I love a little romance, don't you? There's nothing like being swept or sweeping someone off their feet with a show of love and care. I love the outdoors as well and I'm glad I live in Columbus because our city really pays attention to greenspaces within the city.

This month I gathered a list of popular outdoor spaces that still light a spark no matter the weather. This year's mild winter (so far) has been a boon for these spots. Which of these are your favorite?

Be sure to read the whole list of hot outdoor spaces!

The kids don't have school on Monday, but many organizations want the city to remember why. Monday is the federal holiday celebrating the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and around the city various organizations are encouraging residents to make it a day "on" and not a day off.

Volunteerism is a hallmark of celebrating the day with a wide variety of people taking part service projects including students from The Ohio State University. Their day of service begins at 8 a.m. with registration at the Archie Griffin Ballroom at the Ohio Union.

The annual Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast Celebration on January 16th, is always a big draw and the city-sponsored march takes place the same day. Whatever you decide to do, enjoy a great day and reach out to help a friend, neighbor or stranger. Check our listing of other MLK Jr. events and activities.

More Columbus Events and Activities:

January Events and Activities

January Foodie Events

7 Outdoor Activities and Events

Well Columbus, 2011 will soon be just a memory and we'll all spend a month trying to remember to write 2012 down as the date. I have to say this has been an interesting year for the city of Columbus. Let's take a look at some of the stories from the year:

Giant Eagle Marketplace arrived in Upper Arlington and brought competition to area groceries while pot holes went social through the city's tweet your pothole campaign.

Abercrombie and Fitch got into trouble again with push-up bikini tops for little girls and in Canal Winchester farting got kids kicked off the bus.

Columbus Commons and Scioto Mile opened kicking off a new interest and reason to hang out downtown.

The city (and the world) observed the 10th anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks.

A massive exotic animals escape from a local collector captured the attention and ire of the nation resulting in dozens of animals, including 18 endangered Bengal tigers killed.

After much speculation, pleading and downright campaigning - I'm looking at you Buckeye fans - Urban Meyer landed as the head football coach for The Ohio State University.

Looking Ahead

There are great things to come for the city and I've got a great list of some upcoming events and activities to get you started in the new year:

January Food Events and Activities

7 Outdoor Romantic Spot in Columbus

January Events and Activities in Columbus

Columbus Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Events & Activities

Want to do more with the family besides sit around the television for New Year's Eve? You're in luck! There are several fun events that focus on family fun and fit every budget.

One of the more popular events is First Night Columbus in Downtown Columbus. The event is held indoors and outdoors at locations throughout the downtown area including Veterans Memorial, COSI and Huntington Bank Lobby. The activities include Limited Brands Family and Children Festival, Columbus Gas Creation Station, International Food Court, Fitness Fun Zone, Bubble Stomp, Game Truck and Club COSI Teen Experience and more.

Buttons are required for entry to most activities and may be purchased from the First Night Columbus site for $8 or for $7 at local Giant Eagle stores. Badges purchased on new Year's Eve cost $10.

In addition to First Night Columbus, Great Wolf Lodge and Fort Rapids water parks are throwing blow out parties with food, games, DJ's and more. Don't miss all of the options for your family this weekend, read our full list of activities: New Year Events for Families in Columbus.