Freelance Content Creator // HummingBIRDS - CINCINNATI
Hummingbirds is a women-founded marketing platform in 15+ major cities helping small businesses thrive, linking them with community creators for brand campaigns. I was invited to be a Hummingbird for the Cincinnati branch. My work involves creating social media content for our local businesses and organizations. Follow @jcleedy on Instagram to see more.
Independent Bookstore Day
@jcleedy - Happy Independent Bookstore Day! Want to give a special shout-out to one of my favorite spots in our fair city. The Ohio Book Store has been in operation since 1940, boasting five floors of vintage and used goodness. Yes, you heard that right…five floors. I’ve spent many a day browsing these cozy aisles and taking in that perfect old book smell. As someone who loves collecting earlier editions of classic literature and neat old school finds in general, this has been my go-to place. It’s where I found my leatherbound copies of Walt Whitman and Jane Austen. It’s where I discovered the Diners’ Club Drink Book, which has taught me everything I know about making the best cocktails, highballs, and other mixed drinks. It’s where I’ve stumbled upon the most thoughtful and sentimental gifts for my loved ones. Ohio Book Store also offers more than just books. They carry vintage newspapers, magazines, maps, and more. Plus, they have a bookbinding and repair department, as well as paper conservation and document restoration services. Go check out this Cincy institution and support indie book sellers all year round!
National Cocktail Day
@jcleedy - Happy National Cocktail Day! Highly recommend visiting Emery for a creative concoction. Located in cozy Mariemont, they boast a gorgeous downstairs bar and a cute upstairs lounge. Not only is the food phenomenal and the ambiance comfy, but they bring a fresh twist to classic cocktails with house-made infusions and unique flavors. My favorite sip is the Elderflower & Pear with its floral and citrus notes. And, since I’m not a sweet cocktail girlie, I asked the accommodating bartender go light on the simple syrup. Tart and refreshing. Cheers!
National Pizza Day - Fireside Pizza
@jcleedy - Happy National Pizza Day! Shout-out to Fireside Pizza in Walnut Hills. This former firehouse turned pizzeria has an awesome selection of wood-fired pies and brews, as well as one heck of a cannoli. And, if you’re looking for more ways to celebrate Lunar New Year, they’ve partnered with our friends at O Wok to develop a crab rangoon pizza that will soon be a featured special!
Emerge - Cincinnati Parks and The Krohn Conservatory
@jcleedy - Looking for a respite from the winter doldrums? Leave this dreary winter chill outside and spring into the Cincinnati Parks’ latest floral show, Emerge, at the Krohn Conservatory. Enjoy whimsical creatures made of moss and succulents. Take in the verdurous native trees and vibrant seasonal flowers. And hit pause on the madness of life to find peace in this colorful wonderland. Emerge runs from now until April 20th. Learn more at: https://www.cincinnati-oh.gov/cincyparks
Solstice Glow - Cincinnati Parks and The Krohn Conservatory
@jcleedy - Enjoying the festive holiday display at Krohn Conservatory is one of my favorite annual traditions. Cincinnati Parks always does such a beautiful job with this floral show, filling the conservatory with poinsettias and seasonal plants, twinkle lights and lanterns, model trains and miniature replicas of our iconic Cincinnati landmarks. This year’s theme, Solstice Glow, is centered around the quiet magic of winter and the lights that brighten even the longest nights of winter. It’s fun for the whole family and runs from now until January 5th. You can purchase tickets at the door or skip the line and purchase ahead online. Learn more at: https://www.cincinnati-oh.gov/cincyparks
Small Biz November - MiCA 12/v, Gia and the Blooms, Kismet, Joy and Matt’s Books, Suder’s Art Store, Alien Records, Idlewild, Paper Wings, The Native One, and Findlay Market
@jcleedy - With the holidays just around the corner, you’re probably in search of some unique gift ideas for friends and family.
I highly recommend hitting up the one neighborhood in Cincinnati where I always find everything I’m looking for: Over the Rhine.
OTR boasts a treasure trove of small businesses with many offering handcrafted items by local artists and makers.
Stroll along Vine Street and take a gander at the wide array of plants, home decor goods, books, vinyls, pottery pieces, greeting cards, boutique fits, and toys.
My favorite spots are:
Or head down Elder Street and put together a basket of the best local food items from all our delicious vendors and merchants at Findlay Market.
This is your reminder to shop small and support local when giving to others this season.
Giving November - Freestore Foodbank
@jcleedy - I always find myself giving back a little extra this time of year, whether that means going above and beyond my normal volunteering and donations or adding more random acts of kindness into my everyday. To anyone else looking to help others and impact our local community this Thanksgiving season, I highly recommend contributing to our Freestore Foodbank! Offer your time by helping pack and sort goods at the distribution center or work a shift at one of the many giveaway markets or drives. And if you’d like to donate monetarily, today is the perfect day to give. It’s Double Your Dollars Day. Every dollar received today up to $200,000 will be matched. Go to freestorefoodbank.org to learn more. Join with Freestore Foodbank to fight hunger!
National Coffee Day - 1215 Wine Bar and Coffee Lab
@jcleedy - Happy National Coffee Day! If you’re looking for one of the best spots around to grab a good brew, look no further than 1215 Wine Bar and Coffee Lab. Featuring beans roasted here in Cincinnati by Deeper Roots, 1215 boasts a cozy atmosphere in the heart of OTR and a selection of locally-made sweet and savory snacks to enjoy with your java, such as cookies and pastries from Sixteen Bricks and chocolates from Maverick. It’s also a great place to stop after work for a glass of wine or a cocktail. Support this community treasure.
National Book Lovers Day - The Book Bus + Depot, Bookery, Household Books, Downbound Books, and Ohio Book Store
@jcleedy - Happy National Book Lovers Day!
There are so many wonderful Cincinnati bookshops that offer unique personalities, new and vintage selections, and cozy nooks to get lost in a good read.
My personal favorite spots are:
Go give them a visit! Shop small and support these local literary havens.
BLOC Coffee Company
@jcleedy - So much love for BLOC Coffee Company. Highly recommend their cortado and Stuffed French Toast with mixed berry compote. Serving up Cincy-roasted Deeper Roots, BLOC has immaculately chill vibes, local art on display, books and board games, and a second floor with a view of the city. Plus, proceeds help the surrounding community, fighting sex trafficking and aiding nearby recovery and after school programs. Get your bean juice fix while supporting a small Cincinnati business and helping others…Right on!