Must see stops in Columbus

EVERYONE WILL WANT TO EXPERIENCE ALL OF THESE COLUMBUS GEMS

BLAKE’S KITCHEN & KOCKTAILZ - Focused on balancing the family and social vibe, walking into Blake’s Kitchen & Kocktailz naturally feels like a place where you can enjoy a meal with loved ones, or unwind with friends. In addition to a vast drink menu, owners Blake and Kalli Schulte offer unique cusine choices that go well beyond simple bar food. Diners will enjoy standard staples like chicken fried steak and burgers, as well as unexpected options like ahi tuna wonchos, fried Brussels sprouts with hot chili honey, and a chicken and waffle sandwich, to name a few. Sunday brunch is always popular, so come early.

2035 Milam Street | www.blakeskitchenandkocktailz.com

HOMETOWN GOODS - This unique outlet houses several vendors selling a wide variety of goods. You will find a ladies boutique, children’s toys and games, baby and toddler clothes, miniatures including doll house furniture, and vintage smalls. If you are looking for furnishings, you will be pleasantly surprised to find a selection of antique French and English furniture. For a more modern approach to decortating your space, shoppers will also find displays of industrial furniture.

1008 Milam Street

LIVE OAK ART CENTER - LOAC is dedicated to promoting the fine arts, expanding art education, and enhancing cultural enrichment. Housed in the historic Brunson Building in Columbus, admission is always free and open to the public. LOAC is proud to offer a robust permanent collection, a diverse and exciting exhibition schedule, and a variety of community education programs. Their exhibition calendar consists of approximately ten exhibitions a year, featuring established and emerging artist from around the state as well as artwork in a wide variety of media.

1014 Milam Street | www.liveoakartcenter.org

KOUNTRY KRITTERS - Offering dog and cat grooming, as well as pet daycare and boarding. All grooing is provided with all-natural products. Kountry Kritters also sells collars, leashes, bowls and much more. As an added bonus, there is no appoinment necessary for a nail trim for your furry friend. Owner Kathrybe Johnson, KT for short, started pet grooing in 2005 and has been hooked ever since. She’s known throughout the area to provide quality grooming services with reasonable rates. More information, as well as photos of current clients, can be viewed on their website.

1506 Fannin Street | www.kountrykrittersllc.com

HOUND SONG BREWING CO - In spite of all its nuance and complexity, Hound Song’s craft beer is remarkably simple. It’s easy drinking, and best enjoyed while relaxing together with family and friends. The brewery aims to create a gathering place for beer drinkers of all kinds, while bringing us all closer to the things we love so much as Texans. Hound Song’s award-winning craft beers have brought numerous awards home to Columbus but we encourage you to order a flight and decide for yourself which one is your favorite.

535 Walnut Street | www.houndsongbrewing.com

SILVER BARN - A one-of-a-kind shop offering an array of unique gifts, kid’s items, tabletop pieces, Texas foods, bath and body favorites, and home décor. Watch for events throughout the year, like the Silver Barn’s popular Witches Tea the first Saturday in October and plan to stop by during the annual Columbus Chamber of Commerce Ladies Night Out.

521 Walnut Street | www.thesilverbarn.com

STAFFORD-MILLER-HILL HOUSE - The ornate, two-story, five bay Victorian house was built for Robert Stafford. It has a two-story L-shaped double gallery creating a sixth side bay. Mr. Stafford built both the home and Opera House in 1886. He specifically designed the house so he could watch Opera House performances from his bedroom. On July 7, 1890 Mr. Stafford and his younger brother John attended a ceremony to celebrate the laying of the cornerstone for the new county courthouse. After the ceremony, Mr. Stafford got into an argument with the city marshal Larkin Hope, a member of the Townsend family. The argument ended when Marshal Hope and his brother Marion shot and killed both Stafford brothers, further fueling a vicious and deadly feud between the Stafford and Townsend families. The house was owned by the Stafford family until 1915, then sold to Helena Miller. Ms. Miller’s descendants preserve it to the day.

423 Spring Street | www.hmdb.org