Explore what Cincinnati's known for around the world...or maybe just in Ohio.
See Hughes High School: Clifton. This old, stunning piece of Tudor architecture has been in use since December, 1910. It's named after Thomas Hughes, who left his estate to Cincinnati for children's education.
Visit the William Howard Taft Home: 2038 Auburn Ave., Mt. Auburn. The birthplace of William Howard Taft (the 27th President) is run by the National Park Service and open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. It's a 150-year-old house with tiny exhibits about the man and his political legacy. (513) 684-3262.
Watch the St. Patrick's Day Parade: downtown. The parade is one of the largest St. Patrick Parades in the United States and is entering its 35th year. "The Parade never cancels," writes one 'Simply Cincy' reader. "They march in the sun, rain and yes even snow."
Stay at the Cincinnatian: 601 Vine St., downtown. The Cincinnatian is one of the most expensive hotels in the city, but it's also one of the most luxurious. Lots of extras and close to many downtown attractions. (513) 381-3000.
Visit the Butterfly Show: Krohn Conservatory, Eden Park. Each May, the Krohn Conservatory hosts one of its most popular shows: its annual Butterfly Show. It's an interactive piece, since the winged creatures aren't caged, but fly freely. More about last year's Butterfly Show. (513) 352-4086.
Walk along Newport's East Historic Row district: Newport, Ky. Once an affluent neighborhood with the most stylish homes and clientele, Newport's East Historic Row district features craftsmanship and incredible architectural displays. All buildings in the area are on the National Register of Historic Places.
Star gaze at the Wolff Planetarium: Burnet Woods, Clifton. The second and fourth Fridays and Sundays of every month feature special guided tours of the stars by park naturalists. It's the oldest planetarium west of the Alleghenies, too. More about the Wolff Planetarium.
Walk/talk with the animals at the Cincinnati Zoo: By popular demand, the Zoo makes its "Simply Cincy" appearance today. One reader says the Zoo is "just as much a part of identifying Cincinnati to the world as Skyline Chili,
the Reds, Bengals, and Fountain Square." More about the Cincinnati Zoo
Visit the Taft Museum: 316 Pike St., downtown. This historic house holds an impressive collection of European paintings, Chinese porcelains and more art. Free on Wednesdays. (513) 241-0343. (Learn more about the museum.)
Observe at Lunken Airport: 262 Wilmer Ave., Columbia-Tusculum. This small, Art Deco airport has plenty of spots to sit, relax and watch the planes take-off and land. It's quiet and quaint, but it might not be so for long, since whispers of expansion are getting louder. Try the Sky Galley for lunch or dinner, too.
Shop Jungle Jim's: - 5440 Dixie Hwy., Fairfield - Jungle Jim's stocks food and drink from around and world--it's the Kings Island of grocery stores. 829-1919.
Eat/stay at the Golden Lamb - 27 South Broadway, Lebanon - This historic locale is the oldest inn and restaurant in Ohio. Interesting collection of Shaker antiques, too. 932-5065.
Read in the Mercantile Library - 414 Walnut St., downtown, 11th floor - Cincinnati's oldest library serves as a retreat for stressed downtown workers. It used to be a secret, but it's enjoying somewhat of a Renaissance lately. 621-0717.
Visit an Observatory - I'm not sure if this reader meant the planetarium in the old Natural History Museum (is it still open?) or the Mt. Lookout Observatory (3489 Observatory Place; 321-5186). Regardless, "As a child and as an adult with children, doesn't every true Cincinnatian enjoy that place?" he asks.
Visit the Loveland Castle - 12025 Shore Dr., Loveland, OH - This Medieval-style castle/museum captures the interest of both tourists and locals. Turns into a haunted house in October. $1 admission. 513-683-4686.
Swim at Sunlite Pool - 6201 Kellogg Ave. - Touted as the "world's largest re-circulating pool," this Coney Island institution is perfect on a sticky summer day.
See the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption - 1140 Madison at 12th St., Covington, KY - It's the world's largest stained glass window and an incredible piece of architecture and art.
Stroll around Mt. Adams - one neighborhood north of downtown - One of Cincinnati's hip and historical neighborhoods, Mt. Adams offers art festivals, wine tastings, restaurants, shopping and amazing views. Parking is sometimes a pain, though.
Visit the Miami University campus - Oxford, OH - Located about forty miles northwest of Cincinnati, Miami's campus is one of the prettiest in the country. Brick buildings, academic architecture, trees, grassy knolls....
Go to Findlay Market - Race and Elder, downtown - This recently renovated open-air market (open since 1852) has all kinds of fresh vegetables, meats, fruits, ethnic foods, sausage, cheeses, etc.
See the observation deck on top of Carew Tower - 441 Vine St., downtown - The tallest building in Cincinnati (built in 1930) provides an incredible view of the Tri-State. Open daily and only $2. 241-3888.
Anderson Ferry- 4030 W. River Rd., Boone County, Ky. This old ferry transports cars and drivers from Delhi to Erlanger, KY (and vice versa). According to a reader, an important part of the trip is to "go west on Route 8 and pick apples and a pumpkin." Ferry loads every 15 minutes; $3/car. 485-9210.
Walk across a bridge - downtown - For perspective, walk across one of the bridges connecting Ohio and Kentucky. The Ohio River is bigger than you think.
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