Did you know that Gahanna is the Herb Capital of Ohio? Learn why and treat yourself to an immersive experience in the world of herbs and plants.
Ohio Herb Center
Herb Capital History
Gahanna, Ohio is a city with a long history of cultivating herbs. During the late 1800s and early 1900s, its residents earned a reputation for the quality and quantity of herbs they grew, earning Gahanna the nickname the "Herb Capital." In 1972, the Ohio General Assembly passed a resolution to officially recognize Gahanna as the “Herb Capital of Ohio.” The effort was led by Jane "Bunnie" Geroux, a prominent historical society member and avid gardener.
Things to Do:
– Visit Creekside Park and walk through the Arboretum. Arboretum guides are available at the Ohio Herb Center, 110 Mill St., Gahanna. – 123 Mill St., Gahanna
– Take the Herbal Capital Experience Self-Guided Tour. Download the tour brochure here or pick one up at the Ohio Herb Center.
– Explore Gahanna Woods State Nature Preserve – home to the only known population of cypress-knee sedge in Ohio, the park offers a 1-mile walking path to view wildflowers, buttonbrush swamps, and vernal pools. – 1501 Taylor Station Road, Gahanna
Learn more here: https://ohiodnr.gov/go-and-do/plan-a-visit/find-a-property/gahanna-woods-state-nature-preserve
Ohio Herb Center
– Visit the Ohio Herb Center to explore the Herb Center gardens, view a seasonal exhibit, and browse the gift shop. – 110 Mill St., Gahanna
– Expand your knowledge of herbs with a variety of programs and classes hosted at the Herb Center. Learn more and sign-up for a class here: https://www.ohioherbcenter.org/learn-classes-1
Want to have a one-of-a-kind educational experience? Contact the Ohio Herb Center to schedule a private workshop or sign-up for a class: 614-642-4372 or email: amanda@ohioherbcenter.org
Geroux Herb Garden
– Take a walk at the Geroux Herb Garden – Stroll through a variety of herbal gardens within the Geroux Herb Garden, namely, the Culinary Garden, Scented Garden, Shade Garden, Rock/Biblical Garden, Pond Garden and Medicinal Garden. After receiving the title as the “Herb Capital of Ohio” the Gahanna Municipals Garden was installed in 1975. In 2002, the garden was dedicated and renamed the “Geroux Herb Garden” in honor of Jane “Bunnie” Geroux, who pushed the Ohio General Assembly to pass a resolution to declare Gahanna as the “Herb Capital of Ohio”. – 206 South Hamilton Rd., Gahanna
Franklin Park Conservatory
– Complete your plant inspired experience with a visit to the nearby Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens - Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is Central Ohio’s premier botanical garden and home to the iconic John F. Wolfe Palm House which dates back to 1895. Situated just east of Franklin Park, the Conservatory is approximately two miles from downtown Columbus. – 1777 E. Broad St., Gahanna
Plan your visit here: https://www.fpconservatory.org/
Edison Brewing
Places to Dine:
Herbal Cocktail Trail
The popular Herbal Cocktail Trail takes your tastebuds on a journey through the city to enjoy seasonal herb-infused beverages that live up to the City's Herb Capital title. Pick up an Herbal Cocktail Trail Passport at the Ohio Herb Center at 110 Mill St. Receive a passport stamp for each of the herbal cocktails purchased at partner businesses. Return your completed passport to the Ohio Herb Center and receive a branded gift.
High Bank Distillery
Take a break and refuel with delicious herb-infused meals from local restaurants:
101 Beer Kitchen Gahanna – 101 Beer Kitchen is a fun and eclectic gathering place with a great menu and beverage selection. New quarterly menus feature locally sourced produce and more, in a selection of inspired appetizers, sandwiches, dinner entrees and desserts. Open daily for lunch and dinner, and brunch on the weekend. Stop by for their seasonal Herbal Cocktail and pick up your passport to the Herbal Cocktail Trail. – 397 Stoneridge Lane, Gahanna
Barrel & Boar Creekside – The Barrel & Boar team combines passion, craftsmanship, and love to create the finest smoked meats and an exceptional customer experience. This vision paired with a new focus on craft beer, cocktails and a southern menu creates a wonderful conduit to bring the old in to the new. Barrel & Boar is located at Creekside Plaza in Gahanna and provides a beautiful patio, a full bar and a large dining room (with private space available for events). Stop by for their seasonal Herbal Cocktail and pick up your passport to the Herbal Cocktail Trail. – 121 Mill Street, Suite 130, Gahanna
High Bank Distillery Gahanna – Along with offering high end spirits, High Bank Distillery Co. offers an elevated, yet casual, distillery pub with seasonally inspired takes on modern American cocktails & cuisine. – 1379 E. Johnstown Rd., Gahanna