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In today's newsletter:

• Fox in the Snow Coming to Westerville: Popular café expands to historic Uptown

• Gahanna Approves Pre-Annexation for Mixed-Use Development: Potential new project on U.S. Route 62

• Butterflies & Blooms Continues: Popular exhibit at Franklin Park Conservatory

• Mother's Day Weekend Activities: Special events around the city

• Franklinton Fridays Art Walk: Monthly community gathering

SPONSORED BY: GT REAL ESTATE GROUP

FOX IN THE SNOW CAFÉ EXPANDING TO WESTERVILLE'S HISTORIC UPTOWN

The beloved local coffee shop and bakery is bringing their signature pastries and coffee to Westerville, marking another milestone for the growing Columbus brand. [NBC]

Key Highlights:

• Located at 79 S. State St. in the heart of Uptown Westerville

• Targeting late summer 2025 opening

• Will feature their signature pastries, egg sandwiches, and famous cold brew

• Announcement made by owners Lauren Culley & Jeff Excell on Instagram

What Makes It Special:

• Marks the fourth location for the iconic café that began in Italian Village in 2014

• Continues their pattern of choosing historic, character-rich neighborhoods

• Joins a thriving Uptown Westerville food scene that's seen significant growth

• Maintains their approach of renovating existing spaces rather than new construction

This expansion represents another vote of confidence in Westerville's growing status as a food destination, joining recent additions like Asterisk Supper Club and Koble Grill. For area residents and real estate professionals, the addition of Fox in the Snow signals continued investment in Uptown Westerville's walkable core, potentially driving increased foot traffic to surrounding businesses and supporting property values in nearby residential areas.

GAHANNA APPROVES PRE-ANNEXATION AGREEMENT FOR POTENTIAL MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT

A new development may be coming to U.S. Route 62 as Gahanna takes steps toward annexing 8 acres for commercial and residential use. [Columbus Dispatch]

Key Highlights:

• City Council approved pre-annexation agreement on May 5

• Involves 4722 and 4736 E. Johnstown Road (current site of Growing Solutions Garden Center)

• Property would move from Jefferson Township into Gahanna city limits

• Developer Trivium Development LLC envisions mixed commercial and residential uses

Development Process:

• Pre-annexation agreement is just the first step in a multi-phase process

• Specific uses and building details not yet finalized

• Developer will pursue general commercial zoning with conditional residential use

• Plans could change based on market conditions and community input

Community Impact:

• Several opportunities for public input will be available throughout the process

• Officials emphasize this is exploratory and preliminary

• Final plans will require analysis of traffic, economic impact, and infrastructure needs

• Development would join other mixed-use projects reshaping Gahanna's commercial corridors

For Gahanna residents and prospective homebuyers, this development represents the city's continued pattern of strategic growth and economic development. The location near the roundabout at East Johnstown and Morse roads positions it as a potential gateway project for the city, with the mixed-use approach reflecting current market preferences for integrated residential and commercial spaces.

SONIC TEMPLE ART & MUSIC FESTIVAL RETURNS TO HISTORIC CREW STADIUM

One of the nation's premier rock festivals is back in Columbus this weekend, drawing thousands of music fans to the city. [SONIC]

Key Highlights:

• Festival runs May 9-11 at Historic Crew Stadium

• Features over 80 bands across multiple stages

• Headliners include Foo Fighters, Metallica, and Tool

• Includes art installations, food vendors, and interactive experiences

What to Expect:

• Daily performances start at noon and run until 11 PM

• VIP packages include exclusive viewing areas and amenities

• Enhanced food and beverage options from local and national vendors

• Improved transportation options including dedicated rideshare areas

Economic Impact:

• Expected to draw over 40,000 attendees per day

• Significant boost for local hotels, restaurants, and retailers

• Creates hundreds of temporary jobs across the festival weekend

• Showcases Columbus as a major music destination nationally

For Columbus's tourism and hospitality sectors, Sonic Temple represents one of the year's biggest economic drivers, with visitors coming from across the country and filling hotels throughout the metro area. The festival's return to Historic Crew Stadium keeps the venue active following the Crew's move to Lower.com Field and maintains the area's position as an entertainment district.

BUTTERFLIES & BLOOMS CONTINUES AT FRANKLIN PARK CONSERVATORY

The popular annual exhibit featuring thousands of exotic butterflies remains a springtime favorite for visitors of all ages. [Franklin Park Conservatory]

Key Highlights:

• Running through July 6 at Franklin Park Conservatory

• Features thousands of butterflies from around the world

• Now in its 31st year as a Columbus tradition

• Located in the Pacific Island Water Garden Biome

What Makes It Special:

• Visitors can observe the complete butterfly life cycle in the Metamorphosis Lab

• Special butterfly releases daily at 1 PM and 3 PM

• Accompanying floral displays showcase seasonal blooms

• Educational programming for children available throughout the run

Visitor Information:

• Included with regular Conservatory admission

• Special photography sessions available on select mornings

• Extended hours on weekends for increased capacity

• Advance tickets recommended for weekend visits

The continued popularity of Blooms & Butterflies highlights the Conservatory's role as both a tourist destination and community resource. For families looking for engaging activities, the exhibit provides an educational experience that connects visitors with nature, and its extended summer run makes it accessible throughout the season.

MOTHER'S DAY WEEKEND ACTIVITIES ACROSS COLUMBUS

Special events and opportunities to celebrate Mom are available throughout the city this weekend. [Experience Columbus]

Key Highlights:

• Mother's Day Tea in the Garden at Topiary Park (May 10-11)

• Mother's Day Brunch Party at The Kitchen (May 11)

• Annual Mother's Day Paint and Sip at Bliss in a Bottle (May 10)

• Mother's Day Bash at Nostalgia Brewing (May 11)

Special Offers:

• Makers Social offering Mother's Month specials all May

• Vella & Co. hosting special candle-making experiences

• Seek-No-Further Cidery offering succulent planting event for moms

• Multiple restaurants featuring special Mother's Day brunch menus

Family Activities:

• Mother's Day crafts for kids at Olentangy Caverns

• Women's Health and Wellness Fair at Bexley Public Library

• Aaron Diehl & Rhapsody performances at Southern Theatre

• Family-friendly Empower Challenge at Columbus Commons

This weekend's focus on Mother's Day celebrations brings significant foot traffic to retail centers, restaurants, and entertainment venues across the city. For business owners, the holiday represents one of spring's most important revenue opportunities, while families benefit from the diverse range of activities available at various price points.

THIS WEEKEND IN COLUMBUS: MAY 9-12

FRIDAY, MAY 9 [Experience Columbus]

• Blooms & Butterflies | Franklin Park Conservatory | 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

• Sonic Temple Art & Music Festival | Historic Crew Stadium | 12:00 PM - 11:00 PM

• Available Light presents: "Rock Egg Spoon" | Studio Two, Riffe Center | 8:00 PM

• Chris Shaw LIVE | Edison Brewing Company | 7:00 PM

• Franklinton Fridays | Franklinton Arts District | 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM

• Cry-Baby The Musical | Columbus Performing Arts Center | 8:00 PM

• Frank Sinatra and Beyond! | Davidson Theatre, Riffe Center | 8:00 PM

• Def Goldblum's Bucket O' Laughs | The Attic Comedy Club | 9:30 PM

• Rock this Way: Music Tribute to Aerosmith and Van Halen | Shadowbox Live | 7:30 PM

• Rooftop Vibes | Budd Dairy Food Hall | 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

• Shakey Graves: And The War Came - 10th Anniversary Tour | Newport Music Hall | 8:00 PM

• InPulse Dance Company Presents: HOME | Columbus Dance Theatre | 8:00 PM

• Sound Bathing in the Cave | Olentangy Caverns | 7:00 PM

SATURDAY, MAY 10

• Sonic Temple Art & Music Festival | Historic Crew Stadium | 12:00 PM - 11:00 PM

• Amadeus | Jewish Community Center of Greater Columbus | 7:30 PM

• Andy Shaw LIVE | Edison Brewing Company | 7:00 PM

• NCAA Men's Volleyball Championship | Covelli Center | 7:00 PM

• Clintonville Farmers Market | N High St & Orchard Ln | 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

• German Village Farmers Market | 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM

• The Little Grand Farmer's Market | The Little Grand Market | 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

• Worthington Farmers Market | Old Worthington Historic District | 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

• Mother's Day Tea in the Garden | Topiary Park | 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

• Budd's Bazaar: Local Vendor Market | Budd Dairy Food Hall | 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM

• Annual Mother's Day Paint and Sip | Bliss in a Bottle | 2:00 PM

• Candle Making Experience - Mother's Day Weekend! | Vella & Co. Candle Studio | 1:00 PM

• Empower Challenge | Columbus Commons | 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

• Women's Health and Wellness Fair | Bexley Public Library | 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

SUNDAY, MAY 11

• Sonic Temple Art & Music Festival | Historic Crew Stadium | 12:00 PM - 11:00 PM

• Mother's Day Brunch Party | The Kitchen | 11:00 AM - 1:30 PM

• Not Your Mama's Craft Market | BrewDog DogTap | 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM

• Sunday Cinema Club | BrewDog Franklinton | 7:00 PM

• Celebrate Mom @ Our Haus! | Hofbrauhaus Columbus | 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

• Mother's Day Paint for Fun | Brush Crazy | 2:00 PM

• Mother's Day Bash | Nostalgia Brewing | 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM

• Take Mom Out To Our Succulent Planting Event | Seek-No-Further Cidery | 2:00 PM

• Mother's Day Crafts for Kids | Olentangy Caverns | 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

• InPulse Dance Company Presents: HOME | Columbus Dance Theatre | 2:00 PM

• The Vintage Voices of Jazz Innovation | Columbus Museum of Art | 3:00 PM

• Soak up the SUNdays | The Beeline | 1:00 PM - 7:00 PM

THIS WEEK'S WRAP-UP

Home owners: The Fox in the Snow expansion to Westerville signals the continued strength of walkable, historic districts, while Gahanna's potential mixed-use development shows suburban areas are also embracing integrated living concepts.

Home buyers: Consider neighborhoods with developing arts and food scenes like Franklinton and Westerville's Uptown, where commercial investments are elevating community amenities and potentially driving future property appreciation.

Bottom line: This week's developments reflect Columbus's balanced growth pattern, with investments in both urban and suburban locations. The range of Mother's Day activities across the region highlights the city's family-friendly amenities that continue to attract new residents.

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See you next week,

— Gagan Timsina