After being away from the Cincinnati area for 4 years, I have grown to miss it. Regardless of the fact that it is home, Cincinnati has some of the best places to enjoy the start of your weekend or just relax for a couple days. Cincinnati is unique and it's better than what you probably think. Here's a couple reasons why.
1. The Sports (and their fans)
Cincinnati is the home of the first MLB team, one of the best regular-season NFL teams and a new USL soccer team with the highest attendance mark in USL history. The Reds are a franchise filled with immense history and home to one of the most beautiful ballparks in America. They had incredible success in the 1970s (Big Red Machine) and won their last World Series in 1990.
The Bengals have made the NFL Playoffs the past five years, hold one of the best regular season records in that time span, and have an exciting team for the future. FC Cincinnati is taking the U.S. soccer scene by storm with its unmatched game atmosphere and dedicated fans. In the past decade, Cincinnati's professional sports teams have given their fans some heartbreak but, their fans have stuck by the teams and developed even more passion for them.
2. The Food
Cincinnati is the home of the Midwest's greatest delicacies: the 3 Way, Larossa's Pizza and Graeter's. Whether you're treating yourself to Skyline (my personal favorite), Gold Star or even Dixie Chili, chili has become a weekly meal for Cincinnati citizens and a coveted meal for outsiders. Larosa's Pizza was created in Cincinnati in 1954 and has been a household pizza shop since. They have the greatest marinara sauce and have found the perfect mix between that sauce and the rest of the pizza. Once you have Larosa's, there's no going back to your fast-food pizza shops. Graeter's Ice Cream is quite possibly one of the greatest desserts on earth. It is the perfect treat while exploring the city, after a Reds' game, at Kings Island, or whenever you want something sweet. The South thinks Bluebell is good; wait til' you have Graeter's.
3. Kings Island
One of the best amusement parks in America, Kings Island is the home of the longest wooden roller coster, The Beast, along with other gravity-defining rides like the Drop Tower, Diamondback, Vortex, Delirium and many more. Along with its rides, Kings Island has a beautiful waterpark along with the notable Eiffel Tower model in the center of the park. For those who grew up in the Cincinnati area, Kings Island gold passes were a hot commodity, while visitors would plan their trips to Cincinnati around visiting this park. Kings Island is a great experience, whether you like Roller Coasters or simply enjoy entertainment.
4. The Culture
If you're not into sports or roller coasters, The Queen City has many other unique facilities to entertain you. Cincinnati is the home of the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, Museum Center, Newport Aquarium and the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden. Also, Cincinnati has great restaurants right in the city and in Newport and great music venues including Bogarts, The Underground and everyone's favorite, Riverbend. Cincinnati has a very dominant German presence in the city, which gives visitors and citizens an enjoyable cultural touch.
5. The Size
Cincinnati is not as large as New York City, but still gives you that "city" feel. Whether you're driving from Columbus or Florence, you'll get to see one of the best skylines in the country. You won't be sitting in hours of traffic, can experience most of the city in one day, and meet some of the nicest people. While Cincinnati is one of the main cities in Ohio, it still has gorgeous suburbs, along with architecturally-diverse apartments and condos. The Queen City can make you feel right at home, without the constant feeling of rushing.
Yes, I may be biased, but I believe Cincinnati is truly one of the greatest cities in the United States. Don't believe me? Just visit.
