A 30-minute spa treatment, a virtual paint party, a running group, and five specialized service providers make our list of Cincinnati’s best service-related items of 2020.
Illustration by Laura Greenan
Running Group for Beer Lovers: Fifty West’s Running Clubs
the cancellation of this year’s Flying Pig marathon may have quashed some ribbon-breaking dreams, or at least put them on hold. But for those who are still looking to stay in tip-top Pig shape, Fifty West’s 16-week training program pairs runners with a set of coaches to make full and halfmarathon dreams a reality. Training runs take place twice a week on the Little Miami Scenic Trail and down the picturesque streets of Mariemont, and conclude with a beer on the house—you know, in case you need a little extra motivation. The $115 program fee also includes Fifty West and JackRabbit discounts, a pre-race-day carb party, and two off-site runs that feature, you guessed it, beer at the finish line. Not quite ready to commit to marathon training status? The brewery also offers a more relaxed, recreational option with its free Thursday night running club, led by Fifty West staff. Thursday’s runs start at the Pro Works location on Wooster Pike and clock in at a much more manageable three to five miles. • 7605 Wooster Pike, Columbia Twp., (513) 834-8789, fiftywestbrew.com
Home Classroom Reno: School by CASA
When they spotted a growing need for kid-friendly study spaces, local design duo Aubrey Wallen and Christine Trimmer, also known as CASA Design Consulting, jumped at the chance to help local families reclaim their kitchen tables—and their peace of mind. For a flat fee, CASA will send childhood development experts to your home to assess you and your child’s specific needs and transform a room into a functional, well-organized oasis. The consultation also comes with a specially curated list of ageappropriate toys, learning materials, and recommended tutors to make your life just a tad bit easier, no matter what your child’s school situation looks like this year. • casadesignconsulting.com
Icon by Brittany Dexter
30-Minute Spa Treatment: Oasis Face Bar OTR
Got half an hour to spare? You’ve got time to drop in for an appointment with Oasis Face Bar, the uber-convenient Walnut Street spa that specializes in quick, customizable facials that fit neatly within your lunch break. The Columbus-based spa debuted its OTR location in 2018 with a slimmed-down menu of just six targeted treatments that clock in at only 30 minutes apiece. Customize your experience by adding on a few extra non-invasive à la carte treatments, book a girls’—or a guys’—night out, or check out their membership program to carve out a monthly space for some self-care. • 1345 Walnut St., Over-the-Rhine, (513) 348-5627, oasisfacebar.com
Memorial Jewelry: Bellevue Beadery
Instead of leaving flowers from your special event to wither, why not make them into a keepsake that’ll stay with you forever? Bellevue Beadery specializes in creating custom pieces to commemorate life’s big moments, turning flowers into intimate and personalized pieces of jewelry. Bring in blooms from your wedding, prom night, loved one’s funeral, or even from your own backyard, and beadery owner Michele Roeding will turn them into an item of your choosing, from necklaces and bracelets to rosaries and bookmarks. Pick from a broad selection of more than 40 flower bead colors to pair with sterling silver, pearls, or Swarovski crystals. • 402 Fairfield Ave., Bellevue, (859) 292-0800
Virtual Paint Party: Soul Palette
If this was a typical year, the husband-and-wife duo behind Soul Palette would be gallivanting around Cincinnati, bringing their customizable paint parties to eager audiences. But this is no typical year. Lucky for us, the mobile-based art company has adapted. With in-person paint parties and private sessions on standby, Soul Palette moved online, hosting lighthearted virtual painting lessons on Facebook for artists at every age and skill level. Tune in, grab a palette and a canvas—and maybe a drink, if you’re there for the adult class—and get ready to channel your inner Bob Ross. • (513) 227-4836, paintwithyoursoul.com
Make It Better: Five service providers that can meet your very specific needs.
Photograph courtesy of Megan Moore
Florist on Wheels: Daisy Jane’s Flower Truck
Daisy Jane and Pearl Rose have been two very busy ladies this year—and their drivers have been, too. The charming 1960s Fords are filled to the brim with colorful blooms that have brought us some much needed joy in these dark times. • daisyjanesflowertruck.com
Zoom-Powered Workout: The Movement Studio, Covington
When COVID-19 forced gyms to close their doors, The Movement Studio went digital, taking its high-powered classes into the Zoomverse so you can practice TRX, pilates, yoga, and more, all from the comfort of your living room. • 118 W. Pike St., Second Floor, Covington, (513) 328-4110, nlptf.com
Bridal Keepsakes: Floral Preservation & Designs
Looking to keep that showstopper bouquet looking like new, even years after your wedding? Floral Preservation & Designs uses a special freeze-drying technique to preserve your arrangement in a shadow box that’ll keep your big moment frozen in time. • floralpreservationanddesigns.com
Fender-Bender Doctors: Wood’s Collision Center
Even in the era of COVID-19, accidents still happen. With three locations spread across the Greater Cincinnati area, Wood’s Collision Center offers comprehensive repairs with contactless pickup and delivery, and even complimentary detailing services. • woodscollision.com
Welcome Zoom Interruption: Cincinnati ZOOm Calls
Bored of seeing the same old faces on your office Zoom meetings? Spice things up with a special appearance by Fiona the Hippo. Proceeds go directly to the zoo’s emergency operating fund, so really, it’s a win-win. • cincinnatizoo.org
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