101 Cincinnati Things We Can (Hopefully) Look Forward to Enjoying in 2021

Climb to the Top of Carew Tower

For $6 and a 48-floor elevator ride — plus one flight of stairs — you can stand on the top of the city’s second-tallest building (the tallest is the nearby Great American Tower) and get a bird’s-eye view of the skyline, Ohio River and Northern Kentucky from the Carew Tower Observation Deck. Completed in 1930, this Art Deco skyscraper was reportedly used as a model for New York City’s world-famous Empire State Building. Entry is cash only, and the mounted binoculars at the top take quarters. Carew Tower, 441 Vine St., Downtown, 513-579-9735.

Photo: Jesse Fox
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Climb to the Top of Carew Tower

For $6 and a 48-floor elevator ride — plus one flight of stairs — you can stand on the top of the city’s second-tallest building (the tallest is the nearby Great American Tower) and get a bird’s-eye view of the skyline, Ohio River and Northern Kentucky from the Carew Tower Observation Deck. Completed in 1930, this Art Deco skyscraper was reportedly used as a model for New York City’s world-famous Empire State Building. Entry is cash only, and the mounted binoculars at the top take quarters. Carew Tower, 441 Vine St., Downtown, 513-579-9735.

Photo: Jesse Fox
” itemprop=”image” />Or Graeter’s Black Raspberry Chocolate Chip Ice Cream

Family-run for 150 years, this local French pot ice cream chain is iconic for its giant chocolate chips — chocolate chunks more than chips, really. They pour gourmet chocolate over churning cream to form a shell that their artisans then break up. It’s totally unique and perfect in flavors like Black Raspberry Chocolate Chip — their all-time best-seller (and Oprah’s favorite) made with black raspberries from Oregon’s Willamette Valley. Local Braxton Brewing Co. also collaborated with Graeter’s on a flavored beer, so dessert stans can drink their ice cream, too, via a Black Raspberry Chocolate Chip milk stout. Multiple locations, graeters.com.

Photo: Jesse Fox
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Or Graeter’s Black Raspberry Chocolate Chip Ice Cream

Family-run for 150 years, this local French pot ice cream chain is iconic for its giant chocolate chips — chocolate chunks more than chips, really. They pour gourmet chocolate over churning cream to form a shell that their artisans then break up. It’s totally unique and perfect in flavors like Black Raspberry Chocolate Chip — their all-time best-seller (and Oprah’s favorite) made with black raspberries from Oregon’s Willamette Valley. Local Braxton Brewing Co. also collaborated with Graeter’s on a flavored beer, so dessert stans can drink their ice cream, too, via a Black Raspberry Chocolate Chip milk stout. Multiple locations, graeters.com.

Photo: Jesse Fox
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Make Your Way Through
Cincinnati’s “Chili Trail”

There really isn’t an official Cincinnati Chili Trail, but there should be… so we made one up. You can’t visit (or live in) Cincinnati without eating Cincinnati-style chili, available at mom-and-pop parlors, local chains and even veganized. The combo of spaghetti, chili and bright-orange cheese is good any time of day, but especially after a night of drinking. Luckily, plenty of parlors are open late, if not 24 hours, including Camp Washington Chili (3005 Colerain Ave., Camp Washington, campwashingtonchili.com). A James Beard Award winner, Camp opened its doors in 1940, and Johnny Johnson — the patriarch of the ownership family — has been working at the parlor since 1951. Other unique parlors with a rich history and even richer steam tables include Price Hill Chili (4290 Glenway Ave., Price Hill, pricehillchili.com); Dixie Chili (733 Monmouth St., Newport, dixiechili.com); Chili Time (4727 Vine St., Saint Bernard, searchable on Facebook); Pleasant Ridge Chili (6032 Montgomery Road, Pleasant Ridge, pleasantridgechili.com) and Empress Chili (7934 Alexandria Pike, Alexandria, empresschilialexandria.com). Most have at least some link to family immigrants from Greece — and to each other.

Photo: Hailey Bollinger
” itemprop=”image” />Take a Tour of Rookwood Pottery

Founded by artist Maria Longworth Storer in 1880, Rookwood Pottery was the first female-owned large manufacturing company in the United States. Each piece of tile and pottery is molded, hand-glazed and fired by a team of in-house artists. Tours of the 88,000-square-foot working ceramics factory are offered at the flagship warehouse in Over-the-Rhine, led by a Rookwood historian. And each tour comes with a credit to use toward purchases in the showroom. Celebrating its 140th anniversary in 2020, iconic — and timeless — Rookwood pieces include the 1930s Grove Bunny figurine (designed by artist Louise Abel), the 1920 Kataro Shirayamadani candlesticks and, in a nod to Cincinnati’s rich German history, a ceramic beer stein. You also can’t pass up any of their annual Fiona the hippo ornaments, which benefit the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden.
Rookwood Pottery, 1920 Race St., Over-the-Rhine, rookwood.com.

Photo via Facebook.com/rookwoodco
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Take a Tour of Rookwood Pottery

Founded by artist Maria Longworth Storer in 1880, Rookwood Pottery was the first female-owned large manufacturing company in the United States. Each piece of tile and pottery is molded, hand-glazed and fired by a team of in-house artists. Tours of the 88,000-square-foot working ceramics factory are offered at the flagship warehouse in Over-the-Rhine, led by a Rookwood historian. And each tour comes with a credit to use toward purchases in the showroom. Celebrating its 140th anniversary in 2020, iconic — and timeless — Rookwood pieces include the 1930s Grove Bunny figurine (designed by artist Louise Abel), the 1920 Kataro Shirayamadani candlesticks and, in a nod to Cincinnati’s rich German history, a ceramic beer stein. You also can’t pass up any of their annual Fiona the hippo ornaments, which benefit the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden.
Rookwood Pottery, 1920 Race St., Over-the-Rhine, rookwood.com.

Photo via Facebook.com/rookwoodco
” itemprop=”image” />Stargaze at the Cincinnati Observatory

Known as “The Birthplace of American Astronomy,” the Cincinnati Observatory is the first public observatory in the Western Hemisphere and home to one of the oldest working telescopes in the world. The 19th-century scopes — an 11-inch Merz and Mahler refractor from 1845 and a 16-inch Alvan Clark and Sons refractor from 1904 — are still used to give visitors an up-close look at the stars. The observatory is open certain hours for public exploration, astronomy presentations and guided stargazes, as well as special events (like Late Night Date Nights) and online classes.
Cincinnati Observatory, 3489 Observatory Place, Hyde Park, Cincinnatiobservatory.org.

Photo: Jesse Fox
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Stargaze at the Cincinnati Observatory

Known as “The Birthplace of American Astronomy,” the Cincinnati Observatory is the first public observatory in the Western Hemisphere and home to one of the oldest working telescopes in the world. The 19th-century scopes — an 11-inch Merz and Mahler refractor from 1845 and a 16-inch Alvan Clark and Sons refractor from 1904 — are still used to give visitors an up-close look at the stars. The observatory is open certain hours for public exploration, astronomy presentations and guided stargazes, as well as special events (like Late Night Date Nights) and online classes.
Cincinnati Observatory, 3489 Observatory Place, Hyde Park, Cincinnatiobservatory.org.

Photo: Jesse Fox
” itemprop=”image” />Explore Local History and Global Cuisine at Findlay Market

We have always known Findlay Market is great. But one of the best in the world? OK, we kinda knew that, too. In 2019, Newsweek caught on and affirmed our love for the 165-year-old outdoor market — the oldest continually operated public market in Ohio — by declaring it one of the top 10 food markets in the world. The article has some odd moments — it calls our beloved goetta “haggis-like” — but we can definitely attest to the accuracy of the accolade otherwise. Newsweek puts Findlay rightfully alongside food markets like Torvehallerne Market in Copenhagen, Or Tor Kor Market in Bangkok, La Merced in Mexico City and La Boqueria in Barcelona. The highest praise of all? Findlay was the only market in the United States to make the list. The more-than-50 full-time merchants at the 19th-century landmark sell everything from meat, cheese and fresh-baked bread to produce, flowers and international eats. Stop by on weekends for a pint at the biergarten, a local farmers market and plenty of arts and crafts vendors.
Findlay Market, 1801 Race St., Over-the-Rhine, findlaymarket.org.

Photo: Hailey Bollinger
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Explore Local History and Global Cuisine at Findlay Market

We have always known Findlay Market is great. But one of the best in the world? OK, we kinda knew that, too. In 2019, Newsweek caught on and affirmed our love for the 165-year-old outdoor market — the oldest continually operated public market in Ohio — by declaring it one of the top 10 food markets in the world. The article has some odd moments — it calls our beloved goetta “haggis-like” — but we can definitely attest to the accuracy of the accolade otherwise. Newsweek puts Findlay rightfully alongside food markets like Torvehallerne Market in Copenhagen, Or Tor Kor Market in Bangkok, La Merced in Mexico City and La Boqueria in Barcelona. The highest praise of all? Findlay was the only market in the United States to make the list. The more-than-50 full-time merchants at the 19th-century landmark sell everything from meat, cheese and fresh-baked bread to produce, flowers and international eats. Stop by on weekends for a pint at the biergarten, a local farmers market and plenty of arts and crafts vendors.
Findlay Market, 1801 Race St., Over-the-Rhine, findlaymarket.org.

Photo: Hailey Bollinger
” itemprop=”image” />Ride the Beast at Kings Island

Kings Island’s The Beast turned 41 in 2020, and while it may be getting on in years, the world’s longest wooden roller coaster hasn’t slowed down at all: the ride’s 7,300-plus feet of track includes 135-foot vertical drops, a 540-degree helix tunnel and speeds up to 64 miles per hour. It’s given more than 54 million rides in its four decades and Popular Mechanics magazine recently named it the best roller coaster in Ohio. But it may have some competition: 2020 saw the park unveil Orion, Kings Island’s tallest, fastest and longest coaster. One of only seven giga coasters in the world, Orion boasts a 300-foot first drop and soars across 5,321 feet of track at speeds up to 91 miles per hour.
Kings Island, 6300 Kings Island Drive, Mason, visitkingsisland.com.

Photo: Paige Deglow
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Ride the Beast at Kings Island

Kings Island’s The Beast turned 41 in 2020, and while it may be getting on in years, the world’s longest wooden roller coaster hasn’t slowed down at all: the ride’s 7,300-plus feet of track includes 135-foot vertical drops, a 540-degree helix tunnel and speeds up to 64 miles per hour. It’s given more than 54 million rides in its four decades and Popular Mechanics magazine recently named it the best roller coaster in Ohio. But it may have some competition: 2020 saw the park unveil Orion, Kings Island’s tallest, fastest and longest coaster. One of only seven giga coasters in the world, Orion boasts a 300-foot first drop and soars across 5,321 feet of track at speeds up to 91 miles per hour.
Kings Island, 6300 Kings Island Drive, Mason, visitkingsisland.com.

Photo: Paige Deglow
” itemprop=”image” />Ride Carol Ann’s Carousel at Smale Riverfront Park

Carol Ann’s Carousel at Smale Riverfront Park features 44 hand-carved Cincy-centric characters on which to ride (plus 16 hand-painted, stylized landscape murals from local artist Jonathan Queen). The glass-enclosed attraction is rain- and snow-resistant, making it a whimsical year-round pleasure… because the joy of riding Martha the last passenger pigeon or the Findlay Market pig around in circles diminishes significantly if you’re being pelted in the face with sleet. In addition to the carousel, the park’s other interactive features include the Fath Fountain’s dancing water jets, a walking labyrinth, a foot piano (like in Big), bench swings with river views, a monument to the Civil War’s Black Brigade, an elevated metal pig sculpture into which you can climb and a novel “Portland Loo,” a private, freestanding outdoor public potty.
Smale Riverfront Park, 100 W. Mehring Way, Downtown, cincinnatiparks.com.

Photo: Jesse Fox
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Ride Carol Ann’s Carousel at Smale Riverfront Park

Carol Ann’s Carousel at Smale Riverfront Park features 44 hand-carved Cincy-centric characters on which to ride (plus 16 hand-painted, stylized landscape murals from local artist Jonathan Queen). The glass-enclosed attraction is rain- and snow-resistant, making it a whimsical year-round pleasure… because the joy of riding Martha the last passenger pigeon or the Findlay Market pig around in circles diminishes significantly if you’re being pelted in the face with sleet. In addition to the carousel, the park’s other interactive features include the Fath Fountain’s dancing water jets, a walking labyrinth, a foot piano (like in Big), bench swings with river views, a monument to the Civil War’s Black Brigade, an elevated metal pig sculpture into which you can climb and a novel “Portland Loo,” a private, freestanding outdoor public potty.
Smale Riverfront Park, 100 W. Mehring Way, Downtown, cincinnatiparks.com.

Photo: Jesse Fox
” itemprop=”image” />Walk with a Kangaroo at the Cincinnati Zoo

The Cincinnati Zoo’s new Roo Valley habitat is an interactive experience that allows visitors to enter a kangaroo walkabout, a 15,000-square-foot green space where red and grey roos roam as you wander by. Yes, you will be in the same enclosure as the kangaroos. Some adorable marsupials in this tiny land down under (it is technically down under — located where the zoo’s Wildlife Canyon used to be and currently below the local-beer-serving Hops Beer Garden) may even come up and interact with you, and each other. Another zoo superstar to check out? Fiona the hippo, the Queen City’s perfectly plump princess. Since being born six weeks early in January 2017, Fiona has become a bona fide celebrity. Initially weighing just 29 pounds, she inspired the hashtag #TeamFiona as well as plenty of international media coverage, children’s books and mountains of themed merchandise. The former itty, bitty baby is now a sassy and playful thousand-pound hippo. Visit her and her mom Bibi in the zoo’s Africa exhibit. Or check out any one of the many other animal tots who steal our hearts on the regular, especially during Zoo Babies month in May.
Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, 3400 Vine St., Avondale, cincinnatizoo.org.

Photo: Hailey Bollinger
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Walk with a Kangaroo at the Cincinnati Zoo

The Cincinnati Zoo’s new Roo Valley habitat is an interactive experience that allows visitors to enter a kangaroo walkabout, a 15,000-square-foot green space where red and grey roos roam as you wander by. Yes, you will be in the same enclosure as the kangaroos. Some adorable marsupials in this tiny land down under (it is technically down under — located where the zoo’s Wildlife Canyon used to be and currently below the local-beer-serving Hops Beer Garden) may even come up and interact with you, and each other. Another zoo superstar to check out? Fiona the hippo, the Queen City’s perfectly plump princess. Since being born six weeks early in January 2017, Fiona has become a bona fide celebrity. Initially weighing just 29 pounds, she inspired the hashtag #TeamFiona as well as plenty of international media coverage, children’s books and mountains of themed merchandise. The former itty, bitty baby is now a sassy and playful thousand-pound hippo. Visit her and her mom Bibi in the zoo’s Africa exhibit. Or check out any one of the many other animal tots who steal our hearts on the regular, especially during Zoo Babies month in May.
Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, 3400 Vine St., Avondale, cincinnatizoo.org.

Photo: Hailey Bollinger
” itemprop=”image” />Buy Rare Hot Sauce at Jungle Jim’s

Jungle Jim’s is an amusement park for foodies, and not just because of its kitschy statues and animatronics. The huge store (more than 6 acres) contains equal parts weekly shoppers — scanning the aisles for super fresh seafood, exotic produce and international eats from more than 70 countries — and visitors, wandering, mouths agape at the wacky decor, likely with a beer in hand. The Elvis robot monkey is a favorite peculiarity; same goes for the elaborate restroom hidden behind a port-a-potty facade. This Hogwarts of grocery stores offers nearly 1,500 different kinds of hot sauce in the Aisle of Inferno (as it’s so dubbed), “the largest retail selection in the United States.” The aisle is pretty hard to miss — it’s the one with the giant fire truck on top of it. The Fairfield location also has a new bourbon bar, Oscar Station, which you can access via monorail.
Jungle Jim’s, 5440 Dixie Highway, Fairfield; 4450 Eastgate South Drive, Eastgate, junglejims.com.

Photo: Hailey Bollinger

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Buy Rare Hot Sauce at Jungle Jim’s

Jungle Jim’s is an amusement park for foodies, and not just because of its kitschy statues and animatronics. The huge store (more than 6 acres) contains equal parts weekly shoppers — scanning the aisles for super fresh seafood, exotic produce and international eats from more than 70 countries — and visitors, wandering, mouths agape at the wacky decor, likely with a beer in hand. The Elvis robot monkey is a favorite peculiarity; same goes for the elaborate restroom hidden behind a port-a-potty facade. This Hogwarts of grocery stores offers nearly 1,500 different kinds of hot sauce in the Aisle of Inferno (as it’s so dubbed), “the largest retail selection in the United States.” The aisle is pretty hard to miss — it’s the one with the giant fire truck on top of it. The Fairfield location also has a new bourbon bar, Oscar Station, which you can access via monorail.
Jungle Jim’s, 5440 Dixie Highway, Fairfield; 4450 Eastgate South Drive, Eastgate, junglejims.com.

Photo: Hailey Bollinger

” itemprop=”image” />Zig-Zag Up the Art Climb

Starting near the intersection of Eden Park Drive and Gilbert Avenue, the new and expansive Art Climb is a flight of 164 steps that ascends from the sidewalk and zig-zags its way up to the Cincinnati Art Museum. At nine stories high, the stairway includes 16 landings and is flanked on either side by greenery and modern light beam structures. If the climb seems daunting, don’t fret: not only are benches placed throughout, but users can also check out artworks placed at four different art plazas.
Cincinnati Art Museum, 953 Eden Park Drive, Mount Adams, cincinnatiartmuseum.org.


Photo: Hailey Bollinger
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Zig-Zag Up the Art Climb

Starting near the intersection of Eden Park Drive and Gilbert Avenue, the new and expansive Art Climb is a flight of 164 steps that ascends from the sidewalk and zig-zags its way up to the Cincinnati Art Museum. At nine stories high, the stairway includes 16 landings and is flanked on either side by greenery and modern light beam structures. If the climb seems daunting, don’t fret: not only are benches placed throughout, but users can also check out artworks placed at four different art plazas.
Cincinnati Art Museum, 953 Eden Park Drive, Mount Adams, cincinnatiartmuseum.org.

Photo: Hailey Bollinger
” itemprop=”image” />Sip Some Bourbon on the B-Line

Cincinnati may be well known for its beer but, for something stronger, hop over the Ohio River into Kentucky, home of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail and the Kentucky Bourbon Craft Trail Tour. The Craft Trail features almost two dozen artisan microdistilleries broken into four regions, including Northern Kentucky, where local New Riff Distilling (24 Distillery Way, Newport, newriffdistilling.com) and Second Sight Spirits (301 Elm St., Ludlow, secondsightspirits.com) sit as two stops. It’s an artsy alternative to the big Bourbon Trail and still has its own passport at kybourbontrail.com. For something even more local, Northern Kentucky’s B-Line features stops at nearby distilleries and bourbon-centric bars and restaurants to help enthusiasts “find their sipping point.” Locations include Coppin’s at Hotel Covington (638 Madison Ave., Covington, hotelcovington.com), Old Kentucky Bourbon Bar (629 Main St., Covington, oldkybourbonbar.com), Prohibition Bourbon Bar (530 Washington Ave., Newport, newberrybroscoffee.com) and distilleries including the aforementioned New Riff and Second Sight, plus Old Pogue (715 Germantown Road, Maysville, oldpogue.com) and Neeley Family Distillery (190 Beverly Lane, Glencoe, neeleyfamilydistillery.com). Download an official B-Line guide online and collect stamps from two distilleries, two bars and two restaurants and you can win free swag. Temporary tattoos, trucker hats or T-shirts calling your name? Get sipping!
B-Line, findyoursippingpoint.com.

Photo: Hailey Bollinger
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Sip Some Bourbon on the B-Line

Cincinnati may be well known for its beer but, for something stronger, hop over the Ohio River into Kentucky, home of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail and the Kentucky Bourbon Craft Trail Tour. The Craft Trail features almost two dozen artisan microdistilleries broken into four regions, including Northern Kentucky, where local New Riff Distilling (24 Distillery Way, Newport, newriffdistilling.com) and Second Sight Spirits (301 Elm St., Ludlow, secondsightspirits.com) sit as two stops. It’s an artsy alternative to the big Bourbon Trail and still has its own passport at kybourbontrail.com. For something even more local, Northern Kentucky’s B-Line features stops at nearby distilleries and bourbon-centric bars and restaurants to help enthusiasts “find their sipping point.” Locations include Coppin’s at Hotel Covington (638 Madison Ave., Covington, hotelcovington.com), Old Kentucky Bourbon Bar (629 Main St., Covington, oldkybourbonbar.com), Prohibition Bourbon Bar (530 Washington Ave., Newport, newberrybroscoffee.com) and distilleries including the aforementioned New Riff and Second Sight, plus Old Pogue (715 Germantown Road, Maysville, oldpogue.com) and Neeley Family Distillery (190 Beverly Lane, Glencoe, neeleyfamilydistillery.com). Download an official B-Line guide online and collect stamps from two distilleries, two bars and two restaurants and you can win free swag. Temporary tattoos, trucker hats or T-shirts calling your name? Get sipping!
B-Line, findyoursippingpoint.com.

Photo: Hailey Bollinger
” itemprop=”image” />Amble Among Art at Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum

Art appreciation and fresh air aren’t mutually exclusive, at least at Hamilton’s Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum. Opened in 1997, the 300-acre nonprofit outdoor art park features more than 80 “monumental outdoor sculptures displayed in a landscape of rolling hills, meadows, lakes and hiking trails” — from abstract metallic works to realistic figures hewn in stone. If the weather’s not to your taste, head indoors to explore the ancient sculpture museum, which houses Greek, Roman, Syrian and Egyptian art, as well as rotating exhibitions of more modern work. And if you don’t feel like walking, the park rents out special Art Carts (aka golf carts) on a first-come, first-served basis. During select winter nights, you can also get in your own vehicle for a special 2.5-mile drive-through holiday light display. Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum, 1763 Hamilton Cleves Road, Hamilton, pyramidhill.org.

Photo: Hailey Bollinger
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Amble Among Art at Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum

Art appreciation and fresh air aren’t mutually exclusive, at least at Hamilton’s Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum. Opened in 1997, the 300-acre nonprofit outdoor art park features more than 80 “monumental outdoor sculptures displayed in a landscape of rolling hills, meadows, lakes and hiking trails” — from abstract metallic works to realistic figures hewn in stone. If the weather’s not to your taste, head indoors to explore the ancient sculpture museum, which houses Greek, Roman, Syrian and Egyptian art, as well as rotating exhibitions of more modern work. And if you don’t feel like walking, the park rents out special Art Carts (aka golf carts) on a first-come, first-served basis. During select winter nights, you can also get in your own vehicle for a special 2.5-mile drive-through holiday light display. Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum, 1763 Hamilton Cleves Road, Hamilton, pyramidhill.org.

Photo: Hailey Bollinger
” itemprop=”image” />Be Transported by Robert S. Duncanson’s Lush Landscape Murals at the Taft Museum of Art

Downtown’s Taft Museum — the former residence of notable locals including Martin Baum, Nicholas Longworth, David Sinton, Anna Sinton Taft and Charles Phelps Taft — celebrated its bicentennial in 2020. Built circa 1820 and opened as a museum in 1932, the Taft’s most iconic works of art may be painted directly onto its walls: Robert S. Duncanson’s series of eight dreamy landscape murals, each about 9-feet-by-6.5-feet, are located in the house-museum’s foyer. Commissioned by former resident Nicholas Longworth in the early 1850s, the project launched Duncanson’s career, leading him to become the first African American artist to garner international acclaim. Following Longworth’s death, the paintings were covered, only to be restored when the museum opened. Now known as the “most significant pre-Civil War domestic murals in the United States,” the Duncanson series was restored again in 1994 and 2000. Taft Museum of Art, 316 Pike St., Downtown, taftmuseum.org.

Photo: Provided by the Taft Museum
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Be Transported by Robert S. Duncanson’s Lush Landscape Murals at the Taft Museum of Art

Downtown’s Taft Museum — the former residence of notable locals including Martin Baum, Nicholas Longworth, David Sinton, Anna Sinton Taft and Charles Phelps Taft — celebrated its bicentennial in 2020. Built circa 1820 and opened as a museum in 1932, the Taft’s most iconic works of art may be painted directly onto its walls: Robert S. Duncanson’s series of eight dreamy landscape murals, each about 9-feet-by-6.5-feet, are located in the house-museum’s foyer. Commissioned by former resident Nicholas Longworth in the early 1850s, the project launched Duncanson’s career, leading him to become the first African American artist to garner international acclaim. Following Longworth’s death, the paintings were covered, only to be restored when the museum opened. Now known as the “most significant pre-Civil War domestic murals in the United States,” the Duncanson series was restored again in 1994 and 2000. Taft Museum of Art, 316 Pike St., Downtown, taftmuseum.org.

Photo: Provided by the Taft Museum
” itemprop=”image” />Go Underground on a Brewing Heritage Trail Tour

Once one of the largest brewing boomtowns in 19th-century America, the Queen City was home to major pre-Prohibition beer kingpins and, in recent years, has bolstered an ever-expanding craft brewing scene. Over-the-Rhine’s Brewing Heritage Trail explores, preserves and celebrates the city’s storied past as a beer-producing capital with a series of guided tours and a free walking trail. “Hop on” the trail at either terminus — which stretches about three-fourths of a mile between Findlay Market (1801 Race St.) and Grant Park (73 E. McMillan Ave.) in Over-the-Rhine — and follow embedded medallions in the sidewalk to discover historic buildings, brewing sites, public art and more. Currently, about two dozen signs or so are available to peruse anytime — for free. Every building that was part of a brewery on the trail is identified in some way, and other stops were selected to tell a part of Cincinnati’s beer-infused historical narrative. Murals mix with markers to reveal tales of the influence of German immigration on local brewing culture, along with stories of 19th-century labor practices, Cincinnati’s involvement in the Civil War and novel brewing innovations. The trail will eventually stretch two miles and include an app with audio tours and augmented reality experiences that will let users look inside underground lagering cellars and former brewing spaces. A number of guided tours are also available to complement the self-guided trail where you can go into those subterranean tunnels of the now defunct breweries, learn about the Queen City’s beer barons and just bask in our pre-Prohibition boozy history. Most tours also include a pint or two at a local taproom. Brewing Heritage Trail, brewingheritagetrail.com.

Photo: Hailey Bollinger
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Go Underground on a Brewing Heritage Trail Tour

Once one of the largest brewing boomtowns in 19th-century America, the Queen City was home to major pre-Prohibition beer kingpins and, in recent years, has bolstered an ever-expanding craft brewing scene. Over-the-Rhine’s Brewing Heritage Trail explores, preserves and celebrates the city’s storied past as a beer-producing capital with a series of guided tours and a free walking trail. “Hop on” the trail at either terminus — which stretches about three-fourths of a mile between Findlay Market (1801 Race St.) and Grant Park (73 E. McMillan Ave.) in Over-the-Rhine — and follow embedded medallions in the sidewalk to discover historic buildings, brewing sites, public art and more. Currently, about two dozen signs or so are available to peruse anytime — for free. Every building that was part of a brewery on the trail is identified in some way, and other stops were selected to tell a part of Cincinnati’s beer-infused historical narrative. Murals mix with markers to reveal tales of the influence of German immigration on local brewing culture, along with stories of 19th-century labor practices, Cincinnati’s involvement in the Civil War and novel brewing innovations. The trail will eventually stretch two miles and include an app with audio tours and augmented reality experiences that will let users look inside underground lagering cellars and former brewing spaces. A number of guided tours are also available to complement the self-guided trail where you can go into those subterranean tunnels of the now defunct breweries, learn about the Queen City’s beer barons and just bask in our pre-Prohibition boozy history. Most tours also include a pint or two at a local taproom. Brewing Heritage Trail, brewingheritagetrail.com.

Photo: Hailey Bollinger
” itemprop=”image” />Put the Pedal to the Metal on the Loveland Bike Trail

Spanning more than 70 miles along the Little Miami River, the Loveland Bike Trail is a haven for cyclists, runners and walkers alike. The paved, flat trail was developed in 1983, replacing what was once the Pennsylvania Railroad. Now, visitors pedal through to immerse themselves in the landscape of Little Miami State Park, grab ice cream at Loveland Sweets or Loveland Dairy Whip, and maybe even learn a thing or two at the Loveland History Museum. Loveland is also a DORA (Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area) district, so if you grab a brew from local Narrow Path Brewing, you can take it with you while you wander the quaint downtown. And if you don’t own a bike, don’t worry — rentals are a phone call away. Loveland Bike Trail, lovelandbiketrail.com.

Photo: Savana Willhoite
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Put the Pedal to the Metal on the Loveland Bike Trail

Spanning more than 70 miles along the Little Miami River, the Loveland Bike Trail is a haven for cyclists, runners and walkers alike. The paved, flat trail was developed in 1983, replacing what was once the Pennsylvania Railroad. Now, visitors pedal through to immerse themselves in the landscape of Little Miami State Park, grab ice cream at Loveland Sweets or Loveland Dairy Whip, and maybe even learn a thing or two at the Loveland History Museum. Loveland is also a DORA (Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area) district, so if you grab a brew from local Narrow Path Brewing, you can take it with you while you wander the quaint downtown. And if you don’t own a bike, don’t worry — rentals are a phone call away. Loveland Bike Trail, lovelandbiketrail.com.

Photo: Savana Willhoite
” itemprop=”image” />See a Slice of the Berlin Wall at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center

Using the city’s historical ties to the anti-slavery movement, the mission of the Freedom Center is “to inspire modern abolition through connecting the lessons of the Underground Railroad with today’s freedom fighters.” Permanent exhibits include a rebuilt 1800s slave pen from Mason, Kentucky; Invisible: Slavery Today, which explores human trafficking and modern slavery; Open Your Mind: Understanding Implicit Bias, a learning lab for identifying and researching unconscious prejudice; and a piece of the Berlin Wall, on display outside and facing the Ohio River — itself a former barrier between the North and South. In 1989, Cincinnati became sister cities with Germany’s Bavarian capital of Munich, the same year the Berlin Wall fell. It’s been over 30 years, and since that time, the Freedom Center picked up a chunk of that history in the form of a chunk of the wall itself. Gifted by the city of Berlin in 2010, it was brought here to reflect upon those who “through courage, cooperation and perseverance worked collectively to demolish a modern barrier to freedom.” The wall is a symbolic reminder of past struggles and a message not to take freedom for granted.
National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, 50 E. Freedom Way, Downtown, freedomcenter.org.

Photo: Hailey Bollinger
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See a Slice of the Berlin Wall at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center

Using the city’s historical ties to the anti-slavery movement, the mission of the Freedom Center is “to inspire modern abolition through connecting the lessons of the Underground Railroad with today’s freedom fighters.” Permanent exhibits include a rebuilt 1800s slave pen from Mason, Kentucky; Invisible: Slavery Today, which explores human trafficking and modern slavery; Open Your Mind: Understanding Implicit Bias, a learning lab for identifying and researching unconscious prejudice; and a piece of the Berlin Wall, on display outside and facing the Ohio River — itself a former barrier between the North and South. In 1989, Cincinnati became sister cities with Germany’s Bavarian capital of Munich, the same year the Berlin Wall fell. It’s been over 30 years, and since that time, the Freedom Center picked up a chunk of that history in the form of a chunk of the wall itself. Gifted by the city of Berlin in 2010, it was brought here to reflect upon those who “through courage, cooperation and perseverance worked collectively to demolish a modern barrier to freedom.” The wall is a symbolic reminder of past struggles and a message not to take freedom for granted.
National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, 50 E. Freedom Way, Downtown, freedomcenter.org.

Photo: Hailey Bollinger
” itemprop=”image” />Relax at Washington Park

Washington Park is a 6-acre dream urban escape, complete with a water feature, dog park, playground and its own recently renovated deck bar — The Porch — which is open seasonally and serves wine, liquor and local craft beer. A new permanent roof structure offers shade and industrial decor vibes, plus cover for additional seating. Sidle up to the bar and order a brew from Taft’s Ale House, Rhinegeist, Fifty West or the Christian Moerlein Brewing Company. Then grab a chair under the enclosure or on the lawn; you can bring your drink anywhere within park limits. Check Washington Park’s online calendar for special events like live music at The Porch, outdoor movie nights, pop-up craft markets and free workout classes.
Washington Park, 1230 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine, washingtonpark.org.

Photo: Hailey Bollinger
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Relax at Washington Park

Washington Park is a 6-acre dream urban escape, complete with a water feature, dog park, playground and its own recently renovated deck bar — The Porch — which is open seasonally and serves wine, liquor and local craft beer. A new permanent roof structure offers shade and industrial decor vibes, plus cover for additional seating. Sidle up to the bar and order a brew from Taft’s Ale House, Rhinegeist, Fifty West or the Christian Moerlein Brewing Company. Then grab a chair under the enclosure or on the lawn; you can bring your drink anywhere within park limits. Check Washington Park’s online calendar for special events like live music at The Porch, outdoor movie nights, pop-up craft markets and free workout classes.
Washington Park, 1230 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine, washingtonpark.org.

Photo: Hailey Bollinger
” itemprop=”image” />Be Among the First to Visit FC Cincinnati’s West End Stadium

The official home of soccer in the Queen City has yet to be completed, but FC Cincinnati fans look forward to cheering on their team at West End Stadium in 2021 — their third year as members of the MLS. The $200 million stadium will seat 26,000 spectators, making it one of the nation’s biggest soccer-only venues, and features 531 LED “fins” that broadcast special effects inside and outside of the arena (it’s seriously cool — look up a video). If you’re not yet a part of FC’s passionate fanbase, covered in orange and blue body paint, now’s the best time to jump on the bandwagon.
FC Cincinnati, fccincinnati.com.

Photo: Hailey Bollinger
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Be Among the First to Visit FC Cincinnati’s West End Stadium

The official home of soccer in the Queen City has yet to be completed, but FC Cincinnati fans look forward to cheering on their team at West End Stadium in 2021 — their third year as members of the MLS. The $200 million stadium will seat 26,000 spectators, making it one of the nation’s biggest soccer-only venues, and features 531 LED “fins” that broadcast special effects inside and outside of the arena (it’s seriously cool — look up a video). If you’re not yet a part of FC’s passionate fanbase, covered in orange and blue body paint, now’s the best time to jump on the bandwagon.
FC Cincinnati, fccincinnati.com.

Photo: Hailey Bollinger
” itemprop=”image” />Explore the Critically-Acclaimed, Zaha Hadid-Designed Contemporary Arts Center

Designed by the late architect Zaha Hadid, known for her swirling, curvy buildings, Cincinnati’s Contemporary Arts Center resembles a stack of Lincoln Logs or a Rubik’s Cube coming undone. It’s composed of interlocking rectangular blocks that seem to pose a puzzle for passersby: an outward reflection of the sometimes-challenging, always thought-provoking artwork within. New York Times critic Herbert Muschamp called the CAC “the most important American building to be completed since the Cold War,” and Hadid was the first woman architect to design a museum in the U.S. The CAC also houses a gift shop, a first-floor cafe and bistro and a 27-foot-tall gold “Metrobot” sculpture outside, created by video art pioneer Nam June Paik.
Contemporary Arts Center, 44 E. Sixth St., Downtown, contemporaryartscenter.org.

Photo: Hailey Bollinger
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Explore the Critically-Acclaimed, Zaha Hadid-Designed Contemporary Arts Center

Designed by the late architect Zaha Hadid, known for her swirling, curvy buildings, Cincinnati’s Contemporary Arts Center resembles a stack of Lincoln Logs or a Rubik’s Cube coming undone. It’s composed of interlocking rectangular blocks that seem to pose a puzzle for passersby: an outward reflection of the sometimes-challenging, always thought-provoking artwork within. New York Times critic Herbert Muschamp called the CAC “the most important American building to be completed since the Cold War,” and Hadid was the first woman architect to design a museum in the U.S. The CAC also houses a gift shop, a first-floor cafe and bistro and a 27-foot-tall gold “Metrobot” sculpture outside, created by video art pioneer Nam June Paik.
Contemporary Arts Center, 44 E. Sixth St., Downtown, contemporaryartscenter.org.

Photo: Hailey Bollinger
” itemprop=”image” />Have a Cocktail at the
Bar at Palm Court

Nestled inside the historic Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza, the Bar at Palm Court is an astonishing French Art Deco masterpiece with Brazilian rosewood, a massive ziggurat-shaped fountain and seashell-framed booths like Venus rising from the foam. The art is in the design as well as the Great Gatsby-esque drinks. Try the NP, a best-of-both-worlds cocktail that pairs bourbon with something bubbly. Named after the Netherland Plaza, the cocktail features Four Roses yellow label bourbon, lemon, ginger, bitters and sparkling wine. It’s light, refreshing and still packs a boozy punch.
The Bar at Palm Court, 35 W. Fifth St., Downtown, orchidsatpalmcourt.com.

Photo: Hailey Bollinger
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Have a Cocktail at the
Bar at Palm Court

Nestled inside the historic Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza, the Bar at Palm Court is an astonishing French Art Deco masterpiece with Brazilian rosewood, a massive ziggurat-shaped fountain and seashell-framed booths like Venus rising from the foam. The art is in the design as well as the Great Gatsby-esque drinks. Try the NP, a best-of-both-worlds cocktail that pairs bourbon with something bubbly. Named after the Netherland Plaza, the cocktail features Four Roses yellow label bourbon, lemon, ginger, bitters and sparkling wine. It’s light, refreshing and still packs a boozy punch.
The Bar at Palm Court, 35 W. Fifth St., Downtown, orchidsatpalmcourt.com.

Photo: Hailey Bollinger
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Cruise Down the Ohio River on a BB Riverboat

Cincinnati was once a hub for steamboat-powered trade and travel, a legacy that lives on in the BB Riverboat fleet. A dinner or sightseeing cruise on one of their ships will make you feel like you’ve stepped into a Mark Twain novel.
BB Riverboat, 101 Riverboat Row, Newport,
bbriverboats.com.

Photo via Facebook.com/BBRiverboats
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Cruise Down the Ohio River on a BB Riverboat

Cincinnati was once a hub for steamboat-powered trade and travel, a legacy that lives on in the BB Riverboat fleet. A dinner or sightseeing cruise on one of their ships will make you feel like you’ve stepped into a Mark Twain novel.
BB Riverboat, 101 Riverboat Row, Newport,
bbriverboats.com.

Photo via Facebook.com/BBRiverboats
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Sample One of Cincy’s Iconic Eats

Skyline Chili (skylinechili.com) and its rival Gold Star (goldstarchili.com) may be home to Cincinnati’s most iconic dish — the 3-Way — but another chain is a staple among locals: Frisch’s, mascotted by the chubby-cheeked, burger-slinging, overall-wearing Big Boy. The original Frisch’s Mainliner (5760 Wooster Pike, Fairfax, frischs.com) opened in 1939 as the Queen City’s first year-round drive-in. Customers can drop-in for grub and a mini history lesson: the Mainliner includes a Frisch’s museum. Want to grab a beer with your meal? Zip’s Cafe (1036 Delta Ave., Mount Lookout, zipscafe.com) has been an East Side staple since 1926. Order a classic Zip burger or, if you’re feeling hungry, go with the Girth Burger — a patty topped with a split Avril-Bleh mettwurst. Vegetarians can get their fill with a garden burger. Come for the grub; stay for the low-lit nostalgic vibes complete with a toy train that runs along the ceiling. Craving ribs? Known for their barbecue and Saratoga chips dipped in a slightly sweet house sauce, the Montgomery Inn (9440 Montgomery Road, Montgomery; the Boathouse, 925 Riverside Drive, Downtown, montgomeryinn.com) has been a Queen City mainstay for over 60 years. And they’ve been bestowed the nickname “The Ribs King” for a reason.

Photo: Catie Viox
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Book an Airbnb Weekend at Camp Washington’s Swing House

Builder/artist Mark de Jong has transformed a three-floor, shotgun-style 1880s domicile into the Swing House, a large-scale art installation and rentable home in which the interior has been almost completely opened up — no stairs; no rooms with walls. The center attraction is a 30-foot-long rope swing that lets you travel from end to end imagining the generations who have lived there previously. It’s a trip through time as well as space. Visit during the recurring open house events. Or book it as an Airbnb for an artful staycation.
Swing House, 1373 Avon Place, Camp Washington, swing-house.com.

Photo: Hailey Bollinger
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Book an Airbnb Weekend at Camp Washington’s Swing House

Builder/artist Mark de Jong has transformed a three-floor, shotgun-style 1880s domicile into the Swing House, a large-scale art installation and rentable home in which the interior has been almost completely opened up — no stairs; no rooms with walls. The center attraction is a 30-foot-long rope swing that lets you travel from end to end imagining the generations who have lived there previously. It’s a trip through time as well as space. Visit during the recurring open house events. Or book it as an Airbnb for an artful staycation.
Swing House, 1373 Avon Place, Camp Washington, swing-house.com.

Photo: Hailey Bollinger
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Embark on the Butler County Donut Trail

Just a short 45-minute jaunt from Cincinnati is a magical place called Butler County, home to one of the largest number of donut shops per capita in the Midwest. Among these donut shops are 13 family-run establishments — including the cult favorite local chain Holtman’s Donuts (holtmansdonutshop.com) — that have come together to offer humans a chance to test the limits of their interest in fried and filled dough, as well as their blood glucose levels. Have your official Donut Trail passport stamped at all of them to get a free T-shirt.
Butler County Donut Trail, gettothebc.com/donut-trail.

Photo: Jesse Fox
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Embark on the Butler County Donut Trail

Just a short 45-minute jaunt from Cincinnati is a magical place called Butler County, home to one of the largest number of donut shops per capita in the Midwest. Among these donut shops are 13 family-run establishments — including the cult favorite local chain Holtman’s Donuts (holtmansdonutshop.com) — that have come together to offer humans a chance to test the limits of their interest in fried and filled dough, as well as their blood glucose levels. Have your official Donut Trail passport stamped at all of them to get a free T-shirt.
Butler County Donut Trail, gettothebc.com/donut-trail.

Photo: Jesse Fox
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Catch Playhouse in the Park’s Annual Holiday Performance of A Christmas Carol

With every holiday season comes Playhouse in the Park’s production of A Christmas Carol. You know the story: A curmudgeonly, greedy capitalist named Ebenezer Scrooge forces his employees to work on Christmas and, in general, is a jerk. That’s why he’s visited by a trio of ghosts who attempt to show him the error of his ways. The heartwarming and classic Charles Dickens tale reminds us to appreciate the people that really matter in our lives and, as evidenced by Scrooge, that it’s never too late to change. As CityBeat reviewer Rick Pender once wrote about the Playhouse’s yearly performance: “If you haven’t seen it, give yourself a present and do so.” (For the first time in three decades, it was canceled in 2020 due to COVID and moved to radio, so fingers crossed for a super Scrooge production in 2021.)
Playhouse in the Park, 962 Mount Adams Circle, Mount Adams, cincyplay.com.

Photo: Mikki Schaffner
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Catch Playhouse in the Park’s Annual Holiday Performance of A Christmas Carol

With every holiday season comes Playhouse in the Park’s production of A Christmas Carol. You know the story: A curmudgeonly, greedy capitalist named Ebenezer Scrooge forces his employees to work on Christmas and, in general, is a jerk. That’s why he’s visited by a trio of ghosts who attempt to show him the error of his ways. The heartwarming and classic Charles Dickens tale reminds us to appreciate the people that really matter in our lives and, as evidenced by Scrooge, that it’s never too late to change. As CityBeat reviewer Rick Pender once wrote about the Playhouse’s yearly performance: “If you haven’t seen it, give yourself a present and do so.” (For the first time in three decades, it was canceled in 2020 due to COVID and moved to radio, so fingers crossed for a super Scrooge production in 2021.)
Playhouse in the Park, 962 Mount Adams Circle, Mount Adams, cincyplay.com.

Photo: Mikki Schaffner
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Feed a Butterfly at Krohn Conservatory’s Annual Butterfly Show

Located in historic Eden Park, the Krohn Conservatory is an aluminum and glass Art Deco destination (in the shape of an upside heart) filled with more than 3,500 plant species from around the world. Permanent displays include a rare orchid house, steamy tropical room, succulent-filled desert space and a fun walk-through rainforest rock waterfall. Seasonal shows change up the interior with themed flowers and foliage, and the annual incredibly popular butterfly show takes over in early spring and summer. Navigate your way through clusters of flowers, ferns and trees while hundreds of butterflies flit throughout the room — and maybe right onto your floral-scented butterfly landing pad.
Krohn Conservatory, 1501 Eden Park Drive, Mount Adams, cincinnatiparks.com.

Photo: Paige Deglow
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Feed a Butterfly at Krohn Conservatory’s Annual Butterfly Show

Located in historic Eden Park, the Krohn Conservatory is an aluminum and glass Art Deco destination (in the shape of an upside heart) filled with more than 3,500 plant species from around the world. Permanent displays include a rare orchid house, steamy tropical room, succulent-filled desert space and a fun walk-through rainforest rock waterfall. Seasonal shows change up the interior with themed flowers and foliage, and the annual incredibly popular butterfly show takes over in early spring and summer. Navigate your way through clusters of flowers, ferns and trees while hundreds of butterflies flit throughout the room — and maybe right onto your floral-scented butterfly landing pad.
Krohn Conservatory, 1501 Eden Park Drive, Mount Adams, cincinnatiparks.com.

Photo: Paige Deglow
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Spend Your Day Camped-Out on the Riverfront for the WEBN Fireworks

Launched more than four decades ago to celebrate the 10th anniversary of radio station WEBN, this Labor Day bash officially signals the end of summer with a series of colorful explosions in the sky. In addition to food, music, major traffic jams and one of the largest firework displays in the Midwest set to music from 102.7 FM (you are 100% guaranteed to hear “Smoke on the Water’’), Riverfest-goers can expect to see half a million other humans and a river full of boats. (People start setting up blankets a day early to claim primo space on both sides of the river.) During the lead-up to the big show, the Freestore Foodbank hosts its annual Rubber Duck Regatta, dropping as many as 200,000 yellow duckies from the Purple People Bridge into the Ohio River in a race to benefit the foodbank (buy a duck, feed a kid, possibly win a car).
Riverfest, rubberduckregatta.org, webn.iheart.com.

Photo: CityBeat Archive
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Participate in the World’s Largest Chicken Dance

Oktoberfest Zinzinnati is the nation’s largest feier of authentic German food, music and beer with an estimated 575,000 festgoers eating an estimated 87,542 metts, 400 pickled pigs feet and 64,000 sauerkraut balls each September, among other gluttonous activities. Odd traditions include the majestic Running of the Wieners dachshund races, brat-eating competitions and the world’s largest Chicken Dance, which has been led by celebrities like “Weird Al” Yankovic, Nick and Drew Lachey and George Takei. Buy a chicken hat, grab a stein of German beer and get ready to flap your wings at America’s largest Oktoberfest.
Oktoberfest Zinzinnati, oktoberfestzinzinnati.com.

Photo: Devin Luginbill
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Participate in the World’s Largest Chicken Dance

Oktoberfest Zinzinnati is the nation’s largest feier of authentic German food, music and beer with an estimated 575,000 festgoers eating an estimated 87,542 metts, 400 pickled pigs feet and 64,000 sauerkraut balls each September, among other gluttonous activities. Odd traditions include the majestic Running of the Wieners dachshund races, brat-eating competitions and the world’s largest Chicken Dance, which has been led by celebrities like “Weird Al” Yankovic, Nick and Drew Lachey and George Takei. Buy a chicken hat, grab a stein of German beer and get ready to flap your wings at America’s largest Oktoberfest.
Oktoberfest Zinzinnati, oktoberfestzinzinnati.com.

Photo: Devin Luginbill
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Run, Walk or Watch the Flying Pig Marathon

The flying pig is a ubiquitous Cincinnati symbol, evoking the animal that earned the city its nickname: “Porkopolis.” But for one weekend a year, the flying pig stands for working off pounds, not putting them on. Created in 1997, the Flying Pig Marathon draws people from around the world to make it through a 26.2-mile urban course at their own speed. The race, which winds through Cincinnati, Covington, Newport, Mariemont, Fairfax and Columbia Township, is a qualifier for the Boston Marathon and sees more than 40,000 participants annually.
Flying Pig Marathon, flyingpigmarathon.com.

Photo: Kellie Coleman
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Run, Walk or Watch the Flying Pig Marathon

The flying pig is a ubiquitous Cincinnati symbol, evoking the animal that earned the city its nickname: “Porkopolis.” But for one weekend a year, the flying pig stands for working off pounds, not putting them on. Created in 1997, the Flying Pig Marathon draws people from around the world to make it through a 26.2-mile urban course at their own speed. The race, which winds through Cincinnati, Covington, Newport, Mariemont, Fairfax and Columbia Township, is a qualifier for the Boston Marathon and sees more than 40,000 participants annually.
Flying Pig Marathon, flyingpigmarathon.com.

Photo: Kellie Coleman
” itemprop=”image” />
Get Real American During the Northside Fourth of July Parade

July in Northside means one thing: the most colorful, freewheeling parade in Cincinnati. The Northside Fourth of July Parade — which has happened every year since 1970 (except for 2020 due to COVID) — is an all-out celebration of independence, community, small business and individuality. Expect to see creative handmade floats from vintage stores, bars and community organizations; local marching bands; drill teams; every politician you’ve ever heard of; ladies dancing with lawn chairs; guys dancing with power tools; and other unexpected and delightful displays of pride and spirit. The parade complements the Northside Rock N’ Roll Carnival, a multi-day fest featuring live music, local beer, fair food and plenty of sideshow entertainment.
Northside, northsidejuly4.com.

Photo: Hailey Bollinger
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Get Real American During the Northside Fourth of July Parade

July in Northside means one thing: the most colorful, freewheeling parade in Cincinnati. The Northside Fourth of July Parade — which has happened every year since 1970 (except for 2020 due to COVID) — is an all-out celebration of independence, community, small business and individuality. Expect to see creative handmade floats from vintage stores, bars and community organizations; local marching bands; drill teams; every politician you’ve ever heard of; ladies dancing with lawn chairs; guys dancing with power tools; and other unexpected and delightful displays of pride and spirit. The parade complements the Northside Rock N’ Roll Carnival, a multi-day fest featuring live music, local beer, fair food and plenty of sideshow entertainment.
Northside, northsidejuly4.com.

Photo: Hailey Bollinger
” itemprop=”image” />
Browse the Stacks of The Mercantile Library

The Mercantile Library — located on the 11th and 12th floors of a downtown office building — is Cincinnati’s own Room of Requirement (for those who aren’t Harry Potter fans, it’s basically just an extraordinarily cool, secret space). Open since 1835, this membership library (one of only two-dozenish left in the U.S.) is home to more than 80,000 books, dynamic lecture series — Ralph Waldo Emerson, Ray Bradbury, Tom Wolfe, Julia Child are just a handful of names who have spoken here — concerts, yoga classes and cocktail hours. While you have to be a member to check-out books, the public is welcome to wander the stacks, attend events and marvel at the luddite luxury of this classic club.
The Mercantile Library, 414 Walnut St., 11th Floor, Downtown, mercantilelibrary.com.

Photo: Hailey Bollinger
” data-title=”

Browse the Stacks of The Mercantile Library

The Mercantile Library — located on the 11th and 12th floors of a downtown office building — is Cincinnati’s own Room of Requirement (for those who aren’t Harry Potter fans, it’s basically just an extraordinarily cool, secret space). Open since 1835, this membership library (one of only two-dozenish left in the U.S.) is home to more than 80,000 books, dynamic lecture series — Ralph Waldo Emerson, Ray Bradbury, Tom Wolfe, Julia Child are just a handful of names who have spoken here — concerts, yoga classes and cocktail hours. While you have to be a member to check-out books, the public is welcome to wander the stacks, attend events and marvel at the luddite luxury of this classic club.
The Mercantile Library, 414 Walnut St., 11th Floor, Downtown, mercantilelibrary.com.

Photo: Hailey Bollinger
” itemprop=”image” />
Cross the Shark Bridge at the Newport Aquarium

Ever wonder what it would feel like to walk the plank into shark-infested waters? Well, you can get a little taste of the experience by venturing across Newport Aquarium’s Shark Bridge, the world’s first rope bridge suspended just inches above the 385,000 gallon Surrounded by Sharks exhibit. Thankfully, once you complete the 75-foot long walk over more than a dozen sharks (plus sharkrays, stingrays and fish), you’ll end up safely on the other side of the tank — not splashing down next to an apex predator.
Newport Aquarium, 1 Aquarium Way, Newport, newportaquarium.com

Photo: Hailey Bollinger
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Cross the Shark Bridge at the Newport Aquarium

Ever wonder what it would feel like to walk the plank into shark-infested waters? Well, you can get a little taste of the experience by venturing across Newport Aquarium’s Shark Bridge, the world’s first rope bridge suspended just inches above the 385,000 gallon Surrounded by Sharks exhibit. Thankfully, once you complete the 75-foot long walk over more than a dozen sharks (plus sharkrays, stingrays and fish), you’ll end up safely on the other side of the tank — not splashing down next to an apex predator.
Newport Aquarium, 1 Aquarium Way, Newport, newportaquarium.com

Photo: Hailey Bollinger
” itemprop=”image” />
Enjoy Opera in a Variety of Unique Settings

The Cincinnati Opera would have produced its 100th season in 2020. But, like much else, the festivities and performances were put on hold due to the pandemic. However, the show must go on. From its annual Summer Festival — 2021’s lineup includes the world premieres of Castor and Patience and Fierce (previously slated for 2020); and returning favorites The Barber of Seville, Carmen and Tosca — to its popular Opera in the Park series, CO’s offerings will have you shouting, “Encore!” The CO’s diverse, new-and-old mix of programming will make you a convert, especially if the idea of a night at the opera seems intimidating.
Music Hall, 1241 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine, cincinnatiopera.org.

Photo: Emerson Swoger
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Enjoy Opera in a Variety of Unique Settings

The Cincinnati Opera would have produced its 100th season in 2020. But, like much else, the festivities and performances were put on hold due to the pandemic. However, the show must go on. From its annual Summer Festival — 2021’s lineup includes the world premieres of Castor and Patience and Fierce (previously slated for 2020); and returning favorites The Barber of Seville, Carmen and Tosca — to its popular Opera in the Park series, CO’s offerings will have you shouting, “Encore!” The CO’s diverse, new-and-old mix of programming will make you a convert, especially if the idea of a night at the opera seems intimidating.
Music Hall, 1241 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine, cincinnatiopera.org.

Photo: Emerson Swoger
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Play Hooky During the Opening Day Parade

When baseball season arrives in Cincinnati, it’s time to air out your Reds gear and practice your fake cough. Opening Day might not be an official local holiday, but we take our season opener pretty damn seriously with the Findlay Market Opening Day Parade. The annual celebration begins promptly at noon and steps off from the market, led by an honorary grand marshal and some 200 other businesses and groups — local politicians, the Budweiser Clydesdales, high school bands, etc. — walking, marching, biking, driving and operating floats down Race and Fifth streets. The Reds are the nation’s oldest professional baseball team (started in 1869), and this historic parade basically shuts the city down for the day, so call into work (if your boss is even there) and get ready to buy some peanuts and Cracker Jacks — and beer and hot dogs and maybe nachos in a Reds helmet — and spend Opening Day reveling in America’s favorite pastime.
Opening Day Parade, findlaymarketparade.com.

Photo: Paige Deglow
” data-title=”

Play Hooky During the Opening Day Parade

When baseball season arrives in Cincinnati, it’s time to air out your Reds gear and practice your fake cough. Opening Day might not be an official local holiday, but we take our season opener pretty damn seriously with the Findlay Market Opening Day Parade. The annual celebration begins promptly at noon and steps off from the market, led by an honorary grand marshal and some 200 other businesses and groups — local politicians, the Budweiser Clydesdales, high school bands, etc. — walking, marching, biking, driving and operating floats down Race and Fifth streets. The Reds are the nation’s oldest professional baseball team (started in 1869), and this historic parade basically shuts the city down for the day, so call into work (if your boss is even there) and get ready to buy some peanuts and Cracker Jacks — and beer and hot dogs and maybe nachos in a Reds helmet — and spend Opening Day reveling in America’s favorite pastime.
Opening Day Parade, findlaymarketparade.com.

Photo: Paige Deglow
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Do a Cannonball into Sunlite Pool

Cincinnatians have been splashing around in the world’s largest recirculating pool at Coney Island amusement park since 1925. The 200-foot-by-401-foot Sunlite Pool has plenty of space for small children, teenagers and lap swimmers to cool off during the summer, plus water slides, a Typhoon Tower and adjacent Cannonball Cove, with three different diving boards (the tallest one is 9 feet high).
Coney Island Amusement Park, 6201 Kellogg Ave., California, coneyislandpark.com.

Photo: Patty Salas
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Do a Cannonball into Sunlite Pool

Cincinnatians have been splashing around in the world’s largest recirculating pool at Coney Island amusement park since 1925. The 200-foot-by-401-foot Sunlite Pool has plenty of space for small children, teenagers and lap swimmers to cool off during the summer, plus water slides, a Typhoon Tower and adjacent Cannonball Cove, with three different diving boards (the tallest one is 9 feet high).
Coney Island Amusement Park, 6201 Kellogg Ave., California, coneyislandpark.com.

Photo: Patty Salas
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Ride the Mechanical Bull at Bobby Mackey’s

Sure, Bobby Mackey’s in Wilder, Kentucky is known for being haunted and for serving up some of the most authentic traditional Country and Honky Tonk music in the area on a regular basis, including appearances by its musician owner/namesake (and his “Best Damn Band”) every weekend. But for many, the real attraction remains the nightclub’s mechanical bull ride, which celebrated its 40th year of bucking patrons in 2019. Legend has it that Mackey traveled south and purchased his first bull — known as El Turbo — from Mickey Gilley in 1979 during the filming of John Travolta’s and Debra Winger’s Urban Cowboy, the movie that would soon make Gilley’s Texas honky tonk internationally famous. How long can you last? There’s only one way to find out. And get this, tough guy — the bar’s just a few steps away when it’s time to numb your new bruises.
Bobby Mackey’s, 44 Licking Pike, Wilder, bobbymackey.com

Photo via Facebook.com/BobbyMackeyFB
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Ride the Mechanical Bull at Bobby Mackey’s

Sure, Bobby Mackey’s in Wilder, Kentucky is known for being haunted and for serving up some of the most authentic traditional Country and Honky Tonk music in the area on a regular basis, including appearances by its musician owner/namesake (and his “Best Damn Band”) every weekend. But for many, the real attraction remains the nightclub’s mechanical bull ride, which celebrated its 40th year of bucking patrons in 2019. Legend has it that Mackey traveled south and purchased his first bull — known as El Turbo — from Mickey Gilley in 1979 during the filming of John Travolta’s and Debra Winger’s Urban Cowboy, the movie that would soon make Gilley’s Texas honky tonk internationally famous. How long can you last? There’s only one way to find out. And get this, tough guy — the bar’s just a few steps away when it’s time to numb your new bruises.
Bobby Mackey’s, 44 Licking Pike, Wilder, bobbymackey.com

Photo via Facebook.com/BobbyMackeyFB
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Make a Beer-Can Pyramid During the Cyclones’ Dollar Beer Night

Minor league sports offer the type of value anyone can appreciate — like $1 beer and hot dogs. A chant of “Sucks!” is traditional after the introduction of each opposing player at Cincinnati Cyclones hockey games, and fans can also suck down responsible amounts of beer as they watch the multi-time ECHL champions play on dollar beer nights at Heritage Bank Arena. The Cyclones offer this promotion 15 or so times a season, along with other funny stuff like an ugly sweater T-shirt giveaway and weiner dog races. Cheap Hudepohl and hot dogs also happen to be available at your local grocer, who will not appreciate your “sucks” chants at the checkout lane.
Cyclones, cycloneshockey.com.

Photo: Jesse Fox
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Make a Beer-Can Pyramid During the Cyclones’ Dollar Beer Night

Minor league sports offer the type of value anyone can appreciate — like $1 beer and hot dogs. A chant of “Sucks!” is traditional after the introduction of each opposing player at Cincinnati Cyclones hockey games, and fans can also suck down responsible amounts of beer as they watch the multi-time ECHL champions play on dollar beer nights at Heritage Bank Arena. The Cyclones offer this promotion 15 or so times a season, along with other funny stuff like an ugly sweater T-shirt giveaway and weiner dog races. Cheap Hudepohl and hot dogs also happen to be available at your local grocer, who will not appreciate your “sucks” chants at the checkout lane.
Cyclones, cycloneshockey.com.

Photo: Jesse Fox
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See (and Hear) a Concert from the Lawn at Riverbend

Riverbend Music Center has made it easier than ever to see live music from the lawn seats. In 2019, the venue removed the support beam towers that have been part of the pavilion structure since its original construction in 1984. “Over the years we have received feedback from patrons that they loved being on the lawn for concerts, but wished the sightlines were better. So we listened and now every spot on the lawn has an unobstructed view of the stage,” said Rosemarie Moehring, director of marketing. Lawn seats are cheaper than pavilion seats, and for big concerts — like Jimmy Buffett’s annual pilgrimage to see his Queen City Parrotheads — it’s where the party’s at. It also makes it easier to access the bathrooms, beer lines and the exit when you want to leave.
Riverbend Music Center, 6295 Kellogg Ave., California, riverbend.org.

Photo: Mark Byron
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See (and Hear) a Concert from the Lawn at Riverbend

Riverbend Music Center has made it easier than ever to see live music from the lawn seats. In 2019, the venue removed the support beam towers that have been part of the pavilion structure since its original construction in 1984. “Over the years we have received feedback from patrons that they loved being on the lawn for concerts, but wished the sightlines were better. So we listened and now every spot on the lawn has an unobstructed view of the stage,” said Rosemarie Moehring, director of marketing. Lawn seats are cheaper than pavilion seats, and for big concerts — like Jimmy Buffett’s annual pilgrimage to see his Queen City Parrotheads — it’s where the party’s at. It also makes it easier to access the bathrooms, beer lines and the exit when you want to leave.
Riverbend Music Center, 6295 Kellogg Ave., California, riverbend.org.

Photo: Mark Byron
” itemprop=”image” />Count the Gargoyles at Covington’s Mini Notre-Dame

Modeled after Notre-Dame in Paris, the Gothic-style Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption in Covington features 32 Italian-carved gargoyle water spouts and 26 chimeras (copied from the beasts adorning the parapets of the French original), flying buttresses, vaulted arches, columns and, according to its tour brochure, the world’s largest church stained-glass window. One of only 85 minor basilicas in America — an honorable distinction given to certain churches for their “antiquity, dignity, historical importance or significance as centers of worship” — it is open for daily mass. A perfect substitute while the real Notre-Dame is being rebuilt after a devastating 2019 fire.
Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption, 1101 Madison Ave., Covington, covcathedral.com.

Photo: Hailey Bollinger
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Count the Gargoyles at Covington’s Mini Notre-Dame

Modeled after Notre-Dame in Paris, the Gothic-style Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption in Covington features 32 Italian-carved gargoyle water spouts and 26 chimeras (copied from the beasts adorning the parapets of the French original), flying buttresses, vaulted arches, columns and, according to its tour brochure, the world’s largest church stained-glass window. One of only 85 minor basilicas in America — an honorable distinction given to certain churches for their “antiquity, dignity, historical importance or significance as centers of worship” — it is open for daily mass. A perfect substitute while the real Notre-Dame is being rebuilt after a devastating 2019 fire.
Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption, 1101 Madison Ave., Covington, covcathedral.com.

Photo: Hailey Bollinger
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Try a Goetta Brownie During Glier’s Goettafest

Cincinnatians have a thing for weird meats, the most beloved of which is probably Cincinnati-style chili. A close second is goetta, a German-inspired combination of sausage meat and pinhead oats. Goetta devotees flock to Glier’s Goettafest in Newport for a few days each summer (two weekends actually, as of 2019) to sample myriad goetta-infused foods, such as goetta burgers, goetta mac and cheese, goetta burritos, goetta fried rice, goetta empanadas, goetta potato pancakes, deep-fried goetta balls, goetta kebabs, goetta wrapped in bacon, goetta nachos and, yes, even goetta brownies. Each vendor has to have a completely unique goetta menu, and no item can repeat, so the goetta iterations are endless and endlessly creative.
Glier’s Goettafest, goettafest.com.

Photo via goettafest.com
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Try a Goetta Brownie During Glier’s Goettafest

Cincinnatians have a thing for weird meats, the most beloved of which is probably Cincinnati-style chili. A close second is goetta, a German-inspired combination of sausage meat and pinhead oats. Goetta devotees flock to Glier’s Goettafest in Newport for a few days each summer (two weekends actually, as of 2019) to sample myriad goetta-infused foods, such as goetta burgers, goetta mac and cheese, goetta burritos, goetta fried rice, goetta empanadas, goetta potato pancakes, deep-fried goetta balls, goetta kebabs, goetta wrapped in bacon, goetta nachos and, yes, even goetta brownies. Each vendor has to have a completely unique goetta menu, and no item can repeat, so the goetta iterations are endless and endlessly creative.
Glier’s Goettafest, goettafest.com.

Photo via goettafest.com
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Bathe in Neon at the American Sign Museum

Get lost in the ads and landmarks of yesteryear. Winding pathways of colorful signage give way to a mocked-up Main Street with faux storefronts, cobblestone and giant logos from Howard Johnson, McDonald’s and Marshall Field. From roadside nostalgia and a looming Big Boy to pharmacy signs and gas station markers, the flashing lights, buzzing electricity and rotating wonders illuminate and preserve the past with a collection that encompasses signs from the late 1800s to the 1970s. The largest public sign museum in America, there’s the option to take a guided, informative tour to learn about the history and manufacturing process behind different signs — including many with connections to Cincinnati’s past. Or wander on your own.
American Sign Museum, 1330 Monmouth Ave., Camp Washington, americansignmuseum.org.

Photo: Hailey Bollinger
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Bathe in Neon at the American Sign Museum

Get lost in the ads and landmarks of yesteryear. Winding pathways of colorful signage give way to a mocked-up Main Street with faux storefronts, cobblestone and giant logos from Howard Johnson, McDonald’s and Marshall Field. From roadside nostalgia and a looming Big Boy to pharmacy signs and gas station markers, the flashing lights, buzzing electricity and rotating wonders illuminate and preserve the past with a collection that encompasses signs from the late 1800s to the 1970s. The largest public sign museum in America, there’s the option to take a guided, informative tour to learn about the history and manufacturing process behind different signs — including many with connections to Cincinnati’s past. Or wander on your own.
American Sign Museum, 1330 Monmouth Ave., Camp Washington, americansignmuseum.org.

Photo: Hailey Bollinger
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Dance Like a Greek at Panegryi

Go Greek for a day — or the whole weekend — at the annual Panegyri Greek Festival held at Holy Trinity-St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church. Traditional music and folk dance transport guests to the mainland and islands of Greece. You can visit the marketplace to find jewelry, icons, olive oil and other imported goods, but the highlight of this festival is the food. Grab a gyro, spanakopita, a full Greek dinner and an imported glass of wine, then hit the zaxaroplasteio for traditional Greek desserts like baklava, kourambiethes, melomakarona and more. Live cooking demonstrations also teach guests how to prepare their own festival favorites at home. Opa!
Holy Trinity-St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, 7000 Winton Road, Finneytown, htsnchurch.org, panegyri.com.

Photo: Provided by Panegyri
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Dance Like a Greek at Panegryi

Go Greek for a day — or the whole weekend — at the annual Panegyri Greek Festival held at Holy Trinity-St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church. Traditional music and folk dance transport guests to the mainland and islands of Greece. You can visit the marketplace to find jewelry, icons, olive oil and other imported goods, but the highlight of this festival is the food. Grab a gyro, spanakopita, a full Greek dinner and an imported glass of wine, then hit the zaxaroplasteio for traditional Greek desserts like baklava, kourambiethes, melomakarona and more. Live cooking demonstrations also teach guests how to prepare their own festival favorites at home. Opa!
Holy Trinity-St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, 7000 Winton Road, Finneytown, htsnchurch.org, panegyri.com.

Photo: Provided by Panegyri
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Tailgate Before a Bengals Game

Tailgating in Cincinnati is similar to tailgating in other NFL cities: Orange-and-black-striped repurposed mini-vans, trailers and buses accompany games of cornhole, Playstation, beer pong and plenty of ’80s hair metal — Guns N’ Roses’ “Welcome to the Jungle,” mostly. On game days, you can find fans starting their pre-game celebrations in the early a.m. in parking lots outside of Paul Brown Stadium and across downtown — seriously, all of downtown. Like a call-and-response, just start shouting “Who-Dey” into the air and see who answers; you’ll inevitably find yourself drinking and eating a hot dog out of the back of a pick-up with some new friends.

Photo: Craig Weiglein
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Tailgate Before a Bengals Game

Tailgating in Cincinnati is similar to tailgating in other NFL cities: Orange-and-black-striped repurposed mini-vans, trailers and buses accompany games of cornhole, Playstation, beer pong and plenty of ’80s hair metal — Guns N’ Roses’ “Welcome to the Jungle,” mostly. On game days, you can find fans starting their pre-game celebrations in the early a.m. in parking lots outside of Paul Brown Stadium and across downtown — seriously, all of downtown. Like a call-and-response, just start shouting “Who-Dey” into the air and see who answers; you’ll inevitably find yourself drinking and eating a hot dog out of the back of a pick-up with some new friends.

Photo: Craig Weiglein
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Ice Skate on Fountain Square

From Halloween through President’s Day, the bulk of Fountain Square transforms into a public ice rink for skaters to enjoy for a reasonable rate. Skate rentals are available on-site, as are concessions with hot, cold, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Bring your family or a date, or just laugh from the sidelines as people struggle to stay on their feet.
Fountain Square, 520 Vine St., Downtown, myfountainsquare.com.

Photo: Vincent DiFrancesco
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Ice Skate on Fountain Square

From Halloween through President’s Day, the bulk of Fountain Square transforms into a public ice rink for skaters to enjoy for a reasonable rate. Skate rentals are available on-site, as are concessions with hot, cold, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Bring your family or a date, or just laugh from the sidelines as people struggle to stay on their feet.
Fountain Square, 520 Vine St., Downtown, myfountainsquare.com.

Photo: Vincent DiFrancesco
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Find Humanity in the Dark at the Holocaust & Humanity Center at Union Terminal

Founded in 2000 by Holocaust survivors and their families, the Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center has relocated from its former home in a Jewish day school in Kenwood to a 7,500-square-foot exhibition space in the Cincinnati Museum Center. Through moving and modern displays, artifacts, photographs and audio and visual media, the center tells of the mass murder of 6 million Jews by Nazi Germany and its collaborators. And while the museum shows how the Holocaust was a horrific event centered in Europe that spotlighted humanity at its worst, it also explains how it has had a long-lasting impact in Greater Cincinnati by including stories of those who either escaped the Nazis or survived their death camps and came here to start new lives — often arriving at Union Terminal, the grounds of the museum itself, making for a uniquely meaningful experience. Calling upon the legacy of Art Spiegelman’s Pulitzer Prize-winning Holocaust graphic novel Maus, look for a 63-foot mural from Kentucky’s Neltner Small Batch at the entrance of the center, featuring 26 individuals’ stories told in vivid, colorful life via illustrations and captions.

Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center, 1301 Western Ave., Queensgate, holocaustandhumanity.org.

Photo: Hailey Bollinger
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Find Humanity in the Dark at the Holocaust & Humanity Center at Union Terminal

Founded in 2000 by Holocaust survivors and their families, the Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center has relocated from its former home in a Jewish day school in Kenwood to a 7,500-square-foot exhibition space in the Cincinnati Museum Center. Through moving and modern displays, artifacts, photographs and audio and visual media, the center tells of the mass murder of 6 million Jews by Nazi Germany and its collaborators. And while the museum shows how the Holocaust was a horrific event centered in Europe that spotlighted humanity at its worst, it also explains how it has had a long-lasting impact in Greater Cincinnati by including stories of those who either escaped the Nazis or survived their death camps and came here to start new lives — often arriving at Union Terminal, the grounds of the museum itself, making for a uniquely meaningful experience. Calling upon the legacy of Art Spiegelman’s Pulitzer Prize-winning Holocaust graphic novel Maus, look for a 63-foot mural from Kentucky’s Neltner Small Batch at the entrance of the center, featuring 26 individuals’ stories told in vivid, colorful life via illustrations and captions.

Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center, 1301 Western Ave., Queensgate, holocaustandhumanity.org.

Photo: Hailey Bollinger
” itemprop=”image” />Facebook.com/MQHFishFry
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Eat at a Fish Fry During Lent

Lenten season in Cincinnati can only mean one thing: Fish Fry Fridays are back. (That and someone you know has given up chocolate for 40 days.) Almost every church in Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky — and assorted savvy eateries — offers some type of special fried fish dish on Fridays. But the best way to get a dose of battered and crispy cod is to head down to any Catholic church and partake in the age-old tradition of abstaining from meat at the end of the week. Even if you’re not Catholic, it’s a great way to socialize and enjoy some greasy comfort food (and sometimes beer). One must-attend Lenten event is the Mary, Queen of Heaven Fish Fry (1130 Donaldson Road, Erlanger, mqhparish.com), home of the “codfather.” This fry boasts a huge menu of Icelandic cod including a signature Holy Haddock sandwich and coveted appearances by the namesake Codfather, aka John Geisen, the CEO of Izzy’s, who dresses in Mafioso gear and carries around a huge stuffed fish for cherished photo ops.

Find a list of annual Lenten fish fries via thecatholictelegraph.com.

Photo via Facebook.com/MQHFishFry
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Take a Tour of the World’s Only Ventriloquism Museum

Northern Kentucky’s Vent Haven is the only museum in the world dedicated to the art of ventriloquism. In addition to more than 900 dummies — some dating back to the 19th century — guests can view a library of vent-centric books, playbills and thousands of photographs documenting the art form. Founded in 1973 by Cincinnati native William Shakespeare “W.S.” Berger, who spent 40 years collecting dummies, recordings and notes related to ventriloquism, the museum is located on the grounds of — and inside — his former personal home. Vent Haven also hosts the international ConVENTion every year for hundreds of ventriloquists.
Vent Haven Museum, 33 W. Maple Ave., Fort Mitchell, venthaven.org.

Photo: Hailey Bollinger
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Take a Tour of the World’s Only Ventriloquism Museum

Northern Kentucky’s Vent Haven is the only museum in the world dedicated to the art of ventriloquism. In addition to more than 900 dummies — some dating back to the 19th century — guests can view a library of vent-centric books, playbills and thousands of photographs documenting the art form. Founded in 1973 by Cincinnati native William Shakespeare “W.S.” Berger, who spent 40 years collecting dummies, recordings and notes related to ventriloquism, the museum is located on the grounds of — and inside — his former personal home. Vent Haven also hosts the international ConVENTion every year for hundreds of ventriloquists.
Vent Haven Museum, 33 W. Maple Ave., Fort Mitchell, venthaven.org.

Photo: Hailey Bollinger
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Dress Up for a Performance at Music Hall

This 19th-century landmark is home to some of Cincinnati’s finest arts organizations, including the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Cincinnati Pops and the Cincinnati Opera. The splendor of the performances is matched by the magnificent interior of the venue, which underwent a significant renovation (completed in 2017) that included acoustic upgrades, new fixtures, more legroom and interesting tech. Embrace the sophisticated elegance by donning your best dress, suit or other regalia before heading out for an evening of high art.
Music Hall, 1241 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine, cincinnatiarts.org/music-hall.

Photo: Hailey Bollinger
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Dress Up for a Performance at Music Hall

This 19th-century landmark is home to some of Cincinnati’s finest arts organizations, including the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Cincinnati Pops and the Cincinnati Opera. The splendor of the performances is matched by the magnificent interior of the venue, which underwent a significant renovation (completed in 2017) that included acoustic upgrades, new fixtures, more legroom and interesting tech. Embrace the sophisticated elegance by donning your best dress, suit or other regalia before heading out for an evening of high art.
Music Hall, 1241 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine, cincinnatiarts.org/music-hall.

Photo: Hailey Bollinger
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Buy a Trinket at the Lucky Cat Museum

Located inside Essex Studios, this museum boasts a one-of-a-kind collection of Japanese maneki-neko “lucky cat” figures. The glass displays stretch across the walls, containing thousands of styles, colors and sizes of cats. Some are golden and others are white with red ears and green bibs. Some don black fur or are chipped. Some are stuffed, others are ceramic and plastic. There are wacky ones, too — teacups, slot machines, catnip toys — and handmade artisan creations. All of them, however, carry an undeniable charm. There’s even a gift shop, where you can purchase some luck of your own.
Lucky Cat Museum, 2511 Essex Place, Walnut Hills, luckycatmewseum.com.

Photo: Kellie Coleman
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Buy a Trinket at the Lucky Cat Museum

Located inside Essex Studios, this museum boasts a one-of-a-kind collection of Japanese maneki-neko “lucky cat” figures. The glass displays stretch across the walls, containing thousands of styles, colors and sizes of cats. Some are golden and others are white with red ears and green bibs. Some don black fur or are chipped. Some are stuffed, others are ceramic and plastic. There are wacky ones, too — teacups, slot machines, catnip toys — and handmade artisan creations. All of them, however, carry an undeniable charm. There’s even a gift shop, where you can purchase some luck of your own.
Lucky Cat Museum, 2511 Essex Place, Walnut Hills, luckycatmewseum.com.

Photo: Kellie Coleman
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Hunt for Ghosts at Loveland Castle

World War I army medic and Boy Scout troop leader Harry Delos Andrews built Chateau Laroche aka the Loveland Castle over the course of 50 years with handmade bricks (formed with quart-sized paper milk cartons) and stones from the nearby Little Miami River. Modeled after European castles, it features towers, a dry moat, hand-tiled ceilings, murder holes and a collection of period weaponry. The castle grounds are available for picnics, overnights and parties and are rumored to be haunted by a variety of ghosts.
Loveland Castle, 12025 Shore Road, Loveland, lovelandcastle.com.

Photo: Brittany Thornton
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Hunt for Ghosts at Loveland Castle

World War I army medic and Boy Scout troop leader Harry Delos Andrews built Chateau Laroche aka the Loveland Castle over the course of 50 years with handmade bricks (formed with quart-sized paper milk cartons) and stones from the nearby Little Miami River. Modeled after European castles, it features towers, a dry moat, hand-tiled ceilings, murder holes and a collection of period weaponry. The castle grounds are available for picnics, overnights and parties and are rumored to be haunted by a variety of ghosts.
Loveland Castle, 12025 Shore Road, Loveland, lovelandcastle.com.

Photo: Brittany Thornton
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See a Gift from Mussolini in Eden Park

Yep, the rumors are true: The Capitoline Wolf statue in Eden Park was a gift from Italian dictator Benito Mussolini. The bronze sculpture depicts a she-wolf nursing two young boys, and is intended to honor Lucius Quinctius Cincinnatus, a Roman statesman, farmer and namesake of this dear city. The two thirsty boys represent Romulus and Remus, twins whose story relates to the founding of Rome — in fact, various images of the boys suckling a she-wolf have served as symbols of the Roman people since ancient times. So how did it get here? Mussolini sent it over for a Sons of Italy convention in 1929… sort of: He gave us an exact replica of one in Rome’s Musei Capitolini, but it was switched out for a larger one in 1931. And that is the one that has remained in place ever since. Inscribed with “Il Governatore di Roma alla Citta di Cincinnati 1931 Anno X” — “from the governor of Rome to the city of Cincinnati in 1931 (year 10 of Mussolini’s reign)” — it sits at Twin Lakes, a former quarry that now boasts two lakes and views of the Ohio River.
Eden Park, 950 Eden Park Drive, Mount Adams, cincinnatiparks.com.

Photo: Hailey Bollinger
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Visit the City’s First Police Dog

Handsome was Cincinnati’s first K-9 cop. Found by a patrolman in 1898 as an abandoned puppy, the mutt quickly became a fixture at the police station and soon joined daily patrols, chasing down thieves and murderers. He reportedly assisted in hundreds of arrests in the course of his career. After his death in 1912, the beloved beast was stuffed and placed in a glass case to honor his contributions. He is now on public view at the Greater Cincinnati Police Museum, which is also home to thousands of local law enforcement artifacts and a memorial wall.
Greater Cincinnati Police Museum, 308 Reading Road, Pendleton, police-museum.org.

Photo: Megan Waddel
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Visit the City’s First Police Dog

Handsome was Cincinnati’s first K-9 cop. Found by a patrolman in 1898 as an abandoned puppy, the mutt quickly became a fixture at the police station and soon joined daily patrols, chasing down thieves and murderers. He reportedly assisted in hundreds of arrests in the course of his career. After his death in 1912, the beloved beast was stuffed and placed in a glass case to honor his contributions. He is now on public view at the Greater Cincinnati Police Museum, which is also home to thousands of local law enforcement artifacts and a memorial wall.
Greater Cincinnati Police Museum, 308 Reading Road, Pendleton, police-museum.org.

Photo: Megan Waddel
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Eat a Busken Bakery Smiley Face Cookie

Busken Bakery opened in 1928 and quickly became a Cincinnati staple with delicious donuts, bread and apple pies. These classic cookies — decorated with a neon-yellow smiley face (or the occasional seasonal design, like a Halloween jack-o-lantern) — are synonymous with the shop. Grab one at your local Busken Bakery, Kroger or UDF to add a smile to your own face.
Multiple locations, busken.com.

Photo via Facebook.com/BuskenBakery
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Eat a Busken Bakery Smiley Face Cookie

Busken Bakery opened in 1928 and quickly became a Cincinnati staple with delicious donuts, bread and apple pies. These classic cookies — decorated with a neon-yellow smiley face (or the occasional seasonal design, like a Halloween jack-o-lantern) — are synonymous with the shop. Grab one at your local Busken Bakery, Kroger or UDF to add a smile to your own face.
Multiple locations, busken.com.

Photo via Facebook.com/BuskenBakery
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Grab a Beer from One of Cincinnati’s Myriad Craft Breweries

It’s no secret that Cincinnatians love beer. And we’ve got dozens of breweries to prove it. From MadTree (3301 Madison Road, Oakley, madtreebrewing.com) to Rhinegeist (1910 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine, rhinegeist.com), there’s plenty of suds to sample. Braxton Brewing Company (27 W. Seventh St., Covington, braxtonbrewing.com) is a Northern Kentucky staple and 2020 saw the brewery open its first location across the river in Pendleton (331 E. 13th St.). The company boasts over 30 creations, including its classic Storm cream ale, toasty bourbon-barrel-aged beers and Vive hard seltzers. New on the scene is Esoteric Brewing (900 E. McMillan St., Walnut Hills, esotericbrewing.com), the Queen City’s first Black- and Filipino-owned brewery. Located in the historic Art Deco Paramount Building, the 6,000-square-foot public space has a speakeasy vibe complete with lounge chairs and cocktail tables. Craving a burger? Fifty West Brewing Company added to their empire in 2020 with the addition of Fifty West Burger Bar (7605 Wooster Pike, Columbia Township, fiftywestbrew.com), an homage to the 1950s roadside root beer stand. They also have a brewpub, volleyball courts and bicycle rentals along a stretch of Wooster Pike.

Photo: Hailey Bollinger
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Spot a Black Squirrel in Glendale

Black squirrels remain a bit of an anomaly in North America. The same species as the gray, these critters came by their sleek black-as-midnight coat via interspecies breeding with the fox squirrel, carrying over a mutated gene. Also, they’re super cute. See them for yourself in Glendale, which has been home to black squirrels since the 1940s when a local businessman brought four home from Harbor Springs, Michigan. In celebration of the village’s 150th anniversary in 2005, then-mayor Thomas Todd partnered with the same company behind the Queen City’s pig statues and the Frish’s Big Boy mascot to manufacture 25 uniquely-designed giant black squirrel statues — many of which still stand today. Take a stroll to spot the oft-amusing creations and, hey, you’ll likely see the real deal scampering about while you’re at it.
Glendale, Ohio, glendaleohio.org.

Photo: Google Street View
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Bask in Fall Vibes at McGlasson Farms Pumpkin Patch

A trip to McGlasson Farms is an autumn tradition in Northern Kentucky. An instagrammable spot with a pumpkin patch, sunflower field and produce for sale, visitors can snap cute photos and grab some apple butter while picking out the perfect jack-o’-lantern. Don’t miss an opportunity to snack on cider donuts, apple fritters and famous caramel apples, if they’re available. For an extra quaint adventure, take the Anderson Ferry (1 Anderson Ferry Road, Delhi, andersonferry.com) from Ohio into Kentucky and vice versa. The ferry, a 200-year-old mode of transportation traversing the Ohio River, is on the national register of historic places and was once operated by horses walking on a treadmill to turn a boat paddlewheel. Now, the ferry is horse-free, but still a charming — and convenient — experience to get you and your car from one state to the other. McGlasson Farms, 5832 River Road, Hebron, mcglassonfarms.com.

Photo: Facebook.com/McGlassonFarms
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Bask in Fall Vibes at McGlasson Farms Pumpkin Patch

A trip to McGlasson Farms is an autumn tradition in Northern Kentucky. An instagrammable spot with a pumpkin patch, sunflower field and produce for sale, visitors can snap cute photos and grab some apple butter while picking out the perfect jack-o’-lantern. Don’t miss an opportunity to snack on cider donuts, apple fritters and famous caramel apples, if they’re available. For an extra quaint adventure, take the Anderson Ferry (1 Anderson Ferry Road, Delhi, andersonferry.com) from Ohio into Kentucky and vice versa. The ferry, a 200-year-old mode of transportation traversing the Ohio River, is on the national register of historic places and was once operated by horses walking on a treadmill to turn a boat paddlewheel. Now, the ferry is horse-free, but still a charming — and convenient — experience to get you and your car from one state to the other. McGlasson Farms, 5832 River Road, Hebron, mcglassonfarms.com.

Photo: Facebook.com/McGlassonFarms
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Watch Cars Smash into Each Other at the Hamilton County Fair Demolition Derby

Rev your engines and call your 4-H Club: the Hamilton County Fair is an annual extravaganza featuring a midway full of rides and games, livestock displays, arts and crafts exhibits, carnival food, giant tomatoes and all the rest of the wholesome county antics you’d expect. Things generally kick off with a celebrity demolition derby followed by non-celebrity derbies throughout the rest of the week. Nothing says “fun” like watching drivers bash their already-old cars into smithereens. Wander the grounds to find other activities like a petting zoo, circus acts, live music, blue ribbon displays in the exhibition halls and all manner of fried foods.
Hamilton County Fairgrounds, 7801 Anthony Wayne Ave., Carthage, hamiltoncountyfair.com.

Photo: Provided
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Watch Cars Smash into Each Other at the Hamilton County Fair Demolition Derby

Rev your engines and call your 4-H Club: the Hamilton County Fair is an annual extravaganza featuring a midway full of rides and games, livestock displays, arts and crafts exhibits, carnival food, giant tomatoes and all the rest of the wholesome county antics you’d expect. Things generally kick off with a celebrity demolition derby followed by non-celebrity derbies throughout the rest of the week. Nothing says “fun” like watching drivers bash their already-old cars into smithereens. Wander the grounds to find other activities like a petting zoo, circus acts, live music, blue ribbon displays in the exhibition halls and all manner of fried foods.
Hamilton County Fairgrounds, 7801 Anthony Wayne Ave., Carthage, hamiltoncountyfair.com.

Photo: Provided
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Catch a Florence Y’alls Game

The Florence Freedom, Northern Kentucky’s only independent pro baseball club, underwent a name change in early 2020, forgoing their alliterative and totally abstract moniker for one that’s even more bizarre — the Y’alls. Christened after their city’s infamous red-and-white water tower, which sports the message “FLORENCE Y’ALL” in all-caps, the team takes the field in powder blue uniforms that look as though they were designed in the early 1980s. If a nostalgic night surrounded by cheap eats, low-stakes local sports action and an anthropomorphic water tower mascot sounds like your cup of tea — or plastic cup of beer — take yourself and your loved ones out to the old ballgame.
UC Health Stadium, 7950 Freedom Way, Florence, florenceyalls.com.

Photo via Facebook.com/florenceyallsbaseball
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Catch a Florence Y’alls Game

The Florence Freedom, Northern Kentucky’s only independent pro baseball club, underwent a name change in early 2020, forgoing their alliterative and totally abstract moniker for one that’s even more bizarre — the Y’alls. Christened after their city’s infamous red-and-white water tower, which sports the message “FLORENCE Y’ALL” in all-caps, the team takes the field in powder blue uniforms that look as though they were designed in the early 1980s. If a nostalgic night surrounded by cheap eats, low-stakes local sports action and an anthropomorphic water tower mascot sounds like your cup of tea — or plastic cup of beer — take yourself and your loved ones out to the old ballgame.
UC Health Stadium, 7950 Freedom Way, Florence, florenceyalls.com.

Photo via Facebook.com/florenceyallsbaseball
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Hang Out on a Rooftop

One of the most romantic ways to take in Cincinnati is perched upon a rooftop, cocktail in hand. And the Queen City doesn’t skimp on such sights. The 5,000-square-foot Vista at Lytle Park Hotel (311 Pike St., Downtown, thelytleparkhotel.com) boasts the newest digs, offering two fireplaces, a menu with shareable items, plenty of drinks and an indoor lounge with windows that open to the outdoor space. Catch other stunning angles at Top of the Park at The Phelps (506 E. Fourth St., Downtown, topoftheparkcincinnati.com); AC Upper Deck (135 Joe Nuxhall Way, The Banks, acupperdeck.com); The View at Shires’ Garden (309 Vine St., Downtown, theviewatshiresgarden.com); Rhinegeist (1910 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine, rhinegeist.com); and 21c Museum Hotel’s Cocktail Terrace (609 Walnut St., Downtown, 21cmuseumhotels.com). 21c’s seasonal patio is accessed by a secret alleyway elevator and offers panoramic views of downtown and popsicle-infused cocktails.

Photo: Hailey Bollinger
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Dine Like a Movie Star

We’ve all daydreamed about starring in a movie while seated in a diner — an orchestral score softly playing as the rain on the window frames your meal with cinematographic elegance. Fortunately for escapist film buffs, your life can be a movie in the Queen City. Blue Jay Restaurant (4154 Hamilton Ave., Northside, searchable on Facebook) and Pepper Pod (703 Monmouth St., Newport, searchable on Facebook) have each served as settings for recent flicks. The former’s nature-themed wall art was a rustic backdrop for A24 horror film The Killing of a Sacred Deer and Robert Redford’s The Old Man and the Gun, while the latter was briefly featured in the Ted Bundy biopic Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile. If you’re in the mood for something a little more sit-down, visit Italian restaurant Pompilio’s (600 Washington Ave., Newport, pompilios.com), which showed up the 1988 Cruise/Hoffman vehicle Rain Man (and 1993 cult classic rollerblading flick Airborne) or Maury’s Tiny Cove (3908 Harrison Ave., Cheviot, maurys-steakhouse.com), appearing on screen in the critically-acclaimed and award-winning 2015 film Carol.

Photo: Hailey Bollinger
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Rent a Canoe and Float Your Cares Away Along the Little Miami or Whitewater River

Come summer, Cincinnatians flock to the Little Miami or Whitewater Rivers to canoe (the Ohio isn’t super paddler friendly). And there’s plenty of businesses to rent gear from. Experienced solo paddlers can visit Green Acres Canoe (10465 Suspension Bridge Road, Harrison, greenacrescanoe.com), which rents out single-person sit-on-top kayaks to those over 13 years old. Families, including pets, can rent from the Fort Ancient location of Morgan’s Canoe and Outdoor Adventures (5701 OH-350, Oregonia, morganscanoe.com), which offers a 3-mile bike trip with a walk back on the Little Miami Bike Trail. Or Loveland Canoe & Kayak (174 Karl Brown Way, Loveland, lovelandcanoe.com), a dog-friendly and family-friendly outfitter that offers easy floats past historic Loveland Castle.

Photo: Savana Willhoite
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Discover Newport’s Fairy Doors

Keep your eyes peeled — and low — next time you’re out in Newport, Kentucky: You just might spot one of the miniature doors that anonymous locals have crafted and installed along the stoops, storefronts and sidewalks of the neighborhood. There’s no word on what magical realist implications opening portals to the supernatural realm might have for the Tri-State area, but these pint-sized passageways seem well-suited for fairies, gnomes or Keebler elves. If you’ve located a door, share your findings with the Newport Fairy Doors Facebook group to conduct further research.

Photo: Savana Willhoite
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Discover Newport’s Fairy Doors

Keep your eyes peeled — and low — next time you’re out in Newport, Kentucky: You just might spot one of the miniature doors that anonymous locals have crafted and installed along the stoops, storefronts and sidewalks of the neighborhood. There’s no word on what magical realist implications opening portals to the supernatural realm might have for the Tri-State area, but these pint-sized passageways seem well-suited for fairies, gnomes or Keebler elves. If you’ve located a door, share your findings with the Newport Fairy Doors Facebook group to conduct further research.

Photo: Savana Willhoite
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Watch Planes Take Off and Land at the Lunken Airport Bike Path

If you like watching airplanes, the Otto Armleder Memorial Park, located just 1 mile north of Lunken Airport, is certainly a top spot for you. Take to the park’s Lunken Airport Bike Path, a 5-mile loop trail, for views of the airport and the Little Miami River. The spot also boasts a massive dog park. 5057 Wooster Pike, East End, greatparks.org.

Photo via Cincinnati Warbirds’ Facebook
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Watch Planes Take Off and Land at the Lunken Airport Bike Path

If you like watching airplanes, the Otto Armleder Memorial Park, located just 1 mile north of Lunken Airport, is certainly a top spot for you. Take to the park’s Lunken Airport Bike Path, a 5-mile loop trail, for views of the airport and the Little Miami River. The spot also boasts a massive dog park. 5057 Wooster Pike, East End, greatparks.org.

Photo via Cincinnati Warbirds’ Facebook
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Take an ArtWorks Mural Tour

Since its inception in 2007, the ArtWorks mural program has been a boon to public art along the streets of Cincinnati. The nonprofit organization — dedicated to employing and training local youth and other creative individuals to achieve community impact through art — has created 200 of them. To see the centrally located pieces, take ArtWorks’ “Spirit of OTR” walking tour, a mile-long look at 10 to 12 murals with stories of their origin and how they’re connected to the city. ArtWorks volunteers and the apprentice mural painters responsible for these creations take guests through Cincy’s historic downtown, testing their knowledge of the city’s history and sharing anecdotes from the painting process. ArtWorks, artworkscincinnati.org.

Photo: Savana Willhoite
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Take an ArtWorks Mural Tour

Since its inception in 2007, the ArtWorks mural program has been a boon to public art along the streets of Cincinnati. The nonprofit organization — dedicated to employing and training local youth and other creative individuals to achieve community impact through art — has created 200 of them. To see the centrally located pieces, take ArtWorks’ “Spirit of OTR” walking tour, a mile-long look at 10 to 12 murals with stories of their origin and how they’re connected to the city. ArtWorks volunteers and the apprentice mural painters responsible for these creations take guests through Cincy’s historic downtown, testing their knowledge of the city’s history and sharing anecdotes from the painting process. ArtWorks, artworkscincinnati.org.

Photo: Savana Willhoite
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Channel Your Inner Bilbo Baggins at Rowe Woods

The Cincinnati Nature Center’s Rowe Woods is home to 14 miles of trails. Swing by Powel Crosley Lake to watch turtles and fish splash past or, if the timing is right, pose for a photo-op. CNC offers a variety of programs, from guided full-moon hikes to wildflower strolls with a naturalist and Hike for Your Health, an activity in which participants can win prizes for hiking all 17 trails at Rowe Woods and Long Branch Farm & Trails. No matter the path you choose, its lush landscape is the perfect backdrop for an adventure. Go forth! Cincinnati Nature Center, 4949 Tealtown Road, Milford, cincynature.org.

Photo: Vincent DiFrancesco
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Channel Your Inner Bilbo Baggins at Rowe Woods

The Cincinnati Nature Center’s Rowe Woods is home to 14 miles of trails. Swing by Powel Crosley Lake to watch turtles and fish splash past or, if the timing is right, pose for a photo-op. CNC offers a variety of programs, from guided full-moon hikes to wildflower strolls with a naturalist and Hike for Your Health, an activity in which participants can win prizes for hiking all 17 trails at Rowe Woods and Long Branch Farm & Trails. No matter the path you choose, its lush landscape is the perfect backdrop for an adventure. Go forth! Cincinnati Nature Center, 4949 Tealtown Road, Milford, cincynature.org.

Photo: Vincent DiFrancesco
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Visit Over-the-Rhine’s Wodka Bar, One of the Nation’s Best Bars

According to Esquire magazine’s 2020 list of the Best Bars in America, Over-the-Rhine’s Wodka Bar is one of the top 27 drinking destinations in the U.S. The Eastern European-inspired cocktail lounge is a celebration of its namesake beverage, offering unique vodka infusions that feature dill pickle, coffee bean and peanut brittle. Those on the go can visit the takeout window to pick up borscht and pierogies, including a popular four-way pierogi made with vegetarian Cincinnati chili. Wodka Bar, 1200 Main St., Over-the-Rhine, wodkabarotr.com.

Photo: Hailey Bollinger
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Visit Over-the-Rhine’s Wodka Bar, One of the Nation’s Best Bars

According to Esquire magazine’s 2020 list of the Best Bars in America, Over-the-Rhine’s Wodka Bar is one of the top 27 drinking destinations in the U.S. The Eastern European-inspired cocktail lounge is a celebration of its namesake beverage, offering unique vodka infusions that feature dill pickle, coffee bean and peanut brittle. Those on the go can visit the takeout window to pick up borscht and pierogies, including a popular four-way pierogi made with vegetarian Cincinnati chili. Wodka Bar, 1200 Main St., Over-the-Rhine, wodkabarotr.com.

Photo: Hailey Bollinger
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See all the Dressed-Up Pups at the Mount Adams Reindog Parade

Dressing your furry friend in his or her holiday best to sashay your way through the streets of Mount Adams? Now that’s what the Christmas season is all about. The Mount Adams Reindog Parade, which happens each December, has given pooch owners a chance to do just that for the past three decades. Prizes are awarded for the best costumes, which brings out the creative elf in everyone. Proceeds benefit SPCA Cincinnati, and plenty of neighborhood bar and restaurant patios go dog-friendly for the day. Even if you don’t have a dog of your own, it’s entertaining enough to see all the entries for Best Dog/Owner Look-A-Like. Mount Adams Reingdog Parade, spcacincinnati.org.

Photo: Emerson Swoger

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See all the Dressed-Up Pups at the Mount Adams Reindog Parade

Dressing your furry friend in his or her holiday best to sashay your way through the streets of Mount Adams? Now that’s what the Christmas season is all about. The Mount Adams Reindog Parade, which happens each December, has given pooch owners a chance to do just that for the past three decades. Prizes are awarded for the best costumes, which brings out the creative elf in everyone. Proceeds benefit SPCA Cincinnati, and plenty of neighborhood bar and restaurant patios go dog-friendly for the day. Even if you don’t have a dog of your own, it’s entertaining enough to see all the entries for Best Dog/Owner Look-A-Like. Mount Adams Reingdog Parade, spcacincinnati.org.

Photo: Emerson Swoger

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Step Back in Time at a Local Drive-In Theater

The Greater Cincinnati area has two drive-in theaters — Holiday Auto Theatre in Oxford and Starlite Drive-In in Amelia. And both, like drive-ins across the country, have seen a renewed interest in their offerings since the advent of COVID. With vintage vibes and cheery concession stands, the theaters offer an opportunity to hang in your car while you watch first-run films and classic cinema with sound beamed straight to your radio. Starlite, open since 1947, and Holiday, open for more than 60 years, both offer double features for the price of one (and an option to pay an additional $5ish to bring in your own food). Holiday Auto Theatre, 1816 Old Oxford Road, Oxford, holidayautotheatre.com. Starlite Drive-In, 2255 State Route Ohio-125, Amelia, starlitedriveinohio.com.

Photo: Jesse Fox
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Spend a Saturday in Rabbit Hash

For those yet to take a trip down the rabbit hole, this historic Kentucky rivertown is located approximately 30 miles southwest of Cincinnati in Boone County, Kentucky in a place where time appears to have stood still. The Rabbit Hash General Store, open since 1831 and regarded as one of the best-preserved country stores in the Bluegrass State, was destroyed by a fire several years ago, but the town rallied to reopen it. Rabbit Hash is unincorporated, so it is without fixed boundaries, but the hamlet is considered to have a population of about 315. It is known for its series of dog mayors, barn dances, motorcycle culture and other quaint country trappings. Visit on the weekend for a glass of wine from Verona Vineyards’ outpost and listen to some live Bluegrass. Rabbit Hash, Kentucky, rabbithash.com.

Photo: Hailey Bollinger
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Spend a Saturday in Rabbit Hash

For those yet to take a trip down the rabbit hole, this historic Kentucky rivertown is located approximately 30 miles southwest of Cincinnati in Boone County, Kentucky in a place where time appears to have stood still. The Rabbit Hash General Store, open since 1831 and regarded as one of the best-preserved country stores in the Bluegrass State, was destroyed by a fire several years ago, but the town rallied to reopen it. Rabbit Hash is unincorporated, so it is without fixed boundaries, but the hamlet is considered to have a population of about 315. It is known for its series of dog mayors, barn dances, motorcycle culture and other quaint country trappings. Visit on the weekend for a glass of wine from Verona Vineyards’ outpost and listen to some live Bluegrass. Rabbit Hash, Kentucky, rabbithash.com.

Photo: Hailey Bollinger
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Find Unique tombstones at Spring Grove Cemetery

Two 7-foot headstones made in the likeness of SpongeBob SquarePants were the center of controversy when they were first erected in 2013 at Spring Grove Cemetery. The headstones belong to Kimberly Walker — an Iraq War veteran who was murdered at age 28 — and her living twin sister, Kara Walker. The Bikini Bottom resident was Kimberly’s favorite cartoon character and the statue wears her army uniform, name and rank. Though Spring Grove initially approved the headstone, they removed it the following day, deeming it inappropriate for the historic cemetery. After months of back-and-forth, the headstones were reinstalled; but now they’re joined by two granite slabs, which shield them from being seen from the road. In the process, the story attracted international coverage and became a weird nugget of Cincinnati history. Beyond SpongeBob, the 150-year-old Spring Grove — also an arboretum — is home to myriad decorative and grand grave markers and is the final resting place of many famous Cincinnatians, from politicians to beer barons. Spring Grove Cemetery & Arboretum, 4521 Spring Grove Ave., Spring Grove Village, springgrove.org.

Photo: Tyler Bollinger
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Find Unique tombstones at Spring Grove Cemetery

Two 7-foot headstones made in the likeness of SpongeBob SquarePants were the center of controversy when they were first erected in 2013 at Spring Grove Cemetery. The headstones belong to Kimberly Walker — an Iraq War veteran who was murdered at age 28 — and her living twin sister, Kara Walker. The Bikini Bottom resident was Kimberly’s favorite cartoon character and the statue wears her army uniform, name and rank. Though Spring Grove initially approved the headstone, they removed it the following day, deeming it inappropriate for the historic cemetery. After months of back-and-forth, the headstones were reinstalled; but now they’re joined by two granite slabs, which shield them from being seen from the road. In the process, the story attracted international coverage and became a weird nugget of Cincinnati history. Beyond SpongeBob, the 150-year-old Spring Grove — also an arboretum — is home to myriad decorative and grand grave markers and is the final resting place of many famous Cincinnatians, from politicians to beer barons. Spring Grove Cemetery & Arboretum, 4521 Spring Grove Ave., Spring Grove Village, springgrove.org.

Photo: Tyler Bollinger
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Walk the Steps of Holy Cross-Immaculata Parish

It’s a tradition that at 12:01 a.m. on Good Friday, people begin to climb the 94 steps up from the street level to Mount Adams’ Holy Cross-Immaculata Parish and pray the rosary (or say any variety of prayer they wish). Climb the steps at least once just for the view. You don’t have to be Catholic to participate, and the parish has a helpful FAQ online answering questions like, “What does it mean to ‘pray the rosary?’” Holy Cross-Immaculata Parish, 30 Guido St., Mount Adams, 2011.hciparish.org.

Photo via facebook.com/HCIchurch/
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Walk the Steps of Holy Cross-Immaculata Parish

It’s a tradition that at 12:01 a.m. on Good Friday, people begin to climb the 94 steps up from the street level to Mount Adams’ Holy Cross-Immaculata Parish and pray the rosary (or say any variety of prayer they wish). Climb the steps at least once just for the view. You don’t have to be Catholic to participate, and the parish has a helpful FAQ online answering questions like, “What does it mean to ‘pray the rosary?’” Holy Cross-Immaculata Parish, 30 Guido St., Mount Adams, 2011.hciparish.org.

Photo via facebook.com/HCIchurch/
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Wander in Wonder during the Cincinnati Zoo’s Festival of Lights

Take a walk through this wild winter wonderland. The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden does its annual holiday glow-up with one of the top light displays in the country, giving its usual attractions — like the adorable Fiona — some competition. In addition to 3 million twinkling LED lights, festively adorned foliage, glowing animal sculptures and the ever-so-Instagrammable rainbow-light tunnel, there are also puppet shows, the Toyland Express train ride, everyone’s favorite synchronized holiday music-and-light display on Swan Lake, assorted s’mores stands — and spiked hot chocolate — plus visits from Santa.
Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, 3400 Vine St., Avondale, cincinnatizoo.org.

Photo: Vincent DiFrancesco
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Wander in Wonder during the Cincinnati Zoo’s Festival of Lights

Take a walk through this wild winter wonderland. The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden does its annual holiday glow-up with one of the top light displays in the country, giving its usual attractions — like the adorable Fiona — some competition. In addition to 3 million twinkling LED lights, festively adorned foliage, glowing animal sculptures and the ever-so-Instagrammable rainbow-light tunnel, there are also puppet shows, the Toyland Express train ride, everyone’s favorite synchronized holiday music-and-light display on Swan Lake, assorted s’mores stands — and spiked hot chocolate — plus visits from Santa.
Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, 3400 Vine St., Avondale, cincinnatizoo.org.

Photo: Vincent DiFrancesco
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See Something “Kinda Weird, Just Like You” during the Cincy Fringe Festival

For 13 days every summer, Over-the-Rhine spotlights dozens of independent performances during the Cincinnati Fringe Festival. Headquartered at Know Theatre, festival attendees can enjoy not just great, kinda-weird theater, but also visual art, music, public classes and nightly after-parties. Know Theatre itself is known for putting on cutting-edge and avant-garde productions in its black box theater. The Wednesday Welcome Experiment makes shows accessible to all with totally free admission, so you can spend the ticket money you saved at the venue’s Underground Bar — a cocktail and cabaret space with drinks and programming to complement the goings on upstairs.
Cincinnati Fringe Festival, Know Theatre, 1120 Jackson St., Over-the-Rhine, cincyfringe.com, knowtheatre.com.

Photo: Dandy Darkly // Paul Corning Jr.
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See Something “Kinda Weird, Just Like You” during the Cincy Fringe Festival

For 13 days every summer, Over-the-Rhine spotlights dozens of independent performances during the Cincinnati Fringe Festival. Headquartered at Know Theatre, festival attendees can enjoy not just great, kinda-weird theater, but also visual art, music, public classes and nightly after-parties. Know Theatre itself is known for putting on cutting-edge and avant-garde productions in its black box theater. The Wednesday Welcome Experiment makes shows accessible to all with totally free admission, so you can spend the ticket money you saved at the venue’s Underground Bar — a cocktail and cabaret space with drinks and programming to complement the goings on upstairs.
Cincinnati Fringe Festival, Know Theatre, 1120 Jackson St., Over-the-Rhine, cincyfringe.com, knowtheatre.com.

Photo: Dandy Darkly // Paul Corning Jr.
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Get a Cincinnati-themed Shirt at Cincy Shirts

Ever wished you could wear your love for both the Cincinnati Reds and Cincinnati-style chili on your chest? Or an 8-bit rendering of a local landmark? Or a — definitely not fake — photo of an astronaut planting the Cincinnati flag on the moon? Well, Cincy Shirts knows exactly how you feel, and they’ve created the perfect T-shirt for you to proudly show your Cincinnati pride. Especially if you remember The Uncle Al Show.
Multiple locations including 1301 Main St., Over-the-Rhine, cincyshirts.com.

Photo via facebook.coom/cincyshirts
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Get a Cincinnati-themed Shirt at Cincy Shirts

Ever wished you could wear your love for both the Cincinnati Reds and Cincinnati-style chili on your chest? Or an 8-bit rendering of a local landmark? Or a — definitely not fake — photo of an astronaut planting the Cincinnati flag on the moon? Well, Cincy Shirts knows exactly how you feel, and they’ve created the perfect T-shirt for you to proudly show your Cincinnati pride. Especially if you remember The Uncle Al Show.
Multiple locations including 1301 Main St., Over-the-Rhine, cincyshirts.com.

Photo via facebook.coom/cincyshirts
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Visit the St. Rose Church Flood Markers

Cincinnati has been submerged by floodwaters many times over the past century, and St. Rose Church has recorded them all. The back of the church is painted with a flood marker, which shows how high the water reached on the building. It’s an invitation to imagine what Cincinnati would have been like under about a foot of water (as it apparently was in 1963) or drowned in Ohio River-spillover that reached past the second story of the church, which happened in the disastrous 1937 flood. The church’s website includes some pictures taken in the aftermath of that catastrophe, including one that shows a group of nuns navigating the streets in a rowboat.

St. Rose Church, 2501 Riverside Drive, East End, strosecincinnati.org.


Photo via Facebook.com/strosecincinnati
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Visit the St. Rose Church Flood Markers

Cincinnati has been submerged by floodwaters many times over the past century, and St. Rose Church has recorded them all. The back of the church is painted with a flood marker, which shows how high the water reached on the building. It’s an invitation to imagine what Cincinnati would have been like under about a foot of water (as it apparently was in 1963) or drowned in Ohio River-spillover that reached past the second story of the church, which happened in the disastrous 1937 flood. The church’s website includes some pictures taken in the aftermath of that catastrophe, including one that shows a group of nuns navigating the streets in a rowboat.

St. Rose Church, 2501 Riverside Drive, East End, strosecincinnati.org.

Photo via Facebook.com/strosecincinnati
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Watch out for Krampus at Christkindlmarkt

Krampus is an evil and horned, black-furred German Christmas creature that gives naughty children coal (and, in some versions of the story, carries particularly bad kinder into the woods). Several Krampuses visit the Germania Society’s Christkindlmarkt, a recreation of an authentic Bavarian-style Christmas market at Germania Park, to teach — but not terrify — kids every year. While there, check out the rest of the market, where you’ll find German music, German food (dill pickle soup, spiced gluhwein, strudels, cream puffs) and imported German gifts. Just don’t let Krampus stuff you into his sack.

Germania Society, 3529 W. Kemper Road, Colerain Township, germaniasociety.com.


Photo: Provided
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Watch out for Krampus at Christkindlmarkt

Krampus is an evil and horned, black-furred German Christmas creature that gives naughty children coal (and, in some versions of the story, carries particularly bad kinder into the woods). Several Krampuses visit the Germania Society’s Christkindlmarkt, a recreation of an authentic Bavarian-style Christmas market at Germania Park, to teach — but not terrify — kids every year. While there, check out the rest of the market, where you’ll find German music, German food (dill pickle soup, spiced gluhwein, strudels, cream puffs) and imported German gifts. Just don’t let Krampus stuff you into his sack.

Germania Society, 3529 W. Kemper Road, Colerain Township, germaniasociety.com.

Photo: Provided
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Get a Bag of Popcorn at the Esquire Theatre

The Esquire, Mariemont and Kenwood theaters cater to moviegoers with refined tastes for film… and snacks. Offering a vast selection of foreign films and Oscar-shortlisted titles, the Esquire family of cinemas pairs artistry with the best bag of popcorn you’ll find in Cincinnati. Salt and (real) butter flow freely into carbohydrate-stuffed paper sacks, applied carefully enough to harbor the perfect amount of crunch to accompany your cola. It’s classic Americana. If all that popcorn is making you thirsty, each theater is outfitted with a bar to wet your whistle. Visiting film buffs can pour up a star-studded cast of beers, spirits and wines to go with their goodies — the perfect marriage of salt, suds and cinema.

Esquire Theatre, 320 Ludlow Ave., Clifton, esquiretheatre.com; Mariemont Theatre, 6906 Wooster Pike, Mariemont, mariemonttheatre.com; Kenwood Theatre, 7815 Kenwood Road, Kenwood, kenwoodtheatre.com.


Photo: Emerson Swoger
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Get a Bag of Popcorn at the Esquire Theatre

The Esquire, Mariemont and Kenwood theaters cater to moviegoers with refined tastes for film… and snacks. Offering a vast selection of foreign films and Oscar-shortlisted titles, the Esquire family of cinemas pairs artistry with the best bag of popcorn you’ll find in Cincinnati. Salt and (real) butter flow freely into carbohydrate-stuffed paper sacks, applied carefully enough to harbor the perfect amount of crunch to accompany your cola. It’s classic Americana. If all that popcorn is making you thirsty, each theater is outfitted with a bar to wet your whistle. Visiting film buffs can pour up a star-studded cast of beers, spirits and wines to go with their goodies — the perfect marriage of salt, suds and cinema.

Esquire Theatre, 320 Ludlow Ave., Clifton, esquiretheatre.com; Mariemont Theatre, 6906 Wooster Pike, Mariemont, mariemonttheatre.com; Kenwood Theatre, 7815 Kenwood Road, Kenwood, kenwoodtheatre.com.

Photo: Emerson Swoger
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Go Down the Big Stone Slide at Burnet Woods

Feel like a kid again while skidding down this huge concrete slide in Burnet Woods. The park, located next to the University of Cincinnati, also includes the Wolff Planetarium at the Trailside Nature Center, a fishing lake, historic bandstand and plenty of shelters and picnic areas to rest your chapped bottom after a couple trips down the slide.

Burnet Woods, 3251 Brookline Ave., Clifton, cincinnatiparks.com.


Photo via Facebook.com/PreserveBurnetWoods
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Go Down the Big Stone Slide at Burnet Woods

Feel like a kid again while skidding down this huge concrete slide in Burnet Woods. The park, located next to the University of Cincinnati, also includes the Wolff Planetarium at the Trailside Nature Center, a fishing lake, historic bandstand and plenty of shelters and picnic areas to rest your chapped bottom after a couple trips down the slide.

Burnet Woods, 3251 Brookline Ave., Clifton, cincinnatiparks.com.

Photo via Facebook.com/PreserveBurnetWoods
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Attend Shakespeare in the Park

“All the world’s a stage,” literally. Or at least, “All the Cincinnati parkland’s a stage.” The Cincinnati Shakespeare Company puts on a free series every summer, bringing the wonder of the Bard’s best iambic pentameter to parks, public spaces and other area attractions throughout the Greater Cincinnati region.

Cincinnati Shakespeare Company, 1195 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine, cincyshakes.com.


Photo: Provided by Cincinnati Shakespeare Company
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Attend Shakespeare in the Park

“All the world’s a stage,” literally. Or at least, “All the Cincinnati parkland’s a stage.” The Cincinnati Shakespeare Company puts on a free series every summer, bringing the wonder of the Bard’s best iambic pentameter to parks, public spaces and other area attractions throughout the Greater Cincinnati region.

Cincinnati Shakespeare Company, 1195 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine, cincyshakes.com.

Photo: Provided by Cincinnati Shakespeare Company
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Play a Game of Cornhole

Sometimes called baggo or bag toss, cornhole (the correct way to say it) is the official pastime of dads everywhere in Cincinnati. The party game was purportedly developed in the West Side many years ago, though its origins are disputed. Regardless of where it began, however, cornhole is ubiquitous in Cincinnati. Whether you go to a graduation party, a brewery, a camping trip or a tailgating party, cornhole will show up. And you will play. Literally. Everywhere.

Photo: Hailey Bollinger
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Show Your Colors at Cincinnati’s Pride Parade and Festival

Since 1973, Cincinnati Pride has been providing the LGBTQ+ community and allies with a space to celebrate, affirm and express their individuality regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or expression. And each year, the Pride Parade and Festival is the largest manifestation of that mission. Attend the parade to see a community coming together — and plenty of decked-out, over-the-top floats. Dress to impress from the sidelines or the procession itself and then head to the family-friendly fest for all-day entertainment.

Cincinnati Pride Parade and Festival, cincinnatipride.org.


Photo: Hailey Bollinger
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Show Your Colors at Cincinnati’s Pride Parade and Festival

Since 1973, Cincinnati Pride has been providing the LGBTQ+ community and allies with a space to celebrate, affirm and express their individuality regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or expression. And each year, the Pride Parade and Festival is the largest manifestation of that mission. Attend the parade to see a community coming together — and plenty of decked-out, over-the-top floats. Dress to impress from the sidelines or the procession itself and then head to the family-friendly fest for all-day entertainment.

Cincinnati Pride Parade and Festival, cincinnatipride.org.

Photo: Hailey Bollinger
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See Fine Art at Summerfair

Hundreds of artists travel to Coney Island from across the country to display and sell their works at one of the nation’s oldest continuous art fairs. The exhibits are accompanied by live performances and food, with all proceeds supporting scholarships and exposure opportunities for student and professional artists.

Coney Island, 6201 Kellogg Ave, California, summerfair.org.


Photo: Provided by Summerfair
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See Fine Art at Summerfair

Hundreds of artists travel to Coney Island from across the country to display and sell their works at one of the nation’s oldest continuous art fairs. The exhibits are accompanied by live performances and food, with all proceeds supporting scholarships and exposure opportunities for student and professional artists.

Coney Island, 6201 Kellogg Ave, California, summerfair.org.

Photo: Provided by Summerfair
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Share a Secret at the Whispering Fountains at Union Terminal

If you talk to these walls, they might just whisper back. The acoustics of the Union Terminal rotunda make it so that if you and a friend stand at the drinking fountains on opposite ends, you can have a conversation across the room by speaking into the wall — just one feature of this endlessly fascinating structure. The massive Art Deco Union Terminal is steeped in Cincinnati history. A group of seven railroad companies built the terminal, which opened in 1933, in the face of the Great Depression. And the building’s 106-foot-tall half dome — the largest in the Western Hemisphere — greeted thousands of people as they arrived in Cincinnati every year, including soldiers returning from World War II. At its peak, the terminal offered restaurants, clothing shops, places to shower and a number of other amenities for weary travelers. But over time, a national decline in rail travel presented an identity crisis for the station — by 1972, trains were no longer serving the terminal at all — and the space became a short-lived shopping mall in the late 1970s before falling vacant entirely. Cincinnati wasn’t willing to abandon one of its crown jewels, however. By 1990, county voters had approved a levy allowing the building to become the home of the Cincinnati Museum Center. In 1991, Amtrak resumed limited train service into and out of the building. Union Terminal was back from near-death — but there was much more work to be done. A recent $213 million restoration has helped revive the icon, home to the Cincinnati History Museum, Museum of Natural History and Science, the top-rated Duke Energy Children’s Museum, a history library, the Holocaust & Humanity Center and an OMNIMAX theater.

Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal, 1301 Western Ave., Queensgate, cincymuseum.org.


Photo: Hailey Bollinger
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Share a Secret at the Whispering Fountains at Union Terminal

If you talk to these walls, they might just whisper back. The acoustics of the Union Terminal rotunda make it so that if you and a friend stand at the drinking fountains on opposite ends, you can have a conversation across the room by speaking into the wall — just one feature of this endlessly fascinating structure. The massive Art Deco Union Terminal is steeped in Cincinnati history. A group of seven railroad companies built the terminal, which opened in 1933, in the face of the Great Depression. And the building’s 106-foot-tall half dome — the largest in the Western Hemisphere — greeted thousands of people as they arrived in Cincinnati every year, including soldiers returning from World War II. At its peak, the terminal offered restaurants, clothing shops, places to shower and a number of other amenities for weary travelers. But over time, a national decline in rail travel presented an identity crisis for the station — by 1972, trains were no longer serving the terminal at all — and the space became a short-lived shopping mall in the late 1970s before falling vacant entirely. Cincinnati wasn’t willing to abandon one of its crown jewels, however. By 1990, county voters had approved a levy allowing the building to become the home of the Cincinnati Museum Center. In 1991, Amtrak resumed limited train service into and out of the building. Union Terminal was back from near-death — but there was much more work to be done. A recent $213 million restoration has helped revive the icon, home to the Cincinnati History Museum, Museum of Natural History and Science, the top-rated Duke Energy Children’s Museum, a history library, the Holocaust & Humanity Center and an OMNIMAX theater.

Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal, 1301 Western Ave., Queensgate, cincymuseum.org.

Photo: Hailey Bollinger
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Practice Your James Brown Moves at the Original King Records Site in Evanston

King Records was a powerhouse of the music world from the 1940s to the 1970s, eventually becoming the sixth-largest record label in the nation. The label launched artists’ careers across a variety of genres, from Funk to Country to Rock, including “Godfather of Soul” James Brown. The King building is currently abandoned but was recently acquired by the city. Community advocates hope it will become a studio and educational center.

Kings Records Site, 1450 Brewster Records, Evanston, facebook.com/historicherzog.

Photo: Hailey Bollinger
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Cross into Newport on the Purple People Bridge

It’s purple, it’s for people, and it is, indeed, the main pedestrian bridge connecting Cincinnati and Newport. Walk to Kentucky and back again, show your devotion to your significant other by leaving a love lock, or stick around for one of the events hosted on the bridge.
Purple People Bridge, 425 York St., Newport, purplepeoplebridge.com.

Photo: Hailey Bollinger
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Cross into Newport on the Purple People Bridge

It’s purple, it’s for people, and it is, indeed, the main pedestrian bridge connecting Cincinnati and Newport. Walk to Kentucky and back again, show your devotion to your significant other by leaving a love lock, or stick around for one of the events hosted on the bridge.
Purple People Bridge, 425 York St., Newport, purplepeoplebridge.com.

Photo: Hailey Bollinger
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Believe the Scary Stories at Dent Schoolhouse

From a 14-foot tall Necromancer statue to catacombs covered in 4,000 handmade human skulls to a wisecracking tin can, Bud Stross has brought horror to life at Dent Schoolhouse every Halloween. But Dent lays claim to an actual urban legend. After multiple kids went missing from the school in the 1940s and ‘50s and people started noticing a strange smell coming from the basement, Charlie the janitor claimed it was clogged pipes. But in 1955, after more missing children cases, the smell returned. As the story goes, an angry mob burst into the school building and into the basement, where they found the decaying remains of several past students. A search for Charlie began, but he was never found. And the Dent Schoolhouse closed its doors for good. Some say that the spirits of the children — and Charlie himself — still roam the hallways. You can decide for yourself if it’s haunted or nah. Regardless, hundreds flock to Dent — named one of the scariest haunts in the country by multiple publications — year after year for mega scares and paranormal tours.
Dent Schoolhouse, 5963 Harrison Ave., Dent, frightsite.com.

Photo: Facebook.com/thedentschoolhouse
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Believe the Scary Stories at Dent Schoolhouse

From a 14-foot tall Necromancer statue to catacombs covered in 4,000 handmade human skulls to a wisecracking tin can, Bud Stross has brought horror to life at Dent Schoolhouse every Halloween. But Dent lays claim to an actual urban legend. After multiple kids went missing from the school in the 1940s and ‘50s and people started noticing a strange smell coming from the basement, Charlie the janitor claimed it was clogged pipes. But in 1955, after more missing children cases, the smell returned. As the story goes, an angry mob burst into the school building and into the basement, where they found the decaying remains of several past students. A search for Charlie began, but he was never found. And the Dent Schoolhouse closed its doors for good. Some say that the spirits of the children — and Charlie himself — still roam the hallways. You can decide for yourself if it’s haunted or nah. Regardless, hundreds flock to Dent — named one of the scariest haunts in the country by multiple publications — year after year for mega scares and paranormal tours.
Dent Schoolhouse, 5963 Harrison Ave., Dent, frightsite.com.

Photo: Facebook.com/thedentschoolhouse
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Take the Hidden Tour of Cincinnati

Ever watched National Treasure and thought: “If Nicolas Cage can uncover so many mysteries lurking in plain sight in American cities, what’s our own Queen City got to hide?” OK, probably not. While not-so-high stakes, American Legacy Tours’ Hidden Cincinnati Tour will show you secrets just as cool as the ones found on the back of the Declaration of Independence (you know, in the movie, not in real life). Learn the backstory of two of Cincinnati’s fave foods; explore the building that was once home to the city’s famed streetcars and stock exchange; check out one of Cincy’s tallest buildings; and soak up riverfront views as you end the day with a free beer at the Moerlein Lager House.
American Legacy Tours, 1332 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine, americanlegacytours.com.

Photo via Facebook.com/AmericanLegacyTours
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Take the Hidden Tour of Cincinnati

Ever watched National Treasure and thought: “If Nicolas Cage can uncover so many mysteries lurking in plain sight in American cities, what’s our own Queen City got to hide?” OK, probably not. While not-so-high stakes, American Legacy Tours’ Hidden Cincinnati Tour will show you secrets just as cool as the ones found on the back of the Declaration of Independence (you know, in the movie, not in real life). Learn the backstory of two of Cincinnati’s fave foods; explore the building that was once home to the city’s famed streetcars and stock exchange; check out one of Cincy’s tallest buildings; and soak up riverfront views as you end the day with a free beer at the Moerlein Lager House.
American Legacy Tours, 1332 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine, americanlegacytours.com.

Photo via Facebook.com/AmericanLegacyTours
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Pack a Picnic and Eat it in Everybody’s Treehouse

For those who strongly believe treehouses aren’t just for kids, there is a place for you in Mount Airy Forest, and it’s called Everybody’s Treehouse. The wheelchair-accessible structure — the only treehouse like it in Ohio — was built in 2006. It was the vision of then-WCPO reporter Michael Flannery, who worked with the Parks Foundation, Cincinnati Rotary and Forever Young Treehouses to build this childhood nook for all. Bring a book, some lunch or some friends and enjoy this magical public space year-round.
Everybody’s Treehouse, 5083 Colerain Ave., Mount Airy, cincinnatiparks.com.

Photo: Hailey Bollinger
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Pack a Picnic and Eat it in Everybody’s Treehouse

For those who strongly believe treehouses aren’t just for kids, there is a place for you in Mount Airy Forest, and it’s called Everybody’s Treehouse. The wheelchair-accessible structure — the only treehouse like it in Ohio — was built in 2006. It was the vision of then-WCPO reporter Michael Flannery, who worked with the Parks Foundation, Cincinnati Rotary and Forever Young Treehouses to build this childhood nook for all. Bring a book, some lunch or some friends and enjoy this magical public space year-round.
Everybody’s Treehouse, 5083 Colerain Ave., Mount Airy, cincinnatiparks.com.

Photo: Hailey Bollinger
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Shop Local at The City Flea

Shop local at this “curated urban flea market,” which pops up monthly from May to October — with a special winter holiday market — in Washington Park. Small businesses and independent makers sell everything from vintage duds and air plants to apothecary items and artisan pizza.
Washington Park, 1230 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine, thecityflea.com.

Photo: Holden Mathis
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Shop Local at The City Flea

Shop local at this “curated urban flea market,” which pops up monthly from May to October — with a special winter holiday market — in Washington Park. Small businesses and independent makers sell everything from vintage duds and air plants to apothecary items and artisan pizza.
Washington Park, 1230 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine, thecityflea.com.

Photo: Holden Mathis
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Check Out the View from Devou Park

It is said that Cincinnati is built on seven hills, like Rome, but the reality is we have plenty more hills, heights and neighborhood names that begin with “Mount” than that. The alternating peaks and valleys of the city create excellent views from a variety of vantage points. There are about 50 classified scenic overlooks throughout the Tri-State and many other secret spots from which to see the lights of the city and the winding Ohio River — and Devou Park in Covington might have one of the best. With over 700 acres (plus a golf course, trails, bandstand and history museum), the overlook area is open dawn to dusk and offers a panorama of the city skyline from the Big Mac Bridge and Great American Tower to Carew Tower and the Kroger building. The designated overlook also offers benches, a gazebo, picnic tables and is ADA accessible.
Devou Park, 1201 Park Drive, Covington, exploredevoupark.org.

Photo: Hailey Bollinger
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Check Out the View from Devou Park

It is said that Cincinnati is built on seven hills, like Rome, but the reality is we have plenty more hills, heights and neighborhood names that begin with “Mount” than that. The alternating peaks and valleys of the city create excellent views from a variety of vantage points. There are about 50 classified scenic overlooks throughout the Tri-State and many other secret spots from which to see the lights of the city and the winding Ohio River — and Devou Park in Covington might have one of the best. With over 700 acres (plus a golf course, trails, bandstand and history museum), the overlook area is open dawn to dusk and offers a panorama of the city skyline from the Big Mac Bridge and Great American Tower to Carew Tower and the Kroger building. The designated overlook also offers benches, a gazebo, picnic tables and is ADA accessible.
Devou Park, 1201 Park Drive, Covington, exploredevoupark.org.

Photo: Hailey Bollinger
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Pick Your Own Sunflowers at Gorman Heritage Farm

If you follow ‘hip’ folks on instagram, they probably post an annual #candid of themselves in a field of sunflowers. And most likely, it was taken at Gorman Heritage Farm’s Sunflower Festival. Honestly: totally worth it for the cute pics alone. This autumnal celebration will put you in the seasonal spirit — crisp, early October weather; harvest hues of red, orange and yellow; cozy hayrides (bonus: snag some hot cocoa beforehand); and, duh, sunflowers. You can pick your own from the farm’s field by the stem or by the dozen. The festivities also generally include live music, hayrides, pumpkins, a beer garden and food and craft vendors, so the whole family can find something fun to do.
Gorman Heritage Farm, 10052 Reading Road, Evendale, gormanfarm.org.

Photo: Gorman Heritage Farm
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Pick Your Own Sunflowers at Gorman Heritage Farm

If you follow ‘hip’ folks on instagram, they probably post an annual #candid of themselves in a field of sunflowers. And most likely, it was taken at Gorman Heritage Farm’s Sunflower Festival. Honestly: totally worth it for the cute pics alone. This autumnal celebration will put you in the seasonal spirit — crisp, early October weather; harvest hues of red, orange and yellow; cozy hayrides (bonus: snag some hot cocoa beforehand); and, duh, sunflowers. You can pick your own from the farm’s field by the stem or by the dozen. The festivities also generally include live music, hayrides, pumpkins, a beer garden and food and craft vendors, so the whole family can find something fun to do.
Gorman Heritage Farm, 10052 Reading Road, Evendale, gormanfarm.org.

Photo: Gorman Heritage Farm
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Ride the Cincinnati Streetcar

While originally a contentious public transportation project, the streetcar — currently officially known as the Cincinnati Bell Connector — now offers riders the chance to travel a 3.6-mile loop from Findlay Market to The Banks downtown. With 18 stops (entertainingly narrated by hometown celebrity Nick Lachey), it’s certainly one way to get around whether you’re a tourist or playing one for the weekend. Cars come along every 12 to 15ish minutes and take you past cultural destinations like Music Hall, the Contemporary Arts Center and Fountain Square. Even cooler? Fare is now free, so it’s a cost-effective way to see city highlights (and/or bar hop) without using your legs.
Cincinnati Streetcar, cincinnati-oh.gov/streetcar.

Photo: Scott Dittgen
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Ride the Cincinnati Streetcar

While originally a contentious public transportation project, the streetcar — currently officially known as the Cincinnati Bell Connector — now offers riders the chance to travel a 3.6-mile loop from Findlay Market to The Banks downtown. With 18 stops (entertainingly narrated by hometown celebrity Nick Lachey), it’s certainly one way to get around whether you’re a tourist or playing one for the weekend. Cars come along every 12 to 15ish minutes and take you past cultural destinations like Music Hall, the Contemporary Arts Center and Fountain Square. Even cooler? Fare is now free, so it’s a cost-effective way to see city highlights (and/or bar hop) without using your legs.
Cincinnati Streetcar, cincinnati-oh.gov/streetcar.

Photo: Scott Dittgen
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See and be Seen at Ziegler Pool

Located in Ziegler Park, this renovated OTR pool is not only a community hot spot, but also a hip place to see and be seen. Partly because of the location (across from Alumni Lofts in the former School for Creative and Performing Arts), partly because of the cost (daily admission is $4 for adults, with free passes allocated for qualifying neighborhood residents) and partly because of the features. There’s a zero-depth entry, lap lanes and a rock climbing wall that arcs out over the water. Pool chairs are available, but seating is first come, first served, so go early on the weekends if you’re looking to lounge. There is a concession stand with popsicles, soda, etc., and guests are allowed to bring in their own food. No alcohol is served at the pool or allowed to be brought in, but Ziegler does have a liquor license for private events like Adult Swim parties.
Ziegler Pool, 216 Woodward St., Over-the-Rhine, zieglerpark.org.

Photo: Hailey Bollinger
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See and be Seen at Ziegler Pool

Located in Ziegler Park, this renovated OTR pool is not only a community hot spot, but also a hip place to see and be seen. Partly because of the location (across from Alumni Lofts in the former School for Creative and Performing Arts), partly because of the cost (daily admission is $4 for adults, with free passes allocated for qualifying neighborhood residents) and partly because of the features. There’s a zero-depth entry, lap lanes and a rock climbing wall that arcs out over the water. Pool chairs are available, but seating is first come, first served, so go early on the weekends if you’re looking to lounge. There is a concession stand with popsicles, soda, etc., and guests are allowed to bring in their own food. No alcohol is served at the pool or allowed to be brought in, but Ziegler does have a liquor license for private events like Adult Swim parties.
Ziegler Pool, 216 Woodward St., Over-the-Rhine, zieglerpark.org.

Photo: Hailey Bollinger
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Do an Urban Winery Tour

California might be the heart of America’s wine country today, but in 1859 Ohio was the nation’s leading commercial producer of vino. With more than 3,000 acres of grapes growing along the Ohio River and an epicenter here in Cincinnati, we pretty much dominated the 19th century wine scene, so much so that poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow immortalized our vineyards in his poem, “Catawba Wine.” And while the Queen City might be better known today for our beer culture, there’s still plenty to sample on an urban wine trail trek. Meier’s Wine Cellars (6955 Plainfield Road, Silverton, meierswinecellars.com) is Ohio’s oldest and largest winery, producing more than 45 different types of wines, sherry and a line of sparkling grape juice, which you can sample in their tasting room — cozily reminiscent of a German grandmother’s house. Then there’s the rest of the award-winning old guard: Woodstone Creek (4712 Vine St., Saint Bernard, woodstonecreek.com), a true artisan winery and distillery making everything from bierschnaaps to riesling ice wine; Henke Winery (3077 Harrison Ave., Westwood, henkewine.com), located in a quaint, two-story, 1800s West Side wood house; and Vinoklet Winery (11069 Colerain Ave., Bevis, vinokletwines.com), the only working winery with a vineyard in Hamilton County and a hugely popular destination because of its scenic location, tastings and “grill your own” dinners on the weekends. Newer, city-centric wineries have also popped up in recent years. Head to Skeleton Root (38 W. McMicken Ave., Over-the-Rhine, skeletonroot.com), a working winery and event space that pays homage to local wine history by producing heritage and European-style wines, crushed and aged on site, with minimal intervention. Or Revel OTR Urban Winery (111 E. 12th St., Over-the-Rhine, revelotr.com), a boutique winery and bar specializing in promoting local, regional and family-owned wineries — and its own small-batch house wine, made 44 barrels at a time and served in juice glasses.

Photo: Hailey Bollinger
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