Discover Gahanna Ohio

One of Gahanna, Ohio's gems for visitors and residents alike, is the Ohio Herb Center. More than just a resource for all-things-herbal, the Center offers beautiful gardens, a gift shop AND outstanding hands-on workshops that inspire and educate attendees about the health, culinary and wellness powers of herbs.  Amanda Ferguson, local herbalist and Ohio Herb Center specialist, launches the autumn session of her popular Botanical Beauty Bar workshop series next week. Not only will attendees take away DIY products from the workshops, but they'll discover what's NOT in these DIY products--and how that makes for a much healthier beauty care routine. We caught up with Amanda to chat about the series. 



What inspired your upcoming Botanical Beauty Bar workshop series?
I was inspired to share ways for people to “green” up the contents of their cabinets and reduce the amount of chemicals they use.  As someone who has been making healthier versions of these products for quite some time, I wanted to share how easy, cost effective, and good for your health these practices can be. 

We’ve heard that most store-bought beauty products contain some bad, or even toxic ingredients.  Can you give us some more information about this? 
Most beauty products contain parabens.  These are to prolong shelf life in products.  Should your bottle of lotion or makeup last for a year or more?  Probably not.  It might be cost effective, but it also has another cost. The skin is the largest organ of the human body, protecting us from the elements, helping to regulate body temperature and more. Consider what you're putting on your skin. We delve a little deeper into this in class.

What will this season’s Botanical Beauty Bar classes focus on? 
This series, we will be focusing on the body and our skin--from head-to-toe. Healthier versions of scrubs for the body, herbal baths & soaks, and moisturizers will be covered. 

Does your personal skin/beauty care routine include DIY products?
Yes, it does.  I am a firm believer in using oils to for cleansing.

For those of us looking to begin making some positive changes in our skin/beauty care routines, what are some simple ways we can start at home? 
Start looking at your personal products. If you can’t pronounce a majority of the ingredients, start looking them up.  You will be shocked at what you find. 

What will participants take away from these classes? 
They will take away knowledge to be better informed consumers of products they purchase.  They will know how to research something before they buy it.  They will be able to create their own products at home and take back control of what they put on their and their families skin

When (and how much) are the classes? 
The classes are offered from 7-8 pm on the first Thursday of the months October-December. The cost is $25 per class or all 3 for $60.  Participants will leave with printed information and a sample product.

Where can I register for the classes?
You can register online by going to our website ohioherbcenter.org or our Facebook page event. Or you can call the Ohio Herb Center at 614/642-HERB.  

                                                                 *****

~Post by Mary Szymkowiak, Communications & Tourism Manager for Visit Gahanna

Do you love to shop but hate paying up for big price tags? Same. As a self-proclaimed thrifty shopper, I’m always on the lookout for good deals. Recently, I learned about three different places in Gahanna that I had to check out for myself. At first, I thought they sounded too good to be true. But discovering Clothes Mentor, Style Encore and Discount Fashion Warehouse (DFW) in Gahanna has forever changed the way I shop. My only regret is not knowing about these retail-therapy gems sooner! Here is my review of each retailer: 

Clothes Mentor Gahanna
Clothes Mentor is a womens upscale resale store that sells gently used name-brand and designer clothing, shoes and accessories for up to 70% off original retail prices. Unlike shopping at a thrift store, Clothes Mentor only stocks pieces that are in great condition and are on-trend, or classic and timeless. When you walk in the door, you’ll see an aesthetically pleasing store, with clean and organized merchandise.  Shelves and racks are organized by color and size, making shopping easy and enjoyable. Their selection is amazing! On the flip side, Clothes Mentor pays cash or store credit to customers selling name-brand and designer pieces in their closets that they no longer wear (or have never worn). Check with store management or online for guidelines. 

Discount Fashion Warehouse (DFW)
DFW is a true hidden gem, tucked away from the main roads.  The first time I went to DFW, I lost track of time and spent two hours in this store (oops!). There is so much to see. DFW’s  inventory includes many of the same mall label items at discounts up to 90% off. Why pay regular prices for men’s and women’s clothing again? DFW carries sportswear, accessories and apparel. It’s important to note that DFW is not a reseller, and its inventory is not used. 

Style Encore
Similar to Clothes Mentor, Style Encore offers clothes up to 90% off regular retail prices and the chance to earn cash on the spot when you sell gently used clothes. This store is full of like-new gently used, women's clothes, shoes, and accessories at bargain prices. As an added bonus, Style Encore also offers personal stylists that will show you the colors, textures, trends and silhouettes that suit you best!

Looking for more shopping in Gahanna? Check out Visit Gahanna’s  Shop & Discover page on our site! 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!

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