Queen City Crossroads Revisited
Queen City Crossroads Revisited
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 and Covington, KY
Our partners at Ohio Valley Rails have been there dozens of times.
https://ohiovalleyrails.godaddysites.com/f/ovr-mainline-review-ludlow-and-covington-ky
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 are riveting.
Cincinnati has many places to explore. And Run!
The Flying Pig Marathon is one of the largest marathon weekends in the country.
Sam Fahmi, our own Chief Editor and longtime Columbus Crew columnist ran the Flying Pig 5k on Fridays in years past.
My wife Tanya Kennedy and her running friend from Delaware County took on the drizzle soaked challenge this past year. (They ran the half marathon, others ran the full)
These Flying Pig marathoners were equal in determination to conquer the hills of Cincinnati.
Many events happen throughout the weekend including the Flying Pig Fitness Expo; held at the Northern Kentucky Convention Center. Hopefully by next year; it will be back at the Duke Energy Center in Cincinnati, Construction happens.
Whether you run the 5K, Relays, Half or Full Marathon.....plan ahead.
Many hotels booked a year in advance. If you have friends or family in the Metro Cincinnati area; that is even better.
The hotels in the area usually work with the Flying Pig and the VisitCIncy and MeetNKY folks to offer deals when booking.
https://www.visitcincy.com/places-to-stay/
Regardless of who you stay with; plan accordingly.
The smaller races on Friday and Saturday have smaller crowds. The Half and Full Marathon are indeed the two major events.
The support staff, runners, vendors and others arrival early.
If you are able; access the Central Riverfront Garage. This spans underneath Paycor Stadium reaching to the end of Great American Ballpark.
https://www.hamiltoncountyohio.gov/government/departments/stadia_and_parking/riverfront_parking
Only on Flying Pig weekend; if you mention you are one of the fore mentioned parties....parking is only $5.
Once you or your runners are done; do your best to seek out Moerlein Lagerhouse.
This has become the "unofficial" victory brunch place for all things Cincinnati and the Flying Pig.
https://www.moerleinlagerhouse.com/
Always remember, life is an adventure. Get out there and live it!
