Neighborhood business district College Hill has come roaring back to life with a remarkable variety of retail options.
Fern
This botanical paradise is definitely not your mother’s plant shop. Located in a former gas station (don’t let that dissuade you), Fern features everything you’d expect—a curated collection of houseplants and planters—but also stationary, candles, and home décor. And the fun isn’t limited to the store. The expert team offers a variety of pop-up workshops and extra services, like custom plant installations and at-home plant check-ups to keep your jungle in tip-top shape. 6040 Hamilton Ave., (513) 541-1269, fern-shop.com
Manga Manga
After a breakout debut year, Japanese comic book shop Manga Manga (still the only one in the city) has moved into a bigger and better space on Hamilton Avenue, just a block away from the original storefront. But fame hasn’t gone to this shop’s head. Owner and manga guru C. Jacqueline Wood has curated a collection that has a little bit of everything, whether you’re a shōnen fan, a shōjo reader, or totally new to the medium. 5908 Hamilton Ave., (513) 429-8361, mangacincinnati.com
OurShop
Located in the heart of College Hill, this incubator space gives small business owners a chance to test their own storefronts for six months, totally rent-free. The most recent round includes Learning CURVE, a toy shop that encourages learning and development through sensory play; Pour Candle Co., a line of luxury candles and home fragrances; and In Fly We Trust, which has developed a series of self-development coloring books. 5846 Hamilton Ave.
DeeDee’s Butter Bar
Born out of owner DeAngela “DeeDee” Gill’s kitchen (and her passion for healthy, happy skin), this all-natural skincare shop has a little something for everyone’s self-care sensibilities. Shop the signature collection of plant-based body butters, bath bombs, oils, and lip balms, and choose from cozy scents like Honey Almond and Sweater Weather—perfect for settling into the new season. 1612 Cedar Ave., (513) 285-8338, deedeesbutterbar.com
Silk Road Textiles
Even if you don’t know a skein from a hank, you’re bound to find _something among the aisles and aisles of yarns and fabrics at Silk Road Textiles. With its emphasis on ethically traded fabric, this Hamilton Avenue shop is a beloved resource for Cincinnati’s crafting community. Beginners and pros alike can take classes at the in-store studio, and Silk Road even offers a sewing summer camp for kids and teens. 6106 Hamilton Ave., (513) 541-3700, silkroadcincinnati.com
Pit Stop: Luminary by La Terza
After 17 years on one of the most coveted corners in town, beloved College Hill Coffee Co. has been reborn as Luminary by La Terza. Pop in for a cortado on your caffeine break or stick around for a pastry, breakfast sandwich, or a chicken salad croissant. 6128 Hamilton Ave., (513) 542-2739, luminarybylaterza.com
Heard It on the Street
The heart of College Hill’s about to get a whole lot fuller. Named for the intersection of Hamilton and North Bend Avenues, the $9.5 million HaNoBe development is just one of several groundbreaking projects spearheaded by the College Hill Community Urban Redevelopment Corporation. The mixed-use development features 171 market-rate apartments that sit atop brand new retail and dining options.
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