Discover Gahanna Ohio

One of the best ways to celebrate summer is to enjoy a leisurely dinner featuring locally grown produce and craft brews.  Local restaurant 101 Beer Kitchen does this really well on a daily basis ... but when they host one of their occasional Beer Dinners? Get ready for a culinary experience you won't soon forget. 

At 6:30 pm on Tue, August 8, 2017, 101BK Gahanna will host Jackie O's Brewery (brewing in Athens, OH since 2005) for one of their famous Beer Dinners. Recently, the 101BK team (including owner Jess Kitrell and 101BK Gahanna Chef Julian) visited Jackie O's to tour the farm, operations and bakery -- for inspiration. We caught up with Jess to see what's in store for the 5-course event (and if there might be any nods to Gahanna's status as the "Herb Capital of Ohio").   

How did the idea for the Jackie O’s Beer Dinner come up?

We host Beer Dinners and other pairing events throughout the year with various breweries or by creating pairings around a different theme like brunch, Cinco de Mayo, or just our favorites.  We are always coming up with new event ideas! Jackie O’s has been a great partner from the beginning and we have presented dinners together in the past. The idea to utilize produce from Jackie O’s farm and make this our summer pairing dinner in Gahanna was just too perfect.


Can you give us any insight into what Chef Julian will be preparing?

Our meeting with the farmer and brewer this week during our trip to Jackie O’s gave Chef Julian lots of inspiration.  We have over 30 beers to choose from and some beautiful produce!  Julian will be working this week to take the information and create his pairings. We loved a brew called “Light Bulb” which features fennel in the ingredients. Julian wants to use fennel from the farm in the dish he prepares to go with this beer.

What can attendees look forward to (as far as beers)?

We love to mix it up on the beer side and, with 30 options to choose from, we can guarantee that even the biggest Jackie O’s fan is going to try something during this dinner they have never had from Jackie O’s before.

Is registration limited? If so, to how many?

Tickets are limited and we are getting close; only about 20 remain. We are looking forward to a fun and full room of beer & food loving guests!

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Cost for the event is $65 per person and includes all courses, plus tax and gratuity. Registrations is limited. Tickets are available HERE  or via www.101BeerKitchen.com 

Gahanna is becoming more bicycle and pedestrian friendly each year, with the Big Walnut Trail expected to be continuous from Morse Road to Price Road in 2018, lots of new sidewalks in Olde Gahanna and multi-use sidepaths on our arterial streets.

Join one (or more) of the monthly Pedal & Smile bike rides to explore Gahanna's trails, bike routes and hidden places. Rides are held the fourth Sunday of every month at 1PM through October.

The highlight of the ride series is the History Bicycle Tour, which will take place on Sunday, July 23 at 1PM. The tour will visit several historical sites in Gahanna, mainly in the Olde Gahanna area. This is the second annual History Tour; participants enjoyed the tour in 2016 and asked for more rides.

The tour meets in the parking lot of Premier Periodontics at 1329 Cherry Way Dr., one block south of Morse Rd. off Cherrybottom Dr. The event sponsor, Dr. Rupa Hamal, will provide a snack for participants. 

Participants will ride the Big Walnut Trail and then utilize the signed bike routes to reach Olde Gahanna, where there will be stops at a few historical sites to share some local history. The highlight of the route is the Shull log home near Friendship Park, which will be open for a tour.

Riders will return via the Creekside Trail and the Big Walnut Trail with some stops along the way. See the original home of George Ridenour and ride Olde Ridenour Rd, one of the oldest streets in Gahanna (1827). Bikers will rejoin the Big Walnut Trail at Woodside Green Park and return to the start.

The distance will be 10 miles at a pace to accommodate all participants. Bike helmets will be available for free to children who need one. Children age 14 and under must be accompanied by an adult, and older children (age 15-17) must have a parent or guardian available to sign a permission release.
 
If you'd like to participate or learn more about the event, contact event coordinator Tricia Kovacs pkovacs@att.net   (614) 476-9093

The Gahanna Parks & Recreation Department is throwing a Great Outdoors Party this Friday, July 21, at Friendship Park (150 Oklahoma Ave) in celebration of National Parks & Recreation Month, and EVERYONE is invited!

The celebration is an initiative of the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), and all the ways parks and recreation has the power to transform our daily lives. From providing us places to play, get fit and stay healthy to fostering new relationships and forging a connection with nature, our close-to-home community park and recreation facilities provide essential services and improve the quality of life.

Additionally, Parks and Recreation Month specifically highlights the vital and powerful role local parks and recreation agencies play in conservation, health and wellness, and social equity efforts in communities all across the country. The Great Outdoors will highlight these efforts on a local level.

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Visitors to Gahanna’s Great Outdoors Party are encouraged to Get Your Play On, the theme of this year’s national celebration, with kayaking and canoeing on the Big Walnut Creek, a campfire with s’mores, live music, enjoy sing-a-long and dress–up karaoke, interactive games and inflatables and Cinema Under the Stars (SING, rated PG). It’s all free. Work up an appetite and enjoy dinner and dessert (available for purchase) at the park from Ninja Bowl and Sweet Tooth Scooped Ice Cream food trucks.

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According to Jeff Barr, the Director of Parks & Recreation, the Great Outdoors is an opportunity to build community through parks and recreation activities. Aside from the department’s regular programming and athletic events, it’s an opportunity to highlight the community’s parks, programs and people who participate in our outdoor experiences.

“The Great Outdoors is a great way for families to explore adventures like hiking, exploring wildlife, paddling in a fun, relaxed environment,” said Barr.
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In addition to the planned activities, visitors can enjoy all that Friendship Park has to offer, including a playground, community gardens, the story trail, nature trail and scenic views along the Big Walnut Creek.

Ironically, while you’re enjoying the great outdoors, visitors are encouraged to post to social media with the hashtag #PlayOnGahanna and #PlayOnJuly. See why people around the country support parks and recreation and why play is so important.

When it comes to escaping life's everyday chaos, we can’t think of anything more relaxing than floating down a lazy creek in a beautiful green park setting. Where can you experience that in Central Ohio without owning a boat +/or breaking the bank? 

One of Gahanna's most popular and unique activities is paddle boating along the Big Walnut Creek.  Operated by the City of Gahanna’s Parks and Recreation Department (GPRD), the paddle boats are available for rental May-September for just $5 per half-hour at Creekside Park.

The activity is kind of a hidden gem, since it’s not visible from the street. The creek (and the paddle boats) are located behind Gahanna’s Creekside Plaza at 117 Mill St. The plaza--with its beautiful fountains, restaurants and live entertainment—overlooks the Big Walnut Creek and Creekside Park (which attracts visitors with its waterfalls, boardwalk trails and natural beauty).  We met up with Zac Guthrie, Recreation Supervisor with GPRD, to ask more about paddle boating in Gahanna:  

  
When did Gahanna first start offering paddle boat rides along the Big Walnut Creek?  I believe they started when Creekside opened in 2008.

Who can ride the boats?   It’s a great family friendly activity to experience while visiting Creekside.  It’s just a $5 rental per boat (for 30 minutes).

How many people can the boats accommodate and are life jackets required? We have three 2-seat boats and one 4-seat boat. Yes, life jackets are required.

Are there any age restrictions regarding riding the paddle boats?  All riders under 13 years old must ride with an adult, all riders under 18 years old must have an adult present at the marina.

Are the paddle boats pet friendly?  Yes.

What other outdoor summer activities does Creekside Park (or the other Gahanna Parks) offer? Playing in the creek, fishing, bike ride on trails, and much more.

When do the rides end for the season?
The paddle boats will run through September 24. The schedule is weather dependent and hours may vary for special events, but regular scheduled hours are: 

Summer: (Through Aug. 20)  Sun 12-4:30 pm/  Mon-Wed 4-8 pm/ Thu-Fri 12-8 pm/ Sat 11-8 pm

Fall:  (Aug 21-Sept 24)  Sun 12-4:30 pm/  Closed Mon-Thu  / Fri 4-8 pm/  Sat 11 – 3:30 pm

Where can people find more information about the paddle boats?  They can call 614/342-4250 or visit http://www.gahanna.gov/departments/parks/communityEvents.aspx

Gahanna, Ohio celebrates the 19^th Annual Creekside Blues & Jazz Festival this weekend (June 16-18, 2017) in the city’s beautiful Creekside District (117 Mill St.) Festival hours are: 5-11 pm Friday, June 16 / 11 am-11 pm Saturday, June 17  /12-6 pm Sunday, June 18.  Here are few things you should know before you attend this year’s event:

1. Buy Tickets ONLINE!  For the first year in Creekside Blues & Jazz Festival history, online tickets are available for both day and weekend passes.  Save time (and a potential wait) by pre-purchasing passes at www.CreeksideBluesandJazz.com    Ticket prices are: $7 adult (Fri & Sun); $10 (Saturday).  Kids under 12 are free.  Military w/ ID (and their immediate families) are also free.  Admission is free from 11:30 am-12:30 pm Sunday for anyone bringing a non-perishable food donation for GRIN (Gahanna Residents in Need).
   
   
2. Garage Parking & Street Closures. Mill Street is closed Thursday evening through Sunday evening (June 15-18).  Creekside Garage parking is available—but only accessible from the North Mill Street entrance.  There will be a $5 parking charge beginning Friday at 4 pm; Saturday at 10 am and Sunday at 10:30 am.  New this year: Festival admission WILL be charged at the Parking Garage entrance for all visitors parking in the garage.  Only cash or pre-purchased festival tickets will be accepted. NO CREDIT CARD PURCHASES AT THE NORTH MILL ST. /CREEKSIDE PARKING GARAGE ENTRANCE.
   
   
3. FREE Parking and Shuttle Transportation will be available throughout the weekend at the locations listed below. (Find directions and additional info here.)   
   1. Giant Eagle (1250 North Hamilton Rd.) Intersection of Morse and Hamilton Roads; closest if traveling from Morse/270. Sponsored by Giant Eagle.
   2. Stygler Road and Route 62 Shuttle (101 S. Stygler Rd.) closest if traveling east from 670. Sponsored by AAA. (Note: There will be two shuttles running from this location – one will make a loop down to the Family Fun Zone and back to the parking lot, only.)
   3. Gahanna Lincoln High School (140 S. Hamilton Road) (closest if traveling north from Hamilton Road/270 Exit). Sponsored by Meijer.
   4. Clark Hall, the Gahanna Lincoln High School annex (380 Granville Street) on northwest corner of N. Hamilton Road and Granville St. (Recommended if traveling west from Havens Corners Road). (Handicap access shuttle available here.) Sponsored by Niagara Bottling Company.
   5. Handicap Shuttles/Accessible Parking Accessible shuttles are available at the Clark Hall shuttle location. Handicap parking is also available in Creekside Garage ($5 per car) 
4. Got VIP credentials? If you purchased a seat or table to either the Club Blues or the All That Jazz VIP seating areas, note that you will need BOTH your lanyard and an Admission Pass to enter.  *This is a change over previous years.
   
   
5. Family Fun Zone.  Admission to the Giant Eagle Family Fun Zone (in Veterans Park, 73 W. Johnstown Rd.) is free throughout the weekend.  Hours have been extended this year: 2-7 pm Saturday and 12-4 pm Sunday. There will be a variety of fun, free activities for families throughout the weekend including games, crafts, face painting, a Musical Discovery Zone, and more. Go HERE for a full schedule of Family Fun Zone Activities.   Parking tip: Park in the lot at Stygler Rd. and SR 62 and pick up the smaller shuttle. It makes a drop-off/pick-up loop just down to the Family Fun Zone and back.  Note: The Amusement Rides are located in this area, too. These require paid tickets or wristbands to ride. Unlimited ride wristbands are $15 on Friday and Sunday; $18 on Saturday. Single tickets are $1 each. (Most rides require 3-4 tickets.)  
   
   
6. Don’t Miss the New Busker’s Bayou,presented by Gahanna Rotary!  This fun new area (located near South Mill + Granville Streets) will offer plenty of entertainment and hands-on activities throughout the weekend, including:
   
   ~Friday, June 16:  5-11 pm  - The "Living Statue" ~Saturday, June 17:  1-2:30 pm Art Garden Studios interactive painting /  2:30 pm + 3:50 pm – Fireman Dave’s Magic / 4:30-6:30 pm Balloon Artist, Cow Town Twister / 5-8 pm “The Chalk Goblin” /  8-9 pm  Nationally recognized magician/ comedian Michael Kent
   

   ~Sunday, June 18:   12-5 pm   Chalk artist O'Linda Jasupka/  1 pm & 2 pm  Fireman Dave’s magic

7. Cocktail Tastings. Located on Creekside Plaza (117 Mill St.), two different tasting events will be offered. These sell-out quickly, so get your tickets early!  
   
   A.  Friday (June 16) 6-10 pm: Cocktail Tastings with Watershed Distillery.  With their “Old Fashioned” named one of the top 5 bottled cocktails in the country by liquor.com, Watershed Distillery owners Greg Lehman and Dave Rigo are becoming recognized for their delicious takes on classic spirits. They’ll share insider tips and 4 new cocktails they’ve created just for #2017CBJF.  4 samples/$15 pp. Tickets online or at the plaza.
   
   B. Saturday (June 17) 3-7 pm - “Kindred Spirits, Souls and Samples” Cocktail Tastings with “Pants,” the legendary bartender with Kindred Beer. This master mixologist makes some of the best cocktails in the city and will share some fun history about spirits (3 samples included/$12 pp).  Seatings every 45 minutes. Tickets online or at the plaza.  
   
   
8. Kayaking with Olentangy Paddle.Saturday 2-6 pm / Sunday 1:30-4:30 pm Take a free ride in kayak as you test out your kayaking skills on Big Walnut Creek with Olentangy Paddle, presented by the Gahanna Parks & Recreation Foundation and Visit Gahanna. Located near the waterfall.
   
   
9. Trapped Columbus will be at #2017CBJF from 12-5 pm Sunday at Creekside Plaza (121 Mill St. Suite 126). Bring a friend and get ready to use your brainpower! Experience “The Escape Room” (presented by Rob Matney Realtor, Berkshire Hathaway) and Meet with the Trapped Columbus team to learn more about what they do. Free shows will be offered at 12 noon, 1:30 pm, 3 pm and 4:30 pm. Limited to 12 people per session.
   
   
10. Download our new Visit Gahanna App to your phone! (From Apple/Google Play.)  Sign up for the push notifications and you’ll be privy to some special offers. (Pssst … we’ll be giving away a VIP Table for next year’s blockbuster 20^th anniversary celebration #2018CBJF!!!) 
    
    Also, share your experience on social media by using the #2017CBJF hashtag!  Follow us all weekend and share the fun on @VisitGahanna Instagram, @CreeksideBlues Twitter and @CreeksideBluesandJazz Facebook accounts!

Have a question about something we didn’t cover? Visit www.CreeksideBluesandJazz.com or call 614/418-9114!  See you at #2017CBJF