Start off your day in Lancaster with a trip to JB’s Downtown Grill (111 N. Columbus St.) for their scratch-made weekend brunch, highlighted by a serving of Aunt Dorothy’s Buttermilk Pancakes. After carbing up, visit The Big Book Nook (624 W. 5th Ave.) for gifts for the bibliophile in your life (10% of sales benefit the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southeastern Ohio).
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Next, visit the Rejuvenation Station (159 W. Main St.) and treat yourself to a massage and hydration treatment. Follow it up with a quick walk to Maria’s Mexican Restaurant (129 E. Main St.) for chips, salsa and a margarita. Self-care never felt or tasted better.
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As your pursuit of culture continues, considerations include Ohio University’s Lancaster Theatre (1570 Granville Pike), which has scheduled The Sound of Music for November, or crafting an artistic holiday gift for a loved one at pottery studio Art & Clay on Main (150 W. Main St.).
Finally, end your day with a local flavor at O’Huids Gaelic Pub (167 W. Main St.), where the elevated Irish fare and craft drinks may be accompanied by live music or a pub choir.
This story appeared in the November 2026 issue of Columbus Monthly. Subscribe here.
This article originally appeared on Columbus Monthly: Build the Perfect Day Dining and Holiday Shopping in Lancaster




