Brickmas & Last-Second Gifts!4 min read

I wanted to give you all one more idea for something fun to do with your family, so I went in to the newly remodeled Memorial Hall to check out the Lego exhibit. I had the pleasure of meeting Josh and Christy––the Event Managers and wealth of knowledge about the building––and was fortunate enough to get an extensive tour of this incredible space in OTR, across from Washington Park.

Memorial Hall has been closed for about a year, and everything was touched during the renovation. The building, that was first built to honor the more than 30,000 Hamilton County residents who’d fought in the Civil War, still has many artifacts beautifully hung throughout the building.  Every wall was hand painted to make it look like marble and wallpaper. All new bathrooms, floors redone and top-of-the-line audio equipment installed in every room.

The concert hall is absolutely stunning (not a word I use often, but when I do…I mean it)! All of the original, ornate details have been touched up and kept to its original look. The 600 chairs in the theater are all new, but look just like the originals…even including an under-the-seat hat holder for your “top hat”. :)

This is a place to consider for events of any size, because there are many rooms from which to choose. Picture a wedding in Washington Park and a reception right across the street! They have so many events already on the calendar, so make sure to check out their website. They have movies for all ages, concerts, shows and a fun Valentine dinner coming up.

But why wait to check it out!  They’re currently showcasing the Brickmas Lego exhibit! The kids (and adults) can do a scavenger hunt searching for certain legos.  It winds throughout the building and features rooms full of Lego scenes…like a Cincinnati scene, Batman, Minions and an interactive area where kids can build their own creations. And so much more. Bonus…the adults can sip on a cocktail while taking it all in!

The exhibit also features movie nights, showing Christmas movies like A Christmas Story, Elf and It’s a Wonderful Life. The movies are free with admission into Brickmas. So here’s to another new and fun tradition for families.

Memorial Hall
1225 Elm St.

Last-second (and I mean LAST-second) shopping!!

• Wine Merchant in Hyde Park has gift baskets ready for pick-up, or you can come in and create a custom-made basket for that special someone (who’s so important, you’ve waited this long to buy for)! They also offer a wine-of-the-month…the gift that keeps giving and has perks such as wine tasting too. The newly remodeled space is worth checking out. 3972 Edwards Rd. 513-732-1515

• My friend Kip makes the most unbelievable jewelry, and I am not just saying this because she is one of my peeps. Every Christmas I ask for “a Kip jewl” Every time I wear something she’s made, I get so many compliments it’s unbelievable. One-of-a-kind pieces that will steal the show! Email here asap to make someone very, very happy!  kipvota@yahoo.com

• If you’re out and about, stop in the Co-Op in Maderiaand pick up a cute outfit for the girl in your life. They have very affordable cute clothes and to-die-for shoes. 7892 Camargo Rd. 513-301-7276.

•Check out my previous posts for fun different stores in Liberty Center Mall and High Street for cool gifts and many others.

•You can always donate to a cause in someone’s name. Make a difference by clicking and donating, then put smiles on many faces!  Some of my favorite causes are Karen Wellington Living with Breast Cancer Foundation, MRC Music Resource Center, American Heart Association, Stepping Stones, Boys Hope Girls Hopeand many more. Click on the name to get more info.