Even if your skincare routine is impeccable, it’s never too late to take that glow to the next level. Though Lunar Beauty Bar in Over-the-Rhine offers many different facials based on a patron’s preference, virgins to facials would be wise to pick their customized facial. For an hour, an esthetician will thoroughly examine your skin to determine what sort of TLC it needs — perhaps some dermaplaning to help rejuvenate your skin, or maybe some extractions if you have particularly tricky breakouts. Knowing exactly what your skin needs at all times is impossible, so let the professionals worry about your glow for an hour every once in a while. lunarbeautyotr.com.

Jasmine Nobue’s finely-tuned vision for her JunkYard compound is finely executed with a focus on community engagement, social awareness and overall celebration of individual and collective excellence. You truly never know what to expect from the strong cast of creators and healers that contribute to The JunkYard’s mission of bringing us all together and celebrating the unique talents and interests we offer one another.  From the spectacular culinary gems provided by Lost and Found’s Ronnie Huon and Stephan Bayne to the sultry sounds and hospitality of stage starlet, Montez Jenkins, you are destined for a once-in-a-lifetime experience with some of the brightest stars shining across our city. As a luxury spa, B&B, fine dining restaurant, yoga retreat, festival venue and otherwise wonderful place to relax and connect, be sure to keep an eye on the events promoted on their Instagram. instagram.com/community_junkyard.

I’m sure you’ve seen the myriad of style and fashion flashing in the windows of Moreau Sewing on Main Street. Beyond the sewing talents that Ian Moreau shares with our community through tailoring, construction courses and commissions, he is truly one of the most consistently nice neighbors you could imagine. With a simple wave, he completely changes the trajectory of my day with the assurance that positivity can be a choice, and that I too can offer a neighbor a beacon of hope with simply a smile and wave. I would implore you to further check out the styles and services offered by Moreau Sewing at either his downtown or Northside locations. Beyond his kind spirit he is a talented tailor with over 35 years of experience. moreausewingunlimited.com.

No matter what sort of book you’re looking for, chances are that the Ohio Book Store in downtown Cincinnati has it. After all, the popular used bookstore boasts five floors of unique literary finds, meaning that you’re bound to find the book version of your soulmate in some unassuming corner of the store. Even those who have yet to learn how to read can benefit from the Ohio Book Store’s large collection of rare and used books. After entering the store, head all the way to the back of the store’s first floor to browse their impressive collection of vintage books (some even from the early 1900s) designed to be consumed by young children, or to be read aloud by parents to soothe their children to sleep. ohiobookstore.net.

Especially for those new to the world of boutique fitness, walking into a new fitness studio can be incredibly intimidating. Unlike a gym or your living room, the community aspect of a boutique fitness studio is strong. This likely accounts for that feeling of isolation that you get when you walk into a boutique fitness center — that feeling that everyone else has already bonded and knows what to expect in a particular workout class that is completely foreign to you. Even if you’re in the best shape of your life, this isolation can be a major turnoff. However, at NYXX Cycle in Norwood, owner Nick Melnyk is so welcoming that you almost feel pressure to never leave the studio again. From the minute you clip into the exercise bike, Melnyk and the other riders cheer you on without making you feel embarrassed for all of the effort that you’re putting into your workout. It’s truly a welcoming experience for new and veteran indoor cyclists. nyxxcycle.com.

The style influence propelled by OTR’s fromthesidewalk. style squad is immeasurable. A self-recognized creative hub of streetwear and culture, fromthesidewalk. offers collections of highly coveted sneakers, remarkable vintage clothing and consignment opportunities. In such a quick time, we have witnessed a fully torqued blast off of top-tier sidewalk steppers and finely sources (sometimes reworked) vintage pieces on the Cincinnati streets. The brand has soared with its playful yet sophisticated approach to sustainable dressing and is truly a universal brand with offerings that speak to any-and-all generational cohorts. The reign of Jet Black is unstoppable and this is a get-with-it or get-lost situation and baby I want to be front row as things continue to pop off and forward for the well deserved hands that bless this brand’s identity with their authentic concern for quality design and style presentation. Bravo! thesidewalkshop.com.

It’s hard enough to even find those delicious watermelon radishes with their beautifully pink interiors at a grocery store, much less figure out how you’re supposed to eat what is inside the thick, irregularly shaped and slippery-to-grip outer root/shell. But Pipkin’s Market in Blue Ash not only can tell you, but when one CityBeat writer asked an employee about it she took it into a backroom and sliced it into small pieces with a big knife for him. This is a place that loves making it easy for customers to try unusual fruits and vegetables for the first time. pipkinsmarket.com.

A CityBeat writer on his first visit to the wonderful Covington bookshop, Conveyor Belt Books, was wowed by co-owner Brandon Thomas DiSabatino’s deep stock of books reflecting a discerning but open-minded interest and knowledge of alternative arts and culture. But he doesn’t stop with merely carrying such books. When the customer bought a copy of the late San Francisco Beat-era poet Lew Welch’s collected poems, Ring of Bone, DiSabatino informed him that Welch was the step-father of clean-cut rock star Huey Lewis! DiSabatino and wife Shelbi Schindler have been operating the store for two years and it has become a literary destination. instagram.com/conveyor_belt_books.

After closing its doors in 2022, the Kenwood Theatre reopened last year in the former City Base Cinemas location at The Kenwood Collection (aka above the Whole Foods across from the Kenwood Towne Centre). Although it’s operated by the same organization that oversees the Esquire and Mariemont theaters, Kenwood focuses on first-run films and blockbusters instead of indie fare. It also absorbed City Base’s dine-in theater experience, a departure from the other cinemas in its portfolio. With call buttons on each heated recliner seat, guests can order from a full menu that now includes dishes like Montgomery Inn pulled pork, Silverglades chicken salad sandwiches and local beer. Although it’s not super easy to access (you have to go up outdoor escalators and past some vacant storefronts), the effort is worth it: there’s a full bar, free refills on popcorn and no loud teenagers. kenwoodtheatre.com.

Though Household Books is tucked away in an unassuming building on Gilbert Ave., its owner, Bobby, has extended his reach far outside the confines of the store’s space. Not only does Household Books have a great selection of used books, records and clothing at very affordable prices, there is always something new and exciting taking place. Take for instance the carefully curated pairing of books and fine dining that serves to highlight classic literature and Cincinnati cuisine with “Plates & Pages.” Bobby also hosts open mic nights spotlighting local talent, an all-ages reading group devoted to Larry McMurtry’s classic Lonesome Dove and a recent performance of Little Women that featured a talented cast of CCM students. So whether you’re searching for a long-sought-after volume, a cherished record or vintage threads, you’ll likely stumble upon those and much more. householdbooks.org.

Walking into Ft. Thomas’ newest bookstore, The Hidden Chapter is like walking into the personal library of a mysterious wizard in a folktale. The shop oozes dark academia and wonderment, with an eclectic collection of shelves stuffed to the brim with all kinds of new and used books — from science fiction and thrillers to contemporary romance and more — and fantasy-themed art on the walls and propped up on the shelves. The plush velvet couches beckon you to grab a book and sit and read awhile, while a variety of chandeliers and light fixtures provide delicious mood lighting. You can also head to its bar to grab a beer or wine while you browse. thehiddenchapter.com.

You can smell the ghosts of cigarettes past when you walk into Stone Lanes in Norwood, but in the best way possible. Staying true to its original hardware and overall vibe, Stone Lanes is a refuge for those who want to drink a Budweiser draft in their mom’s jeans from the ‘90s. The historical alley is the perfect backdrop for your instant camera, teetering on dive bar status. Come hungry, because Stone Lanes has some of the most surprisingly good pizza in the city. Your apathetic or competitive spirit are both welcome at their open bowl or new Sunday “Bad Bowlers” league. stonelanes.com.

Cincinnati’s fashion scene gets bigger and better every year. Corporate is a sneaker and clothing boutique that has been serving Cincinnati (Hyde Park), Dayton and Indianapolis for 15 years. In September, the Corporate Jordan Air Ships dropped and included design nods to Cincinnati, including the city’s iconic skyline. The teal shoes were a symbol of founder Matt Tomamichel’s journey, a tribute to Cincinnati and a show of excellence in a rare collaboration opportunity with the Jordan brand. corporategotem.com.

There are few things more disruptive than muscle pain. While a nice massage can be great relief in the moment, a deep tissue massage, or the practice of using slow, deep strokes to target the more inner layers of the muscle and connective tissue, can provide more long-lasting relief for your sore muscles. The Real Wellness Center in Columbia Tusculum offers this service in a truly comforting environment with trained massage therapists and plenty of calming ambiance. You’ll leave feeling more limber and zen. realwellnesscincy.com.

If you have an older dog, you’re likely looking for any solution to help them combat the discomfort of aging and arthritis. In addition to providing anti-inflammatory medications and supplements, some vets have become specialized in acupuncture. The idea is that the needles stimulate the central nervous system to promote healing and activate natural pain killers inside the body. It’s not a cure, but it’s an excellent modality to use in concert with more traditional treatments. Locally, Whiskers and Paws Animal Hospital is passionate about combining holistic care with their other services. Dr. Carrie Ellis will get on the ground with your pup during acupuncture treatment, placing the needles and explaining the process. For most animals, it’s a supremely relaxing experience and can have dramatic results (it was life-changing for my dog with a degenerative nerve condition). In general, Whiskers and Paws tries to make a trip to the vet as relaxing as possible for an animal; they’re fear-free certified and have separate waiting areas for dogs and cats. whiskersandpawshospital.com.

As if owning a restaurant empire wasn’t enough, local restaurateur Jeff Ruby opened an event venue, The Lempicka by Jeff Ruby, in the summer of 2023. Ruby’s very first event venue, located in the former Jeff Ruby Steakhouse on Walnut Street downtown, is an art deco lover’s dream, complete with stunning black and white tiles, art deco paintings, ornate wood paneling and more. Apart from the fact that it’s truly a visually stunning venue, The Lempicka also offers a customizable, chef-driven menu with both plated and buffet options for breakfast, brunch, lunch, cocktail and dinner events. jeffruby.com/the-lempicka-event-center.

Jenny Simon FACE has been offering boutique skincare services since 2011. Simon and her team’s appointment books have been on an upward trajectory since then, with an initial expansion in 2016 before moving into a larger streetfront space in Oakley in 2022. This new location has allowed them to expand their medspa and skincare services with the goal of delivering “accessibility, inclusivity and, most importantly, beautiful skin results.” Part of that mission resulted in Simon’s open-concept facial bar, offering 30-minute express facials at a portion of the price of a private room experience. Select from a dermaplaning, anti-aging, purifying, DiamondGlow or relaxing facial — all with medical-grade products — and get in, out and glowing in less time that it takes to get your oil changed. jennysimonface.com.

If you want to combat the signs of aging, but aren’t ready to make the jump into toxins, fillers or surgery, Cincinnati Acupuncture Clinic offers a holistic alternative. Inesa Zelepuhin, who was a neurologist in Belarus before moving to the U.S. and focusing on alternative medicine, specializes in facial acupuncture to help reduce fine lines and tone and rejuvenate the skin. Her Acupuncture Face Lift includes needlework and modalities like facial cupping, gua-sha, LED light, oxygen therapy and topical treatments. The needles are thin, basically painless, and you can see immediate results — although it’s best to go in for a series. Zelepuhin is incredibly knowledgeable about Western and Eastern medicine and getting to the root of the problem. And her skills aren’t just cosmetic; she treats everything from infertility and anxiety to musculoskeletal and neurological issues, circulation problems and immune disorders. cincinnatiacupuncture.clinic.

If you’ve been toying with the idea of getting a tattoo for awhile, head to Queen Ink Studio for a quality, fine line tattoo. In the last several years, fine line tattoos have become more popular, using thinner needles for more delicate pieces as part of a more minimalist or patchwork style. But, it can be hard to find tattoo artists that specialize in it. Luckily, Queen Ink specializes in fine line work, offering a range of talented artists to execute your personalized designs. Each of the artist’s work is original and has their own unique flair to it, from dainty, to colorful or more contrasted. From butterflies and floral arrangements to words and personalized imagery, Queen Ink offers simplistic and intricate fine line tattoos fit to your preference and aesthetic. queeninkstudio.com.

Tucked into a strip mall on the west side, you’ll find one of the best spots in Cincinnati for an indoor kid’s birthday party. Happy Hangout is available to visit throughout the week, even if you aren’t celebrating a birthday. With a “mini village” full of kid-sized pretend play, an indoor playground and even a wooden camper in and on which to climb, there is something fun to do for any and every kid. But, it’s the addition of party rooms and the ability to rent out the space after business hours that seals the deal on making Happy Hangouts oh-so-perfect. happyhangoutws.com.