Loveland Magazine

LOVELAND MAGAZINE

News and Events from the Loveland, Ohio Area

Without fear or favor

Since 2004

Tag: historic downtown loveland

  • Loveland schools celebrating the Loveland 2019 Valentine Poetry Contest winners

    Loveland schools celebrating the Loveland 2019 Valentine Poetry Contest winners

    Students congratulated by Superintendent Dr. Amy Crouse at
    Chamber’s annual Valentine Breakfast

    Loveland, Ohio – The Loveland City School District announced congratulations to all the winners of the Little Miami River Chamber Alliance 2019 Valentine’s Day Poetry Contest. The student-authors were honored at the Chamber’s annual Valentine Breakfast, held at Tano Bistro in Historic Downtown Loveland. The winning students included:

    • Amalie Lyke, Loveland Early Childhood Center
    • Thomas Stapleton, Loveland Primary School
    • Natalie Niese, Loveland Elementary School
    • Caroline Lorio, Loveland Intermediate School
    • Lexi Duff, Loveland High School

    The Chamber’s annual Valentine program kicked off in early January, with Dr. Kathryn Lorenz – longtime member of the Loveland Board of Education – serving as the 2019 Valentine Lady. During the first two weeks of February, Dr. Lorenz visited with hundreds of students in their classrooms and media centers at Loveland Early Childhood Center, Loveland Primary School and Loveland Elementary School.

    “I am so impressed with the care and kindness expressed by our youngest Tigers,” said Dr. Lorenz. “When I asked what they associate with Valentine’s Day, they mentioned love, family and friends – candy appeared much further down the list! Our Tigers are true sweethearts.”

    Students making hearts in the Loveland Primary School classroom of Brooke Hobson.

  • Morning rush hour by Joseph Timmerman

    Morning rush hour by Joseph Timmerman

    Joseph Timmerman took this photo of Historic Downtown Loveland from the Hanna Avenue hill on a recent morning during rush hour.

    Welcome to All About Kids We invite you to come visit one of our convenient locations, talk to our staff and teachers and learn why.

  • An Inspirational Loveland Family “Canoes” Their Way Into People’s Hearts

    An Inspirational Loveland Family “Canoes” Their Way Into People’s Hearts

    My second feature story in a continuing search for Loveland’s kindest, sweetest people and what they’re made of. What is our DNA match?

    Cassie Mattia is a columnist for Loveland Magazine and lives in Historic Downtown. Reach out to Cassie at cassiemattia@lovelandmagazine.com

    Loveland, Ohio – The City of Loveland is known for many things such as its beautiful scenery, its historic buildings, and the famous Loveland Bike Trail, but what a lot of people don’t know is Loveland has become one of the top destination spots in Ohio for families. And the Bersani family is dedicated to that family-friendly atmosphere. What could be better than grabbing an ice cream cone from Loveland Sweets after a sunny afternoon canoeing on the Little Miami River? Well, that’s something Loveland Canoe and Kayak Owners Mark and Robyn Bersani couldn’t agree more with!

    Mark and Robyn live right above their canoe and kayak shop on Karl Brown Way in Historic Downtown Loveland with their 5 dogs and their daughter Elena and quite frankly couldn’t be happier with where the journey to owning Loveland Canoe and Kayak has taken them. 

    The Bersanis knew they had some challenges ahead of them, but were committed to making Loveland Canoe and Kayak a family affair and family-friendly.

    “We were not canoeists or kayakers we were outdoors people. We loved being outdoors and doing physical things,” Bersani said, “We were training for the Chicago Marathon in 2003 and we were running on the Loveland Bike Trail and Robyn said ‘Hey the Canoe business is for sale we should buy it! Robyn said ‘I’m off in the summer I don’t like to sit still and we will hire some kids and we will do it!’ We went into the process of negotiation. Initially, we were not going to get it because someone else had a better offer than things fell through and they came back to us and we put together an offer and essentially ‘We bought a Zoo,” Bersani explained. The business was formally owned by Bruce Crutchfield who at one time had a caged chimpanzee at the business named Sam who canoeists and locals fed a regular diet of beer and cigarettes.

    The Bersanis didn’t always live in Loveland, in fact, they lived in Buffalo where their parents went to school together, which led them to eventually meet each other in high school.

    Elena Bersani is not only an incredible hard-worker, an outstanding runner and Loveland’s very own “Sweetheart,” according to her parents, but she also has a soft spot for the Loveland-Symmes Fire Department.

    “It took me 7 years to get a date,” Bersani joked, “But it was well worth the wait! We moved to Dallas a year after we got married. I started in Telecom and Robyn started teaching then I got transferred to New Orleans. We moved back up here to Cincinnati not knowing much about it except that we both had driven through it and thought it was beautiful coming from the Kentucky side,” Mark Bersani said, “Robyn started teaching in the Kings district and at that point, I had been in sales for 25 years in Telecommunications.”

    After finally closing on the canoe and kayak property right before Memorial Day in 2004, the Bersanis knew they had some challenges ahead of them, but were committed to making Loveland Canoe and Kayak a family affair.

    It was a challenge early on because Robyn and I had a vision for the business that was different from what others had seen it as before we took over,” Mark Bersani explained, “We wanted it to be a place where families could come and enjoy nature. At the time people knew the place as a sort of ‘Cabrewing’ venue. It was frustrating at times as we were trying to change the culture and dynamics. It wasn’t always easy but we were committed.”

    The Bersani’s daughter Elena admitted at a young age of just 11 years old some of the people that came through Loveland Canoe and Kayak in the beginning quite frankly scared her.

    Robyn Bersani was the first to experience what a difference the family-friendly atmosphere they created with Loveland Canoe and Kayak made for many locals and out-of-towners.

    “It took 2 or 3 years of education, policy enforcement and talking with the local authorities to see what we could do to achieve our vision of that family-friendly environment,” Mark Bersani said, “People told me if you do away with alcohol your business is going to be gone. I was told if you make the decision to go alcohol free and you stick with it you’re going to have a couple of years that are going to be really difficult and then it’s going to get better because people are going to find out that they can bring their families, sports teams and scout troops because of what the business stands for. People from Loveland started pulling me aside after they saw what we were doing and would tell me thank you for doing this because they used to have to go an hour up the river to do this with their families because they did not want to be around the alcohol and what it brought along with it,” he explained.

    Robyn Bersani was the first to experience what a difference the family-friendly atmosphere they created with Loveland Canoe and Kayak made for many locals and out-of-towners.

    “Five of the original kids we hired stayed with us for 9 summers because of the atmosphere we created. My principal at Kings called me in the office and I thought she was going to tell me I can’t be a teacher and run the canoe and kayak business and she called me in and said ‘My son needs a job!,” Robyn Bersani said, “It’s the little things like the comments from people saying, ‘Thank you so much this was the best day my son and I have ever had.’ When people get out there on the river they realize how good it makes them feel. Our vision always was to get families out together in nature,” she said.

    Robyn Bersani, who has now been a 3rd grade teacher for 28 years at Kings, knows a little something about inspiring our younger generation to not only reach their goals but to not be afraid to try something new even if they don’t succeed at it the first time.

    “It took 2 or 3 years of education, policy enforcement and talking with the local authorities to see what we could do to achieve our vision of that family-friendly environment,” Mark Bersani said.

    “I always wanted to be a teacher from a young age, but my parents pushed me to do something different, so I got a bachelor’s degree in psychology,” Robyn Bersani explained, “But then I thought to myself what better way to serve the world than to educate children. I want to prove things to the world like there are more important things than how an 8-year-old scores on a standardized test!”

    Of course, Robyn Bersani isn’t the only one in the Bersani family making an impact on the Loveland community; both Mark and Elena Bersani do their fair share of helping and encouraging others. Mark is on the board of the Adventure Crew, which is a non-profit where the objective is to get urban kids in outdoor activities. 

    “We get about 125 kids out into nature and get them to experience things they would never get to experience otherwise,” Mark Bersani said, “This year they have skiing on the curriculum, they ,of course, will have biking on the Loveland Bike Trail and kayaking in the Spring and the Fall. This is all funded through donations and grants.”

    “Elena has a place in her heart for firemen so she will make cookies and brownies for them all the time,” Robyn Bersani said.

    Mark also takes part in what they call a “River Clean-up,” where they spend the day taking trash out of the State and National Scenic Little Miami River.

    “We are big on doing what we can to stop the trash that is thrown into the river. With the River Clean-up, I have found a hot tub, a boat and one time I pulled out 65 tires!”, Marl Bersani said, “People don’t realize that 90 percent of trash and plastic in the oceans comes from rivers and streams. We used to get our dumpster emptied twice a week now it’s once every 4 to 5 weeks, so we have definitely made an improvement.”

    Elena Bersani is not only an incredible hard-worker, an outstanding runner and Loveland’s very own “Sweetheart,” according to her parents, but she also has a soft spot for the Loveland-Symmes Fire Department.

    “Elena has a place in her heart for firemen so she will make cookies and brownies for them all the time,” Robyn Bersani said, “I think she recognizes how much they have done for our family and our business and of course all they do for the Loveland community. The Fire Department has really looked out for us.”

    Elena ran cross country for Kings and made it to State in 2010. She also attended the Art Institute where she focused on her love for baking, which led her to win “Best in Show” for her cannoli’s.

    “Both of our girls have worked in the business for a number of years. They have unbelievable work ethics that we tried to instill through our example,” Robyn Bersani said, “It has always been important to us to be good role models and of course get involved in the community. We do a lot of things to somehow give back to the community. We try to donate to the community and local non-profits as much as we can so they can further their causes.”

    The Bersani family have also been a part of some very successful fundraisers, such as Paddlefest, where 2,000 people paddle along the Ohio River, in which proceeds go towards the Adventure Crew, and one of Loveland’s most famous events the Frogman 5k. Last year in October the Bersani’s took part in a Film Festival that was held in Loveland’s very own Nisbet Park, where proceeds went towards the Little Miami Conservatory. 

    Loveland Magazine columnist Cassie Mattia interviewing the Bersani family. She writes, “Mark and Robyn live right above their canoe and kayak shop on Karl Brown Way in Historic Downtown Loveland with their 5 dogs and their daughter Elena and quite frankly couldn’t be happier with where the journey to owning Loveland Canoe and Kayak has taken them.”

    “It’s the big picture. It’s about being involved in the community as a business owner and resident. We want to connect with people and share resources. Everyone in this community really watches out for each other,” Robyn Bersani said, “We love telling the story of Loveland!”

    The Bersanis are looking forward to the up and coming canoe and kayaking season and hope to see families from all over Ohio come and experience the beauty of Loveland and the Little Miami River. If you would like to learn more about the Loveland Canoe and Kayak you can visit their Facebook page, their website at lovelandcanoe.com or check out their location at 174 Karl Brown Way.

    Read more about the Bersani family adventures…

    Loveland, Ohio (Nov 9, 2015) – Mark Bersani and his wife Robyn own Loveland Canoe and Kayak on the bank of the State and National Scenic, Little Miami River in downtown. This Summer the weather was not kind to their business. Too much rain and too often, keeping river levels unsafe for canoers and kayakers. Business was dismal.

    Mark’s staff made a dare. If they could muster enough customers to match last season, Mark would get tattooed, a tattoo like many of his young staff had already gotten.

    This LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV VIDEO is the rest of that story….

    Bersani keeps word: Canoes for Tattoos from Loveland Magazine on Vimeo.

  • A Nutritious Way to Begin a New Year

    A Nutritious Way to Begin a New Year

    Cassia Mattia is a resident of Historic Downtown Loveland. She can be reached at cassiemattis@lovelandmagazine.com

    by Cassie Mattia

    Loveland, Ohio – People all over the world begin every New Year with a resolution. Some vow to learn a new skill or hobby, some to spend more time with friends and family, but what do 71 percent of Americans hope to do in the New Year; diet or eat healthier. Well what’s a better way to achieve that New Year’s resolution goal than to enjoy an energizing Fuzzy Naval cocktail tea or a Dulce De Leche smoothie filled with health benefits? The Loveland community added to its repertoire of new businesses with the grand opening of Vibe Nutrition on Wednesday January 23rd, a business that is sure to help you reach your New Year’s goals.

    Vibe Nutrition, located on Loveland Madeira Road, offers much more than just nutritional shakes, smoothies, teas and protein bars. Owner Jennifer Kavensky says her vision in opening Vibe Nutrition was to not only provide a place for people to become healthier and happier, but to also show that within her shop there is “a community of people wanting to love on other people.”

    “Our mission and what we are trying to accomplish is to reach the community and create a place where they can come and hang out and meet other people that are trying to get healthy too,” Kavensky said, “There’s not enough places out there with positivity so we want to be a place where people feel welcome and are getting results.”

    The grand opening of Vibe Nutrition was just what Kavensky envisioned. It was full of Loveland residents and other business owners and employees just wanting to come together as one big healthy community.

    “Getting this business up and running along with our grand opening was definitely a team effort. The community really stepped up. We had so many people give gift cards and help us give back to the people that are coming in. Businesses in Loveland are so good about promoting each other,” Kavensky said.

    Cassie Mattia interviewing Vibe owner Jennifer Kavensky

    Those who attended the opening were able to see the unique décor along with trying some of Vibe’s shakes, teas and protein bakery items. Of course a grand opening isn’t necessarily grand without games, prizes and raffles, which Vibe had plenty of!

    “Anyone that came in and upgraded to our energy cocktails or added on a donut shot could spin the wheel and get one of our prizes,” Kavensky explained, “650 fitness gave everyone who came in a free workout, Paxton’s gave us 10 dollar gift cards and Exquisite Design Salon and Spa were giving away free shampoo and haircuts!”

    Some of the other sponsors for the grand opening included Kirby’s, Championship Martial Arts, Jack Rabbit, Subway, Texas Roadhouse, Jessica’s Light and Ron’s Market.

    So just what are these products that everyone is “Vibing” out to? I was given a nutritional cocktail called the “Fuzzy Navel,” which included an Orange Liftoff, Peach Tea and Mandarin Aloe, and I will admit I was pleasantly surprised on how great it tasted! The cocktail menu also included a “Cosmopolitan,” which included a Lime Liftoff, Lemon Tea and Cranberry Aloe and a “Hot Tamale,” which had a Pomegranate Liftoff, Cinnamon Tea and Cranberry Aloe. 

    Vibe also has a nutritional smoothie menu with out of this world flavors like French Vanilla, Orange Creamsicle and Chocolate Chip as well as a “protein bar” Bakery Menu with flavors such as Roasted Peanut Cookie, Apple Pie and Cinnamon Toast Crunch. 

    “One of our most popular shakes is the Reece’s Peanut Butter Cup. This shake has 30 grams of protein and it’s loaded with nutrition. It has about 200 calories,” Kavensky said, “Our most famous cocktail is either a Starburst or Scarlet-ini. Most of our cocktails have our ‘Lift off’ in it, which helps with mental focus and short term memory.”

    And yes Vibe has something called a Donut Shot and surprisingly enough it is a fat burner!

    “People love our Donut shots! My favorite one is either the pumpkin pie or salted caramel,” Kavensky said.

    As Kavensky and her team were making my Fuzzy Naval there was something that caught my attention about the cups they were delivering to each customer.

    “One of the things we do that I think is really cool is we write a special message on our customer’s cups when they come in,” Kavensky explained, “Whether it’s a message of encouragement or a just a message to brighten that particular person’s day, we really want to make coming to Vibe a personal experience for each and every person.”

    Although Kavensky doesn’t have a nutritional background she can attest to Vibe’s products because she herself lost 100 pounds using them.

    “The products we have help you lose weight; they help you have more energy. We also work with athletes who need something that will help them with recovery after they work out or just need a healthy breakfast. We were actually voted number one healthy breakfast! We want to help people reach their goals,” Kavensky said.

    Kavensky is full of passion when it comes to helping people and making people feel a part of a community that is both accepting and welcoming, but just where did all this passion for living a healthy lifestyle come from?

    “My mom passed away at 52, she had pancreatic cancer. I saw myself really becoming like her in the best ways and the worst ways,” Kavensky said, “Sometimes we just develop habits when we grow up. I really just started looking for a way after I lost her, to be healthier. I started to do research and started to see what options were out there and then I found Vibe. It really empowered me to help other people. I didn’t have a coach or have anyone there to help me and when I started Vibe this not only helped me to really have place to come to, but it also had people that I had to be accountable for. Losing my mom was really hard, but it empowered me to change. The hardest things in life are really the things that make you become better.”

    Vibe Nutrition also offers those looking for a healthy lifestyle another piece to the healthy living puzzle; a good workout. Kavensky discovered “Cardio Drumming” after a trip to Michigan and decided to get trained on how to teach it.

    “We take a 17 gallon plastic bucket, an exercise ball and drum sticks and we jam to music,” Kavensky said, “It’s really a great way to get out aggression and get a good workout!”

    Vibe Nutrition offers Cardio Drumming classes Monday’s at 7:30 PM at 650 Fitness and Friday’s at 9 AM at the Championship Marshall Arts Academy. Vibe also offers a Fit Camp on Monday’s at 9 AM at 650 Fitness.

    “The Fit Camp is light weights, resistance bands and exercise balls. It’s really just to get people active. I feel like it’s important once you get the nutrition down to start adding in the working out aspect. It really takes people where they are to where they want to be,” Kavensky said.

    Kavensky and her Vibe Nutrition team couldn’t be more thrilled with the success of Vibe and the community involvement, but are even more excited for the future and the up and coming events. 

    “On February 9th from 8 AM to 1 PM we will be doing a fundraiser for Kinley, a little girl who has DIPG. We will be giving 50 percent of all smoothie sales to Kinley’s family. We want to do things like this to give back to the community. We want to support those who need it,” Kavensky said.

    If you would like to learn more about Vibe Nutrition you can visit Vibe Nutrition on Facebook or Instagram. You can also go visit their location at 10484 Loveland Madeira Road.

  • Joseph M. Timmerman’s long-exposure photo from the Peters Cartridge factory

    Joseph M. Timmerman’s long-exposure photo from the Peters Cartridge factory

    Joseph M. Timmerman is a resident of Historic Downtown Loveland and attends Loveland High School. He took this photo at the the Peters Cartridge factory.

    The Peters Cartridge Company was a company in Kings Mills, Ohio that specialized in gunpowder and ammunition production. Its historic buildings, built in 1916 at 1415 Grandin Road, were added to the National Register of Historic Places on October 10, 1985. Wikipedia

     

  • Joseph M. Timmerman’s long-exposure photo from Carl A. Ray Park in Fosters

    Joseph M. Timmerman’s long-exposure photo from Carl A. Ray Park in Fosters

    Joseph M. Timmerman is a resident of Historic Downtown Loveland and attends Loveland High School.

  • Part Three: Did You Know about all the new and old in Historic Downtown Loveland?

    Part Three: Did You Know about all the new and old in Historic Downtown Loveland?

    Facts About Loveland’s Infamous Businesses You Never Knew Until Now!

    Cassie Mattia is a resident of Historic Downtown Loveland

    Loveland, Ohio – Our journey through Loveland’s Historic Downtown District  has come to an end with our final segment of DID YOU KNOW? (Read Part 1 & 2).

    The narrow path leading to Historic Downtown’s, 5 Barrel Brew house.

    Loveland is known for promoting businesses that have a story, whether it’s about family or in support of the community. DID YOU KNOW Loveland has its very own brewery right off the Little Miami Bike Trail? Narrow Path Brewing Company, located in a 60 year old building at 106 Karl Brown Way is a 5 Barrel Brew house that’s mission is to craft excellent beer while supporting Loveland as a community and other non-profit organizations. Narrow Path has a team of top notch, experienced brew masters who currently have 9 beers on tap with 3 additional experimental taps that the team created themselves from scratch! Some examples of their beers on tap are The Tire Patch IPA, Coconut Porter, Trail Chaser, River Hopper and their experimental tap Orange Vanilla Cream Ale. DID YOU KNOW a large portion of Narrow Path’s earnings go towards organizations that are working hard to affect change in the lives of people both locally and globally? Narrow Path held its First Annual Home Brew Competition on November 3rd that will benefited CancerFree Kids. Along with proceeds going towards one of their missions, “Cause,” they will also be achieving another one of their missions, “Community,” by brewing the winning beer in house.

    The stairs to the The Crusader at The Works Pizza.

    Who doesn’t love pizza? Loveland most certainly does being that its home to one of the most well-known pizza joints in Ohio. DID YOU KNOW The Works Pizza building was built in 1905 and was used as a water filling station for steam locomotives? A bit later in Loveland history The Works building was used as the firehouse and public works facility. Owners Scott and Jamie Gordon, who were both born and raised in Loveland, can remember visiting the facility in high school during Homecoming class float building activities. DID YOU KNOW The Works Pizza is home to an authentic 1921 Pullman Passenger car called “The Crusader?” The Works enables guests to book private parties on the passenger car that can now seat up to 36 people. The Works Pizza has a number of specials on their menu that guests from all over come to enjoy, such as The Breakfast Pizza, The Works Pizza, The Commish Pizza, The Pizza Fries, Calzones and The Works Burger.

    Lyle’s Bikes, Brews & BBQ is another eatery right on the Loveland Bike Trail in Historic Downtown.
    A restored Police call box has been added to the Firefighters Memorial along the bike trail.

    As you venture down the Loveland Bike Trail you will find an assortment of restaurants that cover just about every type of food. In the past year there has been a new wave of bike trail restaurants that have opened their doors, one of them being Lyle’s Bikes, Brews & BBQ. DID YOU KNOW Lyle’s Bikes, Brews & BBQ was previously named Trailside Smokehouse? As of July 4th, Lyle and family renovated the property adding a few upgrades to the outdoor area, a brand new menu, featuring pulled pork and chicken fresh off the smoker, and of course a new line up of performers for their live music segments. Some of Lyle’s menu items include, The Pulled Pork Quesadilla, The Smokehouse Nachos, The Pulled Pork Chili, The Smoked Chicken Wrap and The Cuban Sandwich. DID YOU KNOW Lyle’s menu includes Dog Treats? Lyle’s BBQ is completely dog friendly! Lyle’s menu offers Fido’s Freezzys Dog Treats, which are frozen dog treats made with yogurt, peanut butter and banana. 

    The newly renovated Firefighter’s Memorial is also along the Loveland Bike Trail.
    DID YOU KNOW Loveland’s Firefighter Memorial includes a section of an I-beam from the North Tower of the World Trade Center that was positioned so that the rust would stain the pillar it sits on?
    One of the new additions to the Firefighters Memorial is a restored fire call box.

    All around Downtown Loveland there is history. From buildings from the 1900’s to memorials representing Loveland’s most loved individuals, the town does not fall short of historic scenery. DID YOU KNOW Loveland’s coveted Firefighter’s Memorial has been completely renovated over the last few months? In 1997 the Firefighter’s Memorial was built to represent the Loveland-Symmes Fire Firefighter’s commitment to “Never Forget.” Recently contractors along with volunteers have added stamped concrete walkways, new lighting, irrigation and landscaping. DID YOU KNOW Loveland’s Firefighter Memorial includes a section of an I-beam from the North Tower of the World Trade Center? Decorating the memorial is also, a time capsule vault that contains past LSFD’s badges and uniforms, copies of local newspapers and department documents from 1997. On top of the concrete vault is a bell from the Riverboat Reuben Springer, which served as the alarm for Loveland’s firefighters to respond to an emergency until 1934.

    After the devastating Memorial Day Fire in Loveland, downtown has placed a strong focus on rebuilding those businesses that were affected. DID YOU KNOW the building that was most affected by the Loveland Fire is nearly completely renovated and ready to be opened as Paxton’s sister restaurant, Ramsey’s Trailside? Ramsey’s, named after William Ramsey who purchased 189 acres of land in 1848 that later became Loveland, will feature indoor, outdoor and rooftop dining as well as a vegan friendly menu. The goal of the brand-new restaurant will be to not only “unite carnivores and vegans,” but also give them healthier menu options. DID YOU KNOW Ramsey’s will have a separate grill dedicated just for vegans? Ramsey’s Trailside has not yet released their menu, but it’s sure to be hit with the new age foodies!

    Read more about Ramsey’s Trailside and watch this interview with the owners.

      Relaxed atmosphere and friendly service welcomes you back time and time again! Located in the heart of the Historic Loveland District Just outside Cincinnati, Ohio.
  • Part Two: Did You Know about all the new and old in Historic Downtown Loveland?

    Part Two: Did You Know about all the new and old in Historic Downtown Loveland?

    PART 2 of 3 (Read Part 1)

    Cassie Mattia lives in Historic Downtown Loveland

    Loveland, Ohio – Our journey continues as we dive deeper into the history behind Loveland’s most beloved businesses with another segment of, DID YOU KNOW? 

    Women all over the world have not only become true inspirations in the business world, but have also been named the most successful in their given businesses. Historic Downtown Loveland along with Plaid Room Records has given a home to those very women that are changing our world. DID YOU KNOW right above the new location of Plaid Room Records is a creative workspace and venue called Tupelo House? Tupelo House places a strong focus on the empowerment of women entrepreneurs, business owners and freelancers, encouraging them to continue to add to the growth of our local economy. Tupelo offers a private desk membership to women-identified individuals as well as a drop-in membership to any gender who needs an inspiring place to work, meet and create. DID YOU KNOW Tupleo House also offers a number of workshops and events open to the community? For example, on Friday’s Tupleo holds a Meet And Greet, where the community can come together over cocktails and sweet treats provided by Loveland Sweets, a Shibori workshop, where one can perform an ancient Japanese dyeing technique, and an essential oils workshop, where scent designers from Portland-based violet ferns teach how to extract and mix essential oils for any aromatherapy need. Tupleo throughout the week also holds several other workshops, yoga sessions, listening parties and private events upon request.

    Loveland Hardware General store carries everything from handmade compost crocks to Dr. Gary’s Best Breed Vegetarian pet food.

    Though downtown Loveland is home to some of most unique vintage shops in Ohio, there is one in particular that has many out of town residents traveling to come check it out. The Loveland Hardware General Store has been around for countless years and is known very well for their locally made products. The General store carries everything from handmade compost crocks to Dr. Gary’s Best Breed Vegetarian pet food to Honey Sweetie Acres Goat Milk Soaps, Lotions, and Essential Oils to Don Popp’s Honey Farm Honey. DID YOU KNOW Loveland Hardware General Store offers guests a fresh cup of locally roasted coffee for only a dollar? The General Store pours cups of Carabello Coffee, a coffee bean from Nicaragua that gives a percentage of their profits to the Jardin Del Ninos Orphanage in Nicaragua, daily. In house, Loveland Hardware can not only grind the coffee beans fresh before they make your cup of coffee, they also have a coffee press as well as a pour over kettle

    Loveland Hardware and General Store offers a cup of coffee for only $1.

    and dripper for those who prefer their coffee made through a different technique. DID YOU KNOW The Loveland Hardware Store offers several different bagged blends of Carabello Coffee beans for guests to take home with them? Thus far the store is known to carry The Loveland Hardware Blend, Addicting Liquid, Peru La Palma, Decaf Guatemala, Nati Red II, Burundi Gishubi Hill, Tres Fincas and Tandem Expresso. Loveland Hardware will take any guests coffee bean orders, have them locally roasted and shipped straight to the store.

    Loveland has really taken off in the past couple years and the downtown community has definitely seen the benefits with the opening of some fantastic businesses. Cincy Shirts recently opened their doors in downtown Loveland this year over the summer. In addition to the Loveland location, Cincy Shirts has a location in OTR and Hyde Park. Of course Cincy Shirts offers premiere Cincinnati vintage t-shirts, but they are not your average t-shirt shop. DID YOU KNOW Cincy Shirts is one of the largest local supporters of local charities? Cincy Shirts has raised 75,000 dollars for Devon Still’s Still Strong Foundation, 10,000 dollars for The Cure Starts Now, 80,000 for The Cincinnati Zoo’s Team Fiona Fund and regularly contributes to The Dragonfly Foundation, The ChiveOneThree Foundation and The Salvation Army. Cincy Shirts recently created a line of Cincy Strong T-shirts in light of the tragic mass shooting that occurred on September 6th. Proceeds from the t-shirt collection benefits the families affected by the incident, the Cincinnati Police Department and the first responders.     

    Cycle groups launch weekly rides on the Loveland Bike Trail from Historic Downtown Loveland.

    The Little Miami Bike Trail is not only an obvious hot spot for bikers, but also home to one of the oldest cyclery companies in Cincinnati, Montgomery Cyclery. This family cyclery has been both family owned and operated since 1965 and as of present has 6 locations, including Loveland’s Downtown shop. So what’s the secret behind keeping Montgomery Cyclery’s doors open for so long? They do more than just sell bikes! DID YOU KNOW Montgomery Cyclery offers classes and tech clinics, weekly group rides and a demo program? The bike shop provides guests with access to free in house clinics that cover a variety of bike related topics, the most recent clinic being, The Fix a Flat Clinic. In addition to providing clinics, Montgomery Cyclery runs a group ride program in which the staff organizes a bike ride that anyone can join. The rides range in distance, difficulty and of course time of day. According to the cyclery website, rides are currently being held on Sunday mornings, beginning at 9 a.m., and Sunday afternoons, beginning at 1 p.m. Last but certainly not least Montgomery Cyclery provides guests opportunities to participate in their Demo Program. This program is for riders to experience mountain biking before making the investment. Riders can either rent a demo bike any day for 50 dollars or they can attend a Montgomery Cyclery Demo Event to test ride a demo for free. The next Demo Event is set to be on November 3rd from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Devou Park.

    Along the bike trail in Downtown Loveland there are several places where you can go to enjoy a nice glass of wine or a much needed cocktail, but if you venture up a couple blocks on West Loveland Ave you will run into Cappy’s Wine and Spirits. Cappy’s is a high quality liquor agency that specializes in spirits, craft, import and domestic beers and wine. DID YOU KNOW not only is Cappy’s first in line to get some of the highest quality new beers they host Thursday Pint Nights featuring a different brewery each week? In October Cappy’s featured New Holland Brewing Company’s Filthy Pumpkin and Platform Beer Company’s Fostered Bananas with a free custom Holtman’s Donut to pair with the new beer selections! If beer isn’t you thing DID YOU KNOW Cappy’s also hosts Wine Tasting Wednesday’s? Recently Cappy’s held a Wine and Mac Night where guests could taste 6 wines while enjoying Mac ‘n Cheese from The Beerded Pig Food Truck.

    The Historic Loveland Business District has definitely grown over the past few years in population and in new businesses, but one thing is for sure, Loveland does not forget about the ones who were there from the beginning. DID YOU KNOW Tano’s Bistro Loveland has moved locations right into the heart of Downtown Loveland? Tano’s opened its new 3 story location featuring rooftop dining just a few weeks ago. Along with the new location Tano’s Loveland also launched a new dine in menu that includes Brunch and Dinner items, such as the Crab Omelet and the BoLT Salad, and a takeout menu that features Weekly Take Home Chef Specials, such as The Great Pumpkin and Matcha Cream Puffs. DID YOU KNOW Tano’s mission is to make wholesome food naturally and responsibly using primarily local purveyors? Tano only uses family farmers that grow rich vegetables using sustainable farming practice, select seafood according to the Seafood Watch standards, raise meat that has lived the best quality of life with no added growth hormones and provide clean, heirloom, stoneground chemical free grains. Some of Tano’s local purveyors are Loveland’s very own Blooms & Berries and Ohio Valley Food Connection located in Newport, Kentucky.

    Stay tuned for part 3 and 3 of my tour of Historic Downtown Loveland, Ohio. (Read Part 1)

      Take Home Tano is about fresh, wholesome food for the frenzied family   Our goal is to meet the needs of busy families.

  • Part one: Did You Know about all the new and old in Historic Downtown Loveland?

    Part one: Did You Know about all the new and old in Historic Downtown Loveland?

    PART 1 of 3

    Cassie Mattia lives in Historic Downtown Loveland

    PART 1 of 3

    Loveland, Ohio – Every historic town has its secrets and so does its local businesses. Learning the history about where you live not only makes it more appealing but also forces you to ask yourself what else don’t I know about the very town I live in?

    Many Loveland residents are aware of the historic nature of the town itself, but DID YOU KNOW Loveland was known as a resort town because of its summer homes for the wealthy? Loveland was referred to as “Little Switzerland of the Miami Valley.” Loveland was also home to Ohio’s first paper mill built by John Smith in 1810. The Mill is now known as “Kugler Mill.” DID YOU KNOW Loveland was originally known as Paxton until Colonial Ramsey in 1863 reestablished the borders of the land, therefore, deciding upon the name Loveland due to the frequent stops residents made at James Loveland’s popular general store.

    The Ramsey-Paxton Cemetery is a hidden gem locally, state-wide and nationally!

    No one is afraid to show school spirit in Loveland, as Loveland City Schools is a hot commodity in the historic town of Loveland, but DID YOU KNOW Loveland City Schools was operated as two separate districts, Loveland East and Loveland West until 1926?

    There’s nothing like going to that one particular local spot in town where everyone knows everyone and that’s exactly what you experience when you step into one of oldest buildings in Loveland, Paxton’s Grill. In the 1880’s Paxton’s Grill was home to the Grear’s Saloon until years later the building was transformed into a restaurant and named after Loveland’s first settler Colonial Thomas Paxton. Paxton’s opened its doors in 2000.

    One of the best spots to purchase running gear according to many Loveland residents is Jackrabbit located right in the heart of downtown, but DID YOU KNOW that wasn’t always a retail store? The building where Jackrabbit stands now used to be a B&O Train Depot built in 1907! Bob Roncker’s Running spot was opened in 2008 and was rebranded into Jackrabbit in 2013. The building was once the studio of world renown artist, William Schickel.

    Clothing Boutiques have seen an outstanding increase in popularity over the last few years due to the fascination with a more vintage style of clothing. DID YOU KNOW Loveland has finally landed its very own clothing boutique called Alley’s Boutique?

    Before Alley’s Boutique owners Janel Thompson and Debby Walker ran a fashion store called Cincy Fashion Wheels located in the Bishop building right here in Loveland. Unfortunately, in May of 2017, their store was one of many businesses that were destroyed by a devastating fire in Loveland’s historic Bishop Building. With every tragedy brings new opportunities and with that opportunity, the now trio of owners, with the addition of Ann-Marie Toney, found a new location right off the Little Miami Bike Trail and changed the name to Alley’s Boutique. DID YOU KNOW Alley’s Boutique was the first business affected by the Bishop Building fire to reopen?

    Safety has never looked so flashy! DID YOU KNOW anyone using the bike trail can now hit a button that will activate a large rectangular rapid flashing beacon on both sides of the bike trail crossing on Loveland Avenue that alerts traffic to stop for pedestrians using the crossing? The Ohio Department of Natural Resources and the Friends of the Little Miami State Park secured an ODOT safety grant in the amount of 46,000 dollars to improve safety and traffic flow at the bike trail crossings in 2017.

    If you live in Downtown Loveland it’s very easy to attain an active lifestyle with the Little Miami bike trail in your backyard and what goes hand in hand with an active lifestyle? A healthy diet! DID YOU KNOW that Loveland’s Fresh Press Juicery and Coffee uses only fresh local and organic ingredients to create their timeless menu items? Fresh Press is operated out of a 147-year-old building by owners Jacob and Katie in the heart of Downtown Loveland. DID YOU KNOW Fresh Press features Chef Jimmy Hooper who developed his extensive skill set in places such as, the Fairmont Hotel in Chicago, Cincinnati’s Tavern Restaurant Group and Ivy Hill’s Country Club? Chef Hooper not only used his culinary creativity to create menu items such as The Arugula and Sweet Potato Bowl, The Avocado Sweet Toast and The Frogman Smoothie, but he also designed the kitchen and built the inside and outside bar at Fresh Press.

    Plaid Room Records will soon open in the old Pizazz location next to City Hall.

    Vinyl records have been making a huge comeback since the vintage wave has taken the world by storm. In 2015, Loveland got it’s very own piece of history when Plaid Room Records opened its doors. DID YOU KNOW that Plaid Room Records saw such success in their store that they decided to open shop at a brand new location on West Loveland Ave right next to the beloved Loveland Sweets shop? The new shop will open in September and will provide Plaid Room Records with the much-needed space for their 20,000 plus collection of vinyl records. Plaid Room Record’s 2015 location was 900 square feet and now their new location will be over 2,200 square feet, which will allow Plaid Room to bring in more live music, serve beer, host more events and stock more records. DID YOU KNOW Plaid Room Records is home to Colemine Records started by owners Terry and Bob Cole? Colemine, known as raw and authentic soul music, was created in 2007 after Terry and a friend had finished an album called The City. They wanted to start selling the album at shows but didn’t want to do it the traditional way so Terry decided to create a logo for the album, which led to the making of the label Colemine. Fast forward to 2015 Colemine Records came to Loveland and found a home at Plaid Room Records.

    The State and National Scenic Little Miami River flows through the heart of Downtown Loveland.

    Stay tuned for part 2 and 3 of my tour of Historic Downtown Loveland, Ohio.

    Local Sweets Shop Celebrates Life’s Simple Pleasures

    “Because chocolate calls the shots.” Loveland, Ohio – Unicorn Bark, Penny Candy, Salted Caramel Chip Ice Cream, Peanut Butter Banana Bark, Berry Berry Bean Ice Cream…
  • What Ms. Frog said

    What Ms. Frog said

    How would this work to solve some of the ongoing traffic woes in Historic Downtown?

    (Special thanks to Dianne Decker Bomar for the inspiration)