Lapis&Moss: Park+Vine is Divine

Have you been to this outstanding establishment? Referred to as the "General Store of the future" on their website, it's a significant little luxury tucked away in Over-the-Rhine. Cate refers to it as "the farm in the middle of the city." I don't think you could get a better compliment.

Every three months calls for a check up to Cate's immunologist, Dr. B, at Cincinnati Children's Hospital. We've been making this trip every three months (sometimes more) for the past six years. The newest little monster, rheumatic fever, to assault Cate's body is under control for the most part so the news today was that we didn't have to return until June! Caveat~ as long as everything stays status-quo.

Woo-hoo! Time to celebrate. Our usual excursion includes a trip to Maggiano's for some gluten free Italian, and shopping therapy at Anthropologie and Nordstrom. What can I say, the girl loves fashion and she loves shoes.

Not this time. No, we decided to veer off course. Take a different path. We ended up in Over-the-Rhine. By choice.

The first time I had visited Park+Vine was about four years ago. I was working on my doctorate at the University of Cincinnati so I was in the vicinity. I was getting ready to paint some furniture for Cate's room and I came across some really cool paint online. Mythic Paint. If you haven't heard of it check them out. https://www.mythicpaint.com/index.aspx

The paint led me to Park+Vine. They were the only store to distribute it, so I went for it. I think the descriptor of "general store of the future" is accurate, but it's much more. Walking into Park+Vine is an experience. The exterior is adorned with raised beds that are home to herbs and plants. Hence, the farm in the city reference from Cate. The inside features pockets of interests. Food, beer, wine, toiletries, childrens items, bike essentials and more. As if that isn't enough, one half of the store is a cafe where you can imbibe a gluten free beer or munch down some vegan delicacies. It's a local shop that makes you crave the days where there was a mom and pop shop on every corner.

While Park+Vine was a delightful detour, we did invite our familiar friend "ritual" back to the celebration. A trip to Anthropologie was made where we smelled every candle in the store and touched every luxurious piece of fabric we could find. Nordstrom is Anthropologie's neighbor so like a good friend we visited them as well and imagined a different outfit to go with each pair of shoes we added to our wish list.