Corfu, Greece…the Favorite Vacation Destination for an Empress

8 May 20233 May 2025

Overlooking the Mandraki Harbor in Corfu, the old fort displayed evidence of Venetian influence with images of winged lions resting on its fortification.

Kerkyra, more commonly known to tourists as Corfu, is located just off the mainland of Greece, between the Adriatic and Ionian Seas. Corfu Town is a popular port with a strong Venetian influence as exhibited in its architecture.

Throughout the maze of streets in the Old Town, there were several streetside cafes.

One of the more interesting areas of Corfu Town was Liston. Because it had once been occupied by the French, the country’s influence on Corfu was visible in its architecture. Fashioned after the Rue de Rivoli, it was a replica of one of Paris’ most famous streets. The French ruled here from 1797 to 1814 (with a brief rule by the Ottoman in between), and then later the British from 1814 to 1864.

In the early days when the Venetians ruled Corfu, only the noble and aristocrats were permitted to walk among the arcades.

Through the alleyways I caught a glimpse of the beautiful flowers cascading from archways and apartment balconies.

The Church of Agios Spyridon was located a few blocks behind the Liston. Built in the 16^th century, it displays ceiling murals designed by Panagiotis Doxaras.

I love the Greek tradition of placing candles in the sand outside of the church.

There are many shops scattered among the streetside restaurants that offer local delicacies. One of the shops provided samples of kumquats and kumquat liquor. Kumquats are a fruit that comes from a tree. They are small, about the size of an olive and resemble the orange in both appearance and taste.

It was time for us to board the bus headed to the Achilleion Palace. Sailboats anchored off the scenic coast as we made our way south during our drive.

The Achillion Palace was built for Empress Elisabeth in 1890 as a second home and retreat from her native Austria. It was later acquired by German Kaiser William II in 1898 after she was assassinated. The palace is now a museum displaying the belongings of both the Empress and Kaiser.

Throughout the mansion there were statues and paintings of Achilles. Achilles was a mighty warrior and Greek hero of the Trojan War. He was killed when a poisoned arrow was shot through his heel, the only vulnerable part of his body.

Another statue on the grounds of the mansion showed Achilles reaching towards his ankle in pain after having been shot. Today we know the tender area behind our foot as the “Achilles Tendon”.

In keeping with the Achilles theme throughout the mansion, the mural inside titled “The Triumph of Achilles” depicted Achilles’ defeat over Hector during the Trojan War. Achilles was riding a chariot dragging Hector behind.

Empress Elisabeth had a tragic life. A year after the death of her son, she decided to build a summer home on the island of Corfu. She grew to love the Greek culture and language and the Achillion Palace was her favorite place with its panoramic view of the island.

Elisabeth’s love of Greek mythology was evident in the entryway of her palace with statues depicting fairies and fauns.

Once I had completed the tour of the Achillion Palace, I took a moment to have a drink at the Nova Bella Vista, a Mediterranean café. It was the perfect opportunity to take in the coast.

We had a short bus ride to the town of Paleokastritsa on the east side of the island where we would visit a monastery, have a group lunch and then hang out at the beach if there is enough time.

The Monastery of the Virgin Mary, also known as Panagia Paleokastritsa, is of Byzantine origin and was first built in 1228. It was a short uphill climb from the beautiful bay of Paleokastritsa. The current structure was from the 18th century and provided stunning views of the coastline.

Even today, there are Greek Orthodox Monks who reside here to hold mass and provide assistance to the local residents. They offer tours of the monastery and grounds and are happy to answer any questions you may have regarding their home.

There are several resident cats who will take the time to play with you during your visit to the monastery. They live here permanently and are cared for by the monks.

As we approached the church, we were reminded that only those dressed appropriately (shoulders and knees must be covered) were permitted to enter. They also requested that we provide a small monetary donation.

Leaving the village of Lakones towards the bay, I was rewarded with a magnificent view of Paleokastritsa and the fir trees.

The crystal blue waters and rock formations below can be explored by kayak. There is a small beach here for those that have brought the proper attire, but soon we would board the bus to head back to the ship.

The bay of Paleokastritsa from the beach was full of craggy rocks. There were several restaurants across the street to enjoy a light lunch and there were a variety of menu items for sale. I did not want to leave the beautiful blue sky and blue sea, the friendly locals and the relaxed atmosphere. I can see why this island is perfect for an Empress.

Have you visited the island of Corfu? Where did you go and what was your favorite activity? I would be happy to hear about your adventures in Corfu if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my visit and wishing you Many Happy Travels!

…dragging Hector behind…

Have you had the opportunity to visit the island of Corfu? What was your favorite part of your visit? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my amazing visit to Corfu and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Old Venetian Fortress
Corfu, 491 00 Greece

Admission Fee: 6 Euros per person and 3 Euros for seniors
Hours: Open daily from 8AM to 8PM
Amenities: restaurant (expensive), restrooms, ice cream and refreshments
Scenic Views: The views of Corfu Town and the Ionian Sea are spectacular from the fort.
Length of the Tour: 2 – 3 hours
Tips for Your Visit: The entrance is located in front of the Liston near the Explanade. The climb to the top to see the lighthouse is steep. The walking paths are a bit slippery, so wear appropriate walking shoes. When the cruise ship is in port, the fort can be quite busy and with only one restroom, the lines can be long. The attraction is not handicap accessible.

Church of Agios Spyridon
Platytyra, Corfu, 49100
Telephone: +30 26610 39912

Admission Fee: No charge, but a small donation is much appreciated
Hours: Open daily from 7AM to 8PM
Length of the Tour: 1 hour
Tips for Your Visit: Wear appropriate dress which requires the shoulders and knees to be covered.

Achilleion (Achillion) Palace
Telephone: +30 26610 56245

Admission Fee: 10 Euros per person
Hours: Open daily from 8AM to 9PM
Amenities: restaurant nearby, audio guides, gardens, souvenir stalls, restrooms,
Scenic Views: The views of Corfu Town from the gardens is beautiful.
Length of the Tour: 2 – 3 hours
Tips for Your Visit: Have your passport/identification ready for renting the audio guide. When the cruise ship is in port, the palace can be quite busy and they have priority over individual entries, so go early in the day or late afternoon to escape the crowds.

The Monastery of the Blessed Virgin Mary, also known as Panagia Paleokastritsa
Kavos, Greece

Admission Fee: No fee, but be prepared to make a small contribution
Hours: Open daily from 8AM to 9PM
Amenities: restaurant with stunning oceanside views. udio guides, gardens, souvenir stalls, restrooms,
Scenic Views: Beautiful view of the Paleokastritsa up the climb and the restaurant also has amazing views
Length of the Tour: 1 – 2 hours
Tips for Your Visit: The walk up the hill to the monastery is quite steep. Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring water if the temperature is warm. There is a monk available to answer any questions you may have.

Where to Stay:

MarBella Corfu
Agios Ioannis Peristeron
49084 Corfu, Greece
Telephone: +30 26610 711836

Where to Eat:

Cafe Liston
Kerkiras 10
Kerkiras, 491 00 Greece
Telephone: +30 2661 045528

What to Eat:

Baklava is layers of phyllo dough filled with nuts, spices and sweetened with honey
Greek Salad
Greek Wine from Santorini is unique as the grapes are grown in volcanic ash
Gyros
Lamb
Local Olives
Mashed Fava Beans (Fava me Koukia)
Moussaka is an eggplant or potato based pie with meat and cheese
Pomegranates
Saganaki is a phyllo pastry stuffed with cheese and covered in honey
Souvlaki are meat kabobs made from lamb, beef or chicken
Spanikopita is a phyllo pastry filled with spinach, cheese, and sometimes onion
Tomato Fritters made with tomatoes and onion, they are spiced either with oregano and peppermint then deep-fried
Tzatziki is a yogurt based sauce with bits of garlic, onion, cucumbers, olive oil and lemon. Pita bread is usually served with this dish for dipping.

What to Read:

The Rough Magic by Mary Stewart
The Raven Witch of Corfu by Effrosyni Moschoudi
The Holiday by Erica James
Stars of Fortune by Nora Roberts
Invincible Summer by Alice Adams
The Venetian House by Mary Nickson

Photo Guide for Corfu, Greece

Old Town Corfu (Kerkyra)
St. George’s Church in Kerkyra
Achilleion Palace
Palaiokastritsa and the Monastery
The Gorge at Agni Bay
Cape Drastis
Vlacherna Monastery (near Mouse Island)
Canal d’Amour
Sunset at Loggas Beach
Porto Timoni Beach

A Tour of San Juan’s Castillo de San Felipe del Morro

21 May 201821 September 2024

San Juan’s Castillo de San Felipe del Morro is the iconic representation of a city rich with history and architecture. The fort, also known as El Morro, has lasted over 400 years, protecting the southwestern side of the island from invaders and pirates. But what was the reason that a fort was built here in the first place? It was strategically located between the continent of Europe and the New World where ships could seek shelter, water and supplies and it was determined, that occupation of this land would give wealth to the country that controlled this entrance into the Caribbean Sea.

It was in 1493 when Christopher Columbus came to the island and first claimed it for Spain. Puerto Rico would later fall to the British and Dutch, but only for very short periods of time. During the Dutch attack in 1623, hundreds of Dutch and Spanish soldiers gave their lives. It wasn’t until the 1800’s that Spain would cede ownership of the island to the United States of America, ending the Spanish-American War.

As I walked through the Greek-style entrance into the fort, I noticed the thick walls that gave an extra depth to the fortification of the city. It would take Spain over 250 years to build El Morro. The structure that stands today is similar to the how the fort would have looked in 1790.

I was so interested in the structure of the fort that I hardly noticed the large iguanas on the interior lawn of El Morro. I also noticed them climbing up the fortress wall and stopped a few times to take a closer look because they were camouflaged so well.

As I crossed the bridge into El Morro, I entered Level 5 of the six levels of the fort. Looking up from this level there were three flags representing the Spanish Army, Puerto Rico and the United States of America.

The cannons were a reminder of the importance of this fort in times when it was occupied to defend the island. Many of them used bronze 8-pound cannonballs that took eight to ten artillerymen to operate them. Their strategy was to fire the cannons every thirty seconds, reaching targets a mile away.

The kitchen was a very important part of the lives of the soldiers. Meals were prepared here using ingredients such as fish and cured meat that came from Spain. When the meat arrived, it was inedible so the soldiers soaked it with vegetables and spices creating a type of stew. It is said that this is the origin of sancocho, a stew that remains popular both in Puerto Rico as well as other Spanish-speaking countries.

After visiting many of the rooms, including the powder room, on the fifth floor, I took the ramp up to the sixth floor to see the area known as the “Land Defense”.

From the level six of the fort, it was easy to see why this floor would be considered a strong area of defense. With the evidence of cannons stationed here, there was little space between each one, guaranteed to hit their targets coming in from the sea.

It wasn’t until 1846 that the first of four lighthouses (two would be rebuilt) at El Morro were erected to provide safe passage for ships into and out of the harbor of San Juan. Prior to the restoration of the lighthouse that currently stands on El Morro, the previous house was made out of red brick and was in desperate need of repair.

I couldn’t help but notice the spectacular view from Level 6 of El Morro and imagined an invasion of ships heading toward us in the distance.

Next, I took the stairs down to the lower level. At this point, I was heading toward the Cannon Water Battery. It was here where I found the remaining cannons on display and the embrasures from which the cannons were fired.

There was a medieval watch tower in the center of the battery. Known as the Torre Antigua, some believe it may be haunted.

Looking over the wall, I could see another fort out into the horizon at the end of Isla de Cabras (Goat Island). This is El Morro’s sister fort, San Juan de la Cruz, translated as St. John of the Cross. It was strategically placed here to create crossfire in the event that ships would try to slip past El Morro on the far side of the channel. This small fort is also referred to as El Canuelo.

From this vantage point, I clearly understood the importance of this area in defense of the island and how important it was for protecting San Juan.

The view from the top of the fort emphasized the complicated structure of El Morro. The worn away, weathered stone and its height gave it the sense of strength and might. The thickness of the walls provided a sense of wonder and impenetrability.

I came across a structure that seemed more updated and out of place. I learned that this was once an Observation Post which was used during WWII. After the Second War, El Morro would no longer act as a military base.

Continuing my climb up the fort, I noticed where the cannons would have been placed and the circular patterns that they created when moved to the left or right to hit their target out in the ocean.

El Morro is unlike any fortress I have seen throughout the United States. It was built and designed to protect the city and remains an iconic figure to San Juan. There have been several forts along the American coasts, but this is one of the most fascinating and well preserved.

Have you had the opportunity to visit El Morro? What are your thoughts about this expansive structure? I would love to hear what you liked most about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about our exploration of El Morro and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Castillo de San Felipe del Morro
501 Norzagaray Street
San Juan, PR 00901
Telephone: 787 729 6754

Admission Fee: $7 which includes the Castillo San Felipe del Morro and Castillo San Cristobal and 24 hours are provided to visit both forts
Hours: Open daily from 9AM to 6PM. Closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
Amenities: Gift shop and restrooms
Scenic Views: Gorgeous views from the fort include the harbor and the cemetery as well as the shoreline.
Length of Visit: 2 – 3 hours
Tips for Your Visit: There are several iguanas and feral cats that roam the premises. Wear comfortable shoes, sunscreen and bring plenty of water. (Carts outside sell water).

Where to Stay:

Hotel Plaza de Armas Old San Juan
202 Calle San Jose
San Juan, Puerto Rico 00901
Telephone: 787 722 9191

Amenities: Non-smoking, free continental breakfast, WiFi, refrigerator and microwave; there is a free trolley nearby at Stop #8

Where to Eat:

Cafe El Punto
105 Calle Fortaleza
San Juan, Puerto Rico, 00901
Telephone: 787 725 1306

I can’t resist ordering the local dish, mofongo where the main ingredient is fried plantains most likely served with a healthy helping of meat such as chicken, beef or seafood.

What to Eat:

MOFONGO! This is absolutely my favorite dish in San Juan. Mashed fried plantains are smothered with meat and/or vegetables.
Alcappurias are similar to fritters filled with crab, meat or lobster and dipped in a batter made from green bananas.
Arepas de Coco is a bread made from coconut flour stuffed with meat, seafood or vegetables.
Chicharrones de Pollo are usually served as a side dish to mofongo, these tasty pieces of chicken are seasoned with garlic, oregano and achiote.
Chilo Frito is a fried red snapper served with fried plantains or french fries on the side.
Lechon is a suckling pig cooked whole and prepared juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside.
Pastelon: San Juan’s answer to lasagna made with plantains instead of pasta
The Pina Colada was invented at Barrachina in Old San Juan.

Where to Drink:

Marilyn’s Place
100 Calle San Francisco
San Juan, Puerto Rico, 00901

What to Read:

The Rum Diary by Hunter S. Thompson
The House on the Lagoon by Rosario Ferre
Simone by Eduardo Lalo
Mundo Cruel by Luis Negron
La Llamarada by Enrique Laguerre
Song of the Simple Truth by Julia de Burgos

Photo Guide for San Juan, Puerto Rico

La Perla in Old San Juan for its colorful umbrellas
The cobblestone streets and colorful buildings of Old San Juan
The Forts in Old San Juan

A sentry (lookout) at El Morro

Belltower at El Morro

The Restored Lighthouse at El Morro

The Layout of El Morro which resembles a bull

Stairs and ramps at El Morro

Beautiful View from El Morro

The Chapel at the Fort

Flags at the Fort

Seaside views from El Morro Fort

Jungle Jim’s International Market, Fairfield, Ohio

10 November 201616 September 2024

To describe Jungle Jim’s as an “International Food Lovers’ Paradise!” is more than accurate and may quite well be understated.

The parking lot was packed as I arrived at the supermarket’s flagship location in Fairfield, Ohio. Not quite sure what to expect, I was happy to have picked up a map because this place is ginormous. With my shopping cart, I began my trek through over 150,000 worldwide product and was happy to try some samples as well. I could have easily spent hours browsing the aisles, sorting through all of the fabulous merchandise and produce.

Greeted by a talking corn stalk, I would soon learn that the entertaining displays are as much a part of the experience of Jungle Jim’s as exploring the superstore and its endless grocery items.

Bearing towards the right, I passed the pharmacy and American grocery aisles. I soon arrived at the delicatessen where I found several stands displaying a wide variety of snacks. Attendants were distributing samples of organic crackers topped with brie cheese and fig jam. I found myself adding these items to my cart for my next get-together with friends.

I selected a few dairy products from Greece and Italy to create a charcuterie board to enjoy later that afternoon. I also selected a variety of cheeses from England, Ireland and Australia.

What’s a charcuterie board without wine? The wine and beer “wing” of the market is stocked with spirits from all over the world that at first glance, I was a bit overwhelmed. The wine representatives at Jungle Jim’s are more than helpful to help visitors find the best wines in their price range based on the wine that interest them.

Nearby was a liquor store, a humidor and a tasting bar. There is not much that Jungle Jim’s does not offer and who wouldn’t mind a glass of wine while shopping for groceries?

This is not just the average grocery store wine selection. There are aisles and aisles of wines from Argentina to South Africa, clearly marked by country.

One of my favorite areas of wine to explore is the local vintages where I stocked up on a few bottles from my favorite Ohio wineries.

The beer selection is just as impressive. I had a great time shopping for a few international beers to enjoy throughout the week. Each aisle is clearly marked by country and local beers making it easy for me to find the brands I wanted to sample.

Jungle Jim’s also has a tasting room where visitors can sample a pre-selected list of wines and beers for a minimal charge. I ordered a couple of samples and then a glass of wine, that I could drink as I continued shopping.

I passed the beer cave and restrooms heading away from the beer and wine until I arrived at the bakery. With so many selections, I decided to pick up some cannolis and macaroons.

The desserts seemed to continue on into eternity. In addition to Jungle Jim-made sweets, there are local selections from some of the best bakeries in Cincinnati.

The meat counter offers fresh cuts of meat or packaged items that include some exotic cuts of beef. One of my favorite areas of the market is the International produce where fruits and vegetables are imported from all over the world.

Where else can you find Durian fruit in the state of Ohio?

To the left of the International Produce section which includes such items as bok choy, chili peppers, yucca, etc., there are several rows of freezers and shelving units that display Asian foods and spices.

From Japanese to Balinese, Chinese to Taiwanese, there is no shortage of cooking items for making some of the best Asian dishes.

I couldn’t wait to explore the seafood area. Jungle Jim’s is one of the rare markets that carries sushi-grade tuna. I was also able to find lobster, oysters as well as a selection of local fish.

Once I had taken in the smells of the seafood and said goodbye to the lobster, I arrived at a large fire truck showcasing a never ending supply of hot sauce.

Germany is to my right and further down the aisle is a great selection of cookware and gadgets. From here, I could see Sherwood Forest representing the foods of Great Britain. I picked up some Twinings Tea and proceeded past the Hispanic section towards the aisles of Italy.

In the market for a couple of great pasta sauces, the Jungle Jim’s representative suggested a local option, so I grabbed one off of the shelf and began making my way towards the check out line.

Within minutes I was home and ready to open one of my bottles of wine after a long day of shopping. I had such an amazing experience at Jungle Jim’s and couldn’t wait to make a few new dishes from the ingredients I had just purchased. Removing a pad and pen from the kitchen drawer, I began a new list of items to purchase for another visit I planned for the next weekend.

Jungle Jim’s International Market first opened its doors as a permanent fruit and vegetable market in 1975. From its humble beginnings in a 4,200 square foot complex to a 6-acre megastore, Jungle Jim’s also provides a variety of additional services to its customers including banking, pharmacy, post office, jewelers, hair dressers and restaurants to name a few.

Have you visited Jungle Jim’s or experienced an international Superstore? I would love to hear about your experience so leave your comments below! Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Jungle Jim’s International Market
5440 Dixie Highway
Fairfield OH, 45014
Telephone: 513 674 6000

Jungle Jim’s International Market – Eastgate location
4450 Eastgate South Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45245
Telephone: 513 674 6000

Hours: Daily from 8AM to 8PM; Holiday Hours – Easter: 8AM to 8PM, Thanksgiving: 8AM to 5PM, Christmas Eve: 8AM to 6PM, Christmas Day: Closed, New Year’s Eve: 8AM to 8PM, New Year’s Day: 8AM to 8PM
Amenities: worldwide merchandise, guided tours, cooking classes, events, wine tastings
Length of Visit: Minimum 1 hour
Tips for Your Visit: Pick up a map of the venue; plan on at least a couple of hours if you want to explore the whole store. check out the website for upcoming events and cooking classes, arrive on Saturdays and Sundays for samples, and visit Monday through Friday to avoid the large crowds.

Where to Stay:

Holiday Inn Express Fairfield
6755 Fairfield Business, Joyce Park Drive
Fairfield, OH 45014
Telephone: 513 860 2900

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Cincinnati Eastgate
4521 Eastgate Blvd.,
Cincinnati, OH 45245
Telephone: 513 947 9402

Where to Eat:

Acapulco
5953 Boymel Drive
Fairfield, OH 45015
Telephone: 513 874 5777

I ordered the Hot & Spicy Burrito filled with refried beans, ground beef, shredded chicken and rice, topped with supreme sauce and sour cream.

BanThai

792 Eastgate S Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45245
Telephone: 513 752 3200

The Bento Boxes for lunch are the best deal priced at only $10.95 served with salad, spring roll, crab rangoon, fruit, and lo mein noodles or rice. So far, I have tried Box Number 3 (spicy tuna roll and 3 pieces of a California roll), Box Number 4 (Shrimp Tempura roll and 3 pieces of a California Roll), and Box Number 15 (Grilled 4 chicken satay). They are made fresh and extremely filling.

More of My Favorite Places to Eat:

Skyline Chili: My go-to meal at Skyline is the 4-way chili with onion served with oyster crackers and hot sauce. I always pick up two York peppermint patties after cashing out. Cincinnati chili is a beef based sauce served over spaghetti noodles and cheese. Additional toppings include onions and beans.
LaRosa’s Pizza: A local chain pizzeria, this Sicilian style pie is made with a sweet crust and sauce. My favorite menu item is the Caprese pesto Flatbread Pizza.
Graeter’s Ice Cream: It’s the French Pot process that makes Graeter’s Ice Cream so decadent and rich. Towards the end of the process, they pour chocolate into the mix creating large chunks of yummy goodness.
Montgomery Inn BBQ: Visiting the original Montgomery Inn BBQ at the boathouse is a culinary and scenic experience. Their ribs are served with a sweet and tangy sauce that has since made them the “Ribs King” and a favorite among locals. Load up on their amazing BBQ flavored Saratoga chips,
Glier’s Goetta: While it looks like a slab of corn beef hash, this breakfast staple is made of sausage and oats, cooked until crispy. Most breakfast restaurants carry it as a side, especially the local cafes and diners.
BonBonerie: One of the most decadent pastry shops in Cincinnati, their rich confections are absolutely amazing.

Books to Read:

Eligible: A Modern Retelling of Pride & Prejudice, by Curtis Sittenfeld
Running, by J.T. Cooper
Dead Witch Walking, by Kim Harrison
Beloved, by Toni Morrison
Double Dutch, by Sharon M. Draper
Romiette and Julio, by Sharon M. Draper

Photo Guide for Cincinnati (as provided by Chris Thompson on FourSquare):

The John A Roebling Suspension Bridge
- Pick a spot near the Covington pier and shoot north toward the Cincinnati skyline. Shoot at sunset and underexpose by a few stops to get the lights just right.
- The new lights on the bridge create excellent stars when you photograph them using a narrow aperture (~f/16 and above) on your camera. That means you’ll need a longer exposure (and thus a tripod).
General James Taylor Park
- Shoot from the top of the flag pole mound to get more building reflections in your shot. Shoot at sunset or sunrise for great lighting.
Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal
- Arrive first thing in the morning when the sun is coming up
The Fountain at Fountain Square
- For great photos of the fountain: set your camera on a tripod and use a long exposure (2-5 seconds) to capture the running water. Get Carew or the colored lights above Rock Bottom in the background.
Fountain Square (look for reflections in puddles)
Celestial Restaurant in Mount Adams – The restaurant is now closed, but you may still be able to use the parking lot.
Carew Tower Observation Deck
- Provides some neat photos of the highways snaking around the city. Set your camera on a tripod and use a long exposure to get moving car trails. It’s only open at sunset a few days each year.
Engine Company 46, 2733 Erie Avenue (at Michigan), Cincinnati
- One of the most beautiful historic firehouses in all of Cincinnati. The firefighters here are used to having their photo taken while they work. Ask nicely and you can get some cool shots.
Cincinnati Observatory Center
Krohn Conservatory
Great American Ball Park
- Shoot the front of the stadium around sunset to get a nice color blue in the sky. Get one of the player statues in your shot for extra effect.
Devou Park
- The overlook next to the Drees pavilion affords a great view of the Cincinnati skyline. Shoot at sunrise or sunset for the best lighting. Underexpose slightly to get the city lights just right.
Newport Central Catholic for fireworks
- Shoot the Riverfest fireworks from this location. Bring a long lens and a tripod. You’ll want a long-ish exposure (5-10 seconds) to capture the bursts, but make sure the skyline isn’t overexposed.
Riverfront Park
- The colorful fountains make a great subject, but you need to use a relatively fast shutter speed (>1/20 or so) to catch the lights before they change color, leaving your pic with plain white lights.
American Sign Museum
- Be sure to bring a tripod to capture all the signs. Manual white balance is the way to go, because there are so many crazy colors of lights that your camera won’t know how to react.

More photos

The Cigar Room

International Cheese

My Favorite Cheese! Feta!