Aglamesis Bros.: Tower of FavoritesIce cream might be considered a summer time treat, but in my family we crave it year round. That’s why we love an outing to Algamesis each season to taste thei  

Ambience Salon Spa: Togetherness PackageServices include a “purefecting” plant peel anti-aging facial ($135) and 90-minute deep tissue sports massage ($110) for those on the go. Or truly i  

When most people think of arts and crafts, two images typically come to mind. Some think of the classic church basement craft show where retired ladies hawk doilies. Others might remember second-grade art class, where they made handprint turkeys and might or might not have eaten paste. But what about a marketplace of young urbanites buying and selling items like handmade books, yoga mat bags and vintage jewelry that draws a crowd of thousands? That's exactly what goes down at the Crafty Supermarket.  

Although I grew up in Cincinnati and graduated from Oak Hills High School, I haven't spent a full holiday shopping season here since around 2006, when I spent a few post-college months living with my parents. I gave a half-hearted attempt at sorting out Cincinnati's arts/entertainment/shopping scene, but when I heard Over-the-Rhine was supposed to be the new epicenter of all things happening and hip, I just wasn't buying it. Boy, was I wrong. "It's pretty amazing, the transformation that's taken place," says Brian Tiffany, president of the Over-the-Rhine Chamber of Commerce.  

This wonderful trail is part of The Nature Conservancy’s Edge of Appalachia Nature Preserve System and is a National Natural Landmark. The area offers a variety of habitats as well as a fantastic all alonley hike. Throughout the hike are beautiful dolomite cliffs, waterfalls, and a diversity of wildlife. Be aware of the multiple cliff edges—stay on the trail and pay attention.  

The list of wildlife species found at John A. Kleber Wildlife Management Area is extensive and elaborate. Neotropical migrants, quail, deer, wild turkeys, rabbits, groundhogs, and raccoons, as well as an array of hawks, call the steep hillsides and narrow, flat ridgelines home. Although this hike is only 1.8 miles long, it’s not lacking in wildlife diversity.  

Dinsmore Homestead is also home to Dinsmore Woods State Nature Preserve, which is owned by The Nature Conservancy. Plan extra time to explore the homestead, cabin, garden, outbuildings, and cemetery.  

At Mullins Wildlife Management Area, you can wander about in the woods and enjoy the tranquility of nature. The trail leads into the woods near a stream and along a ridge, where you’ll find a bevy of shagbark hickory trees. Plus, this is a great location for bird-watching.  

Beaver Creek Wildlife Area is home to the unique Siebenthaler Fen. The wetland complex serves as a resting spot for migrating waterfowl and neotropical migrants. The boardwalk allows visitors a chance to explore the wetlands without getting soaked.  

Uptown Cincinnati is home to some of the city's largest employers, best known attractions and entertainment spots. In the right spots you'll see vibrancy, potential and even a little charm. But like in so many areas of the urban core, other parts are run down, prone to violence. The nonprofit Uptown Consortium has promoted the revitalization of these urban neighborhoods since 2004.  

Cincinnati's Main Street, as do most Main Streets in other towns, stretches right through the heart of the city. Most people cross it to go to baseball games or cross under it on the highway. I rarely have the chance to visit OTR stretch of Main Street, but this section is experiencing a revival to rival any going on in Over-the-Rhine.  

What started as a fundraising idea has turned into a full-fledged company that's taking Cincinnati and Newport by storm ... or at least on a tour. Seven years ago Jerry Gels II — along with his father Jerome Gels, sister Laura Gels and friend Dave Kohake — founded the Newport Gangster Tour. Mac Cooley and Brad Hill quickly joined the team, and last year the group formed Newport Walking Tours LLC.  

For anyone trying to sell their house these days, “slow” might even sound optimistic when describing the real estate market. But what about those high-end condos that loom over the river or sit perched on a hillside. They can’t be selling ... or can they? Oddly enough, luxury condos seem to be the exception when it comes to the down real estate market, with many new developments already at 60 percent occupancy or better.  

A cool breeze gently blows through rows of leafy green grape vines beside Ed and Beth McDonald's home. Soft pastel tablecloths ripple across wooden picnic tables adorned simply with silver lanterns. The relaxing sound of water lapping in a pond completes the idyllic atmosphere. Welcome to Hanover Winery in Hanover Township near Oxford.  

Whether you're a history or nature nut (or both), Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park offers excellent hiking trails that lead you through different habitats, and also takes you back in time to when battles raged over territory, salt, and freedom.