Though the economy has impacted how Dublin residents spend their money, many continue to find room in their budgets for optional services and pleasantries.

Several area businesses that provide such services all have fared well, and some are noting an uptick in spending for discretionary items.

While travel shifted throughout over the past year, travel agencies noted enthusiastic spending for such things as the Rose Bowl. The annual Buckeye Cruise for Cancer in February also quickly filled again, says Lisa Cisco, co-owner of Travel Partners in Dublin.

Cisco adds customers started changing travel patterns earlier in 2009.

“Instead of taking one long trip, (families) took two short ones,” she says.

Susan Schneider of Dublin-based Twin Horizons Travel likewise notes recent Rose Bowl popularity.

“We didn’t know what would happen, but it sold out,” she says. “Travel, overall, is just starting to come back. People were traveling, but not as lavishly. We did see them downsizing their vacations for a while. They were being very careful.”

Looking and feeling good is also important, and many Dubliners have kept up with both.

Kenneth Anders, owner of Kenneth’s Hair Salons and Day Spas, says the company is doing well after making some adjustments in pricing packages.

“We listened to our clients,” he says. “They want specifics, massages, facials. (So) we’ve gone to express massages, express facials.” The result has been steady business.

At Modern Male in Historic Dublin, owner Brenda Kocak says the salon has been impacted a couple of ways. Besides the economic slowdown, construction of the new Bri-Hi Square in front of her establishment possibly affected business. However, she says “our numbers are fairly close to last year. The modern male still wants to keep up his appearance.”

Debra Penzone, president of Charles Penzone Family of Salons, says business is off 7 to 8 percent compared to last year.

“We’ve seen our guests stretch out (haircare) from six weeks to eight weeks,” she says, but they continue paying for services nonetheless. “They’ll never give it up, because it makes them feel so good.”

Dubliners are keeping busy at the Dublin Community Recreation Center, too.

”We’re still accommodating a substantial number of individuals,” says Matt Earman, director of recreation services. Program numbers have remained steady and none have been canceled. The center also maintained its staffing levels.

Jamie Rapavy, an event planner and owner of Devoted to Details of Dublin, says corporate holiday party business has declined some. She says her company’s event planning in private homes for the Memorial Tournament also dwindled last summer. However, Rapavy’s wedding planning service is still going strong.

“Since (weddings) are typically booked a year in advance, we had a great 2009,” she says. “For 2010, we’re feeling a little bit light. Maybe they pushed them to 2011.”

Rapavy adds local brides are cutting back some, but not much.

“We might have noticed a little less frivolous spending,” she says, including on details such as guest gift packages or invitations. “Still, these girls who have dreamed of these weddings are still having them.”

For other Dubliners, housekeeping services and personal chefs are a convenience they continue to invest in.

Gloria Chapin, principal of The White Glove Solution in Dublin, provides cleaning for mostly upscale homes in places such as Tartan Fields and Ballantrae. Her company has grown, but some of her clients have chosen to buy less service. One homeowner stopped service briefly, then resumed but bought fewer cleaning options. Although she increased some prices last year, Chapin will not be doing so for 2010 and is looking for cost saving steps if growth still lags below expectations.

Jaclyn DeCoursey of Jaclyn’s Personal Chef Services goes to homes and cooks and packages meals that can be stored and served for a week or two.

“(Business) slowed down a little bit last summer, (but) when the school year started, it actually picked back up,” she says.

DeCoursey and Ann Hayward of Premier Concierge of Columbus do the shopping and handle the chores involved in preparing complete meals in customers’ kitchens in Dublin and other communities in Northern Franklin County. Both cite their services as cost savings to the clients who can forego extended shopping trips and eat healthier.

Duane St. Clair is a contributing editor for Dublin Life.