Cincinnati- What to do? - DPChallenge Forums

Tamron SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di for Canon

06/12/2007 10:50:33 AM · #1

I was born there and have not been back since early 60's. Around age 10. I have family there that I have not seen since that time. I plan on spending 4-5 days in the Cinci area in July. What is there to do? I plan on doing alittle site seeing there. Cincinnati chili is on my list for sure.

Message edited by author 2007-06-12 11:16:15.

pamelasue

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

06/12/2007 10:54:02 AM · #2

mmmmm Skyline ... I LOVE that stuff ... I have family from that area and we have a recipe that's almost identical to skyline ... I make that all the time ... it's been years since I've been back, but I believe that they've really done a good job with the downtown river area ... head across the river into Kentucky and go to the horse races (River Downs is close I think) ... they've built a new ballpark for the Reds ...

edit: zoo and botanical gardens ... Krohn conservatory

Message edited by author 2007-06-12 10:56:08.

pamelasue

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Tamron SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di for Canon

06/12/2007 10:57:42 AM · #3

things to do in Cinci

Sony 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 E-mount

06/12/2007 04:41:50 PM · #4

If you plan to do any shooting, there was a thread recently in the Out and About forum: here it is

My post at the end of that mentions some interesting things to do and see near downtown. One I didn't mention (since it wasn't applicable to photography) is the new Aquarium and Freedom Center museum (highlighting Cincinnati's key role in the underground railroad from slave times -- I've heard it's an awesome museum). They're both across the river in Newport, as is Newport on the Levee, and really fun entertainment complex. If you like beer, go to the Hofbrauhaus restaurant at Newport on the Levee as well (it gets really fun when people start standing on the big tables). If you're going to be staying in the eastern suburbs, let me know and I can suggest some other stuff closer to wherever you'll be.

jmsetzler

Sony Alpha a6000

06/12/2007 04:43:51 PM · #5

Catch a baseball game...

Sony 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 E-mount

06/12/2007 06:43:36 PM · #6

Just had a friend recommend the River Front. Not sure where it is at but I will research that.

jmsetzler

Sony Alpha a6000

06/13/2007 12:21:37 AM · #7

Originally posted by bcoble:

Just had a friend recommend the River Front. Not sure where it is at but I will research that.

You can't miss it.. it's right where I-75 comes into Cincy from Kentucky. You can take riverboat cruises and they are quite nice.

06/13/2007 10:06:31 AM · #8

Is coney Island worth seeing? I was there when I was 10 but do not remember much at all (1960). I am going to be there 5 days. 2 for sure with family.

06/13/2007 02:27:55 PM · #9

Coney Island is fun -- still the home of the world's largest recirculating swimming pool and I think the original Zoom Flooms are still operational, but other than that it's mostly kiddie attractions.

Too bad you're not going to be there at Labor Day -- WEBN still does the annual fireworks display (since 1977) at RiverFest and draws crowds of a half-million to both sides of the river.

In terms of the "River Front", your friend might have been referring to the Newport on the Levee complex I mentioned, across the river from downtown. (Riverfront on the Cincy side has a few parks but that's about it -- the riverfront restaurants/nightlife/etc. are on the other side. One of the old railroad bridges has been converted a pedestrian bridge (nicknamed the Purple People Bridge because of its color) and it's cool to traverse the river on that between downtown and the Levee complex.

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D

06/13/2007 02:53:40 PM · #10

Cincinnati Zoo (2nd oldest and ranked in the top 5 in the nation)
Play some golf
See a Reds game
Museum Center at Union Terminal
Mt. Adams and Eden Park

More ideas here.

jpeters

Nikon D200

06/13/2007 03:37:37 PM · #11

For sure check out the Zoo and the Krohn Conservatory. If it were possible I would recommend bumping your trip up before June 24th so you could catch the Butterfly Show at the conservatory, but that probably isn't an option (so come back next year!). The conservatory is in the middle of Eden Park/Mt. Adams, so you might as well check those areas out while you are there. They have very nice views of Kentucky. You will also be near the Cincinnati Art Museum and Playhouse in the Park.

There is also the Great American Ballpark which replaced the late Riverfront Stadium, the home of the Reds, so if you are into that sorta thing you should check out a game. It will probably be a little early for a Bengals game, but you will surely drive by Paul Brown Stadium.

If you like plays and such there is the Aronoff Center downtown, and while you are downtown check out Fountain Square. It has just recently completed a bit of a renovation, so it should be looking pretty spiffy.

The Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal has a very nice natural history museum, but it also has a great Cincinnati historical section. There is an Omnimax Theater there also which just got redone.

If you want to wander over the the Kentucky side there is Newport on the Levee which is a nice new area that has some shopping (sorta), some restaurants (I recommend Brio Tuscan Grille or the Irish Pub), some photography, and most importantly the Newport Aquarium.

River Downs is a horse track near Coney Island, but I would recommend Coney Island to you. Coney Island has a nice pool and a concert venue (Riverbend) but that's about it. They do occasionally have firework shows and balloon glows or other special events there which are worth seeing.

Now, while you are in town, you have to eat some Graeter's Ice Cream, Montgomery Inn Ribs (go to the originally Montgomery location if possible), and as you mentioned, Cincinnati chili. Go to Skyline Chili if you must, but if you want the good stuff, you need Dixie Chili. Avoid Gold Star Chili at all costs!

Oh, and for a spectacular view of the city skyline, go to Devou Park in Covington, KY. There is also a museum and golf course there too.

That should keep you busy for a while and if I think of anything else I'll be back.

Here are some photos to get you excited about Cincy!

downtherabbithole

Canon EOS-30D

Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM

06/13/2007 04:11:20 PM · #12

I'm also from close to cinci, and the zoo is a must! it's not really expensive, and it's so worth it. Krohns is also a nice place to be, especially if you are looking for good pictures. Stay away from over the rhine at night but other then that your going to have a blast. The muesium is also a ton of fun, and you just missed the titanic stuff. it's a great building too.

Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III

06/13/2007 07:35:37 PM · #13

Excellent pictures, Jeff ... that photo of Tyler Davidson fountain is one of the most beautiful I've ever seen!

colorcarnival

Olympus 45mm f/1.8 M.Zuiko Digital

06/13/2007 08:29:14 PM · #14

Thanks for posting the pics Jeffrey. I have not been home for a long time now and it was great to see these. They are excellent photos!

Fisher Price Kid-Tough Digital

06/14/2007 09:29:41 AM · #15

Jeff, Thanks for all the info and your images are beautiful!

Bugzeye

06/14/2007 09:31:21 AM · #16

You could always hang around outside one of the police stations or jails and get Bengal autographs...