It’s that time of year, when many of us are thinking about what gifts to give to loved ones, and maybe panicking a little about it. My eldest says, “I’m so bad at gift-giving!” I don’t think that’s true, but I do know the feeling of trying to find something they’ll like and worrying they won’t. There’s pressure, if only because you want the person to know your care and awareness of what they like—it’s not about you, it’s about them and their feeling loved.

I give surprisingly few board games, given my vocation, but it does happen. Don’t tell them, but I think we’re giving the cousins Butterfly Garden this year. In years past, I bought a case of A Gentle Rain to give away—it’s connection and beauty and a deep breath out, all in a charming little box! And we’ve refreshed our game retail section at Free Parking with Bandido (highlighted below), AllPlay’s lovely square-box games, and more—you could give the gift of gaming!

The thing about board games, though, is that they’re not just an object, they give back every time they’re played. A game is an experience—sometimes difficult and thoughtful, sometimes quick and silly, but always intending to be a path to connection among the players. One of my favorite things to do is hunt for older or out-of-print games at thrift stores, because it’s not about how new and hot the game is, but the interest in fun components, in playing something that was beloved by someone else, in getting to share the game with my friends now.

Whether you buy something new for your family from us or break out your family favorites over the holidays, whether you bring some games to trade at our board game swap on the 13th or show up for a community game night on a Wednesday, these games are a gift in the form of play and relationship. Come play!

Alice C, board game librarian

Fundraiser for the Freestore/Foodbank

There are many members of our community faced with food insecurity on a daily basis. In this tumultuous atmosphere of SNAP benefits and other government programs being cut, so many are struggling to make ends meet. As a business focused on both food and fun, we are acutely aware of how hard things are.

In this season of giving and uncertainty, Free Parking is shining a light on the Freestore/Foodbank and inviting all our guests to join us in contributing to help our neighbors flourish. The Freestore/Foodbank in Cincinnati does truly heroic work, providing approximately 47.2 million meals annually. You can click that link or scan a QR codes in the bar to contribute.

ADDITIONALLY, Free Parking is donating 10% of our sales from the Wednesday before Thanksgiving! This alongside your donations have already totaled over $200 giving to the cause. You can help raise that total by clicking the link above!

Play Bandido!

One of the most checked-out games in the bar is a tiny box called Bandido, and you can tell it’s been well-played and well-loved by the wear on the cards! Players cooperatively play tunnel cards from their hands, and closing them off strategically to try to keep the bandit in his cell. It’s a lovely and surprisingly difficult cooperative game for 1-4 players.

Order our cocktail named for this charming game and try your hand at Bandido. If you love it (and I suspect you will), we have copies for sale in our retail games section as well!

Try the Bandido!

Did you know there’s already a drink called the Bandido? It’s a White Russian with tequila instead of vodka. We’ve tweaked it a little by infusing our tequila with chai, and adding RumChata whipped cream to the top. Garnished with nutmeg and flavored with coffee liqueur, it’s a delicious and warming drink for a night out!