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.
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 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 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.
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.
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.
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
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