If you haven’t finished your holiday shopping, there’s still enough time this afternoon. Each of us in the office came up with our favorite stocking stuffer ideas in Dublin, and we’re sharing them with you!

Allison: Java Jan is my new favorite coffee shop in Dublin. Jan, the owner (hence the name), sells sample packets of coffee for only $2.00 – they make an entire pot each. With flavors like Highlander Grog, Vanilla Hazelnut, and Chocolate Raspberry, you’re sure to find something perfect for any coffee lover!

Scott: Jewelry is always a big hit for a stocking stuffer in our family – and what better gift in Dublin, Ohio than some great Irish jewelry. Some unique ideas include a Silver Trinity Knot Pendant, Silver Celtic Knot Family Birthstone Pendant, or a Silver Claddagh Birthstone Ring. Visit one of the great jewelers in Dublin to pick out the perfect Irish Stocking Stuffer.

Mary: I come from a long line of tea drinkers, so I’m going to be giving small sample bags of TehKu Tea Company’s premium blended teas. With more than 100 varieties to select from, I’m having trouble narrowing down my choices—but I’m thinking Irish Blend, Cherry Blossoms and Snowflake. I can’t wait to share some of my favorite teas with my favorite people.

Josh: My two little girls get excited about almost any kind of candy, so the selection at MJ’s Candy Bar definitely garners their excitement. They carry M&Ms in an array of colors, chocolates from all over the world, and some Irish specialties. My family loves unique and funny gifts, so I’ll be checking out the novelty section of the store, which has some interesting oddities.

Kelly: I received a pair of earrings from Audacious Boutique this Christmas (an early present), and I love them already. The boutique not only has a vast array of earrings, but also bracelets, necklaces, and rings, all the perfect size to slip inside a stocking on Christmas Eve. My pair are green and gold: a perfect combination here in Dublin!

Andrea: I cruised through Ha’Penny’s looking for stocking stuffers I would like to see in my stocking this year.  I narrowed my list down, but anything in the store will do. My reasonable list includes:

1. Commenara wool sock for $17.50.  They are so soft and warm, they will keep my feet toasty all winter long.
2. Sticky note pads with Irish sayings – my favorites are below.
   “There are two kinds of people in this world: the Irish and those who would like to be Irish.”
   “My the Good Lord take a liking to you….but not too soon.”

From the Dublin Convention & Visitors Bureau, we hope you all have a wonderful holiday weekend!

While 2009 may be coming to a close, many of us are looking ahead to 2010 … including the hundreds of police, firefighters and EMS personnel who
will be attending the 2010 Can-Am Police-Fire Games in Dublin, Ohio during the week of August 15-22.

To date, competitors from more than 100 different police and fire agencies have registered. These include the FBI, Calgary Police Service, Chicago Fire Department, Baton Rouge Police Department, CBP-United States Border Patrol, Correctional Service of Canada, Columbus Division of Police, Department of Homeland Security, Indianapolis Fire Department, Department of National Defence Canada, Federal Air Marshal Service, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, NYPD, Oregon State Police, New Jersey State Police, Tempe Police & Fire Departments and US Customs & Border Protection … among many others. And the list keeps growing. Daily.

During that exciting week in August, an estimated 2,500 competitors  (and their families) will travel to Dublin from across the globe to compete in 58 different sporting events—including SWAT,  Narcotics Dog, Tug of War, Karate and Toughest Competitor Alive.  The games are expected to generate an economic impact of more than $3.5 million to the local economy. Events will kick off on Sunday evening, August 15 at Coffman Park with a family friendly Opening Ceremonies featuring some amazing demonstrations. Best of all, events are free and spectators are encouraged to come out and cheer on the competitors.

So, while you are penciling in dates for your 2010 calendar—be sure to include the 2010 Can-Am Games. Really … this is going to be one unforgettable week in Central Ohio.

-Post by Mary

Forget about Black Friday; I’m calling this Saturday and Sunday “Green Weekend,” because of Dublin’s many seasonal events and selection of unique holiday gifts.

The annual Chili Cook-off is today in Historic Dublin from noon to 4 p.m. For $5, you can sample nine Dublin residents’ recipes at La Chatelaine, J. Liu, and the Dublin Village Tavern. Vote for your favorite, and the top three will compete in the finals, 4:15 at La Chatelaine.

From 10 to 3, all three Dublin high schools are coming together at Sisters Sweet Shoppe (also in Historic Dublin) to auction off homemade gingerbread houses. The proceeds benefit the Ohio State School for the Blind’s Marching Band, which is performing in the Rose Bowl parade on New Year’s Day. It’s a great opportunity to celebrate the season in Dublin.

As for holiday shopping, check out these locally owned stores!

The Shoppes at River Ridge:

• Bliss
  Classic handbags, jewelry, greeting cards, home decor, and more.
  My favorite things: Spartina 449 handbags (a line started by my aunt and uncle!) and Grandmother’s Buttons jewelry.

• Audacious
  Trendy purses, scarves, watches, and jewelry.
  My favorite things: Miche bags, which have interchangeable covers for any occasion; OSU rhinestone beads; the selection of sparkly rings. (I just can’t resist sparkle!)

Historic Dublin:

• Ha’penny Bridge Imports of Ireland
  Irish gifts of all kind: clothes, pottery, jewelry, decor, even kilts!
  My favorite things: Celtic crosses, Irish nativity scenes, Belleek pottery. (This is one of the only places outside Ireland you can find it!)

• Create
  Children’s apparel and unique gifts, personally chosen by mother-daughter owners.
  My favorite things: Adorable sweaters (some of these make me wish I was still a little girl), uniquely adorned stockings and ornaments.

• Thalia & Dahlia
  Fine gifts and home appointments, from china pieces to handcrafted wreaths. New to Historic Dublin!
  My favorite things: Pretty picture frames, holiday serving dishes, handcrafted wreaths and other floral arrangements (made by Chris, one of the owners).

• Sisters Sweet Shoppe
  Sweets for all ages: gourmet truffles, candied nuts, peanut brittle, and the sisters’ signature homemade fruitcakes.
  My favorite things: New chocolate-dipped fruitcakes and their stocking stuffers, which are the perfect gift for anyone who loves chocolate. (But let’s be honest, practically everything in there could be considered my favorite.)

Hope your weekend is Green!

- post by Kelly

I’ve never experienced the infamous “Black Friday.” Even though it seems fun, I haven’t had the overwhelming desire to wake up at 4 a.m. and fight for the best deals. I like to do my Christmas shopping at my own pace. I shuffle through stores to find a gift that’s truly unique. I shop online to get ideas. I even make my own gifts.

Big Al and Anne all decked out!

When I heard about the recent Belleek Signing Event at Ha’penny Bridge Imports of Ireland here in Dublin, Ohio, I immediately knew I wanted to check it out. I had no idea what Belleek Pottery was, but the event was centered around Belleek Representative–Roy Troughton–who was available to personalize your gifts with a Gaelic saying. So after work I strolled down the brick sidewalk to our neighboring Irish import shop.

When I entered Ha’penny Bridge Imports of Ireland I was greeted by Big Al, the store’s owner, suited up in a traditional Irish outfit (plaid kilt and everything). He offered me champagne, Irish potatoes, and gingerbread cookies. His wife Anne, explained to me the history of Belleek as I sipped my drink and enjoyed the satisfying snap of gingerbread.

Limited Edition Belleek Cachepot

“Belleek [Pottery] began in Belleek, Ireland in 1857,” said Anne. “It’s known throughout the world for its beautiful porcelain china and handcraftsmanship. Ha’penny began signing events over 10 years ago and is the largest Belleek dealer in Central Ohio.”

No two pieces are ever the same because each is crafted individually using techniques that have been passed down for generations.

After looking through the collections available at the store and receiving personal attention from one of their sales staff, I found three perfect gifts; a limited edition cachepot for my grandmother, a vase for my best friend and something special for myself. I couldn’t resist! Big Al and Anne helped me decide my Gaelic sayings and Roy scripted them beautifully on the bottom of each piece.

Signing the cachepot for my grandmother!

I left the store with my bag in hand and breathed in the cool air. I felt refreshed. The shopping experience I had at Ha’penny Bridge Imports of Ireland could never compare to the mayhem I imagine “Black Friday” creates. I’m looking forward to continuing my Christmas shopping so that each gift will have a story behind it.

- post by Allison

Ha’penny Bridge Imports of Ireland is open Monday -Saturday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. The shop is located at 75 South High Street in Historic Dublin.

It’s hard to believe that December is just on the other side of this coming weekend. Dublin’s work crews have been busy wrapping Historic Dublin Ohio in green garland, red bows and hanging those famous icy blue lighted snowflakes over the Scioto River bridge. (You really have to see them at night!) And Dublin’s “Sweet Street” (as High St. recently has become known–due to the many delicious candy, cupcake and cookie shops that have sprung up) is feeling more like Sugarplum Lane.

Next Thursday, December 3 is the City of Dublin’s annual Christmas Tree lighting ceremony at 62 West Bridge Street (east of Indian Run Elementary). The Dublin singers will kick off the festivities with carols at 6 p.m., followed by the arrival of Santa at 6:25 p.m.–when the jolly old elf will help the Mayor and members of City Council light the tree. Then the festivities will move to the Dublin Library (75 N. High St.) where Schade Photography will offer free photos with Santa, courtesy of the Historic Dublin Business Association (HDBA).  There will also be storytelling, refreshments and a chance to meet some reindeer.

The fun continues next Saturday (December 5) with a BriHi celebration in Historic Dublin. Trolley rides will be offered throughout the district. Local merchants will offer discounts to holiday shoppers. Visitors can take part in sampling and  judging a Chili cook-off for just $5. Gingerbread houses created by local high school students will be on display at Sister’s Sweet Shoppe, Our Cupcakery and La Chatelaine.  These charming fantasy creations will be available for sale via a silent auction, as part of a charity fundraiser.

Why not make the most of this family fun weekend by combining these free activities in Historic Dublin with a Kids Go Free Columbus Zoo Wildlights Getaway?  Book your package online in advance, stay at one of the eight participating Dublin hotels, experience Wildlights on Friday evening–then meander Historic Dublin on Saturday shopping, sipping peppermint hot chocolates and celebrating the season.

Ahhh, Thanksgiving.  Traditionally, it’s family gatherings, watching parades on TV, a touch football game in the front yard and too much food.  Perhaps Erma Bombeck summed it up best when she said, “What we’re really talking about is a wonderful day set aside on the fourth Thursday of November when no one diets.  I mean, why else would they call it Thanksgiving?”

The only bad thing about all that food (aside from the calories) is that someone has to cook it. And generally, that means Mom has an early morning date with a big bird. So, this year, why not go out? There are many restaurants in Dublin and Columbus offering options that range from a full, traditional Thanksgiving buffet with all the trimmings to limited menus of signature favorites.  Below is a list of some of the local restaurants that will be open for business on Thanksgiving. Call ahead for reservations, hours and pricing.  Mom will thank you for it!
(Note: All phone numbers are area code 614.)

Dublin, Ohio:

• Marriott Columbus Northwest ( 5605 Blazer Pkwy.)   791-1000  Thanksgiving brunch buffet. Resevations required.
• Kilpatrick’s Restaurant – Embassy Suites Columbus/Dublin (5100 Upper Metro Pl.)  790-9000   Thanksgiving à la carte special
• Ted’s Montana Grill (6195 Sawmill Rd.)  760-7753
• Golden Corral Buffet & Grill (3710 W. Dublin Granville Rd.) 799-9579
• Boston Market (5151 Tuttle Crossing Blvd. & 6515 Sawmill Rd.) 766-5885; 798-1166

Worthington area:

• The Worthington Inn (649 High St. Worthington) 885-2600
• J. Gilbert’s  (One E. Campus View Blvd.) 840-9090
• Buca di Beppo (60 East Wilson Bridge Rd.) 848-8466

Columbus area:

• McCormick & Schmick’s (3965 New Bond St. Easton Town Center) 476-3663
• 94^th Aero Squadron (5030 Sawyer Rd.)  237-8887
• Salvi’s Bistro (1323 St. James Lutheran Lane)  870-8788

I always struggle with what to get my nephews and niece for Christmas. Like most kids I know—they definitely do NOT need any more toys, games, etc. (Of course, they’ll never admit that.) They have many adult relatives (with more money than I have) that cover their wish lists.  Still, I strive to be THE coolest aunt. (The women in my family are extremely competitive in this way.)

So, I decided last year to give them experiences. Basically, it goes like this: I ask each of them to come up with a list of (a) cool places in Ohio that they’d like to visit (b) fun things they like to do (i.e. ice skating, amusement parks, etc.) and (c) where they like to eat. Then we go through the list together, come up with a compromise and go! Some things get eliminated from the list if they are too expensive (my option). Some things get eliminated if they aren’t a good fit for everyone—(i.e. my nephews would never go for a day of mani/pedis and shopping … much to the chagrin of my niece and I).

This year, I think I’ve found a crowd pleaser that will make everyone happy. Actually, I found it without leaving my desk at work. It’s close-to-home. It’s inexpensive, all packaged up and ready to go. (And it helped that—as part of my job—I helped to create this fun getaway for visitors.) The official name for the package is Kids Go Free-Columbus Zoo Wildlights Getaway. The official details of the package are: (a) It can be booked online Nov. 20-Dec. 31 (b) It includes an overnight stay at a choice of Dublin (OH) hotels (c) It includes free kids passes to Wildlights at The Columbus Zoo (d) It includes a free kids meal at Bob Evans and a free junior scoop for kids from Graeter’s Ice Cream.

The unofficial reasons why I would book one of these packages? (a) The cost of the packages with hotel and Zoo tickets starts at $79 for a family of four. (Yes, you read that right.) That’s less than I would’ve spent on their combined Christmas gifts. (b) Staying at a hotel is WAY more fun than just driving to the Zoo, going out for dinner and ice cream and driving home (i.e. SLUMBER PARTY!, swimming etc.) (c) Contrary to popular belief, Dublin CVB staffers don’t get stuff for free.  But my biggest motivation is completely selfish. After I last planned one of these experiences, my 6-year-old niece gave me a hand-written thank you note that said, “Ant Mimi … you are the bast Aunt EVAR!!!!!!!!”  This year, I’m gonna top that.

-Post by Mary

Organic Cupcakes: Pumpkin Spice, Buckeye

Yesterday, I took advantage of the last few nice days of fall and wandered down the streets of Historic Dublin, window shopping leisurely.  I peeked into the window of Sugar Inc., a little shop that offers 100% organic cupcakes (along with tea, coffee, salads, smoothies, and more).

The devil on my shoulder told me to go in.  His flip said “No! You need to lose a few pounds before the holidays… stay out!” I was debating the two sides in my head when I spied them – little mini cupcakes, just the right size for me and looking delicious. In I went. 

Teas: Cranberry, Pomegranate

There was key lime, pumpkin spice, chocolate (with two kinds of icing!) and buckeyes.  So much to choose from! There are even Thanksgiving-themed turkey cupcakes (they look like turkeys, they don’t taste like turkeys). I asked Ava, the owner of Sugar Inc., and she suggested pumpkin spice. 
 
As I walked back to the office, eating my pumpkin spice cupcake, I thought to myself, “Irish is an Attitude, but a little bit of Irish in my tummy is yummy.”

- post by Andi

Sugar Inc. is open Monday-Saturday 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. and Sundays for private parties. The shop is located at 36 N. High St. in Historic Dublin.

A few weeks ago, I heard we had a new neighbor in Historic Dublin. Intrigued, I packed my camera bag and went to photograph the wares. When I walked into Thalia & Dahlia, I met Christopher Krupa, one of the owners. Krupa and co-owner Michael Smith, both of whom previously worked at Curio Cabinet in Worthington, opened Thalia & Dahlia in September. We discussed the philosophy behind the gift shop, and he expressed his nostalgia for the way shopping “used to be,” relaying to me stories about a time when shopping meant more than rushing around the mall, visiting a collection of national chains where ”unique” means “exactly like a million others.”

Krupa was quoted in the Dublin Villager as saying, “Shopping used to be an experience. People used to get dressed up and go shopping. We want you to be excited about shopping again. We want it to be a wonderful experience.”

 A wonderful experience is exactly what the boutique provides. Located in a charming building on High Street — you know, one of those old houses with character to spare — Thalia & Dahlia offers a true variety of quality, unique items, from wreaths and flower arrangements (both hand-crafted by Krupa) to linens and tableware. I loved the various picture frames (one pictured above) and gorgeous china (example pictured here filled with lemons).

My favorite thing about Thalia & Dahlia is that their inventory is always changing, with an emphasis on seasonal items. Halloween items were featured in October and Thanksgiving will be featured this month.  I was delighted to hear that Thalia & Dahlia will not be putting out Christmas inventory until just before Thanksgiving. With most businesses jumping headfirst from Halloween into Christmas, by the middle of December I’m ready to kick the next Santa I see. No offense to Mr. Claus, it’s just too much! To my relief, Krupa told me that Thalia & Dahlia will debut their Christmas decor at an open house set to be held the weekend before Thanksgiving. Each room of the store will have a different theme. I’m already excited.

But let’s not get ahead of ourselves! In the meantime, you can attend their Thanksgiving Open House this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to see the lovely items available this month, as well as enter a drawing to win table linens. The boutique is located at 113 S. High St. For more information, call them at 614/336-8582.

If you can’t make it in this Saturday, put on your finest and stop by Thalia & Dahlia during regular hours: Tuesday through Friday 11 a.m.-7 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Happy shopping!

To see the rest of my photos of Thalia & Dahlia, click here.

- Post by Kelly