Discover Gahanna Ohio

The Ohio Herb Center offers a variety of classes that range from concocting DIY herbal beauty products to wreath making. Most recently, the Herb Center has added a Seedlings series, specifically created for kids to inspire them to find off-screen entertainment, step out into nature and take home lifelong lessons of the great outdoors. We had the opportunity to chat with Amanda from the Ohio Herb Center about the Seedlings Series and what attendees can expect!

What inspired the idea of the Seedlings series?
It was initially inspired when we (Ohio Herb Center) were part of the COSI Science Festival. Personally, I have a passion for teaching kids and I wanted to do some fun workshops at the Herb Center, to help kids learn about plants and nature. 

What kinds of classes are offered in the series?
On one Saturday per month, attendees will learn about a plant through hands-on experiences. The first class (offered September 21) is about plant dyes and the following one (October 12) is Halloween themed. Then we’ll be doing fun holiday themed activities like making a bird feeder and making cookies using sugar infused with white pine needles! 

What is the ideal age for class participants?
Kids who are 5 - 10 years old will enjoy these classes. Parents are required to accompany their child during class.  

Where can people learn more about Herb Center classes?
We have a class page on our website and we also spread the word through Facebook! Additionally, you can come into the Ohio Herb Center gift shop and sign up for our newsletter. 

 Is there anything else you’d like people to know about the Seedling series?
This series is a great way to entertain kids, engaging them in something nature-based that doesn’t involve a screen. The best part is that attendees will learn something they can carry with them throughout their lives. 

Check out the Seedling Series description and classes below! 

In this series of classes kids will explore a plant, take part in an activity, and make something to take home.  Students will take home plant information, fun facts, and recipes/instructions for making projects at home. 1 hour class, Cost: $10 per child (per class) or $25 per family (3+ registrations). 

10-11 am on Saturdays once a month. 

9/21- Plant Dyes
In this class, kids will explore how plants have been used to color fabric. We will use hands on techniques on paper and fabric. Each participant should bring a t-shirt to dye, and take home. Wear clothes you won't mind getting stained. Everyone will take home their custom dyed t-shirt and a bookmark.

10/12- Troll/Fairy Houses
Bring your creativity as we make a fairy or troll house out of miniature pumpkins or gourds. We will create a dwelling suitable for the fanciest fairy and trashiest troll. Take home your creation to proudly display in your garden. Who knows, you may have some new members of the family? 

11/2- Cinnamon Ornaments/Tree Fairy
Craft a cinnamon ornament to make your house fragrant for the upcoming holidays.  Decorate your cinnamon ornament with a variety of spices. Make a tree fairy to decorate the outside of our homes, using what we find.

 12/21 Winter Solstice Bird Feeder
On this longest day of the year, celebrate nature in its purest form.  Craft a feeder that can be placed in the yard to feed animal friends, providing them with much needed nutrition as the days get colder.  Learn about the Winter Solstice and ways you can celebrate this special winter holiday. 

For more classes offered at the Ohio Herb Center, check out this website. And 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!

~Blog written by Brae Chicase, Social Media and Web Content Assistant

Rewind 103.5/104.3, Visit Gahanna, PetPeople, Red Roof and The Waterworks invite you to bring your best canine friend to the last Paws in the Plaza for the year this Thursday, September 19! Located at Gahanna’s beautiful Creekside Plaza (117 Mill St.), Paws in the Plaza is a perfect “petworking” place to bring your best furry friend to enjoy pet-focused vendors (including animal rescue groups) and networking (human and canine)!

Guests can mingle with other pet paw-rents and take a stroll through the paths of Creekside Park with their furry friend. Dogs and their paw-rents are even welcome to take a paddle boat ride down the Big Walnut Creek!

Don’t miss the last Paws in the Plaza of the year! Your 4-legged friend will thank you later. And 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!

~Blog written by Brae Chicase, Social Media and Web Content Assistant

The summer may be sizzling down, but the BBQ scene in Gahanna remains flaming hot! BBQ may be a summer staple, but with three restaurants in town that serve the BEST mouthwatering BBQ around, this crowd-pleasing food is great ANY time of year! 

Barrel & Boar Creekside
Located in the heart of the Creekside District, Barrel & Boar has roots deep into BBQ, cooked low and slow. Their menu features an entire section dedicated to Ohio BBQ platters including brisket, pulled pork and chicken, smoked kielbasa and turkey, a BBQ sampler and much more. Barrel & Boar is a casual place to enjoy finely crafted smoked meats and southern cuisine in a warm rustic setting. This establishment also features a collection of flavors designed with local craft beers and finely crafted cocktails in a rustic design using metal, reclaimed barn wood and antique lighting. And … it has one of the best patio views in the city (plus live music Thursdays-Saturdays). 

City Barbeque and Catering Gahanna
It’s all in the name. City BBQ is a slow-smoked, award-winning barbeque place that makes their sides and desserts from scratch. Their dedication to BBQ shows on their award shelf beaming with the title “best BBQ” from several notable publications. City BBQ’s menu is full of smoked meats, special features, samplers, sides, desserts  and a lot more. If you’re feeding a crowd, check out their catering menu that will guide you in selecting the perfect options for your party. (Pssst … don’t skip on dessert. We recommend the Peach Cobbler, Banana Pudding and Triple Chocolate Cake.)

The Hickory House
Second generation family owned since 1979, The Hickory House takes pride in being unique in the BBQ game. Their ribs are made from the finest baby backs, and the 7-spice rib rub and original BBQ sauce are made from scratch. Their steaks are hand-cut from the best available aged, choice cut beef (never frozen), and the filets are only center cuts. The Hickory House has a menu rich with tradition and quality. 

Honorable Mentions:

Gahanna Grill’s Glazed Pork Ribs = Char-grilled rack glazed with Beanie’s Southern-style sauce. Served up with onion rings and coleslaw. #Yum

Cap City Fine Diner Gahanna’s BBQ Chopped Salad includes crisp tortillas, BBQ chicken, pepper jack cheese, tomatoes, corn, red onions and creamy cilantro ranch dressing. (If it’s a Salad, it must be healthy, right!?) 

The Barn at Rocky Fork Creek serves up St. Louis Style BBQ Pork Ribs slow cooked in our smokehouse with house rub, bourbon BBQ sauce, steak fries.

Looking for more foodie inspiration? Check out Gahanna’s other fantastic restaurants and establishments here. For more information on what to see and do in Gahanna, go to VisitGahanna.com. And 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!

~Blog written by Brae Chicase, Social Media and Web Content Assistant

Tucked away off of Cherry Bottom Road in Gahanna sits the first and oldest winery in Central Ohio. The combination of atmosphere and charm mixed with a delightful selection of wines makes Wyandotte Winery one of Gahanna’s true hidden gems. The establishment is also full of surprises--ranging from unique wines, fun tours and weekly happenings. 

Wyandotte Winery has been in operation since 1977. Located in a neighborhood setting, Wyandotte features fine wines hand crafted by the Coolidge family for a wide range of tastes. Robin Coolidge is the Winemaker and Valerie is the resident "Chief Whiner" and food/wine pairing expert. (Tip: When visiting the winery, be sure to try some of Valerie’s famous Wine Cakes. They are prepared with wine both baked into the cake and as a part of the cake glaze.)

The team at Wyandotte Winery understands the definition of a GOOD happy hour. Every Wednesday from 5-8 pm, Wyandotte offers a Hump Day Happy Hour with discounted wine by the glass and 50% off small plate items. Other weekly happenings include free winery tours on Saturdays. During the tour, guests learn about the history of Wyandotte and about the process of making wine. The tour lasts about one hour, and afterwards, guests can stay for a hot Fired UP pizza and a wine tasting, or enjoy a bottle of wine. Additionally, Wyandotte Winery offers live local music select Fridays from 7 -9 pm! 

Let’s not forget Wyandotte’s specialty - WINE! Wyandotte has a wide variety of wine and wine cakes that are irresistable. Offering red wines, white wines, sweet wines, dry wines, traditional grape wines and fruit wines, Wyandotte has something for every taste. To put a unique spin on a traditional glass of wine, the winery also serves wine slushies in Pina Colada and Strawberry Sweet William flavors that are perfect for patio weather. Additionally, Wyandotte Winery is also one of the partners in Visit Gahanna’s Herbal Cocktail Trail. Their special summer Catawba Cooler blends Catawba wine with green tea extract, fresh strawberries, lemon and garnished with mint. (Available through 9.30.19, when the Fall Cocktail will be unveiled.) 

In addition to serving up delicious wines and concoctions, Wyandotte hosts fun events open to the community. Their 2019 Summer Sizzler BBQ Finale is coming up at 7:30 pm, Saturday, August 31. The event will feature live music by Dr. Dan and a hands-on experience at the winery where you get to be the grill chef! The cookout is $35 per person and includes appetizers, your choice of rib eye steak, center cut salmon, or butterfield chicken breast as an entree, summer sides and desserts including fresh berries and Valerie’s famous gourmet wine cakes! Wine is served a la carte by the glass or by the bottle and live, local entertainment during dinner. Gratuity is not included. Seats are limited. Reserve tickets here. 

Want to learn more about Wyandotte Winery? Follow the team on Facebook or Instagram, or check our their website: www.wyandottewinery.com. And 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 Brae Chicase, Social Media and Web Content Assistant

Finding the motivation to exercise can be half the battle. Isn’t it much easier to get moving when you don’t feel like you’re working out (in the traditional sense)? If you’re looking to get your sweat on without dreading the typical treadmill, here are 4 ideas to get you moving in Gahanna--that will make you forget that you’re actually getting a workout!

Paddle boat on Big Walnut Creek
Get your legs moving and rent a paddle boat in the Creekside District along Big Walnut Creek! You can also bring kayaks or canoes to the creek to enjoy as well as walk along the paths by the creek. Paddle boats begin fall hours on Monday, August 19: 4-8 pm Fridays, 11 am-3 pm Saturdays and 12-4 pm Sundays. 

Yoga

Namaste in Love
You may fall in love with this yoga studio located in the heart of Creekside, Gahanna! Namaste is committed to inner peace, self care and gratitude. Their classes include power flow, express flow, beginner classes, stretch + restore, Ashtanga and more! Their new student special is currently 32 days for just $32! Or take a free Yoga in the Park class on select Sundays this summer! 

Oak Studio
Oak Studio boasts several types of fitness classes. Their classes include sculpt flow, vinyasa flow, slow flow and power yoga. Whether you’re looking for high intensity workouts, low intensity or somewhere in the middle, Oak Studio has you covered. New students can start with two weeks of unlimited classes for just $22!

Parks

Creekside Park
New visitors to Gahanna are consistently surprised to discover this hidden gem so close to the major freeways that surround Columbus. Walkable trails wrap around waterfalls, a babbling creek, fountains and more. Discover wildlife, wade into the creek--or just lose track of time while walking the paths and getting your steps in for the day.  

Academy Park
Academy Park is the largest in Gahanna with 107 acres including multipurpose nature trails connecting to Woodside Green Park, the Gahanna Municipal Golf Course and to the Olde Gahanna area. Take your bike out for a spin or enjoy a walk or run through nature. 

Friendship Park
Located near the Creekside District, Friendship Park is home to tennis and basketball courts (rec sports are a workout!) and walking paths through the wooded area. The park also features a playground for young kids, fishing and a rentable picnic shelter. And don’t miss the Story Trail --- a fun adventure to engage young children. 

Gahanna Woods State Nature Preserve
Featuring more than 139 acres of some of the State’s most exceptional wildflowers, Gahanna Woods has several nature trails and open meadows, perfect for bird watching and enjoying nature. 

Werk Dance Fitness
Who knew dancing the night away was such a great workout? Build a strong and healthy mind, body and soul through faith and fitness and jam out to salsa, hip hop, soca, merengue, Afrobeat, dancehall, reggaeton, and Brazilian funk music and more! No membership is required. 

For more information on what to see and do in Gahanna, go to VisitGahanna.com. And 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!