Winchester - Groveport, OH Area Guide

Winchester sits 15 miles southeast of Columbus, midway between Columbus and Lancaster. It was established in 1831 along with the construction of the Ohio & Erie Canal. The village then developed in 1866. Founder Reuben Dove named the town after his father's hometown of Winchester, Virginia.

The neighborhood today houses a historic downtown which houses several well-trafficked museums. In an effort to preserve and promote appreciation of the area's history, The Canal Winchester Historical Society frequently welcomes residents, students and visitors to its National Barber Museum, Prentiss School and Hocking Valley Railroad Depot.

Bergstresser bridge, the only standing wooden covered bridge in Franklin County, can also be found in Winchester. Each year, Winchester hosts festivals for Labor Day and Christmas, as well as an end-of-summer rib fest.

Plenty of dining options and restaurants serve the residents of Winchester, each catering to different tastes. If you're looking to grab a bite to eat, start by making your way through the concentration of restaurants located just off Waterloo Street.

Grecian Corner represents the place to find great chicken dishes, lamb gyros and falafel. The gyro salad arrives at your table filled with your choice of meat on a bed of greens, pickles and peppers.

Los Mariachis Mexican Restaurant serves tantalizing cuisine such as the Mariachi Chicken, a plate loaded with grilled chicken, onions and mushrooms, covered with fresh spinach and white cheese. Every plate contains huge portions of your favorites, including several house specials. Be sure to order the Quesadilla Texana loaded with beans, shrimp, beef, chicken, bell peppers and cheese, and served with sides of rice and lettuce.

Little Italy Pizza features pizzas with plenty of toppings. The specialty pizza known as All the Way contains loads of pepperoni, sausage, salami and ham, combined with onions, mushrooms, green peppers and hot peppers. The meat pizza comes with pepperoni, sausage, bacon, crushed meatballs, salami and ham. If you crave pasta or sandwiches, Little Italy Pizza has plenty of those as well.

Birch Tavern on Main Street provides standard bar fare, such as hamburgers, fries and mozzarella sticks; however, patrons typically frequent the place for the relaxed atmosphere. Stop by after a long day of work to socialize among friends.

Although this quiet neighborhood lacks a vibrant bar and club scene, nearby Columbus contains a number of options for an exciting night out.

Residents of Winchester rely heavily on automobile transportation for navigating within and out of the neighborhood. With easy access to US-33 SE Expressway, commuters easily travel back and forth into the city and surrounding areas. Residents can expect a drive to downtown Columbus to take around 25 minutes.

Street parking can be easily found, but it usually involves meter fees. Private lots vary in terms of costs, while garages charge by the hour.

Hailing a cab doesn't take much time or effort in this area. If you have a smartphone, the Uber application eases transportation needs by providing a more affordable and reliable taxi or private car at the click of a button. Those looking for public transportation can also take advantage of the Central Ohio Transit Authority's many bus routes.

For a more eco-friendly travel option, main roads such as Waterloo Street and Main Street cater to cyclists with bike-friendly lanes. If desired, bikers can even safely navigate into the city. Most attractions within the neighborhood are also within walking distance.

Winchester offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation. Residents can enjoy being close to nature at one of the many parks covering over 200 acres within the neighborhood.

Walnut Creek Park includes several athletic fields, hiking trails, as well as access to Walnut Creek. This park offers a kid- and pet-friendly environment from sunrise to sunset all year round.

From May to August, residents of Winchester can enjoy the municipal pool on Grove Port Road. Enjoy a summer in the sun with an Individual or family membership, with discounts for veterans and seniors.

Residents in the outer southeast part of Columbus pay slightly more that the state average for insured safety and comfort, but generally residents find life in Winchester quite affordable. With the cost of living hovering at 3.6 percent less than the national average, residents pay a reasonable price for a quality neighborhood.

The majority of residents within the neighborhood occupy rental property. Those looking for a one-bedroom apartment can expect to pay around $636 per month.

For those planning on commuting, gas prices run about two percent lower than the national average. At a local pub, a glass of beer costs around $5.

Given its quaint and timeless atmosphere, Winchester lacks any large commercial shopping areas, but houses many small vintage and craft shops. Residents can stroll historical downtown and browse local antiques and gifts.

Check out Cornersmiths when you want to find estate-quality finds. Featuring a large selection of genuine antiques as well as shabby chic items, this large antique store hosts booths from a wide variety of local artisans and antiques dealers. Cornersmiths generally houses a large supply of farm decor and other primitive crafts items, including needlepoint pictures and handmade ceramic decor and kitchenware.

For vintage chic, stop in Georgie Emerson. Though petite, this locally owned boutique is filled to the brim with jewelry, home decor, furniture and gifts you simply can't find anywhere else.

If you're looking for more traditional retail options, Eastland Mall has you covered. Just eight miles north of Winchester, this enclosed shopping mall has over 80 stores, including Macy's, Finish Line, and Victoria's Secret. Stop by for a day of shopping and dining in style.

Dedicated to providing wellness and education to the community, the Garden Herb Shop has earned a reputation as a Winchester local favorite. This health food shop offers vitamins, teas and bulk herbs and spices to keep you and your family well.

Grocery shopping usually means going to one of the local large stores, such as Walmart or Kroger. From May to October, you can also visit the Canal Winchester Farmers' Market. The market hosts plenty of vendors who provide locally grown fruits and vegetables that you can't find in a traditional grocery store.