<h2>Yearly Favorites</h2>
<p style="font-weight: 400;"><a href="https://www.columbuszoo.org/home/visit/plan-your-visit/event-calendar#b451d732-bd2f-67d7-bdc2-ff0000bf4b43"><strong>Wildlights:</strong></a> Have you truly celebrated the holiday season if you haven’t gone to Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium? There are thousands of sparkling lights to enjoy and several animated displays, too. Ride on the Polar Bear Express, visit Santa and take a spin on the carousel.</p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;"><a href="https://www.fpconservatory.org/exhibitions/conservatory-aglow/"><strong>Conservatory Aglow:</strong></a> Enjoy holiday horticulture at the Franklin Park Conservatory through January 9th. Make your way through the dazzling light tunnel, wander amongst the lighted animal topiaries and explore a starry wonderland in the Bonsai Courtyard. There’s also live entertainment and refreshments.</p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;"><a href="https://columbuscommons.org/events/holiday-lights/"><strong>Holiday Lights at Columbus Commons:</strong></a> Through January 2nd, the Columbus Commons will be lit from dusk to 11 p.m. with more than 400,000 lights. The display is free to the public and features roaming musicians throughout the grounds. There’s also free hot chocolate and carousel rides on Fridays from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.</p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;"><a href="https://cliftonmill.com/christmas/"><strong>Clifton Mill:</strong></a> There’s a reason these holiday lights are considered “legendary.” The displays include an illuminated mill, gorge, bridges and a 100-foot waterfall of lights. You can also watch Santa at work in his shop and see him go up the chimney every 15 minutes.</p>
<h2>Outdoor Experiences</h2>
<p style="font-weight: 400;"><a href="http://www.segawaytoursofcolumbus.com/index.php/holiday-lights-tour"><strong>SegAway Tours:</strong></a> The Scioto Greenways are lined with lights, and you can enjoy them as you cruise on a Segway. Featured attractions include the Union Train Station Arch, the Arena District and Bicentennial Park. Tours start at 6 p.m. and 8:15 p.m. and last for 90 minutes.</p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;"><a href="https://www.sciotomile.com/holiday-lights/"><strong>Holiday Lights at Scioto Mile:</strong></a> On a budget, but still want to enjoy some holiday lights? The Scioto Mile lights are free and are lit from dusk until dawn through January 3rd.</p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;"><a href="https://kingwoodcenter.org/events/2021-christmas-at-kingwood"><strong>Christmas at Kingwood:</strong></a> Come to Kingwood Hall and explore the Trail of Lights and community tree walk. The festivities will run Tuesday through Sunday from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. until December 30th, except Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Santa’s reindeer will pay a visit on December 11th and 12th, and Just Jazz Live will perform on December 23rd in the King Ballroom.</p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;"><a href="https://eastontowncenter.com/"><strong>Holiday Lights at Easton:</strong></a> The Easton Town Center is once again aglow with two million lights and a 56-foot animated Christmas tree. Snap a photo with Santa or take a carriage ride through the North District and Fenlon Square.</p>
<h2>Drive-Thru Light Displays</h2>
<p style="font-weight: 400;"><a href="https://butchbandosfantasyoflights.com/"><strong>Butch Bando’s Fantasy of Lights:</strong></a> This holiday staple has lit the Alum Creek State Park Campgrounds for more than 20 years. Join the fun 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.</p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;"><a href="https://flyinghorsefarms.org/events/light-up-camp/"><strong>Flying Horse Farms:</strong></a> This half-mile drive will take you around decorated buildings and animated light shows. The drive is free to the public, but donations are accepted. The show is open Fridays and Saturdays from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Sundays from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. until December 26th.</p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;"><a href="https://ldplights.com/"><strong>Lucy Depp Park Light Show:</strong></a> This show covers seven acres and includes six houses decked with holiday lights. Trees and bushes are covered in more than 45,000 bulbs, and each display is independently controlled. The show starts at dusk and runs until 10 p.m., Sunday through Thursday, and until 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.</p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;"><a href="https://lightsofglenross.wixsite.com/website"><strong>Lights of Glenross:</strong></a> Explore the Glenross neighborhood, where more than 300 houses are covered in lights that are choreographed to some of your favorite Christmas music on 94.1 FM. There’s also an online scavenger hunt so you can search for some of the most unique displays during your adventure.</p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;"><a href="https://www.magicallightsofwinter.com/?fbclid=IwAR2EukAeVu4sPDJKvJmfH4lPVd3U6ww_s_DhbSPP2HSiMTIUGqAIu5JMtQQ"><strong>Magical Lights of Winter:</strong></a> The National Raceway in Hebron, Ohio is transformed into a glowing wonderland during this time of year. The drive-thru display is open Monday through Thursday from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Friday through Sunday from 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online.</p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;">Come home for the holidays at Ardent Communities. View our <a href="/apartments/">apartment locations</a> and <a href="/about-our-company/contact-us/">contact us</a> online to schedule a tour.</p>


Columbus Holiday Displays That Light Up the Night

<p>So, we compiled these tips to help make your experience a good one.</p>
<h2>Define Your Wants and Needs</h2>
<p>What are some features your first apartment must have, and what can you live without? Creating a list will give you a clearer picture of what you’re looking for in an apartment and help you narrow your search.</p>
<p>Here are some questions to consider:</p>
<ul>
<li>Which amenities do you need to feel comfortable? Do you want to live in a community with a pool or <a href="/about-our-company/blog/practice-proper-fitness-center-etiquette/">fitness center</a>?</li>
<li>Do you prefer surface or covered parking?</li>
<li>Has the unit you’re considering been renovated recently?</li>
<li>Are there new appliances?</li>
<li>Does the apartment include a washer and dryer?</li>
</ul>
<h2>Scope the Perfect Location</h2>
<p>The location of an apartment often affects its cost, as well as your access to stores, restaurants and entertainment. If you have a vehicle, consider your travel time to and from work or school. You’ll have fewer apartment options if you need to be near public transit.</p>
<p>Find out what the community is like around your apartment. What public amenities are nearby? Would you feel safe and at home in your new neighborhood?</p>
<h2>Consider Your Expenses</h2>
<p>Rent is likely going to be the most influential factor in your search for an apartment. A good rule of thumb is to spend no more than 30% of your total budget on rent.</p>
<p>Other costs include:</p>
<ul>
<li>Utilities such as water, electricity, gas, trash removal</li>
<li>Internet</li>
<li>Application fees</li>
<li>Security deposit</li>
<li><a href="/about-our-company/blog/busting-myths-about-renters-insurance/">Renters insurance</a></li>
<li>Groceries</li>
<li><a href="/about-our-company/blog/five-tips-to-save-on-moving-expenses/">Moving expenses</a></li>
</ul>
<p>You should also try to save extra money to prepare for unexpected costs like car repairs and medical bills.</p>
<h2>Decide if You Want a Roommate</h2>
<p>Taking in a roommate will offset your total cost of living by splitting your rent and utility expenses in half. It’s essential to select someone you can rely on to pay their share; someone who’s also compatible with your lifestyle to ensure you’re both happy in your living space.</p>
<p>Some questions to ask your potential roommate:</p>
<ul>
<li>Do you have pets?</li>
<li>How often will you have guests?</li>
<li>Do you like hosting parties?</li>
<li>How will you handle household chores and maintenance?</li>
<li>Do you have a steady source of income?</li>
<li>Do you want your name on the lease or utilities?</li>
</ul>
<h2>Schedule a Tour</h2>
<p>Walking through your potential first apartment will give you a sense of the community’s layout and atmosphere that online images can’t. Visiting an apartment complex also allows you to check out the onsite amenities and surrounding neighborhood.</p>
<p>When it’s time to talk with the leasing agent or property manager, come prepared with a list of questions. Review the lease agreement as well to clarify terminology and clauses.</p>
<p>Ardent Communities has more than 20 apartment and townhouse complexes located around Columbus, Ohio. <a href="/about-our-company/contact-us/">Contact us</a> online for more information and <a href="https://ardentcommunities.appfolio.com/listings/listings">apply online</a> today.</p>


A couple being shown an apartment kitchen by a leasing agent.

Looking for Your First Apartment? Here’s What To Do

<h2>Family-Friendly Halloween Activities</h2>
<p style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>Apples and pumpkins:</strong> It wouldn’t be a true Midwestern fall without a trip to an apple orchard or pumpkin patch. <a href="https://lyndfruitfarm.com/">Lynd Fruit Farm</a> is bursting with activity, including a corn maze, market, orchards and apple cannons. In Grove City, you’ll find <a href="http://www.circlesfarm.com/">Circle S Farms</a>, where you can pick pumpkins and sunflowers and tour the farm. And <a href="https://www.leedsfarm.com/">Leeds Farm</a> offers hayrides, racer slides, pedal carts and mini zip lines.</p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>Nature walks:</strong> What better way to celebrate the season than to get outside and experience fall firsthand? Columbus is full of <a href="https://www.metroparks.net/">metro parks</a>, nature reserves and walking trails. There is also a <a href="https://www.mazeandberries.com/">corn maze at Little Darby Creek</a>.</p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;"><a href="https://columbuszoo.org/home/visit/plan-your-visit/event-calendar#11f0d932-bd2f-67d7-bdc2-ff0000bf4b43"><strong>Boo at the Zoo:</strong></a> The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is hosting five weekends of “merry-not-scary” fun. Guests 13 and younger are welcome to wear costumes. There will be musical entertainment, animal training exhibitions, pumpkin carving and carousel rides.</p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;"><a href="https://www.fpconservatory.org/exhibitions/pumpkins-aglow/"><strong>Pumpkins Aglow:</strong></a> Explore the autumn ambiance of the Franklin Park Conservatory at Pumpkins Aglow. The evening events are open for select dates from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. There will be LED light dancers, a fortune teller, enchanting Halloween displays and a glass pumpkin patch.</p>
<h2>Fall Festivals</h2>
<p style="font-weight: 400;"><a href="https://www.hauntedfest.com/"><strong>Haunted Fest:</strong></a> Are you looking for live music in a spooky setting? Then Columbus’ Haunted Fest is the place for you. The music event is packed with amazing performers. Check out the lineup of artists.</p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;"><a href="http://www.columbusitalianfestival.com/"><strong>The Columbus Italian Festival:</strong></a> Get a taste of Italy in Columbus. The Italian Festival will have cooking demonstrations and tastings, cultural events and a bocce ball competition.</p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;"><a href="https://www.donutandbeerfest.com/"><strong>Donut &amp; Beer Festival:</strong></a> Attend one of the tastiest festivals in Columbus. Eat sweet concoctions while you sip hearty brews. Purchase food and drink tickets online or at the venue.</p>
<h2>Haunted Attractions</h2>
<p style="font-weight: 400;"><a href="https://carnagehaunt.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Carnage Haunted House:</strong></a> This immersive experience brings fright night to a whole new level. Navigate the treacherous maze of The Bayou and face off with voodoo priestess Angelique Savoy. Purchase VIP passes to get into the attraction faster.</p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;"><a href="http://www.deadacres.com/"><strong>Haunted Hoochie:</strong></a> The world’s “most extreme haunted house” is open Thursdays through Saturdays until the end of October. This haunted house is not for the faint of heart and includes intense, violent horror, which may not be appropriate for younger audiences.</p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;"><a href="https://www.bloodprison.com/"><strong>Blood Prison:</strong></a> Head to the state’s most haunted prison, The Ohio State Reformatory, for a terrifying night of scares. This scare-fest is open Friday through Sunday. The gates open at 6 p.m.</p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;"><a href="https://www.pataskalahauntedforest.com/"><strong>Pataskala Haunted Forest:</strong></a> If a haunted house isn’t the place for you, then head to the family-friendly Pataskala Haunted Forest. For more than 30 years, ghouls, ghosts and the undead have haunted this spooky outdoor attraction.</p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/thetrailofnightmares"><strong>The Trail of Nightmares:</strong></a> These haunted woods are in Ontario, Ohio and were voted Top-Rated Haunted Attraction by Scare Factor. The Trail of Nightmares is open through October on Fridays and Saturdays from dark to midnight.</p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;">Whether you want fall entertainment or a cozy evening at home, Ardent Communities can provide comfort in convenient locations around Columbus. Call <a href="tel://614-896-7368/">614-253-7368</a> or <a href="/about-our-company/contact-us/">contact us</a> online for more information.</p>


Terrifyingly Good Halloween Fun Around Columbus

<p>Here are some popular food trucks that you may find near Ardent Communities:</p>
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<p><a href="https://streetfoodfinder.com/FancyFeedingYou"><b>Fancy Feeding You:</b></a> If you enjoy fresh sandwiches and salads made from scratch, then Fancy Feeding You is the food truck you’ll want to visit. Their fare includes steak, veggie and chicken BLT sandwiches, street corn and bacon-wrapped jalapeno poppers.</p>
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<p><a href="https://www.kona-ice.com/"><b>Kona Ice:</b></a> Are you looking for a sweet treat you can customize to your liking? Then Kona Ice is for you. The shave ice flavors include Island Rush, Lucky Lime, Monster Mango, Pina Colada and Strawberry’d Treasure.</p>
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<p><a href="https://streetfoodfinder.com/HotMess"><b>Hot Mess Food Truck:</b></a> There are plenty of mouth-watering burgers to choose from at the Hot Mess Food Truck. Their deluxe options include a double bacon bourbon burger, a spicy ‘shroom burger and the “Big Mick.” They also sell fried bologna sandwiches, pulled pork and grilled cheese.</p>
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<p><a href="https://places.singleplatform.com/los-agavez-taqueria/menu?ref=Microsoft"><b>Los Agavez Taqueria:</b></a> This family-owned food truck is all about authentic Mexican cuisine. Their menu includes a variety of tacos, burritos, tortas and alambre.</p>
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<p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aloha.aina614/"><b>Aloha Aina:</b></a> You’ll find refreshing Hawaiian food at Aloha Aina. Their rice bowls include your choice of grilled chicken, tofu or pork and fresh ingredients such as pineapple, cilantro and pickled veggies. The Hawaiian buns are open-faced sandwiches that come with a variety of toppings.</p>
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<p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/thetastygood/"><b>The Tasty Good:</b></a> These foodies are all about fried and crunchy chicken fingers. Enjoy finger bowls that include chopped chicken fingers, mac and cheese and scallions topped with your choice of sauce. They also offer sandwiches and salads.</p>
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<p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/ajsbirriatacos/"><b>AJ’s Birria Tacos:</b></a> This food truck supplies a variety of fresh taco fixings, as well as burritos, quesadillas, nachos, tortas and birria – a type of traditional stew. They also dabble in unique concoctions like birria grilled cheese and ramen noodles.</p>
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<p><a href="https://www.cousinsmainelobster.com/locations/columbus-oh/"><b>Cousins Maine Lobster:</b></a> Get a taste of Maine in the heart of Ohio. The Cousins Maine Lobster food truck focuses on all things seafood. Their menu includes lobster tails, tacos, quesadillas and grilled cheese. They also offer lobster bisque and New England clam chowder.</p>
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<p><a href="https://www.rayrayshogpit.com/hog-pit"><b>Ray Ray’s Hog Pit:</b></a> If you want dry-rubbed, slow-cooked barbeque, then look no further. Ray Ray’s Hog Pit food truck smokes all their pork, beef and chicken for 12 to 16 hours to create an incredible savory experience. Their cuisine includes ribs, pulled pork sandwiches, beef brisket, baked beans, coleslaw and cheesy potatoes.</p>
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<p>Ardent Communities has various locations around Columbus, Ohio, providing you with convenient access to different restaurants, food trucks and other fares. <a href="/about-our-company/contact-us/">Connect with us</a> to find a location near you and schedule a tour.</p>


A light blue food truck parked on a city street

Find Sweet and Savory Cuisine at Ardent Communities

<p>While you don’t own your apartment, you are responsible for its care and maintenance. So why do less than 50% of tenants purchase renters insurance? There are several common misconceptions that discourage people from investing in this type of coverage.</p>
<h2>Myth #1: I Don’t Own Any Valuables</h2>
<p>Family heirlooms and diamonds aren’t the only items you should consider valuable. Take stock of your possessions, including your clothes, shoes, furniture, electronics and appliances. Those items can easily add up to thousands of dollars. So, ask yourself: do you have the funds to replace those things if they were destroyed or stolen?</p>
<h2>Myth #2: My Landlord’s Insurance Will Cover My Losses</h2>
<p>Your landlord’s insurance accounts for structural and property damages, not your personal belongings. Any possessions lost, stolen or damaged will be your responsibility to replace. And more landlords and property managers now require tenants to have renters insurance to protect themselves from personal losses.</p>
<h2>Myth #3: Renters Insurance Only Covers My Belongings</h2>
<p>That is probably one of the biggest misconceptions about renters insurance. While an insurance policy does cover the cost of replacing your items, it can also pay for several other important expenses.</p>
<p><b>Financial protection:</b> Renters insurance protects your finances from a lawsuit if someone is injured in your home or you accidentally injure someone outside your apartment. The liability coverage will pay for court and legal expenses up to your policy’s limit.</p>
<p><b>Alternative living expenses:</b> Let’s say a fire destroys your apartment. Where are you going to stay, and how will you pay for the cost of living elsewhere? Renters insurance can finance alternate accommodations until your apartment is repaired. Those expenses may include hotel stays, food and transportation.</p>
<p><b>Items outside your apartment:</b> Your insurance extends coverage to your belongings even when they’re not in your apartment. Items like jewelry, luggage and electronics are usually covered if they’ve been damaged by aircraft, vehicles, fire, smoke, water or vandalism.</p>
<h2>Myth #4: Renters Insurance is Expensive</h2>
<p>The average renters insurance policy can cost between $150 to $250 per year. At its most expensive, that’s about $21 a month.</p>
<p>The cost is determined by:</p>
<ul>
<li>The amount of coverage you require</li>
<li>Your type of coverage</li>
<li>The amount of your deductible</li>
<li>Where you live</li>
</ul>
<p>Some insurance companies also offer discounts if you bundle your renters insurance with other policies, such as automotive or motorcycle insurance.</p>
<p><a href="https://ardentdata.wpenginepowered.com/about-our-company/contact-us/">Contact Ardent Communities</a> or call <a href="tel://614-253-7368/">614-253-7368</a> to learn about our renters insurance policy and schedule a tour at one of our outstanding Columbus communities.</p>


Our Blog

Columbus Holiday Displays That Light Up the Night

Looking for Your First Apartment? Here’s What To Do

Terrifyingly Good Halloween Fun Around Columbus

Find Sweet and Savory Cuisine at Ardent Communities

Busting Myths About Renters Insurance

The Comfort of Home is Here. Find Your Fit!