Things to Do in Newark

Brady Konya and Ryan Lang aren't from Ohio, but they loved the area for its business-friendly community and rich natural resources, and decided Columbus was where they had to build their distillery. The duo's passion for the Midwest colors everything about Middle West Spirits, from the name down to the Ohio-grown soft red winter wheat in their whiskey and award-winning vodka, which they also infuse with honey and vanilla beans or stone fruit. Inside the distillery, which sprawls over 3,200 square feet of open air, Brady and Ryan craft these artisan OYO spirits—named after the original word for the Ohio River Valley, pronounced o-y-o_—in 600-liter pot-and-column stills. Hand-built onsite by German craftsmen using copper, stainless steel, and bits of Saturn's rings, these stills earned Middle West Spirits a place on _Popular Mechanics' 5 of the World's Most-High-Tech Distilleries list.

When the morning fog clears, a bridge fashioned out of five rustic corncribs appears to pay homage to EagleSticks Golf Club's roots. Originally used to feed the horses that grazed on the erstwhile farm, the wood from the corncribs now arches over a creek that splits the fairway on the 11th hole—a 591-yard par 5 dubbed the course's signature attraction for its bending fairway, elevated tee box, and visible ties to a bucolic past. Designed by renowned Ohio architect Dr. Michael Hurdzan, the 6,508-yard course challenges golfers with constant elevation changes—some of which exceed 100 feet—that demand accuracy, sound course management, and the ability to activate the cart's hang-gliding wings. Throughout the round, bentgrass fairways and greens present a much more hospitable landing place than the course's thick, bluegrass rough. At various hillcrests and elevated tees, players can take in a full view of the course's scenery, which includes several waterfalls and woodlands populated by oak, maple, ash, locust, and cherry trees ripe for the hugging.

After a day on the links, golfers can gather at Mac's Sports Bar to quiet rumbling bellies with a menu of classic American food such as burgers, sandwiches, and pizza. Guests can unwind in Mac's dining room—which features eight televisions, an open-beam ceiling, and other contemporary touches—or at the adjoining patio, which attracts summertime breezes and ghostly golf balls trying to reconnect with their long-lost owner.

Course at a Glance:

• Designed by Dr. Michael Hurdzan

• 18-hole, par 70 course

• Length of 6,508 yards from the farthest tees

• Bentgrass fairways and greens, bluegrass rough

• Scorecard

In 2011, USGTF–certified instructor John Ubbing established indoor golf studio Columbus Golf Academy to spread swing-honing wisdom to eager pupils year round. An active coach at the middle- and high-school levels for the past 15 years, the passionate teacher has earned District and Regional Coach of the Year honors for his work at the varsity level and for once saving a community from a rogue golf cart. As clients pummel golf balls inside the Academy’s indoor hitting bay, John imparts corrective advice with a keen eye for each player's individual skills and physical capabilities. After lessons, clients depart with a better understanding of their swing and with drills such as putting exercises to further drive home new concepts or with strategies for improving unruly nine irons’ course etiquette.

Upon crossing the threshold at United Skates of America, a barrage of shimmering lights and colors assault the senses. A disco ball scatters rainbow shards of light across metallic streamers and low barriers striped with colorful lights. A glossy wooden rink acts as the centerpiece of the whimsical decor, packed with roller skaters during public hours. The vibe of open sessions evolves throughout the week in stride with rotating jams, from Top 40 hits to the hip-hop and R & B of the '80s, '90s, and 1890s. Frequent cameos by childhood icons, such as Dora the Explorer and SpongeBob SquarePants, captivate kids, who can grab hold of supportive Skate Mates as they round the rink. Novice rollers glide like pros after skating lessons, held in five-week sessions by a team of veteran rollers, and partygoers zoom around the oval track during birthday bashes. An arcade and snack area offer safe haven for the athletically averse or those still mastering bipedality.:m]]