mr. rockandroller and I are planning a short, 2-day trip to Cincy on New Year's Day and the day after, returning to Cleveland on Saturday the 3rd.

 

I'm guessing we will be pretty limited in what we can do on new year's day.  We plan to visit Newport Aquarium, as I know that's open, but assume most other stuff will be closed, even at newport on the levee, so outside of the aquarium we will probably just stay in our hotel and play games and get PPV for fun.  I know, that sounds boring, but this is about as much of a trip away as we can afford to take right now, and we like this type of thing.

 

However, Friday we have the day available and more things should be open.  We're not so much interested in stuff like art museums/galleries but do like good/interesting shopping, even if it's just a good mall.  If there are any good hippie stores in the area, that would be good too.  We already have dinner plans but were thinking of Jean-Ro for lunch unless someone has a better suggestion.

 

What do you folks recommend?  Is there by any chance a really good/interesting breakfast place?  We're foodies and love to support places that lean towards local and/or organic for meals, so we're looking for breakfast and lunch suggestions.

 

Thanks!

There is free stuff you can check out.  One in particular is the holiday floral show at the Krohn Conservatory.  The Conservatory is in Eden Park so it makes for a great stroll.  It is also near the Mt. Adams neighborhood which is a must see for a visitor.

 

For unique independent shopping I would recommend checking out any of the many great neighborhood business districts (Clifton, Northside, Hyde Park, O'Bryonville, Mt. Lookout, etc).  One place in particular is the newly emerging Gateway Quarter where there is a slew of new independent businesses that offer a nice stroll and nice browsing.  You can make an afternoon of it by grabbing some food at Lavomatic in the middle of the district.

 

I'll post some more stuff later, but check out the links I provided above.  There is also of course Fountain Square and its surrounding district to check out.  The ice rink will still be up when you're here and the Carew Tower Observation Deck ($2 for adults) is also a must see.

Thank you!

Building on what Rando said, I would definitely check out O'brionville's business district on Madison Rd., Hyde Park Square on Erie, Clifton's business district on Ludlow, and Northside's business district on Hamilton.  They all serve different niche's, with Hyde Park definitely being the most upscale, and Northside being the most ecclectic. The Gateway Quarter is also solid, but a little small.

 

Mainstrasse in Covington is a really neat area with lots of bars and restaurants that you might want to check out.

 

As for restaurants, what type of food are you interested in?  Any specific ethnicity?  For breakfast, I'm a big fan of The Echo in Hyde Park Square.  Although its not organic or fancy, it's a neighborhood diner with great cheap food.  I know that Melt, Slims, and Honey in Northside are all good and try to use local organic food whenever possible.

I think you should check out mt. Adams.

 

 

Union Terminal, is what, 5-10 minutes away? You don't even have to do any of the museums. Just walk in the front door and be amazed. I still ooh and aah whenever I walk in there. I believe it's open except on x-mas day.

 

http://www.cincymuseum.org/

Union Terminal, is what, 5-10 minutes away? You don't even have to do any of the museums. Just walk in the front door and be amazed. I still ooh and aah whenever I walk in there. I believe it's open except on x-mas day.

 

http://www.cincymuseum.org/

 

 

I've actually been there, it is very cool. We were supposed to have a dinner there during a recent event I planned, but we ended up having to change the date and then we lost the space, had the dinner at the aquarium instead.  Thx.

Thanks everyone else for your great suggestions.  Sounds like we have plenty of options!

If you could make it the night before ... you'd be glad you did! Any chance?

Walk OR drive across the suspension bridge. Fountain Square in the evening. 

If you could make it the night before ... you'd be glad you did! Any chance?

 

Oh no, no way we can come in the night before, mr. has to work his 2nd job that night.  Besides, I'm not much for new year's eve.  I'd rather stay home than be on the road.  And these days (I'm pregnant), I'm going to sleep at like 9 o'clock at the latest, so no point in doing anything special that day.

The thing I miss most about Cincy is Jungle Jim's and it is a foodie paradise, so I'd say it should be on your list.  If only for the animatronic goodness.

Thx again to everyone for the suggestions. Found out yesterday our trip dates have to be rescheduled but I will keep this thread handy for when we do go.