Cincinnati: Hidden Gems of the Queen City
Cincinnati: Hidden Gems of the Queen City
By Giles Kennedy
Family and Travel Columnist
My family have repeated journeys in the Queen City of the “Midwest” (formerly Queen City of the West in the early days).
We have profiled many great attractions in the past. Many Tri State natives know of these great places. Many in Central Ohio do not.
Here’s a little breakdown of some old, some new-ish places to visit in the Queen City
(Westwood) West Cincinnati-Wondercade
If there is ever a place that nails the family friendly yet fun for big kids arcade; Wondercade is it.
3143 Harrison Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45211
Small amounts of snacks, drinks for the kids, moms and dads alike offer a great refresher.
$8 per person or $185 for a party room for 8 kids and adults together.
This is an amazing place to blow off steam or bring you back to your 80’s/90’s childhood.
West Chester Township-The Cone
6855 Tylersville Road
West Chester, OH 45069
513-779-7040
https://thecone.com/
VOTED CINCINNATI’S BEST SOFT SERVE ICE CREAM
STORE HOURS
TUES-THURS – 12:00pm-9:00pm
FRIDAY & SATURDAY – 12:00pm-9:30pm
SUNDAY – 12:00pm-9:00pm
Best soft serve ice cream in the Tri State, it is a busy place for locals and tourists alike.
A wide selection of frozen treats. Although only open during warmer months; it is worth a stop.
Ludlow, KY
Our partners at Ohio Valley Rails have been there dozens of times.
https://ohiovalleyrails.godaddysites.com/f/ludlow-brews-up-great-things
From an up and coming foodie and microbrew culture, to the progress on the Ludlow Store House being a new community space, to many other hidden treasures; Ludlow has promise and treasures to explore.
The Cincinnati Museum of Art aka the Taft Art Museum
316 Pike Street-Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
(Walnut Hills-Mount Adams Area)
Many art lovers know of the Taft Art Museum.
Basics on admission
WEDNESDAY–SUNDAY
ONLINE
ON-SITE
Members
FREE
FREE
General
$10
$12
Senior
$8
$10
Child (18 and under)
FREE
FREE
Groups
Military (with ID)
FREE
FREE
By the way, Sundays are free to everyone; non-members or members alike.
The vast collections, onsite “farm to table” cafe, and various exhibitions make this stop a work of art. Literally.
Not far from the Art Museum is Eden Park.
https://www.cincinnati-oh.gov/cincyparks/visit-a-park/find-a-parkfacility/eden-park/
- ADDRESS 950 Eden Park Dr. Cincinnati, OH 45202
- HOURS Open 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM
A magnificent view of Cincinnati, trails, gardens, ponds and lakes make this an urban oasis.
Not far from there; in Walnut Hills, is the Harriet Beecher Stowe House.
2950 Gilbert Ave.Cincinnati, OH 45206
Public Tour Hours
Thurs: 10am-4pm
Fri: 10am-4pm
Sat: 10am-4pm
Sun: 12pm-4pm
Public hours may be briefly interrupted during spring and/or summer 2023 due to ongoing restoration work. All temporary closures will be announced here.
https://stowehousecincy.org/index.html
Harriet and her family lived for a brief time in Cincinnati. However, the author of "Uncle Tom's Cabin" and pioneer for civil rights has a long lasting legacy.
The artifacts from their family's history as well as others who partnered with them is riveting.
Cincinnati has many places to explore.
Ohio Valley Rails and Columbus Wired will team up for our final installation for 2023 in Cincinnati.
EnterTRAINment Junction in West Chester Township awaits May 20th.
