One of the more fun aspects of my life is that I find myself in smaller American cities that few people would consider “touristy.” With a little exploration and the right recommendations, however, I can uncover the treasures hidden in these towns and enjoy them for the mini vacations they are. Such is true of my recent visit to the cities of Columbus and Dublin Ohio, where I found myself earlier this summer.
Want a switch-hitter (or is that "stitch-hitter") of a piece? Try
Kauni's Wiggle Wrap
If you employ a handful of JUL pedestal buttons--on sale at the shop--this wavy wrap can become a shoulder shrug in no time flat. Kauni's trademark slow-motion colorway comes especially alive in this piece. I love the idea of shoulder shrugs, but they look goofy on my tall frame, so go ahead and wear one and I'll live vicariously through you!
Felted Festival Bag
Like all my favorite yarn shops, Knitter’s Mercantile likes to showcase local talent. Local design collective Quirky Bird Knits fashioned this clever bag that caught my eye right away. I've sworn to steer clear of felting, but this one's simple but ingenious styling may tempt me. Again, the JUL Pedestal buttons add the perfect finishing touch.
Our Knit along:
A Lady’s Mantle from Quirky Bird Knits
Hands down one of the best treats of this year, and assuredly the finest ice cream sandwich of my life. No kidding. My husband followed the recommendation of one of the KM staff and went for the “cherry lambick” Beer flavored ice cream? Believe it or not, it works. Very well. Me, I had the Salted Caramel with Smoked Almonds Ice Cream Sandwich. Oh, my. Oh my really my goodness oh my. If they have it in stock, you simply MUST. Enough said. I can’t remember when anything without chocolate in it has made me this delirious.
You know that fantasy where you discover that your favorite aunt really is a master knitter and she’s left you a charming cottage full of luscious yarn? That’s what I think of when I walk into Knitting Temptations. Owner Karen Wilkins has created a shop that is one amazing room after another--wandering through the nooks and crannies is like an adventure.
It’s no surprise that many customers become staff--who wouldn’t want to spend all the time you can in here? Friendships form around the amiable knitting tables during multiple weekly gatherings. The home shop of well-known knitting personality Michelle Hunter, this shop’s theme of “exquisite yarn, expert instruction” runs true, right down to the nurturing community atmosphere and the large annual event in a tent out back.
Michelle Hunter’s Newborn Hat
Building Blocks from Michelle Hunter
HiKoo's Simply Worsted is your companion-of-choice through the many skill-building blocks in Michelle Hunter’s book. Form them into a host of pillows or stitch them all together to make an afghan. We’ll be tackling one of these for our Knit Along from this store.
Probably among the most versatile pieces I’ve seen this year, this pattern by master technician Ruth Ann Holt can be worn as a scarf, cowl or shawl depending on how long you make it and what closures you opt to use. Select a simple fiber like Rowan Pure Life Revive in a light color to show off the precise stitchwork of this lovely pattern.
Now, hands are key to knitting, to it’s not much of a stretch to feature this versatile balm--which can soothe you "head to toe"--as a favorite gadget from the store. Bar-Maids makes a variety of products to soften hands, lips, faces, cuticles, and all sorts of things--each with quality ingredients and exquisite scents. After all, shouldn’t the hands that pamper yarn get pampering of their own?
Boho72 Boutique
72 North High Street
Dublin OH 43107
614-398-9587
www.boho72.com
Our Cup Cakery
TehKu Tea Company
Ha’penny Bridge Imports
What’s the Point Needlepoint
126 South High Street
Dublin OH 43017
614-717-9008
www.whatsthepoint.biz
Thalia & Dahlia
After you're all shopped out, you'll need a great dinner. Follow Karen’s recommendation and visit:
No flash and hype here, just really good food really well done. To call the pork chops massive is an understatement. Four of us dined here and everything we had was outstanding. Following the server’s recommendation, I had the sauteed walleye, and it was easy to see why it’s considered a house speciality. As for desert? You can’t go wrong with a dish named Chocolate Silk explosion. Yum.
