Columbus, Ohio: Take a self-guided MAKERS TOUR of Old Worthington; things to do

Take a self-guided MAKERS TOUR of Old Worthington, Ohio

Located just 8 miles north of downtown Columbus, the sweet little town of Worthington make a pleasant excursion.

downtown street in Old Worthington, Ohio
The small center of town is easily walkable.  My visit was all about visiting makers in their work spaces, and these creative business owners are all about customizing their product to the customer’s likes.  Some even let you get involved in making your own souvenir.  You can follow in my footsteps below, which include several places to meet makers and do some making, a great spot for lunch, a restive spot for an afternoon caffeine lift, and a cool place to relax over a glass of wine.



● The Candle Lab   646 High St., (614) 915-0777.

sniffing fragrances at The Candle Lab in Old Worthington, Ohio
In this unusual shop you can buy a candle that is ready to go, or make one yourself from scratch.  The shop’s soy candles are hand-poured and available in 120 scents that include everything from Dark Chocolate to Cake Batter to Papaya.  I chose to make my own and spent plenty of time sniffing the fragrances.  I finally selected the ten that I liked most.  Professionals behind the counter advised me regarding the three that might work best together, and I wound up with a delightful mix of Earth and Sea Breeze and Peony.  I wonder if anyone else has ever picked those three to blend.  My second choice was a more tropical fragrance--Mint Leaf and Mango.  After mixing the hot wax and scents, and naming my scent “On Vacation,” I went on to explore Old Worthington while the candle set, and came back later to pick it up.  When I took the lid off for a whiff, it smelled as yummy as I anticipated.  You can also make lotions, room sprays, reed diffusors, and more.

Clothesline fragrance at The Candle Lab in Old Worthington, Ohio

patron making a candle at The Candle Lab in Old Worthington, Ohio

patron's finished candle at The Candle Lab in Old Worthington, Ohio


● The Whitney House Table & Tavern   666 High St., (614) 396-7846.  L-D daily, Sat-SunBr.

outside seating at The Whitney House Table & Tavern in Old Worthington, Ohio
All cocktails here are named after women.  So you can order The Mary Richards gin with grapefruit or the Katie Has a Beet Tattoo with beet-infused gin and fresh strawberries.  I settled for a delicious EST. 1803 made with bourbon and blackberries, and I was not disappointed; however I’m not sure how that is named after a woman.  Lunch here is a delight.  I was enchanted by a combo of thick, thick tomato soup made with oven-roasted tomatoes and stuffed with rustic croutons, and an “adult” grilled cheese with tomato jam and caramelized onions.  It was such a satisfying combination.  An Ohio Burger made with grass-fed beef and a chicken Cobb salad were among the other choices.  Sunday brunch--when the menu includes chilaquiles, biscuits and gravy, and Ohio French Toast--is a favorite time to dine here.

tomato soup and cheese sandwich at The Whitney House Table & Tavern in Old Worthington, Ohio [image error]



● Igloo Letterpress   661 N. High St., (614) 787-5528.

blueberry poster at Igloo Letterpress in Old Worthington, Ohio
At this combination letterpress printer-bookbindery-gift shop, you can learn how to print with antique letterpress equipment.  Owner Allison Chapman’s father was a printer, and so she too became one.  A modern letterpress printer, she thrives on pushing the envelope and experimenting with the best of digital and analog techniques in custom printing projects.  By the way, the shop name comes from the nickname for Chapman’s home--received because her grandmother declared it was always cold there.  All of the shop’s materials and hardware are locally sourced, and workers here personally cut all parts and assemble and finish each order by hand.









● Highline Coffee Co.   691 High St., (614) 992-BUZZ.

counter at Highline Coffee Co. in Old Worthington, Ohio
This coffee house is small but packs a caffeine wallop with espresso drinks, fresh-brewed coffee, hot chocolate, and tea.  Smoothies are also available.  Among the seating options are window seats, a standing bar, an outdoor area, and a couple of comfy overstuffed chairs.  Scrumptious fresh-baked goodies come from The Flaky Baker, and free Wi-Fi is provided.  These two small businesses share the premises in the back:



● Branch Line Leather Co.   Both leather and wool bags, and accessories such as key fobs and belts, are made here in house, by hand--including the ever popular beer holster.  The attention to detail by the craftspeople is impeccable.  The “make it & take it” program lets you choose the item and style you want as well as the colors and hardware finishes--you can even pick an interior pocket configuration in the bags--and in 4 to 6 weeks your item will arrive just as you designed it.  I chose a key fob in a lime color and was able to help make it on the spot and take it home with me.

interior of Branch Line Leather Co. in Old Worthington, Ohio

leather beer holster at Branch Line Leather Co. in Old Worthington, Ohio

key fob set up at Branch Line Leather Co. in Old Worthington, Ohio

● Shift Studios   This handmade jewelry studio also shares the space.

handmade jewelry at Shift Studios in Old Worthington, Ohio


● House Wine   644 High St., (614) 846-WINE.

interior of House Wine in Old Worthington, Ohio
After all this activity, it is relaxing to step into this wine store and select a vintage to sip while you peruse the wares.  While here, you’ll learn something more about wine and maybe even find your own “house wine” to enjoy at home.  The shop offers over 24 different wines served from Enomatic wine dispensers, and twelve craft beers are on tap.



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images ©2019 Carole Terwilliger Meyers