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Tag Archives: Cincinnatians

Eden Park in Mt. Adams is the Perfect Weekend Escape from Cincinnati’s Rush Hour

18 August 201919 September 2024

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Elsinore Arch built in 1883

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Beautiful Flowers at Eden Park

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Twin Lakes at Eden Park

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Ducks Enjoying Twin Lakes

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Stairs Leading to Melan Arch Bridge

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Another view of the reservoir structure located at Eden Park

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Welcome to Eden Park

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Views of Mt. Adams from the reservoir ruins at Eden Park

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The view of the Eden Park fountain from the ruins of the reservoir

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A lock that was added to the fencing that once surrounded Eden Park’s reservoir

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Exploring Cincinnati’s Italian Heritage at CincItalia!

11 June 201918 September 2024

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Cincinnati is known for its weekly Catholic festivals and the integral part they play, not only in raising money for the local parishes, but as a social meeting place among each of the churches.  One of these festivals is the CincItalia, representing the St. Catherine of Siena Parish on the west side, which takes place at the Harvest Home Park each year.

The festivities began on Friday with an Adult-Only Carnevale celebration.  Lasting from 6PM until midnight, the Italian food and wine flowed abundantly.  This year, the Rusty Griswolds would perform on opening night, drawing large crowds to hear their favorite 80’s tunes.

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I made my first stop at Gregorios to try the Arancini ($5), a Sicilian dish, made of rice with meat and cheese in the center, coated in bread crumbs and then fried.   With a crisp outside and cheese-filled middle, this would only be the start of my Italian feast.

There were over 12 food stalls serving everything from Fried Calamari to Penne Pasta, hot dogs to pizza.  A large selection of desserts included Italian favorites such as gelatos, ice and cannolis.

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The Beer Garden was packed, but I was able to find a place to sit after waiting in the short line for a Prosecco.

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The Rusty Griswolds were preparing for their first set as a large crowd began to gather near the stage.  This band has been a local favorite in the early 1980’s when they were known as Free Reins.  Having won a local rock station band contest, they performed for a few years until the band took a short hiatus.  Reconvening in the late 90’s, the band changed their name to the Rusty Griswolds and bring large crowds to the venues where they perform.

With an amazing selection of Italian food, drinks and desserts, phenomenal 80’s music from the Rusty Griswolds, the CincItalia is one of the best Catholic festivals to attend each year.

Have you visited the CincItalia Festival or do you have a favorite Catholic festival in Cincinnati?  I would love to hear about your experience or recommendations on where to visit next!  Many Thanks and Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

CincItalia
Harvest Home Park
3961 North Bend Road
Cheviot, OH  45211
Telephone:   513 661 0651

Where to Stay:

Holiday Inn Express West
5505 Rybolt Street
Cincinnati, OH 45248
Telephone: 513 574 6000

Where to Eat:

CincItalia
Harvest Home Park
3961 North Bend Road
Cheviot, OH  45211
Telephone:   513 661 0651

I recommend the arancini, stromboli, prosecco and limoncello.

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.

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.

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I have had a passion to travel for as long as I can remember and landed my dream job at the age of 19 on a cruise ship. The Suite Life of Travel is about those experiences as well as my future endeavor to explore this amazing world!

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