Where’s your favorite happy hour? Do you prefer a quiet outside patio like Latitude 41, or do you prefer dark and mysterious like Manifesto? So many choices. As we sampled and perused our options, we found lots of downtown places. The names of some particularly interesting cocktails jumped out right away - Commit To Be Lit for example. We had to share some of our faves in our own Top 10 List, which will get you started on a bang-up happy hour. You may just want to reserve your cab now because you are in for a treat.

10. Taste your very own Rainbow of Mojitos at the Cup o’ Joe/Mojo Lounge on High Street across from Columbus Commons.

9. Channel 007 when you order a Vesper at Latitude 41, the very drink James Bond orders for a night on the town.

8. Along with the Commit to be Lit, find a Jungle Jack Hanna at Tip Top Kitchen and Cocktails. It’s served tall and garnished with a live tiger (when in stock).

7. Take a Shot in the Dark at 89 Fish and Grill, which is Bulleit Bourbon, balsamic reduction, basil and a squeeze of lime. 

6. For the beer lovers out there, order a Bear Ass Pale Ale at The Elevator, or for a darker brew, you can’t beat the Procrastinator Dopplebock. American Craft Brew Week is this week so there’s no time like the present.

5. If brewskies bring trouble your way, you may need to stop by the Jury Room for a Bordello Bubbly – OYO Stone Fruit Vodka, Chambord, champagne and bitters.

4. Do you say, “Jamaican Me Crazy” every Monday after work? Well, Lexi’s on Third has just what you need with a concoction of Captain Morgan, Malibu rum, triple sec, pineapple juice and splash of OJ. 

3. If your coworkers are fine, but your kids are driving you nuts, Manifesto Grato and Scotch Bar will stir you up a Mommy’s Little Helper of Stoli Bluberri, Triple Sec and Cranberry.

2. When one too many brings on a Purple Haze at J.Gumbos, then you will need to make one last stop to…

1. Escape to another world with The Grass Skirt Zombie at Grass Skirt Tiki Room.

We know this list will just get you started. Leave a comment here and tell us where your favorite happy hour digs are. Cheers.

Before summer arrives with lazy days by the pool, May brings a plethora of fun for kids of all ages. Mark your calendars for these great events happening downtown this week!

Laurie Berkner Band
Location: Palace Theatre
Hours: May 18, 1 p.m.
capa.com
Children's music superstars and Nick Jr. favorites The Laurie Berkner Band will be in town with their "Animal Party" tour. Families will enjoy old favorites and new songs from their Party Day! DVD. Kids can bring a favorite stuffed animal and wear their party clothes and dancing shoes!

EMS & Safety Day
Location: COSI
Hours: May 19, noon – 4 p.m.
cosi.org
Bring the little ones to COSI to meet firefighters from the Columbus Division of Fire and other emergency personnel. They can take in fire trucks up close and watch a Mediflight helicopter take off and land on COSI’s lawn.

Pirate Weekend
Location: Santa Maria
Hours: May 18 - 19, noon - 5 p.m.
Admission: 3.50 - 4.50
Phone: 614.645.8760
santamaria.org
Pirate re-enactors from around the country will bring the historic past of pirates to life on board the Santa Maria. Come for a fun family adventure, taking in pirate culture, dress, weaponry and the pirate code. A battle will ensue each day at 2 p.m. as pirates try to board the Santa Maria, complete cannon and gun fire (weather permitting)!

Food Truck Food Court
Location: Columbus Commons
Hours: Thursdays, May 9 - September 26, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Phone: 614.545.4700
columbuscommons.org
While not a for-kids-only event, the Food Truck Food Court is a great place to bring the kids to fuel their summer fun. Enjoy a plethora of fantastic lunch options from local food trucks and carts such as Ajumama, Burrito Bus, Hungry Monkey, Leslie's Creperie, Paddy Wagon, Pitabilities, That Food Truck and a monthly rotating dessert truck (currently featuring Sweet the Mobile Cupcakery).

Upscale bridal boutique La Jeune Mariee just opened in the up-and-coming neighborhood along Main and Third streets, right downtown. The new boutique is exquisite, but even if you're not in the market for a bridal gown, you will also find an entire line of evening wear for that next big shindig. 

Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue. Entrepreneur Lindsay Fork has you covered (beautifully, we might add).

Don’t be intimidated though if you stroll by the store and think there is nothing you’ll be able to afford. Lindsay has created an amazing experience for all her guests at price points that will meet every girl’s fantasy and, ahem, price point.

For those who have no purse strings to consider, you’ll be pleased to know Lindsay represents designers from all over the country, and she highlights designers throughout the year during trunk shows. Many of these gowns range in price from $2,000 – $10,000.

But, if you like to dream big, and your wallet can’t support the fantasy, don’t despair. Lindsay also holds sample sales for designer gowns with names including Vera Wang. Guests will find savings at 30 to 90 percent off the original prices. For the ultimate bargain shopper, Lindsay has another store called LuxeRedux where she sells dresses on consignment.

The bridal experience is not just Lindsay’s business, it is her passion so she meets guests exactly where they are and helps them find the perfect dress.

Dang, with all the fairytale talk, we almost forgot about the evening wear. Lindsay also offers a great selection of formal attire so there is no need to go any further than Third and Main Streets for your next big formal soirée. Evening gowns are plentiful, also in a wide range of prices.

The event will be held on Friday, May 10 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Goodale Park Shelter House. Tickets are 20.00, and every registrant is entered into a drawing for a brand new Lex SLX donated by Trek Bicycle.

Whether you already bike to work or train for events like Pelotonia or haven’t ridden on two wheels since you were in pigtails, you will find topics that resonate. The day-long event will feature speakers from around the state touching on a broad range of topics aimed at all levels of women riders.

Why an event just for women? Biking remains a male-dominated sport and some women are leery to try it out for a variety of reasons. Topics to be discussed include: dispelling myths and barriers to biking; bicycling and self-esteem/body image; economic benefits of bicycling; the bicycle as a mode of transportation; bicycling and community engagement; and basic tips and best practices for basic bicycle maintenance.

For more information and to register, please visit: www.ohiowbs.org.