By Heather Rader
Posted On: Jun 15, 2022
During the late 1800's and early 1900’s, Gahanna residents became known for the quality of herbs they grew. In the 1960's and 70's the suburbs of Columbus wanted to distinguish themselves apart from the capital city by giving themselves titles that best represented their community. In 1972, A local historical society member and avid gardener, Jane "Bunnie" Geroux, pushed the Ohio General Assembly to pass a resolution to declare Gahanna as the "Herb Capital of Ohio."
Now celebrating 50 years as the Herb Capital of Ohio, the community has embraced all things herb and welcomes visitors to take a sensory adventure throughout Gahanna's local businesses and parks. From the Ohio Herb Center, Geroux Gardens, annual Herb Day (celebrated in May), Herb n' Restaurant Week, Herbal Cocktail Trail and Creekside Park's Herbal Trail, there's plenty of local resources to help you discover the sights and flavors of Gahanna.
The Ohio Herb Center is the perfect place to start your herbal trail adventure. Located in the Nafzger-Miller House, the original structure was built in 1855 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Drying Room at the Ohio Herb Center
The center offers herbal classes, hands-on-workshops, herb walks and has a gift shop with locally made herb-inspired products.
In celebration of Gahanna's new title as the Herb Capital of Ohio, the Gahanna Municipal Gardens were installed next to city hall in 1975. In 2002, the garden was officially dedicated and renamed the Geroux Herb Garden. Visitors are welcome to stroll through a variety of herbal gardens within the Geroux Herb Garden – the Culinary Garden, Scented Garden and Shaded Garden are just a few of the areas to enjoy local flora.
London Mint Mule from Barrel & Boar, part of Herbal Cocktail Trail
The Herbal Cocktail Trail, originally launched in 2017, was the state's first themed cocktail trail. The cocktail trail offers seasonal herb-infused libations from local restaurants, breweries, wineries and pubs. Pick up a trail passport at the Gahanna Visitor Center or participating locations and start planning your trail experience. Once the passport is completed, redeem the passport at the visitor center for a fun branded gift.
There's plenty of ways throughout Gahanna to discover the community's passion for herbs. My suggestion of how to spend the day exploring the town is by strolling the Herbal Walking Trail. Start your morning at Blank Slate Coffee with a Lavender Latte, visit the Ohio Herb Center to learn about the city's herbal history and purchase locally made herbal gifts, stroll along Creekside Park to spot dozens of herbs growing in the manicured flower beds and have lunch and a London Mint Mule (a featured cocktail on the Spring/Summer 2022 Herbal Cocktail Trail) at Barrel & Boar.
After lunch, drive to Geroux Herb Gardens to admire dozens of herbs and flowers which will complete your day of exploring Gahanna's herb heritage.
Whether you're looking to learn more about herbs, discover herbs in nature or want to taste a refreshing herbal libation, a visit to Gahanna will allow you to experience why the city is named the Herb Capital of Ohio!
For more outdoor adventures and ways to explore the Herbal Cocktail Trail, check out #OhioFindItHere at Ohio.org.
