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Insider tips for visiting Ohio's herb capital.
Christmas is right around the corner. In order to make your gift-giving decisions easier, our staff at the Gahanna, Ohio Convention & Visitors Bureau, put a list together of our personal favorite places to find gifts for our loved ones. We not only strive to make this beautiful community thrive, but we are also personal advocates of shopping at small, local businesses here in Gahanna. It was difficult to narrow down our one go-to shop since Gahanna has so many wonderful local businesses to choose from, but here are our top staff picks for this holiday season’s gift-giving!
Laurie Jadwin, Executive Director Shop choice: The Great Gift and Paper Co. Why? From home decor to stationery and jewelry, The Great Gift and Paper Co. has gifts for every occasion and everyone on your gift-giving list.
Laurie loves that The Great Gift and Paper Co. has a wide variety of gifts that make it easy to find gifts for everyone on her list. “No matter who you’re looking for, you can find something here for them.” she says. “I also love that there are unique, hand-crafted items for sale with many of the brands made in the USA.” Laurie is a big proponent of supporting local shops, especially the newer ones in Gahanna!
Mary Szymkowiak, Communications & Tourism Manager Shop choice: The Mug & Brush Barber Shop Why? Not many people look towards their local barber shop to do Christmas shopping, but Mug & Brush is changing the way we think! In addition to their services which include haircuts, shaves, beard services and skin care, they also offer locally-made grooming products for sale!
Mary is gifting beard oil, shaving soaps and brushes to the bearded-men in her family - her brother-in-law and husband! “I love that the products at Mug & Brush are all natural and made locally!” she says. Mary is a big fan of the #ShopSmall and #ShopLocal movement.
Susan Peters, Community Partnerships Manager Shop choice: Pam’s Market Popcorn Why? Because nothing is better than bringing home a yummy treat to your family on Christmas. Pam’s Market Popcorn features gourmet popcorn in various flavors including Cheddar, Caramel, Windy City Style, White Cheddar, Classic Butter, and Sweet & Salty Kettle. They also have several specialty and seasonal flavors.
Susan likes Pam’s Market Popcorn for their new and unique flavors. “Pam’s Popcorn is heavenly. I know my brother will especially love it,” she says. “My family lives in Dayton so I like to bring back something special and fun from my community to share with them at Christmas. I like to show off my community!” Susan’s favorite flavor is the Chicago-style popcorn, which combines cheddar and caramel flavors.
Becky Whittington, Events Administrator Shop choice: Upscale Resale Furnishings of Gahanna Why? Specializing in gently-used furniture and furnishings, Upscale Resale Furnishings has everything for the home that you can imagine.
Becky likes shopping here for their hidden gems. “You need to go around the store three times to see everything!” she says. “Not only is the furniture is for sale, but also the trinkets inside cabinets. You have to look at the rugs and light fixtures too - so you need to look everywhere. I just think this place is adorable.” For years, Upscale Resale Furnishings has been Becky’s favorite place to do her holiday shopping.
Braeden Chicase, Social Media Assistant Shop choice: All local restaurants! Why? Because eating at local diners are the best, and Gahanna has so many to choose from! Giving the gift of gift cards from a local restaurant is a good way to have family and friends try your favorite place.
Braeden loves eating at local, family-owned restaurants, especially in the Gahanna area. “Sometimes my family is so difficult to buy gifts for! They also share the same love for eating locally, and they enjoy trying new places, so I’ll often give them gift cards to try new local diners,” she says. Braeden’s personal favorite local diner is Barrel & Boar.
We hope our staff picks inspire your holiday gift purchasing this year! For a list of more shops in the Gahanna area, check out our shops page!
Where did yoga begin for Trish?
Trish was an athlete her entire life before gaining an interest in running, even running a half marathon. That changed when she was out on a run one day and injured her knee, which lead to her discovery that she had arthritis - rare for someone in her mid-twenties. She immediately had to stop her high intensity workouts. Looking for an outlet for fitness, she turned to yoga. She quickly found that her conception of yoga of not being a “good workout” was wrong, as she found it was not only physically stimulating, but also spiritually stimulating - an unexpected surprise.
For years, yoga was a casual workout that she liked to do with her oldest brother, Todd, which became a bonding experience for them. Then in May of 2014, Todd unexpectedly passed away in his sleep from an undetected heart defect. After this tragedy, Trish stopped practicing yoga for six months before realizing she wanted to make a change in her life - something fulfilling. So she quit her job, moved to coastal Florida and worked for a small yoga studio. She learned the details of running a yoga studio and absorbed as much as she could. In the process, Trish recognized it was her calling to help people tap into the very experience that had helped her so much.
In her first steps toward achieving this goal, Trish booked a flight to Thailand to attend an intensive teacher-training yoga program that focused on Ashtanga and Vinyasa. After her trip, she started teaching everywhere she could - from parks and businesses, to private sessions with friends and family. That led her to set her sights on opening her own studio.
Why did she choose Creekside Gahanna for a studio location?
Trish wanted to find a location that felt welcoming and comfortable with a sense of community. After looking all over the Columbus area for a location, she knew she found the perfect spot when she walked into an available space at Creekside Plaza and immediately had “goosebumps.”
Photo credit: Mike Murphy; FlashFit Photography Besides finding the ideal storefront for her yoga studio, Trish also loves the Gahanna community and the nature aspect of the location, given its proximity to the picturesque Creekside Park and wooded trails. The park has inspired her to work towards offering yoga classes outside once warmer weather returns to Gahanna. She also has appreciated the warm welcome and support that she has received from other local businesses in the Creekside area.
What’s the story behind the name of the studio?
“Namaste” is a greeting which translates to “I bow to you” in Hindi. “Namaste in Love” is not only a play on words, but is also a movement. She encourages her following to use the hashtag #JoinOurMovement and share why they’re “staying in love.” Her logo is an OM (a sacred symbol in the yoga community), with a unique twist. Given a closer look, her logo OM resembles the number 32 - a special homage to her brother, Todd, who wore the number when he played football.
What kind of classes will you find at Namaste in Love?
There are three main classes offered:
Yoga flow (Vinyasa) - which means your body is fluid, you’re moving. This class is for all levels of expertise, including a beginner-specific class.
Ashtanga - follows the same sequence of poses. Trish is the most passionate about this because progression and growth are the most visible in this class. It also helps to build memory, meditate, and keeps your mind present.
Stretch and Restore (YIN) - focuses on holding poses and deep stretching. In this class, participants lay on the ground for the entire class duration. For those that are entirely new to yoga, Trish recommends beginning your journey here.
Photo credit: Mike Murphy; FlashFit Photography All teachers guide members from true beginners to advanced yogis. Each class also provides modifications for poses for those who may have limitations moving. Namaste in Love offers a new member special that features two weeks of unlimited classes for $32, allowing people to try different classes.
Is Yoga only for those who are fit?
People from all ages and backgrounds participate in classes. For instance, Trish’s mom is 67 years old and has been practicing for three years. Initially, her mom was very scared, but she has since gained much strength and confidence. While other participants are primarily female, males are welcome to sign up as well. One instructor at Namaste, Charles, is planning to present an all-male class to demonstrate to men that yoga can be a challenging exercise with strength sequences.
Many are nervous to try yoga for the first time.
Trish believes that fear is not a bad thing and that we should try to get out of our comfort zone and try something new. “The hardest part is getting yourself to walk through the doors,” she says. “When you meet the instructors, the fear will fade away and you’ll feel a sense of relief.”
Blog written by Braeden Chicase, Social Media Assistant
Six-hundred people from all around Central Ohio, dressed in holiday-festive attire, came out to the Santa Race 5K & Little Reindeer Dash on a beautiful Saturday morning in December. People from all walks of life participated - from mothers running and walking with strollers, to adrenaline-addicts striving for their best times. The community put on their best holiday spirit and running shoes to gather at Creekside in Gahanna, Ohio.
Many were dressed in their race-day gear which consisted of a festive Santa long-sleeve shirt and an elf hat! The event started with a little Zumba warm-up to liven the atmosphere in preparation for the race - both Santa and Rudolf showed off their best moves alongside the energetic crowd of kids and adults.
When the music stopped, it was time for the Little Reindeer Dash! This fun race allowed kids to run 100 yards to the finish line, where Santa Claus waited to congratulate and hand out high-fives. Many kids were in it to win it, and others took a detour mid-way through the 100-yard dash to give Rudolf a big hug before crossing the finish line! Each child received a medal for their participation.
Photo credit : JPG Media - Ali Quattro Next was the main event - the 5K! If there was an award to be given out for most festive attire - the young man wearing an inflatable Santa suit with a stick-on beard would have taken home first place. Along with others in tutus, Santa hats and other holiday attires, he was surely in the holiday spirit as the race began.
Photo credit : JPG Media - Ali Quattro Other than the good spirits positivity radiating from the participants and spectators, the 3.2-mile course took people through a sneak-peek of all the natural beauty Gahanna offers along its nature trails, roadways and sidewalks. Photographers, family and friends lined the course to cheer on runners, which served as a wonderful reminder as to why it’s important to get involved in fun community events - and luckily, Gahanna has a lot to take part in.
After participants crossed the finish line with big smiles on on their faces and a sense of accomplishment, refreshments and healthy snacks (thank you Mount Carmel!) were available for refueling, and a medal was given out to everyone who ran.
All around, the Santa Race 5K & Little Reindeer Dash was a memorable experience filled with community, adrenaline and holiday spirit.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year. The holiday season is filled with family tradition, warm memories, and spending time with the ones you love. Whether you’re looking to start a family tradition or put a smile on your child’s face, the annual Holiday Character Breakfast is your ticket to a jolly ole’ time, as it is one of Gahanna’s most beloved community events.
When: Saturday, December 9, 2017
Where: CenterPoint Church (620 McCutcheon Rd., Gahanna, Ohio)
Online tickets
Imagine the joy of your kiddo catching all-you-can-eat flying pancakes on a plate. Yes, at the Holiday Character Breakfast, you can do that and so much more. Let your child’s imagination wonder by participating in crafts, getting their face painted, and hearing cheerful holiday stories with the storytellers. In addition to the unique way to get your pancakes, the breakfast includes sausage, orange juice, and coffee.
This breakfast wouldn’t be complete without a visit from Santa Claus! Visit with the jolly man himself and other fun holiday characters as they walk around spreading holiday joy.
Enjoy a festive performance as the Columbus Children’s Theatre enacts a preview of their production of Mr. Scrooge. Their performance at the Holiday Character Breakfast will be around 15 minutes, as it is a preview of their one hour production that runs until Dec. 23, 2017. Tickets for the full performance can be purchased by calling the Columbus Children’s Theatre Ticket Office at 614.224.6672 or online at ColumbusChildrensTheatre.org
“Mr. Scrooge is our one hour long adaptation of a Christmas Carol that is perfect for the whole family,” said Rachel Flenner, Marketing Manager of Columbus Children’s Theatre.
Seating for the Holiday Character Breakfast is every hour, starting at 8 am. Seating is limited for each session. Don’t forget to buy your tickets online now! This fun event, presented by Meijer, is part of the Gahanna Convention & Visitors Bureau's 6-week celebration of Holiday Fun! #GahannaHolidayLights Note: Children must be accompanied by a paying adult. Purchase of children’s ticket(s) cannot be processed without the purchase of an adult ticket. Everyone must have a ticket to enter. Online tickets available now.
Post written by Braeden Chicase, Visit Gahanna Social Media Assistant
Small Shop Saturday
As the leaves fall from the tree, holiday lights go up around us, which means the happiest time of the year is upon us. It’s easy to get caught up in the chaos of busy malls and department stores looking for the perfect gift for your loved ones. This holiday season, skip all the chaos and find unique gifts at small, local shops here in Gahanna, Ohio!
The Great Gift & Paper Co.
When you walk into The Great Gift & Paper Co. you’ll see a small, cozy shop filled with locally-themed gifts and the owner herself behind the counter. From jewelry and baby gifts, to home decor and stationery gifts, you’ll find charming gifts for everyone on your gift list. Take pride in knowing that the items you find here are from the best boutique brands with a focus on Made in the USA.
K’s Kernels
Popcorn is a holiday staple. Whether you need some flavorful popcorn for yourself, an office treat, or to gift, stop in and sample a variety of popcorn made fresh daily. This isn’t just any normal popcorn though - come in and sample flavors like Birthday Cake, Strawberry Shortcake, Blueberry, Cilantro Lime or others like Caramel, Cheese and Kettle Corn!
Rustic Apple Art
For the artistic ones on your gift list, find colorful, hand-made license plate art at the Rustic Apple Art online shop based out of Gahanna! From license plate signs and keychains, to necklaces and matted prints, customize a one-of-a-kind work of art that will surely put a smile on your loved ones face.
[BE] Social Dress Boutique - Black Friday Deals!
[BE] Social Dress Boutique is having an amazing sale this Black Friday with 50% off the entire store! Stop in and explore the wide variety of prom, pageant, homecoming, Quinceañera, and special occasion dresses, and other accessories such as jewelry, shoes, and more! This local stylish boutique is dedicated to bring you the best experience with the best dress selection.
Gahanna Bead Studio
If you’re looking to get crafty or find one-of-a-kind handcrafted jewelry, you’ll want to check out Gahanna Bead Studio. This charming studio also offers classes such as how to make peyote earrings, chain and leather cuffs, bracelets, and much more! Beading classes are also the perfect excuse to get out of the house and entertain your family, friends, and even out of town guests this holiday season.
Expressions Floral Design Studio (Stoneridge Plaza Shopping Center)
There’s nothing better than fresh, beautiful flowers to add liveliness to a room. At Expressions Floral Design Studio, find the most high quality flowers, or have them delivered in a beautiful arrangement presented and personalized with your message. Stop in the shop for sweet holiday gifts like candles, decorative candle holders, OSU gifts, home decor, soaps, and more!
For more unique shopping, visit the VisitGahanna.com Shopping section.
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