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Insider tips for visiting Ohio's herb capital.
It’s that time of year to make some unforgettable memories with your family and friends. Gahanna knows how to bring people together and celebrate the holidays. Here are a few of our favorite upcoming activities to inspire you to carve out some together time during this busy season:
The Holiday Character Breakfast, presented by Meijer The Holiday Character Breakfast has become an annual tradition for hundreds of Central Ohio families. Enjoy a catch-a-flying-pancake breakfast, a performance by Columbus Children’s Theatre, face painting, hands-on crafts and stories with the Gahanna Branch of the Columbus Metro Library. Three seating times are offered and one has already sold out. Don’t delay. Get your tickets here! When: Saturday, December 8, 2018 from 8 am - 12 pm. Where: New Life Church (3690 N. Stygler Rd.) Prices: $5 for children under 4 years old; $10 for children 4-11 years old; $12 for ages 12 +
Gingerbread House Contest, presented by Fresh Thyme Gahanna It’s time to cook up some creativity and design your entry for Visit Gahanna’s 6th Annual Holiday Lights Gingerbread House Contest! Entries do not have to be made of gingerbread but they DO have to be made of edible materials. Use your imagination and put your own personal spin on your holiday building. Entries are accepted until December 19, 2018 at the Visit Gahanna offices (167 Mill St.) Once submitted, entries will go to Fresh Thyme Gahanna to be showcased. See the rules and how to enter here!
Visit with Santa at the Herb Center Santa will take time out from his busy schedule at the North Pole to visit with little ones! Visitors can create some gifts for friends (or themselves) at the DIY Hot Chocolate Bar. Starting with the base recipe for hot chocolate (dairy or nondairy), they'll then choose from Classic (mini marshmallows), Dark Chocolate Peppermint (peppermint bits and unsweetened chocolate chips), or Gingerbread (adding a mix of ginger, cinnamon and nutmeg). Guests can create one or all 3, or combine with a picture of Santa. When: December 8 & 15 from 9 am - 2 pm Where: Ohio Herb Education Center (110 Mill St.) Prices: $5 each or 3/$12.
Holiday Drop N Shop at Art Garden Studios Calling all parents! Need some time to do some holiday shopping? Consider this fun event to entertain and inspire your little ones, while you are away. Art Garden Studio will host Holiday Drop N Shop events from 5:30-8:30 pm Saturdays, December 8 and 15. The event includes art, pizza, movie and crafts for the kids while the parents get time off during the holiday season. Call 614/269-8182 to learn more. When: 5:30-8:30 pm Saturdays, December 8 and 15 Where: 98 Granville St. 614/269-8182 Price: $30 per child; $55 for 2 children, and $15 for each additional child in a family.
Don’t forget to post pictures using the hashtag #UniquelyGahanna on social media for a chance to be featured on Visit Gahanna’s social media channels and website! ~Post by Braeden Chicase, Visit Gahanna Social Media Assistant
It’s the most wonderful time of the year, but also the sickliest. In search of some tips to help us combat the sniffles and coughs this winter, we spoke with Brooke Sackenheim, Director of the Ohio Herb Education Center, to learn more about how to keep our immune systems in top shape.
To start your winter healthy, it’s important to have a healthy digestive system and diet. Decreasing sugar intake and increasing veggies will help you maintain a diet full of vitamins and minerals. There are also many herbs that can support healthy digestion. Brooke offers a few tips to incorporate herbs into your every day routine ... 1. Drink warm and hot beverages often. Instead of a cold frozen latte, try warm chai teas. Spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, cloves and nutmeg, keep the body warm when the temperatures are cold. Adding cinnamon and cayenne to your hot cocoa can also be a tasty warm experience. 2. Adding sage, rosemary, basil and thyme to stews, especially with meats, aids digestion of proteins and fats. Herbs can be added to boxed broths and soups and can kick up the flavor as well. 3. Making a simple herb butter and adding it to roasted veggies and potatoes appeals to even the pickiest of eaters.
When it comes to boosting your immune system, Brooke clarifies some misconceptions, “A common misbelief is that--if you get sick, your immune system is not working or broken. Your immune system is constantly working every day," she says. "When you experience symptoms of illness, that is your immune system doing its best to not only rid the body of the illness but it’s also learning about these invaders for the future."
She cautions against using herbs to try to block a fever or any other type of sickness, because you actually risk getting sicker and taking a longer recovery. “Overstimulating the immune system with herbs can cause inflammation which in turn can lead to chronic disease,” she says. “At the first signs of illness, simply stay home and rest. You are saving your co-workers from catching what you have and you can lessen the severity of the symptoms and sometimes avoid getting sick in the first place.” Visit the Ohio Herb Education Center gift shop to discover a wide selection of books about herbs and gardening, a variety of dried herbs and herbal teas, plus great gift items for the holidays--including herbal candles, body and bath products, herbal honey and more.
To learn more about herbs and upcoming classes, head over to OhioHerbCenter.org or call the Ohio Herb Education Center at 614-342-4380.
Every year, the staff members of the Gahanna Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) puts together their top local picks for holiday gift giving. With so many wonderful local business, it’s difficult to narrow down! Did your favorite shop make the list?
Laurie Jadwin, Executive Director I love The Great Gift & Paper Co. for unique items that really stand out. They have everything from jewelry to hand towels to home décor, and offer an array of Gahanna-specific items including mugs, pillows and more. I found some beautiful decorations for Thanksgiving there and now can’t wait to go back to do some holiday gift shopping for family and friends on my list! Be Social Dress Boutique at Creekside also is on my list to visit for some holiday shopping. Not only do they have stunning dresses that are perfect for holiday parties, but they also have beautiful every day fashions along with jewelry and accessories that are very affordable. (I hope my daughters and niece aren’t reading this….) Mary Symkowiak, Communications & Tourism Manager Pam’s Market Popcorn was my favorite go-to for stocking stuffers last year--so it’s definitely a repeat this year! I’m addicted to all their flavors, especially the Chicago Style popcorn. The guys in my family are big popcorn lovers, so Pam’s Popcorn is a huge hit around our house anytime. I’m also going to Buckeye Candy Company this year for more stocking stuffers. I love all of their bulk candy, and their Harry Potter items are so fun! To treat my sisters to some relaxing goodies this year, I’ll be visiting The Ohio Herb Education Center on Mill St. I love the Ohio made goods that include gourmet honey, teas, soaps and herbal body care items and more. The knowledgeable staff members at the Center are always so wonderful at suggesting ideas, too. Susan Peters, Community Partnership Manager I will be heading to Thrive Massage & Wellness this year for gifts. I’ve noticed they have Ohio made products on consignment. They have the cutest reusable tea bags in the shapes of animals, leaves and more--as well as the most adorable soap dishes. They have even bundled some items together to create gift packages! I thought of my sister-in-law first when I saw their hand-made pottery and dishes. I actually went into the shop right before our Holiday Lights Celebration and I just knew I had to shop there for Christmas. And, of course, you can give the gift of a massage too! It’s just such a nice place for keeping you well, inside and out. Becky Whittington, Events Administrator I’ll be shopping at Expressions Floral Design Studio this year! They have the cutest decorations, gift baskets, pots and vases, and of course flowers. I love picking up some stems to decorate my table for the holidays. You can’t walk by the shop without going in because their window is beautifully decorated. You’re compelled to go in. I have a large family and we do a Secret Santa gift exchange each year so I like to shop local! My family appreciates that because they don’t live here anymore and I like to give them a piece of their hometown. Braeden Chicase, Social Media Assistant I have a few people on my list that love to sweat it out, so I was thrilled to hear that Oak Studio Fitness sells class passes! I love that Oak Studio has four different types of yoga classes (slow flow, power yoga, sculpt yoga and vinyasa yoga) and they have an awesome bootcamp class too. They have drop-in rates as well as 5, 10 and 20 class passes you can choose from. You can even get a 2-week new member unlimited pass for only $22. Another great option is doing a class pass at Namaste in Love Yoga Studio! They also have drop-in rates as well as 5, 10 and 20 class passes that you can choose from, or a 2-week new member unlimited pass for just $32. With several different types of yoga classes to choose from, it’s perfect for the yogi in your life! ##### Don’t forget to post pictures using the hashtag #UniquelyGahanna on social media for a chance to be featured on Visit Gahanna’s social media channels and website! ~Post by Braeden Chicase, Visit Gahanna Social Media Assistant
Sponsored by Fresh Thyme Gahanna
Calling all aspiring bakers … Do you think you can build the ultimate gingerbread house? It’s time to put your skills to the test and cook up some creativity! Design your entry for Visit Gahanna’s 6th Annual Holiday Lights Gingerbread House Contest, presented by Fresh Thyme Gahanna! Entries do not have to be made of gingerbread but they DO have to be made of edible materials. Use your imagination and put your own personal spin on your holiday building!
Entries ares accepted now through Wednesday, December 19, 2018.
“This is the 6th year that we have presented the Holiday Lights Gingerbread House Contest, and the Contest continues to grow each year.” says Laurie Jadwin, Executive Director of the Gahanna CVB. “The Contest has become an annual tradition for some families in Gahanna and around Central Ohio. Each year, we continue to see some of the same faces come through the door, beaming with pride as they carry in their creations. We now look forward to seeing them as much as we look forward to seeing their culinary entries.” Here are the rules of the game:
The contest is open to any individual, group, or business
Be creative! Build from whatever materials you like but make sure to include edible treats
Each entry must be secured to a sturdy base that is no larger than 20”x 20”. Entrants should ensure that all decorations are secured and the houses are presented on a sturdy base
Youth competitors may be supervised by an adult; however, all construction and decorating must be completed by the individual or group entering the house into the contest
Limit one entry per person or group
Are you game? Here’s how you enter:
Complete the ENTRY FORM
Build your house per the guidelines outlined above
Drop off your entry and the attached completed form at the Gahanna Convention & Visitors Bureau (Visit Gahanna) office, 167 Mill Street, Gahanna, OH 43230.(Visit Gahanna will transport the entries to Fresh Thyme for display. Visit Gahanna will use reasonable care when moving the entries and will not be responsible for any damage to houses sustained in transit.)
Entries will be accepted through Wednesday, December 19, 2018. (The earlier your entry is submitted, the greater your chance to receive votes!)
Entries will be displayed at Fresh Thyme, 1125 N. Hamilton Road, through Saturday, December 22.
Voting and Prize Categories:
A photo of each entry will be taken and posted on Visit Gahanna’s Facebook page. Winners will be determined by the number of “likes” each entry receives. By submitting your entry, you consent to the use of your image and likeness (and the image and likeness of your entry) by Visit Gahanna and Fresh Thyme for marketing and promotional purposes.
Voting on Facebook will run through 11:59 p.m. on Saturday, December 22, 2018.
Awards will be issued based upon the total number of “likes” received: Grand Prize, Second Place and Third Place. Winners will be contacted by email on Sunday, December 23, 2018.
Entries may picked up on Sunday, December 23 and Monday, December 24 at Fresh Thyme during operating business hours. Any entry not retrieved by close of business on December 24 will not be returned.
“Visit Gahanna is especially excited to be teaming with Fresh Thyme Gahanna for this year’s Contest. They truly have embraced the spirit of the Contest and will be offering wonderful prizes to our contest winners. If you need some ideas for your entry, their staff is prepared to offer some suggestions of edible items in the store that you have never even thought to use for decorations.” says Laurie Jadwin.
Questions? Contact the Gahanna Convention & Visitors Bureau (614) 418-9114 or email info@visitgahanna.com.
If you’re like us, we can hardly WAIT to kick off the Holiday season! And for team #VisitGahanna--and anyone who wants to join us—we’re throwing a BIG Holiday Lights Celebration this Sunday, November 18 from 3-6:30 pm in Gahanna’s Creekside District (117 Mill St.) to welcome the season!
Best of all, the event is FREE and offers more than 100 family fun activities for all ages. We’ve pulled out all the stops and included a new Kringle Market and Kringle Zoo, live entertainment, camel rides, pony rides, reindeer, a game truck, ice carving demos, a Calliope, a live nativity, Santa arriving by Firetruck and FIREWORKS! There will also be an endless variety of hands-on crafts and interactive fun. Did we mention that it’s all free? That’s right. Visit Gahanna (the Gahanna Convention & Visitors Bureau) works hard to find sponsors and community partners to help support this event so that visitors can focus on family fun and making great memories together!
Here are a few things you should know before you attend the Gahanna Holiday Lights Celebration this Sunday:
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