Getaway  for  a  Week:  Cincinnati,  Ohio  

974  words  

Although  it  was  quickly  surpassed  in  size  by  the  urban  sprawl  of  Chicago,  the  first  American  boomtown  in  the  heart  of  the  country  was  none  other  than  Cincinnati,  Ohio.  Still  the  headquarter  of  many  large  businesses  and  the  site  of  many  of  the  country’s  historical  moments,  the  greater  Cincinnati  area  remains  a  great  get  away  for  the  traveling  American.  

“Cincinnati’s  a  wonderful  place  to  visit  because  it  has  such  a  vast  history  and  covers  an  entire  region,  not  just  a  downtown  area,”  said  Linda  Antus,  president  of  Cincinnati  USA  Regional  Tourism  Network.  “A  lot  of  what’s  helped  shape  America  started  right  here.”  

America’s  Crossroad  

As  the  site  of  the  crossroad  of  America’s  struggle  against  slavery,  there  may  not  be  any  greater  symbol  of  freedom  than  the  Ohio  River.  As  the  border  between  the  Mason-­‐Dixon  Line  in  pre-­‐Civil  War  America,  the  Ohio  River  served  as  a  major  hub  of  activity  on  the  Underground  Railroad,  where  its  banks  offered  refuge  to  thousands  seeking  hope  and  a  new  way  of  life.    

Established  in  2004,  The  National  Underground  Railroad  Freedom  Center  highlights  the  struggles  of  these  slaves  and  presents  the  world's  first  permanent  exhibition  on  the  subjects  of  modern-­‐day  slavery  and  human  trafficking.  It  brings  to  life  the  importance  of  struggles  for  freedom  around  the  world  and  throughout  history.    

However,  the  Ohio  River  served  as  more  than  just  a  symbol  of  freedom  in  the  early  days  of  Cincinnati.  It  was  also  the  main  source  of  trade  and  the  reason  the  city  became  industrialized  so  quickly  after  its  settlement.  Even  today,  the  Ohio  River  remains  the  central  focus  of  the  greater  Cincinnati  area.    

“My  favorite  thing  about  Cincinnati  has  to  do  with  anything  on  or  near  the  river,”  Antus  said.  “You  can  get  a  beautiful  view  of  it  from  just  about  anywhere.”  

To  have  some  fun,  cross  over  the  river  by  riding  in  the  BB  Riverboats  or  by  walking  on  the  suspended  Rumbling  Bridge  to  arrive  at  Newport  on  the  Levy,  the  Kentucky  riverfront  area  of  the  city.  In  addition  to  an  aquarium  complete  with  a  daily  penguin  parade,  Newport  on  the  Levy  offers  a  wide  variety  of  shops,  theaters,  and  restaurants  all  along  the  beautiful  riverfront.    

A  City  Full  of  History  

In  addition  to  the  Ohio  River,  Cincinnati  is  also  known  for  its  large  collection  of  historic  architecture.  Over-­‐the-­‐Rhine,  the  largest,  most  intact  urban  historic  district  in  the  United  

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States,  boasts  one  the  world's  largest  collections  of  Italianate  architecture.  Attractions  such  as  the  Music  Hall,  the  Cincinnatian  Hotel,  and  the  Shillito  Department  Store  boast  this  architectural  style,  which  is  characterized  by  wide,  ornamental  roofs  and  elaborate  entryways.  

As  a  student  at  the  University  of  Cincinnati,  Gabrielle  Walter  enjoys  visiting  the  Cincinnati  Zoo  and  Botanical  Garden.  This  zoo  is  often  referred  to  as  “America’s  Sexiest  Zoo,”  because  due  to  its  unique  breeding  program  several  baby  animals  are  born  each  year.  The  summer  months  are  the  best  time  to  see  the  zoo’s  vast  array  of  flora  and  fauna.  

“It’s  the  first  place  I  always  take  my  friends  who  come  visit,”  Walter  said.  “It’s  one  of  the  oldest  and  most  famous  zoos  in  the  country,  and  it  has  great  programs  during  the  summertime.”  

Another  main  attraction  is  the  Cincinnati  Museum  Center  at  Union  Terminal.  Originally  built  in  1933  during  the  heyday  of  the  railroad  era  as  the  Union  Terminal  train  station,  the  building  is  a  national  historic  landmark  and  was  renovated  and  reopened  as  a  museum  center  in  1990.  The  Museum  Center  hosts  a  wide  variety  of  museums  that  cater  to  all  kinds  of  interests,  including  the  Cincinnati  History  Museum,  Duke  Energy  Children's  Museum,  the  Museum  of  Natural  History  &  Science,  an  OMNIMAX  Theater,  and  the  Cincinnati  Historical  Society  Library.    

A  Pure  American  Pastime  

There’s  no  sport  more  American  than  baseball,  and  Cincinnati  has  perhaps  the  most  hardcore  baseball  fans  you  will  ever  meet.  Established  in  1869  and  originally  known  as  the  Cincinnati  Red  Stockings,  Cincinnati  is  home  to  the  oldest  major  league  baseball  team  in  the  country,  the  Cincinnati  Reds.  No  visit  to  Cincinnati  is  complete  without  a  trip  to  The  Great  American  Ballpark,  a  stadium  that  grants  patrons  another  breathtaking  view  of  the  Ohio  River.  Tickets  to  the  games  can  be  found  for  relatively  cheap  prices  at  stubhub.com.    

Right  next  door  to  the  Great  American  Ballpark  is  the  Cincinnati  Reds  Hall  of  Fame  and  Museum,  which  offers  baseball  fans  a  comprehensive  look  into  the  sport  and  team’s  heralded  past.  Also  adjacent  to  the  ballpark  is  the  brand  new  Riverfront  Park,  a  45-­‐acre  park  located  along  the  riverfront  that  includes  an  outdoor  event  stage,  promenade,  bike  center,  labyrinth,  and  interactive  fountains—giving  your  day  to  the  ballgame  a  whole  new  feel.  

Find  more  info  at  cincinnatiusa.com    

Sidebar:  Cincinnati  Chili  

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“I  didn’t  know  there  was  another  kind  of  chili  until  very  recently,”  Walter  said.  “I  always  thought  the  Cincinnati  version  was  the  only  kind  of  chili  there  was.”  

A  sauce  usually  used  over  spaghetti  or  hot  dogs,  Cincinnati-­‐style  chili  contains  a  unique  spice  blend  that  gives  it  a  very  distinct  taste.  Created  by  Greek  immigrant  Nicholas  Lambrinides  in  1949,  the  recipe  is  a  well-­‐kept  family  secret  among  Lambrinides'  surviving  children.  However,  many  people  believe  that  the  unique  taste  of  Cincinnati  chili  comes  from  chocolate  and  cinnamon,  spices  popular  in  Greek  meat  dishes.    

The  first  and  most  famous  restaurant  chain  to  serve  this  unique  style  of  chili  is  Lambrinides’  Skyline  Chili,  although  many  competitors  have  popped  up  over  the  years.  Skyline's  menu  includes  their  signature  dishes:  cheese  coneys  (a  hot  dog  topped  with  Skyline  Chili,  mustard,  onions,  and  cheese),  3-­‐ways  (spaghetti  topped  with  Skyline  Chili  and  cheese);  4-­‐ways  (choice  of  beans  or  onions  added),  and  5-­‐ways  (beans  and  onions  both  added).  No  matter  which  way  you  choose,  be  sure  to  eat  with  oyster  crackers  on  the  side.