Recent Posts:
Are you searching for things to do as we enter the thick of summer? If so, you’re in luck! The Babbling Brook has done the research for you and come up with five fun places for you to visit this summer (all within a close radius of our three Willow Brook campuses)! We’ve curated an eclectic mix with something for everyone. The Central Ohio area is filled with things to do, from museums and parks, to good food and beautiful sights to see. Whether you are one of our residents, a family member, a friend of Willow Brook or reader of our blog, we think you will enjoy these hidden (and not so hidden) gems around town!
1. Gallant Farm
This farmland was once the property of the late Charlotte Gallant’s (former resident at Willow Brook Christian Village) grandparents. Gallant Farm is now a living history museum and is part of the Preservation Parks system of Delaware County. The farmhouse is patterned after a Depression-era house of that type, complete with period appropriate furnishings – many of which actually belonged to Charlotte’s childhood home on Liberty Street in downtown Delaware. Surrounding the farmhouse you can find everything from crop fields and an orchard, a granary, a pond, and a vegetable garden, to a machine shed, livestock, and a historic barn with 1890s timber. Since it is a living history museum activities of a historic farm come to life when you visit through your interactions with the costumed interpreters completing daily farm chores both inside and outside the house. The museum is free of charge to all except large groups or field trips, is handicap accessible, and is open in the summer Tuesday-Saturday from 10am-5pm and Sunday 12pm-5pm.
2. North Market in Columbus
The North Market is a Columbus institution. If you’ve never been to the original indoor market in the Short North you’re in for a treat. Over 30 booths featuring products and goods from small, independently-owned businesses offering everything from fish to flowers and dolmas to donuts are inside. Jeni Britton, of Jeni’s Spledid Ice Creams, got her start here! Saturdays are busiest—keep this in mind if you are looking for the energy of a large crowd, or are trying to avoid the energy of a large crowd! Parking can be challenging as there is a lot of construction and development in the area. Check the website before you go for the most up-to-date information on parking and parking ticket validation.
Bonus: The North Market now has a second location at Bridge Park in Dublin. Smaller in scale, this market is still getting established in this burgeoning development. Here is a list of the latest vendors. You can find out more about the Bridge Park location by clicking here.
3. Stratford Ecological Center
Stratford Ecological Center is one of Delaware’s hidden gems. Expect to do some walking, unless you just want to visit the farm shop. On this organic working farm, you can visit the farm animals, walk the trails, explore the two vernal pools, hike to the 1800s cemetery, walk the creek, tour the gardens, and more. It’s the perfect place to go for a quiet walk in the woods or to reconnect with the natural world. You will leave with a clear understanding of Stratford’s motto, Fostering an Appreciation for the Land and maybe some maple syrup or honey, too! During the summer, Stratford holds youth camps during the week, so if you do plan to visit, hours are limited to Saturdays from 9am-1pm.
To learn more about all of Stratford’s programs, including its robust volunteer program, visit the website here.
4. The Coffee Vault
What’s better than a historic building being repurposed? A historic building being repurposed as a coffee shop! This family-owned and operated boutique coffeehouse is located on W. Columbus Street in Galena, Ohio. The building dates from 1906 when it was the Bank of Galena. Today, you can enjoy quality conversation, ambience, a specialty coffee or frozen drink, and of course a taste of history. Open Monday-Friday 6:30am-2pm and weekends 8am-3pm.
5. Ohio Village at the Ohio History Center in Columbus
How about a trip back in time to the 1890s? Ohio Village, at the Ohio History Center in Columbus, is just the place. Admission is included with your Ohio History Center ticket ($11 for ages 60+). A real working village, different artisans and villagers are on hand daily to show you all about life in 19th century Ohio.
While you’re visiting the Ohio History Center, be sure to check out one or all of three excellent current exhibits: Indigenous Wonders of Our World – The Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks; 1950s: Building the American Dream; and World War I-Era Collections Display, 1914-1919.