5 minute read
Haunts On The Ohio River
By Sarah Miller, Freelance Writer
Listen to the rapids of the Ohio River, they have stories to tell. For years, these currents carried steamboats and provided a link between the North and the South (Cincinnati, Ohio and Newport, Kentucky). In the 1920’s, Newport was a known hangout for mobsters. From their storied history to today, visitors can now find family-friendly attractions like the Newport Aquarium and the Purple People Bridge which links the two cities. Fall is the ideal time to visit for a bounty of Halloween and harvest happenings.
Old Haunt, Be Our Guest!
Time to check into an old haunt, Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza. In the heart of downtown, this French Art Deco designed grand dame is elegant with rare Brazilian rosewood, marble, custom fixtures, and a Hall of Mirrors. Critics heralded the Netherland Plaza’s opening in 1931 saying it “challenged the splendor of King Solomon’s Temple.” Today it’s a National HIstoric Landmark and is just steps from Fountain Square and the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center.
All great old haunts have stories, and the plaza is riddled with colorful tales. The Lady in Green is said to haunt the halls looking for her husband, a hotel construction worker, who was killed during the hotel’s construction and was never found. Sir Winston Churchill, Bing Crosby, and Elvis Presly have all been guests at the plaza. Other famous guests include George H. Bush, Celine Dion, The Radio City Rockettes, and a host of other prominent people who visit the Queen City.
Brave the Bridge: Cincy to Newport, KY Walk from Ohio into Kentucky on the Purple People Bridge which spans 2,670 feet over the Ohio River. The bridge is the longest connecting bridge of its kind in the country, and has been linking the states since 1872. Named for its purple color and pedestrian-only use, the Purple People Bridge is a must-do for your fall fun lists on the Ohio River.
Newport on the Levee Sharks, Schnitzel, and Floating Pumpkins–Oh, My!
Cincinnati, the Queen City, boasts a booming scene, but Cincy’s Southern cousin is worth the walk or short drive for happening new haunts and harvest fun. Newport on the Levee is a family-friendly tourist area on the Ohio River packed with restaurants, attractions, and hotels.
First stop: The Newport Aquarium, an aqua-filled wonderland, is teeming with thousands of animals in a million gallons of water. This immersive aquarium allows you to get up close to jellyfish, manta rays, and even walk over sharks. Shark Bridge–a 75-foot suspended rope bridge dangles over a tank filled with sharks, rays, and fish.
Sharks might stir up enough Halloween fun, but Newport Aquarium’s new treat this year is the Underwater Pumpkin Glow. Watch divers plunge underwater to carve pumpkins. Listen to eerie music accompanied by glowing lights, all intermixed with real pumpkins. Pumpkins will take on larger than life personas as octopus that will double as an artificial reef. Spy fish zig through the underwater pumpkin patch, an eerily cool Halloween sight.
Second Stop: Walk to the nearby Hofbräuhaus Newport on the river where the food and atmosphere screams fall. Hofbräuhaus Newport claims to be America’s first authentic Hofbräuhaus, a tribute to the iconic 400+ year-old Hofbräuhaus in Munich, Germany. Oktoberfest beers, live music, and German comfort foods warm a soul on a crisp day. Order a huge, soft Hofbräuhaus Pretzel and dunk in Bier Cheese. Sit on long wooden tables and soak in the aroma
of dishes like Bauern Schnitzel, mingled with brats and spaetzle. Or, try vegetarian offerings and gluten-free options.Save room for fall desserts like Apfel Strudel, a traditional German apple strudel imported from Bavaria topped with vanilla and raspberry sauces.
Walk off your celebratory German meal around Newport on the Levee. Stroll along the river, browse unique stores, and look out for the famous paddle boats. Catch a movie or go bowling to wind down the day.
Third Stop: Head back to the hotel to appreciate Fountain Square, a bubbling oasis in Cincinnati’s city center since 1871. Dine at a classic Cincy restaurant like Graeter’s Ice Cream, Via Vite, and Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse. The square is the place where live music and festivities happen.
Plan Ahead for These Tricks and Treats:
Looking for a bit of history to pair with your hauntingly cool vacation? Reserve a cruise on the Ohio River with BB Riverboats. They offer fall sightseeing cruises and a murder mystery cruise with a Harry Potter theme.
American Legacy Tours tells the stories of the old Newport, Kentucky, one of gangsters and raucous gambling. Choose from the Newport Gangster Tour or the Newport is Haunted Tour to add mystery and history into your extended weekend. Other tours include a walk through the Queen City’s Underground Railroad and the Hidden Caverns Tour.
Newport Aquarium’s Underwater Pumpkin GLOW will take place from September 16 to November 3, 2024. This inaugural event will take place every day from open to close and is included with General Admission or Membership.
