The Columbus Downtown Merchants Association is pouring on the promotion from 4 to 8 p.m. on Thursday.
They have organized the Columbus Downtown Merchants Association Spring Spritz.
Participating businesses will be open late with free wine available at two locations along Washington Street. Also, the Columbus Area Visitors Center will be at those two locations — Minash Boutique at 426 Washington St. and at Viewpoint Books at 548 Washington St. — unveiling its new self-guided tour app, according to Erin Hawkins, the visitors center’s director of marketing.
The last such event, a Wine Walk, was held in November.
The Columbus IN Tours app, available in both English and Spanish, can be downloaded for free both for Apple and Android users. People who don’t have a smart phone can rent a device from the visitors center for $10, but if you use your phone, it’s totally free.
The tour contains 18 points of interest which can be visited in any order.
People navigate using GPS in the app.
Organizers have installed sidewalk markers in the form of semi-permanent vinyl stickers that indicate each point of interest.
"We have the ability to build additional tours within the app, so we plan to expand the offerings over time." Hawkins said.
One need not be at one of the points of interest to hear the audio. After loading the app, users initially have to listen to a simple, two-minute intro offering background and instructions.
"But once that’s complete you can get to a map view and pick different narrations to listen to," Hawkins said.
As people approach a one of the tour stop sites, they receive a message asking if they wish to hear the audio.
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The following businesses are participating:
- Ames Mercantile
- Bakers Fine Gifts
- Boutique Elise / Hotel Indigo
- Cummins PowerStore
- Dell Brothers
- Minash
- Moonshower
- Pollert Design
- Realty One Group / Chamber
- The Savory Swine
- Sky Sport Fitness
- Viewpoint Books
- White River Running
- Zen Fitness
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As part of the Downtown Spring Spritz Wine Walk, there will be a Nala Fund Donor Reception from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the Heritage Fund Courtyard at 538 Franklin St. The Nala Fund helps local veterinarians provide emergency medical care to dogs in need and those waiting to be adopted in local shelters.
Dogs on a leash are welcome to attend.
There will be a photo booth for both people and dogs. Homemade dog biscuits from Purely Paula Catering will be available, along with refreshments for people.
Donors may also pick up a jar of local honey from AEI. All are welcome to stop by and learn about the Nala Fund, how it is helping, how to apply for help, and how to donate to continue the mission of the fund in helping dogs with medical needs.
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