Discover Gahanna Ohio

Tucked back away from the road and the hustle and bustle of the daily chaos sits a 160-acre natural oasis that serves as a center for ecology, spirituality and education. Shepherd’s Corner was founded in 1992 and is an ecological refuge run by the Dominican Sisters of Peace. The property is a haven for wildlife, and a place of peace, natural beauty and spiritual rejuvenation.

Surprisingly, Shepherd’s Corner is a hidden gem that very few people know about it. Here, you can find your inner peace by walking the labyrinth and meditation trails. The labyrinth offers a quiet meditation and reflection experience. The meditation trails feature 13 reflective stations. Each station delivers something for the mind, body and spirit.  A sign can be found at each station with theme-centered information, reflections and suggested activities.  

The 160-acre oasis also features animal pastures, where visitors can meet a herd of sheep and guard llama, Alejandro (AJ), who keeps them safe. The pasture is also home to a turkey and a flock of chickens who are protected by Coco Rico the rooster. 
 

If you’re a fan of bird-watching, you’ll be happy to know the property is a great place to spot approximately 105 bird species!  Beautiful farm gardens on the property offer visitors a lesson in permaculture..

The property also features a barn that is more than a century old.  The barn was restored to its current state--with the addition of a concrete foundation, as well as several windows positioned to collect passive solar heat.  A clerestory was added to the roof, bringing in natural lighting. The barn even has solar panels to provide electricity to the building. The building now includes an office space, library, program/assembly space, fiber room, art room, a large kitchen and work sheds. It also doubles as a rental space.

Visitation hours vary. Shepherd’s Corner is open Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 10 am to 4 pm from April through November. (Please call before visiting to make sure that they are open.)

Upcoming events:

The Awakening Earth Labyrinth Walk
About: Take a walk at the labyrinth and open up to the possibilities of spring! The walk is facilitated by Shawn Scott and  Nancy Cameron, Earthkeepers. Register by March 16, 2018
When: March 20, 2018 from 7 - 8:30 pm

Maple Syrup Tour
About: Learn about maple sugaring from tree-sap-to- tap, to syrup-on-your-breakfast.  Learn about the boiling process and taste the syrup! Register by March 1, 2018.
When: March 3, 2018 from 10 am – 12 pm

Alone with Each Other
About: Enjoy a spiritual experience as you walk a Benedictine Labyrinth on Dominican ground in a Franciscan Spirit. Lead by John Seryak, Labyrinth caretaker. Register by April 4, 2018.
When:  April 6, 2018 from 7 – 8:30 pm

Curb your Waste
About:  Learn how to lessen your waste and build community. Register by April 23, 2018.
When: April 25, 2018 from 6:30 – 8 pm

Annual Plant Sale
About: Come support Shepherd’s Corner Ecology Center through the purchase of plants grown from seeds on site.  Plants are all naturally grown without chemicals, pesticides, or herbicides.  More information as to the available offerings will be made public closer to the sale.
When: May 12, 2018 from 9 am – 2:30 pm

Farm Fresh 5K
About: Save the date for the Farm Fresh 5K! More information on this event will be available soon.
When: June 9, 2018 from 9 – 11:30 am

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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!

Blog written by Braeden Chicase, Visit Gahanna Ohio Social Media Assistant.

Let’s be honest - we all need an excuse to get out of the house for a little fun! So round up the kiddos, text your friends, or grab your significant other and head out on an adventure to uncover the charming city of Gahanna, Ohio - the “Herb Capital of Ohio!” Whether you’re looking for fun activities to entertain your kids, or looking for a reason to go out and explore this beautiful community - there is surely something that everyone will enjoy in our new Herbal Adventure Family Fun Pass!

The Herbal Adventure Family Fun Pass makes it fun and simple to visit our partner business listed below. All you need to do is pick up your Fun Pass at the Gahanna Visitor Center at 167 Mill St. or any of the partner businesses to get started! The rules of the game are simple - just show your Fun Pass to receive exclusive offers and to collect stickers for any purchase made at each partner business. When you have five stickers on your Fun Pass, stop by the Visit Gahanna Visitor Center to redeem your pass for a choice of gifts!

The Fun Pass includes exclusive deals, discounts and freebies! Enjoy deals such as a free 10-minute trampoline jump session, a 10-minute chair massage for just $10, free gifts, and more! Participants can also earn a sticker by downloading the Visit Gahanna App!

The Herbal Adventure Family Fun Pass officially launches January 22, 2018.

Make sure to bring your pass along with you when you visit the following locations:

Visit Gahanna App |167 Mill Street | 614-418-9114

Lazer Kraze Gahanna | 5524 North Hamilton Road


Mug & Brush Gahanna | 153 North High Street


Pam's Popcorn | 955 East Johnstown Road


Ohio Herb Center | 110 Mill Street

K’s Kernel's |104 Granville Street

101 Beer Kitchen | 397 Stoneridge Lane


Mrs. Turbo's Cookies |1050 Beecher Crossing North


Glow Putt Mini-Golf |161 Granville Street


Thrive Massage & Wellness | 4955 North Hamilton Road


Expressions Floral Design Studio |1247 North Hamilton Road

Gahanna Hotels
Stay at any of these four Gahanna hotels and get a sticker!

SpringHill Suites by Marriott | 665 Taylor Road

TownePlace Suites by Marriott | 695 Taylor Road

Candlewood Suites | 590 Taylor Road

Holiday Inn Express & Suites | 460 Waterbury Court

With so many fun places to visit in Gahanna, your Fun Pass will fill up quickly! 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! Enjoy your Herbal Adventure journey!

For more information or questions about the Herbal Adventure Family Fun Pass, please go to visitgahanna.com or call 614-418-9114

Blog post written by Braeden Chicase, Social Media Assistant

A new year brings new opportunities to start fresh. Many (including myself) set goals that we’re determined to accomplish during the new year, in hopes of developing a lifestyle change. This year, I’ve made it my goal to take more time for myself. Rather than searching far, I found that my own community here in a Gahanna has hidden gems that will help me with my New Year resolution. In fact, Gahanna is home to many hidden gems--to help with a wide range of other common New Year resolutions!

Trying to get in shape and eat healthier for 2018?

Namaste in Love

New to the Creekside District in Gahanna is a small, cozy yoga studio that will make you feel at home as soon as you step in the door. Whether you’re a true beginner or an advanced yogi, there is a class for you. Namaste in Love offers a new member special that features two weeks of unlimited classes for $32, which allows you to try different classes!

Healthy Day Nutrition

The first time I visited Healthy Day, I had a nice conversation with Jaclyn about living a healthy lifestyle and the passion we have for our jobs. She told me what Healthy Day had to offer, and helped me pick out a smoothie based on what I liked. I’ve been a returning customer ever since! With a warm welcome from the employees and delicious meal-replacements smoothies that come in more than 60 flavors, Healthy Day is an easy choice for those looking to get in shape and eat healthier. 

Looking to try new things?

Herbal Adventure Family Fun Pass

Engage the family in a fun new scavenger hunt adventure while discovering some of the unique attractions and shops in Gahanna. Stop by the Gahanna Convention and Visitors Bureau or any of the partner businesses listed here (starting  January 22) to pick up an Herbal Adventure Family Fun Pass. Then get out and discover 14 local businesses--collecting stickers, enjoying special exclusive offers and learning about the Herb Capital of Ohio!  For more information on the partner businesses and how to get started, download the Visit Gahanna App or go to VisitGahanna.com  
* Herbal Adventure Family Fun Pass officially launches on Jan. 22, 2018.

Ohio Herb Education Center

The Ohio Herb Education Center, located at 110 Mill St. in Gahanna, is definitely one of the city’s shining gems. The Center offers several exciting educational and DIY classes that are centered around using herbs for beauty products, tea infusion, medicinal purposes and even homecare. To find out more about the classes the Herb Center has to offer, check out their website.

Creekside Jazz and Blues Festival (June 15-17, 2018)

2018 is a big year for the Creekside Jazz and Blues Festival: the popular music festival turns 20 this year! Known as the “best blues and jazz music in Ohio,” this three-day cultural event features 90+ hours of world-class music on five stages, delicious cuisine, regional artisans, amusement rides, family activities and more. The 20th Anniversary Celebration will feature some very special guests--including a few Grammy winning artists! Watch CreeksideBluesandJazz.com for bands, lineups, ticket info and more. Put #2018CBJF on the top of your 2018 bucket list.

AAA Great Vacations Travel EXPO

If 2018 is your year to see the world, your first stop should be to attend of the AAA Great Vacations Expo at the Greater Columbus Convention Center in Downtown Columbus. Talk with top travel experts and take home the best advice, values and deals on everything from a wide range of vacation destinations. Be sure to stop and see team #VisitGahanna at our booth. (Show us the Visit Gahanna app downloaded to your phone and we’ll give you a free gift!)  Want a chance to win some free show passes? Follow @visitgahanna on Instagram for a chance to win.

Focusing on self-care?

Thrive Massage & Wellness

I just discovered Thrive Massage & Wellness and, to be honest, part of me wants to keep this place a secret (because it’s so awesome). Thrive offers the ultimate way to reduce stress and relax. It’s the first Central Ohio spa with infrared light therapy used for weight loss, detox, pain relief, heart health, skin purification, and relaxation. Thrive also specializes in hot stone massages, Swedish massage, deep tissue, craniosacral, and Reiki.  

Expressions Floral Design Studio

There is nothing like treating yourself to some fresh flowers to lift your spirit. I like Gahanna’s own Expressions Floral Design Studio--recognized for breathtaking, top quality blooms and beautiful arrangements.

As a Gahanna resident and New Year Resolutioner, I’m glad that I live in a community that has local businesses that make it easy and convenient to keep my 2018 goals on track. Best of luck to my fellow resolutioners this year!

Blog written by Braeden Chicase, Social Media Assistant

The weather has gotten oh so chilly in Gahanna. That means it’s time to break out the soup, the hot chocolate and crochet an afghan to stay toasty warm.   
    

Wait? You don’t meet up with your friends to make afghans?

The yarn arts are on the rise right now, and that means more and more people are gathering to knit and crochet in public. And if you think it’s just misshapen sweaters and awkward granny squares, well... yes, we sometimes accidentally make those. But we make a whole lot more too. Like delicious sweaters that feel like butter and fluffy blankets that are perfect for wrapping up newborns.

Based on the stares my group gets when we practice our yarn arts in public, we know you’re all jealous and want to try to make something too. (I mean, that’s what those stares are about, right??) So here is a quick guide to some of the best places to crochet or knit in Gahanna:

Local Cantina
Tacos and yarn? Heck yeah. Tacos make for a great light meal before you get to business, and Local Cantina knows how to make a great taco. After you get done with these tasty treats, you can bring out your precious project with a side of margarita giggles with your friends.

You should order: Blood orange margaritas and tacos. Yes, margarita with an “s.” You can’t just have one of these.

Kindred Brewing’s Taproom
The bright lights and friendly service of Kindred Brewing’s taproom makes my yarn group wanting to come back again and again. We have found, at least in our group, that yarn nerdery and beer nerdery go hand-in-hand. And well, maybe we’re just plain nerds. So as we’re creating our homages to Doctor Who in yarn, it just feels better to have great beer in our hands. Great beer is found here.

You should order: Hodad IPA. I’m always going to recommend the IPA, so feel free to be less predictable than me and branch out. But seriously, the IPA is solid.

The Nest at Yarnbyrds the Yarn Truck
You may have seen “Yarnbyrds the Yarn Truck” around town at festivals. This truck is full of beautiful yarns that would cause any yarn nerd to drool. But did you know this amazing truck has a home here?

The Nest is a space for knitters and crocheters to get together to share their crafts and learn new things. You can join one of the open knitting or crocheting meetups or take one of the classes offered. It’s a great option for newbies that haven’t met many yarn magicians yet.

You should order: One of everything. And if you actually do this, can we be best friends?

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Guest post by: Betsy A. Decillis, Chief Content Officer of Betsy A. Decillis Consulting, LLC. You'll either find her at the bar with an IPA in one hand and her latest crochet creation in the other or at home telling her cat, Cesare, that he cannot play with the fancy yarn. Her husband, Mike, has no idea what to do with her. 

The joy of a new year brings reflection, resolution and celebrating with loved ones. You don’t have to travel far to celebrate the beginning of a new year - our charming city of Gahanna, Ohio has several delicious, celebratory options to start your 2018 off right!

If you enjoy a delicious Italian meal in a cozy, intimate setting, you’ll love the New Year’s Eve offerings at  Lola and Giuseppe’s Trattoria, a local favorite. The family-owned Italian restaurant will feature a special menu filled with customer-favorite cuisines on New Year’s Eve.  Reservations will be accepted for seatings at 6 or 8 pm. Call 614-473-9931 to leave your name, phone number and how many in your party.
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For a rustic and modern setting with a great New Year’s special, check out Barrel & Boar Creekside for your New Year’s Eve plans. The B&B team is serving up a great package with a 3-course meal for two, which includes house-smoked prime rib dinner at only $40 per couple. A Champagne toast will be provided for those who reserve seats in advance, via OPENTABLE. Call ahead for parties over 6 guests: (614) 471-8844.
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If you’re a beer-drinker or just enjoy a hip and cool brewery setting, head to Pigskin Brewing Company in the Creekside District! With 13 home drafts brewed on-site and a savory menu, there will surely be something that your palate with love. For New Years Eve, Pigskin will be ringing in the New Year with a Champagne toast at midnight!
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If you enjoy welcoming the New Year in a more low-key way, a delicious Cameron Mitchell meal may be a perfect way to welcome 2018. With two locations conveniently located in Gahanna, The Barn at Rocky Fork Creek and Cap City Fine Diner & Bar will offer a special New Year’s Eve menu! Reservations required.
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Make the evening perfect by enjoying a great meal at one of these local restaurants, then booking a hotel package at one of our Gahanna hotels. Wake up refreshed and ready to take on 2018!  

Wishing you have a happy and safe New Year.

Blog post written by Braeden Chicase, Social Media Assistant