Posts with tag 'Cincinnati'
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How to Spend a Full Day in Cincinnati's Hyde Park Neighborhood, Mapped
Named after the fashionable neighborhood in New York City, Hyde Park in Cincinnati oozes charm and luxury from every vantage point. The neighborhood was established in 1892 by several prominent Cincinnati businessmen who wanted to create a community exclusively for the city's wealthy citizens. Initially, only those deemed worthy by the gentlemen were able to purchase homes here, but the area has gained a lot of diversity since the early 1900s.
Today, Hyde Park is home to delicious restaurants, incredible boutiques, award-winning wineries and stunning parks—the only challenge is deciding what to see first!
Our guide includes the best ways to spend your day, starting with a visit to The Echo for breakfast and ending with stargazing at the Cincinnati Observatory and a nightcap at Dutch's. Enjoy!
9 a.m. — Breakfast at The Echo
Before you truly start your Hyde Park adventure, you'll need to fuel up. The Echo is one of the hottest breakfast spots in Cincinnati and has served the neighborhood for decades. Due to the friendly staff and comforting fare, the eatery has established itself as a local institution that people return to week after week. We love classics like the Oktoberfest omelet (featuring Glier's goetta), the corned beef hash, and the Belgian bird breakfast sandwich (with chicken tenders, a fried egg, cheddar and syrup).
10:30 — Go Shopping in Hyde Park Square
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It isn't a day in Hyde Park without shopping. Located in the center of the neighborhood is Hyde Park Square, a two-block area on Erie Avenue that is full of one-of-a-kind shops. Spend a few hours exploring the streets and stopping into interesting stores. A few of our favorites include Cincy Shirts, Alligator Purse, 45/46, Soho Boutique and Fazel Rug Gallery.
1 p.m. — Lunch at Arthur's Café
For one of the best burgers in Cincinnati, you have to check out Arthur's Café. This casual and laid-back spot is the perfect place to grab a bite to eat during your Hyde Park adventure—or pretty much any other time. They have a great selection of local craft beers on tap, as well as some carefully crafted cocktails. Everything on their menu is especially good, but we highly recommend the black bean burger with a side of their homemade pink salsa!
2:30 p.m. — Peruse Some Great Art at the Miller Gallery
Photo courtesy of the Miller Gallery | Featuring Work From Robert Mars, 40" x 60" Mixed Media
Established in 1960, the Miller Gallery is Cincinnati's oldest operating art gallery, specializing in contemporary art and sculptures. Their renowned exhibits actively promote over 40 artists in the global art market, featuring everything from photography to traditional painting. Take a breather and stop in to peruse some incredible artwork from local artists (and maybe purchase a piece) before heading on to your next destination.
4 p.m. — Refuel at the Coffee Emporium
Need a midday pick-me-up? We've got just the place! The Coffee Emporium has gained quite the reputation over the years—and with the gorgeous Victorian touches, outdoor patio and tasty bites, we're not surprised. This stop is a must for out-of-town guests and remains a local favorite. While you can't go wrong with any of the signature sips, we go wild over the cold brew aged in bourbon barrels.
5:30 p.m. — Marvel at the Mushroom House
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When you leave the Coffee Emporium, you'll notice something across the street. While you might feel like you've just been dropped into a Cincinnati-fied version of Alice in Wonderland, don't worry—it's just the Mushroom House! This architectural wonder was created after a local architect allowed his students to redesign one of his properties. While you can't go inside this adorably whimsical home, it's still definitely worth walking by and snapping a few pictures.
6 p.m. — Dinner at Forno Osteria+Bar
When you're looking for some seriously good food in Cincinnati, there's no better place to go than Forno! This incredible, rustic and approachable Italian restaurant offers some of the most delicious dishes around, from Gorgonzola Tortelloni to Spaghettini Arrabbiata. If you're in the area on a Tuesday, you won't want to miss their Bolo Tuesday special where $12 will get you some pasta with Bolognese sauce, bread and a few trips to the salad bar.
8:00 p.m. — Stargaze at the Cincinnati Observatory
Photo courtesy of the Cincinnati Observatory
In 1842, Cincinnati professor Ormsby MacKnight Mitchel had a dream: to build a local observatory in the heart of Cincinnati that would help expand astronomy research. He went door to door, soliciting $25 a person to invest in his endeavor. Eventually, he was able to make his dream a reality, with the observatory building coming to fruition in 1843. The building served as a strictly research-focused center until 1999, when it was resurrected into a center for astronomy education. While you're in the area, a visit to this exquisite historic building is a must. And if you happen to be exploring on a Thursday or Friday—you'll definitely want to stop in for their weekly public stargazing sessions, just don't forget to RSVP online before you go!
9:30 p.m. — Late Night Bites at Dutch's
This intimate local favorite is the perfect place to finish off the night. Not only do they offer the widest selection of refrigerated beer in the region, but you can also order an incredibly delicious charcuterie board made with locally sourced ingredients—all for a great price!
Happy Exploring!
Do you have a suggestion on what we should add to our itinerary? Let us know in the comments!
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9 Speakeasies + Hidden Bars in the Cincinnati Area You May Not Know About
It's no secret. Cincinnati has one of the finest restaurant and bar scenes in the country. But you may not realize that the city is home to a multitude of lesser-known hotspots, many of which are completely hidden from view. Let's take a behind-the-scenes look at some of the mysterious speakeasies and hidden bars in the Cincinnati area, from one concealed behind a secret door in a video shop to a classy, rooftop terrace with hidden elevator access.
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Your Guide to Spending a Full Day in Cincinnati's Over-the-Rhine Neighborhood, Mapped
8 a.m. — Head to Findlay Market
Photo courtesy of Taste of Belgium
Findlay Market is Ohio's oldest continuously operated public market and one of Cincinnati's most loved institutions. Here, you can peruse local produce, meats and handmade items from more than 40 indoor merchants all year long. While you could spend an entire day meandering through the market and trying something from every vendor, we recommend heading here for breakfast. Taste of Belgium is one of the most popular spots in the market, serving warm, mouthwatering Belgian waffles and foamy lattés. After you've eaten your fill, spend time perusing the market. A few of our favorite, must-visit spots include Saigon Market, Blue Oven Bakery and Artichoke. For details on everything you can do and eat in Findlay Market, check out: 25 Must-Visit Places in and Around Findlay Market.10:30 a.m. — Hunt for Treasure at Wooden Nickel Antiques
This hidden gem is open every day of the week except for Sunday and is the perfect place to escape from the elements for a few hours. This isn't your usual antique store. Wooden Nickel Antiques sells antique furniture, bars, lighting and stained glass among many other things. Their top selling items, though, are their antique saloon back bars which they've restored to their former beauty. Whether you're looking for a new statement piece for your home, want to pick out a unique souvenir, or just want to learn more about history, the knowledgeable staff at Wooden Nickel will be able to help.11:30 a.m. — Explore Washington Park
Photo courtesy of Washington Park
Honestly, we can't imagine a better way to spend a sunny mid-morning in OTR than exploring the 6-acre beauty that is Washington Park. Not only does this park offer plenty of green space to roam, there's also a dedicated dog park, a kids' playground castle, spray grounds and the American Classical Walk of Fame. The park hosts various entertainment events and festivals throughout the year — including music performances, markets and outdoor movies — so be sure to check out their website to see what happenings are going on when you're visiting!1 p.m. — Salivate Over Sandwiches at panino.
After spending the morning sampling delicious bites from Findlay Market, you might be looking for something lighter to indulge in for lunch. That's why you should stop by panino. This extremely popular farm-to-table eatery is hyper-local — using only ingredients from local vendors, including some from just down the street. Here, you can get a fresh salad or a drool-inducing sandwich. Enjoy your lunch in the cozy café, or take it to go and eat it as you wander the streets of OTR!2:30 p.m. — Enjoy a Craft Beer at Taft's Ale House
Photo courtesy of Taft's Ale House
You can't pay a visit to OTR without visiting at least one brewery. Taft's Ale House is a local favorite, located in the old St. Paul's Evangelical Church building. At Taft's, you can experience the history of Cincinnati while sipping on a cold pint of craft beer. If you're still hungry when you stop by, don't hesitate to order the Alehouse, which features their juicy tri-tip steak, Alehouse onions, bleu cheese and red ranch sauce.3:30 p.m. — Shop For Gifts at MiCA 12/v
Visiting from out of town? You'll probably want to take home a souvenir (or twenty) to remember your trip! MiCA 12/v is an independently owned and operated gift shop and gallery that features fine crafts and art from local artists and designers. They're open every day, so you can shop for baby gifts, handcrafted jewelry, screen-printed t-shirts, home decor, ceramics and more.4 p.m. — Make a Candle at the Candle Lab
You can never go wrong with a good candle. The Candle Lab sells pre-poured natural soy candles in more than 100 fragrances, but they also invite you to customize your scent. One of their Scent Stylists can help you narrow down your list to just a few scents that blend perfectly together. Then, you'll design your own label, pick your favorite jar and mix your oils at the Fragrance Bar. The process of candle cooling takes about 90 minutes, so you're welcome to wait or you can spend some time perusing the neighborhood and pick it up later.
6 p.m. — Wine and Dine at Salazar
Born in Columbia and trained at some of the best restaurants in New York City, Jose Salazar could have opened his restaurant anywhere. Finally, he landed on Over-the-Rhine, opening the doors of Salazar New American Restaurant in 2013. The small bistro offers an upscale menu full of locally sourced ingredients. So, before you head to your eventful evening, stop by and relax with a delicious entree and a glass of wine. We promise you won't be disappointed.8 p.m. — See a Show at the Know
The Know Theatre of Cincinnati is a non-profit theater company that produces a wide variety of shows throughout the year. In their 99-seat contemporary black box theater, you can experience unique performances from local actors and really feel like you're a part of the show. Afterward, take advantage of Underground, a full bar and cabaret stage where you can hang out and enjoy a second show for free!
10 p.m. — Play a Few Rounds of Pinball or Skee-ball at 16-Bit
Fun and silliness don't have to end after childhood, and 16-Bit proves that 100 times over. This unique bar caters to all children at heart, gamers and science fiction fanatics with its immersive arcade experience.
16-Bit is outfitted with around 50 traditional and new arcade games, and the selection is always changing (you can find a current list on the 16-Bit website here). The staff also equips the bar with RetroPi, retrofitted consoles that allow guests to play hundreds of older games that look and feel just like the originals. If you want to learn more about this eclectic bar, check out Ohio-Based 16-Bit Bar + Arcade is a Dream Destination for Any Kid at Heart.
Have a Great Day!
No matter how you plan to spend your day in Over-the-Rhine, you're guaranteed to have a blast.11
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