Feel The Love by Shopping Small in Loveland

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Loveland, the cozy town of 13,000 living in the intersection of Hamilton, Clermont, and Warren counties, is more than just a sleepy suburban enclave. It’s also a haven for shopping small.

Photograph by Devyn Glista

Blume Home

The flagship of this eclectic home and garden shop is on Lebanon’s Main Street, but it fits in just as snugly on the main artery of Loveland. Owner Amanda Marsh procures items at both stores herself, stocking seasonal treasures—Joe Burrow candles during football season, stockings and ornaments in the winter, thoughtful cards for Valentine’s Day, and delightful finds all year-round.

205 W. Loveland Ave., (513) 774-7222

Haven Grey 

If Pottery Barn was just a little less corporate and a little more down-to-earth, it might be a bit like Haven Grey. With its neutral color palette and collection of items inspired by earthy, organic materials, owner Kelly Brannock’s home decor store is warm and inviting, and its wares are so well-curated, it’s difficult not to want to buy everything in sight. Come in for a throw pillow, leave with a 43-inch feather-rimmed mirror.

207 W. Loveland Ave., (513) 683-4739

Photograph by Devyn Glista

Plaid Room 

Vinyl lovers congregate, shop, and rejoice daily at this bustling record store, which doubles as home base for local label Colemine Records. Already known for stocking rows upon rows of new and used LPs and 45s, the shop hit new levels of the stratosphere when it was featured prominently in the Bengals’ playoff hype video. The shopping process itself is a full sensory experience: Pop on a pair of headphones and curl up in a chair at one of the dedicated listening stations, where you can hear a record before you take it home. Not sure where to start? Let the always-rotating staff picks guide you on a musical journey.

122 W. Loveland Ave., (513) 583-1843

Photograph by Devyn Glista

Vertical Drop 

A ski shop? In hopelessly slope-less Loveland? Call it odd, but don’t count it out. Vertical Drop may emphasize skiing and snowboarding gear in the winter, but as soon as the snow begins to thaw, the stock totally transforms, putting kayaks, skateboards, and other warm-weather outdoor pursuits at the center. The shop also offers a whole host of gear services, from ski and snowboard tune-ups to repairs and boot fittings, all right there in-store.

110 S. Second St., Suite J, (513) 583-5822

Alley Boutique 

Just a few years after its original location was destroyed in the massive 11-alarm Loveland fire, the store formerly known as Cincy Fashion Wheels hasn’t just risen from the ashes—it’s found new ways to thrive, adopting a new name to fit its new location, tucked away off West Loveland Avenue. Handbags and bright, playful wardrobe pieces take center stage, but don’t sleep on the thoughtfully curated selection of gifts and jewelry crafted by local makers.

201 W. Loveland Ave., (513) 716-2229

Hometown Café

Take a respite from your shopping spree at Hometown Café, a coffee shop, bakery, brunch spot, and smoothie bar, all wrapped up in one charming package and located just off the Little Miami Scenic Bike Trail. The café offers breakfast staples, soups, salads, sandwiches, and cold-pressed juices.

111 Railroad Ave., (513) 677-2600

Pro-tip: Loveland comes alive in the summertime, when the river city’s waterway fills with kayaks, concerts take over Nisbet Park’s amphitheater, and businesses open their walkups to serve hungry cyclists. Trailside Hawaiian Ice Shack is a family favorite for its central location (and its rainbow of shaved ice flavors), and coffeehouse Mile 42 serves drinks from its roadside window.

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