Ohio
Picked Cincinnati over Columbus and Cleveland for this one, its zoo, riverfront parks, and Over-the-Rhine district gave it the strongest, most specific touristy material to work with.
Sights & Parks
| Name | Info | Details |
|---|
| Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden | $$ · must-do | Home to nearly 600 animal species, including Fiona the hippo, who's become a bit of a local celebrity. Consistently ranked among the city's top attractions. |
| Eden Park | Free · overlooks and conservatory | Nearly 200-acre park with a blooming conservatory and some of the best skyline and river overlooks in the city. Good spot for a slower afternoon. |
| Smale Riverfront Park | Free · riverfront | Riverfront park connecting downtown to the Ohio River, with a carousel, interactive fountain, and a giant foot piano. Sits right next to The Banks entertainment district. |
| Findlay Market | Historic public market | Ohio's oldest continuously operated public market, with produce stalls, food vendors, and a lively weekend crowd. A good stop for a casual lunch. |
Over-the-Rhine & Food
| Name | Info | Details |
|---|
| Over-the-Rhine | Breweries · historic architecture | Historic neighborhood packed with breweries, music venues, and restaurants set among well-preserved 19th-century buildings. Good for an evening of walking between spots. |
| Cincinnati Music Hall | Historic venue · tours available | Grand 19th-century performance hall hosting opera, ballet, and orchestra, with occasional history and ghost tours. Worth a look even if you're not catching a show. |
| Skyline Chili | $ · local institution | Cincinnati-style chili served over spaghetti or hot dogs, a local specialty that's more polarizing than it sounds. Worth trying once just to see what the fuss is about. |
| Great American Ball Park | Cincinnati Reds · riverfront | Home of the oldest franchise in Major League Baseball, right on the riverfront next to Smale Park. A good option if a game lines up with your visit. |