Do you have lots of questions about the Federal Housing Tax Credit? Wondering if you can qualify for the $8000 First Time Buyer Tax Credit? Have people been encouraging you to take advantage of the $6500 Home Seller/Buyer Tax Credit? Are you a repeat home buyer?
Questions...Questions...Questions!
Here are some answers. The National Association of Home Builders has compiled information that answers these questions and more on one comprehensive site. In their report, you can find out what the income limits are, how much of a tax credit you can earn, special credits for military, foreign service and intelligence officials, how to claim the credit and many other topics.
Cincinnati Home Buyers and Sellers need answers to these questions so they can take advantage of the Federal Housing Tax Credit. We always tell buyers and sellers we work with to do their research...do their "home"work. You'll be glad you investigated your many questions to make the home buying and selling process more manageable.
As always you are encouraged to talk to your accountant, who could evaluate the program and apply it to your special circumstances. Whenever the Internal Revenue Service is involved, we want to get it right!
A remarkable initiative is underway. "Break the Chain" is a brainstorm of an organization of locally-owned stores supporting one another, called Buy Cincy. They are urging you to Break the Chain of the corporate chain stores and shop locally-only for one day. The third annual celebration of Cincinnati Unchained is Saturday November 21st. Over 30 stores are participating.
All the stores appear to be offering specials of some sort, from a percentage off on certain items to gift certificates to donations to non-profits to samples and more.
The list of participating stores is organized by area. Hope this helps you map out your visits. For information about the specific offering of each store, check out the Cincinnati Unchained website.
Downtown
Over the Rhine
Clifton
Northside
College Hill
Mt. Healthy
Evanston
Oakley
Kenwood
Bellevue, KY
Online
These store have banded together to support one another in these economic times and to strenthen the local economy and your neighborhoods as well. Interestingly, studies have proven that money spent in local stores generates three times more economic activity that money spent in a chain. So help improve Cincinnati's economy and be a part of supporting your neighbors, shop locally-owned for just one day.
This will be a great chance to get an early start of your Holiday shopping and find unique and fun gifts as well!
What's this love affair we have with our dogs? When we got our darling bundle of fur over seven years ago, I had no idea the energy he would have. Why didn't it occur to me that a Brittany Spaniel, bred for hunting, would need to constantly run and play? Taught me a lesson...find out all about your dog's breed, temperament and energy levels before committing to him. 
But there's a solution if you have a dog like mine. Give them lots of exercise...enter the concept of dog parks! Cincinnati has been actively opening both public and private dog parks to meet the need and demand from dog lovers.
Anderson Dog Park, 6701 Kellog Avenue, Anderson Township
A part of the Anderson Township Park District, this five acre park is near the Ohio River, close to River Downs. The fencing is 6 feet high so your dog is completely safe and there are lots of benches for those who visit, They charge a $45 yearly fee.
Bark Park at Miami Meadows, 1546 State Route 131, Milford
Growing in popularity, this dog park has plenty of places to "run, walk, play, sniff, scratch and lick." There are two areas, one for large and one for small dogs. Free.
Deerfield Dog Park in Schappacher's Park, 4686 Old Irwin Simpson Road, Mason
This is Warren County's first Dog Park. It received the "Best Dog Park" award from Cincinnati Magazine in 2003.
Ft. Thomas Dog Park, 85 Mayfield Drive, Ft. Thomas
Part of the Highland Hills Park, this dog park was a welcome addition for those that had to drive further away to allow their pets to be off leash. Wooded setting with hills, benches and water for the dogs.
Kenton Paw, 3950 Madison Pike, Covington
This Kenton County Paw Park, within Kenton County's Pioneer Park, also has large and small dog areas with a beautiful creek setting. Their extremely active Friends of Kenton Paw has fundraisers, including their fun calendar with pictures of visiting dogs. They also co-sponsor a program with the Kenton County Public Library where children read to dogs...a program proven to encourage early readers.
Mt. Airy Dog Park, 3006 Westwood Northern (between Montana and North Bend)
Located in Mt. Airy Forest, this West Side dog park was Cincinnati Park's first in a public park. It has over two acres of fenced area and is located at the Highpoint Picnic area.
Otto Armleder Dog Park, 3960 Pennsylvania Avenue, off Wooster near Mt. Lookout
This seems to be the place to be, whether you have a dog or not. Imagine if you lived in an apartment that restricts dogs. There are lots of young professionals to be found here looking for a chance to meet other young professionals and playing together with the dogs. Enjoy watching some happy dogs in this video.
One of the interesting points when reviewing this 323 acre park is that it is jointly operated by the Hamilton County Park District , the Cincinnati Recreation Commission and Cincinnati Parks. Impressive use of resources!
In addition to the large and small breed areas, there are dog shower and drinking fountains. The 2-mile paved trail allows you to run or roller-blade with your dog. Be sure to check out whether it is open if the river is running high...yes, the Ohio River can back the water all the way up the Little Miami River (didn't seem to stop the dogs who came)!
Red Dog Pet Resort and Spa, 5081 Madison Road, Oakley
This is one of only two private facilities in the area. The WagsPark is "members only" with three acres, including walking trails and play equipment. Right next door to the Pet Resort and Spa area is a self-serve dog wash facility...a dog lover has everything they could need.
If you need lots of help with your dog's care when working late nights, this could be your solution. The facility operates 24/7 with services that include training classes, accommodations - royalty accommodations is more like it - including themed suites, a pool, massage/healing touch, playtime inside and out and a "bedtime story and tuck-in."
Plus, if you love your cat as well, they can come, too. Sometimes, when I travel, I wish I were treated as well as the animals here!
Symmes Township Park, 11600 Lebanon Road, Loveland
You walk about a quarter mile from the parking lot to get to this fenced dog area. If you like to have a private area to train your dog off leash, this would be a good place to practice skills. It is generally rather deserted.
WagsPark Dog Park, 3810 Church Street, Newtown
Also a private, members only dog park, this one is run by people who KNOW dogs...the Pet Stop people are trying to think of everything a dog owner needs in a facility. This video will get you in the mood.
I like the fact that there is temperament testing to be sure that dogs are suitable for the park. They also check vaccinations to be assure that all dogs will be safe.
A membership is designed for all dogs in your family...assuming you don't have more than four dogs. They have a diving dock for dogs to jump into the spring-fed pond. There is an agility and speed course, WagTropolis play system, and a dancing fountain.
Check out the adjoining filling station, car wash and "WagOmat." After they run through the ponds next door, you can give them a good bath there before going home...I think your dog will need a nap when he arrives home after all this fun!
Wiggly Field, 8070 Tylersville Road (at Cox), West Chester
Walk your dog around the 35 acre lake at the Voice of America Park in West Chester, before entering the fenced 3-acre dog park. Located off Tylersville Road near the Butler and Warren County line, this park is easily accessed. It is a 3 acre grassy site without shade for visitors.
"Sometimes you want to go
Where everyone knows your name
And they're always glad you came"
Do you remember the theme song for "Cheers?" You can't help but know you've arrived at Cincinnati's version of the Boston bar, Cheers, when you enter the doors of Arnold's Bar and Grill in downtown Cincinnati. The oldest saloon in the City of Cincinnati, Arnold's was opened in 1861. You'll find it at 210 E. Eighth Street.
The buildings - actually two buildings - are even older than that. They were originally built in 1848 and housed a barbershop and feed store. The courtyard behind the feed store served as a stable and carriage house.
When Simon Arnold opened the saloon, he and his family lived above the bar. This was common in those days when everyone crammed into the basin area created by the hills of Mt. Adams, Mt. Auburn, Clifton, Fairview, Price Hill and the Ohio River. Everyone struggled to catch their breath in the coal dust- clogged air and lived close to where they worked and could get necessities.
Times have changed. Local legend says that the bathtub on display upstairs was there for making gin during Prohibition...or perhaps its strange location is due to the fact that when the buildings were built in 1848, no one had ever thought indoor plumbing was a possibility. Women were banned from bars back then, but times changed even more when they won the right to vote; they could come in the front door. Beer costs more, too.
So, imagine living back in those days, and you'll realize why the new downtown residents, urbanites of today, love a place like Arnold's. They have all the alcohol - beer on tap, wine and spirits -you could imagine in their stocked bar. Plus the food is good, something not all bars can say. I can count on the salads to be fresh and my husband always wants something containing their homemade Italian tomato sauce.
The bar itself is a handsome example of the woodworking abilities available in the 1880's. It's stately walnut style is commonly referred to as Eastlake furniture. You'll find a special ambiance of wood booths for dining in the original building. Or you could go out to the courtyard where an urban oasis awaits. The courtyard that once housed the horses now is covered over and heated to use year round. This space is used both for dining and as a music and theater venue.
Music is one more reason the neighborhood shows up. It is always a surprise what band or group might be there, but it consistently leans towards the folksy/bluesy side of music. Probably the band you'll hear most often is the Cincinnati Dancing Pigs, appropriately playing the first Saturday of each month in the city whose mascot is a pig.
You might also be surprised at who you see there. Maybe it is the Playhouse or Symphony crowd, before or after a show. At lunch you'll see lawyers straight from a courthouse trial mixed in with P&G'ers. Other times it will be filled with those who came especially to hear their favorite band.
Today's owners (they call themselves "stewards of the restaurant"), are Ronda and Bret Androski. They'll be glad you came. You'll be glad, too.
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