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Insider tips for visiting Ohio's herb capital.
The Ohio Herb Center (110 Mill St. in Gahanna) is celebrating Pollinator Week (June 17-22) by hosting educational events on the importance of pollinators. The pollinator events are open to the public and will be held each day from June 19 - 22. Each event is family friendly and perfect for all ages. Want to learn more about pollinator week? Check out the events below!
Pollinator Insect Hunt | June 19, 2 – 3 pm Bring your busy little bees to the Ohio Herb Center to learn about identifying and reporting the pollinators in your backyard. We will take a quick pollinator insect hunt around the Ohio Herb Center and possibly Creekside. $5 per family.
Pollinator Habitats: Attracting Butterflies & Bees | June 20, 2 – 3 pm Attract more butterflies and bees to your yard when you make a seed mat at the Ohio Herb Center. Our staff will walk you through the process and then you can take home your mat to plant. $1 per child/seed mat. Please email amanda@ohioherbcenter.org to register.
Kid friendly Wild Herb Walk at Woodside Green | June 21, 10:30 – 11:30 am Join the Ohio Herb Center’s Amanda Ferguson (Gahanna’s “Bee Whisperer”) for a pollinator-focused herb walk at Woodside Green Park (212 Camrose Ct. Gahanna). Participants will meet at the park message board by the pond and begin at 10:30am.
Pollinators 101: Flower Friendly Wildlife | June 22, 1 – 2 pm Pollinators 101 class at the Ohio Herb Center rounds out the week, teaching parents and kids 10+ about our native bees and butterflies, including what you can do in your own backyard to help them. Amanda Ferguson, bee whisperer of Gahanna, will take you out in the gardens at the Ohio Herb Center to look for all the pollinators we can find. Watch, listen, and learn as we get a bug’s eyed view of our pollinator friends.
Go to OhioHerbCenter.org to register for the workshops or to learn more.
Gahanna, Ohio’s largest annual event is happening this weekend (June 14-16)! With 90 hours of music, 5 stages, the Giant Eagle Family Fun Zone, Cocktail Tastings, amusement rides, comedians, magicians and MUCH more–it promises fun for all ages. Here’s the skinny on what to know before you go …
Shuttle to Family Fun Zone (ONLY) will run from the Columbus Public Library Distribution Center (101 S. Stygler Rd.) This shuttle does NOT drop off or pick up at the main Festival grounds.
The Creekside Parking Garage will be open throughout the festival weekend. Entrance is located near the intersection of Mill and North Streets; accessible only by traveling south on Mill Street. Event parking will be collected at entrance to garage. Festival Admission also will be collected for all cars parking in garage. Cash or Credit Cards are accepted at garage entrance. (Note: Tickets pre-purchased online in advance will be accepted at garage entrance.)
FREE park-and-walk public parking is available at Friendship Park (150 Oklahoma), Shull Park (236 Granville Street), Gahanna Lincoln High School (140 S. Hamilton Rd.) and Clark Hall (380 Granville St.).
The Giant Eagle Family Fun Zone offers free crafts, games and activities that the entire family can enjoy. Cuddle with cute turtles, visit a petting zoo, play a game or make a craft to take home as a souvenir of your fun festival day.
NOTE: The ONLY shuttle that runs specifically to the Family Fun Zone–picks-up/drops-off at the Columbus Metro Library Operations Center (101 S. Stygler Rd.), where parking is available. The shuttles running from AEP Columbus do NOT stop at the Family Fun Zone, but it is walkable from the Main Festival Footprint.
Join Gahanna’s Noble Cut Distillery and Simple Times Mixers as they show you how to craft the perfect combination of whiskeys, Limoncellos and mixers to create unique and delicious cocktails. The craft cocktail tastings will be offered on Friday evening of the Festival (June 14) at Creekside Plaza. 4 cocktail samples/$15. Seatings will be offered every 45 minutes, 6-10 pm. Seats are limited. Online reservations are strongly encouraged. Must be 21+.
5-8 pm Saturday (6/15) Bourbon and Whiskey Tastings with Whiskey Pete Pete Wagner, Whiskey Ambassador to Brown-Forman, will entertain and educate you as he discusses the evolution of whiskey and the fine distinctions between varieties of bourbon and whiskey. Sample a flight of whiskeys or bourbon including some of Brown-Forman’s newest offerings. 3 samples/$10. 5 samples/$15. Seatings offered every 30 minutes; 5-8 pm Saturday, June 15. Online reservations are strongly encouraged. Seats are limited. Must be 21+.
Have additional questions? Check CreeksideBluesandJazz.com or call Visit Gahanna6141/418-9114. While visiting the Festival, be sure to share your #2019CBJF photos (and the hashtag) to share the Festival love!
Each year, the Creekside Blues & Jazz Festival® hosts talented musicians representing different genres - many returning--due to popular demand. One of those returning artists is Erica Blinn, a rock artist that is sure to be on your music radar after you see her perform. We had the honor of chatting with Erica recently, as she preps for #2019CBJF.
How long have you been a musician? I’ve been a musician for 18 years and play rock and roll pop songs with punk-rock attitude. I sing, and I play guitar and harmonica.
Who inspired you initially? My dad was my first inspiration. He played guitar around the house and always had music on. I saw him and my uncle Garry play when I was a child. My very first favorite bands were The Jackson 5 and The Beatles. I was inspired to play harmonica because of Magic Dick (J.Geils Band) and Delyn Christian, who gave me my first lessons.
What’s your (current) favorite song to perform? My favorite song is always the latest one I've written just because it's new.
What’s your favorite kind of music to listen to? Who are your favorite bands/ artists now? I love rock and roll. I've been listening to a lot of Joan Jett and T. Rex. I love Ruby Boots’ latest record. I've also been getting back into Pop and R&B. Lizzo is a really great mix of all of that. Camila Cabello has some great songs. Eva Lin just released a few new songs that I love.
If you could meet up and play with any legendary musician (dead or alive), who would it be and why? Joe Walsh because I just think he's the coolest.
What will you be performing at the Creekside Blues & Jazz Festival? I'm performing solo. I've been doing a mix of acoustic and electric guitar playing.
What do you hope fans take away from your performance? I hope people will have fun and connect with my lyrics in some way.
Where can fans learn more about you and your music (online)? www.ericablinn.com
For a complete schedule of entertainment, plus shuttle, parking and additional information, go to CreeksideBluesandJazz.com. Interested in scoring a complimentary weekend pass and Tshirt? Use the #2019CBJF hashtag on social media to share or create posts about the Festival. We’ll pick 40 Jambassadors at random (before 6.14.19) to score some swag! Questions? Call 614/418-9114.
Gahanna, Ohio is home to breathtaking parks, top-notch restaurants and scenic buildings--all making this the community a wonderful place to live, work...and take pictures! Whether you’re looking for a spot for your next photo-op or just searching for a place to hang out and enjoy, Team Visit Gahanna has narrowed down (and this wasn’t easy) our top 10 most photogenic places in Gahanna. Help us add to the list! Tag @VisitGahanna or use the hashtag #UniquelyGahanna on your social media posts to showcase your fav scenic spots in Herb Capital of Ohio.
Creekside Plaza/Park | 151 Mill St. The heart of Gahanna is home to several restaurants and bars surrounded by picturesque scenery of fountains, walking paths, the Big Walnut Creek (complete with waterfalls and ducks) and a place to go paddle-boating. Creekside Plaza often doubles as place for our community to come together for a variety of events (including the Creekside Blues & Jazz Festival, Creekside Live, Second Saturdays, Creepside and Hops and Vines), so it’s no wonder many people flock to take pictures here!
Friendship Park | 150 Oklahoma Ave. Parks are normally an ideal place for pictures, but this park is equipped with beautiful walking paths lined with trees (even prettier in the fall), a large gazebo, tennis and basketball courts (for sporty pictures). The park also features an adorable garden that makes the perfect backdrop!
The Gahanna Sanctuary | 82 N High St. This charming one-of-a-kind space is on the National Register of Historic Places and features gorgeous stained-glass windows, ambient string lights, an outdoor patio and so much more. Tucked away in Gahanna's Creekside District, the Sanctuary offers the ideal location for wedding ceremonies and receptions, family celebrations, community gatherings, and just about any kind of event you can imagine. As one of Gahanna’s most unique event venues, it provides the backdrop for epic pictures to go along with the day.
Ohio Herb Center | 110 Mill St. Located in a quaint historic building (also on the National Register of Historic Places) in the heart of Gahanna’s Creekside District, the Ohio Herb Center offers a cozy porch with rockers and wicker furniture, gardens in bloom (surrounding the building), the drying shed (once Gahanna’s post office), a charming parlor and a gift shop. The Herb Center’s upcoming “Old Fashioned Summer Series” offers the perfect opportunity to capture front-porch memories with family or friends.
Blank Slate Coffee | 152 Mill St #1 Other than going to this establishment for a delicious cup of coffee, this giant silver Airstream-turned-coffee shop is an obvious choice for a quick Instagram picture to take on the inside or outside. Shine on!
The Hart Room | 152 Mill St. #2 The Hart Room is located directly behind Blank Slate and is a haven for all things creative from art shows to galleries, making this place a must-see on your Gahanna bucket list and a perfect place to snap a pic! Be sure to snag a selfie of yourself with yourself in front of the painted “antlers.”
The Drive Along Cherry Bottom Road Locals know that this winding drive is one of the prettiest spots in town. The road meanders through beautiful neighborhoods and parkland, under a canopy of trees that covers a distance. In the fall the spectrum of leaf colors is breathtaking. In winter, the snowy white branches look other worldly. In spring and summer, the cool shade of the cover provides a welcome escape. The speed limit is just 25 MPH along Cherry Bottom Road--but you’ll want someone else to drive slowly anyway, so you can capture some images that do this pass justice.
Wyandotte Winery | 4640 Wyandotte Dr. Tucked away from the main road, Wyandotte Winery is the first and oldest winery in Central Ohio. This place features a beautiful, large outdoor patio while the wine shop and tasting room provide a relaxed environment to enjoy Wyandotte wines. Grape vines grow in front; and large trees surround the patio--home to the Fabulous Fridays (featuring live music).
Gahanna Woods State Preserve | 1501 Taylor Station Rd Gahanna Woods encompasses a variety of wooded habitats in an urban setting. It also features 139+ acres of some of the State’s most exceptional and unique flora, nature trails, open meadows and bird watching.
Woodside Green Park | 213 Camrose Ct. Surrounded by lush greenery, this park offers miles of scenic paths to walk or bike including several picturesque bridges. The front of the park features a catch and release fishing pond, playground, jungle gym and pavilions you can rent for events. This park also connects to Academy Park.
Use the hashtag #UniquelyGahanna on social media for a chance to be featured on Visit Gahanna’s social media channels and website!
The Creekside Blues & Jazz Festival (CBJF) is Gahanna, Ohio’s largest annual signature event--bringing thousands of music fans together from all over the country to celebrate some of the most talented blues and jazz artists anywhere! The 2019 CBJF will be held June 14-16 at Creekside Gahanna (117 Mill St.), featuring 90 hours of live music, performed by 50 bands on five stages … PLUS, mouth-watering cuisine, regional artisans and vendors, amusement rides, family activities and more! Now celebrating its 21st year, CBJF is recognized for delivering the “best blues and jazz in Ohio.”
This year, the popular Buskers Bayou stage will host a special “Comedy Hour” on Friday from 7-8 pm followed by a performance by magician Michael Kent at 8 pm. The Giant Eagle Family Fun Zone offers a free, family friendly area featuring hands-on crafts, games and activities. Family friendly activities include jugglers, storytellers and interactive musical workshops for kids. An artisan market, amusement rides, kayaking and other activities are also held throughout the three-day festival.
To jazz things up, new highlights this year include Cocktail Tastings on Friday with Noble Cut Distillery and Simple Times Mixers, and whiskey and bourbon tastings with “Whiskey Pete” on Saturday. CBJF will honor “Women of Blues” on Sunday with a performance byVanessa Collier, a 2019 Blues Music Award Nominee--and several other local lady blues legends.
Other headliners include Joe Louis Walker, a Blues Hall of Fame inductee and four-time Blues Music Award winner, John Scofield, a triple Grammy award winning artist, and John Nemeth, a blues and soul artist.
Located in the heart of Gahanna’s Creekside District, the CBJF is set against a breathtaking background of parkland, fountains and waterfalls … and local eateries with patio dining. CBJF has something fun for the everyone: from listening to talented bands and kayaking along the creek, to enjoying a delicious dinner at one of the several restaurants located within the festival grounds, and enjoying activities with the kids in the Family Fun Zone.
Admission is $10 on Friday and Saturday, and $7 on Sunday. Admission for children ages 4-11 is $5 each day. Children under 4 and members of the military (plus one guest) with military ID are admitted for free. Weekend passes are available online prior to the festival weekend ($10 for children ages 4-11). Free admission on Sunday between 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. is available for each person who donates at least one travel-size toiletry item to benefit Gahanna Neighborhood Bridges. Ride-all-day wristbands are available each day for the amusement area.
The Festival is presented by Visit Gahanna and is made possible with the support of sponsors and the help of a dedicated corps of local volunteers. A complete schedule of entertainment, shuttle, parking and additional information is available at CreeksideBluesandJazz.com. Questions? Call 614/418-9114 Become a CBJF “Jambassador” by following on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest using the #2019CBJF hashtag for contests, special offers and more.
Copyright © 2014 Gahanna Convention & Visitors Bureau. All rights reserved. 167 Mill St. Gahanna, Ohio 43230. 614/418-9114. 866/424-2662