Cincinnati’s Gems

Cincinnati doesn’t get enough respect, in my opinion. Every time I tell friends or family in Miami that I am headed up north to Ohio, specifically Cincinnati, I am met with a quizzical stare. What’s there? Why would you go there? Seems so boring… Oh but how mistaken they are.

My best friend from college is from Cincinnati and currently lives there, raising her family. I make it a point to try and visit yearly now that I am living in Miami and it’s only a 3 hour flight to see her.

Here are some of the spots that I have enjoyed in the last couple years visiting her.

Eden Park

Eden Park is one of Cincinnati’s historic parks, situated on the eastern edge of the city, overlooking the Ohio River. Established in the 19th century, the park spans over 186 acres. Folks can enjoy recreational activities, such as walking, jogging and relaxing in the immense park. There are even some playgrounds for kids.

The park is home to the iconic Ellenwood Fountain, also known as the Eden Park Fountain. This ornate fountain is a focal point and a popular spot for photos.

Krohn Conservatory

A historic greenhouse located in Eden Park, the Krohn Conservatory features various rooms exhibiting the flora typical of different habitats. It’s renowned for its butterfly exhibit where you can go in and spend up to an hour enjoying the butterflies.

Cincinnati Art Museum

General Admission is always free. The museum has a large permanent collection, visiting exhibitions, and a cafe overlooking a serene courtyard. Make sure to plan it as part of a visit to Eden Park and Krohn Conservatory, since they are just a couple minutes away from each other.

Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden

This is absolutely one of my favorite places in Cincinnati. They have a multitude of animals to enjoy and experience all set in a gorgeous environment. They blend zoo and botanical garden, offering seasonal events that make this place even more magical.

They are also the home to Cincinnati’s beloved Fiona, who is famous for surviving. She was born 6 weeks premature and too young to stand up and nurse from her mom. The Zoo’s team stepped in and figured out how to feed her, what to feed her, how to keep her warm and juggle unexpected challenges until she was out of the woods and able to be reintroduced to her mom.

Findlay Market

A historic attraction in a historic neighborhood, Findlay Market is located in the Over The Rhine neighborhood of downtown Cincinnati. Today, you can find dozens of local merchants offering delicious fares and creative wares. Make it the center point of your visit to Cincy’s OTR neighborhood, and let it lead you to delicious destinations.

Jungle Jim’s

Lesser cities have Trader Joe’s; Cincinnati has Jungle Jim’s. Part grocery store, part amusement park, Jungle Jim’s is a unique experience and a delightful way to travel the world in an afternoon. There are now two locations, the original in Fairfield, and another in Eastgate.

Still need to experience

Despite going to visit my friend every year for the last couple of years, I still have a couple spots I want to visit. I can’t personally speak to these suggestions, but they seem like a neat experience. They are definitely on my Cincinnati bucket list.

Cincinnati Union Terminal

It is an iconic feature on Cincinnati’s skyline and home of the Cincinnati Museum center, which includes a Children’s Museum, Museum of Natural History & Science, and the Cincinnati History Museum as well as an OmniMax Theater and various visiting exhibitions. Inside you’ll also find an equally iconic domed interior with an expansive mosaic, the still-operational Amtrack station, as well as shops and a cafe.

Newport Aquarium

  • You don’t need to be near an ocean to have an aquatic adventure worthy of a David Attenborough voice-over. At the Newport Aquarium, you can: walk under a tunnel of fish, chat with a mermaid, and pet a shark.

Hofbräuhaus – Newport

For a true, authentic German experience, look no further than the Hofbrauhaus in Newport on the Levee. No need for a plane ticket! Zinzinnati is proud of its German heritage, and if you can’t make Oktoberfest, a visit to Hofbrauhaus is the next best thing. My friend’s sister recommends the mettwurst and bratwurst, and definitely the German “kartoffelsalat.”

Bonus

Here is a short list of places you should try while you are in Cincy!

Skyline Chili

Famous for their three way – chili, cheese, and spaghetti – it is their staple dish, though you can now also get a four and five way. You can also order the chili dog, if that is more your style.

Goetta

When Heebz and I visited in August 2024, we were lucky enough to catch Goetta Fest. Never having tried Goetta before, it was a neat opportunity to be able to try it prepared in different ways. It isn’t for everyone but worth trying at least once.

Graeter’s Ice Cream

No trip to Cincinnati is complete without a visit to Graeter’s Ice Cream. I think some folks are able to find it in their grocery store, but I still haven’t spotted it in Miami. I like their found black raspberry chocolate.