Love letters Love Letters

DEAR GROVE CITY, You are the place that has helped me grow personally and professionally over the last six years. Over those six years, Grove City has challenged my preconceptions about what this city has to offer. Not only is it a wonderful place to live and work, but it also has so much more to offer than I expected. From the cutest mom and pop shops to delicious local restaurants to some of the best hiking you can find in central Ohio, Grove City is constantly surprising me in unexpected ways. I love that no matter what you may think when first visiting, you’re going to walk away fulfilled from the adventures this quaint little city has offered you. It’s challenged me in the best of ways, and I hope it challenges you to step outside your comfort zone and truly experience the joy this community has brought me.

Alexa Alcaraz, CTA Marketing Manager

DEAR GROVE CITY, How do I love thee? Let me count the ways:

• I love thee for without you, I’d have no place to call home.

• I love thee for my soulmate of 38 years and our meeting at Grove City High School.

• I love thee for our two daughters and the many teams, activities, and groups that helped them grow.

• I love thee for our community’s openness to learn about diversity, as we raise our Awesomely Autistic Grandson and watch our wonderful parents age-in-place. and lastly:

• I love thee for your rich history, beautiful parks, and many opportunities for small and large families and businesses to grow.

Thank you, Grove City, for letting me call you “My Hometown.”

Teresa Breckenridge, CTA Sales & Communications Manager

HOME is not simply the house where you grew up or “where the heart is.” Fact is, a hometown is more than a place; it’s a feeling evoked by cherished memories that map out our unique perspectives on this Earth.

I’m lucky to call Grove City my hometown. I grew up exploring the wooded trails and creeks of Battelle Darby Creek, pretending to be a pirate paddling down the Big Darby Creek at Trapper John’s, taking field trips to visit local businesses on Broadway (cue Skate America!), and riding my bike to [Mona’s] Eats and Treats.

As an adult, I lean on my hometown to reset after long days or stressful situations, and I share my favorite places with my family. I find my inner peace on the Mingo Trail at Scioto Grove, where the sounds of water flowing carries my worries downstream. I look for red-tailed and red-shouldered hawks as I walk at Fryer Park. I take my kids to pretend to be pirates at Trapper John’s and witness the joy on their faces when they repeat some of the same experiences I had. Grove City soothes my soul and resets my spirit. I hope Grove City gives you a slice of the same inner peace when you visit. What will your experience be?

Amanda Davis, CTA Executive Director

TO GROVE CITY, You have been my home for a decade. Grove City is the place where I chose to put down my roots. What I love about my town is that it has options — options for indoor and outdoor adventures, options for shopping, options of cool attractions to show my visiting friends and family. My favorite way to explore my town is by bicycle, which has given me a new view of what is all around me. There are miles of trails in town and some that can eventually connect to Columbus, Ohio’s capital city. And we are sandwiched between two amazing Metro Parks, Battelle Darby Creek and Scioto Grove. Both of which offer things like hiking, biking, canoe/ kayak access, fishing, and all-around great views. What better way to escape the hustle and bustle of the city?

Grove City is not a small town, but it has that small town feel. I can go to the Historic Town Center and see familiar faces around or chat with the business owners who have become my friends. You can feel the support in the community when there are sports events and festivals. I came here to live when I finally went out on my own, and I chose to stay because I just fell in love with our community.

Tiffany Kirkbride, CTA Marketing Assistant