This segment of Streetscapes isn’t technically a street. It’s a Highway.
But I often find myself in this area for doctor’s appointments, hair appointments, or just other errands that bring me out this way.
So I decided my next trip to the Florence/Union area was not going to be appointment driven, but rather recreation driven, and I found some amazing places.
Blush Salon and Spa: 8537 U.S.-42 #1, Florence, 41042
I have to shout out one of the main reasons I am ever in this area: Half of the time it’s because of this hair salon.
One of the cutest, cleanest and high-quality salons I’ve ever seen. I followed my hair dresser here and although the salon is much further away for me, I love it leaps and bounds over her former one.
The atmosphere is always upbeat, the quality of the products are the best and I know every time I leave I am going to love my hair.
They offer every basic hair treatment, as well as lashes, eyebrows and facials. I only go for my hair, but every time I see someone walk out with a fresh set of eyelashes I always consider it. They are thick and long enough without looking crazy over the top.
When I tell you there is not greater confidence than a girl with fresh highlights, I mean it. I always walk out of there feeling like my best blonde self.
Peace Love and Little Donuts: 8640 Haines Dr, Suite C, Florence, 41042. (Off of U.S. 42)
I stopped here after my hair appointment. I don’t typically start out my morning with that much sugar, but some days we all deserve a doughnut to start the day.
These deluxe doughnuts were mouthwatering.
I picked up a few (they’re mini so it’s perfect if you just want a bite of everything) to take home to my family but had to try one with my coffee right away. I like my coffee sweeter, so I tried to get a donut that wasn’t too indulgent (I’m more of a salty sweet person than a sweets overload person).
I got a honey glazed for the road and a few of the fancy ones for later. I sampled Peanut Nutter, Coffee and Cream, Cinnamon Roll and Raspberry Truffle.
The Raspberry Truffle took the cake.
It was amazing, and the raspberry complemented the rich chocolate without overdoing the sweetness. The runner up with the Peanut Nutter. If I only had to eat one food for the rest of my life I’d pick peanut butter, so naturally I was going to choose the one that was topped with peanut butter cookies and peanut butter and chocolate sauces.
Menchies: 8544 U.S.-42, Florence, 41042
When I was in high school, frozen yogurt was one of the biggest trends. There was no greater thrill than pulling the lever on the yogurt machines and trying to fit every flavor in your cup along with as many toppings as possible. The moment of truth was when you would weigh it and have to pay per ounce. It was the most exhilarating thing a 15-year-old could experience in the summer.
When I walked into Menchies, the same feeling I had came rushing back to me. With most trends, they fade in popularity over time, so I was happy to find a frozen yogurt place still in existence.
Menchie’s is a chain, but it’s the only one in the Northern Kentucky area, so it deserves some recognition.
After a very filling dinner, the last thing I wanted was something to weigh me down even more, so frozen yogurt was the perfect option. I got the peanut butter fro yo, while my friend got the vegan lemon sorbet. Both were so refreshing on a hot day, but if I had to do it again, I too would have gotten the sorbet: The tart lemon was so good and light that I’ve been craving it ever since.
Blind Squirrel: 8537 U.S. 42 Florence 41042
A new edition to U.S. 42, the Blind Squirrel has already created a big name for itself.
The first time I tried going here was on a weekend and they were on a two hour wait. When I returned during a weekday, I understood why there was such a long wait the weekend prior.
Although this restaurant it reminiscent of pretty much any American bar and restaurant, there are some unique qualities about this place that makes the two-hour wait seem understandable.
For starters, they almost always have live music.
Music can either make or break the atmosphere, I am an 80-year-old at heart, so I typically am not a huge fan of music. I hate having to shout over it to catch up with my company, but when the music’s good and at a reasonable level, that changes the game.
The music, coupled with quality drinks and food, made for a reason to return. Their burger and sandwich menus were extensive and just seemed like the perfect complement to the Summer Shandy I was drinking. I opted for a Chicken Caesar Wrap. It didn’t disappoint: It was light refreshing but still filling enough to balance out the second beer I drank.
Boomtown Biscuits and Whiskey: 9039 U.S. 42 Suite H Union, 41091
I had heard of this place’s original location in Pendleton but never got around to going; so, when I found out there was a second location in Union I knew I had to make it happen.
If there’s one thing I love more than brunch, it’s all day brunch. Inspired by “frontier food,” I was expecting to be transported to a bonfire with beans and biscuits. I was right about the biscuits but thankfully, I was wrong about the other two. The idea of frontier food seemed odd to me, as I figured it would be bland and basic, this place was anything but that.
I am not a huge fan of meat, so I always tend to order salads, which can get old after a while.
I was happy to see that there were plenty of options for all diets.
I ordered the mimosa flight because it’s just too fun to pass up (But word of advice: Split the flight with a friend).
They are very generous on the flight and the three drinks are normal sized. If you’re looking to go all out in the name of brunch, then who am I to stop you from drinking all three, but believe me when I say two of them are plenty.
I paired the flight with the Oregon Trail, a skillet filled with sweet potatoes, Brussel sprouts, kale, carrots and what I am told was Bulgogi Glaze. I had no idea what it was when I was eating it but it was delicious, so I didn’t ask.
