TALK OF THE TOWN

BY MICHELLE BANSE STOKES, PHOTOS BY EMILY HENDERSON

We live in a fast-paced world and most businesses strive to get you in and out in a hurry. Recently I discovered a new hotspot in Columbus that doesn’t fit the norm. Instead of trying to get me on my way, they encouraged me to slow down and stay awhile. But there’s a shroud of mystery surrounding this new hangout and I found myself seeking an answer to the question, “What exactly is Friends on Walnut Street?”

“That’s a good question,” owner LeaAnn Dorsett Dye said. “You have to come see it! If you don’t bring a friend with you, you’re sure to make one here. I make new friends every day … hence the name. Friends on Walnut Street is a gathering spot. We want to fill a need here in Columbus. People enjoy coming to this historic building to find a quiet place to sit and read a book, meet with friends, hold meetings, sip coffee or tea, and enjoy a light breakfast or lunch. When you enter, you take in the lovely aroma of our line of candles and freshly brewed coffee. It’s such a neat spot to gather.

“Another great little spot is the place we call The Snug which is our glassed-in porch where you can curl up and enjoy a good book. We also have an adorable little secret play area for the little ones. We call it Garrett’s Nook. I’ll tell you the story of the name when you come visit us.”

And the variety of experiences that LeaAnn, along with other friendly faces, serve up is second to none.

“Our outdoor seating is growing,” LeaAnn said. “We did smores around our outdoor fire at Christmastime and that was a big hit. We’re looking to offer live music starting this summer. We’re trying to bring in more things like that. If someone wants to come play music, we welcome it. Everyone loves music! It’s an ideal spot and the possibilities are endless. We love to share it with friends and so will you.”

For LeaAnn, creating Friends On Walnut Street was about recognizing the ideal location to welcome the public to share all the things this historic place has to offer.

“We had our soft opening during Ladies Night Out,” LeaAnn added. “It was so much fun! Friends on Walnut Street is the perfect spot to watch the parades in town. You can come pop open a lawn chair and simply hang out.”

Long before owning her own businesses was on her radar, LeaAnn felt certain Columbus could be home for her.

“We grew up in the Austin area,” LeaAnn said. “Because we had family in the Friendswood area, Columbus was our meeting spot. After I started my real estate career and settled down with kids of my own, I wanted to come back to Columbus. It’s such a special blessing.”

Recognizing the growth that Columbus is experiencing, this entrepreneur is proud to be a part of the movement that is steering the area in a positive direction.

“When I bought this place, I researched the history going back even before the Shaw family to the Columbus Female Seminary which was the first organized school in Columbus. I truly love the history and being a part of it means the world to me.”

And although some businesses have come and gone in downtown Columbus, you can rest assured that this is one place that friends will be gathering for years to come.

“We look for it to be around for a while,” Lea Ann said. “We’re here for the long haul.”

Friends on Walnut Street is located at 632 Walnut Street and online on Facebook.