Cherry Bottom - Gahanna, OH

Settled in Gahanna, a suburb of Columbus, Cherry Bottom is a revitalized section of neighborhoods on over 320 acres of land. The area, named for the convergence of three creeks, used to be a Native American stomping ground. As families spread across Gahanna, City, officials expanded territories, making Cherry Bottom a location of subdivision housing in the midst of untouched woods.

Erected on South High Street, directly beneath the Cherry Bottom neighborhood border, the Gahanna Historical Society conveys the history of the area in detail. Native American artifacts, official documents and antiquated homes preserve the past of Cherry Bottom and other Gahanna communities.

Ohio Outdoor Movies hosts random events, transforming a 25-acre field into an outdoor movie theater. Carnival games, bounce houses, art scenes and concessions make these occasions miniature fairs that residents look forward to. For special events of your own, reserve the whole place for your party.

Cherry Bottom locals have a limited range of restaurants within the neighborhood. Most residents seeking a unique dining experience make the short drive along North Hamilton Road. Playing host to several major chains, this area also provides all-American fare from a handful of locally owned and operated cafes and diners.

Priding itself on upscale versions of American diner classics, Cap City Fine Diner & Bar boasts a classy atmosphere where call-ahead dinner reservations are encouraged. Comforting meals have a refined spin but with plentiful portions for those with hearty appetites. Aside from the signature meatloaf with mashed potatoes, other local favorites include the triple decker grilled cheese sandwich, traditional cheeseburger and fries, Maytag potato chips and Romano crusted chicken. Be sure to save room for homemade chocolate cake, carrot cake or peanut butter pie.

Super Chef’s Breakfast and More takes brunch to sophisticated levels a selection of wholesome ingredients and healthy, upscale twists on breakfast favorites. Family-friendly and quirky, some of the dishes feature eccentric superhero names, like the Hulk, the Juggernaut and the Superman. Renowned for adding sweetness to classic breakfast must-haves, the restaurant also serves up candied bacon, salmon omelets, red velvet pancakes and French toast with fresh bananas and strawberries.

Neighborhood nightlife boils down to sports bars alongside Stoneridge Lane. The Alumni Club Sportsbar & Grill, considered a well-kept secret of Cherry Bottom, strives for a casual dive bar feel with cheap beer, a small dance floor and knowledgeable bartenders. Rows of televisions above the bar constantly air the sports craze of the season. Beveragewise, your choice of brews are on-tap or bottled drafts. Foodwise, locals love the perfect pairing of greasy, fried appetizers and cold beer.

Snug in a suburban, well-wooded area, Cherry Bottom has the convenience of being mostly walkable within the subdivisions. Even moreso accommodating are the bicycling lanes, located with the free-flow of traffic along Cherry Bottom Road, as well as a designated biking trail alongside Big Walnut Creek.

Major streets leading to downtown and surrounding cities, such as Morse Road, Brookhill Drive and Highmeadow Drive, require travel by car, cab or bus for safety. Congestion levels on these roads vary, depending on weekday rush hour, but you can expect a smooth shift in traffic patterns once you hit the interior suburban streets.

Express Taxi, Airport Taxi Service and Columbus United Taxi cater to the neighborhood, providing commutes to the greater Columbus area via Interstate 270. Use Uber to hail a cab for the most affordable rates. Public parking becomes prevalent along Haybrook Drive, Greencroft Road and Cherryway Drive.

Parks abound throughout Cherry Bottom, but locals love Hannah Park. For the family-friendly trails and two playgrounds, one for toddlers and another for older kids. A creek runs near the playground, giving nature-loving youngsters a chance to explore and dip their feet.

Creekside Park, another popular option, hosts paddle boats around a lake brimming with ducks, swans and water lilies. Paddle around for 30 minutes on $5, stroll alongside the creek and take your dog for a jog on one of the many trails. A nearby garage offers free parking to park visitors, and the Christmas Lighting Ceremony runs annually from mid-November to late December.

Cherry Bottom living costs soar at 7 percent greater than the city average. Housing varies depending on amenities, plummeting as low as $575 to as high as $899 for a one-bedroom. Drivers pay 6 percent less on a gallon of gas in comparison to the national average.

Catching a bus into surrounding communities cost just $2 for local cross town rides, but you can save big bucks with a 31-day pass for $62. To unwind after work, be sure to stash away $6 to $7 for a pint of beer from the local pubs.

When it comes to shopping, Cherry Bottom residents have access to locally established and operated shops and boutiques, most focusing on health and fitness.

Clustered with likewise fit-inspiring shops on Cherry Bottom Road, Berry’s Barbell provides an array of discounted exercise equipment for those building an at-home gym. Mainly do-it-yourself assembly, the best-selling equipment includes power racks, rumble rollers, Olympic weights and power benches.

Music-lovers enjoy the tune-making options at Music Go Round, a melodious shop featuring power amps, electric guitars, drum sets and everything you need for making sweet music. For those seeking personalized presents, Karen’s Hallmark on Stoneridge Lane gives the gift of greeting cards, small keepsakes and trinkets — all customizable to meet your gift-giving needs.

Groceries can be found at major chains, such as Kroger or CVS, but It’s All Natural is also an option for those seeking healthy fare. Known for its vegan caramels and frozen vegetarian meals, this organic shop stocks a selection of eco-friendly vegan options. Doran’s Farm Market on Babbitt Road provides seasonal fresh fruits and vegetables from local gardeners and farmers.