The Licking County Courthouse
“The imposing structure is three stories of Sandusky limestone atop a foundation of sandstone which may have been quarried from Black Hand Gorge. The four original entrances, one for each cardinal direction, are guarded by four identical statues of Lady Justice brandishing the sword of Truth. Towering 180 feet above the mansard roof is the domed clock tower. The four clock faces have kept the people and businesses of Newark on time since 1879, when the entire clock tower had to be rebuilt after a fire. To prevent future fires, county officials chose to reconstruct the clock tower of stone. So far, that plan has succeeded.”
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In its fitting location as a centerpiece to downtown Newark, the impressive Licking County Courthouse visually sets the tone for unique architecture that can be found all over town.
Take, for example, the Licking County Historic Jail, an imposing brownstone designed by architect Joseph Warren Yost that opened its doors in 1889 and closed them nearly a century later. The building now stands as a solemn and mysterious homage to the past, worth a perusal if only from the outside. (Though paranormal enthusiasts might plan for a bit more time.)
From old stone churches to century homes, fingerprints of artistry can be found everywhere in this area — but let’s not confine ourselves to buildings. Because everywhere around the gallant Courthouse, you can find examples of people putting their hearts into their community: The food and drink. The entertainment. The storefronts.
If the Courthouse is a beacon of pride in our community’s past and present, it’s not hard to see why our future is sure to be bright.
Character sings from the high ceiling to the tile floors, emanates from the woodwork of the cozy bar, is evident in all the details that come together to make 1922 On The Square a classy-yet-comfortable local gathering place.
Character defines not only the Art Deco-era aesthetics of this historic building on the north side of Courthouse Square, but many other things about it: Take, for example, the menu, whose ever-changing offerings reflect the best of what Licking County has to offer — with just enough panache to make you feel like you really stepped out of your comfort zone. (Here’s looking at you, tomato and squid ink ravioli!)
The historic Natoma Lounge - now 1922 ON THE SQUARE
On the familiar side, this renovated space offers plenty of nods to its roots in the bygone Natoma Cafe with staples like the baby beef tenderloin and Natoma salad, among others. But it’s also blazing its own trail, elevating Midwest fare to something a little more cutting-edge: fried chicken with greens in a mint vinaigrette; rack of lamb with blueberry ginger glaze; avocado ice cream.
Menu items aside, character is evident in the people that make 1922 what it is. The friendly chatter and clink of glasses as friends gather for after-work cocktails; the social media shout-outs to other local businesses and individuals; the effort to truly connect with customers, because that’s what a longstanding family business does.
Like the curated antiques that adorn its numerous rooms and passageways, the 200-year-old Buxton Inn has a patina that can be appreciated in layers.
It feels as if time slows down here, if only for the evening or weekend you spend becoming acquainted with its grounds.
For history buffs, there’s the aura of greatness as you sit in the stately Lincoln Room and contemplate what the 16th President himself must have thought as he walked these very floors. Or the scent of adventure that seems to linger on the stone walls of the 1812 Tavern, a former stop on the Underground Railroad where stagecoach drivers slept.
For lovers of New England charm, there’s an Instagram reel waiting to happen around every corner: The meticulously selected antique furniture in each of the Inn’s five historic homes; intricate wrought iron fences; brick pathways meandering through tidy gardens that invite you to stop for a few quiet moments.
Supernatural enthusiasts regularly trickle in to book a spot in rooms 7 and 9 of the Main House, reported by some to be haunted by spectres of the Inn’s storied past. And has anyone not contemplated the mysterious feline — dubbed “Major Buxton” after the Inn’s namesake — whose image appears on its prominent front sign, and who reportedly still slinks around the grounds?
But then, quite simply, Buxton is a lovely spot to relax and enjoy a meal or wine tasting; an elegant and quiet spot to spend a night or two. From its convenient spot along Granville’s Broadway, the inn offers easy access to everything downtown Granville has to offer: Eateries, art galleries, shopping.
And as time passes and guests come in and out, you can be sure it will age with grace, collecting stories to share with future generations.
The idyllic setting of Ye Olde Mill is one that wordlessly gives you permission to be a kid again, even if you’re a little rusty in that department. Celebrating their 100th anniversary in 2014, Velvet Ice Cream in the hands of the family that started it all.
With its picture-perfect, amply shaded countryside setting that promises plenty of room to stretch your legs (20 acres, in fact), Ye Olde Mill is more than the home of Velvet Ice Cream — it’s an experience waiting to be had.
More than just a place to stop for a cone, Ye Olde Mill offers a space for old-fashioned fun: A playground for the kids; petting zoo for the curious; ever-rotating lineup of live entertainment on the shaded brick patio; even a lunch menu (provided you save space for, you know, dessert).
If you think you’ll just stop into Velvet for a treat and then turn around and drive home, you’ll be selling yourself short. Check your to-do list at the door and savor an afternoon lived at a slower, sweeter pace. Your inner child will thank you.
Downtown Newark’s Buckeye Winery, like a fine wine meticulously aged over time, boasts a unique complexity — a balance of warmth and class, approachability and sophistication.
Take a load off in the cozy dining area, where you can get a good look at the wall-sized mural of a Napa-esque vineyard (with a few nods to Buckeye country). You’re immediately transported to one of the mural’s empty patio chairs, and in your imagination.
It’s truly the best of both worlds. More than just a place to sit and enjoy a glass of wine, Buckeye Winery is a spot where relationships are cultivated. You feel safe having conversations here, and no matter the season of the year — the bitter cold days of winter or steamy summer afternoons — you’ll find it a welcome getaway from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
For a quick lunch or dinner to accompany your favorite glass, try a house-made pizza or panini, and if you stop by on a particularly hot day, be sure to give the crowd-pleasing wine slushies a try.
Finish off with a selection of the winery’s mouthwatering truffles, and don’t forget to take a bottle of vino to go — you never know when you might need to wow your dinner guests with a bit of local flavor!
There’s “I don’t really have the energy to cook tonight, let’s order pizza” pizza; there’s “The kids got good grades this quarter, let’s take them out for pizza” pizza; and then there’s Elliot’s.
In a class all its own, the specialty pies turned out by the giant brick oven in the back of Elliot’s Wood Fired Kitchen and Tap are the epitome of fresh, from the light, chewy crust with just a hint of wood-fired flavor to the custom toppings (Two words: Mr. Pickle). It’s truly a treat for grown-ups and kids alike — and could, in fact, fit the bill for no-cook nights and as a reward for reeeeally good grades.
Pizza’s not your thing? Fortunately the menu at this laid-back joint — which recently opened a western location in Pataskala — has a little something to offer everyone. (I’ve been known to recommend the delectable street tacos.)
Primely located just off Courthouse Square, Elliot’s is the perfect spot for a quick meal following a brisk walk downtown, a trip to the library or a show at a downtown Newark entertainment venue.
The Pataskala location is a quick jaunt off of Broad Street, making it an easy and convenient stop for a work lunch or dinnertime carryout.
Whether you’re a pizza snob or just looking to spice up pizza night; whether you need a casual date night or want to treat the whole family to a bit of local flavor; whether you have an hour to spend or need a quick, fresh carryout option, Elliot’s has your back.
