Things We Love: Picks from Maren Roth
Maren Roth is the owner of Short North women's boutique Rowe (718 N. High St.) and co-owner of newcomer Kiln Men's Mercantile (988 N. High St.). Rowe began as a pop-up shop in May 2006, opened its permanent doors in 2007 and expanded in 2010, more than doubling the size of the store. In the 11 years since it debuted, Rowe has been a go-to shopping destination.
In 2017 Maren and her husband, Marc, opened a uniquely curated men's shop, Kiln, also located in the Short North. Both shops will take part in the 614 Reduction Sale, a one-day warehouse sale with discounted merchandise, on Saturday, Aug. 18, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Edgework Creative, 1271 Edgehill Rd. For $10, early-bird shoppers (9-10 a.m.) get first crack at the goods; the fee goes to local charity Flying Horse Farms.
Here are some things Roth loves.
Franklin Park Conservatory Children's Garden
As a parent, I am always trying to find cool and interesting things to do with my kid that help foster her creativity and interest in the outdoors. This past spring the Franklin Park Conservatory opened the highly anticipated Children's Garden, and it does not disappoint! The thought that went into creating this incredible space for kids is just mind-blowing! My 2-year-old, Lennon, absolutely loves it, and even if I didn't have kids I would go and enjoy this place.
Basi Italia
I moved back to Columbus from NYC, and when I stumbled upon Basi I felt like I was back in New York. Although I love eating inside because it's such an intimate and enjoyable experience, the outdoor back patio is my favorite spot. Even in the winter we eat out back, which the restaurant encloses and heats (and provides blankets in case you need a little extra warmth). From the space to the food to the staff, everything at Basi is perfection. Some of my favorite meals and moments from living in Columbus have been at Basi.
The Jack Roth Fund's annual 5K Rock 'N' Run
Although the run started out as my brainchild 14 years ago, it's the work of many people that make it come to life. After losing my dad, Jack, to lung cancer (he was a healthy runner and not a smoker) at the age of 57, I wanted to do something to raise awareness and money so we could prevent future families from going through the same awful loss. I knew nothing about starting a run, so I enlisted the help of my dad's friend, and he suggested we also incorporate the organization that my dad fought so tirelessly for — a camp for special needs children in Israel through the Masorti Foundation. The run is not only a 5K but a family and community event in Bexley that is highly anticipated every year. To date, we have raised over $1.3 million for both the vital research and treatment necessary to combat lung cancer, and to support the Jack Roth Camp Netaim program in Israel. For more info visit jackrothfund.org.
Live at Carol's House
Although I can't hold a tune or play an instrument, I have a love of music that stems from the many years my parents spent fostering it. I remember waking up on Sunday mornings to jazz playing in my house, and I was taken to my first concert (Cyndi Lauper) at the age of 5 and my second and third concerts (Madonna and Bruce Springsteen) not long after. We go as a family to music festivals, concerts and local shows.
Not too long ago my aunt started a local music series called Live at Carol's House. Recently it has grown out of her house and landed at the Hey Hey. It's an incredibly intimate and intoxicating experience. She doesn't make money from doing this; she just loves to help these talented musicians on their journey. I am so lucky to have such inspiring people in my world that are doing great things. My Aunt Carol is one of them!