5 Reasons to Visit® Cincinnati, Ohio
The Top 5 Reasons to Visit® Cincinnati, Ohio Right Now
Situated on the banks of the Ohio River, Cincinnati is a city with a rich history and an even brighter future. Home to dozens of distinct, unique neighborhoods—from fresh, farm-to-table cuisine to an impressive art scene, there is something for everyone in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Image courtesy of Cincinnati USA CVB
1. THE HIKING
Boasting nearly fifty parks spanning over 5,000 acres, Cincinnati is a haven for outdoor explorers. Ault Park includes dog-friendly trails that circle the stunning pavilion and expansive gardens, while Sharon Woods is one of Cincinnati’s oldest and largest parks that offers a lake trail, fitness trail and gorge nature trail.
Water Falls at Sharon Woods in Cincinnati, Ohio
Sharon Woods contains three distinct waterfalls which can be viewed on the park’s gorge trail, that follows the cascading creek downstream away from the Kreis Dam at the edge of Sharon Lake.
2. THE ART
With an impressive art scene, Cincinnati offers multiple museums and art galleries. The Cincinnati Art Museum offers complimentary general admission for guests to view its expansive collection of permanent works, as well as exhibitions from around the world. For modern works of art, head to the Contemporary Arts Center (designed by Zaha Hadid) located in the heart of downtown Cincinnati.
Image courtesy of Cincinnati USA CVB
Art is everywhere in Cincinnati. ArtWorks is responsible for the expansion of Cincinnati’s murals across downtown. Murals have transformed the city’s buildings into colorful and vibrant tributes to Cincinnati’s history.
ArtWorks provides walking tours throughout downtown Cincinnati and maps for self-guided tours. Click here for a self-guided mural map.
3. THE COCKTAILS
In a city dotted with unique eating and drinking establishments, Overlook Kitchen + Bar, located within the nearly brand-new Summit Hotel, offers commanding views alongside cocktails crafted with fresh, local ingredients and irresistible dishes featuring local and seasonal produce. We recommend trying “Churchill’s Garden” for your artisanal cocktail fix. This cocktail’s deep violet color can be attributed to butterfly pea flowers that are steeped with The Summit Hotel’s signature Churchill’s Tea blend, SoBella. This exclusive recipe made with Monkey 47 Gin yields a delicious sipper that boasts notes of lavender and botanicals with hints of dried mango and citrus.
For bourbon lovers, go for the “Dolce Boulevardier,” concocted with Basil Hayden’s Dark Rye. This twist on a classic drink is perfect to enjoy on the rooftop patio lit by the warmth of the surrounding fire pits. And art isn’t the only thing that’s inspired at The Summit Hotel—irresistible dishes with an innovative twist feature local, seasonal produce and artisan meats at Overlook Kitchen + Bar. Favorite dishes include Roasted Cauliflower with grapes, feta, grains and harissa vinaigrette, as well as Hand Cut Tagliatelle, sautéed with foraged mushrooms, roasted heirloom tomatoes, whipped farmers cheese and local herbs.
For those craving something sweet, end your experience with dessert done decadently. Try a Bacon Fried Peanut Butter Sandwich with quince jelly and peanut brittle served on brioche. Hungry yet?
4. THE GARDENS
Opened in 1875 and the fifth oldest zoo in the United States, Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden focuses on native plants that are valuable to horticulture. Many of the gardens and exhibits, especially those associated with Eastern North American animal species, are composed entirely of native plants.
Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden in Cincinnati, Ohio
While these gardens are exclusively native by design, native plants are liberally planted throughout the entire zoo, often in exhibits mimicking plants of exotic lands. Take a walk on the wild side when the saturated colors and sun-catching glow of masses and masses of tulips in bloom present a truly spectacular experience mid-April. Zoo Blooms delivers not only the region’s largest tulip display, but also hundreds of trees and shrubs in full regalia.
Housing over 3,500 plant species, The Krohn Conservatory is a Cincinnati gem nestled in picturesque Eden Park. The Butterfly Show is a must-see, featuring thousands of butterflies flying freely throughout the sun drenched exhibit.
Krohn Conservatory in Cincinnati, Ohio
Built in 1933 at the height of the Art Deco era, the permanent collection includes desert plants, tropical specimens, bonsai trees, rare orchids, carnivorous plants and exotic fruit trees.
5. THE ARCHITECTURE
Built in 1902 for the founder of The Champion Coated Paper Company, Laurel Court is one of America’s best surviving examples of the opulent homes built during the “gilded age.” The 36 room, 20,000 square foot beaux-arts mansion is modeled in the style of the Petite Trianon (the home of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette) in Versailles, France and features a grand staircase imported from Europe, inlaid marble floors, plus a music room finished in gold leaf.
Laurel Court in Cincinnati, Ohio