Getaway for a Week: Cincinnati, Ohio 974 words Although it was quickly surpassed in size by the urban sprawl of Chicago, the first American boomtown in the heart of the country was none other than Cincinnati, Ohio. Still the headquarter of many large businesses and the site of many of the country’s historical moments, the greater Cincinnati area remains a great get away for the traveling American. “Cincinnati’s a wonderful place to visit because it has such a vast history and covers an entire region, not just a downtown area,” said Linda Antus, president of Cincinnati USA Regional Tourism Network. “A lot of what’s helped shape America started right here.” America’s Crossroad
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As the site of the crossroad of America’s struggle against slavery, there may not be any greater symbol of freedom than the Ohio River. As the border between the Mason-‐Dixon Line in pre-‐Civil War America, the Ohio River served as a major hub of activity on the Underground Railroad, where its banks offered refuge to thousands seeking hope and a new way of life. Established in 2004, The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center highlights the struggles of these slaves and presents the world's first permanent exhibition on the subjects of modern-‐day slavery and human trafficking. It brings to life the importance of struggles for freedom around the world and throughout history. However, the Ohio River served as more than just a symbol of freedom in the early days of Cincinnati. It was also the main source of trade and the reason the city became industrialized so quickly after its settlement. Even today, the Ohio River remains the central focus of the greater Cincinnati area. “My favorite thing about Cincinnati has to do with anything on or near the river,” Antus said. “You can get a beautiful view of it from just about anywhere.” To have some fun, cross over the river by riding in the BB Riverboats or by walking on the suspended Rumbling Bridge to arrive at Newport on the Levy, the Kentucky riverfront area of the city. In addition to an aquarium complete with a daily penguin parade, Newport on the Levy offers a wide variety of shops, theaters, and restaurants all along the beautiful riverfront. A City Full of History In addition to the Ohio River, Cincinnati is also known for its large collection of historic architecture. Over-‐the-‐Rhine, the largest, most intact urban historic district in the United
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States, boasts one the world's largest collections of Italianate architecture. Attractions such as the Music Hall, the Cincinnatian Hotel, and the Shillito Department Store boast this architectural style, which is characterized by wide, ornamental roofs and elaborate entryways. As a student at the University of Cincinnati, Gabrielle Walter enjoys visiting the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden. This zoo is often referred to as “America’s Sexiest Zoo,” because due to its unique breeding program several baby animals are born each year. The summer months are the best time to see the zoo’s vast array of flora and fauna. “It’s the first place I always take my friends who come visit,” Walter said. “It’s one of the oldest and most famous zoos in the country, and it has great programs during the summertime.” Another main attraction is the Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal. Originally built in 1933 during the heyday of the railroad era as the Union Terminal train station, the building is a national historic landmark and was renovated and reopened as a museum center in 1990. The Museum Center hosts a wide variety of museums that cater to all kinds of interests, including the Cincinnati History Museum, Duke Energy Children's Museum, the Museum of Natural History & Science, an OMNIMAX Theater, and the Cincinnati Historical Society Library. A Pure American Pastime There’s no sport more American than baseball, and Cincinnati has perhaps the most hardcore baseball fans you will ever meet. Established in 1869 and originally known as the Cincinnati Red Stockings, Cincinnati is home to the oldest major league baseball team in the country, the Cincinnati Reds. No visit to Cincinnati is complete without a trip to The Great American Ballpark, a stadium that grants patrons another breathtaking view of the Ohio River. Tickets to the games can be found for relatively cheap prices at stubhub.com. Right next door to the Great American Ballpark is the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame and Museum, which offers baseball fans a comprehensive look into the sport and team’s heralded past. Also adjacent to the ballpark is the brand new Riverfront Park, a 45-‐acre park located along the riverfront that includes an outdoor event stage, promenade, bike center, labyrinth, and interactive fountains—giving your day to the ballgame a whole new feel. Find more info at cincinnatiusa.com Sidebar: Cincinnati Chili
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“I didn’t know there was another kind of chili until very recently,” Walter said. “I always thought the Cincinnati version was the only kind of chili there was.” A sauce usually used over spaghetti or hot dogs, Cincinnati-‐style chili contains a unique spice blend that gives it a very distinct taste. Created by Greek immigrant Nicholas Lambrinides in 1949, the recipe is a well-‐kept family secret among Lambrinides' surviving children. However, many people believe that the unique taste of Cincinnati chili comes from chocolate and cinnamon, spices popular in Greek meat dishes. The first and most famous restaurant chain to serve this unique style of chili is Lambrinides’ Skyline Chili, although many competitors have popped up over the years. Skyline's menu includes their signature dishes: cheese coneys (a hot dog topped with Skyline Chili, mustard, onions, and cheese), 3-‐ways (spaghetti topped with Skyline Chili and cheese); 4-‐ways (choice of beans or onions added), and 5-‐ways (beans and onions both added). No matter which way you choose, be sure to eat with oyster crackers on the side.