We all have our favorite places in Westerville. Be it the parks or the great food, it seems like there are endless options for fun things to do, even though we all complain about being bored sometimes.
Here's a list of a few of my favorites, in no order at all. Most are within walking distance, too.
1. Serendipity Ice Cream and Coffee: The ice cream shop uptown on College Avenue. It's super cheap, especially with the Otterbein discount.
I got a bowl of mint chocolate chip last night for $2. It's just a chill place to hang out. And free Wi-Fi is always great.
2. Blue Turtle Tea and Spice Company: It's uptown on State Street. I've been here a couple of times. The food was classic with a funky twist, but always great. They also have loads of tea and herbs, hence the name.
3. Frank Art Museum: On Vine Street on the other side of State Street. It looks like an old church, but they feature different themes of local artists.
It's something different to do instead of driving downtown to COSI and the other museums. Check it out on Otterbein's website.
4. Alum Creek Lake: Take Africa Road north. When you get to Big Walnut or Lewis Center Road, make a left and the park is on your right. Best park ever. I thought everyone knew about this place, but apparently not. I go on a regular basis just to hang out.
Lots of people go to run the huge stairs, and there is a playground and picnic tables, too. It's fun to go up to the top and look down at the lake to watch boaters, fishers and ducks.
5. Rita's: Neighboring Little Caesar's, another favorite, Rita's has custard and flavored ice and pretty much anything but ice cream. They even combine custard and ice to create what they call Misto® shakes.
It's something different from the typical Graeter's, Dairy Queen and Cold Stone.
6. Heavenly Cup: On the corner of Main and State streets, the very tiny space feels intimate as you order your coffee. And way cheaper than Starbucks. They even have daily specials. Check out their Facebook page.
7. That's So Sweet: Right by the new Thai Grille on College Avenue. It has all of the old-fashioned candy you had as a kid.
If you ever have a craving for something you can't buy at the gas station counter anymore, you should stop by.
8. Westerville Community Center: On the corner of County Line Road and Cleveland Avenue. There's a pool with water slides and a lazy river. Enough said.
Oh, and a rock climbing wall, pool tables and everything else you'd typically expect at a recreation center.
9. Alum Creek Park: The one on the way to the Art and Communication Building. It's great for sledding in the winter as well as all the fun stuff when the weather is nice. There is a basketball court, sand volleyball court, baseball field, soccer field, a huge playground and an outdoor amphitheatre.
10. Everal Barn and Homestead: There is a park between the BP and the Westerville Fire Department. There is a lake and a barn. It's pretty neat. Some people have weddings or graduation parties there. t&c;
JESSICA MILLER IS A JOURNALISM AND PUBLIC RELATIONS MAJOR AND IS A BUSINESS MANAGER FOR THE t&c.;
