Our noses took us to Grandview this week to visit the the new candle-making parlor, Penn & Beech. Formerly known as The Candle Lab, the space has been renovated by its new owners. The open concept features plants hanging against white walls and comfortable chairs in the corner, creating an airy ambiance.

The staff was very informative about the process and allowed us to explore at our own pace. The candle-making experience begins with sampling dozens of scents—a helpful tip is to smell coffee beans to refresh your nose occasionally.

After selecting our favorite scents, a knowledgeable staff member assisted us in creating two candles – one with a cozy scent and the other with a fresh fragrance. As our expert prepared mimosas, we mixed our chosen scents and added them to the wax. In addition to serving alcoholic beverages, Penn & Beech can accommodate large parties with several tables seating eight. Reservations are recommended but not mandatory at any of their three locations (Worthington, Grandview, Short North).

We opted for two of the larger candle holders, and our chosen container determined the price. Essentially, you pay for the container, which becomes the price of the candle you create. Additionally, if you need a particular scent but don’t have the time to make your candle, Penn & Beech offers pre-made candles for purchase.

The business also caters to individual artists in various ways, such as using P&B scents to create candles for the artists or collaborating with artists to create completely custom candles. They also offer wholesale candles.

We had a blast and immediately started burning one of our candles upon our arrival home. It was a great option for a date day and we will have to return eventually when we start craving another candle.