14 minute read
Grove City
Whether you’re looking to be active outdoors, take a shopping trip or dig into great food and drink, this central Ohio city has an adventure to match. By Charity Ervin
MATT EVANS SCIOTO RIVER GROVE METRO PARK
Book your stay at one of 18 hotels and set off on your next big adventure. With hiking, kayaking, or meeting a herd of bison, Grove City is up for fun and down to earth!
Hike through Scioto Grove Metro Park and venture across the rope bridge on the REI River Trail. Paddle down a national scenic river at Trapper John’s Canoe Livery, or pick your perfect pumpkin at Circle S Farms.
Jump start your holiday shopping at one of over a dozen unique boutiques. From comic books to crystals to the latest fashions, Grove City’s eclectic blend of local shops will help you find something for everyone on your list!
Taste and shop your way through both a Pizza Trek and a Pumpkin Trek. Treks are experiential trails featuring local hot spots like Tammy’s Pizza and Grove City Brewing Company. Once you’ve purchased from different Trek locations, turn in your guide for a free tee. Details at visitgrovecityoh.com/pizza and visitgrovecityoh.com/pumpkin.
Take in the colors of fall at the arboretum at Gantz Park, or cast your line at Rotary Lake at Fryer Park for catch and release fishing fun. Keep your festival game strong with the annual Arts in the Alley Music and Arts Festival, Shop Hop and Food Truck Festivals, Old Time Harvest Day at Century Village, and so much more!
Plan your next “Altogether Adventure®” at VisitGroveCityOH.comor call800-539-8747.
Outdoor Adventures
Founded in 2016 by Dave Pando, LVL UP Sports offers a paintball-park experience that caters to different ages and interests. If you’re looking for a fun day for a child’s birthday party (ages 8 and older), LVL UP Sports can load up paintball guns with low-impact, smaller-sized paintballs that will shoot at a slower speed. For the experienced player, the park hosts an annual paintball tournament that attracts more than 1,000 players from throughout the Midwest.
“You don’t have to be a premier athlete to be a good shot,” Pando says. “And if you’re not a good shot, you can use your athleticism to dodge and run.”
For those looking for quieter outdoor fun, Scioto River Grove Metro Park and its 1.8-mile REI River Trail provides the chance to spot wildlife and get great photos from viewing decks along the route. There is also the opportunity to take part in a variety of park-sponsored programming throughout the year.
Scioto River Grove Metro Park visitor engagement manager Jill Snyder says the 620-acre park is a great place to see herons, eagles and woodpeckers, as well as beavers that live along the river. Travelers can also try the public archery course, disc golf course and drone field. The park is also a draw for anglers who visit to cast a line.
A trip to Grove City also includes the chance to get out on the water in a canoe or kayak. Enlisting the help of Trapper John’s Canoe Livery is the best way to access Big Darby Creek. Designated as a state and national scenic river, protections prohibit alcohol, pets, heavy coolers or glass on the river, which ensures a peaceful experience and the ongoing health of the waterway.
“We’re privileged to be on this [river],” says Jason Kaufman, owner-operator of Trapper John’s Canoe Livery. “It’s one of the cleanest rivers in the state.”
LVL UP Sports paintball park caters to players of different ages and skill levels (above). Grove Sheek Boutique (opposite page) is one of the newer additions to the city’s shopping scene.
Voted CityScene Magazine’s, “Best of the ‘Bus Winner for Best Brewery”
LOCATED IN HISTORIC GROVE CITY TOWN CENTER 3946 Broadway, Grove City, OH 43123 (614) 991-0338 | grovecitybrewingcompany.com
With three floors, over 30 vendors and more than 7,000 square feet of merchandise, Country Hearth Primitives offers a selection of goods that span the decades. Owner Jolen Engleman says the shop has a little bit of everything: home decor, jewelry and clothing that includes vintage styles as well as a selection of modern ones. It’s easy to spend time wandering through this inviting building, located in what used to be the Grove City Farmer’s Exchange. Each room is designed to make shoppers feel at home and to spark ideas for getting creative with their own home decor.
Grove Sheek Boutique owner Valerie Heiby launched her shop in March 2021 with the goal of creating a family-minded business with fair prices. The boutique sells clothing, home decor, jewelry, gifts, skin care items, specialty foods and coffee. Heiby says the welcoming and homey style was shaped by time she spent growing up in southeast Ohio before her family moved to Grove City, where she attended high school. “My dad was a preacher and a farmer,” says Heiby, “your personality comes out when you set up a store, and I feel like that was definitely a part of my personality.”
Feeling nostalgic for the toys of your youth? Skylarks Toys and Comics stocks an eclectic collection of retro pop-culture playthings as well as ones that are popular today.
“We have Funko Pops, but we also have Megos from the ’60s,” says owner Daren Neff, who prides himself on providing a family-friendly destination that likes having a good time and sharing that feeling with the community.
“That’s what the store is all about, having fun, escaping the rigors of everyday life,” Neff adds. “People come in and get to relive their childhood.”
The shop also sells comic books (and offers in-house dry cleaning and pressing of vintage issues customers hope to revive). The shop also hosts trivia nights, themed paint-along classes and holiday celebrations.
findohiowines.com
LOCATED IN HISTORIC GROVE CITY TOWN CENTER
Food Adventures
If there is one thing that we can all agree on, it’s pizza. So, why not explore Grove City’s variety of pizzas and get rewarded for your efforts? Pick up a Grove City Pizza Trek guide at any of the participating establishments or from the Grove City Visitors Center in the heart of town, where you can also get information about and gear for the city’s variety of adventures.
Order items that total at least $5 at six Pizza Trek spots, get your guide stamped at each establishment and submit the proof of your efforts to earn a T-shirt to commemorate your pizza adventure. Participating locations include local favorite Tammy’s Pizza, Grove City Brewing Co. and even Capital City Cakes, which offers a pizza-themed cookie.
Opened in 2012, Plum Run Winery is named for the small stream that originates from the winemaker’s property south of the city. The 3-acre farm produces 16 varieties of grapes, including traminette, vidal, chambourcin and cabernet franc.
The winery’s spot in downtown Grove City shares space with Grove City Brewing Co., where head brewer Trevor Luthor has curated a lineup of beers with an English influence, while using local malts and grains from a farm in nearby Marysville. Brews include staples such as Grove City Beulah blonde ale, Grove City Columbus Street double IPA and seasonal beers inspired by the local Jolly Pirate Donuts. There is also a lunch and dinner menu that spans appetizers, flatbreads, sandwiches and entrees. Brunch is offered on the weekends.
Filadelfo, Eliseo and Niva Reyes opened their 3 Brothers Diner in 2017, realizing a long-held dream.
“When we came to the U.S., we always worked in restaurants,” says Niva. “We like it, so we always wanted to do our own one day.”
Originally from Oaxaca, Mexico, the Reyes brothers merge the home-style cooking they learned from their mother with the experience they gained working in fine dining restaurants to create a delicious food destination. Breakfast brings French toast and pancakes, while evening brings customer favorites like fish tacos, ropa vieja and margaritas made using fresh juices.
The Grove City Pizza Trek encourages travelers to explore the city’s restaurant scene (top). Grove City Brewing Co. (above) is one of the stops along the way.
When You Go
LVL UP Sports 5390 Harrisburg Pike, Grove City 43123, lvlupsports.com
Scioto Grove Metro Park 5172 Jackson Pike, Grove City 43123, metroparks.net
Trapper John’s Canoe Livery 7141 London Groveport Rd., Grove City 43123, trapperjohns canoeing.com
Country Hearth Primitives 3937 Broadway, Grove City 43123, 614/875-5201
Grove Sheek Boutique 3937 Broadway, Grove City 43123, grovesheek boutique.com
Skylarks Toys and Comics 4060 Broadway, Grove City 43123, facebook.com/ grovecitys cooleststore
Grove City Pizza Trek visitgrovecity oh.com
Plum Run Winery/ Grove City Brewing Co. 3946 Broadway, Grove City 43123, plumrun winery.com grovecity brewery.com
3 Brothers Diner 3090 Southwest Blvd., Grove City 43123, 3brosdinergc.com
WINERIES
These four wineries from different regions of Ohio are harvest-season favorites that offer a flavor of what the state’s winemakers are growing and crafting. By Lisa Sands
JIM CELUCH BREITENBACH WINE CELLARS
unwind.
3946 Broadway Grove City, OH 614-991-0338 plumrunwinery.com
Plum Run Winery
Locally owned boutique winery in the heart of downtown Grove City, featuring 22 varieties of house wines & ciders, 40 taps of artfully crafted beers, along with a full scratch kitchen and large pet-friendly patio. Great space for meetings & private events as well!
432 North Whitewoman Street Coshocton, OH 740-622-4877 threeriverswinetrailohio.com
Three Rivers Wine Trail
Fill Your Glass on the Three Rivers Wine Trail! Enjoy the wide-open spaces of the Appalachian foothills and explore the eclectic mix of eight unique wineries and a craft brewery, all within a short drive of one another in beautiful Coshocton County. It's the perfect romantic getaway or girlsʼ weekend adventure.
6062 South Ridge Road West Geneva, OH 440-466-0626 wineryatspringhill.com
Winery at Spring Hill
We have something for everyone to enjoy from the food we prepare in our kitchen to the musical entertainment and events throughout the year! We offer handcrafted wines featuring many grapes grown in the Grand River Valley, our own hard ciders, craft beers from the best small breweries in the area and cocktails using sprits made in local distilleries. Come join our family for some fun!
Laurello Vineyards
Celebrating our 20th anniversary, Laurello Vineyards is a familyowned winery providing handcrafted, award-winning wines and specially prepared foods as well as beer on tap. Laurello’s offers premium, vinifera wines in 4573 Route 307 East addition to unique blends and Geneva, OH delicious ice wines. We invite 440-415-0661 you to stop by to experience our SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER laurellovineyards.com 2022boutique winery.
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1700 55thSreet NE Canton, OH 330-497-1000 gervasivineyard.com
111 West Main Street Marblehead, OH 419-967-5344 redferninn.com
Gervasi Vineyard
This fall, escape to Gervasi Vineyard and experience the beauty of a unique, Tuscan-inspired winery resort. Three distinct restaurants offer casual and upscale cuisine paired with award-winning wines and spirits. Retreat to a luxurious suite and enjoy the comforts of high-end amenities, as well as an outdoor patio providing beautiful lake views. A complimentary continental breakfast is delivered each morning of your stay.
Red Fern Inn at Rocky Point Winery
Located in the historic Marblehead Schoolhouse just steps from Lake Erie and down the street from the Marblehead Lighthouse, the Red Fern Inn is the perfect getaway. Guests have access to complimentary bicycles, a private lounge and several fire pits. We’re open year-round, with live music and special events April-October.
6597 Center Road Lowellville, OH 330-536-6450 luvabella.com
L’uva Bella Winery
L’uva Bella Winery is the largest wine and wine juice producer in Ohio, offering retail brands, commercial and custom crush services, and juice products. L’uva Bella’s brands consist of Red’s, Passion and Purple Rain. Visit the on-site bistro to enjoy award-winning barrel-aged reserves paired with a modern cuisine. Even as we grow, our philosophy remains the same; we believe in crafting high-quality, unique wines for the everyday consumer.
2376 OH-850 Bidwell, OH 740-245-9463 merryfamilywinery.com
Merry Family Winery
Come Sip, Sit, Relax at Gallia County’s first winery/brewery. Take in the picturesque views of the countryside, stroll through the vineyard. Sample handcrafted wines and beers, try our homemade root beer soda. With so many great varieties to choose from you are sure to find something to love!
5499 Lake Road E. Geneva-on-the-Lake, OH 800-UNCORK-1 oldfirehousewinery.com
Firehouse is the Great Lake’s largest lakefront winery and restaurant, overlooking the Lake Erie shoreline. The Village’s first fire station. Firehouse features wines made on premises, a large patio and live music weekends. Located right on “The Strip” in the resort town of Geneva-on-theLake. Open 7 days year-round.
16982 CR-M2 Napoleon, OH 419-758-3442 leisuretimewinery.com
Leisure Time Winery
As our name implies, Leisure Time Winery is the perfect place to enjoy a leisurely afternoon or evening. Tucked into the peaceful countryside of Napoleon, Ohio, we offer a little something for everyone. We proudly craft an assortment of wines, including several fruit options.
9050 West Old Lincoln Way Wooster, OH 330-804-9463 lincolnwayvineyards.com
Lincoln Way Vineyards
Find Your Wine Time® with us. Come sit in the tasting room, on the patio, picnic area or our event space, relax and enjoy our wine, hard cider, real fruit wine slushies and more. See our website or Like us on Facebook to see our hours, events and food truck/ entertainment schedule.
11005 Gore Orphanage Road Wakeman, OH 440-965-5202 vermilion-valleyvineyards.com
Vermilion Valley Vineyards
Vermilion Valley Vineyards produces excellent quality wines with a classic, old-world European style on its 15 acres. This beautiful estate winery offers a tasting room, live music, and an extensive wine menu throughout the year. Come enjoy our outdoor space which overlooks our vineyard and 1.5-acre pond. 978 Catawba Avenue Put-In-Bay, OH 419-285-2811 heinemanswinery.com
Heineman Winery
Celebrating 134 years of family traditions, Heineman’s is the oldest family-owned and -operated winery in Ohio. This award-winning winery is also home to the world’s largest known Celestite geode and offers combined tours of the winery and Crystal Cave. Visit the tasting room featuring wines made on-site, while enjoying a fresh-cut cheese plate. Check our website for hours. Online ordering 24/7 to 38 states!
1720 Northridge Road Findlay, OH 419-408-3230 gilligwinery.com
6413 Hayes Avenue Sandusky, OH 419-502-1290 facebook.com/thewinerie
Gillig Winery
• Relaxing environment • Extensive wine menu • Full lunch and dinner menu • Located off I-75 on Northridge Road • Tuesday–Thursday 11:30am–9pm • Friday–Saturday 11:30am–10pm
The Winerie
Offering a large selection of wines produced from 100% estate grown grapes, The Winerie is an estate winery and the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing night out, a special weekend date night while enjoying live music on select nights.
Quarry Hill Winery
Well known for our estate-grown grapes and fruit wine, Quarry Hill’s vantage point and distant Lake Erie views make it the perfect combination of delicious wine and panoramic views. The Gammie family invites you to visit Quarry Hill Orchards, our bustling market barn, and end your day enjoying wines that are grown and carefully crafted from our vineyards.
The Lumberyard Winery & Supply
118 West Front Street, Suite G Napoleon, OH 419-599-WINE (9463)
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBERthelumberyardwinery.com 2022 91
The Lumberyard Winery & Supply is situated along the scenic Maumee River in a historic lumberyard in Napoleon, Ohio. With a combined 40 years of winemaking experience, our winemakers are producing a variety of wines. Come in and enjoy an appetizer with your favorite wine or try something new in a tasting or flight.
