Go to Cinevent!

Cinevent is fast approaching (May 22-25), and pre-registered attendees are getting excited. For those of you who are not regular patrons or are on the fence about attending, let me sway you.

If you're a fan of classic movies, and if you've been watching them so long you've seen all of the standards or if you just like to check out new things, this is the perfect convention. The film program boasts 16mm film, which is an experience in itself, and an addictive one if you've never had it before. Unlike revivals, like CAPA's excellent Summer Movie Series at the Ohio Theatre, these are obscure movies which are not available on DVD, but which feature recognizable stars. If you only know Lon Chaney from his monster characters, now you can see him play Fagin in Oliver Twist accompanied live on the piano. If you've only ever seen Zita Johann in The Mummy, now you can see her with George Brent in Luxury Liner. If you've seen Larry Parks play Jolson a hundred times, why not check him out as a swashbuckler in The Gallant Blade?

Additionally, you can shop til you drop in the massive dealer's room. Vendors offer items in all price ranges from $1 up to a few thousand for film prints, original lobby cards, posters, movie stills, press books, vintage magazines, books, DVDs and videos, records, autographs and other various movie memorabilia.

One of the biggest drawbacks to watching these niche films at home is the lack of interpersonal interaction. Cinevent offers not only movies but conversation about them. And these people are knowledgeable film fanatics who just may be able to teach you a thing or two and turn you on to new things. In terms of the social component, there is no equal outside of conventions. Where else will you find a gathering this large in person?

Columbus has a lot to offer visitors in addition to Cinevent. The more I've traveled and visited other cities, the more I've appreciated where I was born and raised.

Places to Go:

• The Ohio Historical Center
  This museum may be of particular interest to Cinevent attendees because of its exhibit on 1950s living which includes an entire Lustron home that visitors can explore. The Ohio Village opens Memorial Day and is a recreation of a real Ohio town in the 1860s.
• Wexner Center
  Ohio State's art center screens a classic in conjunction with Cinevent annually. This year's offering is From Mayerling to Sarajevo, the love story of the Archduke Ferdinand and Czech Countess Sophie Chotek.
• Columbus Museum of Art
  The art museum hosts everything from old masters like Picasso and Monet to modern art. There are currently exhibits on nurses in art, a photographic tribute to Marvin Hamlisch, and fabric art by Esther Nisenthal Krinitz. Admission is free on Sundays.
• Franklin Park Conservatory
  If you're itching to be outside after a long day of watching movies, check out this beautiful garden oasis. In the spring, butterflies are put on display and released daily.
• Columbus Zoo
  Often heralded as one of the best zoos in the country, our zoo features a large variety of animals sectioned off by continent, including the new Africa exhibit featuring giraffes.
• Near East Side, German Village & Victorian Village
  If you're a fan of 100+ year-old architecture, you will want to drive through these historic neighborhoods to see how many beautiful buildings have been restored and preserved as residences in Columbus. It is a free feast for the eyes.

Places to Eat:

• The Top
  This steakhouse has been in operation for 60 years and its swanky vintage vibe makes it a unique and memorable place to eat if you're willing to pay a bit more than you would at a chain. Pair your classic movies with a classic and delicious steak dinner.
• Hickory House
  If you're particularly hungry, look no further than the Hickory House's combination dinners where you can choose between ribs, steak, chicken and shrimp in addition to large potatoes, salad, and dinner rolls.
• La Chatelaine
  In search of something rich, hearty and flavorful? Check out this great French bakery/restaurant for anything from dinner, a quick bite to eat or just dessert. The biscuits are so flaky, you'll be addicted with just one bite.
• Schmidt's 
  This sausage restaurant in the heart of German Village has been running for more than a century and was featured on Man Vs. Food. The bahama mama sausage is so popular it is sold in local grocery store.
• Akai Hana
  This Japanese restaurant is so authentic, half of the menu is in characters. For fresh sushi, delicious appetizers or unique hot entrees, you can't go wrong here, and the staff is very friendly.
• Ange's Pizza (& other locations)
  While some people flock to Massey's or Donato's or Plank's when they're in Columbus, I choose Ange's every time. If you like good, local, greasy thin crust pizza that doesn't cost an arm and a leg, you can't go wrong here.
• Jeni's Ice Cream
  This unusual and locally sourced ice cream shop will be re-opened in time for Cinevent, which is great if you want to try something different like Goat Cheese and Red Cherries or Wildberry Lavender or Salty Caramel.
• Graeter's 
  Do you ever wish you could visit an old-fashioned soda fountain? Greater's offers a variety of rich, traditional ice cream flavors, but you could have them made into ice cream sodas or sundaes. Or try a phosphate soda. Their spring flavors (strawberry chip and bourbon pecan chip) are especially good.

If you're unable to get away from downtown, the hotel's restaurant Latitude 41 features a somewhat unique but satisfying variety of meals. Tip Top is within walking distance and features a large ornate bar and good lunch options. The Elevator is a historical restaurant a few blocks away and is worth checking out.

Still not sure if you want to come out? Message me! I'll convince you.