More than a century before Vine Street’s current boom, this stretch of street was an entertainment mecca packed with beer gardens, breweries, and famous theaters. The Coliseum Theater, between 12th and 13th streets, featured artistic performing groups and sharpshooting shows. Anna Von Behren was tragically and famously killed there by her husband Frank Frayne during a sharpshooting act on Thanksgiving Day 1882. Today, Over-the-Rhine’s main thoroughfare offers a variety of boutiques and eateries, including these six standout spots.
Paper Wings
Carolyn and Mike Deininger opened this stationery store and local art gallery in response to a growing number of customer requests for fine paper goods at their gift boutique Mica 12/v, which is just a few doors down. Visit for artfully crafted holiday cards, a range of elevated pens and pencils, and beautiful framed prints.
1207 Vine St., (513) 421-3500, shoppaperwings.com
Ombre Gallery
Jewelry historian and Ball State University professor Jenna Shaifer spent 20 years working in the art and fashion industry before opening this rotating exhibit of contemporary jewelry crafted by artists and metalworkers from around the globe. Think modern and artistic pieces such as burnt wood–inspired brooches and bent-metal flower petal earrings.
1429 Vine St., (513) 813-7278, ombregallery.com
Jack Wood Gallery
Looking for a unique gift for your artistically inclined friend or family member? Jack Wood Gallery draws on the Queen City’s prestigious printmaking history with an incredible collection of vintage prints from the 19th and 20th centuries—from literary and world war posters to some of the most famous marketing advertisements.
1413 Vine St., (513) 909-3298, jackwoodgallery.com
Candle Lab OTR
Forget settling on a substandard scent. Candle Lab turns the traditional candle shopping experience on its head: Start with your choice of more than 120 fragrances, then pour some wax to create your very own customized candle. Start your Vine Street shopping day here so you can return later for pickup—each candle takes about 30 minutes to create and 90 minutes to cool before it’s ready to take home.
1325 Vine St., (614) 915-0777 x4, thecandlelab.com
Smith & Hannon Bookstore
During a year that’s sparked a major national awakening on racial injustice, it’s the perfect time to gift someone on your holiday list a paperback (or hard cover) from this independent seller with a focus on African American literature, previously housed in the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. You’ll also find an assortment of African clothing, wood carvings, and jewelry.
1405 Vine St., (513) 641-2700
1215 Wine Bar & Coffee Lab
Warm up during a frigid day of holiday shopping with a to-go pour-over coffee, frothy latte, or fresh pastry, but don’t skimp on the wine. Pick up a bottle (or four) from a large curated selection of reds, whites, sparklings, and rosés for holiday gatherings or to celebrate checking off a few items from your shopping list.
1215 Wine Bar & Coffee Lab, 1215 Vine St., (513) 429-5745, 1215vine.com
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