Pulse
Best of Columbus: Shopping
BEST NEW STORE
What the Rock?
1116 N. High St., Short North
614-294-9428
Web: whattherock.com
This tiny emporium of rock 'n' roll coolness has already worked up a sizable fan base after only a few months of operation. People just seem to appreciate knowing they're covered if they get a yen for some Vegas-era Elvis sunglasses, a purse made out of an old Lynard Skynard album cover, some Blondie "raspberry rapture" lip balm or a satanic onesy for mommy's lil' hellraiser. We know we do.
Runners-up: Ursus, Crate & Barrel, Collier West, Sunflower Market
BEST BEST GIFT SHOP
Ursus
2814 Fishinger Rd., Upper Arlington
614-459-3327
Web: ursusartspace.com
This charming boutique sits unassumingly in an Upper Arlington strip mall, but inside captivating and colorful art abounds. Frilly handbags and glass-bottle dishes offer low-cost gift options, and their wide range of unique items provides a little something for everyone. Jewelry, ceramics and paintings are a just a few of the original works available from local and national artists. It's also the host of Columbus' only Art-o-mat, a modified old-timey cigarette machine that dispenses original artwork for gifts on-the-go.
Runners-up: Hallmark Crown Shop, What the Rock?
BEST WINE SHOP
Europia Wine Shop
672 N. High St., Short North
614-460-3000
Web: europiagourmet.com
A carefully edited wine selection, hard-to-find gourmet treats and ubiquitous rich coffee and candle smells greet you every time you stop in owner Pia Hiotis' wine shop. Europia recently became the Short North's only full-fledged liquor agency as well, which is just one more reason for a toast. Featuring an extensive cigar selection and seasonal surprises like chocolate champagne, Europia continues to raise the bar—and our expectations.
Runners-up: Gentile's Wine Sellers, Spagio Restaurant
BEST BOOKSTORE
The Book Loft
631 S. Third St., German Village
614-464-1774
Web: bookloft.com
With a maze-like myriad of 32 rooms and more than 120,000 titles, The Book Loft is an ideal place to get lost in books. The sprawling German Village staple celebrates its 30th anniversary this month in the only manner they know how: more discounts. In addition to a host of weekly specials, they offer a large selection of bargain books as well as discount new releases. The quaint, historic facade and flower-lined courtyard make for an experience that's more than just a great value.
Runners-up: Barnes & Noble, Half Price Books
BEST PLACE TO BUY CD'S
Used Kids Records
1980 N. High St., Campus
614-294-3833
Web: usedkids.com
Stocked with new and used copies of the latest releases, plus scads of hidden classics, Used Kids usually delivers no matter what you're looking to buy. And while the CD selection is always impressive—vinyl too, for that matter—the array of local music personalities that populate the staff make it that classically quirky record store and a much-needed community hub.
Runners-up: Magnolia Thunderpussy Records, Lost Weekend Records
BEST GUITAR/INSTRUMENT STORE
String Shoppe
1710 N. High St., Campus
614-294-5296
Web: stringshoppe.com
The String Shoppe is simply iconic. How many kids have purchased their first guitar at the little storefront nestled next to the Newport? And how many have returned years later to start their kids on a six-string dream? With most of the selection and few of the drawbacks of the music megastores, it's no wonder Alive's readers love this High Street staple.
Runners-up:Sam Ash, Music Go Round
BEST CLOTHING STORE (Tie)
Nordstrom
160 Easton Town Ctr., Easton
614-416-7111
Web: nordstrom.com
Rag-o-Rama
3301 N. High St., Clintonville
614-261-7198
Web: ragorama.com
It's fitting that the first-place slot for Columbus' "Best Clothing Store" is shared by a high-end department store and a quirky secondhand shop. Local fashionistas love to find a way to set themselves apart from the crowd, whether it's with a vintage jacket from Rag-o-Rama or a designer skirt from Nordstrom. On really good days, the converse is true, too: A lucky shopper can take advantage of frequently marked-down items at Nordstrom or snatch up one of many designer finds (sometimes new with tags) at Rag-o-rama in Clintonville.
Runners-up: Emperor's Newest Clothes, Anthropologie
BEST SHOE STORE
DSW
Multiple locations
Web: dswshoe.com
Anyone who favors DSW outlets for new footwear has found at least one solid pair of shoes or sneakers from the massive selection available daily at the retail chain. Among the especially stylish, what further sets DSW stores above the competition is a rack found somewhere off to the side, where the deep and more elusive high-end designer discounts are found. There, those who aren't usually well heeled enough to afford brand names like Marc Jacobs and Prada can walk away with them for a steal.
Runners-up: Legs Diamond Boutique, Nordstrom
BEST HAIR SALON
Lucky 13
3131 N. High St., Clintonville
614-447-3313
Web: lucky13salon.com
Alive readers love Lucky 13 because the stylists look like real people with cool hair. After all, who wants someone chopping their locks who still thinks mall bangs and frosted tips are a good idea? They also help you avoid the hassle of making and keeping appointments—Lucky 13 is walk-in only. And, thanks to the walls papered with magazine collages, you'll never be without inspiration when trying to explain what you want your 'do to look like.
Runners-up: Kenneth's Hair Salon, Studio Posh Hair Gallery
BEST YOGA STUDIO
Yoga on High
1081 N. High St., Short North
614-291-4444
Web: yogaonhigh.com
Yoga on High's patient and well-trained instructors offer courses for all skill levels, assuring you won't be contorted into a pretzel. The Short North yoga center has a clean, minimal interior that houses three spacious studios, plus a bookstore. With workshops and everything from prenatal to limited-mobility yoga, they provide a varied and flexible curriculum.
Runners-up: Alpha State, It's Yoga
BEST FITNESS CENTER/GYM
Lifestyle Family Fitness
Multiple locations
Web: lff.com
The sheer number of treadmills, barbells and TVs in each of the numerous Columbus-area locations makes Lifestyle a great place to work out. But whether you're asking for help with a minor problem, sweating through one of the free weekly classes or spending some time with one of their personal trainers, the gym shows it specializes in quality, not just quantity.
Runners-up: YMCA, Lifetime Fitness
BEST GARDENING SHOP/NURSERY
Oakland Nursery
Multiple locations
Web: oaklandnursery.com
Your porch-side tulips wilted long ago, but greenery thrives year-round Oakland Nursery. The three Columbus-area locations cover a total of 23 acres—making it the largest selection of plants and gardening supplies in central Ohio. Whether it's houseplants or shrubbery, the knowledgeable staff helps customers to find just the right plant for the season. They also offer a diverse selection of pottery, garden art and crafts, including original work by local artists.
Runners-up: Urban Gardener, Straders
BEST PIERCING PARLOR
Piercology
190 W. Second Ave., Short North
614-297-4743
Web: piercology.com
Putting holes in your body can be unnerving. So Piercology makes every effort to make your experience safe and comfortable. The most well-trained and experienced professionals in Columbus perform piercings in sanitary private rooms for your squeamish convenience. Their new, roomier Victorian Village location also has one of the largest selections of high-quality jewelry.
Runners-up: Evolved Body Piercing, Modified Soul
BEST TATTOO PARLOR
High Street Tattoo
872 N. High St., Short North
614-294-8888
Web: highstreettattoo.com
After just over a year in business, High Street Tattoo has inked itself some serious street cred. Founded by renown local tattoo artist Giovani, the full-custom Short North parlor creates one-of-a-kind designs in a whole spectrum of styles. The spa-like studio atmosphere compliments their professional and personal approach in working with clients.
Runners-up: Evolved, Stained Skin
BEST LIQUOR STORE
Europia Wine Shop
672 N. High St., Short North
614-460-3000
Web: europiagourmet.com
Runners-up: Weiland's Gourmet Market, Corner's Beverage Shoppe
BEST PLACE TO BUY VIDEOGAMES
EB Games
Multiple locations
Web: ebgames.com
Runners-up: Best Buy, Gamestop
BEST PLACE TO BUY DVDS
Blockbuster
Multiple locations
Web: blockbuster.com
Runners-up: North Campus Video, Netflix
BEST WINDOW SHOPPING
Easton Town Center
160 Easton Town Ctr., Easton
614-416-7000
Web: eastontowncenter.com
Runners-up: Short North Arts District, Polaris Fashion Place
BEST MALL
Easton Town Center
160 Easton Town Ctr., Easton
614-416-7000
Web: eastontowncenter.com
Runners-up: Polaris Fashion Place, Mall at Tuttle Crossing
BEST THRIFT STORE
Rag-o-Rama
3301 N. High St., Clintonville
614-261-7198
Web: ragorama.com
Runners-up: Ohio Thrift, Goodwill Thrift Stores
BEST SPA
Charles Penzone Grand Salons
Multiple locations
Web: charlespenzone.com
Runners-up: Kenneth's, Aveda
BEST SPORTING GOODS STORE
Dick's Sporting Goods
Multiple locations
Web: dickssportinggoods.com
Runners-up: Gander Mountain, Play It Again Sports
BEST EYEWEAR
Columbus Eyeworks
1127 N. High St., Short North
614-421-2020
Web: columbuseyeworks.com
Runners-up: Image Optical, Lenscrafters
BEST PET STORE
Posh Pets Boutique
743 N. High St., Short North
614-299-7387
Web: poshpetsboutique.com
Runners-up: Petsmart, Petland
BEST GROCERY STORE
Kroger
Multiple locations
Web: kroger.com
Runners-up: Giant Eagle, Trader Joe's
BEST HEALTH FOOD STORE
Whole Foods Market
3670 W. Dublin-Granville Rd., Northwest Side
614-760-5556
Web: wholefoodsmarket.com
Runners-up: Sunflower Market, Wild Oats Natural Marketplace
BEST FURNITURE STORE
Kittles
Multiple locations
Web: kittles.com
Runners-up: Value City Furniture, Global Living
BEST LAUNDROMAT
Dirty Dungarees
2586 N. High St., Campus
614-263-6363
Web: dirtydungarees.com
Runner-up: Clintonville Coin Laundry
February 15th, 2007
Copyright ? 2007 Columbus Alive, Inc. All rights reserved.
