Hey Guys!

           

I just returned from a weekend in Cincy, my first, and would like to share my thoughts with you all.

           

First of all, I think the city has tons of potential. What is unfortunate is the fact that Cincy is a city of missed opportunities and they are really taking a long time to get back in the game.

           

The UC area is thriving and is on the up and up. That seemed to be the most healthy of any area I saw. The UC campus is basically all brand new and I'm very excited to live and study there next year. The architecture is great and there are always students out and about, which is a nice energy to have.

           

OTR is not as bad as what I have heard, but I would NEVER go walking around there at night or alone during the day. There was a large police presence, but what really bothered me was the large groups of people just standing around in the street and on the sidewalks. This neighborhood could be the coolest in the city, but much work needs to be done. The architecture is really cool over here and this area truly could be thriving. It also bothered me to see new restaurants and nightclubs with for-lease signs in their windows.

           

I really hope that the little shopping downtown stays. Saks is a personal favorite of mine and I especially hope that stays, as well as Macy's. I don't like that anyone living in the city or by UC has to go all the way out to Kenwood to find good, upscale shopping. Carew tower is pretty depressing and that place has potential, especially seeing its location and the fact that it is connected to one of the most popular hotels in the city.

           

I stayed at the Cincinnatian and was not all that impressed. The place is elegant enough, but it is very worn and tired. If they did a full remodel and brought out the buildings' real beauty, it could truly be a nice place. The service was great though! I might try the Hilton next time...

           

I used the METRO bus once....that bus station downtown across from the courthouse is really cool, very organized and modern. Taxi service was HORRIBLE. I had to call 2x, and I still never got one, even thought I was told both times that one was on it's way. Cincy would really benefit from a light rail or streetcar system. I also hope they reconsider utilizing the subway tunnels that are already there.

           

I am slightly concerned by the attitudes of several people I encountered. I got VERY dirty looks from a woman outside my hotel when she saw me kissing my [same gender] boyfriend. I ended up getting into an elevator with this woman and her husband a few minutes later and they both made very rude, inappropriate, homophobic comments under their breath directed towards me. My b/f later told me that he has been in several situations like that before in Cincy and that gays need be careful in Cincy. what gives?

           

Finally, the city has a lack of good, classy nightlife. Sure there are sports bars, but I'm talking good dance clubs and lounges and the like. Even here in Cleveland we have the Warehouse Dst. where every weekend it is packed and there are lines to get into clubs that are charging $30-40 (Sinergy, Spy, etc.). I saw 'The Exchange' in OTR, which looked cool, but was seemingly abandoned. Can anyone shed some light on this issue?

           

Looks like you guys have a good assortment of restaurant choices though and this is great!

           

Your commentary and feedback is much appreciated! Like I said, I'll be moving down there next September and I am interested in learning as much about the city as I can. Thanks!

Are you going to UC as a freshmen or grad student? What are you studying?

 

I think you did a good job of describing Cincinnati. It has a lot of potential.  It has a lot of problems but I don't think they're much different or worse than those of nearby cities of its size. I don't think getting dirty looks for being gay are exclusive to Cincinnati...I'm sure you'd get that at a lot of places. The Exchange is far from abandoned. It's actually one of the best places to go to in the city if you're looking for a place that is geared towards dancing. Metropolis is a popular place to go but there's a lot of white trash. Cincinnati has a lot of "classy nightlife" but like I've said before, I think we lack actual DANCE clubs where people literally go because they want to DANCE.  We have plenty of places for people to stand around or sit and drink. What all parts of the city did you go to? I think you'd really like Northside and Mt. Adams.

I'll be a Freshman studying Operations Management/International Business. I plan to go into the hotel industry as my focus and basis for Co-Op.

 

I think Cincinnati is where Cleveland was 2-3 years ago. Since then we have seen more people move downtown and a new buzz on the nightlife scene. Cleveland is, however, a much more gay friendly place just because it is less-southern and more politically liberal region.

 

I know exactly what you mean about dancing vs. drinking. This used to be a problem in Cleveland, but as the nightlife scene has grown, we have been bringing in better, bigger name DJs and thus people are coming out with dancing in mind, and and the clubs have just been thriving... example, Paul Van Dyk spinning live at Metropolis back in November:

 

 

Does The Exchange have a website, or is there some place for me to see what is going on there? Can you recommend some other good, fun, dance clubs?

 

moving on, I visited all around UC, as well as Mt. Adams, drove through OTR a few times, and stayed/shopped in downtown. did not see Northside. We also went to the Taft and the Cincy Art Museum.

 

I'd really like to see better public transportation. That is key to me, being a student without my car and all...

 

Also, I really hope downtown will truly rise up and thrive as many people say it will. You guys already have some great hotels and even a Saks, plus that new steakhouse on the corner by Ftn. Sq.

 

I'm excited to be a part of a city that is [hopefully] on its way to becoming something great!

 

 

http://cincyalist.com/scene.asp

 

Uptown/UC has Martinos and The Mad Frog. Theres a room at Mad Frog where they do Salsa dancing. It was pretty interesting to watch.

 

 

Thanks so much for taking the time to write up your impressions for us, and giving us a chance to give you feedback!  I'm going to counter a few things you've said, but please don't take it as anything but trying to help out!

 

Regarding UC and OTR - I'm right there with you...UC's campus didn't used to be like it is now, but the additions (and subtractions) they've made have really transformed it.  And OTR is great, but I probably wouldn't walk around alone during the day.  Parts of it I would walk in a group at night - around Main Street and Sycamore near Vine, the entertainment area - but most of it is necessarily a daytime pleasure.

 

I don't like that anyone living in the city or by UC has to go all the way out to Kenwood to find good, upscale shopping.

 

Did you get out to Rookwood?  I'm not sure what exactly constitutes upscale shopping (being a flannel-wearing straight boy without a lick of taste or homemaking skills outside the kitchen), but there's a lot of stuff there, and it's only a few miles down Madison.

 

I stayed at the Cincinnatian and was not all that impressed. The place is elegant enough, but it is very worn and tired. If they did a full remodel and brought out the buildings' real beauty, it could truly be a nice place.

 

My wife and I stayed there once, got a $99 room on special, and apparently the classy rooms that you hear about are NOT the ones they give you when you get a deal - our room was run-down, wallpaper pealing, really truly ugly.  I don't understand why they'd sell anyone those rooms, because I know we'll never stay there again...

 

Depending on your cash situation, you might be interested in checking out the B&B's in Clifton.  The Clifton House Bed and Breakfast is right on Whitfield at Terrace in the Gaslight District - that's within walking distance to campus (a healthy walk, but students do it every day), it's a beautiful property, the rooms are private, and it's just two short blocks from Ludlow, with restaurants, shops, the city's oldest gay bar (the Golden Lions - a hole-in-the-wall dark and dank place, but I love it - very friendly folks, and very cheap liquor), lots of beautiful houses, etc.

 

Taxi service was HORRIBLE. I had to call 2x, and I still never got one, even thought I was told both times that one was on it's way. Cincy would really benefit from a light rail or streetcar system. I also hope they reconsider utilizing the subway tunnels that are already there.

 

I always use Towne Cab (513.761.7700), and have never had anything but fast service.  Sorry for your luck on that...and amen on the streetcar/light rail!

 

 

I am slightly concerned by the attitudes of several people I encountered. I got VERY dirty looks from a woman outside my hotel when she saw me kissing my [same gender] boyfriend. I ended up getting into an elevator with this woman and her husband a few minutes later and they both made very rude, inappropriate, homophobic comments under their breath directed towards me. My b/f later told me that he has been in several situations like that before in Cincy and that gays need be careful in Cincy. what gives?

 

I certainly can't speak to what life is really like for gay folks here vs. other cities, but our best friends are a pretty flamboyantly gay couple, and I can tell you I've not once seen anything like what you describe happen to them when we've been out and about, in Cincinnati, NKY, anywhere.  Keep in mind that in the city of Cincinnati, 2004's statewide gay marriage ban failed, 47% to 53%, whereas it passed in Cleveland 54%-46%.  Now, that same election we had a repeal of Article XII on the ballot (which excluded orientation from our non-discrimination statutes) - that repeal effort was organized and strong, and really educated the public, and brought out the anti-bigotry vote, which certainly had a spillover effect.  I don't know if the average Cincinnatian is really more open-minded than the average Clevelander...but please don't have the impression that Cincinnati has a Clifton oasis in a sea of backwoods hate mongers or something - 18 of our 26 precincts voted not to ban gay marriage - that's a pretty powerful statement.

 

Finally, the city has a lack of good, classy nightlife.

 

My interest is more in restaurants than in "nightlife," but my impression is that there is a lot of dancing and clubbing available, straight and gay, but that it's not like Atlanta or something...but other folks can help you with that...I just know our friends will often head over to the Dock or Adonis or Universal Grill (formerly Hamburger Mary's) after leaving our place for some dancing...

 

Thanks for the comments, but I will have to agree with Riverviewer on the gay issue you brought up.  I know MANY gay people and get along just fine; I have also never had someone specifically target a friend of mine because they are gay...now I am not saying it doesn't happen, but I think what you experienced might have been the exception rather than the norm.

 

I completely agree with your comments about shopping and where it is available.  I know most UC students go to Kenwood for their shopping experience not downtown.  But in downtown's defense, it is in transition...and trying to figure out what kind of a shopping experience it will be.  It seems to be going more street-level/unique places that cannot be found in the 'burbs.  Tower Place is on its way out (imo)...and once the residential reaches the neccessary mass the retail will be there loud and proud to go with the now GREAT collection of restaurants downtown.

 

The club/night scene is also in transition in Cincy.  Main St used to be the place, now it is split between Northside and W. 4th St.  I imagine that W. 4th will emerge as the eventual nightlife hotspot in the city, and when that happens the nightlife you so desire will be there (as it was on Main before).

 

Oh, and streetcars are on the way...the politicians are saying 2 years before they're up and running...I'm betting 3, but either way they'll be here before you graduate!

Dude, you didn't visit Northside ?

People in Cincinnati, like giving people dirty looks / the evil eye. I think it's funny.

Cabs are uneven. I have had good luck & bad. Mostly bad.

The Metro rt 17 is your friend. Getting out east is a little harder.

Bicycling is ok but expect people to try to steal your unattended bike in Clifton.

^ as to the metro, 17, 18 19 all have the same routing until northisde so during the day you never have to wait more than 12 minutes for a bus.  if you are downtown, 39 also takes you to uptown.

I second the gay issue comments and did you say that the woman and her husband gave you dirty looks at the Cincinnatian? If so, chances are they do not live here. Like RV I also have gay friends that live a pretty nice lifestyle. One bartends at a gay bar downtown and the place always has a decent crowd, a mixture of both gays and straights.

 

You mentioned Paul Van Dyk (great DJ, BTW), in Cincy I have seen live: DJ Baby Anne, Darude, DJ Keoki, just to name a few. I would have probably came on here before hand and asked about places to check out before summing up the city in one visit.

 

I have never stayed in the Cincinnatian, but the Hilton Netherland Plaza is awesome! Great views too.

 

As far as downtown, things are definitely on an upswing. I went to a bar last Saturday night and they wouldn't let anyone else in after 1:00 a.m. because of the capacity and fire codes. Keep in mind, there were 2 more hours before closing time. There are things coming up downtown that I can point out a little more later on tonight.

 

BTW, how old are you?

 

You want gay-friendly Ohio? Columbus beckons.

 

Your experience demonstrates the impact of first impressions. Considering that the incident occured in a hotel, it stands to reason that the offending couple weren't even locals.

 

Still, a shame.

While I lived in Cincinnati a few years ago, I did have a couple of bad experiences with derogatory remarks and actions by others.  But really, Cincinnati is a fantastic place to live and has so much to offer, so I wouldn't let a few closed-minded people ruin that.

yes. I suppose you all are right. Something like what happened COULD happen anywhere, and I should not let it bother me. I think I may have been overly critical of the city and it's people because I am going to live there next year, and I'll be surrounded for months at a time, whereas visiting is just a different story...but in any case, it was a good trip and I'm excited for next year.

 

I also wanted to add that I think Cincinnatians have a great pride about their city, similar to New Yorkers...and this is def. NOT something I see in Cleveland. The concierge at our hotel was very passionate about Cincinnati and all the new projects that are coming, and went out of her way to explain what went wrong in the first place and how downtown is in a transition right now. I also had a gaurd at the Art musuem, this really nice older black lady, come up to me and start explaining and pointing out landmarks in some of the pictures. I was very impressed.

 

I do plan on getting a bike for use around UC, I'll have to ALWAYS remember to lock it though...

 

Does anyone have a link to article(s) about the streetcar project?

 

 

 

 

where in greater clevealnd are you located?

Does anyone have a link to article(s) about the streetcar project?

 

There is an extensive thread on this website about the project:

http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php?topic=9.msg163616#new

 

There is also a site specific site that includes the details and financing info...with comparisons to the Portland system:

http://www.citystreetcar.net/case.html

 

*click on the presentation link for the in-depth info*

Nightlife in Cincinnati is definately more conservative than other cities.   But it does exist.  Like enjoying a summer evening outside in Mt. Adams at Blind Lemon.  Or listening to a great indie band at The Comet or The Southgate House. 

 

I'm not much of a club person and haven't been to many "clubs" in Cincinnati.  But it does seem bars out number clubs.

mcadrenaline, to point you in the right direction, it would be better if I knew your age?

mcadrenaline, to point you in the right direction, it would be better if I knew your age?

 

I'm 18.

 

where in greater clevealnd are you located?

 

I live in the east-side suburbs, out by Chagrin Falls. We also have a house in University Heights.

^Well it definitely sucks being 18 (I think thats the case most places though).  Things get much better once you turn 21 (I just did...wahoo).

mcadrenaline, to point you in the right direction, it would be better if I knew your age?

 

I'm 18.

 

Ouch! ... that's going to hurt a little. Most bars and clubs are 21 and up. Hmmm ... let me think about this one for a minute ...

highlands coffee shop, the blue wisp, is adonnis 21+up i've never been, mad frog you can get in with x's...

 

hmmm...

 

Kaldi's is a cool place to hang out... 

I'm 20, I go to The Mad Frog, The Exchange, and Martinos. You just have to rock the X's. The more "tavern" type places tend to be 21+. Is McFadden's 21+?

 

highlands coffee shop, the blue wisp, is adonnis 21+up i've never been, mad frog you can get in with x's...

 

hmmm...

 

Kaldi's is a cool place to hang out... 

 

Highland Coffee Shop is awesome! I wanna go there again.

^highlands is nice when it is warm, they have a great patio outback with ivy or something all overgrown on the side of the building.

highlands coffee shop, the blue wisp, is adonnis 21+up i've never been, mad frog you can get in with x's...

 

hmmm...

 

Kaldi's is a cool place to hang out... 

 

Adonis is 18+ with a cover....I just checked. That place looks pretty decent and I've heard it is moreso a mixed crowd than exclusively gay, which is great.

 

The Exchange is 18+? what is their website url...?

how about universal grille? or the various places in MainStrasse in covington.

http://exchangenightclub.com/

http://www.clubdreamoh.com/index.html Club Dream is in the alley by the Exchange. Thursday is college night.

http://www.cincymetropolis.com/ - Metropolis is by Cincinnati Mills, in the northern suburbs. Kinda far but many people still go to it.

 

The Bearcat shuttle stops in Mt. Adams, Newport, and downtown at 12th street and Main (right at the door of The Exchange, and probably the reason it's more successful than other clubs that closed in the area). The shuttle runs every 20 minutes and starts at 7pm so they make it pretty convenient if you live on campus.

http://exchangenightclub.com/

http://www.clubdreamoh.com/index.html Club Dream is in the alley by the Exchange. Thursday is college night.

http://www.cincymetropolis.com/ - Metropolis is by Cincinnati Mills, in the northern suburbs. Kinda far but many people still go to it.

 

The Bearcat shuttle stops in Mt. Adams, Newport, and downtown at 12th street and Main (right at the door of The Exchange, and probably the reason it's more successful than other clubs that closed in the area). The shuttle runs every 20 minutes and starts at 7pm so they make it pretty convenient if you live on campus.

 

Metropolis looks trashy, and it looks like the Exchange only plays Hip-Hop, which I am not a fan of to say the least... where is the techno/trance/house? lol. Adonis probably.

 

good to know about that shuttle though! thanks for the info

if you're into edm, as i am, you're out of luck in this city.  the only room anywhere near the size of metropolis in cleveland is what used to be red cheetah, and i never even went in there due to their music policy.  the best recommendation i could give would be particular nights at clique in covington, but that's still just a 21+ bar.  there are a few other local weeklies around town (a house night @ mad frog, techno night @ baba budan's) but they tend to come and go and they tend to have very small crowds.

 

you've still got time though, who knows what'll change between now and then.

 

 

I know Club Oxygen is 18 and up and Darude spun there as well.

I know Club Oxygen is 18 and up and Darude spun there as well.

 

did some research and looks like that place is gone...

 

random question: does anyone know when Crowne Plaza dumped their DT Cincy hotel, the one that is now the Terrace Plaza or whatever. It was across from where we stayed and it looked like a big, scary dump.

mcadrenaline, to point you in the right direction, it would be better if I knew your age?

 

I'm 18.

 

where in greater clevealnd are you located?

 

I live in the east-side suburbs, out by Chagrin Falls. We also have a house in University Heights.

 

You 18 year old poor thing!  God I feel so old!