The Short North is my favorite place in Columbus. It has been since I was a young adult. Now it is one of my nephew's favorite places. I love it because it is full of art and note worthy restaurants. Art is found in the galleries, on the walls of buildings, the way the retail stores dress the windows and the food. The food is art in it's presentation and in the efforts to create the flavors. My nephew could care less about most of these things. Yes, he has been trained to appreciate a little art and he loves food almost as much as I do but what drives him to want to visit is so much simpler. It's all about the treats that the area has to offer and they aren't all sugary, just most of them.
I have created a list of kid worthy stops for the kids or the kid in you. To my surprise as I walked through the neighborhood Saturday, after my Friday outing with my nephew; I ran into an old friend who follows me on social media. She was with her family retracing some of our steps. It confirmed I was on to something. Check out my 'Short North Kiddie Crawl'.
I have created a list of kid worthy stops for the kids or the kid in you. To my surprise as I walked through the neighborhood Saturday, after my Friday outing with my nephew; I ran into an old friend who follows me on social media. She was with her family retracing some of our steps. It confirmed I was on to something. Check out my 'Short North Kiddie Crawl'.
Starting at the North Market is great because this is where you can have a hearty meal and there are so many options that you can't go wrong. Plus, you can taste your way through the market. Most places offer samples, some are readily available and some you may have to ask for but just about everyone offers them. Kids can taste as much as they'd like and after all the ethnic options, if they still want a hotdog or a slice of pizza; they can get that at a reasonable price. No wasting to worry about! Last Friday, we had Hot Chicken Takeover for our meal. It was quite a wait but worth it because it was a hit with both me and my nephew.
Stop 2: A Gal Named Cinda Lou
(Say hello to Henry!)
647 N. High Street
You are probably wondering why I am sending kids to a vintage store. Well, you can find some vintage toys and collectables like Garbage Pail Kids, Chinese Finger Traps and Ball Puzzle Games from the 60s. The real reason we like to visit though, is Henry the Boston Terrier. Henry is a friendly and patient dog. He is great around kids. My nephew is always excited to see him. While the kids visit with Henry, adults can have a look around and talk to Julia, the shop owner.
Stop 3: Big Fun
(Play with toys!)
672 N. High Street
Big Fun offers toys most of us played with as children. A lot of toys once deemed vintage are being reproduced today and Big Fun has both the old and some of the new. Bonding over toys of the past can be really exciting to the little munchkins in our lives. While we are reminiscing, they are seeing something new and shiny. My nephew particularly loves the comic book section and together we stand staring at the trick toy wall, gathering up whoppie cushions, fake cigarettes and things likes shock pens. There is also a great selection of candy but save your candy cravings for the last stop!
Stop 4: Jeni's Splendid Ice Cream
(Grab a Cone!)
724 N. High Street
I know you left Jeni's at the North Market but if you are like us, you may need some time to digest your meal and tastings. Now after spending time playing with the dog and toys; ice cream sounds really good. Jeni's isn't just ice cream, it's a culinary experience that all ages can enjoy. There is something for everyone, you just have to do your research. By research I mean taste every flavor if you haven't before! Then select your favorite two to indulge in. My new favorite is Sun-Popped Corn but Salty Caramel is an oldie but goodie. If it's not too crowded, sit inside and enjoy or start slowly toward your next and final destination.
Stop 5 & Final Stop: Rocket Fizz
(Get some sugar to go!)
944 N. High Street
The last stop may be the best stop! Who doesn't love candy and soda. At Rocket Fizz you will find just about any candy you may be craving and sodas come in very interesting flavors. Some soda flavors are even a little scary but for the dare devil, Ranch flavored soda may be a welcomed challenge. There are regular sodas as well, some that have been around a while like Frosty's. During our visit we were feeling a little courageous. We took home a few interesting flavors like Buffalo Wing Soda, Martian Poop Soda, Chocolate Peanut Butter Soda and Red Velvet Cupcake Cookie Dough Bites Soda for a soda tasting. The candies offered are also quite the variety, they offer some items created for other countries such as green tea Kit Kats. You can also find favorites like Now & Laters, chocolate bars and all the normal stuff.
Make a budget for the day or you can splurge if you want. We spent the most money at lunch at the North Market at $10 each and at Rocket Fizz buying candy and soda at around $20. After toys and ice cream, our day was around $50 but it could certainly be done for less. You can try my 'Short North Kiddie Crawl' or you can also create your own crawl, catering to your child's personality. This is just one suggestion to help you get through a long summer season . Have fun! Be creative!
Until next time,
Be blessed! Be free! Be adventurous!
Kris,
Stop 2: A Gal Named Cinda Lou
(Say hello to Henry!)
647 N. High Street
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| photo credit |
You are probably wondering why I am sending kids to a vintage store. Well, you can find some vintage toys and collectables like Garbage Pail Kids, Chinese Finger Traps and Ball Puzzle Games from the 60s. The real reason we like to visit though, is Henry the Boston Terrier. Henry is a friendly and patient dog. He is great around kids. My nephew is always excited to see him. While the kids visit with Henry, adults can have a look around and talk to Julia, the shop owner.
Stop 3: Big Fun
(Play with toys!)
672 N. High Street
Big Fun offers toys most of us played with as children. A lot of toys once deemed vintage are being reproduced today and Big Fun has both the old and some of the new. Bonding over toys of the past can be really exciting to the little munchkins in our lives. While we are reminiscing, they are seeing something new and shiny. My nephew particularly loves the comic book section and together we stand staring at the trick toy wall, gathering up whoppie cushions, fake cigarettes and things likes shock pens. There is also a great selection of candy but save your candy cravings for the last stop!
Stop 4: Jeni's Splendid Ice Cream
(Grab a Cone!)
724 N. High Street
I know you left Jeni's at the North Market but if you are like us, you may need some time to digest your meal and tastings. Now after spending time playing with the dog and toys; ice cream sounds really good. Jeni's isn't just ice cream, it's a culinary experience that all ages can enjoy. There is something for everyone, you just have to do your research. By research I mean taste every flavor if you haven't before! Then select your favorite two to indulge in. My new favorite is Sun-Popped Corn but Salty Caramel is an oldie but goodie. If it's not too crowded, sit inside and enjoy or start slowly toward your next and final destination.
Stop 5 & Final Stop: Rocket Fizz
(Get some sugar to go!)
944 N. High Street
Make a budget for the day or you can splurge if you want. We spent the most money at lunch at the North Market at $10 each and at Rocket Fizz buying candy and soda at around $20. After toys and ice cream, our day was around $50 but it could certainly be done for less. You can try my 'Short North Kiddie Crawl' or you can also create your own crawl, catering to your child's personality. This is just one suggestion to help you get through a long summer season . Have fun! Be creative!
Until next time,
Be blessed! Be free! Be adventurous!
Kris,
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