Co ntents
Winter 2020 Enjoying the Best of the North
6 Upfront
8 Recreation
The Ancient Sculpture Museum at Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park gives visitors a window into the past. By Corinne Minard
Mason begins work on a new swimming center for swim team and the community. By Kevin Michell
10 HVAC
The annual Best of the North event is always a great time to celebrate what’s great about living i n t he Nor t h. At the end of the event there is only one winner in each category, but the vote is often very close. All of our finalists are worthy of celebrating and patronizing. In 2020, we plan to spend even more time celebrating the North with new content and stories. As we cover the North in the coming year, we hope you’ll join us in enjoying everything the North has to offer.
Logan A/C and Heat Services provides top-notch coverage for Ohio’s HVAC needs. By Tim Walker
—Eric Spangler
magazine Published by Locally, family and veteran owned Cincy Co. LLC Cincinnati Club Building, 30 Garfield Place, Suite 440, Cincinnati, OH 45202 Publisher: Eric Harmon Managing Editor: Eric Spangler Deputy EDITOr: Corinne Minard Associate Editor: Kevin Michell Creative Director: Guy Kelly Art Director: Katy Rucker Digital Content coordinator: Danielle Cain Operations & Finance Manager: Tammie Collins Advertising & circulation Manager: Laura Federle Production MANAGER: Keith Ohmer Events Director: Stephanie Simon Events coordinator: Amanda Watt Custom Publisher: Brad Hoicowitz associate publisher: Rick Seeney Advertising Sales: Abbey Cummins, Kristine Granata,
Jon Castonguay advertising coordinator: Katelynn Webb Work-Study Student: Aixa Velazquez,
Comar Watson Contact Cincy: information@cincymagazine.com or call (513) 421-2533. Go to cincymagazine.com to get your complimentary subscription to Cincy and Best of the North.
13 Best of the North The votes are in for the 2019-20 Best of the North Awards! Thanks to your votes, we name the North’s 64 best restaurants, shopping destinations, services and more. By Eric Spangler
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Stepping Back in Time The Ancient Sculpture Museum at Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park gives visitors a window into the past By Corinne Minard
P
y ramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum is known for its 80-plus monumental outdoor sculptures and its beautiful park setting, but it’s also home to a one-of-a-kind museum—the Ancient Sculpture Museum. The 10,000-square-foot museum is filled with art created between 4,000 and 1,000 years ago. “Every art museum has an ancient antiquities (section), but this is pretty unique in that it’s dedicated solely to sculpture through the ages,” says Sean FitzGibbons, executive director of Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park, located at 1763 Hamilton Cleves Road in Hamilton. Harry T. Wilks, the founder of Pyramid Hill, created the museum with pieces he originally collected for himself. “These were all in his house. These were all for his own personal collection and then kind of when it grew to be too big he built this building to house it,” adds FitzGibbons. The small collection gives visitors to Pyramid Hill the opportunity to think about how art was created in a time when artists only had access to simple tools. Pieces of particular note include a Greek terracotta sculpture of a woman with a mirror that was created in the late fourth and early third century B.C.; a large mosaic panel made in the second or third century A.D. in the biblical region of Antioch; and a polychrome wood anthropoid coffin inscribed for Ankh-Takelot in 944-732 B.C. “It kind of blows your mind how old these things are,” says FitzGibbons. “It’s really kind of like time traveling when you sit down in front of one of the pieces and really think about what it took for that piece, over the thousands of years, to get from the artist who started working a piece of stone to sitting here in southwest Ohio.” 6
After viewing the ancient sculptures, park visitors can also enjoy temporary contemporary art exhibits that are housed in the building. Starting March 8 (International Women’s Day), visitors will be able to view contemporary works created by female artists that have been collected by local art collector Sara Vance Waddell. In the summer, the museum will host the works of local painter and sculptor Michael Stillion. And then in late summer and midfall, visitors will be able to see the works of artists who are members of the Mid-South Sculpture Alliance, which is hosting its conference in Cincinnati this year. The park itself will also be hosting several temporary outdoor sculptures and special events. Icelandic sculptor Steinunn Thorasinsdottir’s Borders, which features 22 cast metal pieces, will be opening at the park March 8. The park will also be hosting a special event to
A polychrome wood anthropoid coffin inscribed for Ankh-Takelot 22nd/23rd dynasty, 944-732 B.C.
LEFT: Greek terracotta figure of a woman with mirror late 4th/early 3rd century B.C. ABOVE: Roman marble mosaic panel from the area of Antioch 2nd-3rd century A.D. honor International Sculpture Day (April 25) and Earth Day (April 22), a summer preview party and a combined Blues, Brews & BBQ and Art Fair. According to FitzGibbons, these traveling exhibits and special events work with the permanent collection to advance the park’s goal. “(We’re) really getting engaged and really trying to become Cincinnati’s sculpture park,” he says. n Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum is open 365 days a year, weather permitting, with the park open 8 a.m.-5 p.m. and the museum open noon-5 p.m. Check with the museum for any special hours for upcoming events.
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R ECR E ATI O N
Making a Splash MASON BEGINS WORK ON A NEW SWIMMING CENTER FOR SWIM TEAM AND THE COMMUNITY By Kevin Michell
M
ason is home to one of the most recognized junior swim teams in the country, the Manta Rays. The competitive swim club ranks among the top 1 of teams nationally, has four members on the USA Junior National swim team and, in June 2019, sent three members to the prestigious Mare Nostrum international swimming competition. The city of Mason is now working on building a new swimming facilit y to
match the Manta Rays’ achievements and aspirations. That entails building a new complex centered on a 50-meter pool—the length that Olympians and competitive swimmers train in to develop endurance and proper stroke—for the team’s year-round training. Over the last few years the Manta Rays roster has grown from 110 to over 300 swimmers and currently has a waiting list of 150 more. The 50-meter training and compe-
The Mason Municipal Aquatic Center will include a leisure pool and amenities for the community and visitors.
tition pool will allow for an expansion of the team’s roster and programs when it is completed in 2021. “It’s a great opportunity to really expand the reach of their program and help drive aquatics,” says Kathy Fish, committee
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The Mason Manta Rays are ranked eighth among the 3,000 swim teams in the United States and have 11 swimmers participating in 2020 Olympic trials.
chair for the organization A Matter of 50 Meters, which is raising $5 million in private funds to help build the new Mason Municipal Aquatic Center. Chrissy Avery, director of parks and recreation for the city of Mason, describes
fundraising as a partnership between the city and A Matter of 50 Meters. The center will cost almost $20 million in total. “There’s different components to it, there’s different layers of fundraising,” Avery says, describing multiple avenues
for accumulating money ranging from Manta Rays alumni donations to corporate sponsorships. “I think from the city’s perspective, A Matter of 50 Meters has made a commitment to do their best to raise their $5 million over some time and we (the city) want to be a partner with them.” The center will contain both the 50-meter pool for competitive swimmers—opening up the possibility for Mason to host regional and national meets—and a heated outdoor leisure pool for visitors and the community to enjoy. Construction on the leisure pool has already begun with a goal of Memorial Day 2020 for it to open. “The whole Mason Municipal Aquatic Center…ties into the city’s mission of building a culture of wellness,” says Jenna Hurley, assistant to the city manager of Mason, mentioning that its development is in line with the aims of the Mason Community Center. Not only will the Mason Municipal Aquatic Center drive revenue for the city as a destination for competitive swim meets and aquatic sports, but it will also offer a state-of-the-art space for community recreation and exercise. n
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Multiple membership options are available. Contact Donna in our membership office at 513-759-5656
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Keeping Families Comfortable Logan A/C and Heat Services provides top-notch coverage for Ohio’s HVAC needs By Tim Walker
I
n the Greater Cincinnati area families depend on affordable, reliable heating and air conditioning to temper Mother Nature’s fickle whims. No one wants to be without air conditioning in August or stuck without heat when the temperature dips 10
below zero. For more than 50 years Logan A/C and Heat Services has been providing dependable heating, ventilation and air conditioning service so many customers in the Miami Valley and surrounding areas have come to rely on.
Logan A/C and Heat Services offers an annual maintenance plan for furnaces and air conditioners.
Owners of residential properties in Dayton, as well as those in Cincinnati and Columbus, have learned to trust Logan to solve all of their residential air conditioning and heating problems, no matter what the season. And, true to form, Logan A/C and Heat Services is constantly offering new products and services to help keep local families comfortable all year round. “One really interesting thing that we’re offering our customers now,” says Amanda Kinsella, marketing director for Logan A/C and Heat Services Inc., “are the Mitsubishi electric heating and cooling ductless minisplits, which are a low-maintenance option
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for making your bonus room dreams come true. What’s very intriguing about these is that every home has a room or a space that just doesn’t feel good—you have hot and cold spots or just not enough ventilation or air flow to keep that space at a constant comfortable temperature. And what these mini-splits can do is really help homeowners keep those spaces comfortable simply and efficiently.” Mitsubishi Electric is at the forefront of the green movement with its mini-split units. The systems use an environmentally friendly refrigerant that lessens the impact on the Earth’s ozone layer, and up to 83% of the system’s components are recyclable. This technology allows consumers to leave less of a carbon footprint on the environment. In addition, one of the great things about the Mitsubishi mini-split system is its remarkable ease of installation—since there is no ductwork there is no need to worry about creating a huge mess inside the home. Logan A/C and Heat Services is also currently the No. 1 residential Trane dealer in the state and the second largest residential Trane dealer nationwide. In addition to Trane, the company is also partnered with Mitsubishi Electric and Rheem to provide customers with a variety of choices when it comes to heating and air equipment and the company has won numerous accolades over the years for its service, including an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, Elite Diamond Contractor Status as a residential dealer of Mitsubishi Electric aforementioned ductless cooling and heating systems, a 2018 Super Service Award from Angie’s List (the company’s eighth in
It’s never too late to have a home’s air conditioner or furnace serviced. Maintenace appointments can be made online at logan-inc.com. a row), the “Best Contractor to Work For” Award from HVACR NEWS Magazine, and Dayton Magazine’s readers chose Logan as Dayton’s best HVAC company in 2016, 2017 and 2018. Founded in 1969 in Dayton, Ohio, Logan A/C and Heat Services was bought by Jim Meyer in April 2002. Meyer, owner and president ever since, is surrounded by family members whenever he’s at work—all four of his children are employed at what has truly become a family enterprise. Son Jason Meyer is the sales manager for Logan A/C and Heat Services, daughter Ashley Pleiman is vice president of HR and finance, daughter Sandy Heckman is vice president of administration and strategic accounts, and youngest son, Jordan Meyer, who recently graduated and currently works for the company part time will be joining the team full time in 2020. And families take note—as it turns out, much like cleaning your gutters and taking care of your lawn, regular maintenance is the best plan when it comes to HVAC, and absolutely necessary when it comes to keeping your equipment operating at peak efficiency. Logan has its customers covered with a variety of service plans, as well. “For a minimal charge,” says Kinsella, “Logan offers a plan where a technician will come out to your house at the beginning of furnace season and make sure your equipment is in good working order. Our mainte-
nance plan does include a furnace tune-up in the fall and an air conditioner tune-up in the spring. We even have coupons on our website which can save you money. “One thing that should be important to homeowners,” says Kinsella, “is knowing that if the season has already started and you’ve missed the boat and haven’t had your furnace tuned up yet it’s never too late. It’s never too late to have one of our experts come and really make sure that your furnace is working the way it should be and that it’s also free of any heat exchanger cracks that could lead to carbon monoxide poisoning. If you suspect that you may have a leak in your system our service technicians can help you decide the best way to repair it and keep your family safe.” Logan A/C and Heat Services has an official website (logan-inc.com) which features comprehensive information about the company, its history, reviews and the products and services it offers customers. Product lines are explained in detail and maintenance appointments can also be made online, which is a major convenience. Logan A/C and Heat Services also has three brick-and-mortar locations in Ohio in order to better serve its customers across the state. The home office is located in Vandalia, at 9181 N. Dixie Drive. The Columbus satellite office is located in Hilliard at 3601 Interchange Road and the Cincinnati-area office is located at 11264 Grooms Road. n W I N T E R 2 0 2 0 :: B E S T O F T H E N O R T H
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As always, the annual Best of the North Celebration showed how much people love living in the North. From sandwich shops to dry cleaners, retirement facilities to preschools, attendees voted on their favorites to select this year’s winners on Oct. 23 at the Manor House Event Center. Event sponsors included the Manor House Event Center, FirstWatch, CMIT Solutions, Logan AC & Heat Services, Taco Bell, Uno Pizzeria & Grill, Renewal by Anderson and community partner West Chester-Liberty Chamber Alliance. Read on to learn more about our winners and some of the North’s hidden gems. BY ERIC SPANGLER
Two Cities Pizza Co., winner of Best Pizza
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Food
Best Bakery
The Almond Sisters Bakery
224 High St., Hamilton 513-857-5868, facebook.com/almondsisters
Best BBQ
Best Breakfast
Multiple locations including 7706 Voice of America Centre Drive, West Chester 513-755-0518, citybbq.com
Multiple locations, including 8118 Montgomery Road, Kenwood 513-891-0088, firstwatch.com
City BBQ
Best Bloody Mary
Best Burger
6440 Cincinnati-Dayton Road, Liberty Township 513-644-9365, cozyscafeandpub.com
7622 Blake St., Liberty Township 513-777-6328, flipsideburger.com
Cozy’s Café & Pub
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First Watch (Kenwood)
Flip Side
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Food Best Pizza
Two Cities Pizza Co.
202 W. Main St., Mason 513-770-0000, twocitiespizza.com Not only is Two Cities Pizza Co. a great place to grab some pizza it’s also an unforgettable experience, says Christy Greves, director of brand development at Two Cities Pizza Co., 202 W. Main St., Mason. Featuring New York-style and Chicagostyle pizza under one roof, patrons of Two Cities Pizza Co. will be transported to the cities where these styles were born through the restaurant’s Wrigley Field Wall, the subway-themed restrooms and the Two Cities taxis, she says. “We strive to provide the highest quality product, concept and hospitality,” says Greves. “We have an unwavering passion to exceed the standard and provide each guest with a memorable experience.” Founded by Sean Spurlock and Zach Greves, best friends since the fourth
grade, Two Cities Pizza Co. is located in the historic art deco bu i ld i ng , built in 1939, that originally housed Mason’s city hall. “The founders believe that Two Cities is on a mission: to prov ide a bet ter k i nd of work environment where ever yone strives toward selflessness and unity, to push towards excellence because it is the right thing to do and, of course, to show our guests we care about them,” she says. The restaurant has a lunch special from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. every day— a small New
York-style pizza, side salad and nonalcoholic beverage for $11—and a happy hour every day from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. with half-priced alcoholic beverages, she says.
To keep up to date on the Arts, Entertainment & Culture in the Greater Cincy Area, visit: cincymagazine.com
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Food Best Burrito Mi Cozumel
11700 Princeton Pike, Springdale 513-671-0042, micozumel.biz
Best Catering
Vonderhaar’s Catering 19 W. Pleasant St., Reading 513-554-1969, vonderhaars.com
Best Chef
Troy Meyers of Troy’s Catering
4877 Smith Road, West Chester 513-860-3206 troyscafe.com, troyscatering.com
Best Dessert
Best Fine Dining
9540 Mason-Montgomery Road, Mason 513-492-8115, nothingbundtcakes.com
5980 West Chester Road, West Chester 513-860-5353, jags.com
Nothing Bundt Cakes
Best Donut
Best Fresh Catch (Seafood)
7967 Cincinnati-Dayton Road, West Chester Township 513-759-0016, facebook.com/stan-thedonut-man-147690215281038/
9456 Water Front Drive, West Chester 513-779-5292, mitchellsfishmarket.com
Stan the Donut Man
Best Family Dining Gabby’s Café
515 Wyoming Ave., Wyoming 513-821-6040, gabbyswyoming.com Photo by Tom Gilliam Photogr aphy
Best Chocolatier
Loveland Sweets
124 W. Loveland Ave., Loveland 513-583-8305, lovelandsweets.com
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Jag’s Steak & Seafood
Best Farmers Market
Blue Ash Farmers Market
Summit Park, 4335 Glendale-Milford Road, Blue Ash 513-745-8500, blueashevents.com
Mitchell’s Fish Market
Best Ice Cream The Cone
6855 Tylersville Road, West Chester 513-779-7040, thecone.com
Best Independent Coffeehouse Kidd Coffee and Wine Bar 653 Reading Road, Mason 513-398-0718, kiddcoffeemason.com
Best Indian Cuisine
Raja India Restaurant
6188 Tylersville Road, Mason 513-770-0500, rajaindiarestaurant.com
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Food Best Italian Cuisine
Best Local Chili
Best Sports Bar
04 Second Ave., Mason 4 513-770-0122, pitrellis.com
Multiple locations including 9254 Plainfield Road, Blue Ash 513-793-3350, skylinechili.com
7844 Kingland Drive, West Chester 513-755-9464, frickers.com
Best Juice Smoothie
Best Mexican Cuisine
6752 Cincinnati-Dayton Road, Suite 104, Liberty Township 513-779-5464, smoothieking.com
11700 Princeton Pike, Springdale 513-671-0042, micozumel.biz
Pitrelli’s Italian Ristorante
Smoothie King
Skyline Chili
Mi Cozumel
Fricker’s
Best Steak
Jag’s Steak & Seafood
5980 West Chester Road, West Chester 513-860-5353, jags.com
Best Sushi
Kona Grill
7524 Gibson St., Liberty Township 513-322-5860, konagrill.com
Best Vegan/Vegetarian Aladdin’s Eatery
9344 Union Centre Blvd., West Chester Township 513-874-1302, alladinseatery.com
Best Wings
Eli’s Barbeque
7300 Yankee Road, Liberty Township 513-342-3278, elisbarbeque.com
Best Frozen Yogurt
Rhino’s Frozen Yogurt & Soft Serve 10415 Kenwood Road, Blue Ash 513-282-4042, rhinosfrozenyogurt.com
The reason Rhino’s Frozen Yogurt & Soft Serve was voted Best Frozen Yogurt is because people are finding out what the owner has been saying since he started the business: “The best ingredients make the best desserts,” says Josh Miller, owner. Rhino’s Frozen Yogurt & Soft Serve uses the best quality products it can find, he says. The business carries more than 100 toppings to put on the treat, says Miller. “We love seeing what creative combinations our customers come up with from all the choices,” he says. The family owned and operated self-serve frozen yogurt store offers 23 flavors of frozen yogurt, ice cream, gelato and sorbet, including nondairy and sugar-free varieties, Miller says. And customers can get a treat any time since the store is located inside a Shell gas station the family also owns. “We can handle your craving any time day or night,” he says. Rhino’s Frozen Yogurt & Soft Serve also has Ohio’s first and only frozen yogurt food truck, says Miller. The 23-foot trailer, which has three machines and 25 toppings, can be seen at food truck rallies, festivals, private events and more, he says. 18
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Service Best AC/Heating
Best Home Improvement
9114 Cincinnati Columbus Road, West Chester 513-777-7979, hauserair.com
Multiple locations, including 788 Reading Road, Mason 513-398-3901, acehardware.com
Hauser Air
Ace Hardware
Best Master Stylist
Casey Brogan-Mitchell’s Salon and Day Spa
11330 Princeton Pike, Cincinnati 513-793-0900, mitchellssalon.com
Best Florist
Best Home Remodeler
Best Place for a Spa Day
301 Reading Road, Mason 513-398-7010, baysoresflowers.com
1620 Oregonia Road, Lebanon 513-400-4968, staleytransformations.com
7272 Liberty Way, Liberty Township 513-755-4530, woodhousespas.com
Baysore’s Flower Shop
Staley Transformations
The Woodhouse Day Spa
Best Manicure/Pedicure
Best Place to Have a Wedding
Multiple locations, including 5875 Deerfield Blvd., Deerfield Township 513-770-0799, ambiancenailsalon.com
7440 Mason-Montgomery Road, Mason 513-459-0177, manorhouseohio.com
Ambiance Nail Salon & Spa
Manor House
Best Garden Center
Natorp’s Nursery Outlet & Landscape 8601 Snider Road, Mason 513-398-4769, natorp.com
Find your new favorite restaurant at
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2012 - 2019
ARTS
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SERVICE
BEST DRY CLEANERS TIDE CLEANERS
Multiple locations, including 8100 S. Mason-Montgomery Road, Mason 513-770-0295, tidedrycleaners.com Tide Cleaners, a full-service dry cleaner, does not look like the typical dry cleaning facility. That’s because Tide Cleaners
boasts bright storefronts, clean facilities and no harsh chemicals or hidden fees, says Brandon Gilstrap, marketing specialist with Tide Cleaners. “Tide Cleaners is a full-service dry cleaner that breaks many of the common dry cleaner stereotypes,” he says. “At Tide Cleaners it’s about our guests and provid-
ing them with the absolute best in quality, convenience and service.” Tide Cleaners cleans a wide variety of garments, including suits, dress shirts, sweaters, coats, bedding and more, says Gilstrap. A free carside valet handles all your dry cleaning while you stay in your car, he says. “Every garment that gets dropped off goes through our meticulous seven-point inspection where things like loose threads and cracked buttons are repaired at no additional charge,” says Gilstrap. Other amenities include 24-hour dropoff and pickup through convenient drop boxes and designated lockers, he says. There are also automated kiosks available for use. “Imagine the simplicity of an ATM but for your dry cleaning,” Gilstrap says. The Tide brand has been synonymous with quality cleaning for more than 70 years, he says. “That’s why when you bring your garments to Tide Cleaners you can expect nothing less,” he says.
THANK YOU CINCINNATI for choosing one of our very own!
CONGRATULATIONS
CASEY BROGAN ‘Best Master Stylist’
2019 BEST OF THE NORTH
WINNER!
You can find Casey at our West Chester location!
WE ARE SO VERY PROUD OF YOU! Want to get a ‘snip’ of Casey or try a new color? CONSULTATIONS ARE COMPLIMENTARY! -and-
NEW CLIENTS RECEIVE
20% OFF Service + Retail on their first visit.
513.793.0900
West Chester . Hyde Park . Kenwood . Tri-County . MitchellsSalon.com
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SERVICE BEST RETIREMENT COMMUNITY THE CHRISTIAN VILLAGE AT MASON
411 Western Row Road, Mason 513-398-1486, christianvillages.org The approach to care at The Christian Village at Mason, one of two Christian Village Communities, is what makes all the difference, says Lizz Stephens, vice president of marketing and business strategy at Christian Village Communities. That care is grounded in compassionate service and built upon a multidimensional approach called “Service From the Heart,” which means each resident is treated as though they were family; with love, compassion and excellence, she says. Founded in 1960, Christian Village Communities is committed to providing inspiring Christian retirement living for senior adults with services that enhance the well-being of each resident, says Stephens. As a locally owned and not-for-profit
organization it measures its success by its residents’ contentment and not its bottom line, she says. Christian Village Communities owns and operates two senior living communities; The Christian Village at Mason and The Christian Village at Mt. Healthy. Both facilities are Life Plan Communities offering a full continuum of care, includ-
ing independent living, assisted living, memory support, nursing care and shortterm rehabilitation, says Stephens. Its two facilities have been rated as Medicare five-star communities for consecutive years, she says. “If you or a family member are currently looking into senior living we’d be honored to be your home,” says Stephens.
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Entertainment
Best Community Arts Center
Best Date Night
513-522-4262, theartsconnect.us
7518 Bales St., Space A-120, Liberty Township 513-779-5233, liberty.funnybone.com
ArtsConnect
Funny Bone Comedy 9158 Winton Road, Springfield Township Club & Restaurant
Best Happy Hour
Sonder Brewing
8584 Duke Blvd., Mason 513-779-2739, sonderbrewing.com
Best Live Band
The Naked Karate Girls nakedkarategirls.com 513-378-3678
Best Local Beer Selection Rivertown Brewery and Barrel House
6550 Hamilton-Lebanon Road, Monroe 513-360-7839, rivertownbrewery.com
Best Place for Team Building
Escape the Room Challenge
7391 Squire Court, West Chester 513-759-7666, escapetheroomchallenge.com
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ENTERTAINMENT
BEST GIRL’S NIGHT OUT
PAINTING WITH A TWIST
6196 Tylersville Road, Mason 513-229-7700, paintingwithatwist.com Painting with a Twist is a unique art studio that allows guests to relax and socialize with family or friends while they complete a painting. Each class is led by a professional artist and is taught step-by-step which makes the process fun and success easy to obtain, says Cheree’ Gallant, who along with her husband, Steve Gallant, owns the art studio. “The staff in our studio has a true passion for teaching and this makes all the difference in the great art our guests leave with,” says Gallant. “The instructors fi nd it very rewarding to hear customers at the start of the session say they do not believe they can achieve success and at the end be totally surprised with how great their art turned out.”
The studio allows guests to bring in their own alcohol and light refreshments to enjoy while they socialize and paint. It s mo s t p opu l a r class is Paint Your Pet where g uests honor their beloved furry (or with scales or feathers) fa m i ly members by creating a beautiful painting of them, says Gallant. “Most people leave with their next class already picked out because they cannot wait to do it again,” she says. “Our studio provides a safe place for women to gather with family and friends to relax and socialize as well as get in
some me time,” says Gallant. “Our Mason studio is a hidden gem for our community to gather and relax in.”
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SHOPPING BEST PLACE TO BUY ANTIQUES
OHIO VALLEY ANTIQUE MALL
7285 Dixie Highway, FairямБeld 513-874-7855, ohiovalleyantiques.com
BEST CONSIGNMENT SHOP
THIS N THAT CONSIGNMENTS 600 Reading Road, Mason 513-204-1600, thisnthatconsign.com
BEST GIFT SHOP
THE GOLDEN LAMB GIFT SHOP 27 S. Broadway St., Lebanon 513-932-5065, goldenlamb.com
BEST PLACE FOR HOME ACCESSORIES
CHARM AT THE FARM
4953 Bunnell Hill Road, Lebanon charmatthefarm.com
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CHILDREN BEST DANCE/THEATER INSTRUCTION MASON DANCE CENTER
600 Reading Road, Suite B, Mason 513-398-0353, masondance.com
BEST BIRTHDAY PARTY LOCATION LAZER KRAZE
7082 Columbia Road, Maineville 513-339-1030, lazerkraze.com
BEST CHEERLEADING GYM MIDWEST CHEER ELITE
8730 N. Pavilion Drive, West Chester 513-779-9111, midwestcheerelite.com
BEST FESTIVAL
HOLIDAY IN LIGHTS
Sharon Woods, 11450 Lebanon Road, Sharonville 513-769-0393, holidayinlights.com
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Children Best Family Day
EnterTRAINment Junction
7379 Squire Court, West Chester 513-898-8000, entertrainmentjunction.com
Best Gymnastics Center Gym-Nation
836 Reading Road #2, Mason 513-229-7315, gym-nation.com
Best Music Instruction
Cincinnati School of Music
Multiple locations including 9361 Montgomery Road, Suite B, Montgomery 513-560-9175, cincinnatischoolofmusic.com
Best Park
Sharon Woods
11450 Lebanon Road, Sharonville 513-521-7275, greatparks.org
Best Preschool Skidaddles
5939 Deerfield Blvd., Deerfield Township 513-204-3482, skidaddles.com
Best Swim School
Goldfish Swim School
Multiple locations, including 7058 Ridgetop Drive, West Chester 513-449-2751, goldfishswimschool.com It’s simple why Goldfish Swim School was voted Best Swim School at the Best of the North event, says Jen Deis, area manager. The business won because members of Goldfish Swim School see progress, she says. “Their children learn to swim in a fun and safe environment,” Deis says. Goldfish Swim School is a year-round, state-of-the art, indoor swim facility for kids ages 4 months to 12 years. The business stands out because of its tropical décor, familyfriendly facility and play-based curriculum, she says. “Our members receive a golden experience every time they walk through the door,” says Deis. Goldfish Swim Club also offers open swim times and private birthday parties. 26
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Health Best Bike Shop
Montgomery Cyclery
Best Charitable Race
Matthew 25: Ministries 11060 Kenwood Road, Blue Ash 513-793-6256, m25m.org
Multiple locations, including 8975 Cincinnati-Columbus Road, West Chester 513-779-6767, montgomerycyclery.com
Best Fitness Class
Orangetheory Fitness
7641 Voice of America Centre Drive, West Chester 513-718-2535, orangetheoryfitness.com
Best Golf Course
Four Bridges Country Club
8300 Four Bridges Dive, Liberty Township 513-759-4620, fourbridges.com
Best Yoga Studio
Anahata Yoga Center of Mason 770 Reading Road, Mason 513-204-5657, yogacincy.com
Thank you Uno’s and Taco Bell of CTI Restaurants for sponsoring the 8th annual 2019 Best of the North event. West Chester facebook.com/ctirest CTI_V1.indd 1
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The Best of the North is a celebration and competition among the top establishments in the North. Finalists were determined by nominations cast by the general public and the readers of Cincy Magazine. The event featured 60-plus booths hosted by participating Best of the North finalists from 64 categories, including food, retail and service organizations. Attendees cast their votes at the Best of the North Celebration Oct. 23 at the the Manor House Event Center to determine the winners in each category. Below you will find the finalists as well as the winners in each category.
FIN A LIS TS
Donut
Juice Smoothie
Bloody Mary
Family Dining
Local Bakery
BBQ
Farmers Market
Local Chili
Breakfast
Fine Dining
Mexican
Burger
Fresh Catch
Burrito
Frozen Yogurt
Catering
Ice Cream
Chef
Independent Coffee
Chocolatier
Indian
Dessert
Italian
FOOD
■ Cozy’s Cafe & Pub ■ Texas Roadhouse ■ Wildflower Cafe ■ City Barbeque ■ Eli’s BBQ ■ Neal’s Famous BBQ ■ First Watch ■ The Mason Grill ■ Scramblers ■ Flip Side ■ Quatman Café ■ Sammy’s Craft Burgers & Beers ■ TAHONA Kitchen + Bar ■ El Caporal ■ Mi Cozumel ■ Hammann’s Catering ■ Troy’s Catering ■ Vonderhaar’s Catering ■ Brian Clark, Gracie’s ■ Michelle Brown, Jag’s ■ Troy Meyer, Troy’s Cafe & Catering ■ Karma in the Kitchen ■ Haute Chocolate ■ Loveland Sweets ■ Nothing Bundt Cakes ■ The Almond Sisters Bakery ■ Tucker’s Whippy Dip
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■ Duck Donuts ■ Holtman’s Donuts ■ Stan The Donut Man ■ Basil’s on Market ■ Lucky Dog Grille ■ Gabby’s Cafe ■ Blue Ash Farmers Market at Summit Park ■ Loveland Farmers’ Market ■ West Chester Farmers Market ■ Jag’s Steak & Seafood ■ Tony’s of Cincinnati ■ Vincenzo’s ■ Bonefish Grill ■ Wildflower Cafe ■ Mitchell’s Fish Market ■ Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt ■ Rhino’s Frozen Yogurt & Soft Serve ■ Whipty-Do ■ Flub’s Dariette ■ Graeter’s ■ The Cone ■ Goshen Grind ■ Kidd Coffee & Wine Bar ■ True West Coffee ■ Banana Leaf Modern Thai ■ Raja India ■ Kanak India Restaurant ■ Pitrelli’s Italian Ristorante ■ Bravo ■ Vincenzo’s
■ Planet Smoothie ■ Off the Vine ■ Smoothie King ■ Jansen’s Sweet Sinsations ■ The Almond Sisters Bakery ■ Servatii Pastry Shop & Deli ■ Blue Ash Chili ■ Gold Star Chili (Lebanon) ■ Skyline Chili (Blue Ash) ■ Chuy’s ■ El Rancho Nuevo ■ Mi Cozumel
Pizza
■ Marion’s Piazza ■ Roc-A-Fella’s Pizza A Taste of New York ■ Two Cities Pizza Co.
Sports Bar
■ Blue Goose Sports Cafe ■ Buffalo Wild Wings ■ Fricker’s
Steak
■ Firebirds Wood Fired Grill ■ Jag’s Steak & Seafood ■ Tony’s of Cincinnati
Sushi
■ Asian Paradise Restaurant ■ Kona Grill ■ Kyoto Japanese Cuisine
Vegan Vegetarian
■ Aladdin’s Eatery ■ Rooted Juicery & Kitchen ■ Flavors Eatery
Wings
■ Eli’s Sports Bar & Grill ■ James’ Third Base Sports Bar & Grill ■ Lucky Dog Grille
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SERVICE
AC Heating & Cooling
■ AL’s Heating & Cooling Services ■ Hauser Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc ■ Logan AC & Heat Services ■ Moore Air
Dry Cleaner
■ Deluxe Cleaners ■ Springdale Cleaners ■ Tide Cleaners
Florist
■ Baysore’s Flower Shop ■ Oberer’s Flowers ■ Vern’s Sharonville Florist
Garden Center
■ Natorp’s Nursery ■ Sharon Nursery ■ WH Shroyer Nursery
Home Improvement
■ Ace Hardware ■ Lowe’s (West Chester) ■ Menards
Home Remodeler
■ Staley Transformations ■ Four of a Kind Remodeling ■ Meyer Brothers & Sons
Mani Pedi
■ Ambiance Nail Salon & Spa ■ USA Nails ■ The Village Spa
Master Stylist
■ Casey Brogan, Mitchell’s Salon & Day Spa ■ Jessica Clarke, The Village Spa ■ Linda Pille, Salon Lofts
Place for a Spa Day
■ Mitchell’s Salon & Day Spa ■ The Village Spa ■ The Woodhouse Day Spa
Date Night
■ Hanover Winery ■ Funny Bone Comedy Club & Restaurant at Liberty Town Center ■ Neusole Glassworks
Girls Night
■ Happy Hour House ■ Neusole Glassworks ■ Painting with a Twist
Happy Hour
■ Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen ■ Sonder Brewing ■ West Central Wine
Live Band
■ 2nd Wind Band ■ DV8 ■ Naked Karate Girls
Local Beer Selection
■ 16 Lots Brewing Co. ■ Broadway Barrel House ■ Rivertown Brewery & Barrel House
Place for Team Building
■ Escape the Room Challenge ■ Full Throttle Indoor Karting ■ Topgolf
SHOPPING Antiques
■ Waynesville Antique Mall ■ Sara’s House ■ Ohio Valley Antique Mall
Consignment
■ Clothes Mentor ■ Snooty Fox ■ This N That Consignments
Gift Shop
■ The Golden Lamb Gift Shop ■ Mim’s Off Main ■ sMari Designs
Place to Have a Wedding
Place for Home Accessories
Retirement Community
CHILDREN
■ Cooper Creek Event Center ■ The Grove of Springfield Township ■ Manor House ■ Cedar Village ■ Christian Village Communities ■ Brookdale Springdale
ENTERTAINMENT Community Arts Center
■ ArtsConnect (Springfield Township) ■ Evendale Cultural Arts Center ■ Fitton Center for Creative Arts
■ Charm at the Farm ■ Interiors Plus
Birthday Party
■ EDGE Teen Center ■ Lazer Kraze ■ Get Air Trampoline Park
Cheerleading Gym
■ Perfection Gymnastics School ■ Midwest Cheer Elite ■ Gym-Nation
Dance/Theater Instruction
■ Mason Dance Center ■ Miami Valley Ballet Theatre ■ Fitton Center for Creative Arts
Family Day
■ EnterTRAINment Junction ■ Main Event ■ Mad Potter
Festival
■ Germania Society Oktoberfest ■ Holiday in Lights at Sharon Woods ■ St. Susanna Festival
Gymnastics Center
■ Perfection Gymnastics School ■ Gym-Nation ■ Kids First Sports Center
Music Instruction
■ School of Rock Mason ■ Loveland Music Academy ■ Cincinnati School Of Music
Park
■ Keehner Park ■ Sharon Woods ■ Smith Park
Preschool
■ John Paul II Catholic School ■ Royalmont Academy ■ Skidaddles (Mason)
Swim Lessons
■ Countryside YMCA ■ Goldfish Swim School ■ Powel Crosley, Jr. YMCA
HEALTH Bike Shop
■ Montgomery Cyclery ■ Spoken Bicycles ■ Trek Bicycle Store
Charitable Race
■ Holiday in Lights 5K Run/Walk ■ Matthew 25: Ministries Hunger 5k ■ Shamrock Shuffle
Fitness Class
■ Anytime Fitness ■ Orange Theory West Chester ■ Countryside YMCA
Golf Course
■ Brown’s Run ■ Four Bridges Country Club ■ Fairfield Greens South Trace
Yoga Studio
■ Anahata Yoga Center ■ DRISHTIQ Yoga ■ Green Lotus Yoga Studio
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scen e
Best of the North From burgers and desserts to spas and gyms, more than 60 of the best businesses in the Northern Cincinnati region recently showcased their products, cuisine and services at Cincy Magazine’s Best of the North celebration on Oct. 23 at the Manor House Event Center in Mason.
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