I'm officially taking my Spring Break in Cincinnati next week.  I'm driving down Monday night and I'll be up at the crack of dawn Tues. Then I'm leaving Thursday morning.  I've been a couple of times and I know the city pretty well (thanks to a sick fascination with the place) but I will have a car this time, so that expands my options a bit. 

 

I'm looking for quirkier stuff this time like Jungle Jim's and the Creation Museum, or strange pocket parks, hidden staircases (Like the Peete Sts photo thread done two years ago)

 

I also really want to see some mansions.  Is there a good drive through Indian Hill?

 

I'm looking for unique Cincinnati treasures (architecturally and culturally)

 

 

 

I stole this list from edale's post on another thread to knock some of the biggies off the list:

Institutions worth visting:

Cincinnati Art Museum (free)

The Zoo

Taft Museum of Art

Union Terminal (Natural History Museum, Cincinnati History Museum, Childrens Museum, and Omnimax Theatre)

Contemporary Arts Center

National Undergroun Railroad Freedom Center

Reds Hall of Fame and Museum

Newport Aquarium

Various Theatres if you want to take in a show (Know Theatre, Playhouse in the Park, Aronoff Center, Ensemble Theatre)

 

Cool Neighborhoods to check out:

Mt. Adams

Hyde Park

Northside

Clifton

Clifton Hts

Covington, KY

Over the Rhine

Mt. Lookout

Columbia Tuculum

 

 

Also, Tuesday is St Patty's but it looks like all of the fun stuff is happening this weekend.  Will there be any celebrating on Tuesday?

 

Also also, I'm taking votes on the best chili parlor in town.

Spring break in Cinci?!  :wtf:    Lawd.  Breakout the suntan lotion.

This is going on next week:

 

Restaurant Week Planned for Greater Cincinnati

The Greater Cincinnati Independents group (GCI) invites residents and visitors to “Eat lots and Spend Little” at the tri-state’s third bi-annual Greater Cincinnati Restaurant Week.

 

In the tradition of Restaurant Week in cities such as New York, San Francisco, and even Dayton, diners are given a unique opportunity to enjoy local dishes from all over Greater Cincinnati at a very special price with participating GCI restaurants.

 

The Greater Cincinnati Restaurant Week runs from Monday, March 16th - Sunday, March 22nd. To date, 26 locally owned restaurants will offer a three-course prix-fixe dinner menu for only $26.09! (Price does not include drinks, taxes or gratuities. Some restrictions may apply). In addition, some of our casual themed restaurants are offering dinner for 2 for $26.09! (Please see web site for complete list of participating restaurants and offerings).

 

"The way this promotion has taken off in cities across the country, proves that this can be quite successful at getting people to try restaurants and explore neighborhoods they might not have gone to otherwise," said GCI Vice President, Drew Hester. "I look at it as a give-back opportunity from the restaurants to our loyal customers, it truly is a win-win situation!"

 

http://www.gcindependents.com/rw.php

re: the aquarium, be sure to check out the rainforest part, which you can easily miss/walk by.  Just last weekend was the first time they introduced a porcupine to the exhibit that has the otters.  I could have sat there all day watching the otters playing hide and seek with porky and him racing around to and from his new hole in the wall, it was hilarious. I understand they will be introducing a 2nd porky soon.  in disappointing news however, the jellyfish room was closed for repairs, that is one of the coolest rooms in the aquarium IMO.

Skyline Chili is Skyline Chili...it's going to be the same at any location, but the Clifton location you have listed is the best location.  As for the best Cincinnati-style chili I voted for Camp Washington Chili, although Price Hill Chili is also worth a visit for the experience alone.

The Skyline on Ludlow is the best, in my opinion.  If you're looking for Dixie Chili (as indicated in the poll), their best location is in Newport on Monmouth.  If you're at Newport on the Levee, you just walk south on Monmouth until you see it around 6th or 7th street. 

Skyline Chili is Skyline Chili...it's going to be the same at any location, but the Clifton location you have listed is the best location. As for the best Cincinnati-style chili I voted for Camp Washington Chili, although Price Hill Chili is also worth a visit for the experience alone.

 

If you go to Price Hill chili make sure you are either

 

a.) an old person, or

b.) a young person wearing purple (green is OK for females).

 

Just say "Go Elder" a few times and you'll fit right in.

Haha, thanks for the chili tips, but I'm hoping for other tips too....

 

I'm really curious about mansions in Indian Hill or elsewhere in the area. 

 

And what are your favorite (lesser known) parks?

Have the authorities been alerted? You kids in Cinci should know Proky will plop down in your nabe and stalk you!

 

Proky, have you gotten permission from your PO to leave the state for this trip?

Spring break in Cinci?!   :wtf:    Lawd.  Breakout the suntan lotion.

 

I'm going to Cincy for spring break, don't knock it.  Leaving shortly.  For me it's like a trip to New Orleans.

Spring break in Cinci?!  :wtf:    Lawd.  Breakout the suntan lotion.

 

I'm going to Cincy for spring break, don't knock it.  Leaving shortly.  For me it's like New Orleans.

 

Is the "nerd convention" in town??

 

At least the food in Naw'lins is interesting and the eye candy is interesting, not to mention the antics at the Clover Grill.  LOL

They do their St. Pats day tomorrow.

Take the trip to the top of Carew Tower if you haven't been there before.  The view is great and it only costs $2. 

 

As for Indian Hill, the whole area around Kugler Mill Rd. and Comargo Rd. off of Loveland Madeira will allow you to gawk at some mansions.  I used to deliver cars for a Lexus dealership in high school and would find myself driving new cars through many a gated driveway in that area.  Spooky Hollow Rd. is also a pretty interesting drive.

The friend I'm staying with is from Indian Hill, but I think our plans center around a downtown bar crawl.

Hey, if you are in town, I might be able to get you into the Emery Theatre. And no stop is complete without going to Park+Vine in the 1100 block of Vine Street!!!

What kind of bars/clubs are you guys looking for? Upscale/nicer or hole in the wall/casual?

For me it's like a trip to New Orleans.

 

For me this is hilarious, considering I used to live in MS across the TN border near Memphis... 6 hours from NOLA.

  For me it's like a trip to New Orleans.

 

For me this is hilarious, considering I used to live in MS across the TN border near Memphis... 6 hours from NOLA.

 

Visit Tunica much??

What kind of bars/clubs are you guys looking for? Upscale/nicer or hole in the wall/casual?

 

See, I'm not really a club person and I'd rather go to a fun coffee shop than a bar.  But if I do go to some bars they'd have to be quieter, more relaxed, and have plenty of interesting and charismatic people.

What kind of bars/clubs are you guys looking for? Upscale/nicer or hole in the wall/casual?

 

See, I'm not really a club person and I'd rather go to a fun coffee shop than a bar.  But if I do go to some bars they'd have to be quieter, more relaxed, and have plenty of interesting and charismatic people.

 

Stalker.

What the...!?!  Aren't you the one who was keeping track of my every move as I wandered Shaker Square last summer? 

 

I knew I should've made that pillow with your face on it.

What the...!?!  Aren't you the one who was keeping track of my every move as I wandered Shaker Square last summer? 

 

I knew I should've made that pillow with your face on it.

 

Hey...You were on my turf.  We notice "strange folk" when we see them.  You with you laptop and GPS devices. 

 

I'm warning you Cinci folks.  be careful, be very very careful!  Proky scared the lil old lady's at the restaurant.  When Columbusite came to the square he behaved himself.  You, not so much.  LOL

For me it's like a trip to New Orleans.

 

For me this is hilarious, considering I used to live in MS across the TN border near Memphis... 6 hours from NOLA.

 

Visit Tunica much??

 

Tunica is horrible. Amazing casinos ... and tons too. The problem is, is that they're all spread out. You literally have to drive from one to the other. Last time I went, I went with two other guys and this ho was trying to take us back to a hotel room. A Memphis ho, is a nasty ho.

Alright man, give me a little bit and I'll try to have a detailed list for you by today.

  For me it's like a trip to New Orleans.

 

For me this is hilarious, considering I used to live in MS across the TN border near Memphis... 6 hours from NOLA.

 

Visit Tunica much??

 

Tunica is horrible. Amazing casinos ... and tons too. The problem is, is that they're all spread out. You literally have to drive from one to the other. Last time I went, I went with two other guys and this ho was trying to take us back to a hotel room. A Memphis ho, is a nasty ho.

 

The casinos are so easy.  The sheraton just gives money away.  In the couple of times I've been there, I've won approximately 4k at the craps table and about 2k at the blackjack table.

 

I've never had anyone hit on me.  Ya'll know I don't do "southern", outside of Fried Chicken.

Alright man, give me a little bit and I'll try to have a detailed list for you by today.

 

Well, wherever I go there needs to be something to look at.  Art and Architecture art my strongholds.  If there's a casual bar with fun art and unique people.  I'm gay, but I don't like gay-specific bars, more places where anyone and everyone can chat about anything. 

 

Really, I enjoy finding places more than anything.  I just need to know specific streets that are fun to wander. 

 

Right now my plan is to walk through the OTR, Mt Adams, Ludlow, Hyde Park Square (maybe), Jungle Jim's, Indian Hill (drive), Short Vine, Mainstrasse, Fountain Square/CBD, and Northside.  Am I missing any interesting spots? 

 

I'll probably do picnic lunches in either Devou Park, Eden Park, Belleview Hill Park or Jackson Hill Park.

 

I'm definitely going to wander Sawyer Point, Friendship Park, Findlay Market, and Glencoe (Creepy COOL). 

 

Really, I've got an idea of what I'll be doing.  I just need peoples' specific favorite stores, etc. that I can wander through and talk to locals at.

I would highly recommend Tusculum Ave. in Columbia-Tusculum.  And some surrounding streets.  Easily one of my favorite streets in Cincinnati.  San Fran. of the midwest. 

Ooh, good call.  I might park in Alms Park and wander down to Columbia Pkwy.  Do you know if there's a trail down to Sachem Ave from the park?

 

PS - I sent you a PM, atlas, not sure if you got it.  We should definitely hang out.

Ooh a couple more questions.  I know Coney Island isn't open, but is it gated off?  OR can I wander the closed rides like Astroland?  (Don't ask)

 

Also, I'm not familiar AT ALL with California and Price Hill. Is California/Mt. Washington worth visiting? And while I'm sure Price Hill is worth visiting, I'm not really sure where to go.  Is there a shopping district?  Cute park?  Nice residential district to walk through?

Ooh, good call.  I might park in Alms Park and wander down to Columbia Pkwy.  Do you know if there's a trail down to Sachem Ave from the park?

 

PS - I sent you a PM, atlas, not sure if you got it.  We should definitely hang out.

 

Atlas, proceed at your own risk.  Keep the mace close.  LOL

honestly you could skip short vine if you wanted to, wouldn't miss much unless there's a decent concert at bogarts.  if you want a good real st patricks day bar, Murphy's Pub on W. Clifton and Warner is opening at like 6am, should be a good scene.

So glad you could take a break from your battle with the South to give me one more punch, MTS. You should come to Cincy next week and offer Atlas some protection.  ;)

So glad you could take a break from your battle with the South to give me one more punch, MTS. You should come to Cincy next week and offer Atlas some protection.  ;)

 

Well you know I don't like going south of the Ohio Turnpike. (clutching pearls) Is there anything down there?  How's that?  LOL :-D

 

I just know you'd better take a lot of pictures!  Are you coming with your BF?  Or is he still locked up in the attic??  Opps, did I say that? :angel:  I hope I haven't let the cat out of the bag per se?  :|

Haha, no the BF isn't coming.  I asked him if he wanted to go and he told me that he's sick of hearing me talk about Cincinnati every hour of every day.  I don't understand.

 

Also, I was just looking at Indian Hill on Bird's Eye View at Live.com and realized that those are all super huge newer mansions.  Are there any more dense historic streets with mansions in the area?  In Hyde Park maybe?  Where did the Baldwins, Procters, and Gambles live?  Is Dayton St it?

Haha, no the BF isn't coming.  I asked him if he wanted to go and he told me that he's sick of hearing me talk about Cincinnati every hour of every day.  I don't understand.

 

Also, I was just looking at Indian Hill on Bird's Eye View at Live.com and realized that those are all super huge newer mansions.  Are there any more dense historic streets with mansions in the area?  In Hyde Park maybe?  Where did the Baldwins, Procters, and Gambles live?  Is Dayton St it?

 

I like the BF.  He sounds like he has some "sense"!  I couldn't agree with him more!  :lol:

Ooh, good call.  I might park in Alms Park and wander down to Columbia Pkwy.  Do you know if there's a trail down to Sachem Ave from the park?

 

PS - I sent you a PM, atlas, not sure if you got it.  We should definitely hang out.

 

Atlas, proceed at your own risk.  Keep the mace close.  LOL

 

ha. thanks for the warning.  ill make the bf protect me if need be, although ProkNO5 seems harmless enough. 

Ooh, good call.  I might park in Alms Park and wander down to Columbia Pkwy.  Do you know if there's a trail down to Sachem Ave from the park?

 

PS - I sent you a PM, atlas, not sure if you got it.  We should definitely hang out.

 

Atlas, proceed at your own risk.  Keep the mace close.  LOL

 

ha. thanks for the warning.  ill make the bf protect me if need be, although ProkNO5 seems harmless enough. 

 

Thats the type you have to really watch.    He's a sneaky twinkie whipersnapper!  Watch him!  lol

Also, I was just looking at Indian Hill on Bird's Eye View at Live.com and realized that those are all super huge newer mansions. Are there any more dense historic streets with mansions in the area? In Hyde Park maybe? Where did the Baldwins, Procters, and Gambles live? Is Dayton St it?

 

There are quite a few old mansions in Indian Hill, but they are mostly the estate type.  All you'll be able to see is a gated drive.  The area around Dayton St. has some really nice architecture and the oldest of the mansions in the city, but up the hill in either Clifton off and along Lafayette St. or in East Walnut Hills off and along Madison (even all the way back Grandin Rd.) were/are the wealthiest neighborhoods once Cincinnati began to grow outside of the basin and up into the surrounding hills.  It depends on what style you're looking for, really.  Liberty Hill is also a nice little pocket, and then of course Mt. Adams is a one-of-a-kind must see place.

 

Clifton: http://maps.live.com/default.aspx?v=2&FORM=LMLTCP&cp=qhs6mh7ypqsx&style=b&lvl=1&tilt=-90&dir=0&alt=-1000&scene=35170260&phx=0&phy=0&phscl=1&encType=1

 

East Walnut Hills: http://maps.live.com/default.aspx?v=2&FORM=LMLTCP&cp=qhnjgd7ytvhs&style=b&lvl=1&tilt=-90&dir=0&alt=-1000&scene=35144031&phx=0&phy=0&phscl=1&encType=1

 

Bah, he's twink-ish but not full-on twink. I mean sure, he's blonde and young and whatnot but he's not Twinkernelle - if he was, I'da shanked him in the kidney! ;-)

Bah, he's twink-ish but not full-on twink. I mean sure, he's blonde and young and whatnot but he's not Twinkernelle - if he was, I'da shanked him in the kidney! ;-)

 

(clutching pearls) Oh...my.... Dear.  That's so Oz of you!  Nothing says "what your back" like the threat of being shanked.

The Gamble's lived in Glendale, north of the city (Sharon Rd. exit off of 75).  There are some beautiful homes there.  Not sure if the Procters lived there also.

 

You really need to see the view of the city from Mt. Echo Park in Price Hill.  Elberon Ave. exit from the 6th st viaduct.

 

Also, I was just looking at Indian Hill on Bird's Eye View at Live.com and realized that those are all super huge newer mansions. Are there any more dense historic streets with mansions in the area? In Hyde Park maybe? Where did the Baldwins, Procters, and Gambles live? Is Dayton St it?

 

Ok, for cool mansions, Indian Hill and Hyde Park are your best bets.  The largest and most expensive and sprawling estates are in Indian Hill, while the denser incredibly large homes are in Hyde Park.  I'm pretty familiar with both areas, so I can give you a little help. 

 

Indian Hill: There are large homes all over IH, but the area with the most impressive homes is around Camargo Rd, Given Rd, and Shawnee Run.  Many of the homes in IH are really set back from the road and have large gates, so you can't see them all, but you can still see a lot of them. In particular, make sure you drive down Given and turn down Cunningham Road.  There are some MASSIVE and expensive ($12,000,000+) homes there and on intersecting Buckingham Road.  IH feels very rural, and it's very hilly and beautiful to drive through.  Don't be surprised if you see people riding horses down the road, because many of the homes have stables and there are a lot of horse trails all through IH.  It can be a confusing drive though, so bring a map.

 

Hyde Park: There are large homes everywhere in Hyde Park, but the biggest houses are off of Edwards and Grandin roads.  Coming from Obryonville (where O'bryons Irish Pub is- one of the best places to go for St. Pattys Day), take a right on Grandin. You'll pass my alma mater, Summit Country Day.  There is a really beautiful chapel inside, if you want to park and see it.  After that, keep going on Grandin, and turn in some of the random streets off to the right.  The one right after you leave Summit has especially large houses, and they all have spectacular river and downtown views.  Again, some of these are long driveways, so you might not be able to see all of them, but you can see a lot.  So keep going down Grandin, until it dead ends (there are some great houses past the intersection with Edwards that you won't want to miss), then turn around, and take a right on Edwards.  From there, take a left on Rookwood, and just drive around the neighborhood.  There are some really large houses, and theyre all visible from the street.  After that, make your way back down Edwards and go over all the annoying "speed humps" and check out those houses.  You can make a left onto Handaside to see some other really nice ones too.  Edwards will dump you off right into Hyde Park Square on Erie.  If you want to go to Ault Park (highly recomend this) take a right on Observatory (one street before Erie), and it will dead end.

 

Hope that helped. PS, if you've seen the movie "Traffic" the heroin addict girl's house is on Edwards in HP, and the High school is Cincinnati Country Day on Given in IH.  PM me if you have any specific questions.

North Avondale is also good for interesting large houses

Indian Hill is not really worth the drive.  Too many McMansions and it's difficult to see a lot of the ones of interest.  I do like edale's recommendation re Grandin.  That's a nice drive, but I would add in some of the other streets in East Walnut Hills off of Madison, just outside of O'Bryonville, but in the other direction....Key's Crescent and the rest are great and easy access.

 

Rose Hill in North Avondale is also a good drive.

The Gamble's lived in Glendale, north of the city (Sharon Rd. exit off of 75).  There are some beautiful homes there.  Not sure if the Procters lived there also.

 

You really need to see the view of the city from Mt. Echo Park in Price Hill.  Elberon Ave. exit from the 6th st viaduct.

 

I want to say that some of the Proctor family went to the westside.  There are some gems on Cleves Warsaw near the Western Hills Country Club with one house built as rescent as the late 80's early 90's supposedly being built by a member of the Proctor family.  These homes straddle the fence in being called mansions yet some give off that vibe.  (I'll admit they don't even come close to Indian Hill, but some resemble Madison Ave.)

 

http://maps.live.com/default.aspx?v=2&FORM=LMLTCP&cp=qhm3427ydf4p&style=b&lvl=2&tilt=-90&dir=0&alt=-1000&scene=35195715&phx=0&phy=0&phscl=1&encType=1

Mansions: Avondale, E. Walnut Hills, Indian Hill, Hyde Park, Gas Light (can't really compete with the others, but there are some huge freakin houses here and the architecture is amazing).

Oh, and for coffee houses I recomend either Sitwells on Ludlow, or the Highlands off of Highland in Corryville.  Both are very interesting, and attract really interesting people.

East Walnut Hills off of Madison, just outside of O'Bryonville, but in the other direction....Key's Crescent and the rest are great and easy access.

 

I would very much echo the Key's Crescent thing - it's easy to find, right off Madison to the south, and it's a little loop - if you miss it, just turn in at the next street!  And on the back side of the street is a friggin' castle, which you can easily see from the street.  Just park on Madison and walk the little loop...very, very impressive place.

 

the old manager "jimmy" is still in my sig.  It use to be camp washington til they glitzed it up. When I use to live on telford, i had a cheese coney every day

You should try to visit the

St. Mary's Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption

1140 Madison Avenue

Covington, KY 41011

859.431.2060

http://www.covcathedral.com/frame1.htm