What's in the RUG?

Rugs, Stubes, and a new gym coming to you.

The Scarlet Letter
October 07, 2024

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Top of Mind

Stube Update: A Columbus Icon Is Moving On, But Its Boards Remain

For 58 years, The Bier Stube wasn’t just a bar—it was a rite of passage, a neighborhood institution, and a second home to countless regulars. Whether it was sharing a beer under the watchful eye of Woody Hayes or carving your name into the wall after a late-night round, the Stube represented more than just a place to drink—it was a living, breathing piece of Columbus history.

When the Stube closed its doors on North High Street after last call on September 21, it felt like the end of an era. But for owner Craig Kempton, that final night wasn’t the end—just a pause in the story. The soul of The Bier Stube is alive and well, packed away in every plank of its wood-paneled walls, carefully removed, numbered, and stored for a hopeful return.

Examples of said panels

Kempton wasn’t sure it could be done. The old wood, dry and brittle from decades of exposure to spilled beers and late-night shenanigans, was at risk of crumbling during the move. But, in true Stube fashion, it survived—just like the bar has, through decades of change. “I want people to walk in and say, ‘There I am,’” Kempton said, referring to the names, dates, and memories carved into those panels by generations of regulars. It’s not just wood—it’s a record of lives lived, friendships made, and nights never to be forgotten.

It’s not just the walls coming along for the ride. The Budweiser carousel, a smaller-than-life tribute to beer’s golden age, and a larger-than-life portrait of legendary OSU coach Woody Hayes, are packed and ready to return in all their glory when The Bier Stube finds its new home.

But while Kempton is hopeful about relocating the bar, the future of the Stube is still uncertain. The beloved University District bar was one of several iconic spots—along with Sammy’s 14-0 Express, Yau’s Chinese Bistro, and Porto Fino’s Pizza—razed to make way for a 13-story apartment complex. The sale of the building to Chicago developers Harbor Bay Ventures reflects the rapid changes sweeping through Columbus, particularly around the Ohio State campus, where historic haunts are being replaced by glossy high-rises.

For now, Kempton is looking for a new location, somewhere outside the shadow of those towering developments, where the spirit of the Stube can live on. It’s not just about finding a building—it’s about preserving a piece of Columbus's history.

So, while The Bier Stube may be on a temporary hiatus, its walls—along with the memories they hold—are ready for the next chapter. And when they do find a new home, don’t be surprised if you walk in, see your name on the wall, and say, “There I am.”

Because, in the end, The Bier Stube isn’t just a place. It’s a feeling. And that’s something you can’t tear down.

Scarlet Letter Trivia

Question: During which years was the NFL headquartered in Columbus, Ohio?

A) 1927–1941

B) 1935–1947

C) 1919–1931

D) 1940–1952

The TikTok Rug Lady

@katiesantry
Replying to @heyhunnies_samanthahere Trying to sih up this rug

Columbus TikTok Goes Viral: A Rug, A Yard, and 296 Million Views of Suspense

What happens when a seemingly ordinary home improvement project uncovers a buried rug in your backyard? If you’re local TikToker Katie Santry, it leads to 296 million views, 32 viral videos, and an entire city on the edge of their seats.

Known for her fun and family-focused TikToks, Katie’s channel took a hard left into mystery when she and her husband found a rug buried two and a half feet deep while digging a fence post. Naturally, she shared the discovery with her TikTok followers, but what started as an odd curiosity quickly snowballed into a viral saga that had everyone from Columbus police to cadaver dogs getting involved.

From the first TikTok teasing the bizarre find to the moment Columbus police arrived—twice—to investigate, the anticipation kept building. What was under the rug? Could it be something sinister? Were the cadaver dogs really signaling something buried beneath? The theories ran wild as Katie’s backyard became the hottest spot in Columbus, both in real life and across the tok

@katiesantry
Replying to @Julie Duncan Ok this is the last one i swear. What an adventure. #hauntedtiktok #hauntedhouse #rug

I Mean…Both Dogs Did Sit

As the suspense grew, so did the strange happenings. Katie posted updates about unexplained noises in the house, a laptop mysteriously shattered in the middle of the night, and even doors closing on their own. Could the rug have awakened something more than just a mystery? Fans of the TikTok series were hooked, ready for the big reveal.

And then, after days of buildup, CSI in the backyard, and neighbors looking on in morbid curiosity, the conclusion came: there was no body buried under the rug. Just pieces of fabric, dirt, and the sound of everyone collectively holding their breath. The police investigation was closed with no human or animal remains found—but that didn’t stop the saga from racking up millions of views and keeping Katie’s fans glued to their screens.

@katiesantry
Here is the video of the dog hit

Katie’s latest update? She’s reached out to the previous homeowners, hoping they can shed some light on the mysterious rug’s origins. Even without a body, the questions remain, and the excitement hasn’t faded—because when 296 million people are invested in your backyard, the mystery doesn’t die that easily.

So, while the big twist may have been the absence of a body, Katie Santry’s TikTok rug saga proves one thing: sometimes it’s the journey, the suspense, and the viral rollercoaster that really keep us hooked.

@katiesantry
Theyre digging now. Next update will be whatever comes of this dig.

ISI® Elite Training - New Albany

Beat The New Years Resolution Rush…
A new boutique fitness gym coming to the New Albany/Westerville area located at 6580 N. Hamilton Rd!

ISI® is a 50-minute, low-impact, high-intensity, strength-based workout. Each workout is designed and led by a certified coach who provides one-on-one training in a group fitness setting. We focus on simple but dynamic movements that help you burn fat, build muscle, and gain confidence and strength. Through functional movements, each ISI® workout is designed to target different muscle groups, deliver measurable results, and help you train for life."

The real value here is that they are offering Founding Memberships at the lowest rates they will ever be, to YOU the valued SL reader ♥️

As a Founding Member, you will receive:

Lifetime discount of $30 off a month (Current $149, open $179).

A 7-day trial during VIP week before they open to the public to try us out before we charge any monthly membership dues.

You will also get an unlimited amount of InBody Scans while on the unlimited plan (each scan not on the unlimited plan will have a fee to track progress)

Maybe the most valuable perk will be a 3-week booking window rather than 2 weeks which will almost guarantee you can book the session times you want, every day.

Finally, you will also receive two buddy passes a month instead of one, ONE free late cancel per month, and the founding members can drop in on all the ISI locations around the country. This is Perfect for when you are traveling for work or trying to keep it tight on vacation!

Click HERE to get started!