Glendale

Beautiful, peaceful and quaint, the village of Glendale is like a Norman Rockwell painting come to life. Unlike a typical sprawling suburb, Glendale is a tiny community, with a population of 2,170 people in an area of 1.7 square miles. With tree-lined streets and active wildlife (most notably squirrels), Glendale almost resembles a giant park.

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Second Look

Once a safe haven for runaway slaves and a major stop on the Underground Railroad, Glendale is now an escape for world weary citizens seeking a respite from the rat race. Incorporated in 1855, the village of Glendale is a tranquil, historic neighborhood with palatial Victorian mansions and a distinct colonial charm.

Glendale is the only village in Ohio to have been deemed a National Historic Landmark. Strolling along the serene streets or passing through the town square, one can easily imagine what it might have been like to live during the early 1900s. One can traverse the entire neighborhood in half an hour, and the long, flat streets make an ideal stretch for joggers.

Glendale possesses the calm, picturesque feel of many historic towns that are often listed among recommended day trips from the city - however, at only 15 minutes from downtown, Glendale is a short drive from anywhere in Cincinnati. Browsing through kitschy shops, dining in high quality restaurants or just generally taking in the peaceful atmosphere makes a pleasant pastime for residents and visitors alike.

Those who live in Glendale appreciate the old-world feel, the slower pace of life, the ample green space and the safe streets. Being so small, the community is very close. Anyone interested in purchasing a house should be aware that because many of the buildings are historic, any renovations have to be done in accordance with certain guidelines. Another point of note (that residents enjoy) is that the village does not charge any earnings or income tax; Glendale's public services are supported by property taxes. Parents will also be happy to know that the Princeton City School District serving Glendale is nationally recognized for its advanced curriculum and comprehensive programs.

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• Dining
  

  This small village has big-city dining options. Grand Finale, dubbed one of Cincinnati's most romantic dining spots, one of the city's best steak houses, winner of best outdoor dining, and appointed to Cincinnati Magazine's Hall of Fame, is one place everyone should make a point to visit. With several different dining spaces (including a tea room, a patio and an attic bursting with antiques, oddities and intriguing bric-a-brac), as well as an extensive menu, this restaurant suits any possible dining occasion, from a quick lunch or romantic dinner to large, private parties (they rent out their rooms). Though Grand Finale offers a wide range of dishes, their fame comes from their desserts, their crepes and their brunches. Another charming option is the Glendale Gaslight Café, a community favorite, which has a reasonably-priced menu and cheerful wait staff. The Iron Horse, recently renovated and reopened, features fine dining on the first floor and live music and more casual dining upstairs in Brackers Tavern.

  If you are in the mood for something substantial and cheap, try Friendly Stop. This small saloon-style bar and restaurant does diner food with a lot of character - burgers are the specialty. Their bathrooms also indicate a great sense of humor, decorated with comical signs (the men's bathroom requests that you not put anything in the toilet that wasn't eaten first) and pin up models (the women's bathroom is plastered with hand-made collages of male celebrities). If British pub grub is what you're after, then the Cock and Bull (previously Glendale Pub) is the place to go.
• Nightlife
  

  In Glendale, the most popular form of nightlife consists of evening strolls or summer concerts at the community center. Most libations must be found in the area restaurants. However, Friendly Stop has five beers on tap (and is open until 10 p.m.) and Cock and Bull (which used to be Glendale Pub) is a British-style pub where you can get fish and chips, a good, cold pint, and sit out on the upstairs patio to watch the trains go by.
• Arts & Entertainment
  

  
  All Glendale entertainment is family-friendly - and most will be found at the Harry Whiting Brown Community Center, which opened in 1929 as a gathering place for all residents. This center offers a plethora of activities for kids, such as Boy and Cub Scouts, Spanish lessons, a movie series and community theater. A Saturday summer concert series showcases musical acts from around the tri-state area, and during the winter months the center offers an interesting educational lecture series.
• Recreation
  

  Possibly the most popular sport in Glendale is jogging - on any given morning, there are many friendly folks jogging up and down the strip. There are also five parks in Glendale: Washington Park, Summit Park, Lake Park, Eckstein Park and Cleveland Park. In addition to green spaces, Glendale also has a couple of private recreational clubs: Queen City Racquet Club, where members hone their tennis skills, and The Glendale Lyceum, a small, historic exclusive club offering pool, tennis, golf and social events for all ages. Children can also enjoy free programs (such as reading hour, lectures and movies) at the Harry Whiting Brown Community House.
• Special Interest
  

  Glendale is for history buffs. Declared a national historical landmark in 1976, the residents and businesses of Glendale make a point of preserving the historic feel of the neighborhood. The Glendale Heritage Preservation Society, located at the old CH&D railroad depot (that was built in 1880) coordinates these efforts. This space is home to a museum, Black Squirrel gift shop and an archive storage facility for photographs, films and other historical materials. Displays highlighting the Glendale's history are changed several times a year.
• Shopping
  

  The historic town square boasts an eclectic variety of options for the discerning shopper. The Century House offers rare antiques and specialty items, like authentic silver and china place settings. Blue Bird Bakery deals in breads, cakes and pastries, while Piazza Discepoli dispenses fine wines. Bella Donna sells name-designer dressy attire for special social occasions and sportswear. Runners from all over Cincinnati are familiar with Bob Ronckers Running Spot, which specializes in running gear, while bicyclists frequent Gargoyle Cycling, a full service bicycle, BMX and bike repair shop.
• Personal Care
  

  There are several options for personal care in Glendale. Pilates Studio of Glendale teaches small and private Pilates classes for strengthening and toning, Massage in Glendale offers therapeutic massage and locals get their hair styled at Statements Hair Salon and the simply-named Glendale Salon. Additional services are available in easily-accessible adjoining neighborhoods.

This small village has big-city dining options. Grand Finale, dubbed one of Cincinnati's most romantic dining spots, one of the city's best steak houses, winner of best outdoor dining, and appointed to Cincinnati Magazine's Hall of Fame, is one place everyone should make a point to visit. With several different dining spaces (including a tea room, a patio and an attic bursting with antiques, oddities and intriguing bric-a-brac), as well as an extensive menu, this restaurant suits any possible dining occasion, from a quick lunch or romantic dinner to large, private parties (they rent out their rooms). Though Grand Finale offers a wide range of dishes, their fame comes from their desserts, their crepes and their brunches. Another charming option is the Glendale Gaslight Café, a community favorite, which has a reasonably-priced menu and cheerful wait staff. The Iron Horse, recently renovated and reopened, features fine dining on the first floor and live music and more casual dining upstairs in Brackers Tavern.

If you are in the mood for something substantial and cheap, try Friendly Stop. This small saloon-style bar and restaurant does diner food with a lot of character - burgers are the specialty. Their bathrooms also indicate a great sense of humor, decorated with comical signs (the men's bathroom requests that you not put anything in the toilet that wasn't eaten first) and pin up models (the women's bathroom is plastered with hand-made collages of male celebrities). If British pub grub is what you're after, then the Cock and Bull (previously Glendale Pub) is the place to go.

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Official Home Page of Glendale:
www.glendaleohio.org/

The sense of magic here [in Glendale] is created in a parklike setting of winding lanes, still lighted by old style gas lamps. Trees with as many years as the village itself still surround the majestic old-fashioned homes.

Read more @ Cincinnati.com »

Incorporated in 1855, Glendale is a quiet northern suburb built on a rail line. Citizens enjoy a tranquil existence in a village that boasts quality shopping and dining, fast access to the interstate system and excellent schools.

Read more @ CincyMag.com »