Spring break’s only just ended but some of us may already be itching for another getaway. As a life-long Cincinnatian, I suggest driving a mere two hours down Interstate 71 to Cincinnati. The Queen City is incredibly underrated. Like many of us, I grew up wishing I lived in LA or Manhattan, not a suburb of Cincinnati. But now, especially with the renaissance that downtown has been experiencing, I have fallen in love with my city. And you should, too! Take a day or two to explore this city, using the HerCampus “guidebook.” Organized by travel personalities for your convenience, here, a la Delta’s Sky Magazine, is a day in Cincinnati five unique ways.
Adventure Seeker
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For those of you who love to explore, start off in Loveland, a suburb just half an hour north of downtown Cincinnati. In May through October, the Loveland farmers’ market provides a fun activity and delicious food, from Blue Oven Bakery’s heavenly, almost-doughnut-it’s-so-soft English muffins, to a tiny stand’s honey-coconut Popsicles.
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After eating and browsing, walk across the street for the perfect afternoon activity: a bike ride on the Loveland bike trail, which is almost 70 miles long. Like the Kokosing Gap Trail, it was once a railroad and runs by a beautiful river, the Little Miami.
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After a possibly much-needed nap, pack up dinner in a basket (maybe using goodies that you bought at the farmers’ market) and have a picnic in Eden Park. Enjoy your meal with a scenic view of the Ohio River over to Kentucky.
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Depending on your level of energy, either hit a baseball game at the Great American Ballpark (go Reds!) or trek it to Mason for an adventure at Kings Island, the largest amusement park in the Midwest.
Culture Vulture
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If you’re looking to take in classy, cultural events in the Queen City, start your day with a savory crepe or chicken and waffles at Taste of Belgium, a bright and adorable restaurant in the Gateway Quarter.
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After grabbing a coffee to go, hit the Cincinnati Art Museum in Eden Park. Beautiful inside and out, it is one of America’s oldest art museums and boasts an amazing collection, including pieces by Van Gogh, Renoir, Picasso, and Monet. Bonus: it’s free!
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Satisfy your culturally-exhausted mind with dinner in the heart of downtown. Via Vite looks out onto Cincinnati’s iconic Fountain Square and has amazing food. I recommend the spaghetti Bolognese!
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Once you’re full on Italian food, finish your day with a play. Walk a couple blocks to the grand, beautiful Aronoff Center, take in a classic or modernly-adapted Shakespeare play with the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company, or head back to Eden Park to see a play at the adorable Playhouse in the Park.
Fashionista
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First, grab lunch at the BonBonnerie tearoom in O’Bryonsville. Half bakery and half café, BonBonnerie has always been one of my mom and I’s favorite girls’ day lunch spots. Bright, tiny, and decorated with teapots galore, it’s the perfect pre-shopping lunch.
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Just outside, you’ll find a variety of fun and eclectic shops. Be sure to check out Kismet for cute funky clothes and accessories, then explore the boutiques in Hyde Park!
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After working up an appetite shopping, head over to the Gateway Quarter. Vine Street has some of the coolest restaurants in the city. A Tavola, an Italian trattoria, has unique pizzas and a fun atmosphere, with exposed brick walls and communal tables. Lavomatic Café provides not only delicious food but also seating on the roof! Bakersfield has gourmet tacos and constantly plays westerns on the flat screens and rockabilly music on the speakers. And Abigail Street, with its diverse assortment of tapas, is perfect for sharing.
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Walk off your dinner on this small stretch of Vine Street, browsing the hip art shops and my favorite little boutique in all of Cincinnati, Sloane.
Foodie
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As evidenced by the suggestions for non-foodie travelers, Cincinnati has some good eats. For lunch go to The Wildflower Café in Mason. It’s organic. It’s seasonal. It’s freakin’ delicious. Not only did Cincinnati Magazine name their burger best in Cincinnati, but it is also right across the street from Tucker’s Whippy Dip, an ice cream shop comprised of only a colorful patio and a drive through. I spent two summers working here so I may be biased about its wonderfulness, but the menu is extensive and the workers will make your soft serve cone look like any animal you want! The only downside is that Whippy Dip is only open in the warm seasons.
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I know I’m not the only crazy kid who loves grocery shopping, so stock up on food for your dorm at Trader Joe’s, Jungle Jim’s (aka the foodie’s equivalent of Disney World), or one of the many farmers’ markets.
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Dinner is the main event. Any of the places previously mentioned are sure to be more than satisfying, but if you’ve got very deep pockets and a very large stomach, go to Nicola’s. Consistently in the top five restaurants of Cincinnati, Nicolas is Italian food in all its glory. The bread basket alone is a work of art and the crispy potato gnocchi will make you want to cry.
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Now, there is nothing left to do but walk it off. Take a passeggieta to admire the beautiful, historic architecture of downtown.
Classic Tourist
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Cincinnati may not have the monuments of Paris or New York, but we’ve got some classic destinations as well. Spend lunchtime wandering around one of Ohio’s oldest markets, Findlay Market. There are vendors year-round inside, and from April to November stands are set up outside as well.
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Just ten minutes away is the Cincinnati Zoo. The place of my childhood, this zoo is the second oldest in the country and is full of wonderful entertainment, in the form of both animals and kids. Plus, a baby giraffe was born just four months ago. Nothing better than zoo babies!
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Dinner is an obvious choice: Skyline Chili. We are proud of our strange spaghetti noodles/chili/cheese combination, aka a 3-Way. Don’t base your ideas of Cincinnati chili off of Peirce’s attempt. They mean well, but they can’t replicate the classic Skyline experience.
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Finally, spend the last part of your day taking in the Cincinnati vibe at Fountain Square. The square is surrounded by restaurants, hosts the beautiful Tyler Davidson Fountain, and is always populated by a diverse, energetic group of people. In the winter, an ice skating rink takes over, trees light up, and Santa propels down the Macy’s building. In the summer, the square is a bustle of activity with a farmers’ market in the day and music at night. Different nights of the week mean different styles of music, including American Roots Tuesdays, Salsa on the Square Thursdays, MidPoint Indie Summer Fridays, and Beats by Self-Diploma Saturdays. But all year round you can buy a scoop of the best ice cream on the planet (Cincinnati’s pride and joy, Graeter’s) and sit at a table, simply talking with friends and people-watching.