- March 1st: Explore Cincinnati’s Sawyer Point and Yeatman’s Cove
- March 2nd: Enjoy some fruit wine at Bardwell Winery
- March 3rd: Spend time hiking the Olentangy River Trail North
- March 4th: Attend a special exhibit at the Cincinnati Art Museum
- March 5th: View period architecture at The Castle in Marietta
- March 6th: Order lunch at Mike and Rosy’s Deli
- March 7th: Book a nigh at the historic Simon Kenton Inn
- March 8th: Hike Columbus’ first Metro Park, Blacklick Woods
- March 9th: Choose between beer or wine at Plum Run Winery
- March 10th: Stop by Father John’s Brewery for a craft beer
- March 11th: Read about the Kitchen-Aid Store Museum in Greenville, now closed
- March 12th: Take in the view of Cincinnati’s Skyline from Devou Park
- March 13th: Eat lunch at Culp’s Cafe
- March 14th: Stop by Hartman Rock Center
- March 15th: Try delicious Amish cooking at Boyd & Wurthmann Restaurant
- March 16th: Escape the Cincinnati Traffic and Enjoy Eden Park
- March 17th: Enjoy a home cooked meal at The Farm
- March 18th: Make your own Wine at Grape & Granary
- March 19th: Hike East Fork State Park
- March 20th: Feast on donuts at Stan the Donut Man
- March 21th: Learn more about Springfield, Ohio: The City at the End of the Road
- March 22nd: Check out a great Ohio Winery: Old Schoolhouse Winery
- March 23rd: Grab a delicious BBQ sandwich at Rudy’s BBQ
- March 24th: Satisfy your Sweet Tooth at Fluff Bakery
- March 25th: Select one of Moerlein Christian Brewery‘s Timeless Ales
- March 26th: Order a glass of one of A.R. Winery‘s specialty wines
- March 27th: Sit down to a home cooked meal at Malabar Farm Restaurant
- March 28th: Stroll the quaint town of Historic Dublin, Ohio
- March 29th: Enjoy Bread Made with the Flour from Bear’s Mill
- March 30th: Find the old cabin at Fort Hill State Park
Tag Archives: Cincinnati Art Museum
Eden Park in Mt. Adams is the Perfect Weekend Escape from Cincinnati’s Rush Hour
After a long day of work in downtown Cincinnati, Eden Park was always one of my favorite places to escape the five o’clock traffic. From here, I could watch the barges float down the Ohio River and count the number of cars passing over the freeway into Kentucky.
The yellow Big Mac Bridge (Daniel Carter Beard Bridge) stands out with its bright color and my favorite bridge, the historic, blue John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge was once the longest suspension bridge in the world. The views from here are breathtaking, serene and the perfect spot for winding down from my work day. I reveled in the sites, watching the traffic thin out while the number of boats increased on the Ohio River.
Many times I would bring a book to read and find a seat on one of the benches surrounded by a rainbow of colorful flowers. To hear the low humming of the bee’s buzz and smell the blooms were moments of therapy and meditation. Occasionally, I would be visited by a friendly puppy out for his afternoon walk, or distracted by a jogger passing by on his afternoon run, but most of the time I found the overlook soothing and quiet.
Wondering what it would be like to visit on a weekend, I packed up a picnic lunch and set off for the park on a Sunday afternoon. Families enjoyed each other’s company as they barbequed near the parking lot at Twin Lakes . Children played on the lawn as their parents caught up with friends and family.
On Saturdays, when the park was less busy, I would stop by for a visit after enjoying some time at either the Cincinnati Art Museum or Krohn’s Conservatory. I loved driving through the grand entrance of the two small towers where eagle sculptures guarded the Melan Arch Bridge. Built in 1894, this regal gateway was the first concrete arch bridge in the state of Ohio.
The area, known as Twin Lakes, was once an old quarry. Updated to include walking paths and gardens, a footbridge was built to connect the two bodies of water. Several sculptures dedicated to the Queen City stand along the pathway where ducks enjoy floating about in the ponds as children launch their motorized boats in the water.
One of my favorite sculptures in the park is quite unique and stands out among the rest. Unlike the other statues is the Japanese man with a cormorant bird, a gift from Cincinnati’s sister city, Gifu, Japan.
According to the Japanese tradition of ukai, the fisherman would first tie a leash around the bird which would then dive for a fish, catching it in its throat. Unable to swallow the fish because of the tie around its neck, the fisherman would release the fish from the bird’s mouth for his own.
Another beautiful art piece in the park was a gift from Rome, Italy, a replica statue of the Capitoline Wolf. The city of Cincinnati was named after Lucius Quintus Cincinnatus, a Roman statesman and aristocrat, so it only seems fitting that Cincinnati would receive this sculpture from it’s sister city, Rome. The Capitoline wolf was the legendary mother of the ancient city’s founders, Romulus and Remus.
Within walking distance of the Twin Lakes is the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. From the park, I took a set of stairs to the Melan Arch Bridge where I stopped for a moment to admire the eagle statues. Nearby was a pathway leading to the monument which stood in memory of those who served in the Vietnam war.
Leaving the park’s center, I approached the ruins of the Eden Park Reservoir. Built between the years 1866 and 1878, designed by Samuel Hannaford, this architectural wonder once took up the space of 12 acres and held 96 million gallons of water. Only a small section remains of the jagged rock ruins that could have easily been mistaken as an ancient Roman relic.
Turning around to retrace my steps, I noticed a large red tower standing over me. Water was once pumped into this stand pipe from the Ohio River. Once designed to hold water for local residents, it is another reminder of Cincinnati’s architectural past and industrial advancements.
From the reservoir ruins, I walked the open field of grass which once contained water for local residents. At the end of the park is Mirror Lake and its tall fountain which surges 40 feet high. A paved walking path surrounds the perimeter of the lake with spectacular views of the city. A popular location for runners, joggers and pet walkers on a sunny day, I have come to enjoy its tranquil atmosphere watching the ducks bathe and and feeling the sun’s warm rays on my face.
Nearby Spring House Gazebo is perfect for shade against the sun or unexpected rain. It is the oldest structure in the park, standing here since the early 1900s.
The history of Eden Park is interesting in the fact that this land was once owned by Nicholas Longworth, “Father of the American wine Industry”. Grape vines once covered this landscape where Longworth developed the Catawba grape and produced America’s first champagne.
Today aver 186 acres of Longworth’s property has been converted into an urban park, home to some of Cincinnati’s most influential artistic institutions. Here you can find the Cincinnati Art Museum, the Krohn Conservatory and Cincinnati’s Playhouse in the Park. Open all year around, this park is the perfect place to visit regardless of the season, and don’t forget to check out nearby Mt. Adams.
What is your favorite spot in Eden Park? Do you like visiting during the busy season or do you find it a wonderful place of solitude? I would love to hear your thoughts about Eden Park if you will kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Maybe you have another Cincinnati Park that I should visit, let me know and I would love to explore it as well! Many thanks for taking this journey with me to Eden Park! Happy Travels!
What to See and What to Do:
Eden Park
950 Eden Park Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45202
Telephone: 513 352 4080
- Admission Fee: There is no admission fee to visit Eden Park.
- Hours: Open daily from 6AM to 10PM
- Amenities: A gazebo, walking paths, Memorial Lake and Bettman Fountain at Hinkle Magnolia Garden; Twin Lakes with a footbridge, walking paths, scenic views of the Ohio River, a number of sculptures, a picnic area, amphitheater and a playground for children.
- Scenic View: Spectacular views of the Ohio River and the state of Kentucky cross the river.
- Length of Visit: 1 – 2 hours
- Tips for Your Visit: Sundays afternoons can be crowded at the Twin Lakes. This is also a popular place on the weekends for brides to be posing for wedding photos.
Where to Stay:
Springhill Suites by Marriott Cincinnati Midtown
610 Eden Park Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45202
Telephone: 513 381 8300
Where to Eat:
Terrace Cafe
953 Eden Park Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45202
Telephone: 513 639 2986
I enjoyed an afternoon lunch at the Terrace Cafe located inside of the Cincinnati Art Museum. Visiting several times, my favorite menu items are the Pear Salad, with winter pears, craisin, feta cheese, candied walnuts and raspberry vinaigrette and the Chicken Salad Sandwich of diced chicken, carrots, chives, celery, lemon aioli, aged white cheddar, lettuce, and tomato on a toasted croissant. Enjoy!
What 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.
Where to Drink:
AC Hotel Rooftop Bar
135 Joe Nuxhall Way
Cincinnati, OH 45202
Telephone: 513 744 9900
What 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 to Cincinnati:
- City Hall – Inside and Out
- Smale Riverfront Park
- Union Terminal
- Roebling Suspension Bridge
- Washington Park
- Krohn Conservatory
- American Sign Museum
Disclosure: Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.
Elsinore Arch built in 1883
Beautiful Flowers at Eden Park
Twin Lakes at Eden Park
Ducks Enjoying Twin Lakes
Stairs Leading to Melan Arch Bridge
Another view of the reservoir structure located at Eden Park
Welcome to Eden Park
Views of Mt. Adams from the reservoir ruins at Eden Park
The view of the Eden Park fountain from the ruins of the reservoir
A lock that was added to the fencing that once surrounded Eden Park’s reservoir
A Visitor’s Guide to Mt. Adams, Cincinnati, OH
Having lived in Cincinnati, I spent many weekends in Mt. Adams, enjoying its old-world charm and fabulous restaurants. Steep winding roads lead to a hillside neighborhood that towers over the city’s downtown district. With parks providing spectacular views, Mt. Adams is also a perfect getaway for locals who want to experience a location that seems more like a European village than a suburb of the Queen City.
I began this trip with a visit to Rookwood Bar and Restaurant which is located at 1077 Celestial Street. First established in 1892 as the location for the production of world-renowned pottery, a visit to Rookwood is one that will not soon be forgotten. Eat on the outdoor patio or request to dine inside of the kiln for a unique experience. I love the views from here and the food is spectacular.
UPDATE: Rookwood Restaurant now closed!
Across the street at 1071 Celestial is the upscale restaurant, The Celestial. This four-star restaurant requires a dress code, but the food is exceptional as well as the views of downtown Cincinnati. This piece of land was once part of Mt. Adams’ “entertainment district” where an amusement center and beer garden stood until they were destroyed by a fire in 1895.
UPDATE: The Celestial Restaurant has closed after 50 years.
I followed Celestial Street until it met Hill Street. Next to the Mt. Adams steps is a beautiful park. Quite often I would pass by runners and joggers along this path which opens up to phenomenal views of Kentucky and the Ohio River. This area was once owned by Nicholas Longworth who planted his vineyards along this hill. Soon thereafter, immigrants from Ireland and Germany took residence here. It was in this part of southwest Ohio that Longworth developed the Catawba grape which would be used to produce “America’s first champagne” known as Golden Wedding.
One of my favorite places to hang out with friends on the weekends was Mt. Adams Bar and Grill, located at 938 Hatch Street. This place has some great history and I love the fact that the backbar came from a speakeasy owned by “The King of Bootlegging”, George Remus. Remus was a Cincinnati criminal attorney that became famous for defending murderers, but was most known for making and distributing alcohol during the Prohibition. It is said that he was the inspiration for the famous character of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s book, The Great Gatsby.
A small entrance leads to The Blind Lemon next door to Mt. Adams Bar and Grill and could easily be missed. Another hidden gem with lots of history, this amazing bar is the perfect place to enjoy the summertime garden patio or wintertime bonfires.
Most bars and restaurants on Mt. Adams are within walking distance, so finding a great streetside parking spot is essential. Since spaces fill up quickly, there is also the three-level parking garage on St. Gregory.
It was not unusual for us to start our night at Mt. Adams Bar and Grill for dinner, stop at The Blind Lemon for a couple of drinks and end the night at Yesterday’s Old Time Saloon where the drinks were strong and the prices were cheap.
A short walk from the Holy Cross Church is The Monastery that was once the location of the Cincinnati Observatory. Dedicated by President John Quincy Adams in 1843, the telescope was considered the most powerful scope of its time. Today the Monastery houses the property management firm of Towne Properties, while the Observatory has long been moved to the Mount Lookout neighborhood.
From the Monastery, I traveled down Pavilion to the next corner where I stopped for a Cafe Mocha at The Bow Tie Café. I took a seat at the Piazza where I took some time to enjoy the view, catch up on some of my notes and look over a few of my photos.
I sat under the shade of the monk statue who stood with grapes in his right hand and a cup of wine in his left. What a perfect representation of historical Mt. Adams when it was once a successful vineyard.
I continued my walk heading east on Pavilion where I reached Guido Street. Making a right, the street dead ends into The Holy Cross Immaculata Church. Built in 1859 for mid-19th century German immigrants, Mass continues to this day with one service on Saturday and two on Sundays.
Since the 1860’s, the Mount Adams steps leading up to the Holy Cross Immaculata have a great significance to Christians during the Good Friday holiday. The tradition is similar to the Santa Scala in Rome where believers start at the bottom and recite the rosary while advancing up each of the 85 stairs until reaching the top. Beginning at midnight on Holy Thursday until midnight on Good Friday, the ritual begins at the “Good-Friday Arch” on Adams Crossing, across Columbia Parkway.
Backtracking towards St. Gregory on Pavilion, I passed another popular spot on Mt. Adams, known as Crowley’s. Located at 958 Pavilion, Crowley’s is Mt. Adams’ oldest Irish Pub. Irish immigrants made Crowley’s their meeting place when it first opened and it has remained in the Crowley family for decades.
Mount Adam’s Pavilion has been a favorite bar on Mt. Adam’s for as long as I can remember. With a packed schedule of live entertainment, this location is also perfect for enjoying fabulous views of the river.
Along St. Gregory’s are several bars and restaurants to include:
Quincy’s, located at 111 St Gregory, Mt. Adams
Longworth’s at 1108 St. Gregory Street, Mount Adams
UPDATE: Longworth’s is now permanently closed.
Monk’s Cove, at 1104 St. Gregory, Mt. Adams
Tavern on the Hill, found at 1111 St. Gregory, Mt. Adams
Mt. Adams remains an artistic community and location for some of the best museums in Cincinnati. I have visited both the Cincinnati Art Museum and Krohn Conservatory. The Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park is a two-time Tony Award winning theater which sponsors a wide variety of productions. For a period of meditation, visit Eden Park with its gardens, fountains and spectacular scenic views of the Ohio River, downtown Cincinnati and Kentucky.
I imagine Mt. Adams as it would have been when the German and Irish immigrants first lived here or when it was a community of artists, who enjoyed the quiet solitude away from the city.
I love this neighborhood’s strong history and its European charm where one can easily walk from one side of town to the next. So many things have changed over the years but one thing remains constant. Mount Adams is one of my favorite places to visit in Cincinnati.
Have you spent time in Mt. Adams or have a favorite Cincinnati neighborhood that I should visit? I would love to hear your recommendations if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for visiting Mt. Adams with me through my blog post and Happy Travels!
What to See and What to Do:
The Monastery
1055 Saint Paul Place
Cincinnati, OH 45202
The Holy Cross Immaculata Church
30 Guido Street
Cincinnati, OH 45202
Telephone: 513 721 6544r
Where to Eat:
Mt. Adams Bar & Grill
938 Hatch Street
Cincinnati, OH 45202
Telephone: 513 621 3666
The Bow Tie Cafe
1101 St. Gregory Street
Cincinnati, OH 45202
Telephone: 513 621 2233
Where to Drink:
The Blind Lemon
936 Hatch Street
Cincinnati, OH 45202
Telephone: 513 241 3885
Yesterday’s Old Time Saloon – permanently closed
930 Hatch Street
Cincinnati, OH 45202
Telephone: 513 421 9998
Crowley’s Bar
958 Pavillion
Cincinnati, OH 45202
Telephone: 513 721 7709
Mount Adams Pavilion – permanently closed
949 Pavilion Street
Cincinnati, OH 45202
Telephone: 513 744 9200
Quincy’s – permanently closed
1101 St. Gregory Street
Cincinnati, OH 45202
Telephone: 513 381 3132
Monk’s Cove
1104 St. Gregory
Cincinnati, OH 45202
Telephone: 513 703 7600
Tavern on the Hill – permanently closed
1111 St. Gregory St, #1
Cincinnati, OH 45202
Telephone: 513 421 3309
Where to Stay:
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Cincinnati Midtown
610 Eden Park Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45202
Telephone: 513 381 8300
Mt. Adams is located on the east side of Cincinnati and can be accessed by taking Columbia Parkway. For more information about this fabulous hillside location, pick up a Mt. Adams map by the parking garage or visit their website at www.mtadamstonight.com.
View from the Celestial Parking Lot
Another View of Downtown Cincinnati from the Celestial Parking Lot
Mt Adams Steps
View from the park next to Mt. Adams Steps
The Monastery
A View of the Monastery from Guido Street
Mt. Adams Steps
View of Cincinnati from the Mt. Adams Steps at the Holy Cross Immaculata Church
Reaching the top step of the Holy Cross Immaculata Church, Mt. Adams
View of Downtown Cincinnati from Ida Street on Mt. Adams
Disclosure: Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.
Catching Up with Cats at the Divine Felines Exhibit, Cincinnati
Having just visited the Pharaoh Exhibit at the Cleveland Museum of Art, I was excited to learn that the Cincinnati Art Museum would be showcasing their own Egyptian display titled “Divine Felines”. Presenting artifacts from Egypt with a cat theme, I could not wait to make the trek down to Cincinnati to learn more about the ancient domestication of my favorite animal.
Recumbent Lion, Ptolomaic Period, 305 – 35BC, Reportedly from Giza
Cats, both domestic and wild, played an important role in the every day lives of the ancient Egyptians representing symbols of protection, fertility, beauty and sexuality. For example, the resting lion symbolized the country’s tranquility as well as the confidence and power of the king. Stones or glass were embedded into the eyes of the sculptures to show the watchful nature of the mysterious feline.
Lion shaped furniture leg, during the reign of Aspelta, 690-664 BC
According to archaeologists, the ancient Egyptians were the first to use the image of cats as elements of architectural design. Cats and lions were found carved in items that were used on a daily basis to include furniture, weapons and cosmetic items.
Fragmentary Inscription, Dynasty 25 – Dynasty 26, 670 – 650 BC
Pictures and paintings of lions were a common theme in Egyptian hieroglyphs. At least four images of lions were utilized as one of many animal shapes represented in hieroglyphic designs. These shapes include the standing lion, recumbent lion, full-bodied lion, the forepart lion which included its front legs and head as well as the hind parts of the lion (its legs and tail).
Sculptor’s Model Bust of a Lion, Ptolomaic Period
The Egyptians were fascinated by the prowess of the lions, their ferocity and ability to move quickly. Considered positive qualities that were often used to describe Egyptian gods and Pharaohs, these characteristics were the primary attributes that symbolized their divinity and royal standing.
Necklace with Bes and Taweret Pendants, Dynasty 18, 1539 – 1292 BC
Jewels made into the likeness of Bes, the goddess of fertility and protection, were worn by women of child-bearing age or during their pregnancy. These trinkets were used to ensure the safe-keeping of the child until birth. Bes was depicted as a man with a lion’s head and tail. The images also took on the form of a lioness or a woman with a lion’s head, representing the daughter of Ra, the Sun god.
Roman Period, 1st Century Reportedly from Saqqara, Egypt
Tutu was the male equivalent of Bes, taking the form of a pacing sphinx with the tail of a snake. He was known for protecting the dead in the Afterworld and for taking charge of one’s fate.
Coffin of a Cat, Late Period, Dynasty 26 – Dynasty 31, 664 BC- 332 BC, or later
The Sarcophagus of a cat mummy showed the importance of cats as pets to the ancient Egyptians. According to the placard, “Most cat mummies were buried in either rectangular or cat shaped coffins made of wood. Carved from costly limestone and decorated with scenes that typically appear on coffins of humans, this sarcophagus may have belonged to a pet cat. A scene on the shorter side to your left shows the deceased cat in front of an offering table, flanked by the goddesses Isis and Nephthys. Isis protectively spreads her wings around one of the longer sides of the sarcophagus.”
Roundel, 5th Century BC, depicting dogs as pets
Just as cats were highly regarded by the Egyptians as both pets and deities, dogs and jackals also had a place in the lives of the ancient Egyptians. The dog’s ability to protect its territory and their loyalty to their owners were attributes that were important to the rulers. Evidence of dogs as pets can be traced back to the 5th millennium BC.
In addition to Tutu, there were several dog deities including Wepwewat, a god that would lead the dead through the passages of the Underworld and provided them protection. The name means “Opener of the Ways” and comes from the dog’s keen sense of smell and its ability to escape danger.
Anubia was another dog deity that was so named due to the dog’s extreme sense of smell. He was responsible for protecting the deceased in the Underworld.
According to the museum, a fragment on display “represents Anubia lying on the top of shrines, coffins, or canopic chests, which were boxes containing jars with the internal organs of the deceased.” It was difficult to determine if the figures were those of dogs or jackals, as both were portrayed as black.
Even as late as the 2nd Century when Rome ruled over Egypt, the influence of Egyptian gods were present in the carvings of the Roman-Egyptian cities. As depicted in the funerary stela of C. Julius Valerius, the Egyptian god Horus and the Roman-Greco god Nemesis were present as well as the dog, representing either Anubis or Wepwawet. Just as in the Egyptian culture, the dog led and guarded the deceased through the Afterworld.
It was not surprising that the characteristics of both cats and dogs were highly admired by the Egyptians. Independent or loyal, swift or sassy, the importance of these furry friends continues even into today’s culture.
In addition to the Egyptian exhibit, I learned the museum was hosting a “Modern Cats” collection. With over 20 pieces on display, the artwork was added to demonstrate the “lasting appeal of the domestic feline”. I enjoyed exploring the cat-themed pieces proving that even today, cats are an important part of our global culture.
Which attributes of your pet also resemble your character? Are you surprised that the Egyptian culture developed a fondness for cats in their religion and everyday lives? I would love to hear your thoughts if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my visit to the Cincinnati Art Museum to check out the Divine Felines Exhibit. Wishing you many Happy Travels!
What to See and What to Do:
Cincinnati Art Museum
953 Eden Park Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45202
Telephone: 513 721 2787
- Admission Fee: General Admission is Free. Special Event Ticket Pricing is $12 for Adults, $6 for Seniors (60+), Students and Children (6-17) and children under 5 are FREE. Exhibit hours on Thursday from 5 PM- 8 PM is free. Contact the museum’s website for holiday closures.
- Hours: Open Tuesday – Sunday from 11AM to 5PM; Closed Monday and open Thursdays from 11AM to 8PM. Closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
- Amenities: Terrace Cafe, Mary R. Schiff Library, museum shop, Rosenthal Educational Center, gallery map and guides and MyCAM Art Hunts
- Length of Visit: 1 to 2 hours, or additional time for special exhibits
- Tips for Your Visit: Ensure that you have visited the website to confirm that the museum is open, as it may be closed for special events.
Where to Stay:
Millennium Hotel Cincinnati
150 W. 5th Street
Cincinnati, OH 45202
Telephone: 513 352 2100
Where to Eat:
Mt. Adams Bar and Grill
938 Hatch Street
Cincinnati, OH 45202
Telephone: 513 621 3666
I ordered the Fried Jalapeno Ravioli served with marinara sauce.
What 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.
Where to Drink:
Moerlein Lager House
115 Joe Nuxhall Way
Cincinnati, OH 45202
Telephone: 513 421 2337
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.
Figurine of a Cat during the Late Period Dynasty 26 – Dynasty 31, 664-332 BC or later
Modern Cat Exhibit
Modern Cat Exhibit
Disclosure: Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.
An Overview of Blog Posts from 2015
What a great year for travel! Here are some of my adventure blogs for 2015:
CARIBBEAN AND PORTS OF CALL:
Hamilton, Bermuda
Grand Cayman: Stingray City, Afternoon Drive on Grand Cayman, and Hell
Stingrays at Stingray City
Honduras: Untouched Beauty, Underwater Photographs
Gorgeous Honduras Beaches
EUROPE:
Wine Event at Fattoria il Poggio
UNITED STATES:
United States: Arizona
Montezuma Castle National Monument
Indian Settlement at Montezuma Castle National Monument
United States, California: San Francisco Downtown
San Francisco Chinatown
United States, California: San Francisco Golden Gate
San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge
United States: Louisiana
Celebrating Mardi Gras in New Orleans
United States, Michigan; Holland, Michigan
Tulips in Holland, Michigan
United States: Ohio
Cincinnati: Cincinnati Art Museum, The Divine Felines Exhibit
Recumbent Lion, Ptolomaic Period, 305 – 35BC, Reportedly from Giza
Fragmentary Inscription, Dynasty 25 – Dynasty 26, 670 – 650 BC
Cincinnati: Interview With Artist, Jimi Jones
Jimi Jones Artwork
Jimi Jones
Cincinnati: Cincinnati Children’s Museum – Leonardo da Vinci Exhibit
Exploring the Genius of Leonardo da Vinci at the Cincinnati Children’s Museum
Cleveland: The Cleveland Art Museum, Pharaoh King of Egypt Exhibit
The Pharaoh Exhibit at the Cleveland Museum of Art
An Egyptian Sarcophagus
Cleveland: Maltz Museum, Operation Finale
The Capture and Trial of Adolf Eichmann
The Holocaust Survivors
Columbus: Franklin Park Conservatory
Gorgeous Orchids at Franklin Park Conservatory
Amazing Butterflies at the Franklin Park Conservatory
Having Fun with my New Camera
Springfield: Art Museum, Jason Morgan
Jason Morgan Artwork
Springfield: Art Museum, Jimi Jones
Jimi Jones Artwork
Auschwitz Exhibit at The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center
Celebrating 70 Years of Auschwitz Closing
Enjoying a Reuben at Sam & Ethel’s
Sampling craft beer at Yellow Springs Brewery
Hiking the Rim Trail
Ohio Christmas:
Drive Thru Christmas Lights
A Tunnel of Lights
I hope you enjoyed this recap of my blog posts and travels for 2015. Stay tuned for more adventures to come in 2016! Wishing you many Happy Travels!
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