Give me liberty, or give me…hey, look, a cocktail!4 min read

I know that online shopping is the way to go these days, and we’re hearing a lot about brick and mortar stores closing their doors. But the newLiberty Center shopping area is a must to check out. It’s more than a mall…it’s an experience.

Liberty Center is a great place to go as a couple, a family or a girls day out. Why does outdoor shopping seem better, you ask?? Personally, I think its because the restaurants and bars are great stopping spots on your walk. Shop and sip is the way to go!

If you have been to Eastonin Columbus, you can picture the cool open layout of this mostly outdoor experience. It is a place to eat, shop, relax and play. Even I (one who LOVES to shop) was skeptical because, after a long life of retail, I’m not a big fan of mall shopping. But I was pleasantly surprised by Liberty!

One of the big perks is that are there shops and restaurants that are nowhere else in Cincinnati. Also, they hold concerts on Thursdays in the summer and storytime for kids in their cool 2,000 sq. ft. Discovery Center for moms, dads and tots.  It has the over the top Cobb Luxury 15 theater…with reserved seating for your favorite movie and servers that bring you great food and cocktails while you lounge in leather lounge seats. (Seriously, try not to fall asleep during the movie after a couple martinis!)

Also unique to Liberty is their yoga retreat center, fountain areas for the kids and the coolest outdoor train set that will stop you in your tracks. ;) There is also an indoor section with a food court (if you don’t like the light of day).

Walking around and venturing into some of these new shopping spots is beyond fun. It’s Sugar candy store is awesome (I think Gene Wilder would have given it his Willy Wonka stamp of approval). Ask Wesleythe manager to show you some of my favorite things. We were cracking up at their slightly inappropriate (my fave) items that I’ll definitely be purchasing for my white elephant gag gifts at our family Christmas party. They also have enormous boxes of your favorite candy, along with candies from around the world. You will spend time in here I promise ;)

Marbles the Brain Store is a great spot for unique and cool games and toys. I’ve been in this store in Chicago and was thrilled to see it here.

Other stores new to Cincy:
• Adore(organic make-up)
• Celebrate Local(all sorts of items made by Ohioians, such as honey, t-shirts, wine, mini buckeyes, college stuff and thumbprint cookies on the counter. If there are some there, grab them because they go fast!)
• David’s Tea
• Flash Photography
• Jakes Toggery(all your preppy needs under one roof)
• Kendra Scott Jewelry
• Occasionally Yours (featuring Vera Bradley, Lily Pulitzer, Kate Spade and more)
• Scentology Brand name perfumes & colognes as well as their own candle line
• S Mari Designsfor great gifts,
• Sports Possessionsfor the baseball card collector
• Simply Mac!! Ok people, it may be worth the drive to get any Apple product fixed or have a one-on-one to learn about your Apple computer and not have to deal with the line at the Apple store. They also sell Apple products, and the cool thing is that they have an accidental insurance policy that covers things that Apple Care does not. Check this place out! They are all Apple certified technicians.

Restaurants that are new to the area:
•Cantina Loredo
• Bibibop(one in Clifton)
• Degs Chicken
• Flipside(owned by a couple in Cleveland)
• Kona Grill
• Northstar Café (I really enjoyed this spot! (great brunch too)
• Pies & Pints
• Rodizio Grill

Tips:

Amid all the new and unique stores are some of your comfort stores, such as Dillards and Gap. And there’s a chic and modern AC Hotel by Marriotton the property. Make a weekend of it!

Another cool aspect is the on-street metered parking. All proceeds go to local charities, as does the income from parking tickets! (Might be the only time you’re not upset if you see that piece of paper sticking out from under windshield wiper!) If you have a charity you’d like considered, they accept online applications. There are free parking garages as well as the metered street spots.

If you are in a hurry for lunch there are a few places that offer call-ahead for in and out in 45 minutes. Available Mon-Fri from 11-2. (Brio, Kona Grill, Pies & Pints and Rodizio Grill all participate.)

Summer Concert Series (Thursday nights from 6-9)
• Tonight Leroy Ellington
• September 8 The Chuck Taylors
• September 15 Danny Frazier
• September 22 Eden Park

Movies under the Moonlight
• September 9 Hocus Pocus
• September 16 Monsters, Inc.
• September 23 Halloween Town
• September 30 Hotel Transylvania 2

Visit Liberty Center’s website(quick links) for discounts on many of the stores!