WHY WE
WHAT’S NOT TO LOVE ABOUT THE QUEEN CITY? It’s an eclectic and exciting metropolis that continues to blossom and expand into the 21st century. Our love of history, arts, festivals, sports and nostalgia is unlike any place in the country. Our one-of-a-kind town has many facets, but it’s the people who live here that make it truly special. With help from the community and our readers, we’ve created an unseen list of the Cincinnati experience. We hope you enjoy our combined sampling of what Cincy has to offer. Compiled by the Editors and Readers
Enrique Arana @SpinninDJE
Born and raised in LA.. There is no other place like home here in CINCY #lovecincy #reds
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We asked our Twitter and Instagram followers why they #LoveCincy. We loved the responses, but we want MORE! Keep the images and tweets coming!
Photo submitted by Dave Schmidt - @cincygram See more reader photos on page 43
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Kelley Curley Columbia Tusculum
“The best part of Cincinnati is definitely all the locallyowned restaurants and breweries.� w w w.
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OTR The turn of the 20th century saw some booming times in Over-the-Rhine. With a wave of German immigrants, which brought an imbibing spirit to the Queen City, nearly 40,000 people called the neighborhood home. The “thirsty” new Americans created an epicenter of brewing that rivaled similar operations in the United States. While there are still bars in the district, the number pales in comparison to yesteryear. The neighborhood, once a symbol of urban decay, has seen a rebirth in its roots. While there are a number of establishments, beer is a backdrop to an area that features historical architecture unlike anywhere in the United States. It’s the perfect area to see the new Cincinnati, while getting a glimpse of our past.
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Brent Willing Madeira
“It [the city] is becoming a lot more upbeat. Our new location for Holtman’s Donuts on Vine Street in Over The Rhine is really upbeat.” MICHAEL JC WOOTEN
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Latoya Grayson Colerain
BEER WITHOUT BEER There’s nothing like nostalgia and The Root Beer Stand in Sharonville is the quintessential location for a 1950s drive-in vibe. Since opening in 1957, it has served teenagers, grandparents and families alike. The long bar, swivel stools and vintage menus are a timeless reminder of how the restaurant has remained a staple in the community. If the Cincy humidity is too much to bear this summer, stop in to “the stand” and grab a frothy root beer in an ice-cold mug. They might even drop two scoops of vanilla ice cream if you ask nicely.
“I love the way they reconstructed Washington Park. Now it’s a community where kids can come and hang out.”
DONAUSCHWABEN If you’re not wearing lederhosen or a dirndl, you may feel left out at this festival. Authenticity is what makes the Donauschwaben Oktoberfest in Colerain Township unlike any other in the Tristate. The three-day, family-friendly event is the first weekend of October and is the only Oktoberfest festival in October (it also coincides with the original Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany). Enjoy bratwursts, sauerkraut and imported beers from the Fatherland. It’s the real German deal.
Price Hill Will @PriceHillWill
#loveCincy for all the different styles of the different neighborhoods, the wonderful parks, and all the affordable arts! w w w.
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CUT IN THE HILL Hundreds of thousands of commuters see it every day, but nothing says welcome to the Buckeye State like driving into Ohio from Northern Kentucky on Interstate 75. It’s a view that captures the physical beauty of the Queen City, especially at night. But don’t let the beauty of the drive distract you. The steep descent into the Ohio valley has made the 1.3-mile stretch one of the most deadly highways in Kentucky. You’re seven times more likely to get in an accident on this roadway than on any other road in the Commonwealth. So keep your eyes on the road!
Photo submitted by Katie Best - @laurakatiebest
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Big Dave, B105 Fort Mitchell
“My favorite part of Cincinnati is when your’e driving in on Cut in the Hill and the city jumps out at you.”
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Shepard Fairey’s “Hope” poster of President Barack Obama is recognized around the world, but this world-famous artist has some notable work scattered throughout Cincy. In 2010, the South Carolina-born artist created some guerilla-style street art on building facades in Northern Kentucky, Over-the-Rhine, Oakley and Northside. Fairey created 19 murals, some of which were painted over because of the controversial nature of his art. Nonetheless, the art that still stands is a symbol of Cincy’s contemporary art scene.
BELLS St. Francis de Sales, situated in the center of Walnut Hills, the Church’s bell tower is a cornerstone of the community and the city. The 230foot high stone steeple can be spotted from a few miles away, but what’s inside the tower is even more impressive. The tower houses “Big Joe,” the 35,000-pound bell, the largest in the United States. The 7-foot tall bell is nine feet in diameter and received its name from a donor of the project, Joseph T. Buddeke. The bell was intended to replicate Big Ben’s bell in London. Unfortunately, the Cincinnati bell was so large that its thunderous sound was reportedly heard up to 15 miles away. It’s said that the ringing of “Big Joe” was so loud and terrifying that it rang only once. The bell is still in the tower, but it’s a lot quieter now and only rings twice a day using a small hammer.
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ANDERSON FERRY There’s nothing more aggravating for westsiders than driving 30 miles and fighting through traffic when your destination is nearby but across the Ohio River. Since 1817, the Anderson Ferry has cured some of those ails. Long before vehicles and bridges helped Kentuckians and Ohioans cross the river, ferries played a pivotal role in business and commerce. While some might see it as a relic, the Anderson Ferry still operates every day (except Christmas), depending on the weather. It’s especially convenient because of its proximity to CVG Airport. The savings in time is reason enough to take the Ferry, but you can also appreciate the natural beauty of the Ohio River with this majestic boat ride.
Alex Peppers @alex_peppers
LOVELAND CASTLE Experiencing Medieval Europe in Southwest Ohio isn’t exactly easy, but seeing what a medieval castle looked like is. The Loveland Castle, or Chateau Laroche, is a popular destination for field trips and curious observers. It’s a peculiar structure considering when it was built. It’s not in Germany, England or France, but the castle, which was built by one man, draws crowds for its mystique and Old World architecture. Harry Andrews, the brainchild and creator of the fortress, made each castle brick by hand. This dedication to create something for thousands of people to enjoy is distinctly Cincinnati.
I love Cincy because of the unique neighborhoods, wonderful history, rolling hills, and great positive momentum #loveCincy w w w.
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THE REGGAE RUN: WE BE RUNNIN’ It started off as an event to honor a local woman and her love for reggae, but Reggae Run has turned into more. The marathon and music festival, which started in 1994 to pay homage to Maria Olberding – a Cincinnati native who was slain while running – is a 5K run/walk, followed by an evening of festivities and reggae music. The party includes more than 30 food and drink booths, reggae and a communal atmosphere that sums up Cincinnati. Since its inception, the Reggae Run has raised more than $1 million for nonprofit organizations that help children in Greater Cincinnati. Organizers only expected a few hundred participants in its first year, but the Run has blossomed to nearly 6,000 people every year. Maria would be proud.
Dr. O’dell Owens Cincinnati State President
“I love Cincy because whenever a child cries at night from a lack of food, attention, love or neglect, there’s someone in Cincinnati who will step up and wipe their eyes.”
THE CROSSTOWN CLASSIC On
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After the city’s annual “basketbrawl” between the University of Cincinnati and Xavier University men’s teams got out of hand a few years ago, officials rebranded it the Crosstown Classic and moved it to the neutral U.S. Bank Arena downtown. The annual showdown, which began in 1928 when UC helped Xavier dedicate Schmidt Fieldhouse, is still one of the nation’s fiercest basketball rivalries between universities just five miles apart. This year’s Classic tips off Dec. 14.
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CINCY TASTES More than 100,000 people converge on Blue A sh Towne Square during the last weekend in August for the annual Taste of Blue Ash. The festival offers a variety of cuisines that tantalize any taste bud. While the event is centered on local food, the entertainment is second to none. This year’s acts feature the Pointer Sisters, Rodney Atkins and Kenny Loggins. There’s also an array of rides, games and fun for any family looking to get the best in local Cincy cuisine.
READER INSTAGRAM We asked you to Instagram your favorite Cincinnati scenes to us and there were just so many amazing choices. Here are just a few.
Taylor Lacey - @queencityscenes
Maria Dehne - @ig_md34
Chris Granger - @chrisgranger23
Amber Scheve - @livelaughluvmeow
MIDPOINT MUSIC FESTIVAL You won’t see any multiplatinum acts at this three-day concert, but that doesn’t mean the bands performing won’t make it big. From Sept. 26 to Sept. 28, emerging artists from around the region will take to stages in Over-the-Rhine and downtown Cincinnati for the 11th annual MidPoint Music Festival. See some of the best artists and bands from the Queen City at this local music festival. So if you like to boast at parties about seeing a band perform before they hit it big, this is your chance.
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OPENING DAY It’s a moveable fest on the calendar, but Opening Day is a day like no other in Major League baseball. With plenty of beer, brats and baseball it’s the city’s unofficial holiday when businesses close early, students skip class and thousands line Race Street to watch the hometown Findley Market Parade. The merchants have been a feature of the parade since 1920, but the parade itself was a regular part of Opening Day from the 1890s, according to Reds historian Greg Rhodes, when it was used to hype the start of the baseball season.
WATCHING THE CYCLONES SPEND TIME IN THE PENALTY BOX The Cincinnati Cyclones, an affiliate of the NHL’s Florida Panthers and Nashville Predators, trace their roots to 1990 when a Knoxville businessman brought professional hockey back to the Queen City. Since then, the team has gone through several iterations and minor hockey leagues. But the team is still a mainstay among hockey-loving Cincinnatians. Their tenacious spirit, and penalty box visits, endears them to fans. The Cyclones open their 2013-2014 season at U.S. Bank Arena against the Wheeling Nailers on Oct. 19 at 7:30 p.m. The game is preceded by the Power Play 5K Run/Walk to benefit Pink Ribbon Girls.
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WHO DEY TAILGATING Whether it’s from the back of an SUV with a cooler or a fully tricked-out bus with black and orange stripes, tailgating before a Bengals football game is a true Cincinnati experience. There’s the camaraderie of cornhole and beer, tossing a Nerf football and beer, your favorite Cincinnati chili recipe and beer, or pre-game face painting and beer. Did we mention beer? The stadium and county-owned parking lots around Paul Brown Stadium don’t open until four hours before kickoff. But several private lots, among them the popular Longworth Hall lot, open much earlier.
TONY BAILEY
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Kristine Sheltrown Hyde Park
“I love the dedicated sports fans. Cincinnati fans are some of the most passionate fans in the country.”