Email
PrintHog heaven for specialty meats
A novelty item for sale at Generation Green.
Tim Johnson
SEEING GREEN Owners Steve and Heather Johnson take the merchandise at Generation Green seriously—they often test products at home before putting them in their store. They say the main thrust of their vocation is to protect the health of their family and the earth by selling “eco-friendly, stylish products.” The shop sells fair trade goods, tested products and consignments.
You’ll find an eclectic mix of recycled, sustainable, organic, biodegradable, compostable and gluten-free goods. The shop has sold more than a thousand reusable fabric lunch bags that cut down on the cost and proliferation of plastic bags. A simple gadget such as the $3.29 Zip-It strip cleans clogged drains without the use of harmful chemicals. You’ll also see toys made from recyclable milk jugs, body care items, jewelry, cleaning products and some organic cotton clothing. If you’re interested in composting, the Johnsons have been doing it for 12 years and are eager to advise. Look for special sales events in April.
Generation Green, 6351 Sawmill Rd. (at Sawmill and Rt. 161, in the Trader Joe’s plaza), 761-2222; generationgreenstore.com. Open Mon-Fri 10 am-7 pm, Sat till 5 pm, Sun noon-4 pm.
REALLY SMOKING Since 1886, Thurn’s has been a German Village-area mecca for fine specialty meats. As we head into the alfresco season, you might want to try the shop’s selection of meats, sausages and more. The goods are made each Monday through Wednesday, then sold to the public Thursday through Saturday. Fourth-generation owner Albert Thurn says the earlier you get there, the better selection you’ll have.
The shop offers six styles of summer sausage, seven bratwursts (from mild to smoked teriyaki) and 23 choices of sliced meat, including three kinds of tongue, capicola, blood sausage, schinken, roast beef and corned beef. Smoked meats include bacon, pork loin, tasso, chicken wings, cottage ham and more. There are five types of snack sticks, various cheeses and fresh pork items such as whole or half hogs, bellies, ribs, pulled pork and ham salad. Cash and checks only; no credit cards.
Thurn’s, 530 Greenlawn Ave. (just west of I-71), 443-1449. Open Thu-Fri 8 am-6 pm, Sat 7 am-1 pm; closed Sun-Wed.
BENEFITS BRING BARGAINS In 1872, the von Maur family opened its first store in Davenport, Iowa. Today there are 27 locations in 11 states, including two in Ohio. Part of its success is due to the special benefits it offers, including free shipping with no minimum purchase, free gift wrap, free alterations and an interest-free credit card with no fees.
Von Maur is a complete department store for men, women and children that’s designed to create a relaxed shopping experience. During most business hours, a pianist plays the grand piano. As you walk through the store, you might notice sales racks in most departments. Markdowns are made on Thursdays, and if an item doesn’t sell, second and third markdowns are made on Wednesdays. The ladies’ shoe department has a room with footwear that has been reduced. I bought a $100 pair of fur-lined boots for $17. Other discounts I saw were men’s shirts for half price, a $24 scarf for $12 and a Burberry cashmere scarf that was originally $376 priced at $251. If you’re looking for a unique gift item, you might find something in the markdown section on the second floor.
Von Maur, 1530 Polaris Pkwy. (in Polaris Fashion Place), 781-7855; vonmaur.com. Open Mon-Sat 10 am-9 pm, Sun noon-6 pm.
BUILDING A COMMUNITY Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore not only builds affordable houses for families, it also helps the public spruce up their own homes by selling new and donated building materials at a discount. The company opened its second store in Columbus this winter.
You’ll find deals on new and reusable materials for home improvement and decorating projects. Prices are typically 50 percent below retail. Donations arrive daily. You might find cabinets, flooring, wall coverings, countertops, windows, sinks, fixtures, electrical supplies and exterior siding.
ReStore East, 3140 Westerville Rd., and ReStore West, 240 N. Wilson Rd., 737-8673; habitatcolumbus.org/restore. Open Mon-Sat 9 am-6 pm, Sun noon-5 pm.
