Cincinnati Magazine - August 2024 Edition

Try one of our - 30favorite roadtrips.

Introducing: Emi Dougherty, CNP

Mona Dermatology is excited to welcome Emi Dougherty, CNP, and introduce her as the newest addition to their cosmetic and medical provider team.

Emi is a Cincinnati native and attended Kettering College in Dayton where she earned her bachelor of science in nursing. She began her career as a registered nurse in the NICU at Miami Valley Hospital. In 2021, she shifted her focus to dermatology and joined the Mona Dermatology team as a registered nurse. She then earned her master of science in nursing from Northern Kentucky University and became a Certified Nurse Practitioner. We are excited to have her continue her career at Mona Dermatology in her new role as a cosmetic and medical provider.

“I am excited to continue in a new role at our office and join our amazing team of cosmetic and medical providers, who I am also fortunate to have as mentors. My mission is to help every individual patient achieve their skin goals, both medically and cosmetically, to allow them to feel confident in their own skin!”

On the weekends, Emi and her husband Maxwell enjoy exploring new restaurants around the city. In the summer, Findlay Market is one of their favorite spots on a Sunday morning. They love spending time outdoors and exploring Cincinnati.

FUN FACTS

Favorite skincare product: SkinMedica Retinol

Currently reading: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

What I wanted to be when I grew up: “I always looked up to the hardest worker I knew, my mom. She is a nurse! So I knew from the beginning I wanted to go the medical route.”

Favorite drink: Homemade iced latte with honey

Favorite cosmetic treatment: Fraxel

CREATE A COZY OUTDOOR HAVEN WITH STYLE & WARMTH

Explore

BY KELLY BLEWETT

BY JENNY WOHLFARTH

“A CELEBRATION OF SPIRITS AND COCKTAILS”

WHEN Sday, August 11

VIP 1pm

GENERAL ADMISSION 2-5 pm

SPONSORED BY

14 / CONTRIBUTORS

14 / LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

FRONTLINES

17 / DISPATCH

Walnut Hills students are ready for college

18 / SPEAK EASY

Rachel Rohrabacher goes pro in pickleball

18 / POP LIFE

The Summermusik Festival hosts 13 season concerts

20 / STYLE COUNSEL

Mei-Lin Williams’s capsule wardrobe

22 / ESCAPE

MCM stays in Columbus, Ohio

24 / ON THE MARKET

A North Avondale home goes viral

26 / DR. KNOW

Your QC questions answered

COLUMNS

28 / LIVING IN CIN

A drive from the Queen City to the Magic Kingdom BY JAY GILBERT

128 / OBSCURA

The zoo’s Safari Train goes solar BY CLAIRE LEFTON

DINE

116 / OFF THE MENU

Food businesses give back to the disabled community

119 / LUNCHBOX

Young Buck Deli, Over-the-Rhine

119 / TABLESIDE

Mona Bronson-Fuqua of Je Ne Sais Fuqua

120 / HIGH SPIRITS

King Pigeon, Walnut Hills

121 / DINING GUIDE

Greater Cincinnati restaurants: A selective list

ON THE COVER photograph by JUSTIN SCHAFER

An extra serving of our outstanding dining coverage.

Decoding our civic DNA, from history to politics to personalities.

Tracking what’s new in local real estate, artisans, and storefronts.

Insight and analysis on the Reds, Bengals, and FC Cincinnati.

PAGE 59

College Guide 2024

Learn about programs at select local and regional colleges and universities with these statistical profiles.

PAGE 87

Snag your seat or table today!

Cincinnati Open 2024

The Cincinnati Open hits the Lindner Family Tennis Center, showcasing some of the sport’s best and brightest.

PAGE 104

Greater Cincinnati Drives Greater Cincinnati auto dealers showcase their exclusive vehicles.

Are you or someone you care about experiencing feelings of , , or ? Are you just not feeling like yourself? Lindner Center of HOPE understands how the symptoms of mental illness can make you feel. We can help. Our transformative continuum of care is designed to meet you where you are and promote long-lasting healing.

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF John Fox

DESIGN DIRECTOR Brittany Dexter

DIRECTOR OF EDITORIAL OPERATIONS

Amanda Boyd Walters

SENIOR EDITOR

Aiesha D. Little

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Emma Balcom

DIGITAL EDITOR

Claire Lefton

SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR

Brianna Connock

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Jim DeBrosse, Jay Gilbert, Lisa Murtha, Laurie Pike, John Stowell, Linda Vaccariello, Jenny Wohlfarth, J. Kevin Wolfe

EDITORIAL INTERNS Pieper Buckley, Paige Davis, Victoria Donahoe

DIGITAL INTERNS Charlie Jaeb, Andrew Wagner

SENIOR ART DIRECTOR Emi Villavicencio

ART DIRECTOR Stef Hadiwidjaja

ASSISTANT ART DIRECTORS Carlie Burton, Jessica Dunham

ADVERTISING DESIGNERS Sophie Kallis, Matthew Spoleti

CONTRIBUTING ARTISTS Lance Adkins, Wes Battoclette, Aaron M. Conway, Andrew Doench, Devyn Glista, HATSUE, Chris von Holle, Danielle Johnson, Jen Kawanari, Jeremy Kramer, Ryan Kurtz, Lars Leetaru, Marlene Rounds, Jonny Ruzzo, Dola Sun, Catherine Viox

PRODUCTION DIRECTOR & IT SYSTEMS ADMINISTRATOR Vu Luong

PUBLISHED BY CINCINNATI MEDIA, LLC

CEO Stefan Wanczyk PRESIDENT John Balardo

PUBLISHER Ivy Bayer

SENIOR ACCOUNT MANAGERS

Maggie Wint Goecke, Joe Hoffecker, Julie Poyer

SENIOR MANAGER, SPONSORSHIP SALES

Chris Ohmer

SENIOR OUTSIDE ACCOUNT REPRESENTATIVE

Laura Bowling

VICE PRESIDENT OF EVENTS AND SPONSORSHIP SALES

Tasha Stapleton

EVENT COORDINATOR

Savannah Walling

BUSINESS

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Missy Beiting

BUSINESS COORDINATOR Erica Birkle

CIRCULATION

AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR Geralyn Wilson

CIRCULATION MANAGER Riley Meyers

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Business owners are a unique breed. You put everything into building and maintaining your business and keeping it on a strong financial footing. With so much on your plate, you deserve the peace of mind of knowing your financial future is in the hands of local people who understand you, your goals, and what you want out of life. For us, there’s no such thing as being too available. You need us, we’re there. Start the conversation at

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GET YOUR MOTOR RUNNING, HEAD OUT ON THE HIGHWAY. LOOKING FOR ADVENture in whatever comes our way. Roll down the window and let the wind blow back your hair. The night’s busting open, these two lanes will take us anywhere. You got a fast car. I got a plan to get us out of here. Ah, the thrills and romance (and soundtrack) of taking a road trip—a certain type of freedom you can only find in a vehicle with friends driving to some place over there that isn’t here.

I’m one of those people who believe the journey is more important than the destination. A road trip is only partially about where you’re going. Sometimes it’s about what you’re leaving behind. Or who you’re with. Or how loud you can play your music. Or it’s about why you’re on the road. Sometimes you don’t know why, and that’s all right. You just gotta go.

I vividly recall road trips that defined different eras of my life as much as any birthday, job, or relationship could. There was the drive to the beach as a kid, nine of us crammed into a station wagon with bologna sandwiches and no seat belts. The all-night drive to New Orleans for my fi rst Mardi Gras. Driving with my brothers to move my meager belongings to Cincinnati. A drive up the coast from Santa Barbara to San Francisco with my fiancée (now wife). Driving in the past month to Chicago and Nashville for a nephew’s graduation and a niece’s wedding.

OK, those last two were just about the destinations. Nowadays, road trips are the necessary evil required to get where I want to go and, more importantly, to get home. The construction, the trucks, the rain, the heat, the price of gas, the talking GPS, the signs I can’t read, the idiot drivers trying to run me off the road—seriously, it’s a jungle out there.

Yet the open road sings her siren song, and the adventurers and young at heart among us still heed the call. We offer dozens of options in this issue for fun road trips you might not have tried yet (“Go for a Drive,” page 34). Get going while the weather’s good. Just stay in your lane when you pass me on the highway.

JOHN FOX EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

CONTRIBUTORS

BRIANNA CONNOCK

Cincinnati native Brianna Connock recently joined the Cincinnati Magazine team as social media editor. “I’m thrilled to combine my passion for social media and the digital space with my journalism background while working in the city I adore,” she says. For “Go for a Drive” (page 34), she visited Columbus, Indiana, which she highly recommends. “Like many Cincinnatians, the only Columbus I knew of was our state capital,” Connock says.

JENNY WOHLFARTH

Contributing Editor Jenny Wohlfarth genuinely likes snooping around in cemeteries, so writing about those leading preservation efforts at the historic United Colored American Cemetery was a compelling story to pursue (“Death Can’t Bury Their Stories,” page 54). “I love telling behind-the-scenes stories about passionate people trying to make positive change in our community,” she says. “This story was overflowing with them.”

JONNY RUZZO

Jonny Ruzzo has been working as an illustrator and designer in New York City since 2012, focusing on editorial portraits for media and advertising clients, including Cincinnati Magazine’s monthly Tableside interviews (page 119). “I love capturing a true likeness of the subject while still maintaining texture and personality in the drawing,” he says. “I rarely ever meet the person I’m hired to draw, but I feel like I get a sense of their character just by drawing their face.”

THEIR RESEARCH IMPROVES LIVES

From basic science and laboratory research to clinical care in occupational medicine, the UC Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences is dedicated to making a positive impact. They are experts in areas such as environmental toxicology, molecular epidemiology and exposure sciences studying the impact of chemicals, pollutants and environmental disasters on our health. These world-class scientists are uncovering the root causes of a wide array of public health problems—and leading the way toward prevention and treatment options. It’s no secret they’re among the best in the country. indispensable medicine,

med.uc.edu/indispensable

Left to right: Katherine Burns, PhD; Kelly Brunst, PhD; and Angelico Mendy, MD, PhD

THE WALNUT WAY

Walnut Hills High School is ranked No. 2 in Ohio in college readiness. Inquiring minds want to know: What’s going right?

—ELIZABETH MILLER WOOD

OUNDED AS A NEIGHBORHOOD SCHOOL IN 1895, WALNUT HILLS HIGH SCHOOL embraced its current iteration as an elite college-preparatory institution in 1918. While the school has long been regarded as one of the most competitive in Cincinnati, this year its high college readiness index—a marker determined by the proportion of 12th graders who took and passed at least one Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) exam—warrants further attention.

Walnut Hills ranked No. 2 in Ohio for college readiness with an index of 83.4 (barely behind the No. 1 spot at 83.5). It’s followed by other regional schools like Indian Hill High School, ranking No. 4 at 73.7, and Madeira High School, ranking No. 6 at 71.1.

Among the top 10 public schools across Ohio, the average college readiness index is just 67.4. What’s remarkable is that Walnut Hills’s enrollment (1,847 students) is significantly higher than those other area schools. In theory, a larger student population would make it more challenging to achieve high college readiness scores.

So, how is Walnut Hills pulling this off? The school requires students to achieve a qualifying score via the Walnut Hills Entrance Exam (a.k.a. Iowa Assessment) to gain admission. Naturally, students with already high-performing academic abilities are more likely to take and pass the AP tests that determine the college readiness index.

Behind the strictly statistical index numbers of college readiness scores, it appears there is an infrastructure in place to help Walnut Hills students achieve AP success, including high expectations, wide availability of AP

courses, and substantial faculty support. “We have a standard here,” says principal John Chambers. “We refuse to compromise. We find that students will rise to the occasion to meet the standard.”

Recent graduate Lilly Evans says the workload of her high school experience prepared her for college. Last spring, Evans—a third-generation Walnut Hills graduate and former senior class president—completed her freshman year at the University of Kentucky, where she studies nursing. Her course load is “a lot different” than what she experienced at Walnut Hills— but in a good way. While she admits the heavy homework was “annoying” at the time, in hindsight, she is grateful for the advanced preparation.

At Walnut Hills, 92 percent of students participate in AP courses and 80 percent pass at least one AP exam. Morgan notes that AP courses often begin during a student’s sophomore year and are “the norm” for a student’s schedule.

The Walnut Hills experience is intense, but also highly supported. The faculty has a heightened awareness of the expectations and are mindful of helping students manage the mental load.

“It’s a balance between having those high expectations but not being overwhelming,” Chambers says.

College Ready Find out more about Walnut Hills High School at walnuthillseagles.com

The school’s diversity, too, played a role in Evans’s college-prep experience, creating an environment where “all your friends were just from everywhere,” she says.

With diversity of race and economic status also comes a diversity of thought. “It brings so much richness and enhances conversations,” says assistant principal Ashley Morgan.

Perhaps the highest determining factor for the high college readiness index is the vast offering of AP courses, more than any other school in the nation, public or private. The school offers every course available by the AP College Board, 38, and includes popular courses such as AP United States History and AP Human Geography.

Though most students enter Walnut Hills with the goal of attending a four-year college after graduation, guidance counselors educate students about other post-graduate options. Students take surveys to help define their goals so that their ensuing course design can complement their interests and objectives.

Extracurricular programming is abundant and fluid to meet the ever-changing interests of the student body, currently including 90 competitive sports teams and approximately 50 extracurriculars.

Above all, Morgan says, the Walnut Hills administration is passionate about creating “lifelong learners” who are equipped to think critically about the world and apply high-level thinking. An active alumni network is an invaluable cog in that model, as are the concepts of legacy and giving back to their alma mater, which are instilled early and regularly in students. “It’s a big circle of giving,” says Morgan.

A PICKLEBALL PRO CREATES A LEGACY

A fun and accessible way to get the heart pumping, pickleball isn’t just for casual couples or fit retirees— it’s a serious sport that attracts serious athletes, such as Rachel Rohrabacher. A Tampa native who now calls Cincinnati home, Rohrabacher went pro in 2023, joining Selkirk Sport’s Elite Pro roster of pickleball players and establishing herself as a dominant force in Major League Pickleball.

What compelled you to make the leap from tennis to pickleball? Were you nervous about venturing into such a new sport?

Pickleball allows me to utilize the athletic abilities I have been honing my entire life and make a career of it. It’s surreal to be a part of this sport because it is still in its infancy and will likely be 10 times bigger in five years than it is today. I hope to continue making a footprint and one day become a legacy of the sport.

GOLDEN YEARS

The Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra celebrates its 50th anniversary with the annual Summermusik Festival. CCO will host 13 concerts—including full orchestra performances, matinee concerts, and “Chamber Crawls”—at various locations through Aug. 24. summermusik.org/festival

Like many professional pickleball players, you started with tennis. Can you tell us a little about that? I started playing tennis when I was 6 years old and went on to receive a full scholarship at the University of South Carolina. While I was at South Carolina, we got up to a ranking of No. 3 in the nation and won the SEC championship in 2019. Personally, I was ranked No. 9 in the nation in doubles and set multiple records for most matches won in a season. I stopped playing tennis when I graduated, and although I was introduced to pickleball soon after, I did not commit to practicing or playing tournaments until 2023.

And what do you think that legacy will be? Why is pickleball here to stay? Pickleball is special because it is everything I love about tennis put into one little sport. I couldn’t continue playing tennis after I graduated from college because of injuries and the monetary toll it takes to go pro in tennis. Pickleball allows me to continue competing, which is something I do best. I love the quickness of pickleball, especially the hand battles at the net.

—SARAH McCOSHAM

READ A LONGER INTERVIEW WITH RACHEL AT CINCINNATIMAGAZINE. COM.

SPEAK EASY

Mei-Lin Williams

OCCUPATION: Digital marketer for a sports team

STYLE: Casual, with pops of color

How would you describe your style? I don’t want to look super sophisticated all the time. I’m still young. I live in the city. I learned of a capsule wardrobe and started to build that the last year of college. I’ve also learned about color and incorporated that into my wardrobe. I’m a true winter. I go for very vivid pops of color. Fuchsia is one of my favorite colors because it looks good on me, and I love pinks. What’s a capsule wardrobe? It’s making sure you have all the necessities in different neutral colors. Work trousers—you want to have navy, white, gray. Same with a T-shirt—you want to have all different colors you can switch out. If you have a bright pink cardigan but don’t have anything to wear with it, it’s hard to build an outfit. Why is color theory important? It’s catering the colors you wear to highlight your features. Someone who is more warm-toned might look best in a different shade of lipstick or top than someone who is more cool-toned. You also model. How did you get into that? I consider it a hobby. When I was in high school, one of my family friends worked for a production company that was doing a commercial. One of my other good friends from high school signed with an agency and encouraged me to do it. What’s your favorite thing in your closet? It’s this little sweater. It’s not super thick, but it’s long-sleeved. I like it because it goes with any top or any bottom. It’s also a very vivid, cool-toned blue, which is one of my colors in my color theory palette. My friends host clothing swaps all the time. It’s been passed down to me from a friend. I get most of my stuff secondhand in some way.

—JACLYN YOUHANA GARVER

STYLE COUNSEL

MODERN IN COLUMBUS

A REVITALIZED MID-CENTURY MODERN MOTEL WELCOMES GUESTS IN COLUMBUS, OHIO. —MICHELLE MASTRO

The best styles come and go, only to return again. Just like flared jeans are back in fashion, so too is Mid-Century Modern (MCM) style. More than inspiring today’s interiors, the aesthetic has found its way into vacation stays.

There’s been an influx of MCM revitalized motels all over the country, where guests can bask in Mid Mod vibes (or pretend to live like Don Draper for a day). Columbus, Ohio’s restored South Wind Motel is a perfect nearby stay for Mid Mod lovers.

WHERE TO STAY

South Wind Motel immerses guests in nostalgic MCM

style. “[The motel] was designed by prominent local architect Hal Schofield, who drew inspiration from Frank Lloyd Wright’s Prairie Style of design,” says Michael Kelley, partner at Kelley Companies, a family-owned real estate company that restored the motel in 2022.

“That style was characterized by dramatic horizontal lines and broad eave overhangs meant to evoke the expansive Midwestern landscape,” he says. For Wright, architecture should look organic.

Today, South Wind is among the few remaining commercial buildings in Columbus of this style. “For us,

SIDE TRIP

OTHER MID MOD STAYS

Here are a few other great MCM stays to lay your head while traveling across America. –M.M.

it was important to preserve it and draw on this identity to inform our design decisions,” Kelley says. All the furniture is custom-made with real walnut, a favorite material of MCM style. The aqua blue bathroom tiles are exact replicas of the originals. The neon sign might be new, but Kelley and his team did a lot of research to replicate the era’s signage. “The design of our sign also drew inspiration from local mid-century neon signs, like Plank’s Café on Parsons, the Peanut Shoppe, and the former Rife’s Market sign.”

Though full of vintage vibes, the motel offers today’s creature comforts, including contactless checkin, in-suite turntables, and Chemex coffeemakers. The spot is also sustainabilityminded, featuring solar panels, pollinator gardens, EV charging ports, and ecoconscious bath products.

WHERE TO EAT

If you want to feel like you’re having brunch with George Jetson, try the retro-style Mercury Diner. The menu is full of cosmic treats: the Big Bang Breakfast, Midwest Moon (veggie omelette), the Space Bird (fried chicken sandwich), Space Balls (glazed banana fritters), and more. Adults will like the boozy brunch, while kids will get a kick out of classic milkshakes and floats. For cocktail hour and small plates, check out Law Bird. The bar’s design, from the brightly colored sign out front to the simple shapes of the interior decor, has a Mid Mod feel. But it’s the fun cocktails that really take

VAGABOND HOTEL

In Miami, Florida, the Vagabond Motel preserves a touch of the atomic era. Mid Mod fans will love the sleek 1950s-inspired furniture and original terrazzo floors. Be sure to stop by the pool bar for hip cocktails and casual Greek cuisine.

pride of place, like the Shrine of the Silver Monkey and Chaos Theory. Occasionally the bar hosts tiki bar-inspired pop-ups, further paying homage to the period.

WHAT TO DO

There are so many great places to shop in German Village, such as The Book Loft or Stump, a houseplant store. “But for a more mid-century shopping experience, we highly recommend The Atomic Shop and Little Light Collective in Clintonville, just a 15-minute drive north of the motel,” says Kelley. To find vintage furniture and retro home decor, visitors should try Dawn of Retro or the Boomerang Room.

Those interested in modern artwork—contemporary and MCM—should look to the Columbus Museum of Art

downtown. There, check out the early modernist paintings and early Cubist paintings by Pablo Picasso and Juan Gris. Outside, the museum has several modern sculptures like the new Current, a skyhigh sculpture made of 78.5 miles of twine that lights up at night.

South Wind Motel

southwindstay.com

The Mercury Diner themercurydiner.com

Law Bird lawbirdbar.com

Columbus Museum of Art columbusmuseum.org

THE DRIFTER HOTEL

The New Orleans Drifter Hotel features penny tile and wood paneling—all updated for contemporary tastes. If you want Beach Boy or Gidget vibes, take a look at the breezeblock and 1950s-style lounge chairs at the swimming pool.

LITTLE MOD HOTEL

This Charlottesville, Virginia, hotel is full of vibrant vintage designs and atomic-era hues. Besides the retro mini fridges and record players, the refurbished Airstream dubbed the Mod Pod is a must-visit, serving tasty treats and street tacos.

LISTING PRICE: ADDRESS:

$1,795,000

GOING VIRAL

A HISTORIC NORTH AVONDALE HOME GRABS ATTENTION ONLINE FOLLOWING BIG RENOVATIONS.

—LEYLA SHOKOOHE

EVERYTHING OLD IS NEW AGAIN—AT LEAST, THAT’S THE CASE FOR 4045 Rose Hill Ave. This estate, at 6,850 square feet, underwent a complete renovation in 2023 after coming on the market for the first time in years. Originally built for local lumber baron Matthew Farrin and his wife Dora, construction on this Spanish Colonial Revival-inspired home was completed in 1911, three years after Farrin passed away.

It first hit the market in November 2022, going viral on the Houses that are Cool TikTok account, drawing comparisons to the house in season one of American Horror Story. It’s now been ushered into the 21st century thanks to Liz Heubi, a real estate agent with the Megan Stacey Group. Its development group, VP Homes, Construction & Design, purchased and renovated the home. Extensive upgrades—like central air on all three floors—complement its oldworld charm. The gorgeous original woodwork throughout is a reminder of the Farrin lumber legacy, including built-in bookshelves and seats flanking the living room fireplace.

Look down the hall and you can now see the open-concept kitchen replete with dolomite counters and Thermador appliances, thanks to the removal of a wall and butler’s pantry. “All I wanted to do was stand at this sink and see down to the fireplace,” says Heubi.

The redone downstairs bathroom is wallpapered with vibrant pink roses, befitting the address. The carved-wood grand staircase and window seat look out over the backyard and the detached, renovated garage. The primary suite was remodeled to accommodate an expanded ensuite bathroom with a huge double shower. Five more bedrooms are spread over the second and third floors, the latter of which is accessed by the back staircase.

The original coal furnace remains in the basement, and a three-season room and circular sunroom make good use of the perimeter. The front porch features three quirky cement gnomes, original to the house, positioned as if they’re carrying the home on their backs—and they seem poised to do so for the foreseeable future.

What

is the story behind the enormous wooden sculpture hanging at Ruth’s Parkside Café in Northside? Where did it come from? My server only knew its name, “The Angel.” She said that the owner, who wasn’t there, knows all about it. I couldn’t wait around, so I hope you can help.

—GORDIAN ANGEL

DEAR GORDIAN:

There is, in fact, a story behind that enormous (14 feet tall) wooden sculpture at Ruth’s, but the Doctor lacks space here for the enormous number of words required to do it justice. Herewith, an embarrassingly short version: Jay Bolotin, a renowned Cincinnati-based artist who

Dr. Know is Jay Gilbert, radio personality and advertising prankster. Submit your questions about the city’s peculiarities at drknow@cincinnati magazine.com

left us only last spring, created the unfathomably heavy wooden sculpture as one part of his elaborate 1995 show, Limbus: A Mechanical Opera. The show has appeared in various forms and locales over the years. One huge, admittedly strange object— a fair description of many Bolotin works (meant as a compliment)—is known as “Angel” and was created by the artist at his workshop, which back then was a warehouse in Northside. That warehouse was part of the former industrial complex that has since become Ruth’s Parkside Café and apartments above. So your answer to “where did it come from” is “a few feet from where it was made.” Ruth’s owner David Tape asked his friend Bolotin in 2013 if he could have the sculpture for his newly located restaurant, whereupon Bolotin greedily demanded an exorbitant payment: one piece of Ruth’s famous pie.

I drive over the cobblestones on Elm Street at Music Hall every day. I understand the nod to nostalgia, but it’s annoying. I also wonder if the city had a secret agenda when they uncovered the old stones. Did they purposely want to slow traffic down for the (mostly older) Music Hall attendees? —BRAKEDOWN

DEAR BRAKE:

This year marks the 30th anniversary of Elm Street’s cobblestones being set free. The Doctor has not found evidence for the year they were covered over by blacktop, but a good guess would be somewhere in the 1920s. Neither is it clear when the cobblestones were first laid or even if Elm Street was paved earlier with gravel or wood. The word paved in the 19th century basically meant anything that’s not dirt, and we found an editorial from 1870 saying “cobble-stones are an abomination in the sight of horse and man.”

Today’s tires and shock absorbers are not fans of cobblestones, either. But as you suggest, pedestrian safety from slower traffic might be an unstated benefit along that stretch of Elm Street. Was that inten-

tional when the old stones were exhumed in 1994? Nobody at City Hall is saying, but remember: They’re all stuck inside their own 19th century stone behemoth. Some might even consider that place an abomination in the sight of horse and man.

You recently wrote about the large clocks at the Carew Tower and their chronically incorrect times. But nobody notices another historic clock that can’t ever be fixed: the old sundial at the Federal Building. It gets no sun at all! It’s in shadow all day! Whose brilliant idea was this? —AIN’T NO SUNSHINE

DEAR AIN’T:

Let us first divert you to a Norwood parking lot, where a squat wedgeshaped building stands with the name “Arnold” embossed in stone over its entrance. In 2006, the iconic Arnold Building was demolished for an office park, and an almost-replica was built nearby. The surviving embossed stone went above the front door.

A similarly odd artifact is downtown at Fifth and Main streets: the sundial at the entrance to the Federal Building. It was installed on that corner in 1829 when William Thoms erected Cincinnati’s first “skyscraper,” a building so tall that people felt certain it would collapse—all four stories of it. Thoms’s deed required any future edifice to preserve its ornate sundial, and that promise was kept when Uncle Sam bulldozed the corner in 1962. Unfortunately, the promise failed to specify that the sundial remain functional.

The iconic timepiece was installed in shadow and in the years since has been further, well, overshadowed by the Federal Building’s fortress-like upgrades. There’s more to this story but, oh, look at the time!

SEPTEMBER 3 - 15

STILL THE WORLD’S MOST POPULAR MUSICAL

LIVING IN CIN

BY JAY GILBERT

Quite Atrocious

DRIVING FROM CINCINNATI TO WALT DISNEY WORLD IS A BAD

IDEA.

LET IT GO.

IF YOU’VE COMPILED A BUCKET LIST OF CAR TRIPS YOU HOPE TO TAKE SOMEDAY, AND ONE line specifies “A December trip from Cincinnati to Walt Disney World in Florida,” crumple up the list right now. Better yet, set it on fire. If the line includes “with small children,” just set your whole car on fire. You’ll thank me.

I’ve done it so you don’t have to: Cruising I-75 all the way down to Orlando’s Magic Kingdom, then all the way back up. Our time spent inside Disney World itself will get scant attention here, because we all know what really matters in this life is the journey— the endless, monotonous, fast-food-injected, vomit-ejected, engine-infected, 912-mile journey. Why did we do it? Because we were invited to spend three days at Disney World for free, all on Walt Disney’s dime. Would you refuse that?

This gift came courtesy of Tom Brinkmoeller, former TV/radio columnist for The Cin-

cinnati Enquirer. In the late 1980s, he landed a new gig as “media liaison” for Disney. His job now was to invite media guys like me (a DJ on WEBN, then Cincinnati’s No. 1 radio station, ahem) so I could report back about our visit. An additional perk for my FM rock world was that Ron Wood, lead guitarist for the Rolling Stones, would be there for a promotional event and we’d get to meet him.

Obviously I said yes, whereupon it was quickly decided that the family would drive instead of fly. This was not as foolhardy as it may seem. The Wife, the Boy, the Girl, and I had already taken some fairly long car trips together, and we enjoyed them. This trip would also happen during the week before Christmas, when attendance at Disney World trends downward, so shorter lines! We’d head home on Christmas morning: empty highways! Hakuna Matata: no worries! We’re going to Didney Wude!

THE GIRL HAD BEEN CALLING IT DIDNEY Wude in that way small kids do. She’d also been excited the previous summer about going to Kings Island, because she thought we were going to meet the mighty King Ziland. Small children are cute, but they add danger to a long car trip. Not to worry; the Wife and I were prepared.

In addition to the bare necessities, we armed the kids with as many distractions as our pre-iPad world would allow. The Boy was handed a 13-episode audio dramatization of Star Wars, along with a cassette player that was roughly the size and weight of a Triscuits box filled with nails. The Girl, two years younger, got her own cassettes with her own Triscuits box of nails. Between the kids sat 1,000 batteries. This strategy—partnered with some books, travel versions of board games, and plans to sing lots of songs very loudly— would work. What could go wrong?

Plenty, as it turned out. Early on was the obligatory inside-the-car barf, requiring a change of clothing on the side of the highway in late December weather. I handled it; the cold never bothered me anyway. The first true crisis happened as we approached Perry, Georgia, a cute little town we would have zipped right past had not the car’s temperature meter started rising and rising. But the locals were friendly, pointing us to a repair shop where we lost

FOLLOW US

LIVING IN CIN

only a few hours (and more than a few dollars). We stayed overnight in Perry instead of the place we’d planned, then hit the highway at dawn. To Gainesville and beyond!

There’s no need here to describe our three-day experience at Disney World. It was exactly the same as yours, except that the lines were shorter and we got to spend about 12 seconds with Ron Wood. The Boy had a vague sense of who Wood was; I suspect the Girl may have thought she was finally meeting King Ziland. On our fi nal day, Christmas morning, we simply got up, checked out of our room, and went to see the first hour or so of the Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade. It was vastly superior to watching it on TV, because we never once saw any of the on-air hosts. My, oh my, what a wonderful day.

Then came the time—the perfect time—to slip away and leave for Cincinnati, guaranteeing at least one day of non-crowded highways. We glided effortlessly past Wildwood, Gainesville, and Atlanta to our Chattanooga motel, where the kids discovered the only ride more exciting than any at Disney World: a vibrating bed!

We were somewhere in Kentucky when the sky grew prematurely dark. A light snowfall became steady and ugly. (Do I want to build a snowman? No, thanks.) Increasingly larger snowflakes zoomed past the windshield, inspiring the Boy to announce, ever in Star Wars mode: “Look, it’s hyperspace!” If only it were; we’d have gotten home sooner. The traffic slowed, everyone’s headlights came on, and a noticeable number of cars bailed at the next exit. Not me. I had to keep going.

Things got serious, and dangerous. Giving up is for rookies, but I finally agreed to get off at the next exit. Only one motel had the smarts to turn its lights on in the mid-afternoon darkness, and we got their last remaining room. Sorry, no vibrating bed. After settling in, I phoned the TV team in Cincinnati to tell them I’d be late the next day. (If you remember motel longdistance rates, you know that our car repairs may have cost less.)

Later, the topic of food inevitably arose, and I went out into the merciless void to hunt and gather dinner. Most eateries had sent their employees home. Good news: I eventually found one that was open. Bad news: It was Long John Silver’s. Not sure I deserved that.

THE NEXT DAY’S HIGHWAY DRIVE WAS also problem-free, until we hit Knoxville and stopped cold. We had collided with one of those damn-we-mightas-well-shut-off-the-engine standstills, lasting at least an hour. Oh, well, the Wife theorized, it’s the day after Christmas and everybody’s returning their Chia Pets and horrid clothes, right?

We’ve since learned that the junction of I-75 and I-40 has been Knoxville’s eternal traffic nightmare—tale as old as time—and something we should have anticipated. I couldn’t afford any more delays like this, because I absolutely had to be back in Cincinnati the next day to appear in a shoot for a TV commercial. I’m a local media guy, remember? An entire production team was expecting me to show up. The drive had to be nonstop from here on. As all massive, civilization-paralyzing snowstorms do, ours started slowly.

Morning came, and thankfully so had the snowplows. This time we made it all the way. Cincinnatians all know the warm feeling of riding over that Kentucky hillside and seeing our downtown skyline, but this time it was extra sweet. Cincinnati, I look at you and I’m home. At our actual home, though, I instantly abandoned the Wife, the Boy, and the Girl as well as our car full of crap and frantically went to the TV shoot.

My sincere thanks go to Walt, Tom, Perry, Ron, and even Long John. Our kids have brought their own kids (by air) to Didney Wude. You probably have, too, because it’s a small world, after all.

While time has dulled the jagged edges of our family’s tumultuous car trip, one memory still stings: We gave Walgreen’s nine rolls of fi lm from our adventures, and they lost one. I’m still waiting, and wishing, and hoping. Someday my prints will come.

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

PRESENTING SPONSORS: Madeira Chamber of Commerce, MadTree Brewing

SPONSORS: The BMW Store, Trü Frü, Bakehouse Bread Company, Batiste, McCormick, Blox Spiked Ice, Dr. Scholl’s, Newell’s Wa-da Ice, Vital Proteins, Nature’s Bounty, Dr. Teal’s, Lumify

June 12, 2024

Downtown Madeira

→ Hundreds came out to enjoy a beautiful evening of camaraderie, good food, and shopping throughout downtown Madeira. Before setting off on their shopping adventures, guests were treated to sugar hand scrubs, tasty sweet and savory bites, and refreshing Italian ice.

PHOTOGRAPHS BY STEVE SHAW

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

PRESENTING SPONSORS: Kroger, MadTree Brewing

A PORTION OF PROCEEDS

BENEFITED: Queen City Charities

SPONSORS: The Christ Hospital, Maybelline, P&G, Nuun, Orgain, Vital Proteins, Prolink, Trojan, BeatBox, Saratoga, American Greetings, Kenvue, OLLY, The Summit, BLOX, Duncan Hines, Fever-Tree, McCormick, Butterball, General Mills, Betty Crocker, Advantage Solutions, Fifth Third Bank, Orchard Valley Harvest, GE Aerospace, SKYY Vodka, Empire, Hornitos, Temptations, KIND, Skittles, FIJI water, Cheez-It, Pringles, Pop-Tarts, Kellanova, Kellogg’s Eggo

June 21, 2024

Court Street Plaza

→ Court Street Plaza welcomed more than 900 guests who enjoyed a celebration that included a giant ball pit, a pride vendor market, food, drinks, and fun. Continuous entertainment including a DJ, drag shows, and a dance flash mob rounded out an evening of fun, love, and community.

CINCINNATI MAGAZINE’S

RED RIVER GORGE

SOPHY HYDE PARK

CORNHENGE

BLUEBEARD

YELLOW SPRINGS

MAGEE MARSH CLEO’S

It ’s time to hit the road— we found 30 unexpected destinations (plus snacks and a playlist) for your next long weekend getaway.

INCLUDES ITEMS BY EMMA BALCOM, PIEPER BUCKLEY, PAIGE DAVIS, VICTORIA DONAHOE, AND CHARLIE JAEB

LAKE SHORE RESORT, MICHIGAN

MAKE A SPLASH

Fun on the water at Taylorsville Lake and an antiquing excursion (with a Hollywood connection) like no other.

AMANDA BOYD WALTERS

Kentuckians love heading to “the lake,” which usually means Cumberland or even Norris. But Taylorsville Lake, just a couple of hours south of Cincinnati, offers a more intimate adventure. And in nearby Bloomfield, a one-of-a-kind antique store is the heart of a restored small town.

THE HOOK: Linda Bruckheimer, novelist and wife of movie producer Jerry, grew up in Louisville. Her affection for Kentucky and love for historic preservation led her to purchase and restore a number of buildings in Bloomfield. Inside Nettie Jarvis Antiques, signs of the former pool hall remain on the walls, including a hand-painted admonition to “Please don’t swear.” Looking around, you’ll quickly realize these are not your average collectibles. Old signs and carnival banners, plenty of bourbon memorabilia, jewelry, primitives, furniture, and more create a quirky collection that’s well worth exploring. nettiejarvis.com

EAT & DRINK: Across the street, inside The Olde Bloomfield Meeting Hall, the Double Dip Soda Fountain shares space with Ernie’s Tavern. The tavern’s walls are plastered with old signs and memorabilia from Hollywood films, and the addition of a kitchen this summer will expand the menu. Dessert is covered with malts, shakes, and ice cream from the soda fountain, and you can work off your treats by bowling a few games on one of the four lanes at the back of the shop. ernies-tavern.com

WHERE TO STAY: The gated Edgewater Resort, built on land leased from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, is the only development on Taylorsville Lake (about 20 minutes from Bloomfield). Cottages have two, three, or more bedrooms, and all are relatively new—the development started in 2007. The 3,050-acre lake isn’t that old, either, as the dam was completed in 1983. You can rent boats at the marina, which is just down the hill from Edgewater Resort. edgewatertaylorsvillelake.com

WATERING HOLES

Cottages at Edgewater Resort overlook Taylorsville Lake (top); memorabilia fills Ernie’s Tavern and unusual treasures at Nettie Jarvis Antiques (bottom); Indianapolis’s Bluebeard (opposite page).

TRY INDY’S HOTTEST RESTAURANT

Bluebeard has folks lining up.

JULIA SPAULDING

SAVE THE DATE

Tomato

Art Fest

You say “tomato,” I say “festival.” The 21st annual Tomato Art Fest returns to Five Points in East Nashville August 9 & 10 to celebrate the perfect union of fruits and vegetables. The festival and parade are free to attend and include tomato-themed art, food, contests, and shopping, plus live music. Don’t forget your tomato costume! tomatoartfest.com

Among the cafés and watering holes of the Fountain Fletcher District’s walkable restaurant row just southeast of downtown Indianapolis, Bluebeard quietly stands out as its prototype for casual fine dining. Multiple James Beard Foundation nominations and plenty of national hype from the likes of Bon Appetit and The New York Times back up that claim, so it’s no surprise that a table at the no-reservation spot (which takes its name from

native son Kurt Vonnegut’s 1987 novel) is one of the hottest tickets in town.

What makes Bluebeard worth its waitlist is a hyper-seasonal menu that takes as many cues from fine Italian trattorias as it does from the kitchens of doting grandmas with well-stocked Hoosier larders. The small plates include essential starters such as grilled bread with a flight of butters; feathery housefried potato chips with French onion dip; oysters on

the half shell; and a grilled octopus tentacle with tahini yogurt, roasted carrots, and puffed rice.

New chef Alan Sternberg fills in the rest of the lineup with carbcentric decadence in the form of short rib–filled cappellacci, tiny gnocchi in basil pesto cream with chopped burrata and pistachios, and a classic beef-and-pork Bolognese that has a loyal following of its own.

653 Virginia Ave., Indianapolis, bluebeardindy .com

DISCOVER ANOTHER COLUMBUS

The one in Indiana is known for its unique architecture and ability to confuse Ohioans. BRIANNA CONNOCK

When Cincinnatians think of Columbus, we picture our neighbor to the northeast, home of Brutus the Buckeye and state government. Columbus, Indiana, is slightly closer, just a 90-minute drive away, and offers a wide array of things to see and do.

THE HOOK: Take a walk on the “Avenue of the Architects,” otherwise known as Fifth Street, to see large, brutalist buildings rubbing elbows with historic red-brick homes and businesses. If you’re looking for more greenery, Mill Race Park is a short walk outside of downtown. Paved walking paths take visitors past ponds, streams, a large metal observation tower, and sculptures. There’s even a small beach where you can relax and dip your feet in the Flatrock River.

EAT & DRINK: Continue up one of those walking paths and you’ll find the entrance to Upland Brewing Co., which serves a mix of classic ales and interesting sours inside what was once a train station. Grab a quick beer or sit down for a full meal on the large riverfront patio. Zaharako’s Ice Cream Parlor is a must-visit for anyone in Columbus. Enter and be transported to 1900, the year of its founding, with an authentic interior, music, and soda machines still in use to this day. Order an ice cream float; you won’t be disappointed. Still hungry after that ice cream? ZwanzigZ Pizza is a short drive away. With an inviting wooden interior, classic pizzas, and not-so-classic beer flavors (Chocolate? Ghost Pepper?), it’s a convenient and comforting stop as you head back to Cincinnati.

WHERE TO STAY: The Inn at Irwin Gardens features a facade and gorgeous green space straight out of a storybook, most of it unchanged since the 1910 remodel by architect Henry A. Philips. This historic bed-and-breakfast has five unique suites with vintage fixtures, baths, and showers. Take a stroll in the gardens, which were inspired by a garden excavated in Pompeii. columbus.in.us

ENVIRONMENT

Columbus, Indiana’s

BUILT

The Inn at Irwin Gardens (top) and First Christian Church (bottom); Magee Marsh (right).

FLIP OVER BIRDS

The Lake Erie shoreline between Toledo and Sandusky is famous for marshland teeming with wildlife, especially birds. The state-run Magee Marsh Wildlife Area has 2,200 acres with an accessible boardwalk and hosts more than 150 species of migrating songbirds each year in addition to ducks, geese, herons, and egrets. The visitor center is open daily through October.

ohiodnr.gov

The Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge is immediately west of Magee Marsh, and a trail connects the two. Managed by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, the refuge offers its own trail system, amazing birding, and a nature center and hosts multiple bald eagle nests. fws.gov/refuge/ ottawa

Birders are known to meet up at Blackberry Corners Tavern in Martin, inland from Magee, for a slice of “lifer pie” after a day in the marshes. The flavor of the homemade pies doesn’t matter—the point is enjoying dessert after seeing any specific bird species for the first time in your life. bbctavern.com

HOODED WARBLER

BLACK THROATED BLUE WARBLER

Don’t Skip the Pit Stops

Roadside attractions often make or break a road trip. Visit these amazing spots on your journeys near and far. CLAIRE LEFTON

The

Small Town With Very Big Things

(CASEY, ILLINOIS)

Welcome to Casey, where 12 of the world’s largest items are located within a 2.6-mile radius. On your drive through you can check out such installations as the World’s Largest Rocking Chair, World’s Largest Mailbox, and World’s Largest Teeter Totter. If you show up on Saturdays during tourism season, you can even ride it. bigthingssmall town.com

KSB

Marvin’s Marvelous Mechanical Museum

(FARMINGTON HILLS, MICHIGAN )

This arcade/museum is a funhouse of kinetic art, animatronics, and mechanical games. Have your fortune told by Zelda the Mysterious, watch a tiny man eat spaghetti in a bathtub, and be serenaded by an alien. If that’s too creepy, there are more traditional arcade games like pinball and Guitar Hero. marvin3m.com

Miniatures

Collection

(MAYSVILLE, KENTUCKY )

The Miniatures Collection at Kentucky Gateway Museum is home to hundreds of 1/12-scale miniatures collected all around the world over four decades by curator Kaye Browning. Pull out your magnifying glass and marvel at the perfect tiny replicas of a 1760 Louis XV microscope, Rembrandt’s, and even a 1797 Naderman harp. ksbminiaturescollection.com

Cornhenge

(DUBLIN, OHIO )

Officially known as “Field of Corn (with Osage Orange Trees),” Cornhenge consists of 109 six-foot concrete statues of corn in an old cornfield. It was built in 1994 to honor Ohio’s agricultural history and achievements. Most people just see it as a bizarrely starchy shrine. visitdublinohio.com

Dinosaur World

(CAVE CITY, KENTUCKY )

Stroll among life-sized dinosaur statues just outside of Mammoth Cave at this outdoor attraction. There’s also a playground where kids can dig for fossils. Don’t worr y about potentially missing the entrance—a T-Rex will let you know “You just missed us!” dinosaurworld.com/kentucky

Holiday World

(SANTA CLAUS, INDIANA )

This amusement park near Indianapolis is themed after major U.S. holidays. You can be spun around by the Scarecrow Scrambler for Halloween, eat at Kringle’s Banquet Hall for Christmas, play Boston Tea Party for the Fourth of July, and ride the new Good Gravy rollercoaster for Thanksgiving—all in one day. holidayworld.com

Otherworld

(COLUMBUS, OHIO )

Billy Bob’s Wonderland

(BARBOURSVILLE, WEST VIRGINIA )

Get transported to different dimensions at this immersive art museum, with a fully interactive experience that takes you through hidden twists, turns, and tunnels. Overwhelmed? Stop and relax on the tongue of Ms. Schmuffly in the Land of Schnoop. otherworld.com

The Wilds

(CUMBERLAND, OHIO )

An old coal field in southeastern Ohio is now one of the world’s largest animal and ecological conservation centers. You can take a safari on-road, off-road, on horseback, on zipline, or by boat to see the many free-roaming African animals on property. Keep an eye on your stuff, or it may get snatched by an ostrich (from first-hand experience). thewilds.org

If you long to be a child in the 1980s, head to this arcade, where the owners managed to save the ShowBiz Pizza band, The Rock-Afire Explosion, and have programmed them to play everything from classic rock to modern pop hits. There’s also an arcade, mini golf course, go-cart track, and laser tag. billybobs-wonderland.com

Mothman Museum

(POINT PLEASANT, WEST VIRGINIA )

It’s the only museum in the world dedicated to Mothman, with a collection of memorabilia, relics, documents, and first-hand accounts about the cryptid in the city where he was first spotted. Be sure to come back September 21 & 22 for the 2024 Mothman Festival. mothmanmuseum.com

DIVE RIGHT IN

A five-hour drive to Lake Michigan will take you a world away. JOHN FOX

Cincinnatians battle over the “best” Michigan beaches with the same vigor we deploy when comparing chili parlors. You’ll find lots of sandy escapes up and down the Lake Michigan coast, from Grand Haven to Petoskey and beyond, but if you’re just dipping your toes into the Michigan experiment, why not focus on the southern towns and keep your drive to under five hours?

THE HOOK: The 80-mile stretch of sandy beaches from New Buffalo to Lake Macatawa/Holland is prime vacation land filled with impressive dunes, parks, golf courses, and marinas as well as the popular destination towns Benton Harbor, South Haven, and Saugatuck. Travel + Leisure ranks Warren Dunes State Park (Sawyer), Silver Beach County Park (St. Joseph), Oval Beach (Saugatuck), and Holland State Park along that stretch among Lake Michigan’s top 12 beaches.

EAT & DRINK: You’ll find pizza, ice cream, breakfast, and other beach favorites in every town, but several stand-out restaurants offer a little something different. The Southerner is nestled on the Kalamazoo River in Saugatuck, serving Chef/Owner Matt Millar’s take on New Orleans and low-country Southern cooking. Clementine’s occupies an 1896 bank building in South Haven and delivers a menu of fish, chicken, pasta, sandwiches, burgers, and salads with daily specials. There’s a second location in St. Joseph. The Benton Harbor Arts District hosts monthly events to highlight local artisans, shops, and food venues; don’t miss the all-day art/food/drink Artoberfest in September. thesouthernermi.com, ohmydarling.com, benton harborarts.com

WHERE TO STAY: If you can’t score a bungalow just off the beach, give the Old Harbor Inn in South Haven a try. The 45-room hotel overlooks the Black River just before it empties into Lake Michigan and is a couple of blocks from beaches, Clementine’s, and South Haven Center for the Arts; all rooms include kitchenettes. The Lake Shore Resort just south of Saugatuck will fill your schedule with morning yoga, evening firepits, and complimentary bikes and kayaks if you let it. And why wouldn’t you? It’s vacation! oldharbor inn.com, lakeshoreresortsaugatuck.com

SHORE THINGS

The New Buff alo Light (bottom left) guards the dunes; soak up the summer at Lake Shore Resort (left and below).

SCARE UP SOME LIVELY ITALIAN FARE

A Mt. Sterling restaurant with connections to a horror legend.

AIESHA D. LITTLE

SAVE THE DATE

Twins Days

Since 1976, more than 1,500 pairs of twins from around the world have gathered annually in Twinsburg, Ohio, to celebrate Twins Days. Known as the “Largest Annual Gathering of Twins in the World” by Guinness World Records, the August 2–4 event boasts parades, look-alike contests, and talent shows to honor the twins who founded the town in 1818 midway between Cleveland and Akron. twinsdays.org

First things first: While it is owned by the son of legendary horror movie director/ producer George A. Romero (of Night of the Living Dead and Creepshow fame), there’s nothing frightening about Romero’s. George C., a writer, producer, director, and comic book author, and his wife, Rebecca, opened the quaint Italian restaurant in 2022 in Mt. Sterling, Kentucky, just east of Lexington, focusing on highquality, organic ingredients. “We live in Mt. Sterling and have always

loved the community that exists here,” Romero says. “When we thought about opening a restaurant, we knew we wanted to do it in a town we knew and loved, so it always made sense.”

Start a meal with small plates of hand-cut truffle fries with black truffle oil and five-year-aged Parmesan cheese or the arancini (risotto rice balls filled with wild mushrooms and cheese) before moving on to the pastas like Italian drunken noodles and the pomodoro with shrimp or chicken. You can even snag a Philly cheesesteak, a tribute to George’s time in the Keystone State (he was born in Pittsburgh).

While serving high-quality food is of the utmost importance to the Romeros, the eatery is also a gathering place tailored to locals, so don’t be surprised if everyone knows each other. By the end of your meal, you might feel like a local, too. 2 E. Main St., Mt. Sterling, Kentucky, romeroskentucky .com

RD1 Spirits (LEXINGTON )

Late last year, the Kentucky Distillers’ Association added Lexington as a Gateway to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Part of the attraction is the Distillery District, home to both the James E. Pepper Distillery and Barrel House Distilling, as well as RD1’s tasting room. The last of those hopes to open its $4.8 million experimental distillery and tasting room at The Commons this year. rd1spirits.com

Oxmoor Bourbon Company (LOUISVILLE )

Five generations of the Bullitt family called Oxmoor Farm home. The family’s ties to the bourbon industry are primarily through the law—William Marshall Bullitt even argued against the 18th Amendment in front of the Supreme Court. The Oxmoor Bourbon Company offers a tour of the farm that digs into that history as well as tastes of a bourbon that celebrates the family. oxmoorbourbon.com

PHOTOGRAPHS

J. Mattingly 1845

(FRANKFORT )

In the bourbon biz, everything old is eventually new again. John Graves Mattingly started his first distillery in Louisville in 1845, and last year his descendant, Jeff Mattingly, opened J. Mattingly 1845 in Frankfort just down the road from Buffalo Trace. Here, you can make your own blend and come home with a truly personalized souvenir. jmattingly1845.com

GO FOR IT AT THE GORGE

East-Central Kentucky’s 29,000-acre canyon system, Red River Gorge, is a hot spot for outdoor enthusiasts of all sorts. They flock to a gorgeous variety of waterfalls, rock shelters, and natural bridges, including more than 100 sandstone arches you can hike over, under, and through. As part of the Daniel Boone National Forest, the Gorge has campsites and cabins (including treehouses), some of which can sleep up to 40 people. Hiking trails vary in difficulty from half-mile jaunts down dirt paths (Chimney Top Rock) to steep unmarked trails that require holding on to a rope to scramble up (Cloud Splitter).

The Gorge is well-known for other outdoor activities and is renowned as one of the best sport climbing crags in the world. Take to the skies on one of the ziplines flying at 55 mph and 300 feet in the air, or explore below ground in an hour-long cave kayaking adventure. redrivergorge.com

Dollywood

Dolly Parton’s namesake amusement park, tucked into the Great Smoky Mountains since 1986, has 50 world-class rides varying in intensity, making it the perfect fun destination for all ages. Cool off in Splash Country waterpark on the Downbound Float Trip, or soar through the trees on RiverRush, Tennessee’s first and only water coaster. And be sure to check out Dollywood’s 3D drone and fireworks show every evening in Wildwood Grove. The Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration is on through August 11. dollywood.com

TIME TRAVEL IN YELLOW SPRINGS

Step back to the 1960s or ’70s in this groovy, charming village. JOHN FOX

Folks in this part of the world have always been fascinated by the little town of Yellow Springs, which seems to exist in its own time bubble northeast of Dayton. Known for counterculture Antioch College, revived after a three-year closure, a visit still gives you the vibe of simpler, laid-back days.

THE HOOK: Some of the first things you’ll see on Xenia Avenue, the business district’s main drag, are pop-up tents in a gas station parking lot selling tie-dyed shirts and crystal jewelry. The quaint/groovy vibe flows into the avenue’s boutique shops, record and book stores, galleries, and the single-screen Little Art movie theater. You might even run into comedian Dave Chappelle, the town’s most famous resident, on a random Saturday. (I did.)

EAT & DRINK: Winds Café has been drawing visitors to Yellow Springs since 1977, specializing in the “farm to table” menu approach before it had a name. Open for lunch and dinner Tuesday through Saturday, the dining room is tiny, so make a reservation (tables on the patio this time of year help the capacity). The current dinner menu features seared tamarind duck breast and halibut in fresh English pea sauce, but longtime owner Mary Kay Smith and co-owner/chef Roland Eliason change things up every few months, depending on which local ingredients they can access. Sunrise Café is the kind of casual diner where you can get breakfast all day, or go ahead and order the Wagyu sirloin. Yellow Springs Brewery is located right on the Little Miami Scenic Trail running through town; lots of cold craft beers, but no food. windscafe.com, sunrisecafe.net, yellowspringsbrewery. com

WHERE TO STAY: The Mills Park Hotel is a great spot to crash once you’ve explored up and down Xenia Avenue. The ornate, nicely appointed three-story hotel was built in 2015 to mimic the town’s first home, erected by William Mills in 1842 (and torn down in 1966); it features 28 rooms, Ellie’s Restaurant, a fitness center, and conference/banquet rooms. There’s occasionally live music on the front porch. millsparkhotel.com

MELLOW YELLOW Enjoy the vibes along Xenia Avenue, where you can check out the tilework at Yellow Springs Pottery (right) or pop into The Chappelle Shop (far right).

PICK UP SOME PAWPAWS

Bourbon and Beyond Festival

The world’s largest bourbon-and-music festival is bigger than ever this year. Bourbon & Beyond touts 100 musical acts across five stages September 19–22 in Louisville, including headliners Neil Young, Zach Bryan, and Tyler Childers. Single-day tickets and four-day passes are on sale now. bourbonand beyond.com fruit, described as tasting like a fusion of banana and mango with a hint of citrus. The flesh has a custard-like texture, often compared with that of a banana. Pawpaw trees can be found throughout Ohio, especially in the southern part of the state, and bear ripening fruit in the late summer. As in now.

In celebration of the unique fruit, the 26th Annual Ohio Pawpaw Festival holds forth September 13–15 at Lake Snowden in Albany, Ohio (near Athens) to highlight the rich history and future possibilities of the native fruit. The weekend includes a pawpaw cook-off, pawpaw-related art, and the beloved pawpaw eating contest, alongside classic festival offerings like food and drink vendors, music, and games. ohiopawpawfest.com

PARADE THROUGH BRONZEVILLE

A south side Chicago neighborhood showcases Black history.

MICHELLE MASTRO

Chicago will open the Obama Presidential Center in spring 2026 to commemorate the first Black U.S. president, who also taught at the University of Chicago Law School and served in the Illinois legislature. Until then, the city offers plenty of other African American cultural sights to see and explore, especially in the historic Bronzeville neighborhood on Chicago’s south side.

THE HOOK: Every August, Bronzeville hosts the largest African American parade in the world and second largest overall to Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade in New York. The Bud Billiken Parade—stepping off at 10 a.m. August 10 and expected to again draw more than a million spectators—was started in 1929 by Robert Sengstacke Abbott, founder of The Chicago Defender newspaper. “His goal was to honor his hardworking newsboys and children in under-served communities, with the opportunity to showcase their talents,” says Taja Ferguson, marketing manager of Chicago Defender Charities, which produces the parade and day-long festival in Washington Park. budbilliken parade.org

EAT & DRINK: For great soul food, you can’t go wrong with Cleo’s Southern Cuisine at the Bronzeville flagship location. Chef Kristen Harper is a former journalist and athlete from Bronzeville who’s hailed as Chicago’s Queen of Fried Chicken.

The family-run restaurant is known for its warm atmosphere, where staff dish up food behind the counter and a chalkboard menu fills the majority of one of the walls. Aside from the fried chicken, be sure to try the Signature Donut Bread Pudding and Mississippi Sunshine, their sweet lemon tea. eatcleos.com

WHERE TO STAY: Both SOPHY Hyde Park and The Study at University of Chicago are close to key neighborhood sites. The former personifies the area’s art and music scene in its choice of vibrant art displays and brilliant interiors, while The Study is a stone’s throw away from the UC campus. They’re also not far from the Bronzeville Children’s Museum, the first and only African American children’s museum in the country, highlighting some of Chicago’s most influential Black leaders in politics, athletics, and music along with Black inventors whose creations changed lives. sophyhotel.com, thestudyatuniver sityofchicago. com, bronzeville childrensmuseum .com

FORWARD MARCH

Rest up at the SOPHY Hyde Park hotel (bottom) after taking in the Bud Billiken Parade (below).

PLAN THE PERFECT ROAD TRIP

Tunes, snacks, games, and go-go gas stations to make the miles fly by.

OUR STAFF PLAYLIST

“American Girl,” Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers

“Born to Be Wild,” Steppenwolf

“Can I Kick It?” A Tribe Called Quest

“Fast Car,” Tracy Chapman

“Fearless,” Taylor Swift

“Going Up the Country,” Canned Heat

“Home,” Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros

“Hungry Like the Wolf,” Duran Duran

GAME ON

“The Life We Chose,” ISWHAT?!

“Radar Love,” Golden Earring

“Roam,” the B52’s

“Santeria,” Sublime

“Pain Lies on the Riverside,” Live

“Soak Up the Sun,” Sheryl Crow

“Suddenly I See,” KT Tunstall

“Tennessee Plates,” Charlie Sexton

“Vacation,” The Go-Go’s

“Left Hand Free,” alt-J

Nashville-based Gentlemen’s Hardware offers a slew of board and card games to help pass time in the car, including Road Trip Trivia, Beer Trivia, and Campfire Story Dice. In which U.S. state will you find the largest ball of twine? Your turn! Or you can just play the license plate game. gentlemenshardware.com

OUR STAFF’S FAVORITE SNACKS

Albanese Gummi Bears

AriZona Green Tea

Chex Mix Muddy Buddies

Garden Salsa Sun Chips

Grape Jelly Uncrustables

Grippo’s Pretzel Loops

“Wide Open Spaces,” The Chicks

“Life Is a Highway,” Rascal Flatts

Check out our playlist on Spotify!

Hen of the Woods Red Wine Vinegar chips

Nitro Cold Brew

Paktli puffed grain snacks

Whirlybird Granola

WHERE TO GAS UP

Everyone loves stopping at Buc-ee’s on a long road trip, but the closest ones right now are in Richmond, Kentucky, and the Gatlinburg/Sevierville exit on I-40. Ohio’s first Buc-ee’s will open next year in the Dayton suburb of Huber Heights. buc-ees.com

Dayton and Columbus are good spots to check out Sheetz, the Pennsylvania-based chain offering freshmade food and custom coffee 24/7, plus a drive-through window. And that other buzzy Pennsylvania chain, Wawa, is expected to join the fun next year, when the first Cincinnati area gas/food shop opens in Deerfield Township, followed by four more around town. Bring on Hoagiefest! sheetz.com, wawa.com

Why Melanie Moore

The former teacher sends her love of reading out into the world one brand-new book donation at a time.

By Kelly Blewett

Photographs by Grant Moxley

Drives the Book Bus

“Did you see the boy who took three books? He hates to read,”

says Maria Schappert, program director at the Notre Dame Urban Education Center, as we stand outside by the long, narrow garden full of blooming flowers and sprouting vegetables. “He took the books to his desk, and he told his tutor, I want to read this one first!”

I’ve come to the education center in Covington to donate books with Melanie Moore, owner of the Cincinnati Book Bus—a nonprofit that’s part mobile bookstore and part brick-and-mortar store. All Book Bus profits go toward purchasing new books for local schools and literacy organizations. Today, Moore is delivering just over $1,000 worth of brand-new books.

“When I first talked to Melanie, I said the books don’t have to be new. She said, Yes they do,” says Schappert, shrugging and smiling. Since Moore launched the Book Bus in 2018, her organization has donated more than $225,000 worth of new books to schools and education programs.

When Moore first conceived the Book Bus, she wasn’t thinking

of donating anything. Nor was she envisioning a mobile bookstore. She was finishing up 25 years of teaching, mostly seventh and eighth grade in subsidized private schools located in low-income areas, and she knew she wanted something new. “I’d kind of done everything I set out to do as a teacher,” she says. “I loved all 25 years and wanted to end on a high note. But I felt that nudge. And when a teacher feels that nudge, it’s time to go.”

A lifelong reader who’d grown up going to libraries—even to the point of visiting public libraries when on vacation—Moore carried an affection for the written word into her own family as an adult. She and her daughters were part of the mother/daughter book club at the now-defunct Blue Manatee Children’s Bookstore as the girls grew up. “There was always this love of literature and love of books,” she says. “I enjoy sharing that love, and it just organically grew into wanting to open a bookstore and share books with people.”

Moore went to what she calls “bookseller’s bootcamp” in Florida (Bookstore Training Group, run by Paz and Associates) and came close to signing a lease on brick-and-mortar store, and then she woke up in the middle of the night deeply uneasy. Why was she

Greatest Hits: Frequently Donated Books

Lola series, by Anna McQuinn, illustrated by Rosalind Beardshaw

Last Stop on Market Street, by Matt de la Peña, illustrated by Christian Robinson

I Am Enough, by Grace Byers, illustrated by Keturah A. Bobo

Tiny T Rex and the Impossible Hug, by Jonathan Stutzman, illustrated by Jay Fleck

All Are Welcome, by Alexandra Penfold, illustrated by Suzanne Kaufman

sinking so much capital and time into a venture she didn’t even know if she’d like? It didn’t feel right. The next morning, she told her husband, “Nope, we’re not going to sign this lease. I’m putting everything on hold.”

A few months later, Moore finished the novel Parnassus on Wheels, originally published in 1917 and still in print, which tells the story of a moving bookstore. She was sitting in her kitchen, sipping a cup of tea, when she looked out to her driveway and spotted her husband’s vintage pickup truck, a mint-green 1962 Volkswagen with a ton of charm and no power steering. Inspiration struck, and the Book Bus was born. She even visualized the logo. The venture was appealing because it

used materials she already had, offering an opportunity to dip her toes into the world of bookselling with minimal start-up costs and maximum flexibility. “I thought, If I bust, what am I out, some time?” she says. The business began to feel exciting, doable, and fun. But it was still a gamble: The Book Bus was cute, but would anyone like it? The books on the truck were carefully curated, but would anyone buy them? On her first night out with the Book Bus, full of stock she’d selected and shined up for the public, she called her sister. “I told her if I sold just one book, I would be happy,” says Moore.

People did buy the books, and within three months Moore had paid herself back the start-up costs. It was around that time

that she met a third-grade teacher from the west side whose classroom didn’t have a library.

Moore donated $500 to jumpstart the classroom library, then hatched a scheme to shuffle proceeds from selling books to help other teachers. The idea quickly morphed into a business plan to donate all Book Bus profits to buy books for schools, she says, “just because I loved that first experience so much.” A photograph of that first group of kids, faces covered by the hardback books they’re holding high, is still on Moore’s website under the heading “Make a Donation.”

Today, the Book Bus operation includes a storefront in

Continued on page 110

Zoey and Sassafras series, by Asia Citro, illustrated by Marion Lindsay

Ellray Jakes series, by Sally Warner, illustrated by Jamie Harpe

Vanderbeekers series, by Karina Yan Glaser

Miles Morales: Spider-Man, by Jason Reynolds

The Hate U Give, by Angie Thomas

Long Way Down, by Jason Reynolds

Special Delivery Melanie Moore delivers books to the Notre Dame Urban Education Center in Covington in May (opposite page) and makes a new reader friend, Ashaya (above).

Can’t Bury Their Stories

ENNY WOHLFARTH

GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN Among the notable Cincinnatians buried at the United Colored American Cemetery (from top left): Frank Alfred Butcher Hall, City Council; Horace Sudduth, Hotel Owner; Irvine Garland Penn, Journalist; Isaac Nelson Ross, Pastor; Jennie Jackson Dehart, Jubilee Singer; John Isom Gaines, Abolitionist; Phoebe Allen, Deaconess; Priscilla Jane Thompson, Poet; William H. Beckley, Underground Railroad Conductor

Historical photos courtesy Library of Congress, Walnut Hills Historical Society, FindAGrave, Cincinnati Sites and Stories, and From the Collection of Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library

It’s a warm June afternoon in the small, wood-paneled conference room inside Union Baptist Church on the western edge of downtown. Louise Stevenson slides open the door of one of the wood cabinets that line the back of the room. She pulls out a wellworn cemetery logbook, one of many that members of the oldest African American Baptist church in Cincinnati have faithfully preserved for more than 150 years. A piece of paper taped to the cabinet directs, “PLEASE KEEP DOOR CRACKED. Air Circulation is required for the Preservation of the Books. Thanks, UBC Trustee Board.”

Under a patch of fluorescent light spilling from a single ceiling panel, a hard-working oscillating fan is earnestly trying to circulate the air in here, but it does little to cool off the four women who are gathered around the big conference table. They’ve collectively spent many, many hours in this inner sanctum of Union Baptist Church, poring over time-worn cemetery records, cataloging thousands of meticulously handwritten index cards peppered with biographical details about buried individuals, and piecing together the lives and stories preserved in the church’s two cemeteries.

One of them, the Union Baptist Cemetery, founded in 1864, is a 16-acre site in Price Hill. It’s the oldest Black cemetery in Hamilton County still in its original location. The other, the United Colored American Cemetery, sits on a hilly 11.5-acre site in Madisonville and was founded in 1848. It was originally located in Avondale but was moved to its current location in 1883–1884 when a group of white neighborhood

citizens considered it a nuisance and demanded that it be moved somewhere else. Union Baptist Church took ownership in 1968.

Together, these two cemeteries provide the final resting places for more than 30,000 Black Cincinnatians, along with the stories and legacies they left behind. The people buried in these two cemeteries include doctors, lawyers, teachers, writers, poets, and scholars; state legislators, politicians, business owners, and entrepreneurs; professional athletes, artists, and performers; reverends, priests, and bishops; abolitionists, suffragists, and Underground Railroad conductors; and Civil War heroes and veterans of WWI and WWII.

Both cemeteries are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, but they’ve clearly seen better days. They require

HONORING THE PAST Louise Stevenson (above) is one of many members and friends of Union Baptist Church working to restore the United Colored American Cemetery in Madisonville (right and opposite page), founded in 1848. The group recently was awarded $750,000 by the National Park Service.

tons of work, time, and money to manage and preserve for future generations. And, originally, Stevenson, the church’s communication coordinator and grant committee leader, didn’t want any part of that work.

“The cemeteries had always been a bone of contention for many of us in the church because of the amount of money we set aside to take care of them,” she says. The church’s other ministry needs—children’s programming, for example—would be a better use of the church’s money, Stevenson had always thought. “The cemeteries were costing us around $40,000 a year, and a lot of us were like, Ah, just let the cemeteries go.”

Around six years ago, though, that all changed. Stevenson, a fourth-generation member of Union Baptist whose family joined the church in 1937, took a seat on the church’s trustee board. “When you get on the trustee board, you start to understand the full gamut of work that has to be done,” she says.

Stevenson grew up in this church, as many of its members have. “My pastor said the cemetery work was an area of need and I was needed. Now, when your pastor gives you a task, you might not understand it and you might not like it, but you follow the task that God has sent you on. And I started to learn that we really needed to do more to help these cemeteries.”

That sentiment was shared by church member Dorene Dillard, who joined the trustee board around the same time Stevenson did. “I was very interested in helping our efforts with the cemeteries because I knew there were veterans buried here and I had researched some of them,” says Dillard, who served eight years in the Air Force and comes from a military family, with her dad (Marine) and brother (Air Force) also serving. “But I stepped up not knowing how much work it is. There just aren’t a lot of resources. We have a small budget for the cemetery maintenance, and we exceed it every year.”

At various times throughout their history, the two cemeteries had a sexton to manage the operations, but the last one at Union Baptist Cemetery retired around 2020, says Rogena Stargel, a board member of the Union Foundation, a stand-alone philanthropic organization that’s helped the church and other local community organizations with development efforts, grant applications, planned giving efforts, and other funding streams. “When the Union Baptist Church cemetery was actively operating, it had its own staff and its own sexton,” she says.

“As burials started to dwindle and budgets changed, the church reduced the cemetery full-time staff to part-time. And when the last sexton retired, oversight of the cemetery came under the church staff. Since then, much of this work has been more volunteer-driven, with members of the church helping to maintain the cemeteries.”

Dillard was tapped to serve as the church’s “directress of cemetery operations,” a staff position she describes as a “parttime job that is full-time work.” Everything related to the two cemeteries now falls under Dillard’s domain: mowing, upkeep, maintenance, record-keeping. “It’s a lot of work,” she says. “Thank God for Louise and other trustee members and volunteers who help out. It truly does take a village.”

Around the time Steven- CONTINUED ON PAGE 112

The definitive guide to living well in Greater Cincinnati

The city’s most respected and award-winning magazine, highlighting the region’s most interesting people, cultural issues, food, arts, fashion, and history.

EDUCATION INDEX

The Scholarship Hunt

It’s never too early for prospective college students to begin searching for scholarships. BY EMMA BALCOM

tart looking [at scholarships] as early as possible, even while you’re still in high school—junior year, senior year,” says Eric Christy, UC

enrollment services specialist. “I always tell students to set aside adequate time to do that. I’d say make it like a full-time job.”

With academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a handful of personal essays, students can begin their scholarship application process. The next step to successfully earning college scholarships is knowing where to find them in the first place.

Fastweb (fastweb.com) and Scholarship America (scholarshipamerica.org) are free scholarship search platforms that connect students to scholarships and financial aid for public and private universities as well as trade schools across the nation. The Cincinnati Scholarship Foundation (cin cinnatischolarshipfoundation.org), a local scholarship search platform, aids students specifically in Greater Cincinnati through partnerships with businesses, foundations, and individual donors in the region.

Most colleges and universities—including UC, Northern Kentucky University, and Xavier University—offer scholarship search portals as well. These types of search portals show financial aid offered by the universities themselves.

Students should also complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) (studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa) each year. The forms typically open in the fall and are awarded based on individual financial need.

BUTLER TECH ADULT EDUCATION

01 Jerry Couch Blvd. • Middletown, OH 45044

ENROLLMENT INFORMATION: (513) 645-8200 • www.butlertech.org/adult-education

Butler Tech, one of Ohio’s largest Ohio Technical Centers (OTCs), provides customizable, labor market-driven workforce education. We offer hands-on training and industry-recognized credentials in healthcare, public safety, commercial driving, and industrial technology. Our services include career guidance, comprehensive assessments, financial aid assistance, and personalized job readiness and placement assistance. With new cutting-edge programs and labs for hands-on training, along with strong business partnerships and real-world experiences, Butler Tech ensures students are ready for the workforce and gain a competitive edge—all in 12 months or less. Butler Tech: Training for Life!

THE STATS YEAR FOUNDED: 1975 // CURRENT ENROLLMENT: 750 // STUDENT-FACULTY RATIO: 15:1 // SUBJECT MATTER EXPERTISE: Adult Career Training. Programs designed to prepare individuals for employment and to begin a successful career in: Healthcare – training for Nursing, Clinical Medical Assisting, Phlebotomy, Medical Billing & Coding, and STNA. Public Safety – Firefighter, Paramedic/EMT, Police. Industrial Technology – Industrial Maintenance Technology, Industrial Welding, HVAC/R Technician, and Robotics & Automation Transportation – Commercial Driver License (CDL). Nationally recognized certifications. Program length ranges from two weeks to 12 months. // DISTANCE FROM DOWNTOWN CINCINNATI: 34 miles // IN-STATE TUITION: Varies by program //

RECOGNITIONS:

DEPAUW UNIVERSITY

204 E. Seminary St., Greencastle, IN 46135

ENROLLMENT INFORMATION: (765) 658-4800 • depauw.edu

Discover unparalleled innovation, collaboration and hands-on learning in DePauw’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, School of Business and Leadership, and Creative School – all dedicated exclusively to undergraduate education.

THE STATS YEAR FOUNDED: 1837 // CURRENT ENROLLMENT: 1,820 // STUDENT-FACULTY RATIO: 10:1 // UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES OFFERED: 75+ majors, minors, and programs // SUBJECT MATTER EXPERTISE: DePauw University offers popular majors such as business administration, psychology, communication, biology and computer science, providing students with diverse academic pathways for their career goals and personal interests. // DISTANCE FROM DOWNTOWN CINCINNATI: 156 miles // IN-STATE/OUT-OF-STATE TUITION: $57,990 // PERCENTAGE OF INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS: 21 // TOP THREE AWARDS/RECOGNITIONS: U.S. News & World Report Top 50 National Liberal Arts College and #1 Liberal Arts College in Indiana; A “Best Value College” according to The Princeton Review and U.S. News & World Report. // AFFILIATED COLLEGES/ SATELLITE CAMPUSES: DePauw ranks in the top 10 for study-abroad programs-90% of students study abroad in a wide range of off-campus offerings in more than 45 countries, including summer and semester-long study abroad, Winter Term in Service, and internship and practicum experiences.

Imagine a community of curious, compassionate people who lead by example and seek connection experiences, of academic interest.

At DePauw University, you will find your people.

You’ll also find:

• A top 50 national liberal arts college – and #1 in Indiana

• 75+ majors, minors, and programs

• 100+ student clubs and organizations

• 23 NCAA Division III varsity athletic teams

• 23 Greek-letter organizations

• 84% of students complete an internship

• 90% of students study abroad

Located in Greencastle, Indiana, just 40 minutes from Indianapolis, our 1,800 students are pursuing their passions – and discovering new ones – in a community where they feel both challenged and supported.

IU INDIANAPOLIS

THE FUTURE STARTS HERE

The most exciting research is happening in the Midwest’s most dynamic city. Our students get hands-on as early as freshman year, working side-by-side with world-class researchers to shape the future of medicine, artificial intelligence, business and computing.

PUT YOUR DEGREE IN MOTION

When we say the city is your classroom, we mean it. IU Indianapolis puts you in the middle of real-world career experiences, with the region’s best healthcare systems and Fortune 500 companies like Eli Lilly, Salesforce, Corteva, and Elevance mere blocks away.

AFFORDABLE DEGREES THAT GO FURTHER

Ohio residents pay a reduced rate at IU Indianapolis as part of the Indiana Partners Tuition program. With 56% of students graduating with no debt, you’ll graduate ready to go anywhere, with a prestigious Indiana University degree respected by employers around the world.

LIVE THE JAGUAR LIFE

Roar with the crowd on game day. Race your canoe through the canals at Regatta. Make lifelong friends and get leadership experience in one of 400+ student clubs. IU Indianapolis is an experience like no other, offering the thrill of city living with the college vibes you’ve been dreaming of.

TAKE A VIRTUAL CAMPUS TOUR

THE STATS:

MIAMI UNIVERSITY

501 E. High St. • Oxford, OH 45056

ENROLLMENT INFORMATION: (513) 529-1809 • www.MiamiOH.edu

Established in 1809, Miami University is consistently ranked among the top 50 national public universities by U.S. News & World Report for providing students with an Ivy League-quality education at a public school price.

Located in quintessential college town Oxford, Ohio—with regional campuses in Hamilton and Middletown, a learning center in West Chester, and a European study center in Luxembourg—Miami serves more than 22,600 undergraduates across more than 100 areas of study, and more than 2,200 graduate students through 78 master’s and doctoral degree programs. At this comprehensive research university, students en-

gage and conduct research with premier teacher-scholars. All undergraduate students benefit from a well-rounded liberal arts foundation, developing lifelong skills for any career. In 2022–2023, 60% of Miami students graduated with at least one minor or additional major, and nearly 100% participated in internships or field work prior to graduation.

Miami adds $2.3 billion each year to Ohio’s economy through innovative partnerships and job creation. Miami is a NCAA Division I school, serving more than 500 student athletes across 19 varsity sports.

THE STATS YEAR FOUNDED: 1809 // CURRENT ENROLLMENT: 22,600 undergrads and 2,200 graduate students; 24,800 total // STUDENT-FACULTY RATIO: 16:1 // UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES OFFERED: Over 120 programs of study, with over 200 majors and minors // MASTER’S DEGREES OFFERED: 66 // DOCTORAL DEGREES OFFERED: 12 // SUBJECT MATTER EXPERTISE: Business, Marketing, Entrepreneurship; Communication, Media, Arts, and Design; Education and Community; Engineering, Computer Science, and Technology; Human Behaviors, Cultures, Languages, and Literatures; Law, Government, and Global and Public Policy; Math, Stats, and Data Analytics; Medicine, Health, and Well-Being // DISTANCE FROM DOWNTOWN CINCINNATI: 30 miles // IN-STATE TUITION: $18,162 // OUT-OF-STATE TUITION: $40,822 // PERCENTAGE OF STUDENTS ON FINANCIAL AID: 92% // TOP AWARDS/RECOGNITIONS: Top 50 National Public Universities, U.S. News &World Report • Top 10 Best Public School for Internships, The Princeton Review • Top 10 for Early Career Return on Investment, Poets & Quants // AFFILIATED COLLEGES/SATELLITE CAMPUSES: Miami University has two regional campuses in Hamilton and Middletown, a learning center in West Chester, a European study center in Luxembourg, as well as Miami Online

MOUNT ST. JOSEPH UNIVERSITY

5701 Delhi Rd. • Cincinnati, OH 45233-1670

ENROLLMENT INFORMATION: (513) 244-4200 • www.msj.edu

For more than a century, Mount St. Joseph University has enabled students to climb higher than they ever thought possible. As a Catholic university rooted in the values of the Sisters of Charity, the Mount is dedicated to the success and well-being of each student, empowering them to become competent, compassionate, critical thinkers who make a meaningful impact on the world with the heart of a lion. Each student is given the opportunity to reach their peak potential: our students receive personal attention from some of the world’s leading scholars, who know their students by name; the MSJ Career & Experiential Education Center prepares students for success

with real-world and leadership experience; and students gain vital problem-solving skills through the Mount’s liberal arts core curriculum. A rock-solid experience is available on our safe, ideal campus—just 15 minutes west of downtown Cincinnati. Our Centennial Field House was designed for all students, featuring the latest exercise equipment, indoor practice areas, and the only indoor NCAA regulation-size track in the region. Students can get involved through 20 NCAA DIII programs, Esports, band, choir, theatre, campus ministry, or a diverse range of student activities and organizations.

THE STATS YEAR FOUNDED: 1920 // CURRENT ENROLLMENT: 2,032 // STUDENT-FACULTY RATIO: 9:1 // UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES OFFERED: 32 // MASTER’S DEGREES OFFERED: 8 // DOCTORAL DEGREES OFFERED: 3 // SUBJECT MATTER EXPERTISE: Doctoral: Nursing, Physical Therapy, Reading Science; Graduate: Business, Education, Nursing, Physician Assistant, Speech Language Pathology; Undergraduate: Computer Science, Primary/Special Education, Graphic Design, Health & Exercise Science, Nursing, Social Work, and Sport Management // DISTANCE FROM DOWNTOWN CINCINNATI: 8 miles // IN-STATE TUITION: $36,950 // OUT-OF-STATE TUITION: $36,950 // PERCENTAGE OF STUDENTS ON FINANCIAL AID: 100% // TOP AWARDS/RECOGNITIONS: 95.9% 2023 Career Outcomes Rate • 2021 Social Work graduates had a 100% passage rate on the Ohio Licensed Social Work Exam • A+ Rating from the National Council on Teacher Quality • In 2021 U.S. News &World Report ranked the Mount #79 in Regional Universities Midwest and #35 in Best Value Schools. // AFFILIATED COLLEGES/SATELLITE CAMPUSES: Mount St. Joseph University continues to foster partnerships with several Greater Cincinnati colleges, universities, businesses, and hospitals for bachelor’s and

degree programs.

BAKER COLLEGE

420 S. Lafayette Ave. • Royal Oak, MI 48067

ENROLLMENT INFORMATION: (800) 964-4299 • www.baker.edu

Baker believes in a student-first philosophy. It’s a principle that ensures commitment to the success of its students, from enrollment to graduation and beyond. With more than 80 degree programs, including nursing, business, information technology and cybersecurity, education, and psychology, Baker prides itself on providing a transformational educational experience that gives students the real-world knowledge and job-ready skills they need to thrive in the working world.

It also offers several specialized programs through two affiliated institutions: The Culinary Institute of Michigan and The Auto/Diesel Institute of Michigan. Baker’s campuses span the state of Michigan, with six locations: Cadillac, Jackson, Owosso, Muskegon, Port Huron, and Royal Oak. Free apartment-style housing is available on select campuses.

THE STATS YEAR FOUNDED: 1911 // CURRENT ENROLLMENT: 3,898 // STUDENT-FACULTY RATIO: 8:1 // UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES OFFERED: 37 // MASTER’S DEGREES OFFERED: 5 // DOCTORAL DEGREES OFFERED: 2 // SUBJECT MATTER EXPERTISE: Nursing, business, information technology and cybersecurity, education, and psychology. // DISTANCE FROM DOWNTOWN CINCINNATI: 275 miles // IN-STATE TUITION: $13,500 // OUT-OF-STATE TUITION: $13,500 // PERCENTAGE OF STUDENTS ON FINANCIAL AID: 78.3% // TOP AWARDS/RECOGNITIONS: 2024 Best Regional Universities Midwest Rankings – USNews.com • Best Online Marketing Degrees of 2023 – Forbes • Gold Status for Veteran-Friendly Support –Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency // AFFILIATED COLLEGES/SATELLITE CAMPUSES: Baker College of Cadillac, Baker College of Muskegon, Baker College of Jackson, Baker College of Owosso, Baker College of Royal Oak, Baker Online, Center for Graduate Studies, Culinary Institute of Michigan – Muskegon, Culinary Institute of Michigan – Port Huron, Auto/Diesel Institute of Michigan, St. Francis School of Law.

An Educational Experience for the

Future-Focused

We deliver a transformational educational experience that helps students progress on their personal and professional journeys. With over 80+ degree programs, flexible learning options, a transparent tuition structure, generous scholarship opportunities, six distinct Michigan campuses, and FREE student housing on select campuses, Baker College makes it easy to find your fit.

Schedule a visit and apply today at baker.edu/apply

BOWLING GREEN STATE UNIVERSITY

1001 E. Wooster St. • Bowling Green, OH 43403

ENROLLMENT INFORMATION: (419) 372-2478 • www.bgsu.edu

The Wall Street Journal ranks Bowling Green State University as the No. 1 university in Ohio—public or private, big or small—for the student experience. And for the fourth year in a row, BGSU is also ranked as the No. 1 university in the Midwest that students would choose again. There are dozens of reasons why. From undergraduate research opportunities, education abroad, Division I sports and club sports, experiential learning, student organizations, alumni connections, and hundreds of arts and music events—all in a college town close to major cities—BGSU offers endless ways to belong and thrive. We are committed to ensuring students graduate career-and lifeready through our innovative Life Design program, offered to all undergraduate students to help them make the most of their college experience and life after graduation.

THE STATS YEAR FOUNDED: 1910 // CURRENT ENROLLMENT: 18,966 // STUDENT-FACULTY RATIO: 18:1 // UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES OFFERED: More than 200 // MASTER’S DEGREES OFFERED: 63 // DOCTORAL DEGREES OFFERED: 18 // SUBJECT MATTER EXPERTISE: High-research, nationally ranked comprehensive university // DISTANCE FROM DOWNTOWN CINCINNATI: 180 miles // IN-STATE TUITION: $13,519 // OUT-OF-STATE TUITION: $20,679.40 // PERCENTAGE OF STUDENTS ON FINANCIAL AID: More than 90% of all new BGSU students receive some type of financial assistance // TOP AWARDS/RECOGNITIONS: Ranked No. 1 university in Ohio for student experience by The Wall Street Journal. • Ranked the No. 1 public university in the Midwest that students would choose again by The Wall Street Journal. • No. 1 university in the Midwest for its comprehensive services, support, and commitment to the success of veterans and active military students, according to Military Times’ Best for Vets: College rankings. // AFFILIATED COLLEGES/SATELLITE CAMPUSES: BGSU Firelands in Huron, OH

university in Ohio for student experience

THE WALL STREET JOURNAL

Bowling Green State University is the No. 1 public university in the Midwest students say they would choose again. The University is home to nearly 23,000 students and the ultimate college experience.

BGSU is one of the only universities in the country offering design thinking principles to all undergraduate students to help them navigate and design their college experience and beyond.

THE CHRIST COLLEGE OF NURSING & HEALTH SCIENCES

2139 Auburn Ave. • Cincinnati, OH 45219

ENROLLMENT INFORMATION: (513) 585-2401 • www.thechristcollege.edu

The Christ College of Nursing & Health Sciences is a private, nonprofit, fully accredited college affiliated with The Christ Hospital Health Network for over 120 years. The hospital-based campus offers degrees in nursing and the health sciences with Career Pathways that allow students to work alongside their undergraduate studies with pay, tuition benefits, and scholarships, all while building career connections. Accepted students have a clinical seat reserved for them with personalized, hands-on learning at Cincinnatis most preterred hospital.

THE STATS YEAR FOUNDED: 1902 // CURRENT ENROLLMENT: 650 // STUDENT-FACULTY RATIO: 6:1 or 8:1 clinical classes; 30:1 didactic classes // UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES OFFERED: 5 // SUBJECT MATTER EXPERTISE: Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Online RN-BSN Completion Program, Online Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration, Associate of Applied Science in Sonography - Cardiovascular Track, Associate of Applied Science in Radiography, Associate of Science in General Studies, 15-Week Medical Assisting Clinical Certificate // DISTANCE FROM DOWNTOWN CINCINNATI: 3 miles // IN-STATE TUITION: $17,940 // PERCENTAGE OF STUDENTS ON FINANCIAL AID: 90% // TOP AWARDS/RECOGNITIONS: Awarded Cincinnati’s Top Workplaces 2024 by The Cincinnati Enquirer • Ranked No. 2 Best College for Nursing and No. 5 Best Value College in Ohio 2024 by Niche • Ranked Top 10 Best RN-BSN Program in Ohio 2024 by RNCareers.org • Ranked One of the Best Online Bachelor’s in Healthcare Administration programs in the U.S. 2024 by Intelligent.com.

CINCINNATI STATE

3520 Central Parkway • Cincinnati, OH 45223

ENROLLMENT INFORMATION: (513) 861-7700 • https://cincinnatistate.edu

Cincinnati State is the regional leader in career education and one of its best higher education values. Cincinnati State offers a wide variety of online, in-person, and hybrid education options that are geared to local employment needs and flexibility for students. Many programs lead directly to well-paid careers and include paid co-op experience with one of over 600 business and industry partners. Our workforce training program has also created tailored programs for over 150 area businesses. For bachelor-bound students, Cincinnati State is a smart start with tuition less than half the cost of traditional universities and credits that transfer seamlessly to other colleges and universities. Cincinnati State offers associate degrees, certificates, and selected bachelor’s degrees in healthcare, business, culinary, engineering and information technologies, and humanities and sciences.

THE STATS YEAR FOUNDED: 1969 // CURRENT ENROLLMENT: 8,700+ // STUDENT-FACULTY RATIO: 12:1 // UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES OFFERED: 78 // SUBJECT MATTER EXPERTISE: Cincinnati State offers associate degrees, certificates, and selected bachelor’s degrees in healthcare, business, culinary, engineering and information technologies, and humanities and sciences. // DISTANCE FROM DOWNTOWN CINCINNATI: 5 miles // IN-STATE TUITION: $188.64 // OUT-OF-STATE TUITION: $377.28 // PERCENTAGE OF STUDENTS ON FINANCIAL AID: 77% // TOP AWARDS/RECOGNITIONS: One of the first community colleges in Ohio approved to offer bachelor’s degrees: Bachelor of Applied Science in Land Surveying, Bachelor of Applied Science in Culinary & Food Science, and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN). // AFFILIATED COLLEGES/SATELLITE CAMPUSES: Main Campus: Clifton • Evendale Campus: Workforce Development Center • Harrison Campus: Aviation Maintenance Program and West Airport • Middletown Campus: at Miami University Regionals Middletown Campus

EARLHAM COLLEGE

801 National Road W. • Richmond, IN 47374 ENROLLMENT INFORMATION: (765) 983-1200 • https://earlham.edu

Earlham is a small liberal arts school located in Richmond, Indiana. We’re made up of genuine, hardworking humans from around the globe who want to change the world—for good.

Through Earlham’s Epic Advantage, every student is guaranteed a career-focused experience—such as an internship or research opportunity—funded up to $5,000.

The Princeton Review ranks us among the nation’s best classroom experiences, best value colleges, most green colleges, best schools for making an impact, and most LGBTQ-friendly.

At Earlham, you’ll find robust financial aid opportunities, scholarships, and a campus culture where all students are accepted and celebrated for who they are. THE STATS YEAR FOUNDED: 1847 // CURRENT ENROLLMENT: 635 // STUDENT-FACULTY

//

One of 40 “Colleges That Change Lives” • A Best Classroom Experience according to The Princeton Review • A “Best Value College” according to The Princeton Review and U.S. News &World Report // AFFILIATED COLLEGES/SATELLITE CAMPUSES: Earlham School of Religion, Earlham Graduate Programs in Education

COLLEGE FOR MAKING AN IMPACT

UNDERGRADUATE TEACHING

National rankings. A global community. Close (enough) to home. Your Epic Journey starts at Earlham. Students who live within 150 miles of Earlham automatically receive the Heartland Scholarship — $2,000 each year for up to four years.

GOOD SAMARITAN COLLEGE OF NURSING AND HEALTH SCIENCE

375 Dixmyth Ave. • Cincinnati, OH 45220

ENROLLMENT INFORMATION: (513) 862-2631 • www.gscollege.edu

Good Samaritan College of Nursing and Health Science is a private, nonprofit, Catholic college founded by the Sisters of Charity and located inside Good Samaritan Hospital. We have been educating healthcare professionals for over 125 years and are part of the TriHealth network. Students have priority clinical and practicum placement within the TriHealth system. In addition to our nursing programs, we offer surgical technology, radiologic technology, health science, bachelor’s in health care administration, medical assistant, and medical reimbursement programs. Students take classes while building connections at the hospital, so that they are prepared for their career upon graduation.

THE STATS YEAR FOUNDED: 1896 // CURRENT ENROLLMENT: 504 // STUDENT-FACULTY RATIO: 10:1 // UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES OFFERED: 6 // SUBJECT MATTER EXPERTISE: Associate of Applied Science in Nursing, Associate of Applied Science in Radiologic Technology, Associate of Applied Science Surgical Technology, Associate of Science in Health Science, Bachelor of Science in Nursing Completion Program, Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration, LPN to RN Program, Medical Assistant Program, Medical Reimbursement Program and State Tested Nurse’s Aide. // DISTANCE FROM DOWNTOWN CINCINNATI: 4 miles // IN-STATE TUITION: Tuition per credit hour for AASN, AAS-ST, AS-RT and General Education courses - $559. Tuition per credit hour for BSN Degree, MA Certificate courses - $280. // PERCENTAGE OF STUDENTS ON FINANCIAL AID: 93% // TOP AWARDS/RECOGNITIONS: Good Samaritan College of Nursing and Health Science has been ranked No. 31 on the list of Best Nursing Schools in Ohio by Nursing Schools Almanac for 2024

GREAT OAKS CAREER CAMPUSES

110 Great Oaks Dr. • Cincinnati, OH 45241

ENROLLMENT INFORMATION: (513) 771-8840 • www.greatoaks.com

Great Oaks is a public career-technical school district serving 36 school districts in southwest Ohio. Each year, thousands of area high school students prepare for a career at a Great Oaks Career Campus—Diamond Oaks in Dent, Laurel Oaks in Wilmington, Live Oaks in Milford, or Scarlet Oaks in Sharonville. Professional certification is available in a wide range of career fields, from health care to high-tech manufacturing to cybersecurity to construction trades, ulianry arts, agriculture, cosmetology, and more. Great Oaks offer over 30 different programs on campus as well as satellite programs in 28 of the region’s 36 affiliated school districts. Career training, ESOL, HSE, and personal enrichment programs are also available for adults. Partnerships with local business, education, and community agencies help shape the programs offered.

THE STATS YEAR FOUNDED: 1970 // CURRENT ENROLLMENT: 24,000 high school students at four Great Oaks campuses and in programs at 30 area public schools; 14,000 adult students // STUDENT-FACULTY RATIO: Varies // NUMBER OF UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES OFFERED: High school students can earn college credits, gain work experience through internships and co-ops, and secure industry credentials // SUBJECT MATTER EXPERTISE: Programs range from trades to high tech fi elds to health care to focus on skills in demand by industry and hands-on training // DISTANCE FROM DOWNTOWN CINCINNATI: Varies // PERCENTAGE OF STUDENTS ON FINANCIAL AID: Great Oaks is a public school district and there is no tuition for high school students; Adult Ed tuition varies and fi nancial aid is available // TOP AWARDS/RECOGNITIONS: Five Star-rated school district, significantly exceeding state standards; 2 out of 5 statewide 2024 U.S. Presidential Scholar Candidates • 2024 Ohio ACTE Outstanding School Board Member Award; 2024 ACTE Region 1 School Board Award • Students consistently place in national skills competitions

SINCLAIR COMMUNITY COLLEGE

5386 Courseview Dr. • Mason, OH 45040

ENROLLMENT INFORMATION: (513) 339-1212 • www.sinclair.edu/mason

The Sinclair College campus in Mason continues Sinclair’s mission of providing accessible, affordable, flexible education to meet the needs of the community. The campus is conveniently located and easily accessible from I-71. Sinclair in Mason offers a full-service small campus feel, with all the advantages and resources of a large public community college. Thirty degree and certificate programs are offered in Mason, with over 80 online programs and almost 300 programs available system-wide. Students can earn job ready credentials, or earn credits that transfer easily to any four-year college or university.

THE STATS YEAR FOUNDED: 1887 // CURRENT ENROLLMENT: 31,000 college-wide, 691 at Mason // STUDENT-FACULTY RATIO: 11:1 // UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES OFFERED: Nearly 300 degrees and certificates system-wide; more than 30 at Mason // SUBJECT MATTER EXPERTISE: Healthcare, Business, Engineering Technologies, Information Technology, and programs designed for transfer to a four-year college or university. // DISTANCE FROM DOWNTOWN CINCINNATI: 24 miles // IN-STATE TUITION: $193.28 / credit hour // OUT-OF-STATE TUITION:

$349.40 / credit hour // Percentage of students on financial aid: 50% // TOP AWARDS/RECOGNITIONS: Sinclair has awarded more degrees and certificates than any other Ohio Community College in the last 5 years. • More than 100 University Transfer agreements. • #1 College for Student Success, Achieving the Dream, 2023. • Board member, League for Innovation in the Community College. // AFFILIATED COLLEGES/SATELLITE CAMPUSES: Locations in Dayton, Centerville, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, and online.

YOUR COMMUNITY’S COLLEGE

Ready to get on track to your future? You don’t have to go far! Sinclair College’s campus in Mason is conveniently located off I-71 for easy access.

Choose from over 30 degrees and certificates in high-demand fields that can be completed entirely at our Mason Campus – even more when you add in online options. Plus, your credits move easily to any Sinclair location, providing over 300 academic options.

Come explore our Mason campus today.

THOMAS MORE UNIVERSITY

333 Thomas More Parkway • Crestview Hills, KY 41017

ENROLLMENT INFORMATION: (859) 341-5800 • www.thomasmore.edu

Founded in 1921, Thomas More provides a high-quality, liberal arts education inspired by the Catholic intellectual tradition. The University challenges students to examine the ultimate meaning of life, their place in the world, and their responsibility to others. With a focus on learning through doing, unique opportunities include a Biology Field Station on the Ohio River, the Thomas More Observatory, and many others. A new, state-of-the-art Academic Center (left), housing the Robert W. Plaster College of Business, Zembrodt Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation, and the Center for Faith, Mission, and Catholic Education, opens for classes in fall 2024.

THE STATS YEAR FOUNDED: 1921 // CURRENT ENROLLMENT: nearly 2,000 // STUDENT-FACULTY RATIO: 14:1 // UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES OFFERED: 37 // MASTER’S DEGREES OFFERED: 4 // SUBJECT MATTER EXPERTISE: Business, Liberal Arts, Education, Social Sciences, Nursing, Natural and Health Sciences, Entrepreneurship and Innovation // DISTANCE FROM DOWNTOWN CINCINNATI: 8 miles // IN-STATE TUITION: $39,800; includes unlimited meal plan, parking and transportation through TANK. // OUT-OF-STATE TUITION: Same as in-state. // PERCENTAGE OF STUDENTS ON FINANCIAL AID: Thomas More awards merit-based scholarships to 100% of admitted traditional students. // TOP AWARDS/ RECOGNITIONS: Recognized as a Wall Street Journal/College Pulse Best College in the U.S. for 2024 • Niche.com Best Value College for 2024 • Only NCAA DII university in the Northern Kentucky/Greater Cincinnati region

Schedule your visit today and learn more about how you can Make It More. Visit options include virtual or in person. To schedule, go to thomasmore.edu/visit, call 859-344-3332, or scan the code:

minutes from downtown Cincinnati. Ranked among America’s Best Colleges for 2024 by The Wall Street Journal/College Pulse. thomasmore.edu

UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI

Clifton Ave. • Cincinnati, OH 45221

ENROLLMENT INFORMATION: (513) 556-1100 • www.uc.edu/admissions

University of Cincinnati offers over 400 academic programs across three unique campuses. As the birthplace of cooperative education, experience-based learning is at the heart of what we do, with 100% of our students participating in some form of experience-based learning (co-op).

As a Research 1 institution, UC leads the charge in innovation and impact. The Cincinnati Innovation District promotes research, entrepreneurship, and collaboration. UC students graduate with real-world experience in addition to their degree. UC offers an active campus community composed of over 600 student organizations, Big 12 athletics, and close proximity to a thriving city. Bearcats find it all here.

AWARDS/RECOGNITIONS: No. 1 in the Midwest for co-op and internships (U.S. News and World Report) • Over $92 million in co-op earnings in 2022–2023 • 96% of students are employed or continuing their education upon graduation from UC // AFFILIATED COLLEGES/SATELLITE CAMPUSES: University of Cincinnati Clermont College • University of Cincinnati Blue Ash College

UNIVERSITY OF LOUISVILLE COLLEGE OF BUSINESS

110 W. Brandeis Ave. • Louisville, KY 40208

Discover Your Future at UofL College of Business

The University of Louisville College of Business is your gateway to a thriving future, fostering entrepreneurship, innovation, and diverse thinking. Our top-tier undergraduate and graduate programs prepare you for a rewarding career, offering continuous career support through the Ulmer Career Management Center. With hands-on internships, co-ops, and curricula co-developed with local businesses, we ensure you’re equipped with skills employers need. Explore our diverse programs in Accountancy, Business Administration, Computer Information Systems, Economics, Equine Industry Business, Finance, Management, and Marketing. Join us at UofL College of Business to make a difference and transform lives. It all starts here!

WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY

1 Waterfront Place, Visitors Center • Morgantown, WV 26501

ENROLLMENT INFORMATION: (304) 293-3489 • https://wvu.edu

WVU is a top-ranked, land-and-space grant research institution with a comprehensive medical school. We offer future-focused majors at all levels, like esports business and entertainment, neuroscience, robotics engineering, and sustainability studies. According to Niche, WVU grads have a 93% job placement rate (two years after graduation) and earn 29% more than the average grad after 10 years.

And you can do it without breaking the bank thanks to generous scholarships, financial aid, and our Ohio Tuition Reciprocity Program, which allows first-time freshmen or transfer students from Ohio (in certain majors) to enroll at WVU and pay lower in-state tuition rates.

THE STATS YEAR FOUNDED: 1867 // CURRENT ENROLLMENT: 27,116 // STUDENT-FACULTY RATIO: 17:1 // UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES OFFERED: 136 // MASTER’S DEGREES OFFERED: 100+ // DOCTORAL DEGREES OFFERED: 60+ // SUBJECT MATTER EXPERTISE: Engineering and technology (best-in-the-world robotics team); forensic and investigative science (largest forensic science and crime scene training complex in the country); healthcare (breakthroughs in Alzheimer’s and addiction research); business and economics (new, high-tech facilities); agriculture and landgrant engagement; creative arts and media // DISTANCE FROM DOWNTOWN CINCINNATI: 308 miles // IN-STATE TUITION: $10,104/year // OUT-OF-STATE TUITION: $28,608/year // PERCENTAGE OF STUDENTS ON FINANCIAL AID: 92% of freshmen receive grants or scholarships // TOP AWARDS/RECOGNITIONS: One of only 146 colleges and universities to attain an R1 ranking, “very high research activity,” alongside institutions like Harvard, Yale and Johns Hopkins—the most elite category for research-focused institutions. • Niche ranked WVU in the Top 5% of colleges with the best student life in America. • The Center for World University Rankings places WVU in the Top 2.4% of worldwide Universities. // AFFILIATED COLLEGES/SATELLITE CAMPUSES: WVU Institute of Technology • WVU Potomac State College • WVU Health Sciences Center Charleston Division • WVU Health Sciences Center Martinsburg Division

FUTURE FUTURE

WILMINGTON COLLEGE

1870 Quaker Way • Wilmington, OH 45177

ENROLLMENT INFORMATION: (937) 382-6661 • www.wilmington.edu

At Wilmington College, we are dedicated to students’ passion for hands-on learning. Our community-of-doing places them in the center of the learning experience, unlocking their potential and opening doors. Students can leave with hundreds of hours of practical application—now that’s learning by doing. WC believes in our students’ ability to change the world. Alumni working in careers ranging from NASA and Broadway to soil science and literature are proof.

Wilmington College is an independent college in Wilmington, Ohio, with a hallmark for hands-on learning opportunities. Quakers founded the College in 1870 and the institution embraces the universal values of community, diversity, integrity, excellence, peace and social justice, respect for all persons, and service and civic engagement. WC’s mission is to educate, inspire, and prepare each student for a life of service and success.

We are Dub-C. Experience Wilmington College! THE STATS YEAR FOUNDED: 1870 // CURRENT ENROLLMENT: 1,000 // STUDENT-FACULTY RATIO: 14:1 // UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES OFFERED: 2 (Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts) // MASTER’S DEGREES OFFERED: 2 (Master of Organizational Leadership and Master of Science in Occupational Therapy) // SUBJECT MATTER EXPERTISE: Agriculture, Sport Sciences, Biology/Chemistry, Psychology, Education // DISTANCE FROM DOWNTOWN CINCINNATI: 50 miles // IN-STATE TUITION: $30,732 // OUT-OF-STATE TUITION: $30,732 // PERCENTAGE OF STUDENTS ON FINANCIAL AID: 99% // TOP AWARDS/RECOGNITIONS: Member of Colleges of Distinction • U.S. News & World Report’s 2023–2024 Best Colleges ranking in top third of 87-school Midwest Region • U.S. News & World Report’s 2023–2024 Best Colleges ranking of seventh in the Midwest Region for Social Mobility

•Over volunteers supporting the event

•An established fan base double the size of the Super Bowl

•Broadcasted in over global markets

•Over million international viewers

•Visitors from over states and countries

• th most watched sport in the world by the number of fans

Want to Hit a Winner on Retirement?

Welcome to the Cincinnati Open!

The story of tennis in Cincinnati is one that is ever evolving and has been captivating fans for the last 125 years. Since 1899, the Cincinnati Open has been a local staple, attracting top tennis players from around the globe. Fans from all 50 states and 40 countries travel here to experience the unparalleled access to players, authentic Midwestern hospitality, and the unique opportunity to see the world’s best men’s and women’s tennis talent in one place.

Over the years, the names, the game, and the experience have changed. But one thing remains the same: they all still come to Cincinnati. The 2024 Cincinnati Open marks the start of a new era for the elevating the on-site experience with new practice courts, a shaded Fan Zone with around the clock entertainment, brand new seats at Center Court and Grandstand, a remodeled Top Deck, a reimagined shopping experience and new food and drink options. Plus, to celebrate our 125th anniversary, tennis greats from over the years will be on hand for special appearances throughout the week.

We’re introducing Community Day on Saturday, August 10, with tickets starting at just $10 and proceeds benefiting local charities. This day will be headlined by a special exhibition doubles match featuring tennis legends Andre Agassi, Steffi Graf, Andy Roddick, and Lindsay Davenport, and will feature yoga in the Fan Zone, a workout at Center Court, cardio tennis on the practice courts, a Taste the Tournament experience, the 2024 draw announcement, live music and more.

None of this year’s excitement would be possible without the support of our cornerstone partners—Western & Southern Financial Group, Credit One Bank, Great American Insurance, Procter & Gamble, Fift h Third, and Kroger—and our partners from the City of Mason, Warren County, and State of Ohio. Together, these partners played a pivotal role in ensuring the tournament will remain in Cincinnati and are contributing to the growth of the tournament as it is further established as a world-class event and destination.

We also extend our gratitude to our incredible team of 1,300plus volunteers whose dedication is unparalleled. Last year, our volunteers put in nearly 65,000 hours of service to ensure the event’s success.

The 2024 Cincinnati Open is shaping up to be among the best in our tournament’s history. We can’t wait for you to join us to experience the excitement firsthand.

Sincerely,

Bob Moran President Beemok Sports & Entertainment

What’s New at the Tournament This Year?

The Cincinnati Open is all about unparalleled experiences, both on and off thecourt. This year, the tournament is upping the game in terms of the on-site experience, bringing even more opportunities for fun and memory-making for all fans. Here’s a look at what to expect at the 2024 Cincinnati Open.

Community Day at the Cincinnati Open

Get the first look at the 2024 tournament before matches even begin at the brand-new Community Day event on Saturday, August 10. Tickets start at $10 and proceeds will benefit Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, along with several other events and opportunities throughout the day to support local charities. Catch tennis legends Andre Agassi, Steffi Graf, Andy Roddick, and Lindsay Davenport in a can’t-miss exhibition match at Center Court, see the world’s top tennis talent on practice courts throughout the grounds, enjoy hours of live entertainment, and take a taste of the various food and drink offerings on site.

Total Seating Transformation

Say goodbye to bleachers and hello to top-of-the-line stadium seats at Center Court. Every single seat within the tournament’s largest stadium has been replaced,

bringing unmatched comfort and an undeniable upgrade for all spectators. Plus, P&G Grandstand Court— the second largest on site—will feature new seats as well.

New Bites and Beverages

Want to experience a premium escape at the tournament? Look no further than The Oasis, presented by Veroni, a new club space located at the Top Deck in the heart of the tournament site. This open-air, private lounge is available for ticketholders in sections 209-211 and will feature a curated Italian-style menu and specialty cocktails. All tournament fans can enjoy a variety of new drinking and dining options throughout the site, including local favorites like Taste of Belgium, Alfio’s Buon Cibo, and Playa Bowls along with wines from La Crema and a special Cincinnati Open collaboration beer with Sonder Brewing.

We’re Talking About Practice

A hallmark of the Cincinnati Open is the intimacy of the venue and access and proximity to the greatest tennis players in the world. With the addition of four new Prasco Practice Courts, taking the total number of courts on site to 21, fans will have even more opportunities to get up

Off-Court

Action

A stacked lineup of live music, DJs, special guest appearances, chef demonstrations, and opportunities to sample food and drinks are just some of what guests can look forward to at the Kroger Stage in the Fan Zone. Try your hand at tennis-themed challenges on the mini courts or Speed Serve, take a Selfie with the Stars, presented by Credit One Bank, or check out the revamped merchandise tent for new Cincinnati Open swag, including exclusive 125th anniversary gear and official tournament apparel through FILA.

Finals Monday

Extend your summer weekend by taking a day off on Monday, August 19, to catch the final matches at the Cincinnati Open. The Monday Finals, presented by Credit One Bank, are an opportunity to dress your best, sip some champagne, snap a photo with the newly designed Rookwood Cup trophy, rub elbows with the who’s who of the tournament, and watch the nail-biting action of the championship matches.

TENNIS EXPERIENCE

Let's Get Digital

With the updated app, an e-newsletter, and site-wide WiFi, fans won’t miss a minute of the action.

STAY CONNECTED

Are you the type of fan that wants to be in the know? And by “in the know” we mean being the first to have ticket information, special offers, tournament updates, and the inside scoop? Go to cincinnatiopen.com/ newsletter-sign-up to become a Cincinnati Open insider. No junk, no spam. Just the most important tournament info sent in a timely manner.

The best way to stay in the loop during the tournament is by downloading the official Cincinnati Open mobile app (search “Cincinnati Open” in your phone s app store). Get real-time updates on major matches, on-site entertainment, and tournament news. Plus, easily access your digital tickets and the daily order of play all in just a few taps.

Global-Level Games

The Cincinnati Open is among the best of the world-class tennis events. Hereˇs a look at the others on the same level. AIESHA D. LITTLE

MADRID OPEN

• Founded in 2002

• Played on clay courts at the Caja Mágica in Madrid, Spain

• An ATP Masters 1000 event

• A WTA 1000 event

• More than 325,000 spectators in 2023

• Number of days: 12

ITALIAN OPEN

• Founded in 1930

• Played on clay courts at the Foro Italico in Rome, Italy

• An ATP Masters 1000 event

• A WTA 1000 event

• More than 440,000 spectators in 2023

• Number of days: 14

MIAMI OPEN

• Founded in 1985

• Played on outdoor hard courts at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida

• An ATP Masters 1000 event

• A WTA 1000 event

• More than 386,000 spectators in 2023

• Number of days: 12

INDIAN WELLS OPEN

• Founded in 1974

• Played on outdoor hard courts at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden in Indian Wells, California

• An ATP Masters 1000 event

• A WTA 1000 event

• More than 450,000 spectators in 2023

• Number of days: 15

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513 Serves

New tournament program celebrates those making a diff erence in the community.

MAGGIE BROWN

Nine area residents have been recognized for their community service as the inaugural honorees of 513 Serves, a new initiative from the Cincinnati Open and cornerstone partner Fift h Third to acknowledge individuals who have made a positive impact on the Greater Cincinnati community. Through their time, actions, talents, and examples, these individuals put their community before themselves, going above and beyond the call of duty, to make the “513” a better place for everyone.

The 2024 513 Serves honorees are:

Jordan Bankston (Cheviot)

Marvin Butt s (Pendleton)

Laura Del Cid (Madeira)

Allison Gordon (Blue Ash)

Elizabeth Kelly (Downtown)

Annie Ruth Napier (Roselawn)

Charvi Seeta (Mason)

Marcus Thompson (Anderson)

Kenneth Webb (Mason)

The honorees were selected from 118 nominations, each recognizing individuals who have made an impact on the Cincinnati community through their service in the areas of education, children, sports, wellness, or financial literacy.

“Our inaugural 513 Serves honorees epitomize the vibrant spirit and unwavering sense of community that define the Cincinnati region,” says Maggie Brown, marketing

and community relations manager for the Cincinnati Open. “It’s a privilege to recognize their outstanding contributions and their relentless dedication to serving others. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all nominees for their commitment to putting community first, inspiring us to strive for the greater collective good.”

The first class of 513 Serves honorees—ranging from a Girl Scout to a doctor—have collectively impacted thousands in the Greater Cincinnati community, from Covington to Mason. Their work spans the city and its suburbs, and represents many causes, from providing hygiene products and meals to families to raising money for cancer patients to improving the area’s parks and beautifying its neighborhoods.

“It came as no surprise to see so many inspiring accounts of people in our community doing so much to help one another,” says Tim Elsbrock, Fifth Third’s Cincinnati region president. “The sense of local pride and the willingness to get involved to make a difference are what set this city apart, and that spirit makes us very proud to call Cincinnati home.”

Each honoree gets to select a charity of their choosing to receive a $5,300 donation as part of being recognized through 513 Serves. In addition, one honoree will be celebrated on each of the nine days of the Cincinnati Open and enjoy a VIP tournament experience, including courtside seats,

an exclusive, behind-the-scenes facility tour, and more. They will be recognized on court during their visit and their chosen charity will be promoted within the stadium and on social platforms to encourage further donations.

Nominations for the next class of 513 Serves honorees will open in the months following the 2024 Cincinnati Open. To learn more about 513 Serves, the inaugural honorees and their chosen charities, visit www.cincinnatiopen.com/community/513serves.

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Ten Big On-Court Moments in Tournament History

THE FIRST CHAMPIONS

Myrtle McAteer of Pittsburgh beats multiple national singles champion and future Hall of Famer Juliette Atkinson to take the first women’s singles title while Nat Emerson, a nationally ranked player who won important titles into his 40s, wins the first men’s singles title.

BILL TILDEN CHOOSES CINCINNATI IN A SURPRISE

Bill Tilden is one of the biggest names in all of sports when he arrives in Cincinnati to play the tournament, and he commits to the tournament at the last moment to the surprise of Cincinnati tournament officials. He reaches the men’s singles final and defeats George Lott, the first match in Cincinnati men’s singles history between two future International Tennis Hall of Famers.

1899 1905 1926 1945

MAY SUTTON CHOOSES CINCINNATI OVER U.S. NATIONALS

When May Sutton of California makes her first appearance in Cincinnati, the crowds rival those anyone has ever seen for a men’s or women’s match. The choice to play here instead of defending her U.S. National title in Newport is stamp of approval for the tournament.

Thank you, to our community, for your continued support of mental health.

TRABERT BEATS TALBERT

Tony Trabert learns the game of tennis as the protégé of fellow Cincinnatian William Talbert. When Trabert and Talbert square off in the men’s singles final, Talbert earns his first victory over his mentor.

1951

SARAH PALFREY COOKE REACHES MEN’S DOUBLES FINAL

World War II makes fielding the men’s draws difficult and, as a result, future International Tennis Hall of Famer Sarah Palfrey Cooke asks to enter the men’s doubles draw with her husband, Elwood Cooke. There’s no rule against it so Tournament Director Bill Ruxton allows Palfrey Cooke to proceed. She is the only woman in the history of the tournament to compete in a men’s draw.

We’ll continue to light the way.

Lindner Center of HOPE: A Proven Leader is expanding to serve you better.

Illustrated rendering of the Lindner Center of HOPE expansion.

Treatment access and reducing stigma are key factors in improving the community’s mental health.

Our expansion plans which were announced May 2022 include:

• 8 more residential beds

• New parking and multi-use treatment space

• 4-story outpatient building with treatment, group, and wellness spaces

We’re committed to maintaining our natural, safe setting.

For fans of the sport, these important games have all contributed to the status of the Cincinnati Open as a place where top-notch tennis players make their mark. PHIL SMITH

WOMEN’S SINGLES SETS NUMEROUS RECORDS

Chris Evert and her sister Jeanne reach the semifinals on opposite sides of the draw. Chris, a future Hall of Famer, wins her match against Illana Kloss, while Jeanne, making her professional debut that week, loses to another future Hall of Famer, Evonne Goolagong. Goolagong collects the title against Chris Evert the following day, and Evert becomes the youngest Cincinnati women’s singles finalist in the Open Era. That Goolagong-Evert final also is the last women’s singles match in Cincinnati for 15 years.

KIKI BERTENS BEATS FOUR TOP TEN PLAYERS

Seventeenth ranked Kiki Bertens turns in a performance for the ages when she knocks off six players en route to the singles title, four of whom are ranked in the world’s top 10, a feat unmatched in Cincinnati women’s singles history. Bertens beats Caroline Wozniacki (No. 2) in the round of 32, Elina Svitolina (No. 7) in the quarterfinals, Petra Kvitova (No. 6) in the semifinals, and Simona Halep (No. 1) in the final.

DJOKOVIC AND GAUFF WIN SINGLES TITLES

Novak Djokovic and Coco Gauff turn in performances for the record books. Djokovic wins his third title, becoming the oldest Cincinnati men’s singles champion in the Open Era while Gauff wins the biggest WTA title of her career to date and becomes the youngest Cincinnati women’s singles champion in the Open Era.

197320182023

2015

FEDERER WINS SEVENTH MEN’S SINGLES TITLE

At one point in tournament history, George Lott , Bobby Riggs, Mats Wilander, and Roger Federer had each won four men’s singles in Cincinnati. Then Federer blew past the other three, claiming the title three more times, holding the record of seven singles titles (the most of any singles player, male or female) since 2015.

2022

BORNA CORIC BREAKS A 62-YEAR-OLD RECORD

Borna Coric is ranked No. 152 when he enters the Cincinnati men’s singles field due to injuries, but promptly knocks off six players, three of whom are in the world’s top 10 and fi ve of whom are seeded (a Cincinnati Open Era record), to become only the second unseeded men’s champion in Cincinnati history.

The city’s most respected and award-winning magazine, highlighting the region’s most interesting people, cultural issues, food, arts, fashion, and history.

Ladies First

Top ranked players have dominated WTA’s return to Cincinnati. PETE HOLTERMANN

This year marks many milestones for the Cincinnati Open. In addition to 2024 being the 125th year since the event started and 45 years since it moved to Mason, this summer also marks the 20th anniversary of women’s tennis returning to the event and 15 years since it was upgraded to the WTA’s top tier.

From its inception in 1899, women took part in the Cincinnati Open. However, after the WTA was founded in 1973, Cincinnati was not included in the burgeoning tour’s schedule.

In 2004, the long tradition of elite women’s tennis in Cincinnati picked up where it left off three decades earlier. Former World No. 1 Lindsay Davenport took a late wild card that year and came to town having won 14 consecutive matches and three straight titles. She promptly added the Cincinnati crown to those streaks.

Five years later, the Tour elevated Cincinnati to Premier status (now called a 1000), making the tournament one of the most important stops of the WTA season. Quickly many other World No. 1s were joining Davenport in the Cincinnati Open record books.

While that tournament classification speaks to the status and importance of the Cincinnati Open, the results paint the picture of just how challenging it is to hoist the Rookwood Cup. Since the promotion, 12 of the 15 finals have included at least one player who has held the No. 1 ranking, and twice the Cincinnati Open champion has defeated both the world’s No 1 and No. 2 player to claim the title.

In 2013, the Cincinnati Open final featured the WTA’s two best players when Victoria Azarenka, who was No. 2, defeated No. 1 Serena Williams for the title.

Both Azarenka and Williams hold the distinction of having won a pair of Cincinnati Open titles in the last two decades, with Serena successfully defending the title as she went back-to-back in 2014-15. Azarenka added a second title in 2020.

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LINDSAY DAVENPORT

Clearly there are plenty of examples that having been No. 1 gives players the experience to navigate through the Cincinnati Open draw.

However, there are also instances where the Cincinnati Open has been the start of success for a player. Look no further than the last two editions of the tournament. Last year, No. 1 Iga Swiatek and No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka advanced to the semifinals, but neither managed to reach the final. Instead, it was teenager Coco Gauff who claimed the biggest title of her career, only to outdo herself weeks later by winning the US Open.

In 2022, Caroline Garcia became the first qualifi er to win the Cincinnati Open title. She followed that with a run to the US Open semifinals before claiming the title at the season-ending WTA Finals.

With champions ranging from Azarenka to Williams, there’s ample evidence Cincinnati has established itself as the Queen City of women’s tennis.

SERENA WILLIAMS

CAROLINE GARCIA

What's Ahead

Site renovations are reimagining Lindner Family Tennis Center for 2024 and beyond.

With a focus on providing world-class fan and player experiences, the major renovation projects at Lindner Family Tennis Center are part of a $260 million investment in the future of the tournament. Reimagined stadiums, park-like landscaping, additional sunken courts, a brand-new player building, and enhanced fan experiences are just the beginning of the incredible campus transformation.

A brand new, 2,000-seat sunken stadium will be added to the campus, making it the fourth largest of the venue’s five permanent stadiums. The additional stadium is one of 10 new courts being added to the site to help facilitate the event’s growth to feature 96-player ATP and WTA singles fields over more days in 2025. In total, the campus will feature 31 courts. To the north of Center Court, a permanent fan plaza shaded by an expansive canopy will provide a gathering spot for spectators with additional landscaping to create more greenspace.

A new, 56,000-square-foot, two-story player center will be among the most significant additions to the site. The facility will include lounge and restaurant space for the tournament’s players and their support teams, wellness and recovery rooms for the players, and locker rooms for coaches.

Other work planned for the campus includes a new, six-court indoor facility and the creation of six pickleball and two paddle courts on the grounds. Additional parking will be added to the north of the campus and multiple new access points to the parking areas will be created in the coming years.

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Sharonville, the Book Bus Depot, in addition to the Book Bus, named Tilly. Moore does not take a salary and has no paid employees. She typically donates books in blocks of $1,000 or more, but the donation logistics have remained basically the same: People approach her in informal ways through social media or friends, and Moore purchases books through the same distributors she uses to stock the bookstore, with no special discounts. She has the books shipped to her house, where she inspects each one personally before delivering them herself to the organization.

room at the front, supplemented by other gardening books the center already had.

In fact, the center is awash in books, though many are old. “It’s a constant need to update our off erings and our range of material to the students, and it needs to be relevant,” says Woods. “Melanie brings that to the table for us.” Sister Maria Therese, executive director of the center, agrees. “We listen to what the kids are saying and what they want. Melanie has been a godsend for our kids.”

This time around, what the kids said they wanted were more books featuring children who looked like them, especially featuring Black characters. “ Hair Love !” cries one child. “Lola!” cries another. Moore unpacks books from the boxes, and they’re clutched to chests, smiles spreading across faces. “Can we take these home?”

“Children need to see themselves in their books,” says Moore. “A lot of what I do right now is purchase multicultural books to update the collections of education cen-

“I HAVE THE IDEA AND I HAVE THE TRUCK,” SAYS MELANIE MOORE, “BUT WITHOUT THE BOOK BUS COMMUNITY I CAN’T DO ANYTHING. I DONATE BOOKS ON BEHALF OF THEM.”

When delivering the books, Moore also takes pictures and tells the stories of her donations to her online Book Bus Community, which spans the U.S. and, during COVID, made up the bulk of her sales via website transactions. “I do it all,” she says. “I’m the social media person, the bookkeeper, the buyer, and the delivery person.”

In the case of the Urban Education Center, Director of Development Erin Woods made the connection. “I heard about Melanie through my friend and reached out,” she says. Moore made an initial $1,000 donation in 2022, including some gardening books since the garden program Schappert had started the year before was flourishing.

“The year after we started the garden, Melanie came with this amazing batch of books,” says Schappert. “Here we are a year later, and she’s helping us again.” Walking into the Urban Education Center, I notice the donated garden books lined up in a

ters, libraries, or classrooms.”

In some cases, like the Urban Education Center, the organization will provide a list of requested titles, which Moore will fulfill and supplement. “I can never just do half a list,” she says, laughing. In other cases, the organization will describe a general need, and Moore will create a list of titles in response. This summer, for instance, the Book Bus provided 100 books to kids participating in a Faith Alliance summer program. “They provide the lunch, and I provide the books,” she says. “Since this is summer reading, my main goal at this point is just to get the kids excited about reading. I’ll put in whatever is hot for kids, whatever they want to have in their hands. There will probably be some Dog Man in there, plus some graphic novels.”

Book donations are always targeted to the individual organization, Moore says. “Who you are serving and what do you

need? Are your kids reading on grade level or below level? Do they need bilingual books, cultural books, nonfiction books?” Moore describes a significant donation idea for North Avondale Montessori in 2023 that happened while she was communicating with librarian Paulette Simpson about something else over Facebook Messenger and suddenly wrote, I can make a donation of $10,000. What do you need? Simpson immediately thought of the school’s social studies and science nonfiction books that were sorely out of date. As each hard-back library-bound nonfiction book can run about $40, that $10,000 translated into around 250 new books.

Simpson recalls how quickly the idea turned into actual books. “I had no idea that the entire $10,000 donation would be exclusively for my school,” she says. Moore arrived in the Book Bus, where she was greeted by kindergarteners holding up homemade signs saying “Thank you!”

THE BOOK BUS COMMUNITY IS CENTRAL to the entire operation. “Every time I donate books, it’s on behalf of the community,” says Moore. “I have the idea and I have the truck, but without the Book Bus community I’m just a girl with an idea and a truck and I can’t do anything.” Financial support fuels Moore’s book donations, and she thinks that people like to buy from her because they know “when they buy a book with me, they’re also buying a book for a child.”

The community emphasis appears in the children’s book that Moore and friends Mike Helm (artist) and Brian Wray (writer) published earlier this year, The Book Bus (Schiffer Kids) In the story, a light-green VW truck, also called Tilly, finds purpose and pleasure by delivering books to people around her community. Tilly delivers in rural areas, cities, and small towns. And when her crates are empty and children still want to read, “the most sensational sight” comes forward: smiling adults with their hands full of books, giving them away to the children. “That’s really what the community means to me,” says Moore. “We’re really in this together.”

During COVID, Moore’s online book group grew to about 150 people, turning the Book Bus community into a national

Why Melanie Moore Drives the Book Bus

phenomenon. But with pandemic restrictions waning and the Book Bus Depot opening, the bulk of her sales are now local. The Sharonville shop, at 10936 Reading Rd., is open 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday, except for Saturday, when it opens at 10 a.m. Moore is there most of the time, but there’s also a crew of 25 volunteers helping at the store. They check out customers, take donations, and prepare packages for the online book group. Volunteering is so popular that Moore has a waiting list. “I couldn’t ask for a better team around me,” she says.

A significant part of her informationsharing happens online, where she maintains a chatty presence on multiple social media platforms, offering “fun photo Fridays,” book recommendations, promotions for upcoming events, and details about each donation drop-off.

At the Urban Education Center, for instance, Moore turns to me and says, “Please grab some photos for my social media post.” I oblige, wondering if my pictures will do the job. I take pictures of children clutching books and smiling, hands reaching for books spread out on an open table, and Moore hugging a girl whose request for more books with characters who look like her initiated the donation.

“This afternoon I had the pleasure of dropping off $1,053 worth of new books to Notre Dame Urban Education Center,” Moore writes in the subsequent post. “They provide free tutoring for local students. This donation began with a young girl, Sha’myrah, who was asked to get a book from the center’s library to read with her tutor but came back empty-handed. She wanted to read a book with a Black girl character and couldn’t find one. The center compiled a list of books from the students’ wish list and then reached out to me to see if I could donate them. I was happy to oblige! Sha’myrah literally jumped up and down when I brought in the books.”

MOORE SAYS HER “SALARY” IS THE FEELing she gets when she donates books to children. “When I can spread the love and joy of books and I can see that expressed on a kid’s face, that’s what carries me through all these long, hard workdays. And I want to be able to snap pictures and share with the

Book Bus community: Look what we’ve done! Look what you helped me do!”

As the kids dig into the books in a happy state of pandemonium at the Covington education center, Moore gravitates toward Ashaya, a cousin of Sha’myrah who is also an avid reader. Just 6 years old, Ashaya is reading aloud with Moore one of the books that excites her the most, Hair Love. Moore praises her reading skills.

Ashaya is also excited to see several new books featuring Lola, a young Black girl who features in the nine-book series written by Anna McQuinn and illustrated by Rosalind Beardshaw. When asked what makes Lola so great, Ashaya says, “She always makes good choices.” She flipped open the book about Lola adopting a cat, which she’d already read, to one of her favorite moments: Lola practicing how to take care of a cat with her stuffed kitty, which then prepares her for interacting with her real kitty.

“These books are fun,” says Ashaya. “I read them all the time.” Moore agrees, noting that Lola is one of her most frequently donated series. “I like them because they just show a little girl doing normal things,” she says. “Going on a hike, planting a garden, going to the library, adopting a cat, whatever. They’re just normal books.”

While bookworms like Ashaya know just what they want from the Book Bus haul, other kids who normally couldn’t care less about reading find themselves excited and engaged. That’s often the case, says Moore, and part of the reason why fresh new books are such a necessary piece of the puzzle.

In one of her favorite recent stories, a preschooler on the west side was gifted one of Moore’s donation books. In her post for social media, Moore described what the book meant to the child, noting that his mom said “he hadn’t parted with the book since arriving home from school. His teacher had never seen him so gentle with a book before.” Moore tells me, “That just means so much. That’s why I do what I do.”

Another story of donations with a big impact occurred at Riverview East High School, where teacher Kristen Carter had the idea of sponsoring a club that would meet every Tuesday for lunch to read and discuss books. The club began with 15 core members in 2022, and many of them

stayed involved from their sophomore year through graduation in May. One of the members of that club was the first in her family to graduate from high school, while others were the first in their families to go to college.

The students and Carter selected a new book after each old book was finished, and Moore provided members with copies of each title. Their final book, a going-tocollege gift from their teacher, was a copy of Tuesdays With Morrie. They later visited the Book Bus Depot as a group, and Moore invited each student to choose a book from her inventory and then grab a coffee at Moonflower Coffee Collective next door. “It was so meaningful just to sit back and watch them talk about books with each other and pick out their own books,” she says.

Access and ownership made a huge difference with the high schoolers, just as it did with the preschoolers, which paved the way for sharing their love of books and reading. That shift in attitude is what motivated Moore to get into the book business in the first place. “It all just seems to happen naturally,” she says. “Sometimes I meet people and ask them to message me. Others just reach out to me or send an e-mail out of the blue. I’d say 90 percent of the process happens organically. It just flows. It just works.”

While there are overwhelming moments and times when Moore needs to take a step back—for instance, she typically does her last donation run in November or early December to Lighthouse Youth Services so she can turn her full attention to the Book Bus Depot holiday rush—in general, the balance of resources and needs tends to even out. She launched the store uncertain if she’d sell even one book from her crazy bookstore-on-wheels, but she’s been successful beyond her wildest dreams. She raises more money for book donations and expansion each year and maintains the freedom to tailor each donation to the needs of the organization requesting support.

“You just kind of open your heart, and it comes naturally,” says Moore. “Any time I have money to donate, I get the right thing and I spend it. Then I’m on to the next thing.”

DEATH CAN’T BURY THEIR STORIES

Can’t Bury

son and Dillard joined the church’s trustee board, two new folks spontaneously showed up at a Sunday morning service in hopes of meeting church members and sharing information they’d discovered about the United Colored American Cemetery. “It turns out God sent them to us,” says Stevenson.“They had been to the cemetery and had done some research on their own, finding out things we didn’t know anything about. And then our philosophy about the cemeteries started to change. We started to realize who was buried in these cemeteries, and what kind of contributions they’d made in their lives,

really old headstones out there made of marble and granite, and those cost a lot of money to repair. Today, it’s just unaffordable. With our limited budget, we did what we could.”

But news coverage of the vandalism sparked community interest in the cemeteries from both near and far. Local politicians took note. “Mayor [John] Cranley and the city gave us some money, Senator Sherrod Brown got us some money, and [Hamilton County] Commissioner Denise Driehaus helped us out,” Dillard says. “And we started hearing from people in California, New York, and New Jersey who wanted to help and from other Black cemeteries that reached out to connect with us.”

The momentum picked up. Through the Union Foundation, the church secured a $400,000 grant in 2020 from the National Park Service for the Union Baptist Cemetery Preservation Project, one of 51 projects to receive funding that year through the African American Civil Rights Grant Program. Then, in February, the Union Foundation struck a

“I JUST WANDERED IN AND WAS STRUCK BY A SENSE OF BEAUTY AND OF MYSTERY,” SAYS CHRIS HANLIN. “I COULD SEE THIS WAS A SPECIAL, AMAZING, SACRED SPACE.”

not just here but to the whole country. We were in awe.”

That started the proverbial ball rolling, or as Stevenson says,“We hit the pavement.” She and several others reached out and made connections in the community, digging into those drawerfuls of handwritten cemetery records and mapping out plans for how they could get funding to do the restoration and preservation work that’s needed in the two cemeteries.

“We got a grant committee together, and it took off like wildfire—it was crazy,” Dillard says. But there were setbacks, too: In August 2019, for example, neighbors in Price Hill alerted the church to vandalism that had occurred at Union Baptist Cemetery; several headstones had been toppled, and others were marked with spray paint. Even the cemetery’s historic marker was blemished with graffiti. “It was major damage, and so disheartening,” says Dillard.“There are some

grant jackpot: $750,000 from the National Park Service for the United Colored American Cemetery Preservation project, one of just eight projects in six states awarded federal funding though the Historic Preservation Fund’s History of Equal Rights program.

When the church found out about the $750,000 grant, it was Louise Stevenson who got the call.“We were sitting in this very room,” she says, referring to the conference room housing the cemetery log books, index files, plot maps, and other archived materials. “And we screamed a lot. The prayers of the saints had been answered. The ancestors jumped out of those graves that day.”

Stevenson made a flurry of phone calls. She shared the news with the church’s pastor, Reverend Dr. Orlando B. Yates; church trustees; and others who had contributed to the grant. “Louise called me to tell me the news,” says Dillard. “She said, Are you sitting down? and I was like, Oh no, what hap-

pened now? She told me we got the grant, and I screamed at the top of my lungs. I about passed out.”

STEVENSON EMPHASIZES EVERY CHANCE she gets that the cemetery work has been a team effort. Sometimes, she admits, that team has been small, but the results have been mighty. The $750,000 federal grant never would have been possible, she says, without the dedication and work of numerous people both inside and outside of Union Baptist Church. “Clearly, we weren’t meant to walk this path alone,” she says.

Madisonville residents Sarah Strouse May, an educator-turned-historical-tourguide-jill-of-all-trades type, and Chris Hanlin, a retired architect and amateur historian, avid biker, and book author were two of those outside folks—the ones Stevenson said were “sent by God.” May and Hanlin visited Union Baptist Church for the first time about six years ago. May was running Nerd Girl Tours (“curated field trips for grownups,” she says) and crossed paths with cemetery buff Hanlin, who had stumbled upon United Colored American Cemetery about a mile from his home.

“I just wandered in and was struck by a sense of beauty and of mystery,” Hanlin recalls about his first visit to the cemetery. “Even though it was run down, I could see this was a special place, an amazing place, a sacred place. And I said, Wow, there’s got to be a story here. And it turned out that, boy, was there ever. Dozens of them!”

He dove into researching names on the headstones and was awed by the stories he started to uncover. He brought them to the attention of the Cincinnati Preservation Association and began writing stories about the cemeteries’ prominent residents for the association’s blog.

Stevenson quickly brought May and Hanlin into the fold of folks who were starting to work on cemetery preservation efforts in earnest. “When Louise first showed me the archived cemetery records stored at the church, it was like rays from Heaven shone down, and I could hear angels singing,” May says. “I nearly lost my mind.”

May reached out to her friend Holly McGee, a historian and associate professor of Africana Studies at the University of Cincinnati, and connected her with Stevenson

and the little-team-that-could of cemetery champions. “Dr. McGee was critical in securing those grants,” says Stevenson.“I don’t know what we would have done without her.”

McGee started bringing her UC students out to the cemeteries on field trips, often on tours led by Hanlin, whose encyclopedic knowledge of the people buried in the two cemeteries is practically the stuff of lore now. The students then got involved with archival research of cemetery documents.

“The church has handwritten death certificates of people dating back to the 1860s, thousands of them,” says McGee.“It’s amazing what you can learn about American history, and particularly the Black lived experience of history, based on simple things like death certificates.”

McGee says she both loves and hates examining the records. “The Black church women who wrote these notes are the recorders of history, with their beautiful cursive writing,” she says. “The records show hard truths, too, like a coincidentally high number of death certificates for Black men aged 18 to 25 who died of ‘causes unknown’ or at the hands of an unknown party, or the cause of death is just left blank. You can see the plague of racism play out even in something as simple as these death certificates.”

One of McGee’s UC students, Rachel Powell, who is majoring in history and minoring in anthropology, is doing an internship with Union Baptist Church to help with genealogical research requests and coordinate with the Cincinnati and Hamilton County Public Library, which has started digitizing cemetery records. “I always had a love of history, but Dr. McGee is the one who really ignited that with her class,” says Powell.“I did a genealogy project for her, and I’m still working on it. I’m up to 900 people in my family tree, and about a month ago I found out that I’m related to George Washington. There are many amazing stories in these cemeteries, stories that need to be told. I want to help make that happen.”

PEOPLE’S SHARED PASSION FOR HISTORY and interest in their own family genealogy is a key connection point with the cemeteries, Stevenson says.“There’s a heightened interest in the country, from people of all races, to find out about their ancestors,” she says. “So we have to make this information available.”

Now, the Union Baptist Cemetery’s advisory board and a team at the public library is doing just that, at no cost to the church. “We started last summer and have scanned the cemetery logs and record books and the bound volumes,” says Clarity Amrein, the library’s community content coordinator. “We’ll eventually digitize all of the index cards, maps, plots, everything.”

The digital materials will then be easily available as part of the library’s searchable database. “People won’t need a library card or any special tool or key or password to access it,” says Amrein.“It’s all searchable from our website or directly from Google.”

Having those digital records available to the public will eventually ease the tedious work currently managed by Stevenson, Dillard, and the rest of the UBC cemetery team, who frequently field requests from people seeking a loved one who might be buried in either cemetery. It can be an exhaustive and sometimes devastating—or elating—process, says Gwen Hall, a church trustee who volunteers her time to help with the record searches. “I can feel the hurt in their voices when they call looking for a loved one’s grave site, or when they can’t find it,” she says. Sometimes people have incomplete or incorrect information, and sometimes, even though the person might be buried at either cemetery, their plot can’t be found or identified.

The happy stories are the ones like that of retired welder James I. Clark and his son, local librarian Gregory Knight, who can trace their family tree back to Thomas Jefferson through their ancestors buried in Union Baptist Cemetery, Peter and Sarah Fossett, both of whom were born into slavery. Peter grew up at the Monticello plantation and was emancipated in Jefferson’s will. Clark has Peter’s manumission papers, and Sarah’s as well—incredibly rare documents that served as legal evidence of a former enslaved person’s freedom. The Fossetts eventually moved to Cincinnati and married in 1854, and became members of Union Baptist Church and active abolitionists in the Underground Railroad.

Clark, 83, has a priceless cache of historical documents chronicling the Fossetts’ lives, some of which are now on display in a special exhibit at the Walnut Hills library branch. “I’m thankful that so many people

are concerned and trying to help my family legacy continue,” he says. “And I’m thankful that all Black people weren’t thrown away.”

There’s a lot of pain around these historic Black cemeteries, but Stevenson hopes to change those perceptions. “We want these cemeteries to be celebratory places, destinations that people want to come to, where they can learn about our ancestors,” she says. That perception shift is critically important for young people in our community, says Angelita Moreno Jones, a Union Foundation board member and former chair of the Union Baptist Church trustee board who remembers playing at United Colored American Cemetery when she was young and her father was the sexton there. “This isn’t just our history, this is American history,” she says. “I remember running around those hills. It’s full of memories for me.”

Jones says it’s vital that to preserve Black history in Cincinnati “to show that African Americans had a large voice in building our area, and our country. So many historical places get dilapidated, but it’s important that we keep them up and preserve this history. And it will take a lot of work.”

The work will continue as members of the Union Baptist Church dive into restoration and repair efforts at the United Colored American Cemetery, thanks to the National Park Service grant. The $750,000 award will cover three main jobs over the next three years: repair the cemetery’s receiving vault, the structure where bodies were kept in winter when burials were delayed until the ground thawed; repair the curvy, unpaved road that’s nearly overgrown by grass; and address primary landscaping issues and headstone restoration. The next step for the foundation will be to hire key professionals to help accomplish those tasks. It will be a long haul, everyone realizes, to achieve the collective dream to fully restore these historic places.

In the meantime, though, you can count on a handful of dedicated church ladies in their stuffy, wood-paneled room downtown. They’ll keep carefully tending to the precious treasury of cemetery records, where all of the stories—and the people who lived them—wait to be discovered again.

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a difference.

—BRANDON WUSKE

MOST DAYS, YOU’RE LIKELY TO FIND MAGgie Neumann of Maggie’s Marvelous Mini Cheesecakes in her Blue Ash kitchen, filling up a muffin tin with her creatively flavored mini cheesecakes—possibly triple berry, chocolate peanut butter, or her most popular flavor, key lime. “The key is to find a base recipe and give it your own spin,” she says. The 25-year-old baker works out of her home, in part because commercial kitchens rarely provide the accessibility she needs.

Neumann, who has spina bifida, uses a wheelchair to get around, which means just getting in the door of many commercial bakeries can be challenging. But her thriving bake-from-home business, which she runs with some help from her mom Michelle, allows her to pursue her lifelong passion.

“I always wanted to bake but never thought I could, so I forged my own path and figured out a way to do it,” she explains. This sentiment aligns with her motto, stated on her bakery’s website: “She believed she could, so she did.”

Maggie’s Marvelous Mini Cheesecakes started in 2020 with a baby shower for a former high school teacher and has steadily grown since. Weddings, showers, and fundraisers account for a lot of the business, but you can also find Neumann and her mini cheesecakes at local festivals and events.

She’s gotten so busy, in fact, that she now uses interns from Sycamore Community Schools’ post-high school transition program for students with disabilities to help fold boxes, crush graham crackers, do dishes, make whipped cream, and perform other essential tasks. A 2018 graduate of Sycamore High School, Neumann went through the

program herself. Now, she’s happy to be in a position to give back.

For Loveland’s Joel Wegener, Special Neat Treats has always been about giving back. Wegener, a fund-raiser by day, has two children with developmental delays. Looking for a way to provide onsite job training for his daughter Mary and son Josh, he connected with a family in Indiana who was selling an ice cream truck that they had operated with their special needs children. In 2021, Wegener bought the truck.

He hits the streets—often with one of his kids manning the window—every spring, selling frozen treats throughout Greater Cincinnati until the end of summer. Recently, Special Neat Treats showed up at a staff appreciation event at the Thomas A. Wildey School (a Clermont County school serving students with disabilities), firecracker popsicles and ice cream sandwiches in tow.

He recently purchased a second ice cream truck for his growing business. Wegener’s wife and one of his other daughters (he has 10 children total) occasionally help with the driving, so the second truck will allow them to hit even more neighborhoods and events.

And he doesn’t plan to give up driving anytime soon. Much like eating ice cream, driving the truck can be therapeutic. “When I view the world through the screen of my ice cream truck, I think, This is the world I want to see, not the world I see through my TV screen.”

Speaking of ice cream, if you’ve been to Graeter’s recently, you might have seen a package of dog treats from Brewhaus Bakery & Dog Bones. The business is the brainchild of Lisa Graham, who bakes out of a commercial kitchen in Mt. Washington. To make her dog treats, she uses spent grains—malted barley that has had its liquid removed to make beer—but still retains much of its nutrients. Brewhaus also employees and trains people with disabilities who are matched with the bakery through various local transitional programs.

2024 – 2025 SEASON

At first, Brewhaus worked with New Richmond High School’s transitional program, which Graham’s daughter Natalie completed. Now, the busy bakery works with dozens of local school districts, including Cincinnati Public Schools. On any given week, Brewhaus employs 13 paid part-time employees. As a nonprofit, all of Brewhaus’s sales support its job training program. The goal is not only for Brewhaus employees to learn valuable life and career skills, but to make a professional product they can be proud of.

The Point Arc of Northern Kentucky has a similar goal. The organization has been serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities since its founding in 1972. For vocational training, The Point Arc operates Point Perk Coffee in Covington and ZELS Pretzels.

ZELS hires employees with developmental disabilities to season and sell its pretzels, which are baked in Latonia. Here, in a truly collaborative effort, employees also help come up with new seasoning recipes. The most popular flavors right now are “spicy,” “cinnamon sugar,” and “bourbon.” This is Kentucky, after all.

Point Perk began as a restaurant and buffet but transitioned to a coffee shop a few years ago. After shutting down for some recent renovations, the newly reopened Point Perk sells Honduran coffee from United Grounds, chicken salad from Chicken Salad Chick, and pastries from Riverside Market. According to Leslie Vickers, Point Arc’s Vice President of Enterprises, employees at the coffee shop do everything from grinding beans to making coffee to working the register.

She tells a story of one employee who thought she could only wash windows and tables. “The other day when I walked into the coffee shop, she said, ‘ I’m so excited I could cry. I made my first cup of coffee today!’ ”

HUNGRY FOR MORE?

Much like Wegener’s ice cream truck, I suspect the view from behind the coffee counter is pretty good, too.

Maggie’s Marvelous Mini Cheesecakes, maggiesmarvelousminicheesecakes.com

Special Neat Treats, facebook.com/special-neat-treats Brewhaus Bakery & Dog Bones, brewhausdogbones.com

Point Perk Coffee Shop, thepointarc.org/point-perk-coffee-shop

book by Joseph McDonough music & lyrics by David Kisor

4 – 30

by Theresa Rebeck

Lindsay Joelle

by Jocelyn Bioh

by Adam Rapp

5 – 27

The New Old School

IT’S THE KIND OF PLACE YOUR GRANDPA WOULD REMINISCE OVER: A SMALL SHOP SELLing glass bottles of Coca-Cola and sandwiches wrapped in crisp white paper from behind a high counter. This is Young Buck Deli, and it crafts every experience from scratch. The delicatessen—operated by Brian and Caitlin Young of Top Chef fame—makes as much as possible in-house, including many of the condiments for the shop’s signature sandwiches. The sides, like Pop’s Pasta Salad and Dave’s Potato Salad, are also made fresh. What it can’t produce in its own kitchen gets sourced locally, and the overall quality sings.

Our favorite is the Jive (A$$) Turkey (with house-made fig jam, goat cheese schmear, and fennel à la Grecque), arriving on a slab of focaccia bursting with enough turkey for Thanksgiving dinner. Fluffy inside with a delicately chewy crust, the focaccia locks in the jam to limit sacrifices to the wrapping paper. While fig is the strongest flavor, it’s a love-match with the creamy goat cheese, and slivers of lightly pickled fennel add zip for contrast. The meat is tender and savory, bringing every bite texture and flavor. It’s a tall order the turkey serves with grace.

Hot tip: Get there early. Young Buck closes for the day if it sells out because all of the prep time for the ingredients. Lunch pulls a line out the door, so arrive before noon to snag your meal.

—M. LEIGH HOOD

THIS CHEF IS PASSIONATE about helping African Americans reclaim cultural legacy through the art of cooking.

When did you start Je Ne Sais Fuqua? In 2016. I had gone through first and second course in the Cincinnati COOKS program at the Freestore Foodbank and transferred those credits to Cincinnati State, where I attained my degree in culinary management. I completed a cohort with MORTAR and was one of the first scholarships through Findlay Kitchen. I was encouraged to apply for a teaching assistant position, which was a large step in the evolution of my business.

What’s your food philosophy? As an African American chef, I am convinced that food is part of our generational inheritance. The food we often pooh-pooh as “slavery food” is actually a prime example of how, as a culture, we not only made a way out of no way but used our ancestral knowledge to do so and thrive.

What does this look like in action? My focus is encouraging people to reclaim and celebrate the knowledge that has historically allowed us to overcome the challenges to our health and nutrition while creating a way to sustain our families and communities. Learning to cook your own food and teaching your generations gives you flexibility and options when grocery prices escalate.

– AIESHA D LITTLE

Young Buck Deli, 1332 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine, (513) 287-7867, youngbuckdeli.com

FYI Mona is currently teaching classes at Jungle Jim’s, La Soupe, and Artichoke OTR.

Read a longer interview with Mona at cincinnatmagazine.com

ALL HAIL THE KING

KING PIGEON IS where storytelling and mixology come together for the ultimate cocktail experience. The bar’s cute cartoon mascot takes you along on his adventures— the selections on the drink menu reflect his journey. If he’s just gone skiing, expect some warm options like Irish coffee. If he’s hanging out on the beach, you’ll see summer sippers like a daiquiri with aged rum. While the storybook structure and beyond-cute illustrations of a royal bird are fun, the real stars of the show are the drinks. The menu begins with a flavor matrix for the cocktails to help you decide if you want a drink that’s more sweet, sour, bitter, or umami. For those who like a fruity cocktail, Peardon My French (vodka, pear eau de vie, rhum agricole, lime, soda, and a thin slice of pear) is a light and refreshing option. If you want to try one of the more out-of-the-box drinks, go for the strong yet sweet PB&J (right) (peanut butter washed bourbon, raspberry jam syrup, lemon, and whey); it’s like a nutty Old Fashioned. There are also nonalcoholic cocktails available so nobody gets left out of the experience. With such a high level of conceptualization and interactivity, this is one of the most innovative bars in Cincinnati.

—CLAIRE LEFTON

King Pigeon, 2436 Gilbert Ave., Walnut Hills, (513) 221-3000, kingpigeoncinci.com

DINING GUIDE

CINCINNATI MAGAZINE’S dining guide is compiled by our editors as a service to our readers. The magazine accepts no advertising or other consideration in exchange for a restaurant listing. The editors may add or delete restaurants based on their judgment. Because of space limitations, all

of the guide’s restaurants may not be included. Many restaurants have changing seasonal menus; dishes listed here are examples of the type of cuisine available and may not be on the menu when you visit.

To update listings, e-mail: cmletters@cincinnati magazine.com

KEY: No checks unless specified.

AE American Express, DC Diners Club

DS Discover, MC MasterCard, V Visa

MCC Major credit cards: AE, MC, V

$ = Under $15

$$ = Up to $30

$$$ = Up to $49

$$$$ = $50 and up

CRITIC’S PICKS

BROWN DOG CAFÉ

If you haven’t had a plate of Shawn McCoy’s design set in front of you, it’s about time. Many of the menu’s dishes show his knack for the plate as a palette. A trio of grilled lamb T-bone, sirloin, and prawns in scampi butter is a standout. The eye for detail and contrasts of colors and textures belongs to someone who cares for food.

1000 Summit Place, Blue Ash, (513) 794-1610, browndogcafe.com. Lunch and dinner Mon–Sat, brunch Sat. MCC, DS. $$

THE EAGLE OTR

The revamped post office at 13th and Vine feels cozy but not claustrophobic, and it has distinguished itself with its stellar fried chicken. Even the white meat was pull-apart steamy, with just enough peppery batter to pack a piquant punch. Diners can order by the quarter, half, or whole bird—but whatever you do, don’t skimp on the sides. Bacon adds savory mystery to crisp corn, green beans, and edamame (not limas) in the succotash, and the crock of mac and cheese has the perfect proportion of sauce, noodles, and crumb topping. The Eagle OTR seems deceptively simple on the surface, but behind that simplicity is a secret recipe built on deep thought, skill, and love. 1342 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine, (513) 802-5007, eaglerestaurant.com. Lunch Fri–Sun, dinner Mon–Thurs. MCC. $

Top 10 IVORY HOUSE

The menu here generally doesn’t reinvent dishes or introduce outlandish flavors, but simply pays attention to enough little things to make the results unusually good. The Wagyu is served in cheeseburger form, but the exceptional tomme from Urban Stead gives it that extra something. The cocktails are things you’ve probably seen before, but everything—from the Death Valley Old Fashioned to the Queen City’s Bees Knees—had an extra dash of liveliness from a house-made element, like a rhubarb honey syrup or the raspberry shrub. Even when an ingredient

FRANKENPIZZA

Longtime Lang Thang Group partner Mike Dew is opening pizza joint/ neighborhood bar Wayfarer Tavern in Dayton, Kentucky, this summer. The restaurant will serve its signature part–East Coast, part–Detroit style hybrid pizza, which has been a hit with foodies during online pop-up sales since January. wayfarertavern.com

seems out of left field, like the burnt grapefruit hot sauce on the Hamachi, it never tastes as unusual as it sounds. The hot sauce is just a hint of sweet citrusy spice that melts into the grits—a softly intriguing element rather than a slap in the face.

2998 Harrison Ave., Westwood, (513) 389-0175, ivoryhousecincy.com. Dinner Tues–Sat, brunch Sun. MCC. $$$

SUGAR N’ SPICE

This Paddock Hills diner, with other locations in Over-the-Rhine and Blue Ash, has been dishing up wispy-thin pancakes and football-sized omelettes to Cincinnatians since FDR was signing new deals. Breakfast and lunch offerings mix old-hat classics like steak and eggs, corned beef hash, and basic burgers with funky iterations that draw on ethnic ingredients such as chorizo and tzatziki. Get here early if you don’t want to stand in line.

4381 Reading Rd., Paddock Hills, (513) 2423521; 1203 Sycamore St., Over-the-Rhine, (513) 762-0390; 10275 Summit Pkwy., Blue Ash, (513) 447-6453, eatsugarnspice.com. Breakfast and lunch seven days. MCC. $

SYMPHONY HOTEL & RESTAURANT

Tucked into a West 14th Street Italianate directly around the corner from Music Hall, this place feels like a private dinner club. There’s a preferred by-reservation policy. Check the website for the weekend’s five-course menu, a slate of “new American” dishes that changes monthly. You can see the reliance on local produce in the Greek lemon chicken soup. Salads are interesting without being busy, and the lemon lavender sorbet is served as the third-course palate cleanser with the five-course menu. Main courses of panseared rainbow trout, grass-fed strip steak, and a veggie burger hit all the right notes, and you can end with a sweet flourish if you choose the strawberry lavender shortcake.

210 W. 14th St., Over-the-Rhine, (513) 721-3353, symphonyhotel.com. Dinner Fri & Sat. $$

ELI’S BBQ

Elias Leisring started building his pulled pork reputation under canopies at Findlay Market and Fountain Square in 2011. Leisring’s proper little ’cue shack along the river serves up ribs that are

speaking-in-tongues good, some of the zazziest jalapeño cheese grits north of the Mason-Dixon line, and browned mashed potatoes that would make any short-order cook diner-proud. The small no-frills restaurant—packed cheek-by-jowl most nights—feels like it’s been there a lifetime, with customers dropping vinyl on the turntable, dogs romping in the side yard, and picnic tables crowded with diners. The hooch is bring-yourown, and the barbecue is bona fide.

3313 Riverside Dr., East End, (513) 533-1957; 133 West Elder St., Over-the-Rhine, (513) 5331957, ext. 2, elisbarbeque.com. Lunch and dinner seven days. MCC. $

KNOTTY PINE ON THE BAYOU

The Pine serves some of the best Louisiana homestyle food you’ll find this far north of New Orleans. Taste the fried catfish filets with their peppery crust, or the garlic sauteed shrimp with smoky greens on the side, and you’ll understand why it’s called soul food. Between March and June, it’s crawfish season. Get them boiled and heaped high on a platter or in a superb crawfish etouffee. But the rockin’ gumbo—a thick, murky brew of andouille sausage, chicken, and vegetables—serves the best roundhouse punch all year round. As soon as you inhale the bouquet and take that first bite, you realize why Cajun-style food is considered a high art form and a serious pleasure. And you’ll start planning your return trip.

6302 Licking Pke., Cold Spring, (859) 781-2200, theknottypineonthebayou.com. Dinner Tues–Sun. MCC, DS. $$

AMERASIA

A sense of energetic fun defines this tiny Chinese spot with a robust beer list. The glossy paper menu depicts Master Chef Rich Chu as a “Kung Food” master fighting the evil fast-food villain with dishes like “fly rice,” “Brocco-Lee,” and “Big Bird’s Nest.” Freshness rules. Potstickers, dumplings, and wontons are hand shaped. The Dragon’s Breath wontons will invade your dreams. Seasoned ground pork, onion, and cilantro meatballs are wrapped in egg dough, wok simmered, and topped with thick, spicy red pepper sauce and fresh cilantro. Noodles are clearly Chef Chu’s specialty, with zonxon

= Named a Best New Restaurant March 2024.

(a tangle of thin noodles, finely chopped pork, and mushrooms cloaked in spicy dark sauce and crowned with peanuts and cilantro) and Matt Chu’s Special (shaved rice noodles, fried chicken, and seasonal vegetables in gingery white sauce) topping the menu’s flavor charts.

521 Madison Ave., Covington, (859) 261-6121, kungfood.online. Lunch Mon–Fri, dinner Sat. MCC. $

ORIENTAL WOK

When Mike and Helen Wong opened Oriental Wok in 1977, the couple wanted to recreate the glamor and refinement of the Hong Kong-Cantonese cuisine they knew. Today, locals and expats alike enjoy authentic Chinese and Chinese-American dishes in dining rooms reminiscent of Beijing. Beyond the elephant tusk entryway and fish ponds and fountains is the warmth and hospitality of the Wong family, service on par with the finest establishments, and very, very good food. Best are the fresh fish: salmon, grouper and sea bass steamed, grilled or fried in a wok, needing little more than the ginger-green onion sauce that accompanies them. Oriental Wok is the tri-state’s longest-running family-owned Chinese restaurant for a reason.

317 Buttermilk Pke., Ft. Mitchell, (859) 331-3000; 2444 Madison Rd., Hyde Park, (513) 871-6888, orientalwok.com. Lunch Mon–Fri (Ft. Mitchell; buffet Sun 11–2:30), lunch Tues–Sat (Hyde Park), dinner Mon–Sat (Ft. Mitchell) dinner

Tues–Sun (Hyde Park). MCC. $$

UNCLE YIP’S

Long before sushi somehow un-disgusted itself to the Western World, China had houses of dim sum. Uncle Yip’s valiantly upholds that tradition in Evendale. This is a traditional dim sum house with all manner of exotic dumplings, including shark fin or beef tripe with ginger and onion. As for the seafood part of the restaurant’s full name, Uncle Yip has most everything the sea has to offer, from lobster to mussels. The menu has more than 160 items, so you’ll find a range of favorites, from moo goo gai pan to rock salt frog legs.

10736 Reading Rd., Evendale, (513) 733-8484, uncleyips.com. Lunch and dinner seven days. MCC, discount for cash. $$

Top10 ABIGAIL STREET

Most people who’ve eaten at Abigail Street have favorite dishes that they order every visit: the Moroccan spiced broccoli, for example, or the mussels charmoula, with its perfect balance of saffron, creaminess, and tomatoey acidity. Many of the new items on the menu have the same perfected feeling as these classics. Working within a loose framework of Middle Eastern and North African flavors, Abigail Street has never fallen into a routine that would sap its energy. Offerings like the woodgrilled lamb, with apricot, harissa, and pickled Persian cucumbers, feel just as accomplished as old favorites like the falafel, beautifully moist and crumbly with a bright parsley interior. The restaurant is always watching for what works and what will truly satisfy, ready to sacrifice the superficially interesting in favor of the essential.

1214 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine, (513) 4214040, abigailstreet.com. Dinner Tues–Sat. MCC, DS. $$

ALCOVE

Alcove lives up to its name, the embodiment of a green oasis at the corner of Vine and 14th streets. A lot of care goes into the space’s bright, floral design—it features more than 300 square feet of plantcovered “living walls,” which are pruned by their creator, Urban Blooms, on a weekly basis. Equal care and attention went goes into Alcove’s the seasonal farm-to-table menu. It’s an uncomplicated affair featuring exceptionalbut-approachable dishes. As one might expect from a restaurant where plants cover most of the walls, vegetables are done very well here. The simple, clean pear and fennel salad stands out as does a dish of roasted carrots served with oil and breadcrumbs. Like the produce, much of the meat is sourced from local and regional farms (for instance, the “Denver Cut” of steak— a lean cut, taken from the shoulder—comes from Sakura Farms in nearby Westerville, Ohio). Among other local vendors, Rich Life Farms, Urban Stead Cheese, and Eli Settler (a.k.a. “Eli the Farmer”) all contribute to Alcove’s menu. This is a restaurant that takes sustainability seriously, and sustainability has a funny way of going hand-in-hand with quality.

1410 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine, (513) 371-5700, madtree.com/locations/alcove-bar-restaurant. Brunch Fri–Sun, dinner seven days. MCC. $$

THE APERTURE

After several pandemic-related setbacks, Chef/Owner Jordan AnthonyBrown opened his Mediterranean-inspired restau-

JUDICIAL FOOD

The eastern European–focused restaurant Sudova (Ukrainian for “judicial”) opens on Court Street soon. Part of Sarah Dworak’s Selo Hospitality Group, the eatery “represents the next chapter in Sarah’s exploration of her family’s Ukrainian roots and her profound passion for Eastern European food and culture.”

sudovaoncourt.com

rant in Walnut Hills’s historic Paramount Square Building. And it was worth the wait. The restaurant’s seasonal menu draws on flavors from across the Mediterranean with subtle touches, like cultured butter and a smoky za’atar seasoning. The sublime charred carrots are served with Middle Eastern spice blends like dukkah and ras el hanout as well as mint and crumbles of lamb merguez sausage. Brined, poached, and cooked over coals, the carrots themselves eat like a tender smoked sausage. It’s a dish that perfectly encapsulates The Aperture’s commitment to serving substantial versions of traditionally lighter fare. For a restaurant so serious about food—and exceptional wines—it’s refreshing to see it doesn’t take itself too seriously. The original cocktails have offbeat names like #lemon and I’m Her, and the catchy playlist is heavy on old-school hip-hop. At heart, The Aperture is a neighborhood restaurant, albeit one that’s bound to bring people in from all over.

900 E. McMillan St., Walnut Hills, (513) 872-1970, theaperturecinci.com. Dinner Wed–Sat. MCC. $$

ATWOOD OYSTER HOUSE

While Atwood has done an excellent job of working closely with coastal purveyors to curate a focused but eclectic selection of oysters, the rest of its menu consists of southern coastal cuisine prepared with rigorous French technique. The wild-caught fish is as fresh and deliberately sourced as the eponymous oysters, a soft, nutty, perfectly blackened grouper perched atop a creamy parsnip pureée. The modern, clean-lined space, adorned with busts and oil paintings (curated with the help of neighborhood artist Alex Frank) matches the elegant food. It’s stately without being stuffy; it somehow feels both timeless and hip. Like everything else at Atwood, it’s the result of a delicate, highly successful balancing act.

1220 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine, (513) 246-4256, atwoodoysterhouse.com. Dinner Wed–Sun. MCC. $$

Top10

BOCA

With its grand staircase, chandelier, and floor-to-

ceiling draperies, Boca has an atmosphere of grandeur and refinement. There is a sense of drama not only in the decor but in everything it serves. In some dishes, there is a painterly sense of contrast and surprise, like the maple tuile served with the maple mascarpone cheesecake. In others, there is a dramatic suspense, like the whole egg yolk quivering in the center of the beef tartare waiting to be broken. While staying mostly grounded in the fundamentals of Italian and French cuisine, Boca has an air of international sophistication that sets its food apart. The hamachi crudo, an old standby on the menu, takes Japanese flavors and gives them new dimensions with grapefruit suprêmes and slivers of shishito pepper. This is food of extraordinary creativity and flair.

114 E. Sixth St., downtown, (513) 542-2022, bocacincinnati. com. Dinner Mon–Sat. MCC, DS. $$$

Top10 BOUQUET RESTAURANT

Normally diners aren’t pleased when a restaurant runs out of something. At Bouquet, though, surprise changes to the menu are simply a sign of integrity. Chef-owner Stephen Williams is serious about using seasonal ingredients, and if the figs have run out or there is no more chicken from a local farm, so be it. The flavors at Bouquet are about doing justice to what’s available. Preparations are unfussy, complexity coming from within the vegetables and proteins themselves. A spring salad—wonderfully fresh and vibrant, so you know the strawberries included have just come off a nearby vine—is dressed with candystriped beets, jerk-seasoned pepitas and whipped goat cheese. This determination to make something delicious out of what’s on hand, to embrace limitations, gives the food at Bouquet a rustic, soulful quality.

519 Main St., Covington, (859) 491-7777, bouquetbistro. com. Dinner Tues–Sat. MCC, DS. $$

FIVE ON VINE

The fifth venture from Anthony Sitek and wife Haley Nutter-Sitek’s Crown Restaurant Group,

Five on Vine achieves excitement through comfort food with meticulous attention to detail: the meat is butchered in-house, the bread and pasta are made from scratch, and the bacon is house-cured. House-butchered beef and house-made pasta come together beautifully in the pappardelle stroganoff, served with chunks of short rib that are as tender as the noodles themselves. Thick, cleanly acidic fried green tomatoes make an appearance, as does a bountiful cioppino, a tomato-based seafood stew created by Italian American fisherman in San Francisco. Some of the dishes are pulled straight from Sitek’s own childhood, in New Jersey. “Gracie’s Meatballs,” named in honor of his grandmother, use her unique blend of raisins and pine nuts. A love letter to the long-beloved dishes, the menu is an extended rebuttal against the tired argument that American food is bland and boring.

1324 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine, (513) 246-4301, fiveonvine. com. Dinner seven days. MCC. $$

THE GOVERNOR

This Milford restaurant playfully elevates diner classics. Breakfast is available all day so if you’re looking to greet the morning with decadence, try the Madame Rangoon, a thick slab of brioche toast smothered in crab whipped cream cheese and eggs. Sandwiches also get an inventive twist here. The “Governor Tso’s chicken”—a crispy fried chicken breast glazed with a General Tso’s–inspired sauce, topped with apricot slaw and served on a toasted brioche bun—is a gigantic, happy mess of a sandwich, but the sweet glaze faintly evokes the namesake “General” while letting the sublimely fried chicken lead the charge. Order a side of bowling alley fries and ask for the housemade red dip. (You’ll thank us later.)

231 Main St., Milford, (513) 239-8298, governordiner. com. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner Mon–Sun. Breakfast and lunch Sun. Brunch seven days. MCC. $

METROPOLE

Metropole has been remarkably stable since it opened in

Designed to engage, inspire, and enlighten our guests, The Summit Hotel promises a transformative journey from everyday to extraordinary. Guests will enjoy contemporary, colorful guestrooms that offer relaxed accommodations for both business and leisure guests alike. Extensive indoor and outdoor meeting space, including over 20,000 ft² rooftop terrace and gardens, provide a blank canvas open for any celebration. Inspiration awaits.

2012. Even when chefs have left, the organization has promoted from within, kept popular dishes on the menu, and maintained a certain vibe, a balance between sophistication and rustic-ity. Its vegetarian fare contains many of its most inventive and delightful creations. The seared salmon is served with miso wild rice, asparagus, pickled bok choy, and sesame seeds. The blistered shishitos, served with burrata and preserved lemon, encapsulates Metropole at its best: fun and whimsical, but rooted in careful execution of deep and satisfying flavors.

609 Walnut St., downtown, (513) 578-6660, metropoleonwalnut.com. Breakfast Wed–Fri, dinner seven days, brunch Sat & Sun. V, DS, MC, AMEX. $$

Top10

MITA’S

It’s fitting that chef Jose Salazar named this restaurant after his grandmother, because there is something deeply homey about the food at Mita’s. With a focus on Spanish and Latin-American tapas, it always feels, in the best possible way, like elevated home cooking. Its sophistication is modestly concealed. The flavors are bold and direct, whether the spicy freshness of the ceviche de camarones with passionfruit leche de tigre or the intensely bright sourness of the pozole verde. In dishes like the alcachofas y hongos, the chef hits every register: the acid of red espelette peppers to balance the earthy ramp-garlic hummus, the crunchy pistachios against the soft

sautéed mushrooms and artichoke hearts. But what mainly comes through is the warm-hearted affection a grandmother might have put into a meal for a beloved grandson. It’s the kind of big hug everyone needs from time to time.

501 Race St., downtown, (513) 421-6482, mitas. co. Dinner Mon–Sat. MCC. $$$

NOLIA

Chef/Owner Jeffery Harris, a New Orleans native, prepares the cuisine of his beloved city with sophistication and flair, drawing on all the influences that have contributed to the cuisine of the Big Easy—from West African to French to Japanese to Haitian. The menu changes seasonally, with almost a complete overhaul each time. If classic New Orleans dishes do show up on the menu, they’re likely to get delightfully unexpected touches. Take the duck and oyster gumbo. Harris deconstructs the typical stew, building on a base of popcorn rice, instead of the more typical long grain, and a decadent duck fat roux. It’s exquisitely prepared food served in a funky, laidback atmosphere.

1405 Clay St., Over-the-Rhine, (513) 384-3597, noliakitchen.com. Dinner Tues–Sat. MCC. $$

OPAL

Opal’s hip-ly minimal menu (many of the dishes have one syllable names like “Duck” or “Fish”) centers around the restaurant’s wood-fired, 88-inch grill. You can taste the grill’s handiwork on the c“Cauliflower” appetizer, which also comes with citrus supremes, fennel pollen (a potent and rather pricey spice), salsa brava (a smoky Mediterranean sauce, not to be confused with the ubiquitous Latin American salsa), feta, and almonds. For the duck, the kiss of flame locks in the juices while a medley of wheatberry hominy,

preserved cherry, and cane syrup gastrique (a sort of refined sweet-and-sour sauce made from caramelized sugar and vinegar) add the sweetness that one expects to flavor a good game bird. According to Owner Bill Whitlow, Opal’s menu started small as the team figured out which dishes worked best with its signature grill. The selections, like the restaurant, have continued to grow, so you can expect tweaks and seasonal changes to a menu this committed to fresh meat and produce.

535 Madison Ave., Covington, (859) 261-0629, opalrooftop.com. Dinner Tues–Sun. MCC. $$

SENATE

Ever since it began dishing out its lo-fi eats, Chef Dan Wright’s gastropub has been operating at a velocity few can match. From the howl and growl of supremely badass hot dogs to the palaterattling poutine, Senate has led the charge in changing the local conventional wisdom about what makes a great restaurant. Consumption of mussels charmoula means either ordering additional grilled bread to soak up every drop of the herby, saffron-laced broth or drinking the remainder straight from the bowl and perfectly crisped and seasoned fries inspire countless return visits.

1100 Summit Place Dr., Blue Ash, (513) 7690099, senateblueash.com. Lunch and dinner Tues–Sun. MC, V, DS. $

TASTE OF BELGIUM

Jean-François Flechet’s waffle empire grew from a back counter of Madison’s grocery at Findlay Market to multiple full-service sit-down spots. There’s more on the menu than the authentic Belgian treat, though it would be a crime to miss the chicken and waffles: a dense, yeasty waffle topped with a succulent buttermilk fried chicken

COMEBACK KID

Jose Salazar’s eponymous restaurant Salazar— which closed its Over-the-Rhine location at the end of last year—is getting another lease on life. The restaurant will reopen downtown by next spring in the old Saks Fifth Avenue space on Fifth Street. Salazar will continue to focus on fresh ingredients from local farmers and artisans, with an emphasis on seafood.

salazarcincinnati.com

breast, Frank’s hot sauce, and maple syrup. There are also frites, of course, and Brussels sprouts—served with pancetta and sherry vinaigrette—plus a gem of a Bolognese. And let’s not forget the beer. Six rotating taps offer some of the best the Belgians brew, not to mention those made in town. 1135 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine, (513) 396-5800, and other locations, authenticwaffle.com. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner Tues–Sun, breakfast and lunch Mon, brunch Sun. MCC. $

COLETTE

At his new “mostly French” restaurant Colette, which occupies the former Zula space across from Washington Park, Chef Danny Combs has built a more laidback home for his focused, pristine cooking. While there is classic bistro fare, like steak frites, on the concentrated menu, there are also less familiar but equally classic French dishes, like Brandade de Morue (a silky emulsion of whipped salt cod served with rustic bread) and the savory puff pastry known as Vol-au-Vent. One can turn to the extensive drink menu (also “mostly French”) to find a wine or cocktail to go with any dish on offer. Like Zula, Colette would function just fine as a wine and cocktail bar, though we can’t imagine coming to a place this good and not eating something.

1400 Race St., Over-the-Rhine, (513) 381-1018, coletteotr. com. Dinner Tues–Sat. MCC. $$

Top 10 LE BAR A BOEUF

If it’s been a couple of years since you’ve been to Le Bar a Boeuf—the late Jean-Robert de Cavel’s fun-yet-refined French bistro located on the first floor of the Edgecliff Private Residences in East Walnut Hills—it may be time for a revisit. The formerly burger-centric menu now approaches the full repertoire of bistro classics. The menu reads like a greatest hits list of bistro fare, with escargot, beef tartare, duck leg confit, steak frites, and French onion soup all making appearances. As France’s influence on American fine dining has waned, it’s refreshing to see a restaurant committed to not only preserving the French

classics but reinvigorating them.

2200 Victory Pkwy., East Walnut Hills, (513) 751-2333, lebarboeuf.com. Dinner Wed–Sat. MCC. $$

LUCA BISTRO

Luca Bistro opened in October 2022, but it feels like it has been around for decades. The unabashedly French restaurant, with its French posters, bright red outer paneling, and chalkboard menu proclaiming its specials to passersby, fits into its Mt. Adams environs so perfectly that it’s hard to imagine Hatch Street without it. That, combined with warm service, timeless French fare, and relaxed joie de vivre makes this a true neighborhood establishment. Chef Frederic Maniet grew up in the south of France and has done an excellent job transporting his native cuisine to a quiet corner of Cincinnati. These are the dishes that culinary Francophiles often crave, prepared in a straightforward, time-honored way. The Bouchées à la Reine, a buttery, flaky puff pastry filled with chicken, mushrooms, peas, Gruyèere cheese, and béchamel sauce, is so warm and comforting it makes chicken pot pie seem aloof by comparison. It’s a warm, gentle reminder that French food can be convivial and affordable.

934 Hatch St., Mt. Adams, (513) 621-5822, lucabistro.com. Breakfast and lunch Tues–Sun, dinner Tues–Sat. MCC. $$

A TAVOLA

In 2011, Jared Wayne opened A Tavola Pizza with two friends just as OTR was blowing up. A Ferrara pizza oven was ordered from Italy; Wayne, a skilled woodworker, built custom tables; and the menu was fleshed in with trendy crowdpleasers like charcuterie and craft cocktails. Fast-forward a decade. The OTR outpost is closed but the second location is still going strong in the ’burbs: A Tavola Madeira capitalizes on the menu from the Vine Street location, including the fresh and zesty artichoke pizza on a Neapolitan crust; gooey mozzarella-filled arancini, or risotto fritters; and the zucchini mozzarella. Wash down your small plates with a glass of crisp and grassy Sannio falanghina or an ice-cold Rhine-

geist. They’re definitely going to need a bigger parking lot. 7022 Miami Ave., Madeira, (513) 272-0192, atavolapizza. com. Lunch and dinner seven days. V, DC, MS, AMEX. $

AL-POSTO

Al-Posto is an upscale southern Italian spot that reflects the same commitment to quality ingredients and delicate preparation that made its predecessor Dear such a gem. Appetizers include classic sharables like marinated olives (prepared with orange zest, rosemary, and Calabrian chile), baretta with grilled focaccia, and coppa (a cured pork served with preserved peppers and almonds), but it’s the pasta (which can be ordered as an entrée or a first course) that’s not to be missed. We recommend the Cacio e Pepe, a seemingly simple dish comprised of bucatini (similar to spaghetti, but thicker), black pepper, and a sharp pecorino Toscano. Since you’re probably wondering, “Al-Posto” roughly translates to “at the spot.” Located in the middle of Hyde Park Square, this eatery seems poised to become the culinary focal point of the neighborhood.

2710 Erie Ave., Hyde Park, (513) 321-2710, al-posto.com. Dinner Tues–Sat. V, DC, MS, AMEX. $$

Top 10 NICOLA’S

Chef/Restaurateur Cristian Pietoso carries on the legacy of his father, Nicola, as the elder Pietoso’s Over-the-Rhine eatery celebrated 25 years in business in 2021. You can still get the old Italian classics, and they’ll be as good as ever, but the rest of the menu has blossomed into a freewheeling tour of modern American cuisine. Any establishment paying this level of attention to detail— from the candied slice of blood orange on the mascarpone cheesecake to the staff’s wine knowledge—is going to put out special meals. Rarely have humble insalate been so intricately delicious, between the perfectly nested ribbons of beets in the pickled beet salad or the balance of bitterness, funkiness, and creaminess in the endive and Gorgonzola salad. Order an old favorite, by all means,

Hatch ROAST Repeat

but make sure you try something new, too.

1420 Sycamore St., Pendleton, (513) 721-6200, nicolasotr. com. Dinner Mon–Sat. MCC, DC, DS. $$$

PEPP & DOLORES

As with all of Thunderdome’s restaurants, you get a sense that they want to deliver a meal that satisfies many different kinds of people. The prices are reasonable, with pasta entrées about $15. The dishes are familiar in their flavors, but everything feels balanced, modulated and gradually perfected. There is lovely variety: the limone pasta is zippy with lemon and chili flakes, and just the right mixture of tart and creamy; the deep meaty flavors on the mushroom toast are balanced with a nice acidity; and the heat in dishes like the eggplant involtini is just enough to wake up the sauce without overwhelming the flavor. The menu has a wealth of excellent vegetarian and pasta-alternative options.

1501 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine, (513) 419-1820, peppanddolores.com. Lunch Fri–Sun, dinner seven days. MCC. $$

Top 10 SOTTO

There are certain books and movies that you can read or watch over and over. Eating at Sotto is a similar experience: familiar, but so profound and satisfying that there is no reason to ever stop. Unlike other restaurants, where the techniques are often elaborate and unfamiliar, the magic at Sotto happens right in front of you, using ordinary elements and methods. When you taste the results, though, you realize that some mysterious transmutation has taken place. Orecchiette with rapini and pork sausage comes in a buttery, lightly starchy broth with a kick of spice that you could go on eating forever. From the texture of the chicken liver mousse to the seasonal fruit sauce on the panna cotta, most of the food has some added element of soulfulness. 118 E. Sixth St., downtown, (513) 977-6886, sottocincinnati. com. Dinner seven days. V, MC, DS, AMEX. $$

SUBITO

Focusing on Northern Italian cuisine, Subito carves out its own worthwhile place in the landscape. Most of the items on the menu—from pizza to various pastas—will be familiar, but there are delightful surprises, like the vegan torta di ceci. At the base of the dish is a light, flaky farinata—a griddled pancake made out of chickpea flour. Topped with pickled red onion, and covered with nectarine and toasted almonds, the whole dish is rounded out with a touch of tangy sweetness from a blackberry balsamic vinaigrette. Everything at Subito is done with intelligence and a light touch.

311 Pike St., downtown, (513) 621-4500, thelytleparkhotel. com/dining/subito. Breakfast and lunch Mon–Fri, dinner Mon–Sat, brunch Sat & Sun. MCC. $$

BARU

Baru, the sleek izakaya in the former MidiCi space, prioritizes bar dining, which is meant to be enjoyed alongside its eclectic drinks list. The menu is broken down into drinks, sushi, “small plates,” “plates,” sides, and ishiyaki. Start with clever cocktail offerings, like the Japanese Highball (which uses Japanese whiskey), the Sake-tini, or the sweetly spicy Wasabi Margarita. Sushi chef Samson Kim’s offerings are—like the rest of the menu—fun and funky. The sushi menu is varied, but concise, featuring a trio of ahi tuna, spicy tuna, and escolar, as well as a quail egg nigiri. If sushi got the party going, the theatrical ishiyaki kicked it into high gear. The term refers to dishes that diners grill tableside on a hot stone. We went with the Sakura Wagyu, sourced from Ohio’s own Sakura Farms. For all its convivial buzz, Baru is also a spot where solo diners can enjoy a few peaceful bar-side bites. The Crispy Rice Spicy Tuna from the small plates section brought the same level of freshness and quality as the rest of the menu. Sometimes it pays to dine alone.

595 Race St., downtown, (513) 246-0150, barusushi.com. Lunch Mon–Fri, dinner seven days. MCC. $$$

Top 10 KIKI

Kiki started as a pop-up at Northside Yacht Club, then leapt into brick-and-mortar life in College Hill.

Your best bet here is to share plates, or simply order too much, starting with the edamame, salted or tossed in tare, a savory dipping sauce. Add the karaage fried chicken, with the Jordy mayo and the pepe meshi, confit chicken on spaghetti and rice that somehow works. And, yes, the ramen, too. The shio features pork belly and tea-marinated soft-boiled egg, but the kimchi subs in tofu and its namesake cabbage for the meat.

5932 Hamilton Ave., College Hill, (513) 541-0381, kikicincinnati.com. Lunch Sun and dinner Wed–Sat. MCC. $

KYOTO

Owner Jason Shi seems to know everybody’s name as he chats up diners, guiding them through the extensive sushi and sashimi menu. Five young sushi chefs, all part of Shi’s family, work at light speed behind the bar, a choreography backlit by rows of gleaming liquor bottles. Dinner proceeds with glorious chaos as a feisty Carla Tortelli–like server delivers one dish after another—slivers of giant clam on ice in a super-sized martini glass, a volcanic tower of chopped fatty tuna hidden inside overlapping layers of thin avocado slices, smoky grilled New Zealand mussels drizzled with spicy mayo, and delicate slices of a samurai roll—all between shots of chilled sake.

12082 Montgomery Rd., Symmes Twp., (513) 583-8897, kyotousa.m988.com. Lunch and dinner seven days. MCC. $$

RIVERSIDE KOREAN RESTAURANT

Come for the jham bong—a seafood soup with flour noodles in a spicy broth with pork, shrimp, squid, mussels, and vegetables. Revered for its medicinal properties, the dinner-sized soup will leave your eyes glistening and your brow beaded with sweat. It’s a detox for your overindulgence, rejuvenation for when you’re feeling under the weather. Expect crowds on weekends. Expect too, that dozens of them have come for dolsot bibimbap, the hot stone pots filled with layers of rice, vegetables, meat or tofu, egg, and chili paste. Characterized by its electric color and addictive flavors, Riverside Korean’s version is a captivating bowl of heaven.

512 Madison Ave., Covington, (859) 291-1484, riversidekoreanrestaurant.com. Lunch Tues–Fri, dinner Tues–Sun. MCC, DS. $$

ANDY’S MEDITERRANEAN GRILLE

In this lively joint with a burnished summer lodge interior of wood and stone, even the food is unrestrained: rough-cut chunks of charbroiled beef tenderloin, big slices of onion and green pepper turned sweet and wet in the heat, skewers of marinated and charbroiled chicken perched on rice too generous for its plate. Co-owner Andy Hajjar mans his station at the end of the bar, smoking a hookah pipe that fills the air with the sweet smell of flavored tobacco, while the friendly but hurried staff hustles through.

906 Nassau St., Walnut Hills, (513) 281-9791, andyskabob. com. Lunch Mon–Sat, dinner seven days. MCC. $$

Top 10 PHOENICIAN TAVERNA

No matter how much restraint you go in with, meals at Phoenician Taverna quickly become feasts. There is just too much that’s good, and everything is meant to be shared. With fresh pita bread continuously arriving from the ovens, and a table of quickly multiplying meze (hummus, falafel, muhammara), there is a warmth and depth to the cooking that envelops you. With such traditional cuisine, you may think there isn’t much left to discover beyond simply executed classics prepared according to time-tested methods. But there are always new discoveries as the flavors mingle from plate to plate: the tabbouleh with the hummus, mixed with a touch of harissa, or the smoky baba ghanoush spooned onto falafel. Phoenician Taverna keeps taking these classics a little further.

7944 Mason Montgomery Rd., Mason, (513) 770-0027, phoeniciantaverna.com. Lunch Tues–Fri, dinner Tues–Sun. MCC. $$

HABAÑERO

It’s easy to find a cheap burrito place around a college campus, but you’d be hard-pressed to find one as consistently good as Habañero, with its flavors of Latin America and the Caribbean wrapped up in enormous packages. Fried tilapia, apricot-glazed chicken breast, hand-rubbed spiced flank steak, shredded pork tenderloin, or cinnamon-roasted squash are just some of the ingredients for Habañero’s

signature burritos. All salsas are made in-house, from the smoky tomato chipotle to the sweet-sounding mango jalapeño, which is hot enough to spark spontaneous combustion.

358 Ludlow Ave., Clifton, (513) 961-6800, habanerolatin. com. Lunch and dinner seven days. MCC, DC, DS. $

MAZUNTE

Mazunte runs a culinary full-court press, switching up specials to keep both regulars and staff engaged. Pork tamales arrive swaddled in a banana leaf, the shredded pork filling steeped in a sauce fiery with guajillo and ancho chilies yet foiled by the calming sweetness of raisins. The fried fish tacos are finished with a citrusy red and white cabbage slaw that complements the accompanying mango-habañero salsa. With this level of authentic yet fast-paced execution, a slightly greasy pozole can be easily forgiven. Don’t miss the Mexican Coke, the margaritas, or the non-alcoholic horchata.

5207 Madison Rd., Madisonville, (513) 785-0000, mazuntetacos.com. Lunch and dinner Mon–Sat, brunch Sun. MCC. $

NADA

The brains behind Boca deliver authentic, contemporary, high-quality Mexican fare downtown. You’ll find a concise menu, including tacos, salads and sides, large plates, and desserts. The Pork Al Pastor tacos, zesty with salsa verde and sweet with grilled pineapple, are definite crowd-pleasers. If you’re biased against Brussels sprouts, Nada just might convert you. The crispy sprouts, served with chipotle honey and candied ancho pepitas, are a deliciously intriguing starter.

600 Walnut St., downtown, (513) 721-6232, eatdrinknada.com. Lunch Mon–Fri, dinner seven days, brunch Sat & Sun. MCC, DS. $$

TAQUERIA MERCADO

On a Saturday night, Taqueria Mercado is a lively fiesta, with seemingly half of the local Hispanic community guzzling margaritas and cervezas or carrying out sacks of burritos and carnitas tacos—pork tenderized by a long simmer, its edges frizzled and crispy. The Mercado’s strip mall interior, splashed with a large, colorful mural, is equally energetic: the bustling semi-open kitchen; a busy counter that handles a constant stream of take-out orders; a clamorous, convivial chatter in Spanish and English. Try camarones a la plancha, 12 chubby grilled shrimp tangled with grilled onions (be sure to specify if you like your onions well done). The starchiness of the rice absorbs the caramelized onion juice, offset by the crunch of lettuce, buttery slices of avocado, and the cool-hot pico de gallo. A shrimp quesadilla paired with one of their cheap and potent margaritas is worth the drive alone.

6507 Dixie Hwy., Fairfield, (513) 942-4943; 100 E. Eighth St., downtown, (513) 381-0678, tmercadocincy.com. Lunch and dinner seven days. MCC, DS. $

ROSEWOOD SUSHI, THAI & SEAFOOD

Chanaka De Lanerolle sold Mt. Adams Fish House back in 2011, and Rosewood Sushi, Thai & Seafood is its reincarnation—and reinvention. Most of the menu tends toward fairly conservative takes on classics, like well-seasoned crab cakes and thick, creamy chowder full of seafood. The handful of ethnic experiments on the menu are among its most vibrant offerings, including a Mediterranean fish stew that takes inspiration from the North African coast. Tender, fluffy couscous soaks up a fiery but sweet tomato sauce that showcases chiles and peppercorns, golden raisins, and lovely firm cashews, and the stew itself is packed with mussels, shrimp, and chunks of fish.

3036 Madison Rd., Oakley, (513) 631-3474, oakleyfishhouse.com. Lunch Fri–Sun, dinner Tues–Sun. MCC. $$$

JEFF RUBY’S

Filled most nights with local scenesters and power brokers (and those who think they are), everything in this urban steakhouse is generous—from the portions to the expert service. White-jacketed waiters with floor-length aprons deliver twofisted martinis and mounds of greens dressed in thin vinaigrettes or thick, creamy emulsions. An occasional salmon or sea bass appears, and there’s a small but decent assortment of land fare. But most customers, even the willowy model types, inhale slabs of beef (dry aged USDA prime) like they’re dining in a crack house for carnivores. The best of these is

Jeff Ruby’s Cowboy, 22 ounces of 70-day dry-aged bone-in rib eye. This is steak tailor-made for movers and shakers.

505 Vine St., downtown, (513) 784-1200, jeffruby.com.

Dinner Mon–Sat. MCC, DC. $$$$

Top10 LOSANTI

A bit more upscale than its sister restaurant, Crown Republic Gastropub, Losanti is also more conservative in its offerings. Service is friendly and informal, and though the meal feels like a special occasion, prices and atmosphere are right for, say, a date, rather than a wedding anniversary. The filet mignon, rib eye, and New York strip are cut to order for each table (there are a few available weights for each). The steaks themselves are totally irreproachable, perfectly seasoned, cooked to precisely the right point. Losanti even makes the steakhouse sides a little special. Sweet and smoky caramelized onions are folded into the mashed potatoes, a nice dusting of truffles wakes up the mac and cheese, and the sweet corn is at least freshly cut off the cob and recalls elote with lime and chile.

1401 Race St., Over-the-Rhine, (513) 246-4213, losantiotr. com. Dinner seven days. MCC. $$$

THE PRECINCT

Top10

Part of the appeal of the Ruby restaurants is their ability to deliver deep, comfort-food satisfaction. And the steaks. The meat is tender with a rich mineral flavor, and the signature seasoning provided a nice crunch, not to mention blazing heat. The supporting cast is strong— the basket of warm Sixteen Bricks bread with a mushroom truffle butter, the addictive baked macaroni and cheese, the creamy garlic mashed potatoes, the crisp-tender asparagus with roasted garlic and lemon vinaigrette—and dinner ends on a sweet note with a piece of Ruby family recipe cheesecake. Neither cloyingly sweet nor overwhelmingly creamy, it’s a lovely slice of restraint.

311 Delta Ave., Columbia-Tusculum, (513) 321-5454, jeffruby.com/precinct. Dinner seven days. MCC. $$$$

GREEN PAPAYA

Inside this simple dining room, replete with soothing browns and greens and handsome, dark wood furniture, it takes time to sort through the many curries and chef’s specialties, not to mention the wide variety of sushi on the something-foreveryone menu. Have the staff—friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable—help you. When the food arrives, you’ll need only a deep inhale to know you made the right choice. The Green Papaya sushi rolls are as delicious as they look, with a manic swirl of spicy mayo and bits of crabstick and crispy tempura batter scattered atop the spicy tuna, mango, cream cheese, and shrimp tempura sushi—all rolled in a vivid green soybean wrap.

2942 Wasson Rd., Oakley, (513) 731-0107, greenpapayacincinnati.com. Lunch Mon–Sat, dinner seven days. MCC. $$

TEAK THAI

Owner Chanaka De Lanerolle has said that he decided to bring back Teak’s take on Thai food because of the renewed vibrancy in Over-the-Rhine, which he compared to the energy he felt in Mt. Adams during his time there. But for all of the hype around the restaurant’s re-emergence on the scene, it’s probably best to consider it a reimagining rather than a reopening. While long-time favorites show up on the menu, prepared by many of the same kitchen staff members from Mt. Adams, some adaptations have been made to better meet expectations of modern diners. Letting go of preconceived notions about Teak will serve you well. With a two-sided, standalone sushi menu and a wide variety of main plates ranging from small bites to signature dishes, you have plenty of room to craft your own dining experience.

1200 Race St., Over-the-Rhine, (513) 421-8325, teakotr.com.

Lunch and dinner Tues–Sun. MCC. $$

WILD GINGER

The ability to satisfy a deep desire for Vietnamese and Thai fusion cuisine is evident in Wild Ginger’s signature Hee Ma roll—a fortress of seaweed-wrapped rolls filled with shrimp

tempura, asparagus, avocado, and topped with red tuna, pulled crab stick, tempura flakes, a bit of masago, scallions, and of course, spicy mayo. It’s tasty, even though the sweet fried floodwall of tempura and spicy mayo overpowered the tuna completely. The spicy pad char entrée was a solid seven out of 10: broccoli, carrots, cabbage, succulent red bell peppers, green beans, and beef, accented with basil and lime leaves in a peppercorn-and-chili brown sauce.

3655 Edwards Rd., Hyde Park, (513) 533-9500, wildgingercincy.com. Lunch and dinner Mon–Sun. MCC, DS. $$

PHO LANG THANG

Owners Duy and Bao Nguyen and David Le have created a greatest hits playlist of Vietnamese cuisine: elegant, brothy pho made from poultry, beef, or vegan stocks poured over rice noodles and adrift with slices of onions, meats, or vegetables (the vegan pho chay is by far the most flavorful); fresh julienned vegetables, crunchy sprouts, and herbs served over vermicelli rice noodles (again, the vegan version, bun chay, is the standout); and bánh mì. Be sure to end with a cup of Vietnamese coffee, a devilish jolt of dark roast and sweetened condensed milk that should make canned energy drinks obsolete.

1828 Race St., Over-the-Rhine, (513) 376-9177, pholangthang.com. Lunch and dinner seven days. MCC, DS, DC. $

CINCINNATI MAGAZINE, (ISSN 0746-8 210), August 2024, Volume 57, Number 11. Published monthly ($19.95 for 12 issues annually) at 1818 Race St., Ste. 301, Cincinnati, OH 45202. (513) 421-4300. Copyright © 2024 by Cincinnati Magazine LLC, a subsidiary of Hour Media Group, 5750 New King Dr., Ste. 100, Troy, MI 48098. All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or reprinted without permission. Unsolicited manuscripts, photographs, and artwork should be accompanied by SASE for return. The magazine cannot be held responsible for loss. For subscription orders, address changes or renewals, write to CINCINNATI MAGAZINE, 1965 E. Avis Dr., Madison Heights, MI 48071, or call 1-866-660-6247. Periodicals postage paid at Cincinnati, Ohio, and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Please send forms 3579 to CINCINNATI MAGAZINE, 1965 E. Avis Dr., Madison Heights, MI 48071. If the Postal Service alerts us that your magazine is undeliverable, we have no further obligation unless we receive a corrected address within one year.

All Aboard to NetZero

LONGTIME CINCINNATI ZOO VISITORS MAY HAVE NOTICED A LACK OF SUFFOCATING DIESEL smoke in the air in the last couple of years. This is thanks to the new and improved Safari Train: In a combined effort to rejuvenate the locomotive and reduce emissions, the original gas-powered vehicle was replaced with an electric one. In accordance with the zoo’s NetZero goal (to achieve net zero energy, waste, and water status), the Safari Train is powered completely by the solar panels in the parking lot. “By getting the new train, we’ve reduced our carbon dioxide emissions by 15 metric tons per year,” says Cincinnati Zoo Sustainability Manager Megan O’Keefe. “That’s the equivalent of driving 40,000 miles.” In addition to reducing emissions, the electric train reduces cost—the zoo now saves around $35,000 every year on fuel and maintenance. If you want to take a spin on the new Safari Train, tickets are $5. —CLAIRE LEFTON

OXFORD, OHIO — home to Miami University — is a legendary college town that’s consistently ranked among the top 5 best in America. Discover the red-brick streets of Uptown for yourself, just north of Cincinnati.