Gahanna-Havens Corners - Gahanna, OH

In 1814, a man named Joseph Clark purchased 800 acres of land near Big Walnut Creek from Ohio governor Thomas Worthington. Clark left the property to his son, John Clark, who named the area Gahanna Plantation. Clark took the plantation's title from the previous name for Big Walnut Creek: Gahanna, a Native American word referring to three creeks coming together as one. After years of rivalry between Gahanna and the neighboring town of Bridgeport, the two towns merged. The Gahanna name was saved because Ohio already had a town called Bridgeport near its eastern border.

Gahanna celebrates its pioneer roots by preserving historic settlements, including homes and a church funded by John Clark himself. The Gahanna Historical Society cultivates famous herb gardens that led to the governor naming Gahanna the "Herb Capitol of Ohio." Residents interested in art can visit the Columbus Museum of Art in the city.

Locals enjoy plenty of dining options, from American steakhouses and diners to top-tier sushi spots. You can find restaurants dispersed throughout the area. Check out the intersections of Hamilton and Morse, and Johnstown and Granville for clusters of a few extra dining options.

Locals can't get enough of Cap City Fine Diner & Bar. If that name sounds like a bit of an oxymoron, don't worry; the spot might look extra posh, but the staff prove outgoing and friendly, while the menu features flawlessly executed diner-esque comfort-food staples. Patrons return again and again for Cap City's signature meatloaf, and the Maytag blue cheese chips receive rave reviews. Stop by sometime for brunch, too, and enjoy the complimentary cinnamon rolls while you wait for your eggs Benedict or breakfast burrito.

For hearty steak and barbecue, mosey on over to The Hickory House. Depending on whom you ask, either the Porterhouse steak or the ribs rank as Hickory House's claim to fame. You can't choose wrong, though, since you can cut through either one with your fork, then take a bite and savor the melt-in-your-mouth cuts of meat. Get the perfectly seasoned and crispy onion rings on the side.

If Asian cuisine sounds more your speed, try Restaurant Tora at Hamilton and Morse. Gahanna hosts several sushi spots, but this one takes first place for its extensive menu and fresh, quality ingredients. Stop in on Tuesday evenings, when certain items sell for 30 to 50 percent off.

Nightlife abounds in central Gahanna, centering around where Highway 317 meets Highway 62. Locals frequent Gatsby's, the neighborhood bar where you can always get into something fun. Head downstairs to see live bands play on Saturday nights, or if you prefer quieter entertainment, join the darts or Wii bowling leagues. Regulars also love Monday night trivia.

Many businesses provide private parking, but drivers can find abundant public options as well. The neighborhood provides a free parking garage as well as multiple free public lots. You can also find unmetered street parking, but beware of signs delineating time limits. Those who disregard the signs often return to find tickets on their cars.

Getting around Gahanna generally requires a car, as the area does not cater well to pedestrians. Some bike lanes and shared lanes exist, but the city continues to work on its bikeway plan. Even with some bike infrastructure in place, Gahanna still does not enjoy the convenience of urban density; trips from one place to another can take quite a long time via bike.

COTA bus lines 95, 89 and 43 serve the area, but buses only run every half hour. If you need a ride and don't want to depend on public transit, call Columbus Taxi Service as cab drivers don't usually drive around Gahanna looking for fares, or book a ride using Uber.

Gahanna houses 23 parks and facilities and 21 nature preserve areas. Creekside Park & Plaza, a local favorite, draws the most traffic. The park features plenty of spots to sit and take in the sights, as well as a fountain and places to fish in Big Walnut Creek. Admission remains free, but certain activities cost money. For instance, patrons can rent paddle boats for $5.

The annual Creekside Blues and Jazz Festival takes place in Creekside Park, where you can catch some concerts and visit vendor booths, all for $5. Stop by in November or December to see the Winter Wonderland holiday lights display.

Dogs love Pizzurro Park, which hosts a 4-acre fenced off-leash area where they can run around. Kids love Hannah Park on Clark State Road for its playgrounds and sports facilities, while adults like it for the trails and ponds.

Gahanna residents experience a slightly higher cost of living than the rest of Columbus in general. On average, renters pay around $651 per month for a one-bedroom apartment. Gas usually runs about 11 percent lower per gallon than the national average. To get to the city center on mass transit, buy a day pass for $4.50. A pint at the neighborhood bar will run you about $4.

Being a suburb, Gahanna hosts the typical suburb stores, such as Kroger, Tuesday Morning and CVS, but you can also find some great little specialty shops, especially in the Olde Gahanna area near the intersection of Highways 62 and 317. Most shops specialize in clothing, hobbies and gifts.

Runners and other active types get their shoes at Second Sole, a small, Ohio-based chain. The folks who work here provide knowledgeable advice and encourage shoppers to take shoes for a short run outside to ensure proper fit. Unlike many specialty running stores, Second Sole allows returns even after you've worn the shoes on a long jog outside.

If you make art or crafts, head over to Gahanna Bead Studio, the oldest bead store in the area. The extensive collection, from precious gems to glass beads to seasonal charms, includes something for everyone. Get something for your latest project at this shop, where the stock remains more affordable than at shops closer to the Columbus city center.

For groceries, Gahanna residents shop at the chain retailers in the area, especially Trader Joe's and Kroger Marketplace. Both sell natural, organic foods, and stock plenty of vegan and gluten-free options. Gahanna houses a locally owned Indian market, Passage to India, for residents seeking international pantry items and spices. For produce sourced closer to home, Gahanna locals can travel to the nearby Easton neighborhood to visit the Easton Farmers Market, open during the summer.