Brickmas & Last-Second Gifts!

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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.

It’s almost here!

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Tick Tock, my friends. I’m here to help with some last-minute ideas––both local and online.

• I am in love with a sock company based out of New York called Bombas. They have awesome colors and styles. The best part? For every pair you buy, a pair is donated to the homeless!! Love this! Order today to get them by Christmas.

• Think summertime when trying to think of a good gift. A really good one is a Ticketmastergift card for concerts at Riverbend, golf lessons or a pass for the neighborhood pool.

• Another give back item: If you have someone with an Apple watch the TOMScompany has great bands. For every watch band purchase, TOMS will help provide one year of solar light to a person in need! Awesome!


• If you have that person that says they don’t need anything and they don’t want any clutter, how about a good magazine subscription? So many from health, decorating to travel. Read it, then toss it or give it to a retirement center after you’ve collected a few…they love it! Kids also enjoy magazines, and they love getting mail. There are some perfect ones for the youngsters like Click and Cricket or Sports Illustrated for Kids. When the chaos of Christmas is over and they have lost the head to lego guy … they will love this gift every month.

• Sometimes people, like an older relative, may want something to look forward to. Give them a night out with a specific date so you don’t let time tick away and forget. Tell them you are taking them to a movie and dinner. It’s nice in the gray days of January to have something on the calendar. Keep a look for great new restaurants right here on my blog ;)

• Baby it’s cold outside! I recently visited the local company Fabulous Furs, and I can promise there’s a woman in your life who would love something from them! Go online and check it out or head to their showroom. They make faux furs, blankets, hats and so much more. They have a long list of celebrities they’ve worked with and movies and shows that have featured their furs! They have some great sales right now, so check it out.  I recently got two, and I love them!! Hey guys if you call ahead and tell what you are looking for they will have some things ready for you when  you stop in. The one on the right was in O magazine and on the show Empire!

• If you want to get some really special jewelry for someone, head to Hyde Park and check out Peek of Chic. You will make someone very very happy!!  This isn’t jewelry you’ll see anywhere else. I promise! And they have so much more!


• If you have some time to kill, check out Etsy. You can find something for everyone, and you’ll probably get something for yourself :)

• Almost everyone likes a candle! So get a gift card for someone to go with a friend (or you) to the Candle Lab in OTR. Such a fun time to pick out your own scent…and you actually make your own candle!

• Ok, so I’m getting to that point where, when I’m at a restaurant, I have trouble seeing the menu . (Yikes, I hate admitting this in writing!) Anyway, I found these cool glasses called Thinoptics. They come in a very slim case and can stick to the back of your phone. This way they’re always with you because, let’s face it, we rarely leave home without a phone!!

• Looking for something festive to do? Check out the Krohn Conservatory. They have a great train set up for the kids and a miniature village featuring all the major buildings of Cincinnati. Great for the whole family.

• New place to eat…Gomez Salsain Walnut Hills. If you are familiar with Gomez in OTR, it’s the walk-up window connected to the bar Half Cut. Now Gomez has its own eat-in, and ohhhhhh  it’s so good, my mouth is watering. The best is the turtle… A crunchy tortilla shell where you get to pick what you want in it! Amazeballs!  Parking on the street or in lot on the side of the building. Full bar available…check out their signature fire margaritas. Hotties!  ;)


• What to watch?? If you haven’t indulged yet, you MUST binge-watchThis Is Us. I’m telling you, it’s one of the best show on right now! Oh and FYI…it’s a tear jerker !

Light it up!!!

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Tonight, when my husband came home from work, I said “Let’s all load up in the car…I have something I want to check out for my blog.” As usual, my boys were uninterested in anything I want to do and skipped it!

Kevin and I headed out to the Christmas Night of Lightsat Coney Island. OMG, it was so flipping cool!! Great music synchronized with a light show for a 25-minute drive. I am posting a few pics but I don’t want to show you too much because I want you to enjoy it as much as we did. (Don’t look at the links if you like to be surprised)!

I met the owner as we pulled in, and she said she––along with her husband and a team––has been putting up the more than 1 million lights on the 2-mile drive since October 1st.  This is the first year for the display, and I can easily say it will be a tradition for many for years to come…if they continue it. I’m telling you, we must have said, “this is so cool” 50 times!

Needless to say when I came home and showed my boys a video, they were impressed. We will be going back as a family for sure.

• Put your radio on 97.5 when you pull in and be ready to be awed… after you pay, you’ll be asked to turn off your lights.
• It’s open rain or shine from dusk til 10:00. If your car is in a line at 10, they’ll allow you in.
• It’s open now through Jan 1st (including holidays).
• There are certain spots where you can pull aside to watch the show and allow other cars to pass.
• It’s $6 per person. 3 and under are free.
• Weekends have been very busy, so they suggest Mon-Thursdays as your best bet. I say put the kids in their jammies and make it their goodnight story.

Coney Island – 6201 Kellogg Ave.

This is a must for everyone!

I wanted to pass this calendar along. I think it is a nice reminder to have around this month. Never too late :)

You can’t judge a book(store) by its cover!

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So when I said I would post “almost daily,” I kept that wide open…meaning “holy crap, it’s a busy time of year, and I’m having a ton of fun!” I’m going to get better with keeping up as I’m trying to decorate my house and squeeze in all the “family tradition” things that your kids remind you that we’re supposed to be doing…btw last night was St. Nick and, yes, my kids are in high school, but I still had to run downstairs in the middle of the night… as if…. :)
Yesterday I was looking around at Joseph-Beth Booksellers.  Not only is it an amazing bookstore with 5 locations, but the ones in Rookwood, Lexington and Crestview have an amazing café. (And when I say café, I not only mean a great spot to eat…but cocktails!!) Jo Beth also has some of the best little gifts. I want to share a few that might help cross some items off your list:
The Cincinnati holiday platter – $49.  So cute for the mother-in-law or just about anyone who serves up some crackers and cheese for the holidays. They also have one that is not holiday specific.
I want this! Coffee Press on the go – $29. Give this to your coffee lover!
For the guys…every man I know could use this. No Sew- $17 It is a little tin with 3 colors of buttons that you can use to replace a lost button. It has a back somewhat like a rubber earring back. They are reusable. So you can use them until you get grandma to replace the button for you!
In Car Nito- $20 It looks like a book… but it holds your stuff in your car that doesn’t fit anywhere. Stop those nighttime car thieves…just hope they don’t like books!
Hamilton!! Well, not everyone can afford Hamilton tickets, so get them the next best thing. Hamilton the Revolution book- $45. It is quite a cool book with tons of pics and behind the scenes info.
Great hostess gifts or for anyone really is the Frasier Fir scents from candles to soaps and lotions. It is the most amazing smell. Get the spray for someone who has an artificial tree…you’ll really fake people out :)
I love mini things, so this kids Nativity set-$9.95 caught my eye! It is a cute little box containing tiny wooden puzzle pieces and a miniature book.
I’m not going to leave out my Hanukkah friends! There’s a table full of goodies including the cute Mensch on a Bench, which was invented and developed by a Cincinnati guy, Neal Hoffman!
For the light reader, there are books about every area in Cincinnati and specific landmarks. Pretty cool!
If you have an avid reader, the Joseph Beth membership card is great! They get deals on books, events and money off for the café.
I promise you’ll find more things while looking around!
Locations in Rookwood, Lexington, Crestview Hills, Cleveland Clinic and Christ Hospital.

Surprise! It isn’t what you think. :)

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A new, hip speakeasy has me a tad smitten lately, and I’m not the only one to notice. The NY Timeshas even written about it! Wow, Hey Michelle and The NY Timeswriting about the same thing. Oh, if my teachers could see me now!

This is the place you want to take your cool cousins or hip friends from out of town…it’s not like your other hangouts.

Video Archivecaught my eye, because I think I’m the only one that misses Blockbuster and the ability to get any movie when I want it. No, Netflix doesn’t do that! I’ve gone through my 500 channels and still can never find a good flick I want to watch. So, yes, I miss a video store.

When you come upon this incredible video store in Walnut Hills––with a funky bunny painting on the window––you’re not quite sure what it is. You walk in, and a friendly “movie specialist” is there to help you pick out just the right movie. When you pull it off the shelf, the secret is revealed! A video shelf moves, and, voila…a Quentin Terantino-themed, kick-butt bar is exposed!

Jacob Trevino––who loves movies and is a Molly Wellman-trained mixologist––had the chance to open a bar, and he went all-in on the theme. Everywhere you glance are hints about Terantino, with his movies on TVs and other movies projected above the bar. Pulp Fiction pictures hang around the vintage Wurlitzer jukebox, and there are plenty of creatively named cocktails.

Per usual, I don’t want to tell you everything so you can be surprised too, but you need to go have Jeremy or Jonathan shake you up a drink or a Five Dollar Milkshake ;)

There is a quaint little courtyard with a fire pit and a walk up window to Just Q’in BBQ. They have great theme nights and a Fight Club (join for wine tastings, and after you attend 5, you get a deal on the 6th). And, yes, they have a level 2 sommelier so probs some good wine from off the beaten path because you wouldn’t expect anything common here! Join their Facebookpage for info on all fun upcoming events.  For instance, on Dec. 17th from 6-9 is one my husband “Double O Kevin” would like…James Bond Night! $7/007 cocktails and the movies playing all night. Bonus…if you come all dapper in a tux, you get a martini for free!

Trevino also owns another themed bar in Pleasant Ridge called Overlook Lodge. While it isn’t a “secret bar” it’s definitely one to check out for its sly references to the movie “The Shining.”

• Parking directly out front on the street.  Come with a friend…this area is on the rise, but better safe…

Video Archive – 965 E. McMillian

Blown away

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Starting today I’ll be posting almost daily with some gift-giving ideas for everyone in your life…and some things to do over the holidays!  I hope you enjoy some of my favorite stores, ideas and services I think you’ll love. Don’t worry, I’ll still tell you some great new places to grab a cocktail because, God knows, we need them this time of year!

I’ll start by telling you about my awesome experience today that made me feel like a celebrity!  I had a stylist––Brianna (she rocked)––from Blown Away come to my house and completely dry and style my hair…just how I wanted it. She was in and out in 45 minutes. This is a new service offered by Blown in Kenwood. Blown is a Dry Studio, meaning they do all of the cool styling and fancy stuff to your hair that you don’t have time for…or the five hands it seems to take to do it! So now with this Uber-type service, this can be done at your home in your jammies if you want.

All you do is call, make an appointment, choose your service––which can also be makeup and/or faux eye lash application––give your payment info, then prepare to be transformed. Seriously, it was the easiest morning ever. I sat in my house with a cup of coffee and wet hair, and, in a blink, my hair was salon-style beautiful. If you don’t know what you want, they’ll give you a book of ideas––from beach curls to an updo––and your stylist will help you decide.

So, whether you want to surprise someone with a gift card for the holidays…or get your own hair done for all your parties…or even have a special Mother/Daughter day (they have services for little girls too), this is one of my favorite things for the season! Don’t forget to think about weddings, proms or a fun girls night out!

Go to their Facebook page now and enter a contest to win a Blown Away service at home for you and 5 friends or at work with co-workers!

Don’t forget if you don’t want someone coming to your home because you don’t want to clean up or you just want to get out of your house, you can pop into Blown in Kenwood and receive the same fun services.

Pictures below of primping at my house before going to meet Bruce Springsteen! He has a new book out, Born To Run, that I’m going to dive into right now! Available at Joseph Beth Bookstore. Shop local ;)

Wine Me, Dine Me

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Napa shnapa. Who needs to book a flight when you have an active winery in OTR?

Skeleton Root, which opened its doors in September, is serving up some delicious wines and doing so with as much local grape as possible. When you visit, erase everything you think you know about local grapes and wines so you can enjoy the wines without preconceived notions. I tried the red flight which is a great way to sample all they have to offer. I really enjoyed the Petit Verdot, but they were all tasty, and I can only imagine with a meal they would be even better!

This huge, hip spot should be on everyone’s radar. On top of being a cool local, winery, it can be the location of your next party, wedding reception, rehearsal dinner or an awesome auction dinner party! They even hold a floral making class once a month in one of the rooms. An adorable florist Gia & the Blooms––also from OTR––was doing a class when I stopped by, and everyone was making fragrant door wreaths. Just think how creative you’d be, making something while you have unlimited access to wine!

Kate McDonald is the mastermind behind it all. She is an engineer by trade, but a wine enthusiast by nature. She started dabbling in wine making her own.  Then, after taking some classes, and as her love for the whole wine thing grew, she quit her job and moved to Napa. There she worked for the Lewis Cellars, where she was able to get her hands dirty and learn the business. She knew she wanted to come back to Cincinnati. With her excitement for wine and her love of history––especially the history of wine right here––it was a no brainer.

As Kate, who is so knowledgeable and eager to share, was giving me the very extensive tour, I was once again surprised at how much I don’t know about the city I grew up in. A connection was brought about when she mentioned Nicholas Longworth and Catawba grapes. My three boys attended St. Ursula Villa School by Ault Park in Mt. Lookout. There used to be wisteria trellises on the property that looked like vines, and we knew there was a vineyard history in the area…hence the school’s address––Vineyard Place––and another street across from the school named Catawba…a heritage grape from our region that Kate uses now! When Kate was telling her story, she brought up Longworth’s wine vineyard, which sprawled from the school area all the way to Mt. Adams. What an incredible surprise when it all clicked!

At the time Longworth was growing his grapes in the 1850s, Kate said Cincinnati was the largest wine growing region in the country with over 2,000 acres of vineyards! In fact, there’s an American flag from 1858 hanging in Skeleton Root. It points out the history. Note it only has 30 stars…so before California was even a state. BAM! This flag would have been waving outside of Longworth’s estate during this whole wino time!

The demise of “our” wine time was losing many workers at the start of the Civil War, and no one was left to work the vineyards.

Kate is very hopeful and has strong faith that the wine making in our area can have a re-birth. She did say “quality before local”––her objective being the highest quality of wine.  So if there’s nothing in supply in our area that she thinks would make a fantastic wine, she’ll reach out to the other growers with whom she works.

Stop in, check it out and take a tour with Kate. You will leave with a wealth of knowledge. ;)

Tips
• Try a flight! Four Reds for $15 or three whites and a Rosé for $12
• Parking on the street or small lot in back
• Bring your own food or call Uber Eats. Just chips available, for now
• Coming soon…small plates and beer
• Take a look at the Wendigotea, made by a local musician

Upcoming Events
• November 20th 2-5pm: Music by Benjamin Thomas
• December 1st 7-9pm: Holiday wreath making class. Book on Gia & The Bloomswebsite
• December 5th: Check the facebook page for info on a Repel Day celebration with Rhinegeist
• December 11th at noon: Pop-up Pure Barre class. Sign up through Skeleton Roots facebook page orPure Barre west website

Mention Hey Michellewhen you visit and get your corking fee free!!

Kate recommends dropping by and picking up the Riesling or Norton for your Thanksgiving fest!

Thanksgiving Pie Day!!!
Did you receive the email from your family asking what you’re bringing for Thanksgiving? You want to impress, but hate to cook? Here are my three pick-up-and-go pie recos for you:

• O Pie Oin Walnut Hills – fantastic different pies like salted cashew cream and honey vinegar…I know it sounds weird but I promise it’s delish.

• Fork & Pie – serving some tasty pies like the apple blueberry oat pie and many more

•Bluebird Bakery – with a crunch-top pumpkin…yum!
 

Have you ever been? The Mercantile Library…Gem!

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When walking around the streets of downtown Cincinnati, it’s hard not to be in awe of the fantastic architecture and the unique old buildings. Well, inside many of those buildings are even more unbelievable old structures that have been kept in pristine condition. One of the coolest of these spots (that likely many people reading this have never visited) is the Mercantile Library. You have to go check this out.

If you’ve ever spent time downtown, you probably walk past this building all the time. It’s simply named The Mercantile Building, but if you go to the 11th floor, you enter an amazing, beautiful space that’s a library…but could be a museum. Anyone is welcome to visit, look around and take in many of the speaking events, but you can also become a member for a nominal fee and enjoy even more. Yoga on Wednesdays and Saturdays, so many other events and the ability to check out some of more than 90,000 books from the newest titles to some of the oldest!

The Mercantile was started by 45 men in 1835. They were mainly merchants and clerks who wanted a place to continue educating themselves when they had time away from work. These were smart men. Originally they weren’t the doctors and lawyers because they had formal education… these were the hard working men who yearned for more.

Initially, they rented rooms from Cincinnati College, which was near the property where they stand now.  After moving around to a few rooms and relocating following a couple of fires, they finally found their home circa 1902 -1903 on the 11th floor at 414 Walnut Street.

In 1845 Alfonzo Taft, the father of William Howard Taft (yes, the future POTUS), drafted a pretty awesome lease agreement. The agreement was that they paid $10,000 up front for a 10,000 year lease. Get it?? $1 a year! (Even I can do that math problem ;) This includes heat (but obviously no electric, because there wasn’t any at the time).

The interior of the library is breathtaking with its hardwood floors, spiral staircase and antique tables––dating back to the original spaces and having survived the fires. A piano is tucked in the corner. And the cool upper level holds rows of bookcases and a floor made of glass to let in light from all of the large windows (to make up for the lack of electricity).

Whether you work downtown or are just visiting, treat yourself and escape to this unbelievable spot. I promise, when you take a look at the guest speakers and the wonderful events, you will want to come again!

My friend Amy Hunter will be happy to show you around and tell you about all the great upcoming events. Join their Facebook page to keep up or sign up for emails.

Tips…
• Ask to see the books that date back to the 1600s.
•  Look for the special “seal” embossed on page 21 of every book.
•  On occasion, they have great podcasts featuring book discussions with the author.
•  They have great discussion groups on the first Wednesday of every month. This is basically a book club with different leaders and is at noon…so you can have your lunch and a book discussion, and you don’t have to clean your house and make appetizers.  Bonus!  Members are free, and you can bring a guest.
•  Yoga for members! (Your Mercantile membership is a heck of a lot cheaper than a gym…and no meatheads!!)

Special events…

Check the link below for the many cool upcoming events!
• https://mercantilelibrary.com/calendar/

• 414 Walnut St. #1100

• Monday – Tuesday 9:00a.m.- 5:00p.m. , Wednesday 9:00a.m.-7:00p.m. , Thursday- Friday 9:00a.m.-5:30p.m., Saturday 10:00am-3:00p.m

 

Setting the Bar High…Street

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If you ever drive by High Street, located on Reading Rd., there’s no way you don’t do a double take and wonder what coolness is going on in there. The building is painted black with funky art painted on the façade. Well, let me just say…it only gets better when you open the door, hear the music and smell all the wonderful fragrances. Your senses are in overdrive wondering what to focus on first!

I had some family in from Atlanta last weekend, and I’m always trying to show them the hippest places around.  So we headed to High Street, which never disappoints. This award winning store–– listed in the New York Times as one of the places you have to visit––has something for everyone… even the hardest person to please.

I think most people think of it as a furniture store, which it is, but it’s so much more. There’s a great design team that will work with you on a small project like your custom couch for your family room, or they’ll guide you through your whole house project with you and your architect.

I had the pleasure of talking to Kristy Schalck, who described the experience of shopping there as “a place that inspires and encourages you to explore.” She explains how she really likes to talk to her customers and ask them questions like what paintings they prefer.  This is done to get an idea of where their tastes might go. Then, the design team collaborates and takes a look at each other’s projects, interjects ideas and gives opinions on each project.  What a great approach.

Just talking to Kristy made me want to invite her to my house and flare things up! She has this vibe and oozes excitement about the furnishings and accent pieces.  I forgot that I was just there to learn more about the store, not to redo my house (although I will talk to my husband Kevin about this tonight :) .

The owners and brainpower behind HS are Matt Knotts and Leah Spurrier. I did get to chat with Leah for a brief minute before she had to dash off to Columbus to do some fun design stuff, but not before we bonded over our mutual love for Led Zeppelin! I think we’ll be best friends now :)

Whether you come in the front door to the first floor or the back door which brings you into the second floor, make sure you hit both and definitely make sure to say “YES!” when they offer you some tea to sip while you peruse.

The first floor is a shopper’s dream (or a dream for someone who doesn’t like to shop, but needs the perfect gift). There’s something for men, women, kids and everyone in between. You’ll find a clothing area, jewelry, an awesome book collection that will suck you in, candles and so much more. There’s so much to absorb in this funky and chic place, I promise you’ll return time and time again!

The second floor is filled with furniture, fantastic rugs, pillows and fabrics!! Don’t ignore this area just because you may not be in the market for a couch or chair, because this is where “Le Garage” is located. This, my friends, is the area where “good deals” are and, damn, I love a good deal.
While you’re floor-hopping, make sure to check out the “wall of fame” by the elevator. I’m not the only one who thinks this place is awesome.

High Street 1401 Reading Rd. Now open on Sundays!

Favorite things…
• Douglas Fir Spring Tips Tea – amazeballs!
• Origami kit in the kids area
• Books, books , books
• Hilarious cards
• Yummy smelling soaps
• Lighting fixtures (I have a thing with lamps and lighting)
I could list everything in the store but I don’t want to ruin it!

Put it on your calendar…
•Black Friday White Russian Party! 10% off everything.  This isn’t like any other store on black Friday. This is a real party…not to be missed.
•Barry Brinker trunk show on December 1st. This is high end jewelry with one-of-a-kind pieces. Thinking of popping the question over the holidays? You may want to stop by.

Big News…
My obsession with my couple crush, Chip and Joanna Gaines, is being fueled with the new Magnolia Journaland the release of The Magnolia Story novel this week!  The Journal, which will be printed quarterly, is beautifully done with simple ideas and wonderful photos. Oh, and grab it if you see it because it is selling out everywhere! I will be diving into the new book as soon as I finish this blog!

If you haven’t heard of Fixer Upperor of Chip and Joanna, you are missing it, people! Their show on HGTVis addicting, not only because they do such a great job turning crappy homes into the most adorable place ever, but they’re clearly the cutest couple around. He is a complete goofball, and she is so patient and sweet. (Kind of the polar opposite of me and Kevin!) You just want to hang out with them.

Hotel, Motel, Holiday Inn…

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Things are happening over the bridge…that’s for sure.  I’ve been drawn into Kentucky a lot recently to eat, drink and be merry…and I kinda like it!

When I heard about the newHotel Covington, I once again had to cross over the bridge. And, boy, was it was worth it. This fantastic old building, which used to house a department store and the city hall, is now this hip, vintage/modern boutique hotel.

The building–the first skyscraper in Kentucky–started construction in 1906. It was going to be a 7-story department store owned by John Coppin–selling high-end fashions of the 20th century. During construction, Coppin ran out of money. Distraught with the situation, he did what anybody would do when you lived near the Latonia Horse Park. He went and bet his last bit of money on a horse. Thanks to good luck and a horse named Knowledge, Coppin picked the right pony, and everything was back on track (horse racing pun intended)! Construction picked up again, the Coppin’s Department Storeopened its doors in 1910 and stayed open until the 1970’s.

The Salyers Group, part of Donna Salyers’ Fabulous Fursand Madison Event Center, was committed–as it always has been–to the area and it revitalization. Bringing the hotel to the area pairs perfectly to the wedding receptions and other events held at the Madison.

Now that you know the history, let me tell you…you have to check out this cool spot.  Have dinner in the amazing “Jewel Box”,  the glass atrium which is currently undergoing final touches with LED lighting to look like a necklace inside a jewelry box.  Enjoy the fine menu prepared by chef Brenden Haren, formerly of Orchids. Kevin and I really enjoyed the roasted chicken and delicious hamburgers with bacon marmalade. The cauliflower with a buffalo wing sauce and corn fritters were tasty little morsels too!

You can grab a fun cocktail, like the Liquid Knowledge (has to be a winner ;), the Covington Collins or many other fun house cocktails, wine on tap or anything else that might wet your whistle while sitting in the spacious, cool, open bar area.

The details are amazing…an open wall with cubbies holding old items from Coppin’s department store…from bowties to pearls. Pay special attention to the finishing touches. The plates and beer steins were designed and made by Rookwood Pottery. I would be remiss not to mention that they do have 114 hotel rooms that are unique and amazing, too. If you do stay the night, you have to check out the cool hangers and shopping bag-shaped trashcans. Yes, the simple things make me smile!

•Within the next few weeks, the outside area should be complete. It will be a complete hangout area with cornhole, games, outdoor movie nights and live music.

•A great private dining room with a long family-style table available for meetings or a dinner party.

Shout Out! 

When I was sixteen I was deciding what color parachute pants to wear and on which wall to hang my Prince poster. Lauren Hudson, an award winning author from Northern Kentucky just published her second book. The Ascensionis an action packed young adult novel about triplets separated at birth. This suspenseful story is filled with twists and turns as the triplets reunite and discover shocking truths about their family.

If you would like to meet this amazing young woman she will be at Red Tree Art Gallery & Coffee ShopOct. 14th 6-9. 3210 Madison Rd.

Get a little & Give a little 

•You have to eat, so go to Swampwater Grill with your family and friends tonight from 5-10 and support Karen Wellington Living with Breast Cancer Foundation. It’s the month of pink, so support this fantastic group that puts funin the lives of those going through a difficult time. They send women on trips and fun experiences, helping them live life to the fullest. 3742 Kellogg Ave.

•Need to get your steps in for the day? Join the walkers at Sawyer Pointtonight for theLight the Night Walk for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Registration is from 5:30-7:00. It’s a two-mile walk that starts at 7:00.

•Sunday is brunch day! So head to the Midwest Culinary Instituteat Cincinnati State and have 30 restaurants feed you. This event benefits theDeCavel Family SIDS Foundation. Fourteen years ago, our beloved chef Jean-Robert and his wife Annette lost their firstborn to SIDS. This event is their way to bring awareness. The event is Sunday Oct. 16th at 11:00. Go to www.eatplaygive.netfor more information.