Rec. forLunch/Shopping in Columbus,OH

[Jan Belle]

I'm responsible for planning a "mystery" trip in mid-May for my Ya Ya's. Based on what I've read on the bb about Penzey's and Trader's Joe's I decided this would be a great road trip. I think the stores are rather close to one another but I don't know of any restaurants in that area for lunch. Any recommendations?

Also, yesterday I read a post about Overbey's in the Columbus area. Would it be possible to go there as well?

We' re about 2 hours from Columbus but we have the entire day to hang out there so your suggestions will be most welcome. I really want this to be a cool trip! Help!!!!

[mightyh]

I'm sure you'll get lots more suggestions than mine, but for lunch and shopping in general, I'd go to either Easton Town Center or Polaris--both fairly new and extensive shopping areas with great restaurants. Overbeys is near Polaris, apparently.

[sjs9601]

Jan Belle - I lived in Columbus all my life until we moved last year. Overbey's is in the Polaris area and there's a great fish market / restaurant in the same "strip" shopping area as Overbey's. "Bob" the Fish Guy has a fresh fish counter and great lunches, dinners including sandwiches, pasta etc. The barbecued fish sandwich is fantastic.

From there you're only about 20-30 minutes away from the NW side of Columbus with Trader Joe's and Penzey's (TJ is in Dublin; Penzey's in Upper Arlington). There's also a Wild Oats market at the edge of Arlington (Lane Ave) closer to campus).

You could definitely make a day of this. Let me know if you need any more info. I envy you - most of my return trips are now for business and I don't get the chance to just have a saturday to run around. Enjoy!

Sandy

[jena]

May I ask - what are Ya Ya's?

[Peggy C.]

I did something similar in January, be sure to take some coolers to keep all of your TJ's frozen items safe and be certain to get to Penzeys before 5pm that is when they close.

Sorry I don't have any suggestions for lunch.

[donleyk]

I second Bob the Fish Guy's Bistro. Polaris has quite a few new resturants too. I can't recommend any though, I haven't eaten up there.

Penzey's is on Kenny Rd. Take 315 to Henderson, left on Kenny. It's about a 1/4 mile on the right.

Here is a link to Easton. http://www.eastontowncenter.com/

I think it is charming compared to Polaris.

If you want any other directions just post them.

[Molli526]

I will add my 2 cents.

I was in Columbus for work in March. We stayed at the Hilton at Easton. It was great. There were so many restaurants/ stores etc. There was a great seafood place there- The Ocean Club. It will be nice b/c you will be able to walk around an enjoy this weather.

Penzey's was about 15 minutes or so from Easton- we just jumped on the expressway.

[MKSquared]

Hey, Jan Belle! It's the easiest thing to get to Columbus from BG -- Route 23 takes you there and back. Trader Joe's is only one exit away from 23, so you'll certainly be able to stop there. (Suggestion: stop there LAST. They're open until 9 every night of the week and you'll be able to keep your frozen stuff more ... frozen!)

I'd suggest either Polaris OR Easton - I think that trying to do both might be a little overwhelming. Easton is definitely more charming, but Polaris has lots and lots of stores. You're not going to go wrong either way. (If it makes any difference at all, the sales tax is lower at Easton!) Polaris has Lord and Taylor and the Great Indoors .... Easton has Nordstrom's and The Container Store! :) :) :)

If you head over to Easton, you'll be on the east side of town. I just visited Sulan, a Eurasian restaurant out on Main St. (YUM!) I think it's definitely worth a look!

[Jan Belle]

Thanks to all of you for the suggestions. We have been to Easton for a mystery trip and had wonderful day but that was before they opened their newest phase so that is a possibility.

Have any of you been to Overbey's? I was just wondering if it would be worth the trip.

I know there are threads on Trader Joe's but I am curious--what should I tell my "Ya Ya's" they just have to buy. The Ya Ya's is a group of 5 women, including me, that have been friends for over 20 years. After reading the book THE DIVINE SECRETS OF THE YA YA SISTERHOOD 4 or more years ago we decided to model ourselves after them with "royal" names. For instance--we have" Queen Talks A Lot", the "Duchess of Thoughtfulness", etc.....we generally refer to one another by our "royal" names. Our friends now even refer to us by these names, i.e. How is the Queen? Get the drift? They are so special to me is the reason I want to plan an extra special day for them in Columbus. Your suggestions have been most helpful.

Does this sound like a good itinerary--First stop--Overbeys--lunch at Bistro Bob's--Penzey's and Trader Joe's? If time permits we could hit Polaris since it would be close to Rt. 23. Sound reasonable?

[donleyk]

Jan Belle,

Have you made your trip yet? Just wondering how it went.

[Jan Belle]

KD, thanks for asking about our trip. We leave this Thursday (5/9) for Columbus. I'll let you know how we did on this excursion. It seems to me that we have a really full itinerary. We're going to try our best to go everywhere as planned but we might be too ambitious. Will keep you posted.

Jan Belle