Looking for something fun to do? Here are 5 places to visit around Delaware city

Micah Walker, The Columbus Dispatch
·3 min read

As Delaware County continues to grow, people tend to flock to hot spots in the area, like around Polaris and Powell.

But the county seat, the city of Delaware, also has plenty to offer — from restaurants to shops to entertainment.

The city has a small-town feel but is large enough to offer activities that appeal to the entire family. A 30-minute drive north from Columbus, here are some of the highlights around Delaware:

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Catch a movie at the Strand Theatre

The Strand Theatre in downtown Delaware, pictured in May 2010
The Strand Theatre in downtown Delaware, pictured in May 2010

The Strand Theatre, 28 E. Winter St., is one of Delaware's most significant landmarks. Opened on April 10, 1916, the Strand is one of the 10 longest-operating theaters in the country. Compared to larger theaters in the area, the Strand is a small-town cinema with three auditoriums, a remodeled concession stand and cheaper ticket prices.

Enjoy a cup of coffee (and antiquing)

For those who want to forgo Starbucks or Tim Hortons and try a local coffee shop instead, check out Coffeeology, 43 N. Sandusky St. The shop offers hot and iced coffee and espresso drinks, teas and baked goods. While sipping your drink, you could browse the collection of home décor, accessories, jewelry and 18th- to mid-century antiques.

Across the street at 24 N. Sandusky St. is Fresh Start Café and Bakery, which offers coffee, lattes and treats like cinnamon rolls, cookies and brownies.

Grab lunch or dinner in downtown Delaware

Bun's Restaurant, at 14 W. Winter St. in Delaware, is known for its burgers and for its neon sign hanging outside the restaurant.
Bun's Restaurant, at 14 W. Winter St. in Delaware, is known for its burgers and for its neon sign hanging outside the restaurant.

There are plenty of restaurants to choose from in the city's downtown district, such as the longtime popular eateries Hamburger Inn Diner and Bun's Restaurant. For those with a taste for Asian fare, there's Typhoon, which has a mix of Chinese, Japanese and Thai cuisine. Mi Cerrito offers authentic Mexican, and newer restaurant 92 Chicken has Korean fried chicken.

More:Dig in! Here are five restaurants to try in downtown Delaware

Get a read on the city's bookstores

Beanbag Books, 25 W. Winter St., is the ideal spot for little ones to find books that interest them. Beginning as a teacher supply store, Beanbag is now primarily a children's book shop with a selection of toys, puzzles and games. The business is owned by Jody Everett, who has a background in speech-language pathology, and Michael Everett.

Those looking for rare finds might check out the recently opened Giffeys' Book Emporium, 4 Troy Road. Owned by Delaware residents David Griffey and his fiancee, Aria Maher, the independent bookstore offers used, rare, locally authored and independently published titles.

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Spin an 'Endangered Species'

Music lovers can find their favorite vinyl records and more at Endangered Species- The Last Record Store On Earth, 11 W. Winter St. The shop has a selection of new and used records and CDs and vintage concert shirts, books, DVDs, posters and other music memorabilia.

mwalker@dispatch.com

@micah_walker701

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Spend the day in Delaware city at these 5 places