eastsider magazine

Photos submitted by: Forrest Offinger read more »

Photos submitted by: Melissa Bell read more »

It’s February, and you just might have a pile of unwanted Christmas presents that never made their way back to the store before the 30-day return policy expired. Or maybe the holidays came and went and you didn’t get exactly what you wanted.

Whether you are looking to move some merchandise or acquire something new – or new to you – local consignment shops may be the best place to head. The east side is home to a variety of shops that allow you to buy and sell locally or nationally. Two very different consignment experiences await you just doors apart at Hyde Park Plaza. read more »

It’s a cold, grey, snowy day on the east side. But you would never know it standing inside Joni Sherman’s floral shop in Mt. Lookout Square. Sprouts is a cozy boutique, filled with an eclectic mix of plants, vases and containers, paintings and stacks of bridal magazines. The space serves more as a comfortable meeting room for her clients to brainstorm with her.

You can never go wrong with the traditional approach of a dozen red roses. But today I’ve come to get the scoop from a professional on some creative flowers and arrangements that the fellas can take credit for on Valentine’s Day. read more »

In the coming month, Ben Folds, Joshua Radin and many other top-notch acts will be performing on the east side. Some you may have heard of, while others may not be on your radar. But they are all worth checking out.

Who will we interview this month? Be sure to check back throughout the month for more info, interviews, pictures, and video from some of the best shows and best artists playing in and around Hyde Park, Mt. Lookout, and Oakley. read more »

The library isn’t just for books anymore. With DVDs, CDs, Wi-Fi, Audio & eBooks and a plethora of other modern services, the library makes studying, working, and having fun convenient and cheap for kids and adults.

The standards are still top dog. “Books, CDs, and DVDs are very popular, as always.” explains Jeanne Rettig, Branch Manager of the Oakley Branch of the Cincinnati Public Library. “But we are seeing more people beginning to use the computers and other services.” She goes on to say that CDs and Audiobooks have seen increased interest as online audio services and MP3 players become more commonplace with old and young alike. read more »

President’s Day is February 16. Which should be kind of a big deal around here. Ohio claims the honor of being the state with the most presidents in U.S. history with eight. Though the matter of William Henry Harrison may put the Buckeye state behind or tied with Virginia, as they also lay claim to him.

It all depends on who you talk to. But since we’re in Cincinnati, we’ll go ahead and claim Harrison and crown ourselves king (or elect ourselves president) of this little competition. Besides, the folks down south probably won’t cause a ruckus. Affter all, Virginia is for lovers – not fighters.

Being a Cincinnati native, William Howard Taft gets most of the publicity around here. But there is a lot about Ohio’s political figures that you may not know about. And we are certain you don’t know the Ohio Governor whose face is on the $10,000 bill.

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“By the end of January, we had about 37,000 skaters on the U.S. Bank Ice Rink on Fountain Square,” says Kelly Leon, VP of Communications & Community Relations for 3CDC.  But time is running out for those that haven’t already headed downtown to strut their stuff or make fools out of themselves.

The skating season began on November 27 of last year, Thanksgiving Day, and continues until February 22. “We’re hoping that people will make Fountain Square and the skating rink part of their holiday and winter tradition.  There’s always something happening on Fountain Square and during the winter months that means ice skating,” Leon explains.

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With Groundhog Day and the annual appearance of Punxsutawney Phil coming up on February 2, we thought it would be a good idea to dig a little deeper into the animal behind it all.

So what exactly is a groundhog? read more »

You don’t have to travel all the way to Rio de Janeiro or New Orleans to enjoy the pageantry and fun of Mardi Gras. Covington’s MainStrasse Village is putting on its 13th annual celebration on Friday and Saturday, February 20 and 21.

After the cold and snowy end to January and beginning of February, the organizers are banking on cabin fever and better weather to motivate people to get out and enjoy the event.

“This is the first festive event after being inside during the winter months, and people really look forward to watching the parade and participating in our Mardi Gras,” says Jerry Bamberger, Executive Director of MainStrasse Village Association. read more »