Little Turtle - Westerville, OH

Settled in the early 1800s and incorporated in 1858, Westerville served as an important stop along the Underground Railroad during the Antebellum Era. Numerous houses in town were actually train stations disguised as residential homes.

Shortly after the town's incorporation, city government passed an ordinance banning the sale of alcohol in town. While most American cities lifted any alcohol bans they had in place during the 1930s, Westerville remained dry until 1995, when it annexed a section of the county that housed numerous establishments where alcohol was sold.

The late 20th century saw Westerville explode in popularity as a relocation spot outside Columbus. The resulting influx of new residents gave birth to many upscale neighborhoods such as Little Turtle.

Westerville has a burgeoning arts scene; many of its residents enjoy visiting David Myers Art Studio and Gallery. Annual events include a digital photography contest in August at the Community Center.

Little Turtle residents don't lack options when they crave a unique dining experience. Nearby Sunbury Road houses a diverse array of dining establishments that include both chain restaurants and local haunts and run the gamut from steak houses and breakfast joints to Italian and Chinese.

Lomas Del Sol ranks as one of Westerville's most popular Mexican restaurants, and for good reason. Its ambiance stands out above its competition from the minute you walk in, and the chips and salsa immediately deposited on your table upon sitting down whets your appetite for the delectable, sizzling entrées that populate the menu. Most diners order one of the combination dinners. This allows them to mix and match their favorite dishes from the kitchen, such as huevos (eggs), quesadillas and beef tacos.

Those who love breakfast will want to hit Gena's Restaurant -- and it doesn't matter what time you go, as breakfast is served all day. This cozy breakfast house prides itself on what its customers have dubbed the "Greatest American Pecan Roll." But then again, everything on the menu here garners high marks from those who have tried it. If you don't know where to start, regulars recommend the hot sausage and cheese omelet with a side of French toast.

Drive a couple miles north on the same road, and you'll run into Minico's Italian Restaurant. This serene little haunt offers pizza described as "stellar " by regular customers, as well as various traditional pasta dishes such as spaghetti with meat sauce and lasagna. The staff here ensures that customers enjoy a comfortable dining experience from beginning to end by providing prompt and friendly service in a clean environment.

Little Turtle doesn't have nightlife, but less than a mile drive will take you to several local bars and lounges such as Brew-Stirs Fun Pub, known for its gregarious DJ on Thursday nights, and Average Joe's Pub, which serves over 100 beers from around the world. More extensive nightlife can be found within a 25-minute drive, either in downtown Columbus or along the main drag by Ohio State University.

Many residential streets in Little Turtle have sidewalks that accommodate pedestrians on nice weather days. They do not, however, contain bike lanes, and furthermore, it is hardly feasible to walk from Little Turtle to any points of interest in town. Therefore, most neighborhood residents rely on their cars to get around. Abundant free parking and easy access to several major highways make commuting from Little Turtle a breeze.

Other than driving, transportation options include calling for a taxi, as one cannot be hailed in Little Turtle or using a ride-sharing service such as Uber, which maintains a presence in the area. Columbus's public bus system, COTA, provides two stops within a mile of Little Turtle.

Located directly across the highway, Blendon Woods Metro Park provides Little Turtle residents with an abundance of outdoor recreational activities, which include hiking trails, disc golf, ice skating and a wildlife preserve. It doesn't have exercise facilities, but its walking trails and abundant green space provide ample opportunity for everyone in the family to burn off calories -- even the dog. Free parking and admission make Blendon Woods an affordable way to enjoy a weekend afternoon, though certain amenities within the park -- such as ice skating and disc golf -- require a small fee.

Blendon Woods hosts seasonal activities that include wildlife viewings and a winter hike series.

Little Turtle provides upscale living in an in-demand suburb, and as a result, its residents incur a slightly higher cost of living than average for the Columbus metro area. Expect to pay around $741 in monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment, around $3.25 for a beer in a local pub and $2 for a bus ticket to downtown Columbus. Area gas prices typically hover 8 to 10 percent lower than the national average.

For large shopping excursions, Little Turtle residents head a few miles south on the Outerbelt to Easton Town Center, a sprawling outdoor shopping mall containing over 200 stores, which include big box retailers, high-end stores and discount shops.

Additionally, many unique specialty stores and boutiques reside within a short drive from Little Turtle, including Star Base Columbus, a store completely devoted to science fiction books, videos and insignia. Fans of Star Trek, Star Wars, The Big Bang Theory and other such movies and series can be found making regular visits to this unique little shop. Old Dutchman, a locally owned shop on Sunbury Road, offers sporting goods and fishing gear and its owners provide friendly hometown service rarely found at big chain stores.

Across Sunbury Road sits a Kroger that serves Little Turtle residents for large grocery shopping trips. You can find locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables at Doran's Farm Market, less than a 15-minute drive away.