickets range from $3 to $12, and you can buy them online or at the door. The Indy Winter Farmers Market You can still get your fresh fruit and vegetables in the winter at the Indy Winter Farmers Market. This market has over 40 vendors with locally grown and produced fruit, meat, dairy products, and vegetables along with herbs, flowers, and baked goods. It runs every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Circle City Industrial Complex from November through April. Make sure to check out these events and festivals to enjoy delicious food and drink along with fun activities. There is still time in 2017 to get out and enjoy Indianapolis and all it has to offer. Image via Publicdomainpictures.net

Whether you're taking a road trip or seeing a new part of town, driving on unfamiliar roads can be nerve-wracking. When you're in an unfamiliar place, consider the following tips to ensure you reach your destination safely. Slow Down Even if you're a speed demon on the highway, you should slow down on unfamiliar roads. Driving too fast can cause you to miss important road signs and landmarks. You could also come up too quickly on a speed bump and spill your beverage all over the interior cabin. No matter what, it's important that you maintain a safe stopping distance that's appropriate to your speed — the faster you drive, the longer the stopping distance. Consider the road's speed limit and maintain it or drive slightly slower so you won't miss anything. Use a Navigation System or Map Unless you've memorized the route ahead of time, having a GPS or handheld map on hand is essential in unfamiliar territory. Modern navigation systems like those found in many Chevrolet models are a great option because they provide turn-by-turn navigation. This feature helps you find out where to make your next turn without taking your eyes off the road. Having a backup printed map is also a smart idea if you're traveling in areas a GPS cannot locate, such as remote terrain. Activate OnStar If your vehicle is equipped with OnStar, now is the time to active it. OnStar provides an array of navigation and emergency services that can help you feel more confident while driving in unknown locations. The service calls for help when you need it, protects against vehicle theft, provides turn-by-turn navigation, and allows you to stay connected on the go with 4G LTE and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Even if you don't normally need OnStar, it's an essential tool for those long road trips where the chances of getting lost are greater than ever. more Listen to a Local Radio Station While you may have trouble switching over from your favorite satellite radio station, tuning into a local radio station can keep you updated on traffic conditions. Before your trip, research major radio stations along the route and note them in your phone or a small notepad. As you move from one city to another, you can switch over to the station with the most relevant traffic updates. Listening to the radio can also reduce stress while driving, so don't be afraid to turn up the volume and sing along! Bring a Friend Although this option isn't always available, the best driving tool to use in unknown territory is a friend who knows the route and can point the way. If neither of you have been on this road before and you don't have a GPS system, have your friend act as the navigator and a second set of eyes. Driving in unfamiliar territory can be intimidating, but it's also likely to create unforgettable memories of adventure. Consider your route ahead of time, take the proper precautions, and drive safely. Image via Wikipedia Commons used under Public Domain

The verdant landscape of Columbus can be enjoyed in many ways, particularly at one of the city's highly-rated golf courses. Whether you're interested in a long-term membership in a respected institution or just want a nice place to play the occasional game with friends, Columbus has just what you've been looking for. Take a look at each and you'll likely notice one that suits you best. Otter Creek Golf Course This 27-hole PGA championship course is designed to both challenge players and fully display the unimpeded beauty of southern Indiana, and has been one of the highest-rated public courses in the United States since opening in 1964. Otter Creek consists of one 18-hole course suited to experts, with a mix of wide, gently sloping hillsides. The course isn't too gimmicky with traps and obstacles, ensuring the players test their drive and swing to the fullest. There is also a nine-hole section that complements the 18-hole course and is excellent for a shorter game. Harrison Lake Country Club Popular for its fine dining restaurant, tennis courts, pool, card rooms, and banquet hall, Harrison Lake Country Club's main claim to fame is its classic 18-hole course. You'll swing over level terrain and mild inclines with terrific views of the lakeside and forested hills. Before or after the game make sure to stop by the pro shop, which provides various helpful services to members. The country club also holds private golf lessons by Nodjya Cook, a PGA training professional, and other experts, as well as junior golf camps. Greenbelt Golf Course For players interested in something more casual, Greenbelt is a 9-hole course set in less landscaped and more park-like land with very little incline. Repeat visitors praise Greenbelt for the pace of the game, as no hole is too long or too difficult to find after completing the prior hole. While the course is not difficult, it's a great place for first-timers to get the feel of swinging, putting, and more, or a good place for veterans to play casually with inexperienced friends. Rocky Ford Par 3 Golf Course For those unfamiliar, a par three course is generally less difficult than the typical championship 18-hole course, which has an average par of four when factoring each hole together. Though you'll see the occasional sandtrap and water hazard, you won't lose a ball at Rocky Ford Par 3 if you know what you're doing. However, with tees up to 2,100 yards you can expect a more intermediate challenge compared to Greenbelt. Rocky Ford Par 3 also has an 18-hole foot golf course, an extremely fun game that's just like gold, except with soccer balls, 21-inch cups, and no clubs. If you live in Columbus or are visiting the city soon and would like to play a great game of golf, any of these four places will do the job. Visit each one and you'll see photo-worthy nature and sharpen your skills. Image via Flickr by Krzysztof Urbanowicz used under CC BY 2.0 / cropped from original