First-years and Transfer students, welcome to Kenyon! Everyone else, welcome back! Gambier has missed you! (I would know; I was here all summer.)
This is the first article of a series I will be doing on Knox County. Many students can be intimidated by the non-Gambier parts of Knox County, so I’ve decided to write a series to orient you all to the county that I consider home. While I am not a local, I have had the privilege of being part of a church about 10 minutes away from campus in Howard, and through church, I’ve had the opportunity to make some amazing local friends and fall in love with Knox County.
So let’s begin with one of the quickest ways to a person’s heart: food. Here are 5 of my favorite food-oriented local businesses right here in Knox County.
1. Happy Bean Coffee*
Happy Bean and last semester’s Finals Week are single-handedly responsible for my coffee addiction. Featuring beans from Stauf’s in Columbus, Happy Bean is my go-to place for quality coffee. When I’m in Gambier, I probably go to Happy Bean at least once a week, and I brew their beans at home.
Whenever I need a break from Kenyon or I want to study somewhere besides the library, I head over to Happy Bean. The caring staff, peaceful atmosphere, and delicious coffee make it one of my favorite Knox County hangouts.
Fun fact: Nate and Cassie Johnson, Happy Bean’s owners (pictured above) are also extremely talented musicians. Nate is an incredible guitarist, and Cassie has an unbelievable voice.
2. Hunan Garden
I was introduced to Hunan by some friends my sophomore year. While there aren’t a lot of Chinese options in Mount Vernon, Hunan is delightful. I usually get the Kung Pao Chicken, but everything I’ve tried has been delicious. The portions are huge, so I always take home my leftovers and eat them for Sunday dinner. You can also split an entree with a friend. They serve tea with your meal, so I always wind up a little too caffeinated after a Hunan date.
Pro tip: Their lunch special includes your choice of soup and crab meat wontons, and huge portions, so go during the day for the best deal!
3. The Dairy
Don’t be intimidated by the Dairy’s rustic appearance; their ice cream is amazing. The best feature of the dairy is that you pay about two dollars for a paper bowl filled to the brim with ice cream. A two-scoop cone or bowl is on the menu, but unless you have a really big appetite, you won’t be able to finish two scoops, because it is simply SO MUCH food. They change the flavors regularly, but you can always count on something fruity, something chocolatey, and something unique. My favorite flavor is Gummy Bear, which is a bright pink raspberry ice cream loaded with gummy bears. However, some swear by their Peach flavored ice cream, and others, the classic Mint Chocolate Chip. However, make sure to bring cash, because there is a $5 credit minimum.
Pro tip: Not that you’ll need it, but you get more ice cream if you ask for it in a bowl.
4. Troyer’s of Apple Valley*
Troyer’s is one of the best kept secrets of Knox County among Kenyon students. An Amish grocery store located about seven minutes from campus, Troyer’s has Amish jams like the ones sold along Middle Path for about half the price. They sell all sorts of bulk foods, Amish meats and cheeses, and unbelievably delicious baked goods. While it’s not strictly an eatery, there is also a lunch counter and coffee shop in the store. And the most important part is that every Tuesday, Troyer’s gives away free Amish donuts and (drip) coffee while they last. I recommend going around lunch time, buying a sandwich, and having a donut for desert.
Pro tip: Other than on Tuesdays, Troyer’s is pretty quiet, so it’s a great place to go if you need to get a lot of work done.
5. Bombay Garden
I’m kind of obsessed with Bombay Garden. I’ve never tried their Greek food, but Bombay is the only place in Knox County to buy Indian food, and I love it. You can choose the level of spiciness for your food on a scale of 1-10, so whether you love spice or can’t take the heat, you can choose exactly how intense you want your food to be. If you want leftovers, order an entree for yourself and an appetizer to split. Don’t miss the mango lassi; a lightly spiced mango drink, it is very sweet, but definitely delicious.
Pro tip: Be sure to try the bright green sauce that comes with your Pakora and Samosas; it is unexpected and delightful!
I hope you enjoyed my suggestions—let me know if you try any of them!
*Full disclosure: I am friends with the owners of Happy Bean and Troyer’s.
Image credits: Zomato.com, Happy Bean, Troyers, thetravelingpraters.com