Park and Vine to open June 1

The historic Over-the-Rhine area in Cincinnati often gets a bad rap. Despite consistently dropping levels in the crime rate through the past several years, OTR still finds it difficult to shake its reputation as the site of the 2000 race riots in Cincinnati.

Though the district does have its woes of higher-than-average levels of crime and poverty, it's also home to several distinct and eclectic stores not found in other parts of the city.

On June 1, Park and Vine will join the unique OTR shopping district. Hailed as a 2,000 square-foot "green" general store, the shop takes its place in the community's Gateway Quarter section at 1109 Vine Street.

"The store focuses on goods that minimize the use of natural resources, toxic materials and animal by-products," said owner Dan Korman, as quoted in Whole Living Journal.

Products offered include accessories, apparel, footwear, personal care products, home furnishings, home improvement supplies and other items. Korman also plans on-site creative programs such as installations, lectures and film screenings on sustainable living.