Last weekend, we grabbed breakfast to go from one of our favorite spots down in Harrison West – Katalina’s and took it just down the street to Funk-EE town playground at Harrison Park.
First: Breakfast in the Park from Katalina’s
The moment I mentioned the playground location to Stephen, he immediately suggested stopping by Katalina’s. And just as quickly, I concurred. Ordering online was a breeze – we opted for the curbside pickup and the staff promptly brought our order to us. Alternatively, you can call upon arrival and walk up to retrieve your order. The added convenience of receiving a text when the order is received and when it’s ready for pickup made the whole process even smoother. It was definitely an easy-peasy experience!
Katalina’s is one of our favorite spots to eat at in Columbus. If you’ve never been, you’re surely in for a treat!
This is their OG location. They do have another location in Clintonville.
We ordered our all-time favorite dish and a new addition that quickly became a household favorite – the Mazatlan Pork and Egg Sandwich, and the Pancake Balls with Katalina’s Pumpkin-Apple Butter (because I can’t wait for Fall!).
The pancake balls were a huge hit with the girls. I regret not ordering a second helping as they devoured them so quickly. It was hilarious to see the expressions on their faces while they were eating. Harper enjoyed them so much that she even went back to the wagon to grab some more. I didn’t capture a photo, but Riley was lounging on Stephen’s lap and enjoying the pancake balls. Who wouldn’t want to be fed delicious treats like that? She’s definitely a mood.
Katalina’s most acclaimed sandwich is the Pork and Egg Sandwich, featuring slow-roasted Beeler’s pork drenched in Katalina’s secret sauce, topped with fried eggs, local Amish provolone, avocado, roasted red peppers, and aioli, all sandwiched between two generously sized pieces of toasted Old World loaf. The combination of textures and flavors is simply divine, making it the kind of sandwich you might not want to finish in one sitting, yet can’t help but keep eating. It’s a taste sensation like no other!
You can check out their entire menu + order on-line here. Oh, and they do offer coffee!
Second: Explore Harrison Park
Harrison Park is just a short walk away and I have to say, it’s a pretty adorable little park. Although I had been there once before, it was years ago and I had forgotten how charming it was. Here’s a fun little fact I learned recently: a section of the playground is actually dedicated to the grandmother of one of my friends, who was a beloved long-time resident and a major contributor to the community. I think that’s pretty amazing, don’t you?
Features
- A segment of the Olentangy Recreation Trail
- Park Benches/Picnic Tables, , including one handicap-accessible table
- Handicap-accessible gazebo
- A wonderful playground including an area for older children and Funk-ee-Town, a fenced area sporting a safety surface, designed specifically for younger children and named in memory of Mary Funk, a long-time Harrison West resident, advocate and activist
- Four public art pieces designed by Columbus College of Art & Design students and chosen through community-wide votes
- Fantastic river views
- Open grass fields perfect for picnics, games and relaxing in the sun
I love when a playground/park is split between toddler friendly and older kid. This park does that. The toddler area is mostly fenced in, spread out and kept the girls attention the entire time. The have a slide, a balance beam type of thing and a pretend play area. My descriptions for whats included aren’t really doing it justice – ha. Just take a look at the pictures below!
I appreciate the great hand rails and that when they get to the top, it isn’t open on either side.
Although I adore this playground, it doesn’t offer much shade, and by mid-morning, the full sun was pretty intense. However, the pretend play area I mentioned earlier had a covering, which provided a bit of relief from the heat! The girls had a blast climbing in and out of it.
The park also had a covered area called the Snack Shack, complete with three little seats. And in front of it, there were two riding toys that quickly became the girls’ favorite. They had a blast rocking back and forth on them as fast as they could, though they wished there was one more toy to share.
Seperating the two playgrounds are swings! Two bucket swings and four regular swings.
Riley didn’t mind there were only two bucket swings because she loves the “big kid” swings!
I found the climbing structure for the older kids to be quite unique and not commonly found at most playgrounds. It appeared to be a lot of fun!
Next to the playground, they had a see-saw and a rock like structure to climb on.
This is one of the four public art pieces designed by Columbus College of Art & Design students. On the other side (not pictured) are a few picnic tables, perfect for your breakfast/mid-morning snacks. Just make sure to bring something to wipe them down! ๐
We had a great time at this park. It was just the right size, had playground structures suitable for the girls’ age, and is situated in one of my favorite parts of the city! What’s more, it’s just a stone’s throw away from Katalina’s, which serves one of the most DELICIOUS breakfasts in Columbus.
Funk-ee Town Playground in Harrison Park
Address: 1018 Harrison Park Pl, Columbus, OH
Parking: On-street Parking
Shaded: Minimal shade. There is a tree in the middle of the toddler area, as well as a few of the play structures having tops to them. However, I would say this is not a shaded playground!
Toddler Friendly: Yes!!
Katalina’s in Harrison West
Address: 1105 Pennsylvania Ave, Columbus, OH 43201
Online Ordering: Yes
Curbside Pick-up: Yes
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