a day in the life DOWNTOWN HILLIARD

The heart of the community, Downtown Hilliard brings residents and visitors together to enjoy shopping, dining, and attractions. Find out what your day could entail as you explore all that Old Hilliard has to offer.

By Gwynnie Ball

Start your day right with a filling breakfast from Abner’s Casual Dining, where you can enjoy classic favorites like biscuits and gravy, omelettes filled with your favorite toppings, or pancakes fresh off the griddle. If you’re in the mood for lighter fare, grab a coffee and a pastry at Coffee Connections and get a taste of the community’s tightknit feel amid a cozy atmosphere.

Look no further for local shops and boutiques that you’ll love — Downtown Hilliard boasts a variety of stores for you to peruse. Make your way to The Shoppes by Westwood for boutique shopping in the heart of Old Hilliard. In addition to aerial

BAKES

BY LO: BAKES BY LO; HERITAGE RAIL TRAIL: CHRIS CASELLA

yoga classes, alive mvmt, mercantile & events offers unique retail and fresh-cut flowers from Choco Flowers. Looking to update your closet? The Urban Market carries clothing, shoes, and accessories for both men and women that will keep you looking stylish. For unique home décor and furniture, Birch Tree Home has everything you can dream of and then some, while MAK Home Furnishings houses Ohio artisan-made furnishings from over 80 vendors.

You can even bring home a floral arrangement from Hilliard Floral Design, where bouquets are crafted with care and an artistic eye. Stay to find Hilliard-specific items and assorted gifts in their adorably decorated retail space. To explore your authentic self without judgement, visit Brewing Intuition. A modern apothecary, the store offers an inclusive and safe space to learn more about spirituality and magic. In the same plaza, round out your shopping spree with a trip to Packrat Comics to browse for a new comic to start or add to your collection.

You won’t have to wander far from Downtown to spend time enjoying nature, but if you’re feeling energetic, you have the option to! The multi-purpose Heritage Rail Trail starts in Old Hilliard off Main Street and spans 6.1 paved miles towards Plain City. Walk, bike, or even skate to your heart’s content, and take in the beautiful greenspaces that the trail passes through. The trail is pet-friendly, so don’t forget your furry friends!

To honor those who died on 9/11, visit Hilliard’s First Responders Park. One of the first memorials built with steel and artifacts from the World Trade Center, the park pays tribute to the 403 first responders who died making the ultimate sacrifice for their community. The park features granite walls inscribed with the names of those who lost their lives, a reflecting pool, personalized pavers, a monument honoring fallen officers, and a metal sculpture made of steel from the World Trade Center.

If you’ve worked up an appetite, there’s no shortage of restaurants for you to visit for lunch or dinner. For just a taste of what Old Hilliard is cooking, try Legacy Smokehouse After a devastating fire and over a year of repairs and renovations, they’re back to serving their acclaimed, authentic Texas barbecue. You can also savor a drink at their all-new rooftop bourbon bar, Rickhouse 41 HillGarten Beer & Wine offers delicious German cuisine alongside craft beer and wine, all in a family-friendly environment. Time your visit right and you’ll get to enjoy scheduled live music and events as you eat!

Whether you’re planning a weekend away, a longer trip, or even a staycation in Hilliard, the City has lodging options for every traveler. You can even stay in Residence , an Airbnb nestled in the heart of Old Hilliard! Flip to page 15 for more lodging information.

Whatever your interests, you’re bound to find all kinds of fun in Downtown Hilliard. Come see for yourself what makes this community so special!