Herbal Heritage

Gahanna has been known as the Herb Capital of Ohio for 50 years in 2022, and there are plenty of ways to celebrate in the community.

Herbal Cocktail Trail

Come one, come all but, most importantly, come thirsty. The Herbal Cocktail Trail takes visitors on a journey through restaurants, breweries, wineries and pubs in Gahanna to enjoy signature herb-infused beverages at each location.

For the next girls night out, Saturday morning brunch or post-work happy hour, pick a spot along the trail for a unique Gahanna experience.

From the vibrant lavender lemonade wine at Wyandotte Winery to the deliciously fruity Mai Tai Mary at Edison Brewing Co., there’s a drink that satisfies everyone's taste buds. Arepazo is perfect for a casual date night, whether you go for Margarita Monday or Wine Down Thursday, and you can’t miss Barrel & Boar’s Sunday brunch for that perfect southern-inspired meal. And, if you’re looking to BEer the change, visit central Ohio’s first Black-owned brewery, Crafted Culture Brewing, that put its roots in Gahanna.

Passports to mark your progress along the Herbal Cocktail Trail may be picked up at any of the participating locations. Whether your goal is to get all the stamps or simply enjoy the flavors of the Herb Capital of Ohio, your experience will be memorable. And to make sure it’s truly unforgettable, participants who earn six stamps can turn their passport in for a one-of-a-kind Herbal Cocktail Trail prize.

Most of all, the Herbal Cocktail Trail is about making memories with friends and family in a unique way only Gahanna can offer.

For more information, go to VisitGahanna.com.

Herb’n Restaurant Week

Herb’n Restaurant Week brings the fresh flavors of the Herbal Cocktail Trail to a whole new level with herb-inspired and infused meals made by Gahanna’s signature restaurants.

Traditionally held the second week of May, also known as Herb Week in Gahanna, Herb’n Restaurant Week celebrates Gahanna’s heritage as Herb Capital of Ohio.

Herbal Fun Facts

The banana plant is the largest herb. In fact, anything that doesn’t produce bark is an herb. Simon & Garfunkel’s “Scarborough Fair/Canticle,” which features the lyric, “parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme,” actually dates back to a late-17th century Scottish ballad. Legend has it that Cleopatra, Queen of Egypt, wore lavender to freshen her scent. Rosemary has traditional links to faithfulness and marriage, which is why brides traditionally wear wreaths of rosemary. It’s no secret that Italians love using basil in their cooking, but did you know they also believe basil to be a symbol of love? Ohio is home to more than 2,000 native plants. Mint is named after Minthe, an underworld water nymph in Greek mythology, and was often used in funeral rituals. myuniquegahannastory

Amanda Ferguson, Ohio Herb Center Coordinator

What are some of the ways in which you identify with the Gahanna community? Living in what was once the Bridgeport community and considered Old Gahanna, I love connecting people to the history of the area. What is one thing about Gahanna that other residents inside (and outside) of Columbus do not realize? Gahanna has the most amazing parks, trail system, and nature preserves. What would people be surprised to know about you? I have lived in Gahanna for over 20 years and live on the same street and same house my husband grew up in. In your opinion, what is the best kept secret within the Gahanna community? Gahanna Woods Nature Preserve. Tucked away, not a lot of people know about it. It is my favorite display of spring ephemerals in our community. Why do you love Gahanna? Living and working here I get to share on a daily basis what makes Gahanna unique and help people explore our wonderful little town.

Cilantro, rosemary, thyme and other herbs serve as inspiration for the unique, creative and, of course, delicious dishes that grace the menus of participating restaurants. Local chefs answer the call to incorporate herbal flavors into dishes, not limited to just dinner. Beverages, desserts, breakfast, lunch and dinner are all fair game for herb-inspired concoctions.

Learn more at VisitGahanna.com.

Herb Center

110 Mill St. Gahanna, OH 43230 614.642.HERBS OhioHerbCenter.org

The Ohio Herb Center is more than meets the eye. Located in the historic Nafzger-Miller home, the Herb Center is on the National Register of Historic Places and is also home to Visit Gahanna.

Pick up visitor information, shop for locally made botanical items or take a class or workshop on topics like Tea Blending and Botanical Beauty. You can even rent the center for a special event! 2022 is the 50th anniversary of Gahanna’s Herb Capital of Ohio designation. Look for special events online at VisitGahanna.com including Herb Day and Herb’n Restaurant Week celebrations.

Garden Party

The Ohio Herb Center received special accreditation for their gardens in 2021. These garden designations recognize the mindful gardening methods that have been employed. From habitat and food sources to sustainable gardening methods, the gardens are a true “green” space. You are invited to visit and see the efforts that have been made to receive these designations, which include: • Herb Society of America –

Greenbridges Garden • Franklin Soil and Water Conservation District – Water Quality Partner • National Wildlife Federation –

Certified Wildlife Habitat • North American Butterfly Association – Certified Butterfly Garden • Monarch Watch – Certified Monarch

Waystation

Your LOCAL

Florist Professionals

Stoneridge Shopping Center

1247 N. Hamilton Rd • Gahanna, OH www.GahannaFlowers.com 614.858.0444 Jefferson Golf & Country Club The best kept secret in Columbus!

Perfect location for your next social event, business meeting, or golf event. The superior staff of Jefferson are able to make your event a success by attending to your every need.

Jefferson Country Club

7271 Jefferson Meadows Drive Blacklick, OH 43004 614-759-7500 www.jeffersoncountryclub.com

Catering & Events: Laura Watson • lwatson@jeffersoncountryclub.com Membership: Brianne Stone • bstone@jeffersoncountryclub.com