2023 Destination Hilliard Visitors Guide

MEGAN

Urban Market is a boutique featuring women and mens clothing, shoes and accessories (+ permanent jewlrey!). We have something for everyone! Shop online at the-urban-market.com. Mention this in store and receive 20% off an item!

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

Heritage Rail Trail Hilliard’s Station Park

Bakes by Lo

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!

Center Street Market

HILLGARTEN: HILLGARTEN; CENTER STREET MARKET: WENDY PRAMIK

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!

kids’ day out

Explore locations that little ones will love!

Splash, play, and most importantly, cool off at the Splash Pad in Station Park! Youngsters will love running around the fountains, which light up in the dark.

For sweet and refreshing drinks, look no further than Bee Bubbly. Kids can try something new with a variety of bubble teas or stick to classic lemonade and smoothies.

Hot summer days (or any days, really) call for a treat — swing by Whit’s or Rita’s Italian Ice for delicious frozen desserts.

Visit Center Street Market, where kids can enjoy an outdoor play space as you munch on a variety of foods.

Known for its floats in over 180 flavors, along with shelves of sweets, Strawser’s Ice Cream, Pop & Candy Shop offers the ultimate candy store experience.

Arts Abound

Whatever your preferred genre, you’re bound to find performances that you’ll love in Hilliard!

Celebration at the Station offers free live music throughout the summer on Thursdays at Hilliard’s Station Park. Grab a drink at the Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) and enjoy melodies from an assortment of bands. The Hilliard Arts Council also hosts a free Summer Concert Series at the Hilliard Civic and Cultural Arts Center starting in June featuring a unique array of music styles.

For even more live music, check out a variety of restaurants in town. Locally owned Beef O’Brady’s features live music on select Fridays in the summer, and Center Street Market boasts Crooked Can Brewery, where you can find a smattering of live performances as well as over 12 beers on tap. Coffee Connections also hosts monthly Open Mic Nights for teens on their patio during the summer.

Musical theater fans won’t want to miss performances put on by the Hilliard Arts Council and theater groups at local high schools. Upcoming shows include Mary Poppins and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

Keep an eye out for murals scattered across Hilliard! Check out the railroad mural at Otie’s Tavern & Grill and both murals on the Hilliard Civic and Cultural Arts Center. Starliner Diner features a celestial mural overlooking the restaurant and Ten Pin Alley pays homage to The Dude from The Big Lebowski. As you explore, don’t miss traffic boxes painted with brightly colored sunflowers scattered throughout the City.

Old Hilliardfest

By Tess Kazdin

PICTURED BELOW: Pose for a photo in front of Hilliard’s newest mural on the Ross Realtors building, featuring whimsical homes transported by hot air balloons.

an interview with Teresa Colegrove at Packrat Comics

By Gwynnie Ball

Where does the name “Packrat Comics” come from?

When my husband and I were trying to come up with names for our store, we were thinking about what we really did with our comics — we would store them away and keep them, and never really get rid of them. Our name is basically the essence of that.

How would you describe Packrat Comics to someone who’s never been?

We got a review once that described it as a children’s bedroom, and I absolutely adored that. It really does have everything that’s going to bring you back to your childhood: toys, games, plushies, books, and comic books. It’s a safe, fun space that’s inviting for everyone.

What comics would you recommend to people?

We actually take an individualized approach — we like to find out what people enjoy reading or watching, and that dictates what we recommend. It’s not just saying “here’s my favorite comic, you should like it too,” and I think that’s the thing that’s helped us succeed.

u go into a Barnes & Noble and find all kinds of genres, there are just as many genres of comic books. It’s not all capes and cowls; it’s mysteries, horror, science fiction, and even autobiographical stories. It’s a big mix, so trying to find what’s best for everyone can be hard, but we try our best.

What are your favorite spots in Hilliard that you like to visit?

We really enjoy the walking paths that they’ve developed over the course of so many decades. We always took our kids to the parks, and they have done a really great job of developing the parks department in Hilliard.

PACKRAT COMICS: WENDY PRAMIK

Learn about the delicious restaurants that make up Hilliard’s food scene, and the stories behind the historic buildings they occupy.

By Nicholas Dekker

Starliner Diner

In 2016, Starliner Diner moved from its original location on Cemetery Road to into a brick building on Main Street that served as Hilliard’s post office from 1957 to 1987. After the post office relocated, the 3,300-square-foot structure served in various capacities, including a dance studio, before the diner moved in. Owner Molly Mahoney brought Starliner’s signature style to the new space, which includes a wall of kooky clocks and a space-themed mural. Try popular dishes like Cuban French toast, chilaquiles, fried plantains, burritos, and Cajun jambalaya for yourself.

Coffee Connections

Coffee Connections started as a mobile cart in 2014 before opening its Old Hilliard storefront in 2016. Located across from the original town square, the building was a part of the epicenter of life in Hilliard when it was built in 1920. Over the years, a now-demolished building on the coffee shop’s current patio was a bait and tackle shop and a bakery, and during World War II, it even served as a ration station. Now, the beautiful coffee shop and patio are a gathering place for visitors who love fresh-roasted coffee and locally made pastries.

Legacy Smokehouse

Legacy’s structure was originally built in the mid1800s as a home. Over the years, the house’s pole barn served as a site where ammunition was designed for the military, and the home’s downstairs was later converted to Bookphil, a local bookstore created by Nelda Bridgeman boasting a collection of more than 30,000 rare books. Now it’s the home to Legacy Smokehouse’s Central Texas barbecue. Sample it all with the Texas Trio: tender chopped brisket, smoky pulled pork, and a house-made jalapeño cheddar sausage. Pair your visit with a stop at Legacy’s new upstairs bourbon bar, Rickhouse 41.

Center Street Market

The site of Center Street Market has long been an important element of the community, starting as a block of houses before becoming a silent movie theater. Most recently, it was Russell Grain Co. and then a NAPA Auto Parts. Anchored by Crooked Can Brewing Company on one end, the expansive indoor market hall offers a huge selection, including zesty fare from Dumplings of Fury, giant burgers from Hot Mess, beautiful cookies from Bakes by Lo,

Starliner

Ten Pin Alley

Opened in 1960 as Northwest Lanes, the 16-lane bowling alley has long been a fixture of Hilliard. It became Ten Pin Alley in 2006, when it was purchased by new owners. In 2017, the building underwent a complete renovation, which doubled its size to 37,000 square feet and added in more lanes, a laser tag arena, an arcade, two bocce courts, a patio, and a full bar and restaurant. In between bowling strikes or playing laser tag, guests can fuel up with favorite bar snacks, giant smashburgers, subs, wings, and Neapolitan-style pizzas.

Hilliard Station Baking Co.

David and Tracy Baldridge opened Hilliard Station Baking Co. in 2021, renovating the early 20th century Main Street structure that began its life as D.C. Larrick’s furniture store. As the couple remodeled, they even found relics of the former business, including signage and antique tools. Over the years, the space has also been Turney’s Restaurant and Pool Hall, a coffee shop, an ice cream parlor, and a floral design studio. The Baldridges have given their space a modern makeover with restored wooden floors and white subway tile. Cupcakes are the name of the game at the bakery. While special flavors pop up every week, you’ll always find favorites like chocolate supreme, funfetti, and peanut butter cup.

Ten Pin Alley

Hilliard Station Baking Co.

events

August | Columbus Food Truck Festival

– Hilliard Edition 2023

Bring your appetite August 19-20 as you explore the delicious bites that 50+ gourmet food trucks are serving up at the Franklin County Fairground. Enjoy live music throughout the weekend on two different stages and browse wares from over two dozen artisans and crafters as you sample a wide variety of flavors.

October | Halloween Haunt

Celebrate the spookiest season in Hilliard’s Station Park on October 28, where kids can collect treats distributed by local businesses. This free event also includes a DJ, balloon artists, and a scavenger hunt.

December | Destination Hilliard

Sip, Shop & Stroll

Ring in the holidays and find the perfect gift in Old Hilliard on December 14. Shop special promotions in the Downtown area and sample holiday cocktails and tasty food.

December | Hilliard Tree Lighting

Kick off the holiday season with a tree lighting in Hilliard’s Station Park. This celebration includes free activities, including carolers, a petting zoo, and a trolley to Hilliard Historical Society Village where you can write a letter to Santa, step into a live snow globe, and more.

March | Destination Hilliard Bunny Hop

Bring your Easter baskets and hop along Main Street! Hilliard businesses are excited to work together to fill them with treats at this free, family favorite event. Keep an eye out for the Easter Bunny at Hilliard’s Station Park — he may be making an appearance!

July | Freedom Fest

Celebrate the Fourth of July at Municipal Park with food trucks, live music from nationally recognized artists, swimming, and a fireworks show at dusk. This free annual event is complete with a Kid Zone, full of activities for kids in pre-school and above with a required wristband for access.

Freedom Fest

Halloween Haunt

Fourth of July Parade

Looking for a different way to explore Hilliard and find new favorites? Check out Destination Hilliard’s gamified passes and trails!

All you need to do is sign up for your free passport via text or email and start checking in at each location you visit. As you visit

different stops, you’ll earn prizes and discounts at participating businesses.

Round up the entire family and start with the Hilliard Playground & Parks Pass.

You’ll find beautiful outdoor spaces, decked out jungle gyms, countless swing sets, and endless fun as you play your way through the 26 playgrounds and parks featured on the pass from May to August.

Got a sweet tooth?

The Sweet Treat Trail will have every dessert you can dream of, and then some.

July through September, check in as you buy sugary treats around Hilliard to earn rewards. More stops will be announced soon, but four favorites are confirmed to be returning from last year’s trail.

Bakes by Lo

From ornately decorated sugar cookies to chocolate chip cookies with flaky sea salt, this bakery serves up decked-out cookies and other tasty treats.

Coffee Connections

Signature lattes with homemade syrups aren’t the only thing you’ll love at this coffee shop. Pair your beverage of choice with scones, coffee cake, donuts, or a cinnamon roll.

The Cheesecake Girl

Craving something decadent? Find classic and creative cheesecakes right in Center Street Market. If you can’t choose just one slice, sample a few mini cheesecakes in different flavors.

Hilliard Station Baking Company

Scratch-made cupcakes are this bakery’s specialty. Check out their everyday flavors, like birthday cake or peanut butter cup, and check back each week to find their rotating weekly offerings.

HEATHER RIDGE, DOG PARK: CITY OF HILLIARD; THE CHEESECAKE GIRL: THE CHEESECAKE GIRL

Keep an eye out for new digital passports in 2023 and 2024! History buffs will love the Hilliard Historic Train Trail, a collaboration in the works between Hilliard Schools and Destination Hilliard. There might even be some magic to explore within the City this October.

Scan the QR code or visit destinationhilliard.org/ experience-passes to find more information about Hilliard’s gamified trails.

Towneplace Suites

lodging

Avid Hotel

3900 Lyman Dr., 614-670-3500, ihg.com/avidhotels

Enjoy amenities like a heated pool, grab-and-go breakfast, a 24-hour gym, and freshly ground complimentary coffee available 24/7 in the lobby. Pets are also welcome for an extra fee.

Best Western Suites

3831 Park Mill Run Dr., 614-529-8118, hilliardsuites.com

Find relaxation away from home with amenities like a heated indoor swimming pool, free high-speed internet, and a gym. Round out your stay with free breakfast in the morning.

Hampton Inn & Suites

3950 Lyman Dr., 614-334-1800, columbushilliardsuites.hamptoninn.com

Keep yourself connected with free Wi-Fi and the business center or relax with a dip in the pool. Grab breakfast in the morning before you’re on your way.

Homewood Suites

3841 Park Mill Run Dr., 614-529-4100, columbushilliard.homewoodsuites.com

Feel free to bring Fido along to a pet-friendly room — just make sure they stay in your suite if you decide to go for a swim in the indoor pool. Amenities like the fitness center, business center, and free Wi-Fi are also available.

House of Lane (Airbnb)

Downtown Hilliard, 614-401-2706, airbnb.com

Charming, newly built, three-bedroom home that can accommodate up to eight guests. It is conveniently located within walking distance of downtown favorites such as Local Cantina, Legacy Smokehouse, Crooked Can Brewing Co., and Coffee Connections.

Residence 1852 (Airbnb)

Old Hilliard, 614-363-1618, airbnb.com

Nestled in the heart of Old Hilliard, this newly renovated three-bedroom is in walking distance from downtown mainstays like Crooked Can Brewing Co., Starliner Diner, and Coffee Connections.

Rodeway Inn

3950 Parkway Ln., 614-710-1060, choicehotels.com/rodeway-inn

Find travel basics at an affordable rate at this budgetfriendly hotel. Amenities like free Wi-Fi, copy and fax services, and laundry services guarantee that you’ll have all the necessities you’ll need for your trip.

TownePlace Suites by Marriott Hilliard 4079 Lyman Dr., 614-270-4893, marriott.com

This extended-stay hotel offers spacious suites that include a fully equipped kitchen. Grill dinner in the outdoor barbecue area, check out the hotel lobby bar, and bring your pets along for company.

TOWNEPLACE SUITES: DESTINATION HILLIARD

venues

Here in Hilliard, we understand that event planning isn’t for the faint of heart — every detail matters. From intimate gatherings to bustling conferences, find a Hilliard venue to meet your every need.

Located in Old Hilliard, Center Street Market’s multipurpose facility hosts business or private events with food packages from the market’s tasty vendors. Nearby, Coffee Connections’ flexible options will suit your needs for a multitude of small group events. Maximize productivity in shared workspaces or reserve a conference room at The Junction, Hilliard’s first and only coworking space.

Mix business with pleasure at Dave and Buster’s, which offers private rooms ideal for breakouts and small group activities. Host your next meeting in one of Ten Pin Alley’s meeting rooms, complete with a private bowling area and more. Westwood Field House accommodates groups on private basketball and volleyball courts for any corporate teambuilding event or party.

Couples tying the knot have plenty of options, too. Heritage Golf Club’s banquet facility provides an upscale backdrop for weddings, plus personalized service to help

with your big day. Overlooking a scenic lake, the aptly named WatersEdge offers guests delicious food and beverage service in a rustic-meets-modern atmosphere. Their newest space, The Cove, is a stunning ballroom with an industrial edge, complete with two suites and a patio. If you’re having a hard time trimming the guest list, the Makoy Center’s three event spaces are ideal for large weddings, as well as banquets, luncheons, trade shows, and more.

Hosting what feels like a small army? During non-fair time, the expansive Franklin County Fairgrounds is the ideal location for vendor, product, and trade shows. All three buildings are also available to rent for large parties, events, or classrooms.

Raise the curtains on your next performance at the Hilliard Civic and Cultural Arts Center, complete with a theater, studio space, and more creative areas. Celebrate a special event or reception surrounded by history at the Historical Village at Weaver Park/Norwich Pavilion.

This is just a taste of what Hilliard can offer for your next event. Visit destinationhilliard.org/ event-venues for amenities, capacities, and more incredible spaces!

The Cove at WatersEdge