Cincinnati Sights:
Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden: Lions, Tiger and Bears, oh my! The Cincinnati Zoo is a wonderful place to visit. They feature birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and fish and invertebrates along with many other exhibits. They also offer self-guided tours that the whole family will enjoy. The Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden is located at 3400 Vine Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45220. www.cincinnatizoo.org
Cincinnati Museum Center: The Cincinnati Museum Center is located in the old Union Terminal. It was originally built in 1933 as Union Terminal train station and was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1977. In the 10-story arched limestone and glass building, it houses the Cincinnati History Museum, Duke Energy Children's Museum, Museum of Natural History and Science, the Omnimax Theater, and The Nancy and David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center. It is located at 1301 Western Avenue Cincinnati, Ohio 45203.
You can purchase tickets online at www.cincymuseum.org
Cincinnati Art Museum: The Cincinnati Art Museum offers American and European paintings and sculptures, Asian art, art of Africa and much more. They also offer educational activities for all ages. The Cincinnati Art Museum also has a gift shop and a Café where you can purchase sandwiches and drinks. The Cincinnati Art Museum is located at 953 Eden Park Drive Cincinnati, Ohio 45202. www.cincinnatiartmuseum.org
Krohn Conservatory: The Krohn Conservatory was built in 1933. It is a nationally recognized showcase of more than 3,500 plants from around the world. It has a rain forest area and a desert area. It also features a gift shop and has many special exhibits throughout the year. It is located at 1501 Eden Park Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202. www.cincinnatiparks.com/krohnconservatory
Newport Aquarium: The Newport Aquarium features thousands of animals from around the world in millions of gallons of water. They have 70 exhibits and 14 galleries such as Frog Bog, Penguin Encounters, a theater, Bizarre and Beautiful and Dangerous and Deadly. It is located on the Newport on the Levee at 1 Levee Way Newport, Kentucky 41071. www.newportaquarium.com
Creation Museum: The Creation Museum brings the Bible to life. Inside the 70,000 square foot building, they have a Botanical Garden, Petting Zoo and many exhibits such as Natural Selection is not Evolution, Dinosaur Den, Noah's Ark Construction Site and a walk through Biblical history area. The Creation Museum is located seven miles west of the Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Airport at 2800 Bullittsburg Church Road, Petersburg, Ky., 41080. www.creationmuseum.org
Taft Museum: The Taft Museum, in downtown Cincinnati, is housed in a Greek Revival mansion that once belonged to President William Howard Taft's half-brother, Charles, and his wife, Anna. The Tafts donated the structure as well as their extensive art collection to the city in 1929 and the museum opened in 1932. Today the museum houses thousands of works, including those by Ingres, Gainsborough, Rembrandt, and Whistler. The museum is also noted for its collection of Limoges enamels, 19th century American paintings, and European decorative arts. http://www.taftmuseum.org/
Carew Tower: Get a bird's eye view from the world's tallest standing pre-WWII tower. The 49th-floor observation deck has a fine art deco interior and affords magnificent views. You can look across the Ohio River to Kentucky or gaze down on Cincinnati's architecture. https://cincinnatiusa.com/things-to-do/attractions/carew-tower-observation-deck
Fountain Square: Fountain Square is the city's centerpiece, a public space with a seasonal ice rink, concerts, a Reds ticket kiosk and the Genius of Water fountain at its center. http://myfountainsquare.com/
The Banks: The Banks is a one-of-a-kind, 18-acre mixed-use development located along Cincinnati’s most notable asset – the Ohio Riverfront. Emanating from the foot of the historic Roebling Suspension Bridge, The Banks is currently home to exciting restaurants, entertainment venues and residences. Tucked between Great American Ball Park and Paul Brown Stadium, and adjacent to the 50-acre Smale Riverfront Park & the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, The Banks stretches from the Ohio River to the Central Business District. http://thebankscincy.com/
National Underground Railroad Freedom Center: Cincinnati was a prominent stop on the Underground Railroad and a center for abolitionist activities led by residents, such as Harriet Beecher Stowe. The Freedom Center tells their stories. Exhibits show how slaves escaped to the north, and the ways in which slavery still exists today. The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center is located in downtown Cincinnati, between Paul Brown Stadium and Great American Ball Park. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday. http://www.freedomcenter.org/
Smale Riverfront Park: Smale Riverfront Park is a park for the generations—a compelling recreational, entertainment and leisure resource for the entire Greater Cincinnati community. Its many and varied features—including fountains, walkways, gardens, event lawns, playgrounds and restaurants—contribute to the emotional and physical health of its citizens; to the economic vitality of the region and to the exceptional quality of life and experience to be cultivated and enjoyed throughout the area. http://mysmaleriverfrontpark.org/
Over The Rhine: This picturesque neighborhood, named and settled by German immigrants in the 19th century, has more buzz than anywhere else in Cincinnati. Over-the-Rhine sits just on the edge of downtown and has some of the city's best bars and restaurants. Over-the-Rhine has the most Italianate architecture still standing in the U.S., and to many outsiders, it looks more like it belongs in Brooklyn than Cincinnati. A must-see in the neighborhood is Washington Park, which reopened last July after undergoing a $48 million overhaul to become one of the city's favorite spots for concerts, outdoor movie viewings, food trucks and flea markets.
Do you want to select music for the Washington Park Fountain? Add a song to the Washington Park Fountain Jukebox! Visit www.classicalwalkoffame.org from your mobile device! From there you can search and select any of the listed composers, which will then be added to the queue.
Findlay Market: Findlay Market, Ohio's oldest continuously operating market, is located just north of downtown in the city's Over-the-Rhine neighborhood, also known for its many 19th century Italianate homes. The Market, built in 1852, is open Tuesdays through Sundays and offers a variety of produce, dairy products, and meats. It's a fun place to visit, even if you aren't shopping for food...or, pick up the makings for a picnic and enjoy one of the parks by the Ohio River. http://www.findlaymarket.org/
Mount Adams: A beautiful stroll in Cincinnati begins in lovely Eden Park — so named for the biblical paradise — and ends atop Mount Adams, which offers a stunning view of downtown Cincinnati and northern Kentucky. Walkers would be advised to begin in the picnic-worthy Presidential Grove, where each U.S. president has a tree named after him, before strolling by Mirror Lake and heading up the hill to Mount Adams. At the top is the Cincinnati Art Museum, which houses more than 60,000 works and is, remarkably, free. From here, one can walk around the picturesque streets of Mount Adams, visit two historic churches and take in some of the best views in the city. http://mtadamstoday.com/
BB River Boats: Spend a relaxing day or special evening on BB River Boats. Located on the Kentucky side of the Ohio River, BB River Boats offers lunch and dinner cruises, sight-seeing cruise and private charter cruises. They have 3 boats, the Belle of Cincinnati, River Queen and the Mark Twain. BB River Boats is located at 101 Riverboat Row Newport, Kentucky, 41071.
Prices vary for each cruise. Visit their website at www.bbriverboats.com for more information.
Cincinnati Foods Every Visitor Should Try:
Cincinnati Chili. Probably the most famous of the cultural Cincinnati foods is Cincinnati Chili. Chili parlors such as Skyline, Gold Star and Camp Washington Chili all serve up this very different form of chili. A meaty blend of slightly sweet and slightly hot spices, this chili is actually eaten with a fork atop a bed of spaghetti and topped with cheese to make a three way, cheese and beans or onions to make a four way, or all three toppings to create a five way. Don't miss out on this delicious classic Cincinnati treat.
http://www.campwashingtonchili.com/
Busken Bakery. Another great place to satisfy your sweet tooth in Cincinnati is at Busken Bakery. This chain of bakeries is best known for their whimsical smiley face cookies, which transform into Jack-o-Lanterns and other characters depending on the season. You can also enjoy fresh baked donuts, cakes, pastries, and seasonal specialties at this local favorite bakery. http://www.busken.com/
Graeter's Ice Cream. Ordered by fans across the entire country, Graeter's Ice Cream is arguably the best ice cream in the world. Using the French pot method, ice cream makers produce the ice cream in very small batches, by hand, daily. While you will pay a little more for the special Graeter's touch, a visit to Cincinnati just isn't complete without a scoop of super creamy Black Raspberry Chocolate Chip. http://www.graeters.com/
LaRosa's Pizza. You most likely won't get out of Cincinnati without hearing the phone number 347-1111. This is the number you call to get LaRosa's pizza delivered and the jingle rings throughout the city. LaRosa's is family-owned and their pizza, pastas, and other Italian favorites are created from family recipes of the founder, Buddy LaRosa. Their pizzas, topped with provolone instead of mozzarella cheese, are the best-loved in Cincinnati. http://www.larosas.com/
Glier’s Goetta. Because of the highly prevalent German culture in Cincinnati, many Cincinnatians eat a breakfast meat called goetta. Glier's is the most famous producer of goetta products. Goetta is a mixture of pork, beef, pinhead oats, and seasonings and can most easily be compared to breakfast sausage. Goetta and eggs is a local favorite for breakfast. http://www.goettafest.com/
Montgomery Inn Ribs. For the best ribs and barbeque in town, and perhaps the world according to many locals, you have to visit Montgomery Inn. Although the menu options are a bit pricey, Montgomery Inn is a must visit restaurant for a special night out when visiting Cincinnati. http://www.montgomeryinn.com/
Cincinnati Restaurants:
(all conveniently located within walking distance or a short streetcar ride of the conference hotel)
*may need advance reservation
Aladdin's Eatery + Lounge OTR: Serving healthy and flavorful Lebanese-American foods, including a wide variety of meals for every palate, with over 40 vegetarian dishes, 30 vegan dishes, 40 gluten-free dishes and 40 meat and chicken dishes (antibiotic-free). Streetcar Stop #6: Hanke Exchange station, 12th & Main.
Hours: Sun-Thurs, 11am-11pm; Fri & Sat, 11am-12am
(513) 381-0395. 1203 Main St. Cincinnati, OH 45202
https://aladdins.com/
Arnold's Bar & Grill: Cincinnati's longest continuously operating bar and grill, dating back to 1861. Eclectic Mediterranean and traditional American cuisine. Year-round courtyard features music Tuesday to Saturday evenings.
Hours: Tue-Wed, 11am-1am; Thu-Sat, 11am-2:30am; Happy Hour: Mon-Fri, 3-7pm; Late Hours: Thu-Sat, 11pm
(513) 421-6234. 210 E. Eighth St. Cincinnati, OH 45202
http://www.arnoldsbarandgrill.com/
Bakersfield: Casual Mexican street food with a modern twist. Streetcar Stop #7: 12th & Vine
Hours: Sun-Thu, 11am-12am; Fri-Sat, 11am-2am
(513) 579-0446. 1213 Vine St. Cincinnati, OH 45202
https://www.bakersfieldtacos.com/
Frisch's Big Boy: Frisch’s serves up crave-able food, made from original recipes in a come-as-you-are restaurant featuring the genuine Big Boy himself. Offering a variety of breakfast, lunch, and dinner options plus grab-and-go choices, Frisch’s is known for delicious burgers and the endless soup and salad bar. Streetcar Stop #18: Fountain Square
Hours: Mon-Fri, 6am-8pm; Sat & Sun, 7am-5pm. Extended hours during big events.
(513) 763-1080. 25 W. Fifth St. Cincinnati, OH 45202
https://www.frischs.com/
Hathaway's Diner: Soups, sandwiches and old-fashioned shakes. Counter service. Streetcar Stop #18: Fountain Square.
Hours: Mon-Fri, 7am-3pm; Sat-Sun, 8am-2pm
(513) 621-1332. 441 Vine St. Cincinnati, OH 45202
https://www.facebook.com/hathawaysdiner
Jeff Ruby's*: New York-style steak house, lively bar and memorable atmosphere. Live entertainment Tu-Sat; no cover. Reservations recommended. Cigar patio. Located near the Aronoff Center. Streetcar Stop #17: The Aronoff Center
Hours: Mon-Thu, 5-10pm; Fri, Sat 5pm-11pm; Happy Hour: Mon-Fri, 4:30pm-6pm
(513) 784-1200. 700 Walnut St. Cincinnati, OH 45202
https://www.jeffruby.com/
Maplewood Kitchen and Bar: Offering breakfast and lunch, as well as a cold-pressed juice bar, high-end espresso cocktails, and a full bar. Dinner and Sunday hours coming soon.
Hours: Mon-Fri, 7am-9pm; Sat, 8am-10pm; Sun, 8am-9pm
(513) 421-2100. 425 Race St. Cincinnati, OH 45202
https://www.maplewoodkitchenandbar.com/
McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurant: Offering a menu that changes daily with more than 30 seafood options, hand-crafted cocktails, and a focus on customer service. Ask about the $1.95 happy hour menu. Outdoor dining. Valet parking available. A 160-seat banquet facility is located in the Westin Hotel. Streetcar Stop #18: Fountain Square.
Hours: Mon-Fri, 11am-11pm; Sat, 12pm-11pm; Sun, 4-10pm; Happy Hour: M-F 4-6:30pm, M-Th 9:30pm-11pm. $1.95-$4.95 appetizer menu; Late Hours:F, Sat kitchen until 11pm
(513) 721-9339. 21 E. Fifth St. Cincinnati, OH 45202
https://www.mccormickandschmicks.com/
Mita's*: Eclectic, farm-inspired menu focuses on foods and beverages of Spain and Latin America, with tapas, ceviches, cured hams, cheeses and large plates.
Hours: Mon-Thu, 5-10 pm; Fri -Sat, 5-11 pm
(513) 421-6482. 100 W. Fifth St. Cincinnati, OH 45202
https://www.mitas.co/
Moerlein Lager House: Serving lunch, dinner, and of course, Moerlein beer from a two-story restaurant on the riverfront. Flatbreads, burgers, salads, rotisserie items, and steaks, many items inspired by their brewing history. Streetcar Stop #1: Cincinnati Cyclones station, The Banks.
Hours: Mon - Thu,11 -12am; Fri -Sat,11am -1am; Sun,11am -11pm
(513) 421-2337. 115 Joe Nuxhall Way Cincinnati, OH 45202
https://www.moerleinlagerhouse.com/
Nada: Mood lifting, drool worthy, Mexican-inspired food & drink with heartfelt hospitality. Streetcar Stop #3: Richter & Phillips station, 6th & Main
Hours: Sun, 10:30am-10pm; Mon-Thu, 11am-10pm; Fri, 11am-12am; Sat, 10:30am-12am; Happy Hour: Mon-Fri, 3-6pm. Bar only.
(513) 721-6232. 600 Walnut St. Cincinnati, OH 45202
https://www.eatdrinknada.com/
Nicholson's Tavern & Pub: The city's first and finest gastropub featuring the authentic Scottish pub atmosphere and warm hospitality found in a traditional public house. The creative tavern cuisine is partnered with a carefully crafted beverage program. Outdoor dining. Streetcar Stop #17: The Aronoff Center.
Hours: Mon-Thu, 11am-11pm; Fri- Sat, 11am-1am (kitchen open until 11:30pm); Sun 11am-9pm; Sun brunch, 11am-3pm; Happy Hour: M-F 3-7
(513) 564-9111. 625 Walnut St. Cincinnati, OH 45202
https://nicholsonspub.com/
O'Malley's in the Alley: The second oldest bar in Cincinnati is a local favorite for those looking for a bite to eat, have a drink, or gear up or cool down from watching the Reds or Bengals. Streetcar Stop #18: Fountain Square
Hours: Mon-Sun, 11am -2am
(513) 381-3114. 25 Ogden Pl. Cincinnati, OH 45202
https://omalleyscincy.com/
Orchids at Palm Court*: AAA Five-Diamond fine dining in spectacular 1930s French art deco setting in National Historic Landmark Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza. Seasonally updated menu by Executive Chef Todd Kelly with local ingredients including from the hotel's rooftop herb garden and beehives. Forbes Four Star rated and OpenTable's Top 100 in USA; Afternoon Tea Saturday (check website for current schedule). Complimentary valet parking. Streetcar Stop #18: Fountain Square
Hours: Mon-Sun, 5:30pm-10pm
(513) 421-9100 35 W. Fifth St. Cincinnati, OH 45202
https://www.orchidsatpalmcourt.com/
Pleasantry: A neighborhood restaurant focusing on natural wine, approachable Midwestern food & crafted coffee. Streetcar Stop #8: 14th & Elm.
Hours: Tue-Fri, 8am-10pm; Sat, 9am-10pm; Sun, 11am-3pm
(513) 381-1969. 115 W. 15th St. Cincinnati, OH 45202
http://www.pleasantryotr.com/
Rock Bottom Brewery: Microbrewery featuring casual dining and fresh beer, brewed on the premises with monthly tappings of new beer. Lots of TVs for sports fans. Outdoor cafe seating on the edge of Fountain Square.
Hours: Sun-Thu, 11am-11pm; Fri-Sat, 11am-12am
(513) 621-1588. 10 Fountain Square Plaza Cincinnati, OH 45202
https://rockbottom.com/locations/cincinnati/
Sacred Beast: Offering diner-style food from breakfast to late night dining, as well as a coffee-to-go bar.
Hours: Mon-Thurs, 11am-1am; Fri & Sat, 11am-2:30am; Sun, 10:30am-1am
(513) 562-7164. 1437 Vine St. Cincinnati, OH 45202
https://www.sacredbeastdiner.com/
Scotti's*: Serving provincial Italian cuisine since 1912. Cozy atmosphere with tile mosaic walls and candle wax melting over wine bottles. Reservations accepted. Casual attire.
Hours: Lunch Tue-Fri, 11:30am-1:30pm; Dinner, Tue-Fri 5-8:30pm (last seating);Sat 5-9pm (last seating).
(513) 721-9484. 919 Vine St. Cincinnati, OH 45202
Senate: Eclectic menu offerings in a hip setting with gourmet hot dogs as a highlight. Full bar.
Hours: Tues-Sat, 11:30am-2pm & 4:30pm-11pm; Sun, 11:30am-9pm
(513) 421-2020. 1212 Vine St. Cincinnati, OH 45202
http://senatepub.com/
Sleepy Bee Café: A gathering place that offers locally sourced sustenance - food that tastes, makes you feel, and is, good. In an environment that is embraces the beauty of it's community, through it's design and featured artistry. The menu and specials crafted by Chef Frances Kroner strike a balance between traditional comfort foods made with locally sourced ingredients, healthy options and bright flavors.
Hours: Mon-Fri, 7am-2:30pm; Sat & Sun, 8am-3pm.
(513) 381-2339. 8 E. Fourth St. Cincinnati, OH 45202
https://www.sleepybeecafe.com/
Sotto*: A hardcore Italian trattoria with a focus on craft. A place of casual intimacy and communal romance.
Hours: Mon-Thu, 11am-2pm and 5pm-10pm; Fri, 11am-2pm and 5pm-11pm; Sat, 5pm-11pm; Sun, 4pm-9pm
(513) 977-6886. 118 E. Sixth St. Cincinnati, OH 45202
https://www.sottocincinnati.com/
Taste of Belgium: Cafe serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Leige-style Belgian waffles, filled crepes and bakery items. Full bar.
Hours: Tue-Thu, 7am-10pm; Fri, 7am-11pm; Sat, 8am-11pm; Sun, 8am-3pm; Mon, 7am-3pm
(513) 396-5800. 16 W. Freedom Way Cincinnati, OH 45202
https://authenticwaffle.com/
Via Vite*: An upscale Italian bistro setting and dining experience on Fountain Square. Outdoor dining, happy hour, late night menu and private banquet rooms available.
Hours: Mon-Thu, 11am-11pm; Fri, 11am-2am; Sat, 10am-2am; Sun, 10am-10pm; Happy Hour: M-F 3-7 $2 domestics, $3 import & craft beers, $4 house wines, $2 off cocktails, food specials; Late Hours: F, Sat late night menu served until 2am.
(513) 721-8483. 520 Vine St. Cincinnati, OH 45202
https://viaviterestaurant.com/
Cincinnati Breweries (downtown):
3 Points Urban Brewery: https://3pointsbeer.com/home
Christian Moerlein Brewing Company: https://christianmoerlein.com/
Platform Beer Co.: https://platformbeer.co/
Samuel Adams Taproom: https://www.samueladams.com/
Taft's Ale House: https://taftsbeer.com/
Rhinegeist: https://rhinegeist.com/
Cincinnati Breweries (outside of downtown):
Bircus Brewing Company: https://bircus.com/
Braxton Brewing Company: https://www.braxtonbrewing.com/
Fifty West Brewing: https://fiftywestbrew.com/
Hofbrauhaus: https://www.hofbrauhausnewport.com/
Listermann Brewing: https://listermannbrewing.com/
Madtree Brewing: https://www.madtreebrewing.com/?return=/home
Urban Artifact: http://www.artifactbeer.com/
Bars:
Aster Social Sippery: Located on the third floor with 25-foot ceilings and wood rafters, this bar features craft cocktails and a rotating selection of high-end bar fare, as well as a brunch menu on Saturdays and Sundays. Streetcar Stop #18: Fountain Square
Hours: Mon, Wed, Thurs, 4pm-12am; Fri and Sat, 4pm-2am; brunch service from 11am-3pm Saturday and Sunday
(513) 381-0956. 8 E. Fourth St. Cincinnati, OH 45202
The Bar at Palm Court: Relaxed fare in a 1930s French art deco setting. Private label microbrew, hand-selected single barrel bourbon program, creative cocktails. Live jazz Friday and Saturday evenings from 5 p.m. to 1a.m.
Hours: Mon-Thu, 11am-12am; Fri-Sat 11am-1am; Sun, 5pm-12am; Happy Hour: Mon-Fri, 4-7pm
(513)421-9100. 35 W. Fifth St. Cincinnati, OH 45202
https://www.orchidsatpalmcourt.com/
The Harth Lounge: Cocktail bar and lounge designed by Bromwell's including cozy fireplaces, comfortable furniture, and jazz piano music Thursday-Saturday nights. Available for private events Sunday through Tuesday nights and on weekdays before the bar opens.
Hours: Wed -Thurs, 5pm- 11pm; Fri, 5pm- 2:30am; Sat, 6pm-2:30am
(513) 621-3473. 125 W. Fourth St. Cincinnati, OH 45202
http://bromwellsharthlounge.com/
The View at Shires' Garden: The View at Shires' Garden is a brand new restaurant and bar concept on the 10th floor of the City Club Apartments, inspired by the Shires' Gardens of the 1840's. Exquisite seasonal plates, craft cocktails, wine, and craft beer, in a relaxed setting. The restaurant includes both indoor seating and a rooftop patio, with stunning views of the riverfront.
Hours: Dinner: Sunday - Thursday: 5:00pm -10:00pm, Friday - Saturday: 5:00pm - 11:00pm
(513) 407-7501. 309 Vine St. Cincinnati, OH 45202
http://theviewatshiresgarden.com/
Cincinnati Weather:
Cincinnati has four seasons…sometimes they all happen in the same week! The average high temperature in November in Cincinnati is 57°F. But, don’t let weather worry you as you plan for CRLA 2021. You can eat, drink, sightsee, shop and get a facial without leaving the Conference Hotel!