Coffee, Pastry, and Red Bricks: An Early Morning Guide to New Albany's Market Square

This is part ten of a travel series of our midwest road trip covering four states and two national parks.  We began our journey in Lake Geneva Wisconsin.  If you missed it, start HERE!

There is a quiet, postcard-perfect magic to New Albany, Ohio, just before the busyness of the weekday morning begins to stir.   The heart of the morning experience centers around Market Square, a beautiful Georgian-style district lined with classic red-brick storefronts.  Whether you are walking the brick-paved sidewalks with a fresh coffee in hand, admiring the architecture or floral displays;  a morning spent in New Albany is the ultimate way to experience Ohio's most charming neighborhood.

 

After two luxurious days in Mount Vernon Ohio, it was time to pack our bags and head to our next destination:  Columbus Ohio where we would visit the Botanical Gardens and the German Village.  But first, we had to make another stop along the way: New Albany which is  named America's #1 "suburb in America" by Business Insider.

New Albany is a master-planned community defined by its classical architecture, rich history, and manicured landscapes.  Residential and commercial buildings follow strict Neo-traditional design guidelines, primarily featuring Georgian-Palladian and Federal Style red-brick architecture paired with picket white fences.

The beauty of the red brick was striking.  Everything looked so new, clean, and pristine, but the concept was conceived and implemented in the 1990's. 

As much as I loved the architecture of New Albany, the gardener in me really appreciated the flowers!  Just look at these hanging baskets hanging from the old-fashioned street lamps.  Gorgeous.  Flower baskets, pots, window boxes, and gardens filled every nook and corner of Market Square.  It was like walking through a botanical garden.

We were there so early in the morning the only shops that were open were the coffee shops and the library.  Some of the shops include a toy store, an art gallery, a couple of women's clothing and accessory boutiques, a gift shop, two ice cream stores, and restaurants.

The New Albany Library sits proudly in the center of the shopping district right in front of the Village Green.

The New Albany library was opened in Market Square in 2003.  The original library first opened in 1998 as a joint-use school and public library at New Albany Public High School then later moved here.  It underwent a major renovation in 2021 but you wouldn't know it as the building's design looks like it has been here for ages.

The green space behind the library is Rose Run Park.  The Library Garden and Marx Reading Center is located right behind the library building.  This section features a scenic lawn, a birch-tree lined walk, patio space, and a reading terrace designed for outdoor library programs and relaxation.

The brick and iron footbridge spans across Rose Run Creek,  linking the library side of the corridor to the school campus and the Charleen and Charles Hinson Amphitheater. 

The Market Square shopping district mirrors an upscale, historic village rather than a modern commercial strip.  The brick-paved crosswalks, gas-style street lamps, and hidden courtyards reward early morning wanderers like my husband and I.

I found it ironic that although we were on our way to visit a botanical garden, I was also enjoying the flower gardens at New Albany's Market Square.  It was like watching a trailer to a coming attraction! 😀

I love how the chartreuse color of this plant coordinates with the chartreuse in the coleus planted beneath.

A central lawn with bright white benches and perfectly aligned trees separates the stores and library.  The Village Green hosts seasonal markets and events.  A flag pole is placed strategically in the center of The Village Green.

The transformation of New Albany, Ohio from a quiet rural town of fewer than 500 residents into one of the country's premier upscale master-planned communities was driven by the collaborative vision of retail billionaire Lex Wexner and real estate developer Jack Kessler.  Through The New Albany Company, founded in the mid-1980's they sought to entirely rethink modern suburban development.

Walking the brick paved streets of today's modern town, it's hard to believe New Albany was once a small farming town established in 1837 that has grown to a population of 11,770.

The lush, intentional landscaping changes with the seasons.  There are vibrant tulips in spring, cascading flowers in summer, and rich autumn displays.  We were visiting in mid-August when all the Viburnum bushes were in bloom.  The big, round blossoms soften the brick architecture, creating an inviting, walkable environment.

The apartments located directly across the street from Market Square had the same Georgian-style red brick.  I could easily see myself living there, so close to bike trails, parks, the library, and shopping. 

We were ecstatic to see our favorite chain restaurant, Mellow Mushroom in the square.  If only it were lunch time and we could enjoy a pizza!

Mellow Mushroom restaurants usually have a very bold, neon-colored, psychedelic design, which obviously is not allowed here.  But I loved how they still managed to stay true to their brand by keeping the retro 60's design yet softening the colors to fit in with the Federal-Style red brick architecture of Market Square.

Wexner and Kessler explicitly designed the community to reject post-WWII suburban sprawl.  Inspired by the historic countryside of Cotswold, England, they mandated a uniform, upscale aesthetic centered around Georgian Palladianism.   Every detail--from the multi-million dollar estates and Market Square storefronts to the iconic white equestrian fencing, historic street lamps, and wooden street signs--was meticulously planned to project timeless, classical luxury.

Rather than building disconnected residential subdivisions, the creators designed a cohesive lifestyle ecosystem.  They established a pedestrian-friendly layout centered around a walkable town center...Market Square.

To promote high quality life, the master plan integrated over 50 miles of leisure trails, extensive park systems, and cultural amenities like an amphitheater and a unified 120-acre public school campus.

Wexner and Kessler recognized that maintaining an elite school system and top-tier civic infrastructure required a massive, independent tax base.  Their vision included the creation of New Albany Business park which has grown to over 11,000 acres.  By attracting global tech giants like Microsoft, Meta, and Google for data centers, and anchoring a massive tech manufacturing boom highlighted by Intel's $20 billion semiconductor site, the park effectively funds the community's high-end residential amenities.

I know data centers are getting a bad rap these days, and I certainly understand the concerns, but when I see places like this where they really benefit the community if done right, it's hard for me to say "no" to data centers.

While the city is widely celebrated for its precise execution of "smart growth" design, its rapid corporate expansion has shifted the landscape from a purely pastoral country enclave into an industrial tech powerhouse.

Now after reading all the history of the town you are probably wondering what it costs to live here, I know I was!  The median household income is $200,001.  The average home ranges from $569,900 to $708,001...way out of my price range! 😀

New Albany is the dream that most Americans will never experience.  Their public schools are consistently rated in the top 3% of Ohio.  Every New Albany Plains Schools student attends class on a beautiful 200-acre learning campus that also includes an 80-acre nature preserve and wetlands area.  Wouldn't you love that for that your own children? 

New Albany also has over 81 miles of leisure trails and more than 2000 acres of park land.

Market Square has so many outdoor dining options for warm summer days.  Outdoor patios blend seamlessly with the classic brick architecture.  I loved how the shades of this restaurant can be opened or closed depending on the weather.  And the beautiful floral patio boxes can be enjoyed inside or out.

Stepping onto the dew-kissed red-brick sidewalks of this Georgian-style district the crisp morning air immediately guides you toward Fox in the Snow.  The aroma of freshly baked pastries and expertly crafted espresso pulls you into their beautiful rustic-modern space.  With a warm cup in hand and a world-class soufflé egg sandwich ready to enjoy, sitting outside among the elegant brick storefronts is the most delicious way to experience New Albany's signature charm.

Other than Starbucks, The Fox in the Snow seemed to be the busiest spot in Market Square when we were there.  We found the Fox emblem so interesting.  This Ohio store does not put their name on their storefronts, instead they paint a white fox (can you spot it in the photo above).  History tells us that the founders could not afford a sign when they opening their first location and instead hired a student to paint a simple illustration of a fox as its placeholder.

The inside of the restaurant had a modern industrial vibe which I loved.  Fox in the Snow does not have customer wi-fi which is an intentional, refreshing design choice that forces you away from your phone screen and into engaging with others while you enjoy delicious food and drinks.

The most famous item on the Fox in the Snow's menu is their Soufleed Egg Sandwich:  a central Ohio legend.  It features a perfectly thick, impossibly fluffy square of souffléd egg layered with melted Swiss cheese, sweet and smoky candied bacon, crisp arugula, and a zesty punch of Dijon mustard-mayo. Everything is cradled inside a tender, crackly-crusted ciabatta roll that holds it all together beautifully.

Unfortunately I already had breakfast that morning, so I could not eat a breakfast sandwich as much I wanted to try one.  Instead I chose one of their many Artisanal bakery items which are displayed in towering glass bakery cases and made fresh from scratch every morning.  My husband and I split a Blueberry Galette.  It cradles tart blueberries in a bed of rich vanilla cream cheese and flaky, sugar-encrusted dough.  YUM!  It was so so good it was heavenly!

Ultimately, New Albany's story is one of purposeful transformation, and nowhere is that more evident than in Market Square.  What began in 1837 as a modest farming crossroads has evolved into the vibrant, beating heart of the community.  Surrounded by the classic Georgian architecture that defines the city, Market Square seamlessly bridges New Albany's rich history with its modern energy.  

Have A Great Day!  Amy

Linking Up with these Fabulous Blogs HERE!

For more posts on our Midwest Road Trip, check these out:

A Gilded Age Getaway:  Our Boat Tour of Lake Geneva's Black Point Estate

The Best of Indiana Dunes National Park:  Tackling Dune Succession and Mt. Baldy

Exploring the Best of Cuyahoga Valley:  Brecksville Reservation and the Towpath Trail 

 

Chasing Waterfalls in the Cuyahoga Valley

Thunder over the Ledges:  A Moody Trek in Cuyahoga Valley

Nature, History, & Charm:  Our Journey Through Beaver Marsh, Peninsula, and Everett Covered Bridge in Cuyahoga Valley National Park 

Charming Streets & Historic Vibes:  Mount Vernon is Ohio's Best-Kept Small-Town Secret

                               Bridges, History, and College Towns:  Exploring the Kokosing Gap Trail 

         Beauty from Brick and Steel:  How an Abandoned Glass Factory Became a World-Class Park

Beyond the Pumpkin: Elegant Fall Decorating Ideas for a Collected Home

As the crisp autumn air settles in and the leaves begin their vibrant transformation, there is a natural instinct to pull inward and gather.  We want to make our homes feel cozy and warm and we usually do that with fall decor.   But decorating your home for the season doesn't have to involve all new fall decor.  Instead shop your own closet, repurpose items you already own, add just a few new items if you must, and visit thrift stores.

  True seasonal beauty lies in the art of the slow layers--weaving in rich textures, deep tones, and natural elements that respect the architectural bones of your space.  Today, we are exploring elegant fall decorating ideas for a collected home, focusing on how to elevate your surroundings with curated, meaningful updates that celebrate autumn with sophistication and grace. 

The secret to a sophisticated home isn't buying a whole new look each season--it's the art of the mix.  True elegance comes from pairing the items you already love, with intentional, fresh elements.

Mix the Old with the New

In my small sitting area I have a cozy, light green chair.  The fresh sage green looks lovely in the spring and summer but a bit out of place in the fall and winter.  To warm it up I added a pumpkin colored small throw that I purchased from Amazon, and a fall picture from Aldi.  Both pieces were so inexpensive:  under $15.00 each.  I just love the warm, vintage print from Aldi;  its style fits in very well with my late 1800's home.  The inexpensive pumpkin throw is so soft and cozy, and apparently Milo thinks so too.  How do cats always find the prettiest, coziest spot in the house for a nap?

Below the autumn wall hanging, I placed an old fall arrangement;  mixing the old decor with the new.

Use What You Already Own

Achieve a stunning, autumn aesthetic without overspending by using what you already own.  Tiered trays may not be as popular in the decorating world as they once were, but they are still in style.  I love decorating mine for the seasons and holidays because it is a small way to decorate without creating too much seasonal clutter.

Because tiered trays are three dimensional, I've included multiple photos of all sides.

I have had my tiered tray for years, but I have purchased newer small items to put in it when I see them.  Last year I added some velvet mushrooms and a little ceramic mushroom.  Mushrooms were really on-trend the past few years, and I am still seeing a lot of mushroom-themed objects in stores.  By adding a few new mushroom pieces to my tiered tray collection I have instantly updated my fall decor.

Fill in the bare spots with fall florals and picks and add some chunky wooden pieces like this blue pick up truck loaded with sunflowers.

Use cupcake stands or wooden blocks to create height for items that might be too small for your stand.  Here I elevated a wood block sign on top of a ceramic cupcake stand.

Display Seasonal Family Photos

Photos of my family are displayed all year long;  an inexpensive seasonal decor idea is to change out the photos seasonally.  It's not only a way to keep photos updated, but it reduces clutter because you're not adding anything more to your space.

  I love this clip photo collage frame I picked up years ago because I can so easily change the photos with the seasons/holidays.  The sunflower photo of my husband and I fits in perfectly with the rest of my fall decor.

And don't forget your other senses!  In front of the frame I placed a scented ceramic "Cinnamon Spiced Vanilla" candle to bring in all those amazing smells of autumn and add a beautiful glow in the evenings.

The tiered tray, candle, and photo frame sit on top of my piano all year.  The only thing that changes is the decor inside the tray, the photos in the frame, and whatever accent I add (like the glass pumpkin and large leaf).

                                      Use Seasonal Dishes

Change out your dinnerware if you own multiple sets.

A plate rail goes around the entire dining room and I added some fall themed plates to the rail.  I change my plates out with the seasons.  I am always on the lookout for new plates, and being a huge fan of bird prints I fell in love with these fall bird plates from Hobby Lobby last year.  I adore the soft subtle fall design of these plates. 

Shop Your Backyard

On top of one of my china cabinets I placed a very old fall sign surrounded by subtle fall textures.  Mine are made of artificial and dried florals, but don't be afraid to shop your backyard.  Look for pinecones, dried seed pods, or wild grasses to place in vintage vessels you already own.

Shop Thrift Stores & Estate Sales

In another area of the dining room I have a corner see-thru hutch.  I purchased this curved glass hutch at Goodwill for $10.00 many years ago.  It was originally painted a high gloss brown and I did a distressed light grey chalk paint over it.  I change the dinnerware out three times a year;  now I have an antique autumn dining set inside which was another thrift store find.  I paid only $10.00 for the entire collection!  Old dishes are always so easy to find, and they are so inexpensive!  Thrift store owners say they are the hardest items to sell because nobody wants them so they are really cheap.  I LOVE antique dishes and think they are great for decorating with, but I'm also not afraid to use mine.

Use Books to Decorate.

One of my favorite ways to seasonally decorate is to use books.  Some books have such pretty covers why not put them on display?  This fall I ordered two new fall devotional books from Dayspring.  They both have the prettiest covers and pages inside, and the devotionals are meaningful too.  I placed my new book on an easel which is on top of a very large leaf I found while hiking.  This leaf is several years already, and is still in good shape.  I just pressed it the old fashioned way...inside a an old heavy book.

The other items on top of the china cabinet are older:  a ceramic turkey and a floral arrangement in a tin vase.  I love the softer fall colors inside and out of this hutch.

Add Fall Florals to Vases that Normally Fill your Space.

In the kitchen I simply added some faux fall flowers to my milk bottle vase that normally sits in the windowsill above the sink.  And the ceramic leaf I found in a thrift store for only $1.50.  While on a fall weekend trip my husband and I stumbled upon a thrift store which was so ridiculously inexpensive I walked out with a full box of goodies for only $20.00 and this leaf was one of them.  It is a great piece to display in a sink window because I can safely take my jewelry off and place it inside the leaf before doing dishes.  Thrift stores are a great place to find inexpensive seasonal decor.

        Change Out your Placemats and Dining Table Centerpiece.

For my dining room table I like to change the placemats out with each season and place a seasonal centerpiece.  I purchased this old wooden dough bowl from Hobby Lobby a couple of years ago and I just love it because it is so easy to decorate, it fits the length of my table well, and most importantly it is low so I can see the person sitting across from me.

I chose round jute placemats to add texture to a fall table setting.  The jute introduces a raw, organic element that contrasts with smooth dinnerware and immediately warms up a table.

 The fall arrangement placed inside the dough bowl is actually one solid piece that I purchased from Hobby Lobby.  The florals are attached to a thin wooden block;  all I have to do is place the entire arrangement inside the bowl which makes decorating super easy for me.  Plus, because everything is attached my kittens can't pull one piece out and bat it around the house.  Those little rascals tore my spring arrangement apart on a daily basis.  I got so tired of putting the arrangement back together everyday.  I am determined to find a one piece arrangement for spring next year.

Leave In Place What Already Works

The sign "Grateful, Thankful, Blessed" hangs above my dining room doorway all year long but it really fits it well this time of year, doesn't it?

Change Out Your Wall Hangings/Pictures

In addition to fall plates, I also add fall photos or photos with the soft colors of fall to my plate rail.

Take advantage of wall hangings you already own.  This is a photo I picked up on a vacation to West Virginia.  The fall leaves in the photo are perfect for decorating this time of year.  

Style your Foyer for the Changing Seasons

In my entryway I have a side table that greets guests.  The "hello" basket and chicken sit on the table all year long except Christmas time;  I simply change out the florals with the season. 

This beautiful leaf shaped bowl and the pine cone were some of my new thrift store finds this year.   The bowl is food friendly so I will be sure to use it on my Thanksgiving table too!

The rooster was a birthday gift from my friend.  I do collect ceramic chickens as they fit well with my country home.  I filled the tin milk vase with faux fall florals.

                                               Warm Up a Shelf with Candles and Florals

My family room is the most difficult room to seasonally decorate because I don't have any tables in there.  I just have a large tv and a wall-to-wall sectional.  I do have a small wall shelf though, so I just added a vase of fall florals.

                                                   Don't Forget the Guest Room

In my downstairs guest room I added a fall candle surrounded by fall florals on top of the dresser.

                   Add a Seasonal Item(s) to Existing Collections

Add just one seasonal item or seasonal florals to a collection you already have on display. 

This small corner stand sits at the foot of my staircase.  The objects I have placed are there all year long, but I usually change out the flowers, or add a seasonal item like the white pumpkin.

Transform your Hallway for Autumn Using Seasonal Accents

Add seasonal garlands to items already in your space.  Here I added a fall garland to the top of my mirror, quilt rack, and wall shelf.  Fall floral arrangements were also placed on the table tops.

                          Take Advantage of the Room Colors

The peachy warm colors of the hallway already lent themselves to fall, so all I had to do was pick florals that blended well with the existing colors.  The pillow regularly sits on that chair and coordinates well with the fall florals.  I added a little fall plaque to the peg rail that is also in the same color range.

The battery-operated candle/lantern is a regular feature of the table, all I do is switch out the florals seasonally.

At its core, cultivating an elegant, collected home for autumn isn't about striving for picture-perfect perfection or buying into fleeting retail trends.  It is about leaning into the natural rhythm of the season---slowing down, adding layers of physical warmth, and surrounding yourself with objects that carry meaning.  By starting with the treasures you already own, bringing the beauty of the outdoors inside, and choosing just a few intentional new pieces, you create a space that feels uniquely yours.  So before you run out to the stores this weekend, take a walk through your own rooms and your backyard.  You might be surprised by the autumnal magic that is already waiting to be discovered.

What is your favorite heirloom or item you already own that always makes an appearance when the weather turns cold?  Let me know in the comments below.

Have A Great Day!  Amy

Linking Up with these Fabulous Blogs HERE!