Best of the North Winter 2018

YOUR VOTES ARE IN! GREAT PLACES TO SHOP TOP SPOTS TO GET IN SHAPE EXCELLENT SERVICES AND MORE!

Best Bakery Winner The Almond Sisters Bakery

WINTER 2018

+

THE LANE-HOOVEN HOUSE IS A UNIQUE TREASURE IN DOWNTOWN HAMILTON

OH: 17761 KY: HM04951

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We are very happy about our new units from Logan Services! Their customer service is great! We would strongly recommend giving them a call if your in the market for a new system.

Not valid with any other offer. Not valid on previous sales. Promotion must be presented at the time of purchase. Subject to change at any time. Next-day installation offered on a first-come, first-served basis only. Special promotional offer includes system discount and combined utility rebates. See your independent Trane Dealer for complete program eligibility, dates, details and restrictions. Special financing offers valid on qualifying equipment only. All sales must be to homeowners in the United States. Void where prohibited. The Wells Fargo Home Projects credit card is issued by Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., an Equal Housing Lende Lender. Special terms apply to qualifying purchases charged with approved credit. The special terms APR will continue to apply until all qualifying purchases are paid in full. The monthly payment for this purchase will be the amount that will pay for the purchase in full in equal payments during the promotional (special terms) period. The APR for Purchases will apply to certain fees such as a late payment fee or if you use the card for other transactions. For new accounts, the APR for Purchases is 28.99%. If you are charged interest in any billing cycle, the minimum interest charge will be $1.00. This information is accurate as of 1/1/2018 and is subject to change. For current information, call us at 1-800-431-5921. Offer expires 11/15/2018.

Thank you for voting us BEST MUSIC INSTRUCTION!

Trusted by over 2,000 families.

Top Rated in Cincinnati.

2016-2017

2017

3 Locations in Anderson, Mason & Montgomery

513.560.9175 www.CincinnatiSchoolofMusic.com

CO NTENTS

9 SHOPPING

This N That Consignments offers unique home goods to Greater Cincinnati. BY JENNIFER PATTERSON LORENZETTI

10 HEATING AND AC

6 ARCHITECTURE

The Lane-Hooven House in Hamilton is a rare, restored octagonal home that was built in 1863. BY CORINNE MINARD

8 UPFRONT

Shamrock Shuffle race and block party contribute to local charities.

BY SARA PRCHLIK

ARTS

•

BUSINESS

•

Hauser Air continues to offer a variety of services to area residents and businesses.

BY TIM WALKER

13 BEST OF THE NORTH 2018-2019

The votes are in for the 2018-19 Best of the North Awards! Thanks to your votes, we name the North’s 68 best restaurants, shopping destinations, services and more.

BY THE EDITORS

CULTURE

Like us on facebook and stay updated on upcoming events and giveaways.

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WI NTER 20 1 8

Enjoying the Best of the North

T

he annual Best of the North event is always a great time to celebrate what’s great about living in the North. 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 2019, 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.

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.

Subscribe or pick up your complementary copy at local supermarkets. To get multiple copies of Best of the North, please contact Alex Stacey at astacey@cincymagazine.com

PUBLISHED BY magazine 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 CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Guy Kelly ART DIRECTOR: Katy Rucker DIGITAL CONTENT ADMINISTRATOR:

Sara Elliott ADVERTISING MANAGER: Laura Federle AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR:

Alexandra Stacey PRODUCTION MANAGER: Keith Ohmer EVENTS DIRECTOR: Hannah Jones EVENTS COORDINATOR: Alex Tepe SALES & OPERATIONS MANAGER: Anthony Rhoades ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER: Rick Seeney CUSTOM PUBLISHER: Brad Hoicowitz ADVERTISING SALES: Ian Altenau, Abbey Cummins,

Susan Montgomery, Katelynn Webb INTERNS: Sara Prchlik, Abby Shoyt WORK STUDY STUDENTS: Esvin Bernardo Perez, Aliyah White

W I N T E R 2 0 18 :: B E S T O F T H E N O R T H

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A RCH ITEC TU R E

A Most Unusual House THE LANE-HOOVEN HOUSE IS A UNIQUE TREASURE IN DOWNTOWN HAMILTON

By Corinne Minard

O

ne of Hamilton’s most unusual houses is also one of its most historic. The Lane-Hooven House was built in 1863 for Clark Lane, a Hamilton industrialist, with a unique design element—it’s octagonal.

Octagon houses were briefly popular in the 1850s, but the Lane-Hooven House is the only octagonal residence in Hamilton, though the Lane Public Library across the street, built in 1866, also has eight sides.

However, according to Deborah Mast, administrative program director for the Hamilton Community Foundation, the house’s unique architecture is not the only reason to visit.

“For me, it’s just the craftsmanship. It’s just beautiful. You just don’t see woodworking and the quality in today’s homes,” she says. “It’s amazing when you sit here and look at 18-foot ceilings. The doors are that tall and they’re all handcrafted and just to know that they built everything pre-assembly line, I think that’s the thing that makes it so special to me.”

Though the house went through several owners before becoming the home of the foundation, it still contains many of the house’s original features as well as other period-appropriate pieces. Notable items and features include the carved front doors and stained glass panels, stenciled designs on the walls, original paintings from the 6

B E S T O F T H E N O R T H :: W I N T E R 2 0 18

The Lane-Hooven House was built in 1863 with a unique octagonal design featuring a spiral staircase in the entryway.

1800s, period furniture built in Cincinnati and an antique chandelier.

One of Mast’s favorite features is the spiral staircase in the entry way. “It’s amazing that it was all built by hand and it goes up three stories,” she says. Mast also says visitors should make sure to view the large double doors in the north parlor and a small surprise closet in the president’s office.

“I just find that fascinating because as tall as it is there are just lots of little drawers. It’s like, how did they even access that?” she says. “Just the built-in storage that they had at that time are all really

neat features.”

The house is open to the public 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays (excluding holidays).

If you’d like to tour Mast asks that you call ahead to reserve, particularly if your group has more than three people. “We usually ask that they call ahead in advance so that we don’t have multiple large groups coming at the same time,” she says.

The Hamilton Community Foundation at the Lane-Hooven House, 319 N. Third St., Hamilton. 513-863-1717, hamiltonfoundation.org. n

LIVE CincyLive is the home of all Cincy and NKY Magazine events, as well as our partners. From food and community events to professional and nonprofit ones, all can be found on CincyLive.

Best of the East

Jan. 24, Holiday Inn Eastgate The Best of the East is will feature booths hosted by participating Best of the East finalists from categories including food, retail and service organizations.

2019 Redwood Express Enters the Jungle

March 1, Paul Brown Stadium Please join us at our largest fundraising event of the year! Get your picture taken with Ben-Gal Cheerleaders in the Photo Booth. Enjoy drinks while sitting in Paul Brown Stadium. Live music by the Naked Karate Girls will accompany dinner. Have fun with the Live & Silent auctions, raffles and games during the event.

GM Heritage Center Tour

Mar. 22, GM Heritage Center Cincy Motorsports Journal has arranged access to the GM Heritage Center. The Heritage Center chronicles GM’s history of innovation with displays of Cars, Trucks, Prototypes, Signs and Archives. Find the “Build Sheet” for vehicles and other archival materials, see the original configuration of everything GM.

Are you a nonprofit looking for a no upfront cost promotion for an upcoming event?

Contact: Eric Harmon, President & Publisher • eharmon@cincymagazine.com • 513-297-6205

U PFRO NT

Raising Some Green SHAMROCK SHUFFLE RACE AND BLOCK PARTY CONTRIBUTE TO LOCAL CHARITIES

By Sara Prchlik PHOTO BY CASEY BURNS PHOTOGR APHY

S

ure, the Community Foundation of West Chester/Liberty’s Shamrock Shuffle 5K/10K Race is a great way to raise money for local charities. But it’s an even better way to have some fun.

That’s because the event includes the Community Block Party on The Square @ Union Centre in West Chester that’s free for all participants.

The Community Block Party is “one of the best post-race celebrations around,” says Karen Gibbs, director of programs and marketing for the Community Foundation of West Chester. It includes a wide selection of food, including Glier’s Goetta and Taco Bell, and beer for the adult participants and hot chocolate for the kids, she says.

About 5,000 people are expected to attend the event.

The 2019 event starts at 7:30 a.m. Saturday, March 9, with on-site registration and packet pickup at the Midpointe Library, 9363 Centre Pointe Drive, in West Chester Township. The 5K and 10K runs start at 9 a.m. and are quickly followed by the 5K walkers, strollers and dogs. The Community Block Party starts at 9:30 a.m.

Then the little ones ages 3-10 get in on the fun with the Leprechaun Lap Mini Race at the start/finish line at 10 a.m. The Community Block Party continues until noon when the culmination of the event—the Beer Obstacle Course—is conducted.

The Beer Obstacle Course is a fan favorite 8

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as “participants must complete a series of obstacles while holding a beer mug full of water,” says Gibbs. “At the finish line they fill their cups with beer to celebrate and the winner chooses a prize,” she says.

Proceeds from the Shamrock Shuffle 5K/10K Race and Community Block Party benefit the Community Foundation’s Community Grants Fund, which supports nonprofit organizations serving the West Chester and Liberty Township communities, says Gibbs. The event raised more than $110,000 in 2018, she says.

More than half of the participants join a charity team to raise money at the event, says Gibbs. “One-hundred percent of the proceeds from this event are invested back into the community through our Community Grants Fund or one of the participating charity teams,” she says.

The event is also a great way to bring the community together, Gibbs says. “It is one of the few times a year that community members, township representatives, lo-

The Community Foundation of West Chester/Liberty Township’s Shamrock Shuffle 5K/10K Race and Community Block Party takes place on The Square @ Union Centre in West Chester on Saturday, March 9. cal businesses, nonprofit organizations and schools are able to come together to have fun, celebrate and support their community,” she says.

For more information about the Communit y Foundation of West Chester/ Liberty’s Shamrock Shuffle 5K/10K Race and Community Block Party visit theshamrockshuffle.com. n

SH O PPI N G

The Power of Small Businesses

THIS N THAT CONSIGNMENTS OFFERS UNIQUE HOME GOODS TO GREATER CINCINNATI

By Jennifer Patterson Lorenzetti

I

n 2011 Lacy Alfrey was a divorced mom of three who was working in a bar at night to be more available during the day for her kids. However, she harbored a dream of opening a shop and securing even more control over her schedule.

When her own mother suggested she open a consignment shop instead, Alfrey took her tax refund and opened This N That Consignments, based in Mason, off Reading Road. As her website notes, “what she wanted most was to open a store where her customers could have a great time searching for stunning and cost-friendly pieces

to take home.” She indeed created such a place, which is now frequented by renters, homeowners and decorating professionals looking for great deals on unique pieces.

The path to developing a successful small business was not an easy one. “The first year I worked seven days a week,” Alfrey says. She has grown the business to include 10,000 square feet of selling space, filled with furniture and home décor items that change daily. Items range from simple Ikea furniture to specialized and high-end items like those from Restoration Hardware. Shopping is easy, as customers can stop into the store, look at some items on the web, or see in-stock items on the store’s Facebook page.

Alfrey and her staff pick up furniture from consigners twice a week, but it is the way furniture leaves the store that is sometimes memorable. Alfrey recalls one customer who purchased a desk and

Lacy Alfrey, third from left, has built a successful business with a dedicated staff of employees. hauled it away strapped to the top of a Honda Civic. For those who are less daring with their transportation methods This N That offers delivery services for a fee.

But while the items change regularly, it is the constancy of the people that make This N That special. Alfrey’s staff of six have committed to the success of the store, with all being employed between one and six years, lending an expertise to their service.

Alfrey also says she has “built a lot of relationships with customers” and she credits her consigners and customers for making her store possible. “I can pay my bills at home and be available for my children,” she says.

Alfrey believes in the power of small business to make a difference in the community. This N That supports Lighthouse Youth Services, providing Christmas presents for more than two dozen kids during the holiday season. She also stresses the importance of everyone in a community supporting the businesses and organizations based in that area. “It’s good for the economy,” she says. It also furthers the neighborly relationship that customers and consigners of This N That have come to expect from Alfrey and her staff. n W I N T E R 2 0 18 :: B E S T O F T H E N O R T H

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H E ATI N G A N D AC

40 Years Young HAUSER AIR CONTINUES TO OFFER A VARIETY OF SERVICES TO AREA RESIDENTS AND BUSINESSES

By Tim Walker

“I

f you don’t like the weather in Ohio,” goes the old joke, “Just stick around for a few minutes and it’ll change.” Residents of the Buckeye state know that temperatures outside can go from freezing cold to hot and humid in a matter of days—even hours—and we all need good heating and air-conditioning services to keep ourselves and our families safe and comfortable no matter what inclement weather craziness Mother Nature throws our way.

The people at Hauser Air specialize in keeping residents comfortable no matter 10

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what their outdoor thermometers might say. T hei r ca r i ng a nd professiona l at t it ude has kept t hem in business as one of the area’s b e s t-k n o w n a n d most-trusted HVAC service providers for four decades.

“The company was started 40 years ago by our founder, Roy Hauser,” says Amanda Poling, marketing director and sales manager at Hauser Air. “We’re a very family-oriented business and we’ve found that our customers like that.

Roy actually still works at Hauser—he’s in our sales and commercial department.

We merged with Gallagher Heating & Cooling in Mason a year or so ago, but he’s still here.”

Hauser Air has remained a Cincinnatiarea favorite by remaining consistently reliable and offering a variety of services to its customers for decades. The company offers residential and light commercial installation and replacement HVAC services, and it’s also just a phone call away, 24 hours per day, whenever customers might require emergency service.

The company is well-known for its friendly and knowledgeable staff and for always providing honest, professional assessments and fair and competitive pricing. All of its technicians are fully trained, licensed and certified, with many of them having

The professionals at Hauser Air have been providing residential and light commercial installation and replacement heating, ventilation and air conditioning services for 40 years. years of experience in the field. One of the company’s more popular products is its VIP Service agreement, which offers twiceyearly service calls in order to ensure that a customer’s existing equipment is clean and in good operating condition.

In addition to keeping the temperature comfortable, Hauser Air also has a range of services designed to help maintain the quality of the air its customers breathe.

“We offer a number of indoor air-quality products and services,” says Poling. “We do real estate inspections, which our customers appreciate. We also do indoor air-quality tests, using UV lights and a number of other tools, in order to provide the same air quality that hospitals use. We send product specialists out who test the air quality, and we provide duct cleaning and other services.” n

A magazine dedicated exclusively to Cincy: Its arts, businesses, communities, entertainment and most of all its people.

Visit us at WWW.CINCYMAGAZINE.COM for a complimentary subscription

Thank you to our sponsors for helping support the 2018 Sponsored by:

Non-profit Partner

We hope you enjoyed the 2018 event!

Special thanks to our participating finalists:

Air Authority Heating and Air Conditioning Al’s Heating and Cooling Aladdin’s Eatery Almond Sisters Ambiance Nail Salon Anthony Dry Cleaner Baysore’s Flower Shop Bee U Retail Blue Ash Farmers Martket Burn Boot Camp Cedar Village Christian Village Communities Cincinnati School of Music City Barbeque Clyborne’s Dave & Busters Deerfield Township

Drishtiq Yoga Duck Donuts Funny Bone (Liberty) Game On Fitness Goddard School Mason/Deerfield Twp. Goldfish Swim School Grace Tree Studio Gussied Up - Karie Michelle Hauser Air High Street Café Karma in the Kitchen Kaylas Posh Pets Grooming and Boutique La Casita Learning Center Lazer Kraze Liberty Center Made to Love Main Event Entertainment

Manor House Maple Knoll Village Mason Dance Center Midwest Cheer Mim’s Off Main Mitchell’s Salon & Day Spa Montgomery Farmers Market Natorp’s Nursery Neals International BBQ Nothing Bundt Cakes Painting with a twist Perfection Gymnastics School Rhino’s Frozen Yogurt and Soft Serve Rivertown Bewery & Barrel House Sammy’s Craft Burger and Beers Scene 75 Entertainment Center Shamrock Shuffle (Community Foundation

of West Chester) Sharonville Cultural Arts Center Skidaddles (Mason) Staley Transformations Stan the Donut Man Summit Park Blue Ash Tahona Kitchen + Bar The Alleen Company (holiday in lights) The Kindred Nest The Silver Diva The Village Spa This N That Consignment Tide Dry Cleaners Troy’s Café and Catering Vonderhaar’s Catering Waynesville Antique Mall Woodhouse Kitchen + Bar

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. 17 at the Sharonville Convention Center. Lyons & Lyons Attorneys at Law, Logan AC & Heat Services, Taco Bell and Uno Pizzeria & Grill sponsored the event. This year’s nonprofit beneficiary was the Dragonfly Foundation, which brings comfort and joy to kids, young adults and their families enduring cancer and bone marrow transplants. Read on to learn more about our winners and some of the North’s hidden gems.

BY THE EDITORS

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FOOD BEST BREAKFAST/BRUNCH FIRST WATCH

Multiple locations, including 8118 Montgomery Road, Kenwood 513-891-0088, firstwatch.com One of the reasons voters chose First Watch as the Best Breakfast/Brunch is because of its customer service, says Lauren Romansky, regional marketing manager with First Watch Restaurants. Customers know they can always count on a delicious, consistent, high-quality experience each and every time they step through its doors, she says.

Guests at First Watch are always greeted with a pot—not just a cup—of its Project Sunrise coffee that supports women coffee growers in Huila Columbia, she says. “Our customers love coming back to us week after week because we make them feel like more than just customers but truly a part of our First Watch Family,” says Romansky.

In addition to great customer service the

for Thanks s! or U Voting f

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quality of the food at First Watch is also top notch, she says. “I think we have some of the best tasting, high-quality food around,” Romansky says.

“Our menu really offers it all—breakfast, brunch and lunch—whether you’re craving something healthy like Avocado Toast or looking for a more indulgent treat like the Million Dollar Bacon, we’ve got you covered,” she says.

The menu is constantly evolving at First Watch, which offers five different seasonal menus throughout the year—which is a fun way to introduce new ingredients like chia seeds, farro, watermelon radish, acai and so many more, Romansky says.

First Watch features breakfast, brunch and lunch and is open every day 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at 16 locations in Cincinnati, Dayton and Northern Kentucky.

FOOD BEST BLOODY MARY COZY’S COTTAGE

6456 Cincinnati-Dayton Road, Liberty Township. 513-644-9365, cozyscottage.com

BEST BURGER

SAMMY’S CRAFT BURGERS & BEERS

4767 Creek Road, Blue Ash, 513-745-9484, and 6691 Western Row Road, Mason 513-486-3772, sammyscbb.com

BEST BAKERY

BEST BBQ

224 High St., Hamilton 513-857-5868, facebook.com/Almondsisters

Multiple locations including 7706 Voice of America Centre Drive, West Chester 513-755-0518, citybbq.com

THE ALMOND SISTERS BAKERY

CITY BBQ

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FOOD BEST BURRITO

BEST DONUT

BEST FAMILY DINING

4920 Socialville-Foster Road, Mason 513-229-0595, elranchogrande.info

7967 Cincinnati-Dayton Road, West Chester Township. 513-759-0016, facebook.com/ stan-the-donut-man-147690215281038/

250 High St., Hamilton 513-805-7428, highstcafe.com

EL RANCHO GRANDE

BEST CATERING

STAN THE DONUT MAN

HIGH STREET CAFÉ

VONDERHAAR’S CATERING 19 W. Pleasant St., Reading 513-554-1969, vonderhaars.com

BEST CHOCOLATIER

KARMA IN THE KITCHEN

8779 Cincinnati-Dayton Road, West Chester Township. 513-668-1943

BEST DESSERT

NOTHING BUNDT CAKES

9540 Mason-Montgomery Road, Mason 513-492-8115, nothingbundtcakes.com

ACHIEVE MORE

2017

2016-2017

Family Owned

The Best Ingredients Make • The Best Desserts Over 100 Toppings!! • Open 24/7

www.RhinosFrozenYogurt.com 16

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Empowered to Transform the World

Mount Notre Dame is Cincinnati’s oldest all-female Catholic high school, founded in 1860 by the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, and is part of the worldwide Notre Dame Learning Community.

MND provides a college preparatory learning environment with an average class size of 19 students. Led by its talented faculty, each student is challenged through a broad selection of engaging classes, including 25 Honors and 20 Advanced Placement (AP) courses. Instruction is enhanced through collegiate-style Block Scheduling and a One-to-One Tablet PC Program that supports a variety of learning styles. MND graduates are prepared for the journey that lies ahead.

www.mndhs.org

FOOD

BEST CHEF

TROY MEYERS-TROY’S CAFE AND CATERING

322 Reading Road, Mason. 513-701-9367 4877 Smith Road, West Chester 513-8603206, troyscafe.com, troyscatering.com Winning the Best Chef award at the Best of the North event has nothing to do with his skills as a chef, says Troy Meyers, co-founder and chef of Troy’s Cafe and Catering. It’s because he’s done a good job of becoming a staple in the area, getting involved, getting his name out there and doing it consistently, he says.

“I can’t do that without my staff,” says Meyers. “They are the true chefs, getting all the workload done for the day, making the food great every time. Doing their best to make me my best. If it wasn’t for them I wouldn’t have the opportunity to get my name out there and promote my business. I give them all the credit.”

Meyers says the big-box restaurants and national chain restaurants don’t have what Troy’s Cafe and Catering has. “We’re the local restaurant,” he says. “And we take that as a big responsibility. We don’t take our roll up here in the ’burbs lightly. We want and need to be the neighborhood ‘go to.’”

Meyers describes his cafes as casual and inviting. “The food is gourmet but approachable,” he says. “We make everything from scratch and our staff is top notch. We really take the time necessary to do things the right way.”

And doing it the right way starts with a great staff, he says. “Our staff comes in early and stays late making sure we send out the best quality food we can,” says Meyers. “From our catering business to our two cafes we strive for the best.”

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FOOD

BEST MEXICAN CUISINE

TAHONA KITCHEN + BAR

1100 Summit Place, Blue Ash 513-777-8226, tahonakitchen.com

BEST PIZZA

UNO PIZZERIA & GRILL

BEST FARMERS MARKET

BEST INDEPENDENT COFFEEHOUSE

Summit Park, 4335 GlendaleMilford Road, Blue Ash 513-745-8500, blueash.com

7755 Cox Lane, West Chester 513-755-2288, facebook.com/cavucoffeeboutique

BLUE ASH FARMERS MARKET

CAVU COFFEE

BEST FINE DINING

BEST INDIAN CUISINE

2629 Water Park Drive, Mason 513-466-8170, woodhousekitchenbar.com

11974 Lebanon Road, #100, Sharonville 513-769-6266, newkrishnarestaurant.com

WOODHOUSE BAR & KITCHEN

NEW KRISHNA RESTAURANT

BEST FRESH CATCH (SEAFOOD)

BEST ITALIAN CUISINE

5948 Snider Road, Mason 513-204-7922, clybornes.com

3825 Edwards Road, Norwood 513-351-5999, bravoitalian.com

CLYBORNE’S

BRAVO CUCINA ITALIANA

BEST FROZEN YOGURT

BEST JUICE SMOOTHIE

10415 Kenwood Road, Blue Ash 513-282-4042, rhinosfrozenyogurt.com

11414 Montgomery Road, Symmes Township 513-489-2567

RHINO’S FROZEN YOGURT & SOFT SERVE

SMOOTHIE KING (MONTGOMERY)

BEST ICE CREAM

BEST LOCAL CHILI

Multiple locations including 7651 Cox Road, West Chester 513-755-2236, graeters.com

Multiple locations including 9254 Plainfield Road, Blue Ash 513-793-3350, skylinechili.com

GRAETER’S

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SKYLINE CHILI

9246 Schulze Drive, West Chester 513-942-6646, unos.com

BEST SPORTS BAR

PUTTERS SPORTS GRILL

6575 Cincinnati-Dayton Road, Liberty Township, 513-755-0222, and 6040 S. state Route 48, Maineville 513-494-2054, putterssportsgrill.com

BEST STEAK

CLYBORNE’S

5948 Snider Road, Mason 513-204-7922, clybornes.com

BEST SUSHI

ROLL ON IN

102 Main St., Hamilton 513-883-7832, rollonin.com

BEST VEGAN/VEGETARIAN ALADDIN’S EATERY

9344 Union Centre Blvd., West Chester Township 513-874-1302, alladinseatery.com

BEST WINGS

PUTTERS SPORTS GRILL

6575 Cincinnati-Dayton Road, Liberty Township, 513-755-0222, and 6040 S. state Route 48, Maineville 513-494-2054, putterssportsgrill.com

SHOPPING

BEST GIFT SHOP

MIM’S OFF MAIN

623 Reading Road, Mason 513-336-9100, mimsoffmain.com Mim’s Off Main is unique gift shop located in the downtown part of Mason in a 125-year-old, two-story building. “We have been here for over 11 years and before Mim’s it was called the Grapevine,” says Lisa Vitek owner of Mim’s Off Main.

The actual building has been a gift shop for 34 years. “We

have gifts for most everyone on your list,” says Vitek. Mim’s Off Main offers a nice variety of tabletop, jewelry, T-shirts, scarves, wall art, home decor and Vera Bradley, she says.

“We work very hard to have a successful store,” says Vitek.

“W hen customers come in they love the feel of the atmosphere.” Vitek says several loyal customers even come in for mental therapy to the happy place. “This is why I believe we won Best of the North.”

BEST PLACE TO BUY ANTIQUES

BEST CONSIGNMENT SHOP

69 S. Main St., Waynesville 513-897-6937, waynesvilleantiquemall.com

600 Reading Road, Mason 513-204-1600, thisnthatconsign.com

WAYNESVILLE ANTIQUE MALL

THIS N THAT CONSIGNMENTS

BEST PLACE FOR HOME ACCESSORIES HOME GOODS

7800 Montgomery Road, Sycamore Township 513-745-0143, homegoods.com

11/15/2018 – 12/31/2018

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SERVICE BEST AC/HEATING

BEST MANICURE/PEDICURE

Multiple locations, including 11264 Grooms Road, Blue Ash 513-214-2975, logan-inc.com

Multiple locations, including 5875 Deerfield Blvd., Deerfield Township 513-770-0799, ambiancenailsalon.com

LOGAN’S AC & HEAT SERVICES

BEST DRY CLEANER

TIDE DRY CLEANERS

8100 S. Mason-Montgomery Road, Mason 513-770-0295, tidedrycleaners.com

BEST FLORIST

BAYSORE’S FLOWER SHOP

301 Reading Road, Mason 513-398-7010, baysoresflowers.com

BEST GARDEN CENTER

NATORP’S NURSERY OUTLET & LANDSCAPE 8601 Snider Road, Mason 513-398-4769, natorp.com

AMBIANCE SALON & SPA

BEST MASTER STYLIST

JESSICA CLARKE-THE VILLAGE SPA

8862 Cincinnati-Dayton Road, West Chester 513-755-9241, thevillagespasalon.com

BEST PLACE FOR A SPA DAY THE VILLAGE SPA

8862 Cincinnati-Dayton Road, West Chester 513-755-9241, thevillagespasalon.com

BEST PLACE TO HAVE A WEDDING MANOR HOUSE

7440 Mason-Montgomery Road, Mason 513-459-0177, manorhouseohio.com

BEST HOME IMPROVEMENT

BEST PLACE TO PAMPER YOUR PET

Multiple locations, including 9380 MasonMontgomery Road, Deerfield Township 513-336-9741, lowes.com

7090 Cornell Road, Blue Ash 513-793-7674, kaylasposhpets.com

LOWE’S

BEST HOME REMODELER

STALEY TRANSFORMATIONS

1620 Oregonia Road, Lebanon 513-400-4968, staleytransformations.com

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KAYLA’S POSH PETS GROOMING & BOUTIQUE

Staley Transformations is a woman-owned and family operated “Not So General Contracting firm,” says JD Staley, CEO of Staley Transformations.

PHOTO BY TOM GILLIAM PHOTOGR APHY

BEST RETIREMENT COMMUNITY CHRISTIAN VILLAGE COMMUNITIES

Christian Village of Mason: 411 Western Row Road, Mason, 513-398-1486 Christian Village of Mt. Healthy: 8097 Hamilton Ave., Mt. Healthy, 513-931-5000 christianvillages.org

“Our mission is to listen to our customers vision combined with their blank canvas, then exceed it,” says Staley. “We accomplish this through consistently improving the quality of our products, exceptional performance, adaptability and serving with character and purpose that brings honor to God.” Staley says the company, founded in 1987, particularly enjoys roofing and all forms of flooring. Staley Transformations also does other work expected from a general contractor. “One thing we don’t do, however, is wallpaper ... we feel that it is just wrong,” says Staley.

Staley says voters at the Best of the North event chose Staley Transformations as the Best Home Remodeler because the company showed up. “What we mean by that is often times in our industry companies don’t return calls or just plain don’t show up,” says Staley.

Live Well Cincy brings you balanced, health-related editorial content to help you discover wellness in multiple aspects of life.

CincyMagazine.com/LiveWellCincy

LiveWellCincy

@ LiveWell_Cincy

ENTERTAINMENT

BEST COMMUNITY ARTS CENTER

BEST GIRLS NIGHT OUT

11165 Reading Road, Sharonville 513-554-1014, sharonvilleculturalarts.org

Multiple locations including 6196 Tylersville Road, Mason, 513-229-7700 paintingwithatwist.com

BEST LIVE BAND

BEST DATE NIGHT

BEST HAPPY HOUR

BEST PLACE FOR TEAM BUILDING

7100 Foundry Row, Liberty Township 513-664-0900, liberty-center.com

11775 Commons Drive, Springdale 513-671-5501, daveandbusters.com

9477 Oxford Way, West Chester Township 513-777-1700, mainevent.com

SHARONVILLE CULTURAL ARTS CENTER

LIBERTY CENTER

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PAINTING WITH A TWIST

DAVE & BUSTER’S

DV8

MAIN EVENT

ENTERTAINMENT

BEST LOCAL BEER SELECTION

RIVERTOWN BREWERY & BARREL HOUSE

6550 Hamilton Lebanon Road, Monroe 513-360-7839, rivertownbrewery.com The diverse styles of beer it brews combined with how it highlights other local, independent craft breweries on draft is the

reason The Rivertown Brewing Company was voted Best Local Beer Selection, says Lindsey Roeper, CEO/dream facilitator at The Rivertown Brewing Company.

“We truly have a beer for every palate, whether our guest is looking for a light lager or a complex barrel aged, blended sour—we have it and every style in be-

tween,” she says. “We also feature other local, independent craft breweries and craft cocktails featuring Ohio-based distilleries and even a few thoughtfully curated wine selections.”

The Rivertown Brewing Company also has a slow-smoked barbecue restaurant attached. “Many of the menu items also feature our beers infused directly into the dish, providing a flavor profile unique to Rivertown,” says Roeper.

And if the beer and barbecue aren’t enough to get customers into The Rivertown Brewing Company there’s the 20 vintage arcade games set to free play all day, she says. “We pride ourselves on having a space where all are welcome and can enjoy some time together,” Roeper says.

“We are a destination and a bit off the beaten path, we promise we’re worth the discovery and you will leave with a smile on your face, a full belly and a happy mouth!”

We serve premium food in a unique fast-casual setting. Bringing sushi burritos, sushi tacos, sushi bowls and even sushi donuts to a whole new level. Our food is fast, fresh and affordable, and our number one priority is you!

Roll On In – Clifton 2504 W. Clifton Ave. Cincinnati, OH 45219

Roll On In – Hamilton 102 Main St. Hamilton, OH 45013

Roll On In – Lebanon 44 E. Mulberry St. Lebanon, OH 45036

Roll On In – Loveland 3227 Montgomery Rd. Loveland, OH 45140

ROLLONIN.COM W I N T E R 2 0 18 :: B E S T O F T H E N O R T H

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HEALTH BEST CHARITABLE RACE

HOLIDAY IN LIGHTS 5K

Sharon Woods, 11450 Lebanon Road, Sharonville.

513-769-0393, holidayinlights.com/race

BEST FITNESS CLASS

GAME ON FITNESS

11096 Reading Road, Sharonville 513-592-0355, gameonfitness.org

BEST GOLF COURSE

BLUE ASH GOLF COURSE

4040 Cooper Road, Blue Ash 513-686-1280, blueashgolfcourse.com

BEST BIKE SHOP

BEST PLACE TO BUY FITNESS GEAR

Multiple locations, including 8975 Cincinnati-Columbus Road, West Chester 513-779-6767, montgomerycyclery.com

9525 Kenwood Road #42, Blue Ash 513-793-8383, fleetfeetcincy.com

MONTGOMERY CYCLERY

FLEET FEET

Relax | Rejuvenate | Refresh The Village Spa is an AVEDA concept salon in West Chester.

We’ve been providing cutting edge services in hair, skin, nails, and massage & body treatments for over 18 years.

Thank you for voting us ‘Best Place For A Spa Day’, and for voting Jessica Clarke as ‘Best Master Stylist’.

We truly appreciate your loyalty.

8862 Cincinnati Dayton Road | West Chester, OH 45069 thevillagespasalon.com | (513) 755-9241 24

B E S T O F T H E N O R T H :: W I N T E R 2 0 18

HEALTH

BEST YOGA STUDIO

GRACE TREE YOGA & GROWTH STUDIO

8933 Cincinnati Dayton Road, West Chester Township 513-400-6646, gracetreestudio.com

Grace Tree Yoga & Growth Studio is more than a yoga studio, says Janet Nash, coowner. “We consider it a shala, or sanctuary, created for cultivating growth in a community of the heart,” she says.

The mission of Grace Tree is to provide

an uplifting environment for those on a journey of self-discovery to participate in community gatherings, individual work, classes and workshops designed to nurture the body, balance the mind and liberate the soul, she says.

“Whether you enjoy our classes, workshops or individual personal growth work, Grace Tree is a place where nonjudging presence with self, others and our experiences inspires positive change,” Nash says.

In addition to yoga and movement classes, Grace Tree offers wellness services provided by licensed/certified providers, including yoga therapy, mental health therapy, hypnosis, massage, reiki and reflexology, she says.

Grace Tree is a four-time winner of this category because it is unique in its desire to honor the eight limbs of yoga in its traditional form, says Nash. “Yoga is more than movement; it’s a focus on mindfulness, breath, meditation, and commitment to values (yamas and niyamas).”

Dan's Portraits and Caricatures dannyfoster.com | 937-669-3222

Dan’s Portraits and Caricatures

W I N T E R 2 0 18 :: B E S T O F T H E N O R T H

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CHILDREN

BEST BIRTHDAY PARTY LOCATION LAZER KRAZE

Multiple locations, including 7082 Columbia Road, Maineville 513-339-1030, lazerkraze.com Lazer Kraze’s unique offerings—such as laser tag in a haze-filled arena, air dodgeball and slam dunking on the basketball rim in the trampoline room, and multiple player virtual reality games—along with personal customer service is why Lazer Kraze was voted Best Birthday Party Location, says owner Robin Wilcox.

“Lazer Kraze provides awesome fun for all ages and groups of all sizes,” she says. “There’s something for everyone at Lazer Kraze.”

And even more is on the way. New for the holidays, beer and malt beverages have been added to its menu, says Wilcox. And escape room is coming in early 2019, she says.

“Lazer Kraze can provide just the custom

private event you’re looking for,” says Wilcox. Whether you’re a mom looking for private trampoline sessions or laser tag for your younger kids, or a private facility event for just your group for a Bar Mitzvah or bachelor party, or a corporation looking

for the privacy of a corporate event without breaking the bank, Lazer Kraze has everything you need for a great time, she says.

With four locations now across the Midwest, Lazer Kraze is still a family run business that started in Mason, says Wilcox.

Making dreams a reality for 50 years...

...and just getting started www.Vonderhaars.com

513-554-1969

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CHILDREN BEST FESTIVAL

BEST MUSIC INSTRUCTION

Sharon Woods, 11450 Lebanon Road, Sharonville. 513-769-0393, holidayinlights.com

Multiple locations including 9361 Montgomery Road, Suite B, Montgomery 513-560-9175, cincinnatischoolofmusic.com

HOLIDAY IN LIGHTS

BEST FAMILY DAY MAIN EVENT

9477 Oxford Way, West Chester Township 513-777-1700, mainevent.com

BEST CHEERLEADING GYM

BEST GYMNASTICS CENTER

8730 N. Pavilion Drive, West Chester 513-779-9111, midwestcheerelite.com

5637 Union Center Drive, West Chester 513-860-3351, perfectiongymnastics.com

MIDWEST CHEER ELITE

PERFECTION GYMNASTICS

BEST DANCE/THEATER INSTRUCTION

MASON DANCE CENTER

600 Reading Road, Suite B, Mason 513-398-0353, masondance.com

CINCINNATI SCHOOL OF MUSIC

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 LESSONS

GOLDFISH SWIM SCHOOL

7058 Ridgetop Drive, West Chester 513-449-2751, goldfishswimschool.com

Visit midwesterntraveler.com to plan your next vacation

W I N T E R 2 0 18 :: B E S T O F T H E N O R T H

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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 68 categories, including food, retail and service organizations. Attendees cast their votes at the Best of the North Celebration Oct. 17 at the Sharonville Convention 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 FOOD BAKERY

■ The Almond Sisters Bakery ■ Servatti Pastry Shop and Deli ■ Jansens Sweet Sinsations

BBQ

■ City BBQ ■ Eli’s BBQ ■ Neal’s Famous BBQ

BLOODY MARY

■ Cozy’s Cottage ■ Silver Spring House Restaurant ■ The Wildflower Cafe

BREAKFAST/BRUNCH

CHEF

BURGER

CHOCOLATIER

BURRITO

DESSERT

CATERING

DONUT

■ Northstar Cafe ■ First Watch - Kenwood ■ Le Peep’s

■ Kinsey St. Clair at Jags ■ Troy Meyers- Troy and Catering ■ Todd Hudson - The Wildflower Cafe

■ Quatman’s Cafe ■ Flip Daddys ■ Sammy’s Craft Burgers and Beer

■ Haute Chocolate ■ Karma in the Kitchen ■ Golden Turtle ■ Grande Finale ■ Cocoa Bites ■ Nothing Bundt Cakes

■ El Caporal ■ El Rancho Grande ■ Mi Burrito ■ Tahona Kitchen + Bar ■ Troy’s Cafe and Catering ■ Vonderhaar’s Catering

■ Holtman’s Donuts ■ Duck Donuts ■ Stan the Donut Man

Visit cincymagazine.com and plan your night out on the town.

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B E S T O F T H E N O R T H :: W I N T E R 2 0 18

FAMILY DINING

INDIAN CUISINE

SPORTS BAR

FARMERS MARKET

ITALIAN CUISINE

STEAK

FINE DINNING

JUICE SMOOTHIE

SUSHI

FRESH CATCH (SEAFOOD)

LOCAL CHILI

VEGAN/VEGETARIAN

FROZEN YOGURT

MEXICAN CUISINE

WINGS

■ Putters Sports Bar and Grill ■ Lucky Dog Grill ■ High Street Cafe

■ Bombay Brazier ■ Raja India ■ New Krishna Restaurant

■ Blue Ash (Summmit Park) ■ Montgomery ■ West Chester Farmers’ Market

■ Bravo Cucina Italiana ■ Pitrelli’s Italiana Ristorante ■ Forno Osteria + Bar

■ Carlo & Johnny ■ Jag’s Steak & Seafood ■ Woodhouse Bar & Kitchen

■ Green Farm Juicery ■ Off the Vine ■ Smoothie King (Montgomery)

■ Bonefish Grill ■ Clybornes ■ The Wildflower Cafe

■ Blue Ash Chili ■ Gold Star Chili (Lebanon) ■ Skyline Chili (Blue Ash)

■ Menchies Frozen Yogurt ■ Rhino’s Frozen Yogurt and Soft Serve ■ Yagoot

ICE CREAM

■ Tahona Kitchen + Bar ■ Chuy’s ■ El Caporal Mexican Bar & Grill

PIZZA

■ Flub’s Dairyette (Hamilton) ■ Graeter’s ■ The Cone

INDEPENDENT COFFEEHOUSE

■ Dewey’s ■ Two Cities ■ LaRosa’s ■ Uno’s

■ Blue Goose Sports Cafe ■ Putters Sports Grill ■ Logo’s Blue Ash ■ Jeff Ruby’s Precinct ■ Clybornes ■ Jags Steak & Seafood ■ Dancing Roll ■ Kyoto Japanese Cuisine ■ Roll on In ■ Aladdin’s Eatery ■ Flavors Eatery ■ Loving Hut

■ Wings on Brookwood ■ Lucky Dog Grille ■ Putters Sports Bar and Grill

SHOPPING ANTIQUES

■ Ohio Valley Antique Mall ■ Sara’s House ■ Waynesville Antique Mall

■ Cavu Coffee ■ Kala Coffee ■ True West Coffee

A culinary tour of Northern Cincinnati Thank you to all of the participating restaurants

Interested in participating next year?

Contact Hannah Jones, events manager, at hjones@cincymagazine.com or 513-297-1351 W I N T E R 2 0 18 :: B E S T O F T H E N O R T H

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CONSIGNMENT SHOP

PLACE TO PAMPER YOUR PET

FITNESS CLASS

GIFT SHOP

RETIREMENT COMMUNITY

GOLF COURSE

PLACE FOR HOME ACCESSORIES

ENTERTAINMENT

YOGA STUDIO

■ Snooty Fox ■ Bee U Retail & Consignment ■ This ‘N That Consignments ■ Made to Love ■ Kindred Nest ■ Mim’s off Main ■ Home Goods ■ Made to Love ■ Sara’s House

SERVICE

AC/HEATING CO.

■ Hauser Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. ■ Air Authority Heating and A/C ■ Al’s Heating and Cooling ■ Logan’s AC & Heat

■ A Fortunate Dog Spa ■ Kayla’s Posh Pets Grooming & Boutique ■ Earthwise Pet ■ Cedar Village ■ Maple Knoll ■ Christian Village Communities

COMMUNITY ARTS CENTER

■ Fairfield Community Arts Center ■ Fitton Center for Creative Arts ■ Sharonville Cultural Arts Center

DATE NIGHT

■ Liberty Center ■ Clybornes ■ Painting with a Twist

■ Game on Fitness ■ Burn Bootcamp ■ Orangetheory Fitness ■ Blue Ash Golf Course ■ Wetherington ■ Four Bridges ■ Drishtiq Yoga ■ Elemental Om Yoga & Meditation Center ■ Grace Tree Yoga & Growth Studio

CHILDREN

BIRTHDAY PARTY LOCATION ■ Goldfish Swim School ■ Lazer Kraze ■ The Silver Diva

DRY CLEANERS

GIRL’S NIGHT OUT

■ Anthony Cleaners ■ Springdale Cleaners ■ Tide Dry Cleaners

■ The Silver Diva ■ Funny Bone ■ Painting with a Twist

CHEERLEADING GYM

FLORIST

HAPPY HOUR

DANCE/THEATER INSTRUCTION

GARDEN CENTER

LIVE BAND

FESTIVAL

HOME IMPROVEMENT

LOCAL BEER SELECTION

FAMILY DAY

PLACE FOR TEAM BUILDING

GYMNASTICS CENTER

HEALTH

MUSIC INSTRUCTION

■ Baysores ■ Oberer’s Flowers ■ Two Little Buds ■ Delhi Flower and Garden ■ Natorp’s Nursery Outlet & Landscape ■ Pinecrest Nursery ■ Ace Hardware ■ Lowe’s ■ Menard’s

HOME REMODELER

■ Four of a Kind Remodeling ■ Meyer Brothers & Sons, Design | Build| Remodel ■ Staley Transformations

MANICURE/PEDICURE

■ Ambiance Salon & Spa ■ K-Nails ■ The Village Spa

MASTER STYLIST

■ Karie Michelle at Gussied Up! ■ Kari Lacy at Gussied Up! ■ Jessica Clarke at The Village Spa

PLACE FOR A SPA DAY

■ The Village Spa ■ Mitchell’s Salon and Day Spa ■ The Woodhouse Day Spa

PLACE TO HAVE A WEDDING

■ Cooper Creek Event Center ■ Manor House ■ Lake Lyndsay

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B E S T O F T H E N O R T H :: W I N T E R 2 0 18

■ Kona Grill ■ Dave & Buster’s ■ Basil’s On Market ■ DV8 ■ Kevin Fox Band ■ 2nd Wind ■ Grainworks ■ Municipal Brew Works ■ Rivertown Brewery ■ Lazer Kraze ■ Main Event ■ Top Golf

BIKE SHOP

■ Loveland Bike Rental ■ Montgomery Cyclery ■ Trek

BUY FITNESS GEAR

■ Buckeye Runnning ■ Fleet Feet ■ Roads, Rivers, and Trails

CHARITABLE RACE

■ Holiday in Lights 5K ■ Matthew 25 Ministries Hunger 5K ■ Shamrock Shuffle

■ Gym Nation ■ Perfections Gymnastics ■ Midwest Cheer Elite ■ Mason Dance Center ■ Miami Valley Ballet ■ Fully Loaded Dance Studio ■ Holiday in Lights ■ Sharonfest ■ Operation Pumpkin ■ Dave & Busters ■ Main Event ■ Scene75 ■ Kids First Sports Center ■ Perfections Gymnastics School ■ Gym Nation ■ Cincinnati School of Music ■ School of Rock ■ Loveland Music Academy

PARK

■ Cottell Park ■ Sharon Woods ■ Summit Park

PRESCHOOL

■ La Casita Learning Center ■ Skidaddles ■ The Goddard School

SWIM LESSONS

■ Bear Paddle Swim School ■ Goldfish Swim School ■ YMCA

When Only the Very Best Will Do

6 Years Running

COMMUNITIES

Welcome to Christian Village Communities where care is at the heart and soul of everything we do. Here, older adults enjoy friends and share experiences, surrounded by a staff dedicated to their well-being.

Schedule a Personal Tour Today! at MT. HEALTHY

at MASON

(513) 398-1486

(513) 931-5000

www.christianvillages.org