How can you not love a small community, public library that is solely focused on Mystery books and…read moreauthors? The two women working there when my family and I visited the last time were funny and intelligent. We enjoyed talking with them and hearing about the history of the library. The building itself is one of the original buildings in Milford, and I enjoyed venturing on to Water Street, aptly named, since it's right next to the Little Miami River in Old Milford. You won't be disappointed if you stop by here- especially if you are a mystery writer! TIPS- The staff was quick to point out to me that even though the overdue fines are 10 cents per day, it's only 30 cents per week since they are only open three days! Oh yeah- they are only open three days a week, so check the hours before making a special trip!

"Do you love a good secret or mystery? Then visit the Milford Mystery Library - one of the best…read morekept secrets in Milford, OH" This is a small library in an old stone building built by the Kugler family, of Kugler Mill fame. It has a selection of mystery novels much larger than most libraries - separated by genres. Worth a visit if you're a mystery or history fan. The library also welcomes small groups to use the space for gatherings - with advance notice of course! Hours are now: 10am-4pm Wed. & Sat., and 2pm-7pm on Thurs.

This place is so fascinating and educational and fun. I've gone to classes hear and there is tons…read moreto learn all the time. Plus, their fun gift shop and small library with lots of gardening reference books. Lots of the plants outside are labeled so you can see for yourself how well they grow in this area. Plus they have green roofs and so many ways to make it ecologically favorable as well as giving you ideas how you might do so yourself. It's wonderful to see this pretty landscaping not far from a fairly busy road. Do yourself a favor and visit them sometime. What a gem!

In spite of the visitor's center being closed we were able to view the gardens. They were beautiful…read moreand very well labeled.

This thrift store was pretty big but it did not have a lot of ladies clothing. It did have a lot of…read moreshoes. I think if you are looking for some furniture at a reasonable price this would be the place to go look. They had desks, chairs, tables, and freestanding curio cabinets. There was quite a bit of home decor. I found some of the items were definitely overpriced compared to other thrift stores. But I still ended up getting a good deal on a couple of pairs of shoes. The day that I was in there they had a buy one get one free shoes and I paid $3 for two pair of shoes. Probably be worth another look at some point.

I don't know what they are doing in Cold Springs St Vincnet De Paul but keep doing it!!!!!!!!!!…read moreStore looks great and super clean inside and out. The people there are very friendly and they have a ton of stuff. If you're looking for a hiding gem this is your place to go!!!!!!!

I'm new to the online auction, but had a great first experience with Casa Sykes. The online process…read morewas easy to navigate and understand. After winning, I was pleased to stop into the Gaza Sikes store, which was teeming with fabulous art. I'd stop in here anytime to browse, auction win or not, and I'd probably find something I couldn't live without. I'm currently checking out their December auction. It's very exciting. Say goodbye to my retirement account! LOL

Great auction items, excellent service - 4 stars!…read more I bid on a Caza Sikes auction on-line. Since I live in Minnesota, not Ohio, I used the "Live Auctioneers" internet bidding service. I lucked out and won the auction for a 7 foot tall antique circus poster. I'd been looking for this poster for nearly 10 years, ever since I lost out on the exact same poster on Ebay. I was outbid and it sold for over $1000. But I ended up getting the one at Caza for less than 300 bucks! Plus, this one was in a full frame - a very expensive project if you pay a frame shop to make one for you. The shipping process was very organized too...fast and a reasonable cost. They actually got the entire giant thing to me safely - no damage. Thumbs up! -Daddy Maxx Retro

I stumbled upon Granny's Garden school through a Yelp service event we were doing and instantly…read morefell in love. Now Granny's Garden school is actually part of Loveland Elementary school. We looked and looked and could not find it because the place itself does not exist. Granny herself runs this nonprofit as more of an educational giving back kind of initiative. As we were moving piles of mulch to the garden beds we met her in person and wow what a special person! She explained to all of us the history of how she got started and it was basically to teach children early about how to eat healthy and that healthy eating can be fun, and delicious! She also said that each classroom of the school has a plot that they are responsible for growing during the season. The class then harvests the plants and they are used for the school's lunches!!! How cool is that? We had processed patties of who knows what slopped on our trays. She even said that kids will eat raw veggies right out of the garden. And when I say raw, some of the kids just take bites out of tomatoes and eat them whole! What a great cause. I would have never even known about this place, but if you are looking to volunteer or just have fun giving back this is a great great place. There were even some high school kids earning class credit on the day we went.

Amazing amazing amazing. We like to buy the family garden kit in Spring sponsored by local…read morebusinesses. We get free soil, free plants, and free seeds. Great educational program ad their plant sale in the Spring is the best gardening deal in town. Great plants from their own school gardens at the best prices and your money goes to fund the school garden program. Be sure to check out their garden subscriptions for fresh flowers!

They have rented garden plots. They have bees. They have chickens. AND, they have once-a-month…read moresummer poetry readings on the last Sunday. What a divine patch of green Redden Gardens makes in Covington. Murals, sunflowers, blackberries, and more are all the things you will discover if you attend one of their super friendly, way laid back, awesome events. If you happen by when it is closed to the public, you can help yourself to the ripe blackberries growing along the fence (but leave some for others!), or check the trough by the frontgate to see if the community has any vegetables to offer. Today there were onions. There is also a Covington community shelf along the side of the building to check. Wonderful place, nice people, serene vibe in the center of Covington. They give so much!

Redden Garden is a community garden located in Covington. Plots may be rented, and then maintained…read moreby their renters. There are also chickens and bees. The garden also plants things along the fence that are allowed to be picked by anyone passing by. Flowers around the outside of the fence may be picked as well. We enjoyed some lovely tart currants during our visit. Mindful of food insecurity in the area, excess produce is shared on a table outside of the garden. This is usually done during the summer months. At the corner of Scott and 10th St. is also a sunflower share box. Box has been known to include snacks, seeds and books. Looking to get involved? We helped with weeding, removal of invasive species, picking up of trash, and preparing some land through Keeping Covington Beautiful. We had children in our group ranging in age of 5-17. There were ways for everyone to contribute.

This has always been my favorite and go to thrift store over the years. The prices have…read moreconsistently been wonderful, and because pricing is managed independently at the store level, it never gets outrageous the way some larger chain thrift stores can. There are multiple sections of the store that are especially rich in great finds. The kitchen section is fantastic, with tons of glassware and kitchenware to dig through. They also have a large selection of wall art and picture frames. You'll also find plenty of trinkets, vases and planters, and furniture scattered throughout the store, which really adds to the treasure hunt feel. The main body of the store is filled with many clothing racks, and I've found a lot of great brands here, including plenty of Levi's jeans and similar staples. This is always the thrift store I recommend when someone says they want to start thrifting but don't know where to begin. It's approachable, affordable, and consistently rewarding. The staff has always been wonderful as well. There are a few employees who have worked here for years, and every interaction I've had with them has been pleasant and friendly. Sometimes the store can feel a little chaotic, but honestly, that just adds to the fun of searching through everything. Overall, I don't think I've ever left this store empty handed.

I come from very far away to go to this thrift store and even though its a bit small and hard to…read morenavigate, I JUST LOVE ROOTING AROUND THERE. There have been a few employees that I am not sure love their job...BUT THEN THERE IS DARLENE. Darlene (and even Mike) are the shining stars in this place and they make up for any deficiencies. And if the truth be known, Darlene is one of the reasons we go there- she is a beautiful soul with a heart for people and I have seen many other people come in who also greet Darlene by name! So she knows her folks- and when you know your folks, you are treated right and want to keep coming back. There isn't enough room here to express our appreciation for Darlene. Mike, the current manager, is a good one, too. He is kind and warm and he genuinely cares about his customers. One day this will all be gone. Time and space will overtake us and we will all move on. BUt for now, this is my place, and I enjoy every minute I am there. Darlene, don't you ever change. And Mike, steer that ship! You are appreciated more than you can imagine.

One of the top galleries in the city with a good mix of antique (dead) and contemporary painters…read more(living). Much of the work is top notch and filled with some of the heavy hitters of Cincinnati's deep art history. The owner Doug also runs a restoration business so all of the antique work is in good condition. It is located in a very nice old building lovely appointed and well lit. They have their own lot so parking is a breeze.They have of late been hosting other exciting arts events like Portrait of a Soul and the Oil Painters of America. The staff is very friendly and very helpful if you have any questions about the art or the artists shown in the gallery. At openings they always have wine and delicious hors d'oeuvres. At large events in the summer it can get warm in the gallery if there is a large crowd mixing with all the painting lights and a struggling AC.

Eisele Gallery of Fine Art is an absolutely stunning venue for fine art. In addition, you will find…read morea great staff along with beautiful works of art by notable contemporary as well as historical artists.