Home | Blog | Group & Event Planners | Contact Us
Insider tips for visiting Ohio's herb capital.
Building a long-time local tradition into a fun family attraction is no small task, but the City of Gahanna's Parks team, led by Alan Little--Parks & Facilities Superintendent--has done just that! His team recently refreshed the existing Winter Village Houses and added a few new structures (using repurposed materials), resulting in a charming, free holiday attraction that will delight visitors of all ages. (We just want to know when we can move in!?) We caught up with Alan to learn more about the project.
How long has the City of Gahanna had the Winter Village Houses? Some version of the houses have been utilized for over 10 years. This is the first year that we set them up in Friendship Park (150 Oklahoma Ave.)
How many houses are part of the village? There are 5 “miniature” houses and we plan to add more as we can in the future.
We understand that there are some creative new additions this year, based on the concept of “renew” and “reuse.” What are they? Ours crews are very creative and skilled with repurposing outdated or underutilized materials for new solutions. We were able to repurpose the old wooden street signs and incorporate them into the new holiday houses. A Gahanna resident may be able to find their street on one of these new structures that look very similar to little log cabins. Who built the new houses? How did the concepts come about for these? The Parks crews have traditionally done the construction of the houses and the Recreation Division has handled the decoration and the cosmetic touches. The concept was to simply provide fun and interactive structures that represent places in the community that children may already be familiar. There is a “workshop,” “toy store,” “stable” and a “post office.”
Can people walk into the houses? The newer log cabins have areas that children can go inside, and a few have little wrap-around front porches.
Have you received any feedback about the Winter Village Houses display? It has been very rewarding to see families visit Friendship Park and interact with the houses. It is very close to our maintenance building and I have seen quite a few people here even during the day. The restroom in the main shelter is heated and remains open throughout the winter, as an added benefit to have the houses located in the park. The Winter Village Houses seem to be well received and we hope to add to the display as we are able.
How long will the houses remain on display at Friendship Park? We plan to remove the display in early January, as long as the park is dry enough (or frozen enough) so as to not damage the turf during removal.
If you’re looking for stocker stuffer inspiration, Visit Gahanna has you covered (even for the most difficult person to shop for on your list). And the best part is, you won’t have to travel far to find it!
Buckeye Candy Company Who doesn’t love candy in their stocking? Buckeye Candy Company has every sweet and savory treat you can imagine. This candy shop has everything from insect suckers to nostalgic favorites that takes you back to when you were a kid!
Ohio Herb Education Center Gift Shop The Ohio Herb Education Center gift shop has unique gifts ideal for every stocking. From men’s beard oils to manly scented candles--he’ll love the great natural gifts. Ohio honeys, herbal teas and accessories, all natural bath and body products, essential oils and other treasures will slide perfectly into any stocking.
Pigskin Brewing Company & Kindred Brewing Okay, so maybe a growler won’t fit inside a stocking--but the craft beer lover in your life will love finding one under tree. If you’re focused solely on the stocking gifts, consider a T-shirt or gift card from these local favorite breweries.
Be_Social Dress Boutique Every girl needs a little (more) bling in her life, and Be_Social Dress Boutique at Creekside Gahanna, Ohio has beautiful selection of sparkly necklaces, bracelets and more … at really affordable prices. (Just remember who sent you ... when you see the happy look on her face as she discovers that glitzy treasure in her stocking!)
Lazer Kraze & Glow Putt Mini-Golf For the kids in your life (big or little), treat them to some future fun! Gift cards to Lazer Kraze and/or Glow Putt Mini-Golf in Gahanna mean you’re gifting them with your time and laughter, along with all the ingredients for great memories!
Art Garden Studio & Gahanna Bead Studio Give your creative one a gift certificate good for a hands-on class or workshop! Art Garden Studio offers both children’s and adult classes. Or consider having owner Juli Hess (an accomplished artist) create an original small home painting for the new homeowners in your life. Gahanna Bead Studio (considered one of the best bead shops in Ohio) has an extensive schedule of workshops for all ages. Added bonus: these classes offer a great way to spend quality time with a friend, relative or grandchild.
Pay It Forward Trying to think of the perfect gift for that hard-to-buy-for person who has everything? Consider giving a donation in their name to one of the very worthy non-profits in Gahanna who help those in need, such as Gahanna Neighborhood Bridges or GRIN (Gahanna Residents in Need).
Unique Gift Cards Gahanna has many unique shops, businesses and restaurants to inspire fun in 2019! Include a gift card to one or more of these #UniquelyGahanna establishments: Oak Studio, Thrive Massage & Wellness, Great Gift & Paper Company, Mrs. Turbo’s Cookies, Namaste In Love Yoga Studio, Barrel & Boar, Arepazo, 101 Beer Kitchen, Creekside Local Cantina, Wyandotte Winery, Old Bag of Nails, Pam’s Market Popcorn or Signatures Mill Stone Tavern.
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
Bang! Boom! Pow! Comic fans will be thrilled about Gahanna’s newest neighbor - Krazzy Comics! We had the opportunity to speak with Allen Harrington, the owner of Krazzy Comics to talk about his new shop, how comic books shaped his life and his life-changing meeting with Stan Lee!
What peaked your interest in comic books? I’ve been into comics since I was young. I remember I was given my first comic book in kindergarten or first grade by a D.A.R.E. officer at my school. Then when I was 11 or 12 years old, the Spiderman, Batman, and X-Man cartoon comics came out and I’ve been hooked ever since.
How would you describe your shop? Our shop is more than just a comic book shop. It’s a family friendly place that all people are welcome to come and check out. You don’t necessarily have to be into comics. We want to get involved in our community, and the great thing about comics is that they are so diverse. We love to educate people about comics, and even if you’re not “into” comics, we can still chat, see what you are into and make recommendations based on your interests!
Rumor has it that you not only met Stan Lee, but that something very memorable came out of that meeting. Can you tell us about that? My (now) wife and I went to a convention in Cincinnati, and we were able to go to the Stan Lee panel. During this convention, a lot of fans talk and share fun facts and knowledge with each other about comics. That’s where I heard Stan Lee was a licensed minister.
When it was my turn to ask Stan Lee a question during the Q&A panel, I asked him, “Are you a licensed minister? And can you marry my fiance and I?” We weren’t planning on getting married that day, but we were married by Stan Lee in front of room full of people. It was very spontaneous, but it was Stan Lee’s farewell tour across America and his last stop in the midwest--so we had to take a shot.
Who are your target customers? I think first our target customers are those who are already fans of geekdom and comics. But we welcome everyone else! I think a lot of people are intimidated to get into comics, but our shop provides a space and opportunity to get an education in comics and become interested. Once you get into it, you quickly realize what you’ve been missing.
Why did you choose Gahanna to open up shop? My wife’s friend lives in Gahanna and had told us there’s nothing like this here. She said she also wished there was a comic store in town, so we knew there was some interest! Gahanna is such a great location.
Do you have any favorite comics or characters? Spider-Man is my absolute favorite. He was my first hero growing up and I was instantly drawn to him. I’ve actually learned a lot from Spider-Man's morality; he taught me how to me a good person.
Out of all the Spider-Man movies, my favorite is actually the one that just came out, Spider-Man: Homecoming. I love how the movie captured both sides of his personality ... Peter Parker and Spider-Man.
Is there anything else you'd like people to know about your shop? We are more than just a comic book store. We offer a space for everyone - artists, writers, gamers or anyone who is thinking about getting into comics. We also have a media room and soon we will be holding free classes to educate people about the world of comics and its different aspects. We have table tops for those who want to rent the space out or play games like Pokemon and Dungeon and Dragons.
To visit: Address: 5544 N Hamilton Rd Hours: Mon-Fri 8 am-10 pm / Sat. 11 am-8 pm / Sun. 12-5 pm Phone: 614/245-8854 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KrazzyComics/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/krazzycomics/
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.
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.
Copyright © 2014 Gahanna Convention & Visitors Bureau. All rights reserved. 167 Mill St. Gahanna, Ohio 43230. 614/418-9114. 866/424-2662