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<p>In this article, we’ll explore the most innovative and efficient gadgets that will help you streamline your daily routine, save energy and enhance the overall ambiance of your apartment. From smart thermostats that learn your preferences to voice-activated assistants, smart lighting systems and advanced security devices, these cutting-edge technologies are now more accessible and affordable than ever. Whether you’re a tech-savvy homeowner or a renter looking to elevate your living space, smart home devices offer a plethora of benefits that cater to various lifestyles and budgets.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>What is Smart Home Technology in Apartments?</h2>
<p>Smart home technology in apartments refers to the integration of advanced electronic devices and systems that automate, control and optimize various aspects of your living space. These intelligent gadgets, connected through Wi-Fi or other communication protocols, allow you to remotely manage and monitor different functions such as lighting, temperature, entertainment and security, enhancing both comfort and convenience.</p>
<p>Smart home technology often integrates seamlessly with voice-activated assistants like Amazon&#8217;s Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple&#8217;s Siri, enabling hands-free control over various devices. This not only adds to the convenience factor but also makes your apartment more accessible for people with disabilities or mobility challenges.</p>
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<h3>The Benefits of Smart Home Technology</h3>
<p>The beauty of smart home technology lies in its adaptability and scalability. Regardless of the size of your apartment, you can effortlessly implement these devices and systems to meet your specific needs. For instance, a small studio apartment can benefit from smart lighting and energy-saving plugs, while larger spaces may require more extensive automation, such as thermostats and advanced security systems.</p>
<p>In essence, smart home technology is all about creating a personalized, efficient and connected living environment that caters to your lifestyle preferences. As technology continues to evolve, the potential for smart home devices to elevate apartment living will only grow, leading to more innovative solutions for everyday challenges.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>#1: Smart Light Bulbs</h2>
<p>Smart light bulbs have taken home lighting to new heights, providing an unparalleled level of control, customization and energy efficiency. These innovative bulbs are designed to connect to your home’s Wi-Fi network or a dedicated smart home hub, allowing you to control them remotely through a smartphone app or even voice commands via digital assistants like Alexa, Google Assistant or Siri.</p>
<p>One of the most significant benefits of smart light bulbs is their energy efficiency. Many of these bulbs use LED technology, consuming significantly less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and lasting up to 25 times longer. Additionally, smart bulbs can be programmed to follow schedules, dim or turn off automatically when not in use, further reducing energy consumption.</p>
<p>Customization is another key advantage of smart light bulbs. They often offer a range of color temperatures and hues, enabling you to create the perfect ambiance for any occasion. Whether you’re setting the mood for a movie night, creating a calming environment for relaxation or simulating natural daylight to boost productivity, smart bulbs give you the power to personalize your lighting experience.</p>
<p>Smart light bulbs can also enhance your home’s security. By simulating occupancy through randomized lighting patterns when you’re away, they can deter potential intruders. They can also integrate seamlessly with other smart home devices like motion sensors or security cameras, providing additional layers of protection.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>#2: Smart Plugs</h2>
<p>Smart plugs are compact, versatile devices that transform ordinary electrical outlets into intelligent, connected power sources. By plugging these ingenious gadgets into your existing outlets and connecting them to your home’s Wi-Fi network or smart home hub, you can remotely control, monitor and schedule the operation of any appliance or electrical device plugged into them, all from your smartphone or through voice commands.</p>
<p>Smart plugs can significantly improve energy efficiency. By monitoring the power consumption of connected devices, they can provide valuable insights into your energy usage patterns, enabling you to optimize consumption and ultimately save on utility bills. You can also set schedules for appliances to operate during off-peak hours, further reducing energy costs.</p>
<p>Convenience is another key benefit of smart plugs. They allow you to control various devices from anywhere with an internet connection, whether you’re in a different room or miles away from home. Forget to switch off the coffee maker? No problem! Simply open the app and turn it off remotely. You can also use smart plugs to create customized routines, automating the operation of multiple devices based on specific triggers, such as time of day or even sunrise/sunset.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>#3: Smart Speaker</h2>
<p>Smart speakers have quickly become a staple in modern homes, offering a seamless combination of voice control, entertainment and connectivity. These innovative devices, such as Amazon Echo, Google Nest and Apple HomePod, are powered by digital assistants like Alexa, Google Assistant or Siri, allowing you to control various aspects of your smart home ecosystem through simple voice commands.</p>
<p>Beyond basic voice control, smart speakers also function as powerful entertainment hubs. They can stream music, podcasts and radio stations from popular services like Spotify, Apple Music and TuneIn, delivering high-quality audio and an immersive listening experience. Many smart speakers can also be synced with additional units, creating a multi-room audio system that fills your entire home with your favorite tunes.</p>
<p>Smart speakers are also designed to be helpful assistants, providing instant access to a wealth of information and services. You can ask for weather updates, news briefings, or even recipes, as well as set timers, reminders and calendar events—all hands-free. This level of convenience is particularly beneficial for busy individuals or those with mobility challenges.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>#4: Smart Cameras</h2>
<p>Smart cameras have revolutionized home security, offering advanced features and real-time monitoring capabilities that provide homeowners and renters with an extra layer of protection and peace of mind. These cutting-edge cameras are designed to connect to your home’s Wi-Fi network or smart home hub, enabling remote access and control via a smartphone app or through voice commands with compatible digital assistants.</p>
<p>One of the key benefits of smart cameras is their ability to provide real-time, high-definition video feeds, allowing you to keep an eye on your property anytime, from anywhere. Many models also offer night vision and wide-angle lenses, ensuring comprehensive coverage of your home’s surroundings, even in low-light conditions.</p>
<p>Advanced motion detection is another notable feature of smart cameras. They can be configured to send instant notifications to your smartphone when motion is detected, so you’re always aware of any unusual activity around your home. Two-way audio is an additional feature found in many smart cameras, allowing you to communicate with visitors or even deter potential intruders by speaking through the camera&#8217;s built-in speaker and microphone. This can be especially useful for interacting with delivery personnel or monitoring the safety of children and pets while you&#8217;re away.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>#5: Smart Air Monitors</h2>
<p>Smart air monitors are innovative devices designed to measure and track the quality of the air within your living spaces, ensuring a healthier and more comfortable environment for you and your loved ones. These advanced monitors are equipped with sensors that can detect various pollutants, allergens, and particles, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), particulate matter (PM), and even humidity and temperature levels.</p>
<p>One of the primary advantages of smart air monitors is their ability to provide real-time feedback on air quality. By connecting to your home&#8217;s Wi-Fi network or smart home hub, these devices can send notifications and updates directly to your smartphone, allowing you to monitor and address any issues as they arise. Many smart air monitors also integrate with digital assistants like Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri, enabling voice control and seamless integration with other smart home devices.</p>
<p>Smart air monitors not only detect issues but can also help you find solutions to improve your indoor air quality. They often offer actionable insights and recommendations, such as increasing ventilation, changing air filters, or using air purifiers to reduce pollutants and allergens.</p>
<p>For those with allergies, asthma, or other respiratory conditions, smart air monitors can be particularly beneficial, as they enable you to proactively manage triggers and create a healthier living environment. Additionally, by monitoring and maintaining optimal humidity and temperature levels, smart air monitors can enhance overall comfort and well-being.</p>
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<h2>#6: Smart Cookers</h2>
<p>Smart cookers are transforming the way we prepare and cook our meals, offering a seamless blend of convenience, precision, and culinary innovation. These advanced appliances, which include smart slow cookers, pressure cookers, and multi-cookers, connect to your home&#8217;s Wi-Fi network or smart home hub, allowing you to control and monitor the cooking process remotely through a smartphone app or voice commands via digital assistants like Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri.</p>
<p>One of the most significant benefits of smart cookers is their ability to save time and effort in the kitchen. With pre-programmed cooking modes and customizable settings, these intelligent devices can automatically adjust temperature, pressure, and cooking time to ensure perfectly cooked meals every time. You can also set and forget your meals, as smart cookers will notify you when your dish is ready or even keep it warm until you&#8217;re ready to serve.</p>
<p>Smart cookers can also help you explore new recipes and cooking techniques. Many come with built-in recipe libraries or can be synced with popular recipe apps, guiding you through the cooking process step-by-step and adjusting settings automatically for optimal results.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>#7: Smart Hub Apps</h2>
<p>Smart hub apps serve as the central command center for managing and controlling your smart home devices, streamlining the user experience and making it easier than ever to create a truly connected living environment. These apps, often developed by smart home hub manufacturers like Samsung SmartThings, Wink, and Hubitat, enable you to control multiple devices from various brands and protocols, all from a single, user-friendly interface.</p>
<p>One of the primary benefits of smart hub apps is their ability to simplify your smart home experience. By consolidating control of various devices into a single app, you can avoid the clutter of multiple apps and enjoy seamless, intuitive navigation. This also makes it easier to set up and manage routines, schedules, and automation, allowing you to create customized smart home experiences tailored to your lifestyle and preferences.</p>
<p>Smart hub apps also enable you to monitor the status of your smart home devices in real-time, providing valuable insights into energy consumption, security, and overall system performance. Additionally, these apps often support remote access, allowing you to manage your smart home from anywhere with an internet connection.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Apartments in Columbus, OH with Smart Home Device Capabilities</h2>
<p>Ardent Communities is setting a new standard for modern living, with our <a href="/apartments/">apartments in Columbus, OH</a> designed to seamlessly integrate smart home technology. By offering a range of smart home device capabilities, our contemporary residences cater to residents seeking comfort, convenience and an elevated lifestyle in the heart of the city.</p>
<p>Each Ardent Communities apartment is pre-wired to support a wide array of smart devices. This infrastructure not only allows residents to create a personalized, connected living space but also enhances energy efficiency, security and accessibility.</p>
<p>Located in the vibrant city of Columbus, Ardent Communities apartments provide easy access to shopping, dining and entertainment options. With our commitment to embracing technology and enhancing the resident experience, Ardent is redefining luxury apartment living in Columbus, Ohio and setting a new benchmark for contemporary urban living.</p>
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A smart plug devices being plugged into an apartment's wall outlet

7 Best Smart Home Devices for Apartments

<h2>1. Spring Clean Your Apartment</h2>
<p><strong>Declutter:</strong> Clear all flat surfaces of paperwork, trash and trinkets that don’t need to be there. <a href="/about-our-company/blog/how-to-declutter-your-apartment/">Decluttering your apartment</a> can make your space feel more open.</p>
<p><strong>Dust:</strong> Get rid of grime on counters, tabletops, shelves, appliances, electronics, light fixtures, air vents, ceiling fans and doorframes.</p>
<p><strong>Wash windows:</strong> Winter weather can take a toll on your windows. Washing the inside and outside windowpanes will let in more bright spring sunlight.</p>
<p><strong>Vacuum soft surfaces:</strong> Rugs, couches, chairs, throw pillows and blankets hold onto dust, dirt and dander, so use a brush attachment to refresh the fabric.</p>
<h2>2. Let in the Light</h2>
<p>Days are getting longer, so use that natural light to your advantage and save on your electric bill. Swap heavy, dark curtains for sheer alternatives that provide privacy without completely blocking the sun. Hang mirrors to reflect more light. Change sterile white lights to softer white bulbs for a more natural glow.</p>
<h2>3. Try Temporary Wallpaper</h2>
<p>Removable wallpaper is a good alternative to painting, especially if your lease doesn’t allow it. Create a feature wall, add a colorful backsplash, line kitchen cabinets or make a unique design behind your headboard.</p>
<h2>4. Showcase Spring-Themed Décor</h2>
<p>Floral artwork, photos and paintings bring spring into your home. Opt for seasonal flowers such as tulips, daffodils and irises. Pastel decorations in shades of pink, yellow, blue, green and purple will also add brightness to your home. Floral and citrus candles support a fresh spring aesthetic.</p>
<h2>5. Bring in Greenery</h2>
<p>Keeping indoor <a href="/about-our-company/blog/want-to-improve-your-health-get-growing/">houseplants can improve your health</a> by filtering the air. Studies also suggest that cultivating plants helps relieve stress and improves productivity. Succulents are easy plants to care for if you’re a new plant parent since they don’t require excessive watering.</p>
<p>Showcase variety in your apartment by putting potted plants in stands, hanging them in baskets and holders and keeping fresh blooms in vases. Faux flowers are another option if you want plants without upkeep.</p>
<h2>6. Be Bold with Patterns</h2>
<p>Exchange rugs, throw pillows and lampshades for seasonal patterns and colors. Try pops of bold prints in small doses or combine multiple patterns in a similar color scheme. Match accent colors to your current theme or use a complementary color for contrast.</p>
<p>Ardent Communities has apartments and townhouses in Columbus, Ohio, with plenty of space for decorations. View our properties and <a href="/apartments/">find your apartment</a>.</p>


Woman with cleaning products spring cleaning her apartment.

6 Ways to Spruce Up Your Apartment for Spring

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<h2><strong>Recipes for Warm Winter Cocktails</strong></h2>
<h3><strong>Hot toddy</strong></h3>
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<p>This classic drink was originally used to cure colds. It includes your choice of whiskey, rum or brandy, lemon, honey or maple syrup and hot water. You can also mix hot toddy ingredients with tea.</p>
<ol>
<li>Mix 1½ ounces of liquor with a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup.</li>
<li>Add ½ cup of hot water.</li>
<li>Squeeze in the juice from a lemon wedge and garnish with a lemon slice, star anise, cinnamon sticks or cloves.</li>
</ol>
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<h3><strong>Spiked apple cider</strong></h3>
<p>You can serve this seasonal treat in apple cups. You’ll need apple cider, whiskey, caramel, your favorite type of apple and cinnamon sticks.</p>
<ol>
<li>Heat a gallon of apple cider, 1½ cups of whiskey, three cinnamon sticks and ½ cup of caramel on the stove or in a Crockpot for one to two hours, stirring occasionally.</li>
<li>Carve out the apples and douse them with lemon juice.</li>
<li>Pour the cider into the apple cups and garnish with more cinnamon sticks.</li>
</ol>
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<h3><strong>Mulled wine</strong></h3>
<p>Warm red wine mixed with savory spices. What’s not to love? Here’s what you’ll need: a bottle of red wine, brandy, an orange, cloves, cinnamon sticks, star anise and honey.</p>
<ol>
<li>Mix the bottle of red wine with ¼ cup of honey and ½ cup of brandy in a pan over medium heat.</li>
<li>Add orange slices, six cloves, three cinnamon sticks and three star anise to the pan.</li>
<li>Bring the mixture to a boil, then simmer for 10 minutes. Garnish with more star anise, cloves or cinnamon sticks.</li>
</ol>
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<h3><strong>Baileys hot chocolate</strong></h3>
<p>Make this chocolaty winter cocktail using instant cocoa or try it from scratch.</p>
<ol>
<li>Mix three tablespoons of cocoa powder with ¼ cup milk and whisk together.</li>
<li>Add another 1¾ cups of milk and mix until smooth.</li>
<li>Whisk in three tablespoons of sugar, ¼ teaspoon of vanilla extract, ¼ cup of semisweet chocolate chips and a pinch of cinnamon.</li>
<li>Cook over medium heat for about two minutes, then add two ounces of Baileys Irish Cream.</li>
<li>Garnish with whipped cream or marshmallows.</li>
</ol>
<h2><strong>Warm Winter Mocktail Recipes</strong></h2>
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<h3><strong>Green tea hot toddy</strong></h3>
<p>Enjoy the soothing warmth of a hot toddy without alcohol. You’ll need your favorite green tea, honey, orange and lemon juices, cloves, nutmeg, star anise, cinnamon sticks and lemon wedges.</p>
<ol>
<li>Mix a teaspoon of honey, two ounces of orange juice, one teaspoon of lemon juice, ⅛ teaspoon of ground cloves and ⅛ teaspoon of ground nutmeg in a glass.</li>
<li>Steep a green tea bag for two to three minutes, then pour over the honey mixture.</li>
<li>Garnish with a cinnamon stick, star anise or lemon wedge.</li>
</ol>
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<h3><strong>Butterbeer</strong></h3>
<p>This one is for Harry Potter fans. You’ll need cream soda, caramel and butter extracts, heavy whipping cream, butterscotch topping and powdered sugar.</p>
<ol>
<li>Whip one cup of heavy whipping cream until it forms stiff peaks.</li>
<li>Mix ¼ teaspoon caramel extract and ¼ teaspoon butter extract with two liters of cream soda. Stir until frothy, but don’t lose the carbonation.</li>
<li>Pour the soda mixture into a glass, top with the whipped cream and garnish with butterscotch topping and powdered sugar.</li>
</ol>
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<h3><strong>Peppermint hot chocolate</strong></h3>
<p>Try this easy spin on a cold-weather winter mocktail classic. Ingredients include water, unsweetened cocoa powder, sugar, milk, peppermint extract, whipped cream and candy canes.</p>
<ol>
<li>Whisk two tablespoons of water, ¾ cup of cocoa powder and ¼ cup of granulated sugar in a pot over low heat until smooth.</li>
<li>Add four cups of milk and stir every twenty minutes until bubbles form.</li>
<li>Turn off the heat and add ½ teaspoon of peppermint extract.</li>
<li>Top drinks with whipped cream and candy canes.</li>
</ol>
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<h3><strong>Mulled cider</strong></h3>
<p>This recipe takes about 25 minutes to make and serves 16 people.</p>
<ol>
<li>Mix a gallon of apple cider, a tablespoon of whole cloves, three cinnamon sticks, a few orange slices and ¼ cup of fresh or frozen cranberries in a pot.</li>
<li>Bring the concoction to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 20 minutes.</li>
<li>Serve in mugs or glasses and garnish with more cranberries, orange slices and cinnamon sticks.</li>
</ol>
<h2><strong>Looking for Apartments in Columbus, OH?</strong></h2>
<p>Ardent Communities has <a href="/apartments/">apartment and townhome communities around Columbus, Ohio</a>. Learn about community amenities and apply for your new home.</p>
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A person wearing winter gloves holding a warm mocktail on a balcony.

Warm Winter Cocktails & Mocktails to Make in Your Apartment

<p>So, how do you decide which is right for you? The answer depends on your budget, space requirements and location preference.</p>
<h2>What You Get When You Rent a House</h2>
<p><strong>Cost:</strong> Renting a house is often more expensive than renting an apartment. Some landlords include certain utilities, while others consider them a separate expense.</p>
<p><strong>Space:</strong> Rental houses offer more square footage and outdoor space. You can enjoy more privacy since you won’t have to consider sharing walls and communal spaces with neighbors.</p>
<p><strong>Parking:</strong> There is no cost for parking if you rent a house, which is helpful <a href="/about-our-company/blog/5-tips-for-creating-a-budget-with-a-roommate/">if you have roommates</a> with multiple vehicles. Rental houses offer driveway, street and garage parking.</p>
<p><strong>Location:</strong> You’re more likely to find rental houses in residential neighborhoods than in the center of a city. That’s beneficial if you prefer to avoid traffic and hustle and bustle.</p>
<p><strong>Maintenance:</strong> Renting a house means you’re responsible for more maintenance. Those tasks could include cutting the grass, raking leaves and weeding flowerbeds. You will need to notify your landlord if you need repairs, which may take time if they have to find a contractor to complete the job.</p>
<p><strong>Pets:</strong> Because rental houses have more space, landlords are usually more lenient regarding pet breeds and sizes.</p>
<h2>Advantages of Renting with Ardent Home &amp; Condo Rentals in Columbus, Ohio</h2>
<p>Ardent Home and Condo Rentals has an array of homes and condos designed to fit your lifestyle needs.</p>
<p>Floor plans range from one- to four-bedroom ranches, free-standing and carriage-style homes and condos.</p>
<p>Each rental has a property management team readily available to address your needs and maintenance requests.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.ardenthomeandcondorentals.com/availability">Our locations</a> are situated around central Ohio. Narrow your search for your future home and schedule a tour by calling <a href="tel: +16149898917">614-989-8917</a>.</p>
<h2>What to Expect When Renting an Apartment</h2>
<p><strong>Cost:</strong> Renting an apartment is typically more cost-effective than renting a house, and some utilities may be included in your rent. Apartments are also less expensive than most rental houses due to their smaller size.</p>
<p><strong>Space:</strong> Apartments generally have less square footage than rental houses. However, modern apartment designs offer spacious floor plans for single tenants and roommates.</p>
<p><strong>Parking:</strong> Apartment communities provide covered or uncovered parking spots, while others have garage spaces. Properties are monitored, so parking is more secure than leaving your vehicle on the street.</p>
<p><strong>Location:</strong> If you want to live closer to shops, restaurants and entertainment, renting an apartment might be a better option. Apartment communities are often closer to cities than residential housing, providing easier access to transportation, jobs and recreation.</p>
<p><strong>Maintenance:</strong> When renting an apartment, you also have access to onsite property maintenance technicians who can address emergency repairs. Those employees also tend to lawn care, snow shoveling and facility maintenance.</p>
<p><strong>Amenities:</strong> Apartment amenities are usually available at no additional cost. Those features could include a swimming pool, a fitness center, an outdoor entertainment area, a clubhouse, laundry rooms and workstations. And taking advantage of those amenities can save money on membership and gym fees.</p>
<p><strong>Pets:</strong> If you rent an apartment, you may be limited on the kind of pet you keep and will likely pay a pet fee. However, it’s common for apartment communities to have pet parks or other designated areas for animals.</p>
<h2>The Advantages of Renting from Ardent Communities</h2>
<p>Ardent Communities has a home for you if you’re looking for apartments or townhomes near Columbus, Ohio.</p>
<p>Our apartment floor plans range from single to triple bedrooms. Townhomes have two bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms with plenty of space for multiple tenants.</p>
<p>Each community has <a href="/about-our-company/blog/4-reasons-to-find-an-apartment-community-with-onsite-management/">onsite property management</a> readily available to address your needs. Most of our apartment communities have resort-style swimming pools, outdoor firepits and cooking areas, 24-hour fitness centers and cyber stations.</p>
<p>And if you want to <a href="/about-our-company/blog/new-to-columbus-check-out-these-local-attractions/">explore your neighborhood</a>, our locations are situated near downtown Columbus,  so you’re within minutes of entertainment and local hotspots.</p>
<p>Interested in applying for an apartment or townhome? <a href="/about-our-company/contact-us/">Connect with us</a> online for application information.</p>


Should I Rent a House or An Apartment?

<h2>Conservatory Aglow</h2>
<p>Step into a festive winter wonderland at <a href="https://www.fpconservatory.org/">Franklin Park Conservatory</a>. The outdoor gardens glow with gorgeous, themed light displays, including a rainbow light tunnel, larger-than-life ornament trees and a gingerbread house. Head inside to see illuminated glass installations by Dale Chihuly while you listen to music and sip refreshments.</p>
<h2>Wildlights</h2>
<p>Enjoy one of Central Ohio’s treasured traditions. The holiday season comes to life with millions of LED lights, musical light shows and yuletide festivities at the <a href="https://columbuszoo.org/home">Columbus Zoo and Aquarium</a>. Ride on the Polar Bear Express, visit Santa and take a spin on the carousel.</p>
<h2>Butch Bando’s Fantasy of Lights</h2>
<p>This three-mile drive-through light show has been lighting up Alum Creek State Park Campground for more than 20 years. <a href="https://butchbandosfantasyoflights.com/">Butch Bando’s light display</a> is open Sunday through Thursday, from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. The light shows are choreographed to a radio station so you can enjoy an immersive experience.</p>
<h2>Holiday Bricktacular</h2>
<p>Even <a href="https://www.legolanddiscoverycenter.com/columbus/">LEGOLAND Discovery Center Columbus</a> is celebrating the most wonderful time of the. Try your hand at holiday-themed games and activities, visit LEGO Santa and the Gingerbread Man and find hidden candy canes to unlock special prizes.</p>
<h2>The Nutcracker</h2>
<p>The holiday classic returns to the Ohio Theatre. The <a href="https://www.balletmet.org/performances/the-nutcracker/">Balletmet</a> troupe brings Clara, the Nutcracker Prince and the Mouse King to life in a fantastical display of dance, music and magic. The show runs on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays through Christmas Eve.</p>
<h2>Winter Art Breaks</h2>
<p>The <a href="https://www.columbusmuseum.org/">Columbus Museum of Art</a> hosts family-friendly seasonal crafting sessions through the end of December. Activities last from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and are included with the cost of admission.</p>
<h2>Mad River Mountain and Snow Trails</h2>
<p>Downhill skiers, snowboarders and snow tubers will find plenty of fresh powder at <a href="https://www.skimadriver.com/">Mad River Mountain</a>. The resort is just an hour outside Columbus and has 20 trails of varying difficulty. <a href="https://www.snowtrails.com/">Snow Trails</a> ski resort has 17 trails with several runs for beginners.</p>
<h2>Franklin County Metro Parks</h2>
<p>Enjoy outdoor <a href="https://www.metroparks.net/programs-and-activities/park-activities/">winter activities</a> closer to home at one of Columbus’s 20 natural area parks.</p>
<p>Cross-country skiing:</p>
<ul>
<li>Battelle Darby Creek</li>
<li>Blendon Woods</li>
<li>Glacier Ridge</li>
<li>Highbanks</li>
<li>Prairie Oaks</li>
</ul>
<p>Ice skating:</p>
<ul>
<li>Battelle Darby Creek</li>
<li>Blendon Woods</li>
</ul>
<p>Sledding:</p>
<ul>
<li>Battelle Darby Creek</li>
<li>Blacklick Woods</li>
<li>Highbanks</li>
<li>Scioto Audubon</li>
<li>Scioto Grove</li>
<li>Sharon Woods</li>
<li>Walnut Woods</li>
</ul>
<p>Find your home at Ardent Communities. <a href="/about-our-company/contact-us/">Connect with us</a> to learn about our apartments and townhomes.</p>


Our Blog

7 Best Smart Home Devices for Apartments

6 Ways to Spruce Up Your Apartment for Spring

Warm Winter Cocktails & Mocktails to Make in Your Apartment

Should I Rent a House or An Apartment?

A Winter Wonderland: Seasonal Activities Around Columbus

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