Shopping in Columbus

More than 50 years go, Mike Ilitch was poised for major-league glory. An up-and-coming shortstop for the Detroit Tigers, his baseball finesse was blossoming when an injury derailed his sports career. But although the wound stunted his athletic aspirations, it steered him toward a new path, and on May 8, 1959, he and his wife opened the first Little Caesars location, a then-unheard-of carry-out-only joint. The career shift and novel technique eventually proved triumphant. Today, the pizzeria's iconic, toga-clad mascot adorns storefronts on five continents. In each shop, staffers forge the signature Hot-N-Ready pizza, a freshly baked pizza designed for instant pickup, and warm, garlicky Crazy bread. With a storied half century under their belt, Mike Ilitch and his family strive to give back, supporting local organizations and creating their own charitable programs.

Ladybug Farm’s equestrians, with more than 50 years of experience, impart their knowledge of equines on willing participants during one-hour horse-handling lessons on scenic farmscapes. During all semiprivate sessions, students learn basic skills and horse care, including how to tack and groom a mount and how to play one-on-one basketball games of H-U-M-A-N with their sanguine steed. Trainers work with riders aged 4 and older at their farm, which also houses a tack and supply store stocked with designer horse seats styled by Dakota Saddlery, 1849 Ranchwear, Saddle King, and more.

GNC's opulent aisles display a wide variety of vitamin and mineral and herbal supplements, as well as sports nutrition, diet, energy, bodycare, and other health products. The Mega Men Sport multivitamin ($19.99 for 90 caplets) supports muscle recovery and energy levels and aids speedy male metabolisms without dangling steaks in front of their treadmills. Fuel feats of female strength with the Women's Ultra Mega Active multivitamin ($19.99 for 90 caplets). Two pounds of Pro Performance 100% whey protein ($37.99) distract taste buds with the flavor of chocolate, vanilla, or strawberry and smuggle 20 grams of high-quality protein into the body in each scoop. Promote healthy bones with a calcium supplement, such as coral calcium ($21.99 for 180 capsules) sustainably harvested from the Okinawa sea to provide a healthy two-to-one ratio of calcium and magnesium.

Though their goal is bronze skin, the staffers at Crimson Pride & Tanning always has crimson in their hearts. In addition to all manner of tanning musts, the shop offers a selection of houndstooth handbags and Crimson Tide merchandise, including T-shirts and houndstooth jewelry. Once shoppers are stocked up on their fanwear, they can jump into a tanning bed to get a full-body UV tan.

Tuscaloosa Flower Shoppe's skillful florists pick, pluck, and primp a variety of blossoms to craft unique floral arrangements inspired by modern design. The white daisies, chrysanthemums, carnations, and roses of the Hugs and Kisses bouquet serve as a heartwarming apology ($34.95), and a ribbon-accented trio of red roses broadcasts its coordinates to a trigger-happy Cupid ($24.99). Customers can surprise friends, lovers, and cage-fighting opponents with other artful, decorative arrangements such as the Garden in Glass, a cylindrical vase that houses the verdant grace of ivy, arrowheads, and a snake plant ($39.95). Like a ray of sunlight reflecting off a chandelier of gold watches, a yellow flower basket illuminates rooms with alstroemeria, chrysanthemums, and roses snuggled in a round wicker basket ($41.95).