Looking for a way to freshen up date night this winter? Thanks to the fantastic restaurants, sought-after concert venues and all around small town charm, Worthington is brimming with great ideas for the perfect date. So whether you prefer dinner and a show, a quiet morning without the kids, or a little adventure, you'll be sure to find it in Worthington.  

Here are a few ideas to get the ball rolling:

·      Classes at Igloo Letterpress – Try something new and sign up to take a class with your sweetheart at Worthington’s favorite little letterpress shop. Most of their classes require no previous experience, and they take place in a relaxed, group setting, which makes them an excellent activity for that first or second date.  

·      Dinner and a Movie – Truth is, you can’t go wrong with a meal at any of Worthington’s wonderful dining establishments. So when you want to wow your one and only this season, book a reservation at The Whitney House, then casually slide tickets across the table to one of the many outstanding shows at the Peggy R. McConnell Arts Center. Or, if you’re more of a pizza-and-craft-brew kind of couple, an evening at Natalie’s Coal-Fired Pizza and Live Music will fit the bill.

·      A Wine or Beer Pairing Dinner – Pairing dinners are all the rage these days, and you'll find them at several Worthington restaurants, including The Worthington Inn.  The restaurant’s next pairing dinner, hosted in conjunction with Rockmill Brewery, will take place on February 2. Ladies, if you’re looking for the perfect Valentine's Day gift for your man, the Inn’s Winter Rockmill Beer Dinner will not disappoint.

·      A Breakfast Date – We get it. Between homework, kids basketball games and general midweek exhaustion, getting a date night on the calendar is challenging. Why not mix things up and meet for breakfast at La Chatelaine? Block off your calendar, drop the kids off at school and catch up by the fireplace over lattes and homemade French toast.

·      Exercise – There’s nothing like a little exercise and fresh air to shake off the winter blues. Whether you’re training together for your next marathon or you simply want to enjoy a quiet walk through the woods, Worthington’s easy access to the Olentangy Trail is just what you need. And if thrill seeking is more your speed, a date at Vertical Adventures will surely take your relationship to new heights. 

Winter has arrived and with it, the need for fun, indoor activities. Thankfully, the Worthington Community Center has just what you’re looking for. Their Winter Activity Brochure is packed full of great classes the entire family will love. Here’s a sampling of what you'll find:

Family Events: In addition to the already popular Family Nights on select Friday nights, don't forget to mark your calendar for these special events:

·      Princess Tea – Don’t miss this magical mommy-and-me event at the Griswold Center on January 28 from 1 to 3 p.m. Come dressed in your favorite gown for an enchanted afternoon of tea, crafts, songs, stories and of course – princesses.

·      The Big Game Tailgate Party – Need to burn off some energy before your Super Bowl party? Head over to the Community Center on February 5 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for an afternoon of swimming, inflatable games, crafts and football-themed games.

Youth Programming: From swimming and sports to dance and arts and crafts, the Community Center offers an extensive lineup of activities for kids of all ages, including:

·      Winter Clay Creations (ages 3 to 6) – This six-week class is a wonderful way to introduce preschoolers to the art of pottery. They'll learn how to roll, coil and pinch clay to create beautiful winter-themed crafts.

·      Open Gym and Open Swim (grades K through 6) – Need a fun, safe place for your kids to hang out after school? Sign them up for supervised Open Gym on Tuesdays from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. and Supervised Open Swim on Fridays from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.

·      Kids Cardio Drumming (ages 8 to 11)  – A win-win for the kid who loves both music and fitness. In this four-week class, students will use a stability ball and sticks to learn different drum beats and dance moves.

·      Junior Tennis (grades 1 through 6) – Give your child the opportunity to learn the basics of tennis—at a price you can afford. These six-week sessions will focus on hand-eye coordination, drills and stretching.

·      Youth Safety Classes – The Community Center offers a variety of youth safety classes, including the American Red Cross Babysitter Clinic and Lifeguard Training Course, the American Heart Association's CPR Training Course and the Kidz Home Alone Class offered by Enriching Kidz.   

Adult Programing: If you think the kids' classes are fantastic, take a look at what they have in store for adults:

·      Basic Wheel Throwing – Both beginners and folks with varying levels of experience will enjoy honing their skills and learning new techniques in this instructional wheel throwing pottery class.

·      Paddleboard Yoga – This new twist on yoga integrates stretching, poses and balance—all while standing on a paddleboard in the pool.

·      Griswold Ski Club – Whether you’re just starting out or you've been navigating the slopes for years, a day at Snow Trails or Mad River Mountain is the perfect winter activity. The best part? Transportation is provided.

·      The Baby Wearing Workout – In this class, parents can exercise and meet new friends while carrying their baby in a front pack carrier. Great exercise, and no babysitter required.  

·      Resolution Solution – Start the new year on the right foot with a two-hour group fitness class on January 1 from 10:15 to12:15 p.m. The class will introduce you to a wide variety of class formats, like Zumba, boot camp, kickboxing, strength training and more.

·      Belly Dance – Try your hand (or your hips) at belly dancing. The Community Center offers three different styles of classes, including a hip hop-inspired version, a traditional veil class and a Belly Dance Performance Troupe.

It Pays to be a Member

If you’re not already a Worthington Community Center member, now’s the time to join. In addition to fantastic perks like pre-registration and reduced pricing, you’ll also gain access to exclusive classes, events and promotions throughout the year.

The Worthington Community Center is located at 345 East Wilson Bridge Road. Stop in for a tour or visit worthington.org. 

It’s that magical time of year when everything looks, smells and tastes divine! If you’re in the mood for some holiday treats—because we sure are—put a visit to Old Worthington at the top of your holiday to-do list. 

Here’s what we’ll be ordering:

Sassafras Bakery – While certainly delicious all year round, treats from Sassafras Bakery are extra special during the holidays. When it comes to their signature apple pie, their sticky, sweet cinnamon rolls and their beautifully decorated cream cheese sugar cookies, there's a pretty good chance you won’t want to share any with Santa.

Highline Coffee – Pop into Highline Coffee this December for a tasty warm-up. They’re featuring all of the season’s favorite drinks, like spiced cider, gingerbread lattes and hot cocoa. And don’t forget about their tasty treats from the Flaky Baker. Mint brownie and eggnog scone, anyone?

House Wine – Beer and wine aficionadas know all too well that certain drinks can only be enjoyed this time of year. Lucky for you, House Wine boasts an outstanding selection and will happily help you choose the right beverage for your holiday meal, like Joseph Drouhin Beaujolais Nouveau or Fat Head’s Holly Jolly Christmas Ale.

Graeter’s – It’s finally here! Don’t miss your chance to enjoy Graeter’s peppermint ice cream and peppermint chip wheelies, which are only available for a short time. They’re the perfect addition to a festive celebration and make wonderful gifts for staff or clients.

Bubbles Tea and Juice – At Bubbles Tea and Juice, you can order your favorite holiday drink three different ways—hot, iced or blended. With irresistible flavors like gingerbread chai, candy cane, eggnog Thai and salted caramel, you’ll want to try them all.

La Chatelaine French Bakery and Bistro – La Chatelaine’s famous Buche De Noel Yule Logs are back! If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert for your holiday party, this is definitely it. These gorgeous French sponge cake and butter cream frosting creations are available in four flavors: vanilla, chocolate, mocha and Grand Marnier. Order yours for Christmas today.

Have you heard the news? The Convention & Visitors Bureau of Worthington and the Old Worthington Partnership have launched a new website dedicated to enhancing the Worthington experience. The two organizations, which previously held separate domains, have combined all of their exciting content into one, easy-to-use site. So whether you’re a visitor looking to explore the city or a resident interested in all that your community has to offer, check out www.experienceworthington.com.

Here are five things you’ll love about the new site.

1. We write a weekly blog

Congratulations, you found the blog! This is THE place to find out about all the great things happening in Worthington. Whether it’s a new merchant, an event you won’t want to miss or an in-depth look at what’s moving and shaking in the neighborhood, you can count on us to keep you up to speed on all things Worthington.

If you love what you see and would like to read more, you can find our newest weekly post on the main page under “Exciting Happenings” or our library of past posts under the “Connect” tab.  Enter your email address into the “Be in the Loop” box at the bottom of each page on the site to receive information about what’s happening in Worthington.  

2. We publish a monthly calendar.

Looking for a family-friendly event for next weekend? Wondering when the Farmers Market switches locations? Interested in who’s playing at Natalie’s this Friday night? Consult the Experience Worthington calendar! From community celebrations like the Holiday Open House to concerts and exhibits at the MAC and tours and family days at the Worthington Historical Society, we round up the city’s best event information and then share it in a concise, easy-to-use calendar on the main page under “Experiences in Worthington.”

3. We’ll solve your problem of “what’s for dinner?”

In addition to the great schools, charming downtown and vibrant arts community, Worthington is attracting a growing following among foodies. We’re proud to feature a dining tab on our new website, complete with a full listing of Worthington bistros, bakeries and eateries.

Looking for a fabulous restaurant to celebrate a special occasion? Take your pick. A great place to watch the game? Of course. Amazing pizza? You bet. Happy hours? The happiest. Hot coffee and sweet treats? We’ve got that, too. From sunup 'til after hours, you’ll have no problem eating and drinking your way through Worthington.

4. We’re all about experiences.

From shopping and history to the many recreational offerings and annual community-wide events, Worthington has something for everyone. Visit our “Experience” tab to learn more.  

5. We put Worthington on the map - literally.

While smartphones, tablets and Google Maps can be enormously helpful, there’s just something about holding a printed map in your hands. Lucky for you, we have maps of Old Worthington.

·      What’s on the map? A visual directory of restaurants, shops, services, parking information, coupons, and ATM and bike rack locations. Keep this map on hand as you explore the city and enjoy special promotions at select retailers.

·      Where can I get one? The maps are available at Old Worthington merchants and restaurants. 

Despite the unseasonably warm weather, the most wonderful time of the year is almost here. And that's good news for Old Worthington, a place where the holidays are always magical. Maybe you've never experienced Old Worthington during the holidays. Or perhaps you look forward to it year after year. Either way, there are several events you don't want to miss. So round up your friends and family and make sure a visit to Old Worthington is on your holiday to-do list. Here are a few things to add to your calendar.   

Holiday Open House – November 27 (noon to 5 p.m.)

Looking for a special, family-friendly outing for Thanksgiving weekend? Worthington’s Holiday Open House is it! This fun-filled event has something for everyone, including:

·      Special promotions at many of the city's retail shops

·      Live holiday music by the Scioto Valley Chorus, the Chamber Music Connection (inside GRID Furnishings) and several local church choirs

·      Ice skating on a synthetic, ice-less rink from noon to 8 p.m. in The Quarter parking lot

·      Make-and-take children’s craft stations at Igloo Letterpress, The Candle Lab and Sew to Speak

·      A Christmas bazaar display (with treats and cider) at Magic Cruises and Tours

·      A delicious hot chocolate station in front of RIDEHome

·      A cookie decorating station on the patio at Dewey’s Pizza

·      Horse-drawn carriage rides throughout the neighborhood

·      Make-your-own child ID kits with the Worthington Citizen’s Police Academy at First Financial Bank

·      Pictures and visits with Santa in front of The Worthington Inn

It's A Wonderful Window Contest – Old Worthington’s second annual window display competition kicks off on November 27 and runs until December 26. Enjoy a beautiful stroll down High Street while you admire the elaborate displays, and then cast a vote for your favorite one. With 24 merchants sponsoring 32 different charities, you’ll want to vote for all of them – and you can! $1 = 1 vote and you may vote as many times as you want. The best part? All of the money collected at each merchant goes directly to the charity they’re sponsoring.

Tree Illumination Ceremony - November 27 (4:30 - 6 p.m.)

Save your money and skip the trip to Rockefeller Plaza this year. Instead, gather the kids and head over to Worthington's annual Tree Illumination Ceremony. The event, which takes place on the Southeast Village Green, features an ice-carving demonstration at 4:30 p.m., live reindeer, a caroling performance by Capriccio of Columbus at 5 p.m. and an appearance from Santa Claus to light the tree at 5:30 p.m.

Illuminating Shopping – December 1 (6 to 9 p.m.)

During this magical, luminary-lit evening, High Street comes alive while folks shop, dine and enjoy live holiday music. Perfect for a date night or an evening out with friends, the Illuminating Shopping event is an opportunity to try a new restaurant, experience a horse-drawn carriage ride throughout Old Worthington and enjoy extended hours, special sales and in-house treats at all of your favorite boutiques. * In addition, Old Worthington merchants will stay open until 9 p.m. for luminary-lit shopping every Thursday evening in December.

Steiff Christmas Decorations and Dolls Exhibit – From now until December 23

The Old Rectory Doll Museum is featuring a playful exhibit of original Steiff Christmas decorations and dolls. Step back in time as you view these classic stuffed animals, including a one-of-a-kind Santa sleigh and reindeer set, elves, Frosty the Snowman, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and so much more. The Old Rectory Doll Museum is open Tuesday through Friday from 1 to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

A Fairy Tale Christmas Carol – December 9 (7:30 p.m.), December 10 (2 p.m., 7:30 p.m.) December 11 (2 p.m.)

This fun-filled adaptation of Dickens' A Christmas Carol features famous fairy tale characters like Cinderella, Price Charming and Hansel and Gretel taking on the memorable roles in this timeless story. Watch as Ebenezer Scrooge, played by the Big Bad Wolf, encounters the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future (played by a Fairy Godmother, Old King Cole and the Queen of Hearts) in this family-friendly show. The performance, which is part of the Worthington Community Theater, will take place at the Peggy R. McConnell Arts Center.

Mad Mad Men Swingin' Holiday Show – December 14 & 15  (8 p.m.)

Don't miss this popular show, which sells out quickly every year. Watch Mark Frye and Tony Alfano (known for their role as members of the popular Phil Dirt and the Dozers band) dazzle the audience with a memorable performance of musical hits from the great American songbook and holiday favorites from the 1960s. Think Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole and Dean Martin!

Orange Johnson Christmas Open House – December 4, 11 & 18 (2-5 p.m.)

Come experience an old-fashioned Christmas at the Orange Johnson House. View the 19th century home’s festive decorations, listen to traditional music in the drawing room and sample holiday treats by the keeping room fireplace. * Entrance is free with a donation to the Worthington Resource Pantry