Delaware County is full of great restaurants and fun places to visit and explore. There are shops and sights you won’t find anywhere else, that are absolutely worth the time to seek out. Here is a list of my favorites; these are all places you don’t want to miss!
Richard M. Ross Art Museum: 60 S. Sandusky Street
First things first, check out the Ross Art Museum on Ohio Wesleyan University’s campus. This museum is small but mighty. The exhibitions are interesting and
During my visit, an entire wall was adorned with pictures of different airline meals. Some of them were scary, some actually looked delicious and others I had no idea what they even were. As a frequent traveler, this really resonated with me.
Admission is free, so be sure to take advantage of this gem!
Strand Theater: 28 E. Winter Street
On the surface the Strand is a cute, local movie theater in a lovely historical building. New movies have been playing on its screens (originally 1, now 3) since 1916. General admission is only $7, and snacks from the concession stand are also reasonably priced. It’s a great place to catch a matinee before hitting the town.
The thing is, the Strand is so much more than that. I had the unique opportunity to take a behind the scenes tour, and I can’t even begin to share all of the cool facts I learned along the way. My favorite by far, is that once a month there is a sensory friendly show for anyone with autism or another developmental disability. Lights are turned up, sound is turned down and movement throughout the theater is encouraged.
The Strand is a non-profit theater, and such an important part of the community.
Antiques! Antiques! Antiques!
If you are a fan of antique shopping, you could easily spend a day or more exploring the shops on Sandusky Street. They all have an incredible variety of vintage and antique finds. Being so close together, you can walk between each shop, and even drop purchases off in the car if necessary!
- Sandusky Street Antique Mall: 30 N Sandusky St.
- DPS Antiques and Collectables: 17 N Sandusky St.
- Delaware Antique Mall: 8 N Sandusky St.
Boutiques
Besides just antiques, Delaware is full of little boutiques selling unique clothing, home goods and gifts. Stop in Olivina Taproom for high quality olive oil and vinegars in unexpected flavors. Employees will be happy to help you find what you like, and suggest the perfect combinations for homemade vinaigrettes. I picked up a robust olive oil and a tangy grapefruit vinegar. I can’t wait to use them in a salad dressing at home.
I loved stopping into Edwin Loy Home to check out their stylish home decor and vintage finds. Many items gave off that trendy farmhouse vibe and I easily could have bought half the store. I loved the sprinkling of vintage items mixed in. They make it easy to find something unique but trendy, without having to comb through the antique shops all day. In the back of the shop is Stone and Sparrow, a little apparel boutique full of beautiful, wearable clothes.
Honey & Abernathy was my favorite. This little shop is expertly curated with picks from coveted brands. I took home a few fancy teas, stationery supplies, and small-batch caramels. This is definitely a place I will come back to for finding special gifts.
- Olivina Taproom: 44 S Sandusky St.
- Edwin Loy Home: 27 N Sandusky St.
- Honey & Abernathy: 32 Spring St.
Greater Gouda: 12 N. Sandusky Street
This is the best shop for foodies, or really anyone who likes food. The enticing cheese case may be the main attraction, but the rest of the shop is filled with gourmet treats.
When I stopped in, Chef John was slicing cheese for a custom charcuterie board. After we chatted about the cheeses on display, he gave me a tour of the store, pointing out local specialty items and his favorite imports. It was obvious that every single item was carefully chosen to be there.
If I lived closer, I would come here to shop before every gathering I hosted. The knowledge and enthusiasm of the staff got me excited about food. Even better, they make you feel comfortable about things you may be unfamiliar with. Chef John helped me pick out cheese and wine for a small gathering, and everything I took home got rave reviews.
Christmas Fun
Columbus Zoo Wildlights: 4850 W. Powell Road, Powell
The Columbus Zoo is an amazing zoo to visit any time of year, but it is really something special during the holidays. The zoo is lit up with fun displays, music and sparkling lights around every turn. Stands are stocked with hot cocoa for the kids and spiked cider for the adults. There is so much to see, be sure to dress warm and allow plenty of time to take it all in.
Butch Bando’s Fantasy of Lights: 311 S. Old State Road
This drive-thru light show located in the Alum Creek Campgrounds is a great family activity. There are about 3 miles of displays to drive through at your own pace. Turn up the Christmas music on the radio and keep your eyes open for the 12 days of Christmas display!
Where to Stay: Nationwide Hotel & Conference Center: 100 Green Meadows Drive S., Lewis Center
Nationwide Hotel is about 15 minutes from downtown Delaware, and a great central location to stay in. There are grocery stores, banks, fast food, Starbucks and much more on the same road. I forgot to pack a few things, so it was super convenient having all this around. My room was impeccably clean and parking is convenient and free.
Of all these places, I’m sure you will find some new favorites of your own. All that sight seeing got you hungry? Check out the best places to eat in Delaware.
The whole town is a speed trap. Unmarked reduction in speed limits or signs placed very far apart or not visible. I guess that’s one way to get more income for the city. 👎