NEIGHBORHOOD SPOTLIGHTS

NEIGHBORHOOD SPOTLIGHT

What to do and where to go in the city’s northern suburbs

It’s time to broaden our horizons a bit. As much as there is to do within Columbus proper, it’s a big world out there, one that’s full of other interesting, historical, and downright fun new destinations. We’re shining a light on some of the cities in the direct vicinity of Columbus to find out what they have to offer, and to show you what to do when you check them out. And this time, we’re headed up north, and planting our flag in the nearby communities of Hilliard, New Albany, Powell and Worthington. Welcome to Neighborhood spotlight, Columbus.

↑ Liberty Sreet, Powell

POWELL TO THE PEOPLE

By Melissa Braithwaite / Photos by James D. DeCamp

After exploding from 400 to 14,000 residents since the 1980s, Powell offers an unmatched mixture of history and recreation

Situated just 14 miles north of Columbus, the city of Powell is not just another suburb. Located in Delaware County, and a frequent placeholder for one of the highest-income counties in the country, Powell has a lot to offer both residents and visitors alike.

Once a vast woodland inhabited by Native Americans, the City of Powell has developed into a suburban oasis, home to the highly-rated Olentangy Local Schools, historic landmarks and modern amenities.

The City of Powell offers an incredible array of recreation and community gathering opportunities, starting with Village Green Park. This compound features a play area and splash pad for the kids, as well as an amphitheater, a large pond and the Greater Powell Veterans’ Memorial. The Memorial was built to honor all veterans past, present and future and is a place of reflection and remembrance. Village Green Park is also the home of Powell Festival, to be held on June 24 and 25. The annual two-day event features music, food and community activities for all.

The City has a storied history. Settled in 1813, Powell was home to about 400 residents until the early 1980s, when the Greater Columbus metropolitan area began to expand north and development ensued.

Today, the city is home to 14,000 residents, double the population from just 10 years ago. With that explosive

growth has come many more opportunities for recreation, community and new amenities. However, the City is careful to stay true to its rural roots and to celebrate its storied past.

One walk around Powell, and it's easy to tell that it is steeped in history, with an historic, walkable downtown and one of the oldest churches around. The historic downtown is a testament to this.

Historic downtown Powell is filled with restaurants and shops, perfect for a leisurely stroll through its DORA (Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area), where you can purchase a drink and walk around outdoors with your cocktail. Do some window shopping or just enjoy a leisurely stroll.

For a deeper understanding of the area’s rich history, head to Liberty Presbyterian Church, which was founded in 1810. The congregation has grown tremendously since then, with the addition and renovation of buildings on its campus in the last 20 years.

When the congregation had outgrown the old church building, it decided to build the “biggest authentic barn in the country” for its place of worship. With 1,100 seats, the barn is the centerpiece of the campus and is large enough to accommodate new members.

Powell is a delightful mix of modern amenities and historic charm. Recreation abounds with world-class amenities and excellent schools.

↓ The Liberty Presbyterian Church

HEAD FOR THE HILL(IARD)

By Jack McLaughlin / Photos by James D. DeCamp

Beginning as a patch Civil War-era farmland, Hilliard has blossomed into a Central Ohio hub

In 1852–prior to the Civil War—John Reed Hilliard purchased 10 acres of farmland in northwestern Franklin County.

Originally, the area was known as Hilliard Station due to Hilliard’s land being bisected by a crucial train route. It was quickly discovered that his acreage was a prime location for shipping agricultural goods and the rest—as they say—is history.

Only a few short years later, this small parcel of land blossomed into a village, and later a full-fledged city, one that nearly 30,000 people call home today.

And speaking of history, due its rich and interesting past, Hilliard contains several unique historical landmarks that serve as day-trip worthy destinations.

Just west of the downtown strip, the Early Television Museum (the only one of its kind in the United States) offers a quirky and original way to spend an afternoon, allowing visitors to stroll through nearly 6,000 square feet of exhibit space complete with hundreds of TV sets from different eras.

Additionally—inside a dedicated park space known as Reflection Garden—the city houses one of the original flag poles that stood in front of the World Trade Center. Hilliard is home as well to First Responders Park, which features a granite wall engraved with names and a reflection pool, memorializing the 403 first responders who gave their lives during the September 11 tragedy.

And if parks are your thing, Hilliard is a great place to be, as Homestead Metro Park is situated just north of downtown. In addition to a paved hiking and walking

trail, Homestead features a covered bridge, sprawling amphitheater, and a replica train station, in a tasteful nod to the area’s past.

When the weather warms up and festival season is upon us yet again, the city also boasts the massive Franklin County Fairgrounds, a sprawling 40-plus acre stretch of land that’s home to the Franklin County Fair, a carefully-maintained historical village and much more.

And since all this exploration is likely going to work up an appetite, we’re here to let you know that Hilliard offers just as many options on the culinary front.

One of the more-underrated marketplaces in the entire Columbus area, in fact, stands a mere stone’s throw away from downtown. Just off Norwich Street several blocks north of Cemetery Road is a tucked-away red brick building that houses not only a top-tier craft brewery, but also more than 10 unique restaurants and other vendors, arranged food-hall style.

If you don’t already know, we’re talking about Center Street Market, the 16,000 square foot space where you can grab a pizza from Meatball Mafia, falafel at Pitabilities and dessert at The Cheesecake Girl. It goes without saying that you should stick around for a beer or two at Crooked Can Brewing as well, for some highquality craft beer that’s entirely made in-house.

If you’re looking to grab a bite without the energy and activity of Center Street Market, the cozy, quirky and vibrantly colorful Starliner Diner might be the spot for you. Latin fare—like chili relleno or a classic Cuban sandwich—fills the menu, while tastefully-eccentric trinkets (and a whole lot of paint) fills out the walls.

Soon enough the local favorite spot Legacy Smokehouse will be back up and running (the building was damaged in a fire late last year) if you’re looking for some top-notch Texas BBQ done Midwestern, and if pizza’s your thing, Zuko’s Columbus-style pies are a can’t-miss, and the ever popular DiCarlo’s is always great for some variety in pizza styles.

If only John Reed Hilliard could see his bustling namesake of a city today, he’d appreciate the variety, energy and history that make the city a Central Ohio hotspot to this day. He also wouldn’t have to share a train with cattle to do it.

Mural on the Hilliard Civic & Cultural Arts Center ↓

↑ E. Dublin Granville Road, New Albany

UNLIMITED NEW ALBANY

By Laura Hennigan / Photos by Sarah Pfeifer

After rocketing up in size and relevance after Limited Brands set up shop in the 90s, New Albany has officially arrived

Less than 50 years ago, New Albany was barely a blip on the Central Ohio map. With a population of around 500 residents and borders that stretched across both Franklin and Licking counties, it was more of a detour than a destination. All that changed in the 1990s, though, when Lex Wexner decided to bring his Limited Brands conglomerate to town.

From that moment on, the small town founded by Noble Landon and William Yantis in 1837 has experienced near-exponential growth. New Albany is now a sought-out destination in and of itself for dining, retail, arts, and entertainment. The city continues its expansion, thanks in large part to the major businesses that call it home. Bob Evans, Abercrombie & Fitch, and Discover are just a few of the big names who are based in New Albany and help drive its economic growth and development.

Market Square serves as the center of the action, encompassing plenty of retail and restaurants, as well as a large green space that serves as a main gathering point for the community. It’s easy to spend a day exploring the square, grabbing coffee and pastries at Fox in the Snow Cafe before window shopping or wandering over to the library. Opt to visit on a Saturday when you can drop in on the New Albany Farmers Market, held outside during warmer months and inside the Philip Heit Center in the winter.

Just a short distance away you’ll find the dynamic Jeanne B. McCoy Community Center for the Arts, which houses a 786-seat auditorium, dance studios, and classrooms dedicated to the performing arts. Thousands flock here every year for engagements that include world-renowned musicians, speaker programs, and performances by the New Albany Symphony. The McCoy Center is also where you can watch the glorious New Albany Ballet Company’s annual performance of “The Nutcracker.” In 2021, the Hinson Amphitheater opened just outside the McCoy Center, an expansion that will bring more arts and culture outside during the summer months.

When you’re ready to enjoy some fresh air and recreation, a visit to Rose Run Park provides hours of enjoyment for all ages. Walk or bike one of the many trails, explore the natural play area with your kids, stroll across the Raines Crossing Bridge, or relax in the expansive plaza area. The park, which has been in the works for many years, is now open and ready to serve as a key civic asset and gathering place for New Albany residents and visitors.

Walkability is a signature feature of this community, and a short distance from Rose Run Park you’ll discover plenty of dining and shopping options. Plan a stop at local institution Eagle’s Pizza, which has been serving up pies, subs, and sides since 1971. Choose from over 20 beers on tap and enjoy the patio or outdoor fire pits at BrewDog New Albany. And no visit is complete without grabbing a cone or sundae at Johnson’s Real Ice Cream.

No matter the season or your mood, there is truly something for everyone in New Albany. Plan to stop by often, as this ever-changing city has no shortage of options to explore.

↓ Bob Evans' Headquarters

GCAC

↑ Worthington Historic District

WORTH IT, WORTHINGTON

By Melissa Braithwaite / Photos by Aaron Massey

From historic architecture to Central Ohio’s premiere farmer’s market, Worthington has it all

While the suburb of Worthington is located just north of Columbus, the city is steeped in history and traditions hailing from as far away as New England and Italy, and this unique wrinkle—as well as a whole lot more—make it well-worth a regular visit.

Founded in 1803, the mid-size suburb today is modern in every way–outstanding parks, excellent and varied education options and a vibrant restaurant scene. Today, Worthington honors its rich past while continuing to evolve into the future.

Historic Downtown Worthington is bustling yearround, and the warmer weather brings even more opportunities. Olde Worthington hosts a large farmers market in season with events like the Chocolate Walk, Yoga on the Green, Concerts on the Green and even a kid-friendly Pride celebration. With its Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA), you can stop into a bar and grab your favorite drink to go while strolling the tree-lined streets of Olde Worthington from La Chatelaine to Chapala Mexican Grill.

And speaking of restaurants, Worthington is also home to top-tier spots like Natalie’s Wood-Fired Pizza, in case you want to grab a sophisticated, flavorful pie, and The Whitney House, for from-scratch American comfort food.

Historical charm abounds at the Pontifical College Josephinum, a Roman Catholic seminary campus in Worthington. When it was established in 1888, the

institution was the first pontifical seminary outside of Italy. Although group tours and special events are on hiatus due to the pandemic, visitors can stroll the lovely 100acre campus and take in views aplenty.

If being outdoors is your thing, don’t miss out on the city’s nearby recreational opportunities, including Antrim Park, a dog-friendly Columbus park boasting a 1.3-mile loop around Antrim Lake. The lake is stocked annually with Rainbow Trout, and although motorboats are not allowed, canoes and kayaks—in addition to sportfishers—are.

While you’re in the area, drive through Rush Creek Village, the only organically designed community of its size and architectural consistency in the country. While each home in the Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired neighborhood is unique, they all represent an application of organic architecture. Each home is integrated beautifully into the surrounding landscape, with a living space that correlates with the external environment. The village, founded in 1954 by Martha and Richard Wakefield, is on the National Register of Historic Places. You can find it at the east end of South Street.

Visiting Worthington with kids, or kids at heart? Either way, don’t miss out on the Ohio Railway Museum and the American Whistle Corporation. The Ohio Railway Museum is open in the warmer months and offers exhibits, static equipment displays and rides on its streetcar and Pullman passenger car on the former Columbus, Delaware and Marion railbed and right-of-way. The American Whistle Factory offers tours of its manufacturing facility. As the only manufacturer of metal whistles in the U.S., this place is pretty special.

With its New England vibes and quaint historic downtown, amazing architecture and plenty of fun places to visit, it’s no wonder it’s a highly coveted place to live in Central Ohio.

↓ Pontifical College Josephinum