READING

Perhaps best known as Cincinnati’s premiere bridal district, Reading holds plenty of charm, whether or not you’re getting hitched in the immediate future. Bridal boutiques and wedding-centric shops represent the bulk of business on both Reading and Benson, two of the main streets in the city, but you can pop around to your heart’s content, with or without a betrothed.

Bess Paper Goods & Gifts is one of the shops that can stand alone from wedding hustle and bustle, or act as a nice respite from the busy-ness of wedding planning. Owner Kristin Joiner bought the building and renovated the entire thing, and even lives above the shop. Over the course of its history, the building had housed a shoe store, a mattress store and a hair salon.

The shop is home to Bess the Press, an old school printing press on which Kristin produces a beautiful assortment of cards and commercial paper pieces. She hosts crepe paper flower-making classes and there are massive peonies hanging on the wall that can be rented for wedding day backdrops. There are cute pens and cool handmade jewelry for sale, too, and Kristin also works with brides to create custom invitations. Definitely make a stop here on your Reading visit.

Lou + Teak also exists in both the bridal and non-bridal world of shopping, offering refinished antique and vintage furniture. There are also concrete pieces – like planters – available. If you happen to be shopping with little ones in tow, Lou + Teak has you covered: the shop also has a kid corner with markers and fun activities for the kiddos to stay occupied while parents shop around.

Now, since it is a bridal district, you really should check out some of the shops – for dresses and other wedding paraphernalia. Chrissy Lane Design has all the unique pieces to make a wedding pop – including cool customizable neon signs. Beauty salons like Alter Ego and Flawless Hair & Makeup make brides feel their best for their big day. For the perfect dress, check out the gorgeous gowns at Wendy’s Bridal, the White Wisteria Bridal Boutique, and Luxe Redux Bridal Boutique. The inclusively sized Love Curvy Bridal is brought to you by the same proprietors behind Lace Bridal Couture. Owners Kelly and Allen Hill seek out designers exclusive to Cincinnati, giving brides unique options for their big day. Something New, Borrowed and Blue offers beautiful gown options at a discount for the budget-conscious bride. Serving up more couture looks is Blush Bridal. BoChic Bridal Boutique is by appointment only. Carrie Karibo Bridal offers an intimate shopping experience with plenty of options for every prospective bride.

Of course, no wedding is complete without photographic evidence that it took place. Hit up Jessica Wiggins Photography, Jill Matthews Photography and Images by Daniel Michael for all your photography needs.

In the not-bridal world, there are plenty of cool shops and restaurants to check out in Reading. Swing through Foley’s Irish Pub for some darn good pub food. Redwine & Co. serves up food through an onsite food truck, so you know it will always be hot, the drink menu is extensive, and there’s live music. It’s worlds away from the bridal experience – and would make for a killer stop after a long day of shopping. So would Lucy’s Diner, serving up excellent home-cooked meals at can’t-miss prices.

Whatever your reason for visiting, you’re sure to find time spent in Reading is time well-spent.

THESE  BUSINESS DISTRICTS ARE COMING TO THE FOREFRONT