Ssshhhh! See these Super Seven Cincinnati Spaces for yourself…
1. There’s nothing like a walk in the park. Mt. Echo’s views, the RiverWalk from the Boathouse to the Serpentine Wall, and the Krohn Conservatory in Eden Park. My boys enjoy the annual Butterfly show, including a dash behind the waterfall! We’ve made a family tradition of visiting the live nativity each December and introducing this gift to the community to others.
2. The sprawling Main Library downtown beckons all of the Kelleys with its lure of knowledge and fun. We exhausted the Children’s Library staff during 5 year old Alex’s school reading competition, which resulted in 3,011 books and the coveted class prize (a gift certificate to a bookstore!). Not content with the weeklong summer booksale, we’re on a first name basis with the Friends of the Library volunteer staff in Hartwell – another treasure trove for bargain-hunting bibliophiles.
3. Hungry? Head to Northside’s Melt or Honey. YUM!
4. If you haven’t experienced Over-the-Rhine for yourself, try these two spots for starters: Music Hall – the Pops & Symphony offer an incredible bargain for diverse tastes in a luminous setting; Findlay Market – I double-blog dare you to find tastier collard greens and cobbler than Aunt Flora’s.
5. Uptown’s full of interesting places. Families with small children (who are given dough to practice making their own creations) better tolerate the wait for Pomodori’s amazing wood-fired pizzas and simple salads. Volunteers at Hughes High School catch glimpses of the beautiful architecture of a grand old school building and stunning Rookwood water fountains.
6. Fountain Square’s a magical place throughout the year. As our city’s gathering place, Fountain Square offers an eclectic mix of activities. It’s a short walk to the Carew Tower Observation Deck, Jean Ro’s pot de crème, or a carriage ride. In April, Michael & I ran into the giant Charmin bears that lumbered about the Square for quick photo opportunities.
7. O’Bryonville’s Bonbonerie might be the seat of Cincinnati’s, um, Old Girls Network. Women – and a few discerning gentleman – of all ages gobble up unbelievable cakes and cookies. On a wintry day, it’s hard to find a free table to grab a delicious cup or two, but it’s worth it! And busy moms like me have been known to concoct a “home-made” meal from What’s For Dinner next door.
Your 3 favorite spaces would help create a Top Ten list. Please share!