Discover Gahanna Ohio

Consider yourself a true foodie? If you enjoy a wide variety of delicious local food all-in-one place, then take note ...Taste of Gahanna is back for its 21st year on Thursday, August 30, from 5:30 - 8:30 pm. Sponsored by Lew Griffin Insurance, Taste of Gahanna will take place at a new location this year! Creekside Plaza (117 Mill St.) will transform to a foodie’s dreamland as attendees walk around, sampling everything from bacon-wrapped brisket and corned beef sliders to red velvet Bundtinis and freshly baked cupcakes. We had the pleasure of talking with Leslee Blake, President of the Gahanna Area Chamber of Commerce, about what’s new this year and what people can expect.

What will be different about Taste of Gahanna this year?
The biggest change this year is that Taste of Gahanna 2018 will be held outdoors!  For the first time ever, the event will take place at Creekside Plaza, allowing us to showcase one of our city’s most beautiful gems and provide a delightful alfresco dining opportunity to attendees.  We’re excited to be welcoming both returning and new restaurants and vendors to Taste. Additionally, we’ll have new entertainment by Gahanna artists Paisha Thomas and Doug O’Hare, and a caricature artist that will create a one-of-a-kind drawing for attendees to take home as a special souvenir.  One of the highlights of the evening is sure to be our “Celebrity Chopped” Challenge featuring local celebrities that include the Mayor, Fire Chief, our GJPS Superintendent and a local TV personality. We’ll be pairing these dignitaries with local chefs to test their culinary skills! Additionally, attendees will be able to vote online for their favorite appetizer, entrée, dessert and table display.  The event is from 5:30 - 8:30 pm, so it goes by quickly! People can mix, mingle and nibble on unlimited samples from 20 different food vendors.

Which Gahanna area restaurants will be taking part?
The new restaurants include Piada, Honey Baked Ham, Nazareth Deli, Smallcakes Cupcakery, Soulshine, Noble Cut Distillery, Simple Times and Kroger (who will feature their several amazing catering options). Returning fan favorites include J Gumbo's, Mi Tradicion and 101 Beer Kitchen. Other great restaurants that will take part in Taste of Gahanna 2018 will include Old Bag of Nails, Cafe Creekside, Jet’s Pizza, Max & Erma’s, La Navona, Barrel & Boar, Cap City Fine Diner and Pam’s Popcorn!

Is there a certain dish you're excited to try?
I get so caught up and busy working the event that I hardly have time to try all the food! I’m certainly excited about the desserts. For me, it’s a mini competition between Smallcakes and Nothing Bundt Cakes since they’re both so good. I’m also excited to have Piada since I’ve never tried their food before. Nazareth Deli also has great offerings; I love that they make their own house dressing, and I’m a big fan of their hummus. I also love Longhorn’s salmon. So I guess I’m excited to try everything (if possible)!

There’s a great assortment of tastes that people can try, so no one should go away hungry. Three hours of unlimited eating?! It doesn’t get any better than that! And it’s a great value at $35 per person (pre-sale), with prices increasing to $40 after 12 midnight on Saturday, August 25.

How can people get tickets?
Tickets are currently available online and also will be available at the door (but buy early to save). To make the evening extra special, we also offer VIP reserved seating packages that include a complimentary bottle of wine for your table to enjoy!  Guests can decorate their own tables and take home a prize for the best design! For tickets, you can go to the Chamber’s website or get your tickets here.  

How does this event come together?
It’s been great to work with Visit Gahanna, especially since hosting outdoor events is something they have experience with as hosts of the Creekside Blues & Jazz Festival.  It takes a lot of hands to put this outdoor event together. Our Taste of Gahanna Committee (comprised of Directors from the Chamber’s Board and Chamber members) has been amazing and a huge help this year. We’re so grateful that Lew Griffin Insurance has supported this event for more than 10 years. Lew is a wonderful local business partner, and his team is fabulous.  He loves the event and is a strong patron of the Chamber and our community.

Is there anything else you’d like people to know about Taste of Gahanna?
Taste of Gahanna is the Chamber’s largest fundraiser.  Because we are a business association, our proceeds help to support the programming, workshops and resources that we are able to provide to our members, and allow us to keep membership prices reasonable.  This event also allows us to shine a light on our Chamber members and Gahanna businesses, and create an opportunity to connect our members with the local community.

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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 Lily Stone Bed & Breakfast is located in a home that is more than 100 years old, making it a charming piece of Gahanna history. Owned and operated by the Gahanna Historical Society, the Victorian-style B&B has recently undergone renovations to expose the underlying beauty of the building, as well as making some modern updates. We had the pleasure of talking to City Councilwoman, Gahanna Historical Society member and head of the B&B, Nancy McGregor, to learn more about The Lily Stone.

We love that The Lily Stone Bed & Breakfast is a beautiful piece of Gahanna history. Can you give us a little history of the B&B? 
The house was built in approximately 1900, and was owned by Lillian and S.C. Stone. Mr. Stone was the mayor of Gahanna in 1916 and 1917. The Stone family owned the house until 1981, when members of the Gahanna Historical Society pooled their resources to buy the property. Over the next 10 years members and community volunteers spent thousands of hours updating the house, cleaning, removing layers of wallpaper, establishing gardens around the house and painting the exterior. The Historical Society obtained a Community Development Block Grant of $20K that allowed them to update electricity, add/update bathrooms and add sinks and vanities to bedrooms. It was decorated in Victorian Style. The first guests at the Lily Stone visited in 1992.

We heard the B&B has recently undergone some renovations! What are the new updates?
In 2017, a marketing class at Capital University chose the Lily Stone as their summer project. There were four groups that looked at the facility with new eyes and made recommendations. Last October, after reading the recommendations, a group of volunteers got together to update the decor of the B&B. They removed many layers of curtains, old upholstered fabric and most of the carpeting. They painted, cleaned and removed wallpaper. WiFi and a centrally located TV were added. New bedding and towels were acquired. Two bicycles were donated for our guests to use. The work continues, and the bedrooms and baths are new and fresh. The house is a beautiful, peaceful place to stay and relax. There is a marvelous view of the Big Walnut Creek and the delightful neighborhood in which it lies.

Where is the Lily Stone B&B located?
The Lily Stone Bed & Breakfast is located at 106 S. High Street, Gahanna OH 43230. We encourage visitors to put the zip code in their GPS. Once I had to drive to downtown Columbus to pick up a guest from British Columbia whose taxi dropped him of at 106 S. High St. in Columbus!

What’s unique about this place?
The Lily Stone Bed & Breakfast is a beautiful, charming place to stay. It is located in a safe, quiet neighborhood, adjacent to walking and bicycle paths, and it’s within blocks of the Creekside Development. More than 10 restaurants of varying cuisines and price points are within a couple of blocks. It is located just 10 minutes from downtown Columbus and 2 miles from John Glenn International Airport.

Can people tour The Lily Stone?
A tour of the facility can be scheduled by calling me, [Nancy McGregor] 614/475-5735.

How can people book a room?
People can book a room by calling 614/476-1976.

Is there anything else you’d like people to know about The Lily Stone Bed & Breakfast?
Our guests, both local and international, are very happy with the beautiful setting of the LilyStone. We have guests who come into town for family events, guests who work for the airlines, guests coming in for career classes, folks passing through the area and even guests coming in for tattoos by a famed local artist. We would be happy to answer any questions. 

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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!

Looking for ways to entertain guests or just have some late-summer fun? As the destination marketing organization for Gahanna, Ohio,  #TeamVisitGahanna has the BEST insider tips and recommendations to guarantee some great times for you and your friends.

Creekside District

Part breathtaking park and part entertainment district, Creekside is Gahanna’s shining gem. Enjoy lunch, dinner or Happy Hour at one of a dozen great restaurants--many (including Barrel & Boar, Pigskin Brewing Company, Local Cantina and Old Bag of Nails) offering stellar patio views of Big Walnut Creek. Walk the trails and discover the beautiful herb gardens (you are in the Herb Capital of Ohio, after all), wade in the creek or enjoy a paddle boat ride! 

Herbal Cocktail Trail

If you love cocktails or appreciate culinary creativity, grab your friends and pick up an Herbal Cocktail Trail passport! Passports are available at the Visitor Center (167 Mill St.) or any of the 9 participating businesses--which include: 101 Beer Kitchen, Arepazo Tapas & Wine, Barrel & Boar Creekside, Barry’s Pub | The Golf Depot, Kindred Brewing, Old Bag of Nails, Pigskin Brewing Company, Signatures and Wyandotte Winery. Experience the trail at your own pace—earning a stamp in their passports for each drink purchased.  A passport with six stamps can be redeemed at the Visitor Center (M-F 9 am-5:30 pm) for a branded cocktail glass. Read more here for more information on partner businesses and cocktails.

Herbal Adventure Family Fun Pass
If your guests include kids, head out on an adventure to discover the “Herb Capital of Ohio!” Pick up your Herbal Adventure Fun Pass at the Visit Gahanna Visitor Center (167 Mill St.) or any partner business to get started. Show your Fun Pass to receive exclusive offers AND to collect stickers for ANY purchase made at each partner business. Once you've collected 5 stickers, redeem your pass for a choice of gifts at the Visitor Center. Partner businesses include Lazer Kraze Gahanna, Mug & Brush Gahanna, Pam's Market Popcorn, Ohio Herb Center, 101 Beer Kitchen Gahanna, Mrs. Turbo's Cookies, Glow Putt Mini-Golf, Thrive Massage & Wellness, Expressions Floral Design and select Gahanna hotels. For full details on the Fun Pass read more here.

Noble Cut Distillery

New to the Gahanna area, this distillery has the family history to back up its delicious recipes. Go to their tasting room and try their famous 240-year-old Limoncello recipe, or take a tour of their distillery (offered every Saturday). While you’re there, ask for the recipe to their  Mint Lemonade cocktail--Noble Cut’s tasty nod to Gahanna’s Herb Capital of Ohio status!

Attend an Event
There is no shortage of events in this bustling community! If you and your guests are looking to get out of the house for some fun, check out some local events. For a full list of events happening in Gahanna, download the Visit Gahanna app. Below are a few events coming up right around the corner!

Live Music Tuesdays at The Barn (Every Tuesday until August 28)
Creekside Live Concert Series (August 24)
101 Beer Kitchen Farm to Table Beer Dinner (August 28)
Taste of Gahanna (August 30)
Creekside Hops & Vines Festival (September 22)
Big Walnut Creek Family Canoe & Kayak Float (September 29)
Gahanna Flea Market (September 30)

Tasty Treats

What’s a better way to end the day other than treating yourself to a tasty treat?! From ice cream to cupcakes and every mouth-watering treat in between, Gahanna knows how to do dessert!

SmallCakes Cupcakery & Creamery Gahanna - Freshly baked each morning & made from scratch, the cupcakes here are nothing short of delicious.
Nothing Bundt Cakes - Trust in their tagline, “Home of the Most Delicious Bundt Cakes Ever.”
Mrs. Turbo’s Cookies - Savor cookies made fresh and with love for every single occasion.
Blank Slate - If your idea of a tasty treat includes fun coffee drinks that are to-die-for, head on over to the coffee shop that’s uniquely located inside a remodeled airstream!
SuperChef’s - From red velvet pancakes to Cinnamon Toast Crunch waffles, this place brings on intense flavors for vibrant palettes!
Whit’s Frozen Custard - Think creamy, frozen custard as a super premium grade of ice cream dessert. Now think of all the flavor possibilities. #Yum
Upper Cup - Visit this coffee lover's haven--and taste your choice of brews made from the best coffee beans from around the world (roasted in-house). If you get there early enough--enjoy a cronuts (A cross between a croissant and a donut)!                 

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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!

Through kindness, compassion and sharing of her talents--one local resident's art is making an impact on the other side of the world.  What started as an interest in rock painting has become a mission project for Misty Day. We caught up with Misty to ask her to share her story. 

How did you get started on this adventure?
Last summer I traveled back to Florida to visit family and happened to find a lovely painted rock on the beach.  At first I thought someone had dropped a vacation souvenir, but my mom told me that painting and hiding “Kindness Rocks” was a huge past time in her area.  The very next day, my sister (who was already painting kindness rocks) brought over a ton of rocks and paints so I could paint some of my own.  I had never painted before, but I loved the idea of hiding them on the beach and making people smile.  I ended up painting them all week and the rocks just got more and more elaborate.  Even my mom was surprised and asked, “How are you able to do that?”   What a wonderful surprise to learn I could paint!  Once I returned I home, I immediately bought my own rock painting supplies and joined the Gahanna Rocks group on Facebook.

How has your project grown?
It’s been crazy how much rock painting has changed my life in just a year.  I have joined several rock painting groups. I have been asked many times to teach rock painting classes and I’ve even hosted Kindness Rock events for several neighboring towns.  I love that I’ve been able to connect with my community and fellow artists using the simple idea of rocks and spreading kindness.

You recently returned from a trip to Honduras. How did that trip come about? I have been sponsoring a little girl, Daniela, in Honduras for almost 2 years and knew that a group of sponsors from my church were planning a trip to visit their kids.  I had heard how amazing it was for other sponsors to meet their kids and I really wanted to meet Daniela myself.  So, a year ago I decided to go and I started raising money for my trip.

Was it your intention to offer rock painting classes in Honduras as you were planning the trip? 
When I decided to go on the trip, I had no idea how I was going to raise the money or what I would be doing while I was there.  I never even thought about selling my rocks until a co-worker asked if he could have one if he donated to my trip. I soon began posting rocks on Facebook and TONS of requests poured in. I was able to pay for the entire trip with rocks! 

As the trip got closer, I decided to paint a special name rock for each child.  When one of the trip organizers found out how much money I had raised and about the rocks I was taking as gifts, they asked if I would be interested in teaching a class while I was there.  She thought that could be a fun activity and possible a creative money making skill for the people there.

How did you get the art supplies for the trip?
I was so preoccupied with the other details of the trip, that I hadn’t even thought about all the paint supplies we would need.  I was at an art event at The Griffin Gallery at Creekside and the owner, Lew Griffin, started asking me all about my upcoming trip.  When I told him and his wife that I had been asked to teach classes there, he asked, “How are you paying for all of the supplies?”  I said, “Huh, I have no idea.  I hadn’t even thought about that yet, but I’m sure someone in the community will help.”  Lew didn’t even miss a beat and replied, “Someone in the community will definitely do that and it’ll be us.”  I was so surprised and overwhelmed!  Lew went on to say that he’d not only pay for the rock painting supplies but any other supplies we would need for the trip too.  It was such an amazing blessing and the entire team was thrilled by the news.  Thanks to The Griffin Gallery’s generosity, we were able to take suit cases of art and teaching supplies with us.

How were your classes received there?  What was the feedback?
Really well, actually!  In fact, I was surprised by the response.  I was worried that they would be confused as to why we would be painting on rocks and I didn’t even know if anyone would show up.  There was so much interest that we added a second class for the staff of the center!  It was amazing to see this community of people laugh and smile and just enjoy the afternoon.  And when they learned that the people our city of Gahanna paints these rocks and leaves them for strangers, they all looked at me in surprise.  Through an interpreter I explained that we call them Kindness Rocks and it’s our way of spreading smiles to whoever finds the rocks that we’ve hidden.

After class, I was asked many questions by the staff of the center about how they can continue their own Kindness Rocks group.  Their director said it’s so difficult to bring art to their area because no one has any extra money or time for those kinds of things.  I was overjoyed to tell her that all the supplies we used for the class and BOXES more were being left for them and their community so they can paint whenever they’d like!

Do you have any plans to return?
Absolutely!  Saying good-bye to the staff and Daniela was very hard.  In the 7 days I spent there, they had become family to me and I didn’t want to let them go.  I promised them all that I would be back many times.  In fact, I think my exact words were “Good luck getting rid of me!”.

Do you teach classes locally?
I do.  I teach a monthly class in Reynoldsburg on the first Sunday of every month.  The class is sponsored by the city and they offer it for free.  I also teach classes for various groups, business organizations, and private events.  I’ve taught classes for the Girl Scouts, ladies groups, birthday parties and for company events.  Next month I’ll be teaching a Kindness Rocks painting class for the employees of the Heartland Bank as a team building exercise.

What’s your advice for someone who is interested in getting started in rock painting?
My number one piece of advice is DON’T buy expensive art supplies.  Rock painting is such a relaxing and inexpensive hobby.  The acrylic paints I use are only .50 a bottle and I even buy my brushes from the Walmart craft section.  If I need a super fine tip, I just use a pair of scissors and cut a brush down.  Rocks can easily be found, or purchased at Home Depot.  I paint so many, that all my rocks are purchased and you can get a bag of 60-ish for only $10.  I would also suggest someone join their local rock painting group on Facebook.  In the group, they can find all kinds of ideas, painting events, and tips for sealing and hiding their rocks.

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To learn more about Misty Day's Rocks, visit her Facebook page. 

It’s time to raise your glass to Gahanna’s newest business! Noble Cut Distillery has been creating a lot of buzz since it opened, so we were happy to get the opportunity to talk to one of the co-owners, Ben.  We asked about his new business, the centuries-old cocktail recipes and why Gahanna is the perfect area to open up shop.

What made you want to open a distillery?
There’s a running joke that, in order to limit my costs on alcohol, I should just make my own! Jokes aside, it all started when I met Tony, the head distiller and co-owner of Noble Cut, 6 years ago when we became neighbors. He’s the real reason we opened up shop, and he has the family history to back it up. His grandfather was a bootlegger and his grandmother gave him the famous Limoncello recipe!

Why did you choose Gahanna to open up a distillery?
We looked at different properties for about 6 months before settling on this location (750 Cross Pointe Rd, Suite K). We found that this property fits our needs perfectly, and we decided that Gahanna was a great place to be. Here, we can stand out on our own and have a better shot being one in a smaller pool than one in a bigger pool. The reception here has been overwhelming and fantastic, and we couldn’t be happier!

We heard that there is a great story behind your Limoncello?
Our Limoncello recipe is 240 years old. It was passed down from Tony’s grandmother. She moved here from Naples, Italy and brought the recipe with her. For her contribution to our most popular item, we feature her on the back of the Limoncello label.

Do you have any cocktail suggestions that people can make at home with your products?
Our Mint Lemonade is our Gahanna special since Gahanna is the Herb Capital of Ohio! It’s really refreshing for the summer! We showcased it at the Creekside Blues and Jazz Festival and it’s been a big hit! It’s made with our Limoncello, and the recipe will be added to our website soon, but you can find other cocktail recipes on our website now.

What’s unique about your distillery?
I think our size and creativity make us unique. We made a conscious decision to go small with our operation because it allows us to be flexible with our products and  try out different things. This allows us to be more creative without being tied up with a certain amount of product.

Where can people purchase your products?
Right now, the only place you can purchase our products is at our bottle shop at our distillery. We hope to be at local store liquor agencies in August. Once that is up and running, we’ll announce it and have a section on our website that will share where you can buy it.  

Do you have a tasting room?
Yes, we do! We also offer tours of our tasting rooms. Tours are on Saturdays right now, but we’ll expand that as the market demands.

Is there anything else you'd like people to know about Noble Cut Distillery?
Our goal is to remain small and community-focused. We love the partnerships we’re building with Gahanna since we like to be a community brand. It lets us be who we are instead of big corporate!  

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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!