City of Covington, Kentucky

WELCOME TO 124 W. PIKE ST., SOHZA SISTER BOUTIQUE! Mayor Pro Tem/Commissioner Ron Washington welcomed SoHza Sister Boutique to its new location this morning in a ribbon cutting ceremony. SoHza Sister Boutique was launched on April 13, 2013, by three sisters who had a belief in the power of women, and an idea that they could help bring them together for change. The goal was to create a social enterprise dedicated to helping women both locally and globally. Not only can you buy fair trade jewelry, purses and clothing at the boutique, it’s also a place to be inspired by women from around the world who are making a difference with their lives. If you buy and share one of their products, you’ll help the woman that made it globally, and in return SoHza Sister will donate to a local non-profit for women, putting its customers at the center of change. SoHza sister has partnered with 22 different fair trade co-ops in more than 11 countries, offering these empowered women opportunities that change lives. Each piece of handmade jewelry and ethical clothing has a powerful story. Formerly located in MainStrasse, SoHza sister's new location expands the business's space for women empowering workshops and events. They're hosting a weekend long Women's Fest tonight, so be sure to stop in!

This weekend there’s a much-needed Women’s Fest, holiday shopping to commence with, a lot to learn about fibers, dogs to run with, art to learn about, lots of live music, perfume to make, wine to taste, and more. https://bit.ly/3AmHld7

There's so much cool public art in The Cov, that KET - Kentucky Educational Television sent their cameras and crew here to do an entire segment about it, and it's airing on "Kentucky Life" this Saturday, Nov. 9, at 8 p.m. (so tune in, set the DVR -- whatever you do, don't miss it!). You'll see familiar faces, like Covington Economic Development Director Tom West, AICP, artist and business owner Emily Wolff, ArtsWave's NKY Creative Placemaking Director Rachael Parker, and artist Janet Creekmore (and of course, Clive!), and loads of the city's amazing public art.

There's a new restaurant on the block in The Cov. Today, culinary entrepreneurs William "Billy" Grise and Chef Mitchell J Arens officially opened their new Italian restaurant, Carmelo's, at 434 Madison Ave. From a Carmelo's press release: Carmelo’s carries on the legacy of all the beloved grandfathers that came before us with comforting, Italian American classics in a welcoming and abundant environment. Today, culinary entrepreneurs Billy Grise and Chef Mitch Arens declare their new Italian restaurant officially open for business in the heart of the Covington, KY. Carmelo’s namesake pays homage to co-owner Billy Grise’s grandfather, an Italian American immigrant, family man, and restaurant owner himself. Nono Carmelo’s warm and jovial spirit was a foundational inspiration for Grise and Arens. In all his endeavors, Mitch Arens has continuously worked to curate an inviting menu for diners, mixing cuisine with his upbringing. His experience has spanned more than 10 years and included multiple cities and cuisines, allowing him to hone his culinary craft as well as establish his own vision. “The journey to opening has been one of the most incredible experiences of my life,” said Chef and Owner Mitch Arens. “I had been searching for the next big thing in my culinary career and linking back up with one of my best friends, Billy (Grise) to create Carmelo’s was something we used to always talk about while working alongside one another in kitchens across Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. It feels surreal now that it’s all actually happening.” “Growing up, I worked in my grandfather's restaurant where he taught me the value of hard work, the power of persistence, and the importance of sharing a meal together,” says Billy Grise. “We can’t wait to share our vision with you.” Grise’s career in the Cincinnati culinary scene includes numerous ventures with beloved dining spots throughout the Midwest and Eastern United States. His latest tenure as Director of Food and Beverage for Thunderdome Restaurant Group has offered him invaluable experience spanning strategic business operations to maintaining brand integrity for one of the largest culinary groups based in the Queen City. Located at the corner of 5th and Madison, Carmelo’s hopes to become a local staple synonymous with the new life being invested into Northern Kentucky’s riverfront and a comfortable and welcoming space where folks from across Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky can come together and stay awhile. For updates and news, follow @eatatcarmelos on Instagram and visit eatatcarmelos.com. Carmelo’s is located at 434 Madison Avenue, Covington, KY 41011. Hours of operation will be Tuesday-Thursday 4 pm – 9 pm, Friday and Saturday 4 pm – 10 pm, and Sunday from 4 pm – 9 pm. Check it out. It's a beauty. Photo credits: Hatsue.

More Love for The Cov. Not only is Covington one of the "50 Best Places to Live in the U.S.," (Money Magazine), now Worldatlas.com has named Covington among the “8 Most Comfortable Towns in Kentucky for Seniors.” Here’s what WorldAtlas had to say: “Retirees look favorably on Covington, its size makes it a unique blend of charming town that is almost a major metropolis. Its position close to Cincinnati means that residents of this community have the joys of affordable housing, ranging from historic homes to condos, while appreciating the wealth of attractions, entertainment, and dining of the greater metropolitan area. Access to the multiple facilities of St. Elizabeth Healthcare and the placement near the international airport makes this attractive for seniors who want to stay active without losing access to necessary medical services. “One of the most attractive components of this community that can be a selling point for retiring seniors is the MainStrasse Village. This is a hub of activity, including stores, shops, and dining. Among the most popular destinations is Otto’s, a restaurant famous for Southern dishes. When you want a break from the bustle of this retail hub, you can take a stroll through Devou Park for beautiful views of Northern Kentucky’s nature on miles of walking trails. You can also appreciate the depth of the local artistic well with the Carnegie Arts Center or the Behringer-Crawford Museum.” https://lnkd.in/gsmPnR9e #MostComfortabletownsinKentuckyforSeniors #Retirees #retire #retireinTheCov #LoveTheCov #CovingtonKY #CovingtonNKY

Clive’s newest role: Website chatbot. The City's Economic Development Department is ramping up it's customer service by way of a helpful chatbot featuring the image and personality of Clive the Alien. More at the link below. #CliveTheAlien #economicdevelopment #CovingtonKY #UnapologeticallyCovington #chatbot https://bit.ly/3YS2hlu

A street grid emerges in the Covington Central Riverfront neighborhood redevelopment. Check it out: Third Street at the top of the image, with Russell Street and the promenade in the center. Stay tuned for more. #CovingtonCentralRiverfront #CCR #CovingtonKY #CovingtonNKY #NKY #UnapologeticallyCovington #LoveTheCov

Did you know that if you own a historic building/home, you may be eligible for rehabilitation tax credits? If your building/home is located within a National Register District, you could get money back on qualifying rehab expenses. Considering Covington has 17 National Register districts - from the river all the way to Latonia - chances are your property may be eligible. Now is the time to find out. Register now for the Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit Workshop next Wednesday, Nov. 6, at 6 p.m., at the Kenton County Public Library, at 502 Scott St. Details at the link below. #historicrehab #historicrehabtaxcredits #CovingtonAcademyofHeritageTrades https://bit.ly/48xuJMP

Lots of good stuff happening This Weekend in #LoveTheCov. Scroll through and make plans … but make sure you then get your candy in order, because your doorbell is going to start ringing in 3, 2, 1 … https://bit.ly/3YVSYkN

Location, Location, Location! The Republic Bank Building at 535 Madison Ave. offers it all: - 4,000 square feet in downtown Covington. - Open office space. - The fabulous Opal Rooftop Restaurant and Bar right upstairs. - Walkability to great venues like Braxton Brewing Company, Hotel Covington, Agave + Rye, Rich's, and more. Interested? Contact Covington Economic Development's Business Attraction Manager Susan B. Smith at 859-292-2321 or susan.smith@covingtonky.gov. (And stay tuned for more cool available spaces in The Cov.) #CovingtonKyproperties #CovingtonKy #CovingtonKyEconomicDevelopment #economicdevelopment https://lnkd.in/eRw3GjjZ