Luxe Beat Magazine OCTOBER 2014 | Page 17

Travel water n rgia middle. Ruth fell forward while I slipped backward. But, with Casey at the bat, no one fell out and we soon recovered control of the course. Casey called for a high five of our oars and we were all elated. Tour operators offered the option of running the course again, from a slightly shorter launching location. We all choose to return, so once again our raft rebounded by the old brick denim mills at river’s edge and the newer convention center and historic downtown Columbus. How very cool to have what I think of as a rural adventure in the center of town. No need to drive hours to a park and camp out in order to get to a white water course. In Columbus, the adventure waits just outside your hotel or restaurant door. That night Ruth and I dined at Meritage, a locally owned restaurant with a superior wine and martini bar. Yes, the evening would be a splurge and was worth it. Meritage is a grand addition to the walkable city of Columbus and after my meal I needed a walk. Ruth and I meandered through the historic house district and again along some of that 15-mile RiverWalk, which couldn’t be a nicer way to end an evening. Disclosure: Thanks to Columbus for sponsoring our visit and the Columbus Marriott for fine lodging.