Posts with tag 'Hyde Park OH'

From improving your mood to strengthening your immune system, there are many benefits of going outside and taking a walk. The Cincinnati area is full of parks and outdoor areas perfect for everyone, from hardcore hikers to casual dog walkers. 

Next time you want to get some exercise and enjoy the great outdoors, consider visiting one of these eight beautiful parks. 

Buttercup Valley Preserve

1558 Stanford Dr., Cincinnati, OH 45223

Located in Cincinnati's Northside neighborhood, Buttercup Valley Preserve is a great option for avid nature hikers. The trails are very wooded, with steep inclines that will offer you a bit of a challenge. This trail is nestled in the middle of some of the city's best neighborhoods and is an excellent getaway that will make you forget that you're still in the city. 

You'll find lots of flora and fauna in the preserve, including some trees that are over 200 years old. There are multiple walking and hiking trails here, including one that will provide a memorable view of Spring Grove Cemetery. 

Ault Park

5090 Observatory Circle, Cincinnati, OH 45208

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As the highest point in Hyde Park, Ault park offers stunning views of the city. It's home to a 1.4-mile walking, hiking, and mountain biking trail that is one of the city's best-kept secrets. 

This trail is hilly and will offer a bit of a challenge. However, once you get through it, you'll find that the beautiful views, scenery, and wildlife are well worth the effort. Many residents and visitors agree that this is one of the most beautiful parks in the Cincinnati area. 

Ohio River Trail

Riverside Dr. & Corbin St., Cincinnati, OH 45226

You can't beat the views on the Ohio River Trail. Once it's complete, this 23-mile trail will span along the north bank of the river. It runs from Coney Island through downtown to Sayler Park. While areas are still under construction, you can still enjoy 10 miles of it now. When it's completed, it will connect downtown to the Little Miami Scenic Trail and eventually extend all the way to Lake Erie. 

There are many fun things to do here, including swinging on the 2-3 person swings, splashing in the interactive fountain, and riding the carousel. This family-friendly series of trails are ideal for running, walking, and biking. It's perfect for people of all ages and fitness levels. 

Red Bird Hollow Trail

6168 Given Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45243

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An easy urban trail with a lot of foot traffic, Red Bird Hollow Trail offers a nice walk near the river with plenty to see. It's a 3-mile in-and-out trail that's popular for running, hiking, and nature walks. We recommend starting at the top of the trail where you'll find plenty of parking spots. 

This trail is also dog-friendly, although you must keep your furry friend on a leash while your walk. Generally, it's safest and most pleasant to use this trail between April and October. 

French Park

3012 Section Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45237

One of the area's most underrated parks, French Park offers several looping trails that are good for walkers of all skill levels. Some areas offer a moderate challenge and a few inclines that might even qualify as strenuous. 

This is an excellent kid-friendly trail. Little ones especially love heading down by the creek to explore. When you finish your walk, plan to drive to the top of the park to enjoy a beautiful view and a picnic lunch.

Mt. Airy Forest

5083 Colerain Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45223

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The 1,459-acre Mt. Airy Forest is Cincinnati's largest park. It offers miles of hiking trails, a multi-use mountain biking trail, and bridle trails for horseback riders. It also has an enclosed dog park, disc golf, and Ohio's only wheelchair-accessible public treehouse. There are also picnic tables, charcoal grills, and swing sets, so you and the family can relax and spend an entire day exploring the park and taking in the beautiful scenery. 

Mill Creek Greenway Trail 

Mill Creek Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45233

The multi-use Mill Creek Greenway Trail currently spans just three and a half miles along the historic Mill Creek. However, plans are in the works to someday extend it to run over 50 miles and link to the Ohio River Trail. 

There's a lot of cool stuff to see, including the Freedom Tree Edible Garden, where you're free to pick an apple or a pear and enjoy a tasty snack. You'll also want to visit the trail after dark so you can check out the 3/4-mile Space Walk, a 3.5-billion-to-one scale model of the solar system. Whether you prefer to walk, run, or bike, you'll want to add this trail to your list of "must-visit" sites.

California Woods Nature Preserve

5400 Kellogg Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45230

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The 113-acre California Woods Nature Preserve features more than 200 species of plants and 53 species of trees. Lick Run Creek also runs through the preserve. Here you'll find small fish, kingfishers, snapping turtles, beavers, ducks, and more.

There's also a hummingbird and butterfly garden in front of the nature center. If you keep your eyes peeled, you might see some woodpeckers and great horned owls as well. When you hike these trails, there's a good chance you'll get so caught up in the scenery that you'll forget you're also exercising. 

These Shoes Were Made for Walking

Which walk-worthy park will you visit first?

Valentine's Day is just around the corner, but planning the perfect date night might be tricky this year given indoor dining restrictions and health and safety concerns. However, that doesn't mean you can't enjoy the holiday with your sweetie in the comfort of your own home. With so many fantastic Ohio restaurants offering Valentine's Day takeout, you can have a date night at your own dining room table or while watching your favorite movie.

Whether you're planning to celebrate with your special someone or just getting together with a group of friends, a delicious meal is at the center of every great Valentine's Day. Below are some of our recommendations for Valentine's Day takeout around Ohio.

Northeast Ohio

Michelangelo's Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar 

2198 Murray Hill Rd., Cleveland, OH 44106

Nothing says romance quite like a classic Italian dinner, so we recommend trying Michelangelo's Italian Restaurant in Cleveland. With exquisite Italian cuisine prepared by award-winning chef Michael Annandono, this restaurant is absolutely fantastic. The menu features a variety of pasta, meats, and fish, and for dessert, you can enjoy some of the best Tiramisu in Cleveland. Takeout is available for both pickup and delivery, and you can place your order online.

Don's Pomeroy House

13664 Pearl Rd., Strongsville, OH 44136

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If you're just south of Cleveland, you might want to consider Don's Pomeroy House for takeout this year. This historic restaurant is on the National Register of Historic Places and is also a popular Valentine's Day destination.  They serve a variety of winter comfort foods like Kobe Meatloaf and Chicken Parmesan as well as seafood sources from all over the world. If you'd prefer not to dine-in this year, you can order your food to-go, or for a truly romantic option, reserve one of their outdoor winter igloos.

L'Albatros

11401 Bellflower Rd., Cleveland, OH 44106

Located in an old carriage house near Case Western Reserve University, L'Albatros is a classic Valentine's Day destination near Cleveland. This year, their entire menu is available for takeout so you can complement your stay-at-home Valentine's Day with some contemporary French cuisine. The French Onion Soup is a must-try and the braised pork shank with whole grain mustard sauce is a popular dish!

Columbus

Trattoria Roma

1447 Grandview Ave., Columbus, OH 43212

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For some delicious Italian dishes near Columbus, order a romantic dinner from Trattoria Roma. This restaurant has been open for over 30 years and offers all of your favorite pasta dishes with a personal touch. All ingredients are locally sourced, and they offer special takeout menus and specials that change monthly, so be sure to check out what they have in store for Valentine's Day. Carryout and delivery can both be ordered on their website.

The Pearl

641 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43215

Online ordering is available this Valentine's Day at The Pearl restaurant. This trendy, romantic establishment has two locations: one in downtown Columbus and one in Dublin, Ohio. The dinner menu has an excellent mix of seafood and modern dishes, and they also have a separate menu for their oyster room. Best of all, you can top off your stay-at-home Valentine's Day with one of their unique cocktail kits for two.

The Refectory

1092 Bethel Rd., Columbus, OH 43220

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Housed in a former church building, The Refectory has become a Valentine's Day tradition for many couples in Central Ohio. While they're open for limited dine-in seating, they also offer a wonderful three-course home dinner menu with French favorites like Boeuf Bourguignon and Roasted Cornish Hen. For dessert, try the Epiphany Cake — an almond frangipane baked in layers of puff pastry. They even offer a wide variety of cocktails to-go! Orders can be placed online, but they do request that you order home dinners at least one day ahead of time.

Cincinnati

Primavista

810 Matson Pl., Cincinnati, OH 45204

While this romantic Cincinnati destination is known for its view, they do have a delicious menu that is available for takeout this Valentine's Day. Primavista offers a fine contemporary menu with dishes from all areas of Italy. They really specialize in veal and fresh fish, and all sauces are made from scratch. If you're celebrating Valentine's Day with friends, Primavista is also offering a family-style menu with dishes that serve 4 to 6 people.

Sotto

118 E. 6th St., Cincinnati, OH 45202

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For an excellent Valentine's Day dinner, try a takeout order from Sotto in downtown Cincinnati. Their takeout menu features delicious pasta classics such as Tortellini Con Zucca and Rigatoni Con Pomodoro as well as some classic Italian pork and seafood dishes. Not only do they have cocktail specials to go, they also have two bottle wine baskets available for purchase. For dessert, you have to try the famous ricotta donuts with sauce! Carryout can be ordered by phone.

Prime Cincinnati

580 Walnut St. #100, Cincinnati, OH 45202

This classic Cincinnati steakhouse is offering curbside carryout and delivery this Valentine's Day. Prime Cincinnati offers some of the best steaks in the area, with the highlight of the menu being the Ohio Reserve Waygu steak. They have a wide variety of seafood options that can be added to your steak to create the perfect surf-and-turf combination. The takeout menu features a create-your-own, three-course meal starting at $50 per person. If a romantic steak dinner sounds like a good Valentine's Day, be sure to try Prime Cincinnati.

Love is in the Air!

Where will you order your takeout this Valentine's Day?

There's never a wrong day to enjoy a great slice of pizza! Just in case you needed an excuse though, you'll be glad to know that National Pizza Day is right around the corner. 

We are lucky to have so many dining incredible options in Cincinnati. From high-end restaurants with gourmet pies to mom-and-pop pizza joints with some of the best slices of town — there's something for every taste. Not sure where to start? Here are a few of our favorites. 

Goodfellas Pizzeria

1211 Main St., Cincinnati, OH 45202

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If you love authentic, NY-style pizza, you're going to love Goodfella's Pizzeria. Their menu features all of the classics, build-your-own pizzas and calzones, and some great specialty pizzas. Feeling adventurous? Try the "Fuhgetaboutit" — a pizza topped with every available topping!

While you're there, make sure you plan to visit their Wiseguy Lounge, a 1920s prohibition-style bar where you'll find craft cocktails, high-end bourbons, rich leather sofas, and knowledgable, well-dress bartenders who are ready and willing to create the perfect craft cocktail to satisfy your cravings. 

Adriatico's

113 W. McMillan Ave. Cincinnati, OH 45219

Another excellent option for NY-style pizza, Adriatico's offers hand-tossed, extra-think, and deep-dish Sicilian pizzas. The restaurant has been voted "best pizza" according to several publications, including Cincinnati Magazine and City Beat. Build your own pizza or try some of their specialty pies like the Hawaiian, Chicken Bacon Ranch, or the "Inflation Fighter" with mushrooms, onions, peppers, olives, sausage, ham, beef, and pepperoni. 

If you enjoy desserts, you're in luck. They also have 12 rotating flavors of gelato, with pints available for carryout and delivery. 

TAGLIO Columbia Tusculum

3531 Columbia Parkway, Cincinnati, OH 45226

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If you haven't tried the incredible Detroit deep-dish gourmet pizzas at TAGLIO yet, you're missing out! With flavors like Prosciutto Artichoke, Greek Veggie, and Pepperoni + Hot Honey, there's so much to love. They also carry all the traditional pizza flavors including Spicy Italian, Bianco, and the "Old Schooler." Don't forget to add some crust dips. With flavors like Garlic + EVOO, Spicy Garlic, and Creamy Gorgonzola, they're well worth the extra dollar. 

Ramundo's Pizzeria

3166 Linwood Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45208

Ramundo's Pizzeria has been pleasing local customers for over 20 years. They've also been voted "Best Pizza Sauce in the City" by Cincinnati Magazine. 

Choose a slice of traditional NY-style pizza or one of their specialty pies. One of their most popular pizzas is the Prosciutto, Lettuce, and Tomato (PLT) pizza. It's made with garlic-infused olive oil, prosciutto, mozzarella, and provolone. After it's baked, it's topped with romaine lettuce, tomato, salt, pepper, and a drizzle of mayo. Don't be scared; it's one of the best pizzas you'll ever eat!

Looking for something more traditional? You can't go wrong with "Uncle Frank's Special," made with homemade Italian sausage, homemade meatballs, and fresh sliced garlic. 

Trio Bistro

7565 Kenwood Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45236

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For a more upscale pizza experience, you'll want to visit Trio Bistro. It's been one of the area's premier dining destinations for over 20 years. Guests love the restaurant's excellent food, attentive staff, and casual charm. 

They offer traditional and Margherita flatbreads and pizzas. However, we recommend some of their more exciting options. Other pizza flavors on the menu include Mexican, BBQ, Mediterranean, Thai, and Smoked Salmon! 

Catch-a-Fire Pizza

3301 Madison Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45209

Catch-a-Fire Pizza prides itself on making creative, delicious wood-fired cuisine using fresh ingredients that are locally sourced whenever possible. It's located inside the taproom Madtree Brewing so you can enjoy this incredible pizza alongside some of the best beer the city has to offer. The menu features Classic Italian and Classic American pizzas with a variety of interesting topping combinations. On weekends, you can also enjoy brunch pizzas in flavors like Green Eggs & Ham, Tequila Sunrise, and Hangover Pie. 

Looking for an adventure? Head over to their Blue Ash location and book one of their heated igloos. This one of the most exciting dining experiences you'll ever have! The igloos seat up to eight guests and even have Bluetooth speakers so you and your friends can enjoy your favorite tunes while you eat. 

Werkhaus Pizza

3637 Werk Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45248

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A west side tradition for over 20 years, Werkhaus Pizza serves traditional and stuffed pizzas. The latter is made with two light layers of dough stuffed with fresh ingredients and topped with their house sauce. 

If you like pizza with a pan-fried crust and plenty of cheese, this family-owned Italian restaurant is soon going to become one of your favorites.   

Trotta's Pizza & Drive Thru

3501 Werk Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45248

Well-known for the generous toppings and incredible crust, Trotta's Pizza is another Cincinnati favorite. They offer traditional, Sicilian, and extra-thin crusts and a huge variety of toppings. Build your own or try some of their amazing specialty pizzas in flavors like Hot Wing, Chili Dip, Taco, BLT, Hawaiian, Steak, Ricotta Cheese, and Salami Roll-Up. 

They offer a convenient drive-thru and also carry a wide selection of beers. 

Bub's Pizza Bar Mt. Lookout

3200 Linwood Ave. Suite #2, Cincinnati, OH 45226

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When you get a late-night pizza craving, look no further than Bub's Pizza Bar. They're open until 2 am during the week and 3:30 am on Friday and Saturday nights. Not only is the pizza delicious, but the portions are huge, giving you a great value for the money. Flavorful and filling, it's everything you want after a night out on the town. 

Choose a traditional pizza or some of their exciting flavors like Pesto and Goat Cheese, Goetta and Onion, and Extreme Pepperoni. They also offer a Vegan Pizza with a soy-free, dairy-free crust, marinara sauce, vegan cheese, and up to five veggie toppings.

Mac's Pizza Pub

205 W. McMillan St., Cincinnati, OH 45219

Known for their cold beer, hot pizza, and happy customers, Mac's Pizza Pub is the ultimate laid-back pizza joint. Everything here is fresh-made, including the dough that's made in-house daily and the pizza sauce. They also grind their own cheese, slice all of their own vegetables, have their sausage fresh-ground, and use local ingredients whenever they can.  

Stick with a traditional pizza or choose some of their fun specialties like the Pesto Primavera, Flying Pig, French Fry Pie, or Nashville Hot. 

Not to Be Cheesy, But... 

Which of these great pizza restaurants will steal your heart? 

January 29th is Puzzle Day, so head to your local shop and buy some to work out on your own or with family members. Simple puzzles with just a few pieces can help kids get started on this fun pastime while working on their fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Before you know it, they'll be helping you on more complex 500- or 1,000-plus puzzles that take days to complete. And no matter what your interests, you'll probably be able to find a puzzle that matches them.

Check out the following 9 places around Ohio to puzzle it out:

Northeast Ohio

Sweets & Geeks

342 E. Smith Rd., Medina, OH 44256

The Sweets & Geeks name says it all – the store is a pop-culture haven that carries sweet candy as well as retro and modern "geeky" games, collectibles, and puzzles. Located near the heart of Historic Medicine Square, the shop has a good selection of puzzles, including ones with Coca-Cola, DC, Marvel, and Harry Potter themes. And while you're at the store, pick up some candy to enjoy while you're working your puzzle at home. From "weird and gross" choices to nostalgic candies you might have grown up with, you'll find something to please everyone who's working on the puzzle. Hours are 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday.

Once Upon a Time

19285 Detroit Rd., Rocky River, OH 44116

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This family-owned toy store has been open since 1984 and been in its current location since 1988, so it has many satisfied customers throughout the northeast Ohio area. It's a good spot to shop for puzzles, including ones from the popular Ravensburger brand. Their puzzles range from 15-piece ones that appeal to young children to 9,000-piece scenes that will keep the family busy for days. You'll also find uniquely fun 3D puzzles. Visit the shop from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday and noon-5 p.m. Sunday.

Toyrifix

885 W. Main St., Smithville OH 44677

Toyrifix carries a large selection of toys, games, and puzzles and prides itself on inspiring creative interactions between generations. You'll find plenty of puzzles, including one with a "Wine Time" theme that's perfect for these times of social distancing. Others follow a color theme, such as red, orange, or green, or depict colorful flowers or cute llamas. Hours are 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 12:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m. Sunday.

Columbus 

The Book Loft

631 S. Third St., Columbus OH 43206

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You'll find much more than books at The Book Loft at German Village – which is one of the country's largest independent bookstores – including a huge collection of jigsaw puzzles. It's located a few blocks south of the state capitol building in a location with a rich pre-Civil War history. Since it takes up an entire city block and encompasses 32 rooms, you're sure to find additional items like board games, posters, and more. Hours are 10 a.m.-11 p.m., 7 days a week.

Gramercy Books  

2424 E. Main St., Bexley OH 43209  

Locally owned Gramercy Books carries a selection of carefully curated puzzles, books (of course), and more. It's located in the heart of Bexley, at the intersection of East Main Street and Cassady Avenue. After you select the puzzles you'd like to buy, take time to visit the store's café, Kittie's, to enjoy Stumptown coffee, snacks, and their famous cupcakes. And don't forget to pet Wally, the store's adorable dog. Hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m., 7 days a week.

Beanbag Books

25 W. Winter St., Delaware, OH 43015

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Originally started as Fundamentals Parent-Teacher Store, Beanbag Books has been one of Delaware's favorite shops for over 30 years. Shop for puzzles, games, books, and more educational and fun activities you can share with your child. Hours are 3 p.m.-5:30 p.m. Tuesday, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Wednesday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Thursday and Friday, and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday. The shop is closed on Sundays and Mondays.

Cincinnati

Downbound Books

4139 Apple St., Cincinnati, OH 45223

Downbound Books has an extensive selection of puzzles, including those that have 500 or more pieces and ones that are well suited for children or for the entire family. The shop is open for curbside pickup from 4 p.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Friday and 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday. You can also set a shopping appointment for groups of up to 5 people, and neighborhood deliveries are also offered.

King Arthur's Toys

3040 Madison Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45209

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King Arthur's Toys was started over 40 years ago as a tiny hobby shop, growing over the years to become a popular – and larger – store that carries puzzles, games, and toys. Shop for gorgeous Pomegranate puzzles, which are beautifully artistic. Choose from a depiction of Van Gogh's Irises, Old-World map, Renoir's Luncheon of a Boating Party, and many more. They're so attractive that they're perfect for preserving and framing to hang on the wall. Hours are 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday.

The Bookshelf

7754 Camargo Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45243  

You'll find a variety of puzzles and books at The Bookshelf, so a visit to the shop will have you well-stocked for at-home fun. If you become a frequent customer at The Bookshelf, you may want to purchase a frequent buyer card to receive a 10% discount, and if you're a teacher, you can score 15% off even without the card. Hours are 10:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, and 1 p.m.-5 p.m. Sunday.

Piecing It Together

What kind of puzzles will you piece together as you spend time bonding with your family?

Named after the fashionable neighborhood in New York City, Hyde Park in Cincinnati oozes charm and luxury from every vantage point. The neighborhood was established in 1892 by several prominent Cincinnati businessmen who wanted to create a community exclusively for the city's wealthy citizens. Initially, only those deemed worthy by the gentlemen were able to purchase homes here, but the area has gained a lot of diversity since the early 1900s.

Today, Hyde Park is home to delicious restaurants, incredible boutiques, award-winning wineries and stunning parks—the only challenge is deciding what to see first!

Our guide includes the best ways to spend your day, starting with a visit to The Echo for breakfast and ending with stargazing at the Cincinnati Observatory and a nightcap at Dutch's. Enjoy!

9 a.m. — Breakfast at The Echo

Before you truly start your Hyde Park adventure, you'll need to fuel up. The Echo is one of the hottest breakfast spots in Cincinnati and has served the neighborhood for decades. Due to the friendly staff and comforting fare, the eatery has established itself as a local institution that people return to week after week. We love classics like the Oktoberfest omelet (featuring Glier's goetta), the corned beef hash, and the Belgian bird breakfast sandwich (with chicken tenders, a fried egg, cheddar and syrup).

10:30 — Go Shopping in Hyde Park Square

 

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It isn't a day in Hyde Park without shopping. Located in the center of the neighborhood is Hyde Park Square, a two-block area on Erie Avenue that is full of one-of-a-kind shops. Spend a few hours exploring the streets and stopping into interesting stores. A few of our favorites include Cincy Shirts, Alligator Purse, 45/46, Soho Boutique and Fazel Rug Gallery.

1 p.m. — Lunch at Arthur's Café

For one of the best burgers in Cincinnati, you have to check out Arthur's Café. This casual and laid-back spot is the perfect place to grab a bite to eat during your Hyde Park adventure—or pretty much any other time. They have a great selection of local craft beers on tap, as well as some carefully crafted cocktails. Everything on their menu is especially good, but we highly recommend the black bean burger with a side of their homemade pink salsa!

2:30 p.m. — Peruse Some Great Art at the Miller Gallery

Photo courtesy of the Miller Gallery | Featuring Work From Robert Mars, 40" x 60" Mixed Media

Established in 1960, the Miller Gallery is Cincinnati's oldest operating art gallery, specializing in contemporary art and sculptures. Their renowned exhibits actively promote over 40 artists in the global art market, featuring everything from photography to traditional painting. Take a breather and stop in to peruse some incredible artwork from local artists (and maybe purchase a piece) before heading on to your next destination.

4 p.m. — Refuel at the Coffee Emporium

Need a midday pick-me-up? We've got just the place! The Coffee Emporium has gained quite the reputation over the years—and with the gorgeous Victorian touches, outdoor patio and tasty bites, we're not surprised. This stop is a must for out-of-town guests and remains a local favorite. While you can't go wrong with any of the signature sips, we go wild over the cold brew aged in bourbon barrels.

5:30 p.m. — Marvel at the Mushroom House

 

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When you leave the Coffee Emporium, you'll notice something across the street. While you might feel like you've just been dropped into a Cincinnati-fied version of Alice in Wonderland, don't worry—it's just the Mushroom House! This architectural wonder was created after a local architect allowed his students to redesign one of his properties. While you can't go inside this adorably whimsical home, it's still definitely worth walking by and snapping a few pictures.

6 p.m. — Dinner at Forno Osteria+Bar

When you're looking for some seriously good food in Cincinnati, there's no better place to go than Forno! This incredible, rustic and approachable Italian restaurant offers some of the most delicious dishes around, from Gorgonzola Tortelloni to Spaghettini Arrabbiata. If you're in the area on a Tuesday, you won't want to miss their Bolo Tuesday special where $12 will get you some pasta with Bolognese sauce, bread and a few trips to the salad bar.

8:00 p.m. — Stargaze at the Cincinnati Observatory

Photo courtesy of the Cincinnati Observatory

In 1842, Cincinnati professor Ormsby MacKnight Mitchel had a dream: to build a local observatory in the heart of Cincinnati that would help expand astronomy research. He went door to door, soliciting $25 a person to invest in his endeavor. Eventually, he was able to make his dream a reality, with the observatory building coming to fruition in 1843. The building served as a strictly research-focused center until 1999, when it was resurrected into a center for astronomy education. While you're in the area, a visit to this exquisite historic building is a must. And if you happen to be exploring on a Thursday or Friday—you'll definitely want to stop in for their weekly public stargazing sessions, just don't forget to RSVP online before you go!

9:30 p.m. — Late Night Bites at Dutch's

This intimate local favorite is the perfect place to finish off the night. Not only do they offer the widest selection of refrigerated beer in the region, but you can also order an incredibly delicious charcuterie board made with locally sourced ingredients—all for a great price!

Happy Exploring!

Do you have a suggestion on what we should add to our itinerary? Let us know in the comments!