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Insider tips for visiting Ohio's herb capital.
Gahanna will be partnering with COSI Columbus to encourage hands-on fun and learning during COSI’s Science Festival (May 1-4, 2019). Two Gahanna businesses are hosting events to celebrate how fun science can be. On May 1, the Ohio Herb Center will be presenting the “Colorful World of Herbs,” followed by Noble Cut Distillery’s presentation on “The Science of Whiskey” on May 2! Sound intriguing? Check out all of the fun-filled science-themed activities below!
Colorful World of Herbs When: From 12 - 2 pm on Wednesday, May 1. Where: Ohio Herb Center (110 Mill St.)
Did you know you can use herbs to create colors and other dyes? Color with your herb garden and join herbal specialist Amanda Ferguson at the Ohio Herb Center for a hands-on demonstration to learn how science is used to extract plant materials from herbs to create dyes and colors. Then use your new skills to “color” your own bandanna to take with you as a souvenir of your day!
“I don’t think people realize that before chemical food coloring, all dyes came from plants,” Ferguson says. “It really gets people thinking about using more natural products that are readily available. You can do so much with it: coloring your easter eggs, dyeing shirts and so many other fun craft projects. It’s a great activity for the whole family.”
“The Herb Center staff loves to share our knowledge with our community,” she said. “So many people hear ‘herbs’ and think of cooking. We love teaching all of the ways you can utilize herbs in so many facets of your life. People learn a deeper respect for plants when they truly understand the scope of what they can actually do for us.”
The Science of Whiskey When: 5:30 pm and 7 pm Thursday, May 2. Where: Noble Cut Distillery (750 Cross Pointe Rd, Suite K)
You don’t have to be a science geek to enjoy this event! Experience a deep dive into the history and science of distilled spirits and the role that herbs have played in the manufacturing of whiskey. Your visit to Noble Cut Distillery will include a tour of the production facility and a brief glimpse into the science behind the distillation process, capped off with a sampling of Noble Cut’s hand-crafted liquors. All registrants must be at least 21 years of age to participate. Be sure to bring a valid photo I.D. with you! Price is $20 per person. Registration is limited, so don’t delay. Register for either the 5:30 pm or 7 pm sessions here.
“This tour takes a deeper-dive into the chemistry and physics of our distillation process. We’ll analyze data and look at the cellular structure of how alcohol is created on a scientific level,” says Ben Vause, co-owner and brewmaster of Noble Cut. “I think people will be surprised on how technical the process is and how much science is involved. There’s a lot more that goes into it than most people think.”
For a full list of community events at COSI’s Science Festival, check out the full agenda here!
Put down the pan, recipes and table settings and clear your mind of any thoughts of cleaning up -- you’re going out to eat this Easter. Several local eateries are serving up a special Easter brunch menu for you and your family to enjoy a delicious and stress-free Easter Sunday. (The only catch is that you’ll need to make reservations SOON!) Check out what’s on the menu around town in Gahanna, Ohio and other nearby restaurants.
Barrel & Boar On of our favorite local scratch-kitchens is featuring a brunch buffet from 10 am - 4 pm on Easter along with their BYO Bloody Mary bar. Sink your teeth into carved smoked ham or enjoy a spring skillet breakfast special in the morning! Pricing for the buffet is $18 for adults and $9 for kids, while the skillet breakfast morning special is $12.
If you plan to bring the kiddos along, be sure to make your reservation through OpenTable. Complimentary miniature Easter baskets will be available for all kids whose parents make reservations through OpenTable. To take advantage of this, just indicate in the the notes of your reservation how many kids you will be bringing. Seating will be limited for parties of 6 or more.
The Barn at Rocky Fork Creek This gorgeous, rustic-chic restaurant is also featuring an Easter brunch buffet from 10 am - 2:30 pm. Enjoy a delicious spread of breakfast staples including eggs benedict, bacon, sausage, a carving station and made-to-order omelets prepared by their chefs. The feast will also include chilled salads and fruit, peel-n-eat shrimp, a selection of signature offerings from their menu and house-made desserts. And don’t forget about the Bloody Mary bar! Be sure to make your reservation soon as spots quickly fill up. Pricing is $31.99 for adults, $14.99 for ages 6-12, and kids 5 and under can eat for free. Juice and soft drinks are included.
Cap City Fine Diner & Bar Cap City is known for their retro style interior and their modern comfort food. If that sounds like your type of place, you’ll love their brunch menu featuring eggs on hash, breakfast burritos, stuffed french toast, lox & bagels, classic eggs benedict and steak & eggs. Brunch hours are from 10 am - 3 pm and the pricing goes by the menu.
94th Aero Squadron Celebrate Easter at the 94th Aero Squadron as they host a brunch buffet from 10 am - 5 pm on Easter Sunday. The main line buffet includes your traditional breakfast options such as bacon, sausage, eggs, waffles, and more. Other menu items include a seafood, meat carving, salad and bread station. There will also be a spectacular dessert display! Reservations are required The price is $34.99 for adults and $17.49 for children 5-12 years old.
Looking for more options? Here are some other nearby options serving up Easter brunch and dinner: Rusty Bucket Gahanna, Hudson 29, Mitchell’s Ocean Club, Bon Vie, Bravo Cucina Italiana, Brio Tuscan Grille, Buca di Beppo, Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant, McCormick and Schmick’s Seafood, and Whole Foods Easton.
Locals know Upper Cup Coffee well. Tucked into a storefront at Creekside Plaza, it is home to some of the best coffee around, as well as a morning hangout for many locals. It's also a great place to get a donut, cronut (a delicious croissant-meets-donut pastry) or a good sandwich. Upper Cup Coffee Co. is owned by Micael Habte. Originally from Eritrea in horn of Africa, coffee has always been an integral part of life. Growing up, Micael often watched his mother roast beans as part of a traditional coffee ceremony. The scent of fresh roasted coffee was an alarm clock, announcing guests and helping celebrate good fortune. Upper Cup Coffee Co. began as a wholesale operation in January 2010. Although this was a successful venture, Micael began to recognize that his coffee was creating a following and he wanted to have a direct link to the consumer. In September 2011, Upper Cup Coffee Co. opened its first retail location in Olde Towne East. Just a few years later, Micael opened the Creekside location. His goal? Develop a direct relationship with Central Ohio coffee lovers. Mission accomplished.
We caught up with Michael recently to interview him about his Unique Gahanna Story.
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How do you identify with Gahanna? In Gahanna, I get the small town feel that I often find myself nostalgic for.
Why did you select Gahanna as the home for your business? I grew up in Columbus. I remember going to Big Bear for groceries, Resch's Bakery for donuts and Katzinger's Deli for sandwiches. Over the years, Columbus has grown so much and it started to lose it's small town feel. When I decided to expand my company, I remembered these great small business that helped shaped my life and I wanted to emulate it. I found that in Gahanna.
What would people be surprised to know about you? I am an avid cyclist and I belong to several cycling clubs. And I'm proud to say that I've biked the Little Miami Bike trail with a couple of friends.
In your opinion, what’s the best kept secret in Gahanna? Golden Delight Bakery. Hands down, the best cake I've ever had.
What is one thing about Gahanna that other residents inside (and outside) of Columbus do not realize? There are so many beautiful parks and trails in Gahanna. There are gardens, ponds & creeks, paved bike trails, soccer fields and just about any outdoor activity you can imagine. There's a park for it in Gahanna!
Describe your very first experience in Gahanna… I was at the annual Creekside Blues & Jazz Festival, Gahanna, OH with my then girlfriend (now wife) and I was amazed that after a 15 minute drive from downtown Columbus, I was transported to such a diverse place with great food and music but still had a small community feel.
Coming up with unique date ideas can be a tricky task. Once in a while you want to go somewhere off the beaten path, right? To jazz up your dating life, we’ve come up with a list of our Top 7 recommended date ideas in Gahanna, Ohio (that are sure to impress).
Taco Tuesday Tuesdays may just become your new favorite day of the week. In the Creekside District, you’ll find Local Cantina features $2 taco specials all day every Tuesday. Across the plaza, Barrel & Boar also celebrates Taco Tuesday every week with a unique twist that’s true to their roots. From 4pm to close, you can enjoy a choice of brisket, pulled pork, pulled chicken or sausage tacos for just 3-for-$8 or endless tacos for $14.
Happy Hour deals Dates don’t always have to break the bank! Monday through Friday from 3 - 7 pm, 101 Beer Kitchen offers half price drafts, $3 off wine, mead & sangria, and $5 off growler fills available in bar area.
For a romantic atmosphere, central Ohio’s upscale rustic (think southern equestrian estate) restaurant, The Barn at Rocky Fork Creek has an entire happy hour menu of their own available Monday through Friday, 4-6:30 p.m. in the Bourbon Lounge and on the Barn Terrace.
Kym’s Kanvas: Take a Bob Ross Painting Class Channel your inner Bob Ross and take a painting class! Kathleen Sheppard, a Bob Ross certified instructor, will be booking Kym’s Kanvas studio to teach a Bob Ross style painting once a month. The class is $45 per person. Seats are limited and always fill quickly, so sign up soon!
Shepherd’s Corner Enjoy the spring weather and a laid-back date at Shepherd’s Corner. This 160-acre natural oasis serves as a center for ecology, spirituality and education. The property’s diverse range of habitats offers a haven for wildlife and a place of peace, natural beauty and spirituality. Shepherd’s Corner also offers on-demand group programs. Take a guided walk through the meditation trails, meet Alejandro Amigo the llama or take a labyrinth walk--the ancient practice that can calm the soul and transform the spirit.
Lola & Giuseppe’s A traditional dinner date night takes a unique twist when u walk into Lola & Giuseppe’s. This locally-owned Italian restaurant provides an intimate setting, and-crafted pastas and sauces and delicious salads and delicious desserts.
Thrive Massage & Wellness Date night massage? Yes, please. Look and feel your best with Full Spectrum Infrared Light Therapy. Thrive is Central Ohio’s first spa with health-empowering, full spectrum infrared spas for weight loss, detox, pain relief, heart health, skin purification and relaxation. Or enjoy a 60-minute massage where you can bliss out in silence, or listen to your favorite music. As an added bonus, Thrive and Wyandotte Winery have partnered to create an Unwind and ReWINE package for two. This includes a Full Spectrum Infrared Sauna to rejuvenate, detox and lift your spirits at Thrive and a glass of wine and hummus plate with grilled pita and fresh veggies at Wyandotte Winery. This deal is only $60 for two people (almost 50% off savings)!
Tour Noble Cut Distillery Gahanna’s unique distillery has a mission to deliver crafted spirits as diverse as their heritage. With heritage from the Ozark Mountains and European Countrysides, Noble Cut’s recipes include a 250-year-old limoncello family recipe among other seasonal whisky and cello flavors. The distillery also doubles as a unique place for a date! Take a tour of where the distilling magic happens on Saturdays from 1-3 pm. Book online 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!
Barb Drobnick is a longtime Gahanna resident, a local ambassador and has built her home-based business on passion, research and great products. Her handcrafted, natural body and bath products are not only available through her website--but also at Whole Foods Stores, Celebrate Local (Easton) and The Ohio Herb Center Gift Shop.
What is your full name and occupation? Barbara Foley Drobnick, owner of Honey Grove Botanicals
Why did you select Gahanna to open your business? I moved to Gahanna in 1994. We felt Gahanna would be a great place to raise our young family. Gahanna, the Herb Capital of Ohio, was very receptive to our business ideas, and less than a year after moving here, our little cottage business was off to a great start.
What are some of the ways in which you identify with the Gahanna community? I am proud to share with the world that Gahanna, my hometown, is reputed as the Herb Capital of Ohio. Gahanna has really grown since I moved here, but maintains plenty of green spaces, and the hometown feel. There is a strong sense of pride and community, and many like me chose Gahanna for the great schools and friendly, helpful people here. We’ve grown enough that it’s great to be able to do and find much of what we need here or very nearby.
What would people be surprised to know about you? People would be surprised to know that we raised 7 children, one of which was home-schooled from k-12, were very active in school and community activities, all while running multiple small and medium sized businesses right here in Gahanna.
In your opinion, what is the best kept secret within the Gahanna community? The best kept secret to me is that there are several successful small businesses, many run from home. There’s a lot of entrepreneurial talent here.
What is one thing about Gahanna that other residents inside (and outside) of Columbus do not realize? That Gahanna was named “the Herb Capital of Ohio,” and achieving that title was spearheaded decades ago by one Bunnie Geroux.
Describe your very first experience in Gahanna… My very first experience in Gahanna was actually in the late 70’s when a co-worker invited me to meet her for pizza at Massey’s. I came into Gahanna via Hamilton Road, which at the time was one lane in and one lane out, and there were cattails along the sides of the road. Wow! Have we grown. ***** Do you have a unique Gahanna story to share? Email it to us at: info (a) VisitGahanna.com (Subject: My Unique Gahanna Story)
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