Cincinnati Magazine recently published its “Best of the City” list for 2013. All in all, it’s a pretty decent compilation of intriguing places, foods and services that any senior living in Greater Cincinnati should check out.

But we suspect that, for most of our readers, things like “Pro Athlete Hangout,” “Motorcycle Mechanic,” “Hipster Craft Supplies” and a boutique-on-wheels called “TruckStop” probably aren’t too high on many priority lists.

We’ve waded through the oodles of information in Cincinnati Magazine and are sharing a few that we think might be of particular interest to you.

For the sake of organization, we’ll divide them into four categories: food, fashion, services and wellness.

FOOD

Best Ice Cream Soda.

We’ve never had it. For that matter, we haven’t really heard of it. But according to Cincinnati Magazine, the Lime Soda with Lemon Sorbet at Graeter’s is a delight. A lighter choice than the fabulously decadent chocolates and sundaes, we’re told, but it’s still a considerably flavorful confection.

Best Old Confection Made New.

The caramels from the Sunshine Caramel Company are like the ones from your childhood. Rich and creamy without a preservative in sight. The only tough thing is finding them. 

You can order directly by email at sunshinecaramelcompany@gmail.com or phone at 513-478-9887. A few local stores carry them, too, but the list is elusive, so if you’re big on supporting local business, call and ask where you can find these scrumptious wonders.

Best Museum Café.

The Cincinnati Arts Museum’s restaurant is good. But at the Taft Museum– Cincinnati Magazine’s pick – the menu changes regularly to sync with the exhibitions.

FASHION

Best Pocket Squares.

There are still gentlemen in the world— quite a few of the live at Deupree!

And for special occasions, there is nothing so elegant as the perfect pocket square. Fine Men's Apparel– located not too far away on Hyde Park Square– has a remarkable collection of them.

Best of all, they have a staff that is skilled enough to know what works. And, just as important, what doesn’t.

Best Women’s Jackets.

We;re not certain why Cincinnati Magazine limited its praise to the jackets at The Wardrobe, on Wooster Pike near the heart of Mariemont. This is a small shop that can clothe you from head to foot. Elegance without attitude.

WELLNESS

Best Park Surprise.

Rowe Woods in Milford is one of two primary locations for the Cincinnati Nature Center. It’s a huge and lovely place. Tucked away in the middle of the thousand or so acres is the Lotus Pond. Serene, blessedly quiet and extraordinarily beautiful, the pond is not only the occasion for a tranquil walk, but the payoff when you get to the pond is one you will want to relive many times over.

Best Alternative Running Trail.

You don’t have to run in Spring Grove Cemetery. You can do like we do– walk. You’ve been there before, no doubt. But did you ever think of it as a place for civilized exercise? Stay in the flat areas and you’ll have a gentle stroll. If you’re intent on working hard, there is no shortage of steep hills.

Best Facial.

So now that you’ve gotten a workout, it’s time to indulge yourself. According to Cincinnati Magazine, The Village Spa in West Chester will generally “treat you like royalty.” Who could say no to that?

SERVICES

Best Old School Barber.

Many men of a certain age have never gotten accustomed to going to “salons” to get their hair cut. Unfortunately, traditional barber shops keep falling by the wayside. But at the Mariemont Barber Shop, they still wear ties and use hot towels and straight razors. Just like the old days.

Best Antique Jewelry Repair.

Heileman & Company has been around Cincinnati since 1899. They’re best-known for manufacturing exquisite, one-of-a-kind jewelry. But what many people don’t know is that they also repair jewelry—something of a rarity these days.

How many pieces have you just packed away in a jewelry box and given up hope of ever wearing again? Heileman & Company may just be the solution. They’re in Montgomery, incidentally.

Best Luggage Repair.

It’s probably been ages since you last saw a store advertising luggage repair. People just don’t repair luggage anymore. But odds are you have a few really good pieces that are well worth repairing. Hillman’s Luggage & Shoes on Kenwood Road in Blue Ash can handle all of that for you.

Check out the Full List

Cincinnati Magazine has plenty more insights to share, so you might want to head on over to take a peek at the full list.

Who knows, maybe you do need the best motorcycle repair. As for us? We’ll be over at Graeter’s trying one of those oh-so-delicious Lime Sodas with Lemon Sorbet.