By: Erika Turan
Our Cincinnati-based marketing and communications agency is proud to call the Queen City home. Some of us are natives, but many of us are transplants from other parts of the U.S. But, no matter how we got here, we love exploring Cincinnati, and it seems like the list of things to do in and around Cincinnati is endless.
With summer upon us, here’s a list of things I’d like to do when the days feel a little more relaxed and the sun is shining. Enjoy!
- Have a cocktail on a rooftop terrace. A drink on a rooftop used to be a rarity indeed. But nowadays, it’s easy to pair a delicious drink with a cool view. Some to try include Bishop’s Quarter on the Loveland Bike Trail; The Summit, a newly opened hotel in Madisonville; Top of the Park at the Phelps Hotel, overlooking downtown; 21C Museum Hotel, The Blind Pig, Kruger’s Tavern or the AC Upper Deck, all across the city.
- Take in a sporting event. Pick up the energy from the uber-fans in The Bailey when you cheer for Major League Soccer’s newest team, FC Cincinnati. Or grab a hot dog and a beer (or a house-smoked tri-tip sandwich on a brioche bun with jalapeno slaw, if you feel fancy) at a Cincinnati Reds game.
- See the Art of Burning Man. Free admission, free parking and an immersive art experience at a renowned museum? You have to go to the Cincinnati Art Museum this summer to take it in.
- Have a cocktail on a pedal wagon, or in the water. These unique options are perfect for a group of friends looking to explore the city and enjoy a drink along the way. Try a Pedal Wagon in Cincinnati or Covington, or a Cycleboat on the Ohio River.
- Do something a little different. There’s no shortage of unique experiences to be found in Cincinnati. Ride the carousel or flying pig at Smale Riverfront Park. Take in a movie on the front porch of Music Hall during Summer Cinema at Washington Park. Ride the gigantic SkyStar wheel, take a cooking class at a gigantic international grocery store, or meet Fiona, the world’s most famous hippo.
- Get outdoors. Cincinnati’s hills, parks and rivers make it easy to enjoy the longer days of summer. Try a picnic overlooking the skyline at Devou Park, a leisurely canoe paddledown the Little Miami River, or a hike at the Cincinnati Nature Center.
We’ve barely scratched the surface here. You could also make an early morning stop at Findlay Market to get the fixings for a farm-to-table dinner; wander the boutiques and restaurants of Hyde Park Square, Oakley Square or Over-The-Rhine; make a visit to Cincinnati’s many craft breweries; get your thrills at Kings Island or Coney Island.
What are some of your favorite summer experiences in the Queen City?