All Aboard!

While Uptown Westerville is a bustling district rife with food and entertainment options, there’s plenty more to explore throughout all of Westerville this spring and summer. We’re here to show you how.

If you brought or rented a car, your first step should be downloading the Uptown Parking App, which shows users real-time availability of more than 350 parking spots across multiple Westerville lots, in addition to turn-by-turn directions to any open spaces.

From to buses to bikes, here’s what you should know about getting around Westerville

Not traveling with a vehicle? No worries, COTA//PLUS, a unique transit program offered only in a handful of central Ohio cities–including Westerville–allows passengers to request on-demand affordable rides between destinations. Download the COTA Plus app to get started.

If you plan to bring an electric vehicle, Westerville is now offering seven different charging ports (level 2 and level 3) within 15km. You can find a map here.

If you’re into vehicles of the twowheel variety, Westerville prides itself on being an extremely bike-friendly city. You can find eight different bike racks throughout Uptown alone (consult this map for each of their specific locations)

For those looking to jump on a recreational bike ride, Westerville provides over 50 miles of outdoor trails plus access to the Ohio to Erie Bike Trail, which spans all the way from Cincinnati to Cleveland.

This “city within a park” is where small-town charm meets big-city style. Located just 15 minutes northeast of downtown Columbus, OH, Westerville is a vibrant city with a variety of offerings including unique shops, restaurants, breweries, hotels and activities. Home to one of the top-ranking liberal arts institutions in the country, Otterbein University, Westerville is also known for its vast parklands and 50+ mile outdoor trail system. As the birthplace of Prohibition and other important historical moments, Westerville boasts a thriving cultural arts community and is a destination not to be missed.

Award-winning food and attention demanding decor define Asterisk , one of Uptown’s cornerstone eateries

One of the truest ways to understand the culture of a place while traveling is through food. Restaurants are an extension of the people behind them, and in the case of Asterisk Supper Club and owner Megan Ada, even her weird and whimsical side is shining on full display.

Featuring floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, a plethora of darkfinished wood and a dramatic crystal chandelier, the eatery that was launched by Ada in 2016 definitely looks the part of a quirky but quality supper club, and there’s much more where that came from.

The interior–which was actually designed by Ada’s mother, Laurie–feels as much like a chic restaurant as it does a Victorian drawing room, bolstered by ornate lamp fixtures and patterned wallpaper.

The unique Uptown eatery does more than just evoke the past however, Asterisk recreates it.

Breaking the supper club mold, the eatery offers designated teatime hours (12-4 p.m., Wednesday-Sunday), where diners can sip a variety of culinary teas alongside scones, sandwiches and more. In line with Asterisk’s expressive interior, its tea cups and saucers also stand out in unique fashion.

“We collect mismatching tea cups, saucers, plates etc from thrift stores. We even get tea set donations from guests who want to see their loved ones that may have passed away put to good use,” Ada said. “It's special because when they dine with us, they're able to see these memories come to life.”

While Asterisk doubles as a new-age teahouse during the day, this doesn’t diminish the Uptown Westerville spot’s ability to entertain on an evening out. Billed as “exclusive, but inclusive,” the eatery serves upscale American comfort food and craft cocktails.

With simple entree names–dishes are titled Steak, Pot Pie, Meatloaf or Tuna–Asterisk makes its name creating delicious, upscale versions of foods we all know and love. Its Lamb Chops, for example, are crusted in coriander and served on a ginger carrot puree alongside spiced cabbage and peas; its Scallops are served alongside a butternut rosemary risotto, anchovy orange and caper agrodulce.

And once you’re done taking in Asterisk’s one of a kind vibes and truly gourmet offerings, wind down with one of three simple, delicious desserts (Chocolate Tort, Apple Pie and Christie’s Butter Cake) alongside one of their craft cocktails from an eclectic menu. It promises an evening, like the restaurant itself, that’s familiar, unique and lovably quirky.