The Historic Carew Tower of Cincinnati

21 May 202129 November 2024

When I first moved to Cincinnati, I worked downtown for a contract research organization, Kendle International. The company had offices on several floors of the Carew Tower, a beautiful high-rise on Vine Street. I quickly learned that my workplace was, at the time, the tallest building in Cincinnati’s skyline and one of the most historical within the city.

Arriving each day by public transportation, the bus would drop me off outside of the Omni Netherland Plaza (now the Cincinnati Hilton Netherland Plaza) . Entering the revolving doors, I strolled through the large lobby passing several stores before reaching the concierge desk. Taking a right, the second set of elevators would take me up to the 9^th floor where I worked in the marketing department. To gain entry, I would need to use my key card to enter through the security doors.

Lunch was always the exciting part of the day where we could stay within the confines of the tower with various dining and shopping options. On the ground floor, a large exhibit of photos displayed the detailed history of Carew Tower. Designed by Chicago architects W.W. Ahlschlager & Associates in the Art Deco and Streamline Moderne style, the Tower is the tallest building in downtown Cincinnati standing 49 stories and 574 feet tall. Built of brick and steel, it was intended to emulate the Rockefeller Center of New York and took one thousand men working around the clock to build this skyscraper in record time.

Construction began on January 8^th, 1930 and was completed on July 7^th of the same year. This world record has yet to be broken. It was also the first downtown Cincinnati office building to have an electronic push button elevator.

Carew Tower is comprised of two separate buildings that connect the Carew Tower Office Complex to the nearby Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza. Lavishly decorated in Art Deco decor, this beautiful hotel offers a “Hall of Mirrors” for wedding receptions, festive events and exquisite banquets, very Versailles-esque in its decoration. Known as the place to stay in Cincinnati, the hotel hosted a long list of A-listers to include Winston Churchill, Bing Crosby, John and Jackie Kennedy, Elvis Presley and Eleanor Roosevelt.

Indoor walkways once passed over outdoor streets bridging workplaces with some of the finest shopping in town. TJ Maxx was one of my favorite stores that took up two stories of retail space. You could also find such clothing shops as Casual Corner and Express to find business and casual clothing for work.

Beautifully decorated in art deco decor, the Carew Tower once supported 1,383,000 gross square feet of retail and shopping space. On the first floor was long-time tenant Hathaway’s Diner, which was a great place to visit for a quick lunch. The basement was occupied by a fitness center and Paragon Hair salon while the upper floors drew tourists to its impressive Observation Deck on the 49^th floor.

The ground elevators reach the 45^th floor with a separate small elevator continuing to the top. I remember how I would take the ride to the observation deck during a break from work to enjoy the spectacular views on a clear, sunny day.

With its 4 million bricks, 5000 doors and 8000 windows, I was proud to work at Carew Tower. Somehow, I felt more connected to Cincinnati working in the midst of the city’s hustle and bustle. The kiosk directory, located next to the concierge desk, listed some of the finest businesses in the city.

On a recent visit to Carew Tower, I noticed so many things had changed. Hathaway’s Diner had moved, the shops that were once bustling during the weekdays had been closed and the Observation Deck had currently suspended elevator service to the top. I had even learned that one of the last original tenants was moving out in a couple of months which only seemed to confirm the difference from when Carew Tower was my home away from home and where I had made so many great memories.

The Concierge was still at the desk when I had last visited, but he mentioned that there were plans to make this spectacular tower an apartment community. His last day was the following Friday, so I wished him well and hoped that he would return once the renovations had been completed.

Have you visited Carew Tower? I would love to hear about your visit if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my time at Carew Tower and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Carew Tower
441 Vine Street
Cincinnati, OH 45202
Telephone: 513 579 9735

Admission Fee: $6 per person for guests ages 12 and up; $3 for children ages 6 – 11 and free for children ages 5 and under. Cash only.
Hours: Observation Deck Hours: Open Monday through Tuesday from 9AM to 5:30PM, Friday from 9AM to 6PM, Saturday and Sunday from 10AM to 7PM.
Amenities: Nearby shopping and retail
Tips for Your Visit: Call ahead of time to ensure that the observation deck is open.

Where to Stay:

Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza
35 West Fifth Street
Cincinnati, OH 45202
Telephone: 513 421 9100

Where to Eat:

Hathaway’s Diner
25 West 5^th Street
Cincinnati, OH 45202
Telephone: 513 621 1332

Serving downtown Cincinnati since 1956.

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.

A Visitor’s Guide to Mt. Adams, Cincinnati, OH

24 November 201616 September 2024

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

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Decadent Cupcakes at Abby Girl Sweets, Cincinnati

29 September 201616 September 2024

Abby Girl Sweets first opened in downtown Cincinnati on January 7^th, 2010. Owned and operated by Nathan and Andrea Thompson, I was first introduced to these decadent cupcakes on a recent visit to Cincinnati. Having worked at Carew Tower a few years earlier, I was excited that this new cupcakery was located around the corner on Fifth Street. I happened upon this pretty pink shop and couldn’t resist stepping inside to try a cupcake or two.

Each day, Nathan bakes 10 – 12 cupcake flavors per day, while his wife Andrea frosts them. From cake to cheesecake based cupcakes, there are so many amazing confections to try. Fans of the cupcakery can rest-assured that they can order from the menu of regular flavors while new flavors will be added weekly.

With so many spectacular choices, I finally decided on the Red Velvet cupcake which was decadent and moist. Additional flavors include carrot cake, vanilla buttercream, pistachio, peanut butter cup and chocolate supreme which are all baked from scratch.

Paying $3.50 each for cupcakes up to five while a half a dozen to a dozen brings in $3.25 for each cupcake. Call Abby Sweets for pricing on large orders. Today there are three locations to include downtown, Blue Ash and Eastgate.

I’m looking forward to checking out their Facebook page to see which new flavors are added to their menu. I’m sure their daughter Abby, the taste tester for the company, will give her stamp of approval.

Have you visited one of Abby Girl Sweets’ three locations? Which cupcake(s) did you order? Do you have a favorite? I would love to hear from you if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Abby Girl Sweets
Downtown Location
41 West 5^th Street
Cincinnati, OH 45202
Telephone: 513 335 0898

Blue Ash Location
4773 Glendale Milford Road
Cincinnati, OH 45242

Eastgate Location (next to Jungle Jim’s)
4450 Eastgate South Drive #253
Cincinnati, OH 45245

Where to Stay:

Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza
35 W. 5^th Street
Cincinnati, OH 45202
Telephone: 513 421 9100

Where to Eat:

Hathaway’s Diner
25 W. 5^th Street
Cincinnati, OH 45202
Telephone: 513 621 1332

Hathaways has been serving diner comfort food and breakfast all-day since 1956. On a recent visit, I ordered the wings which were perfectly cooked and served with fries. Check out a part of Cincinnati’s history.