WALNUT HILLS

Are you familiar with the way Walnut Hills came by its name? An early settler, Reverend James Kemper, planted tons of walnut trees on his acreage in what would become one of Cincinnati’s oldest hilltop towns. A century or two later, there are still walnut trees, but most of the neighborhood’s appeal now comes from all the exciting business growth taking place. 

Start on the east side of the neighborhood, with a visit to the Harriet Beecher Stowe House. Even if it’s not open when you stop by (tours are by appointment in January and the museum is open Thursday through Sunday, February through November) the exterior is impressive enough on its own. Once home to Stowe herself, the legendary abolitionist and author of Uncle Tom’s Cabin, the museum hosts walking tours, exhibits and educational events. 

Head down Gilbert, cross over William Howard Taft and take a left or a right down East McMillan – either direction, you’re guaranteed to find something to eat or entertain or engage with. For storytelling’s sake, let’s start with The Fix Coffeehouse and travel up E. McMillan.  

The Fix Coffeehouse offers a solid array of sandwiches for breakfast or lunch, and plenty of coffee options to fuel a saunter through the neighborhood. Next door is Artis Inks, a tattoo and piercing parlor. Just across the street is the Pickled Pig, serving up smoked meats and fermented delights. A little further down E. McMillan is Fern, the very Instagrammable plant, home decor and assorted-gifts store. Speaking of plants, Daisy Jane’s Flower Bar is close by – you may have seen their mobile outfits, a pair of bright red and cream-colored Econoline trucks.  

There’s no shortage of restaurant options in Walnut Hills, which is in and of itself a great thing to have but seeing as the human stomach can only ingest so much, it’s definitely recommended to make multiple trips to the neighborhood to taste all it has to offer. Fireside Pizza is nearby, and so is Comfort Station, if you want to grab a slice and a cocktail (which is always a good idea.) Gomez Salsa’s signature Turtles combine all the goodness of burritos sealed tight in a cheesy tostada crunch. They are literal perfection.  

Just next door is SKT Ceramics, offering beautiful porcelain pieces at their flagship location, inside the old (1910!) Century Theater Building, which opened in 2009. (They have a satellite location in Findlay Market.) The renowned mural-making and art-education-providing ArtWorks’ new home is nearby. The Greenwich makes for an eclectic, intimate night club stop with live music. 

Don’t miss Esoteric Brewing, which brews an intriguing variety of drafts (try the Chrysalis) which itself is housed within the larger and recently renovated Paramount Building. Esoteric bills itself as “Cincinnati’s first beer lounge”, with plenty of luxurious sofas and ottomans. There’s a large private event space in the back, and while you’re back there, you can take a peek at all the brewing machinery action. You can order some grub from the Decibel Korean Fried Chicken window, which offers up the crispiest, lightest Korean fried chicken and now offers a banging brunch. La Soupe is nearby: this nonprofit turns potentially wasted food from restaurants into nourishing and delicious soups for the hungry in our region. Grab a cocktail from Tiki Tiki Bang Bang, save room for some hits-the-spot barbeque from Just Q’in Barbecue, and enjoy fresh local jazz at Caffe Vivace. For a home-cooked meal that hits all the right notes, you can’t go wrong with Burnett’s Soul Food. And brunch at nearby Parkside Cafe or a perfectly crispy burger from Brew House is always a good idea. 

For some self-care, stop by Cutman Barbershop or Cuts Plus Barbershop for a fresh cut, Tasha B. Beauty for impeccable brows and waxing, One Stop Beauty Supply (self-explanatory,) or A Mirage Beauty Salon for a new ‘do. (Some shops are appointment-only, so be sure to check online.) Zweets nearby is home to a candy wonderland, and Jazzy Sweetie’s Bakery serves up a gorgeous array of baked goods. Family-owned Beck Paint & Hardware is a neighborhood mainstay. From paint to grills to lighting and more, Beck is full of friendly faces and more often than not has just what you need.

The (Walnut) hills are alive with loads of potential – get out there and see for yourself. 

THESE  BUSINESS DISTRICTS ARE COMING TO THE FOREFRONT