Cincinnati is a city with a rich history and an exciting future. As one of the oldest cities in the Midwest, Cincinnati has several historic neighborhoods and landmarks that offer a glimpse into the past. At the same time, the city has undergone significant redevelopment in recent years and is home to modern attractions and a thriving arts scene. Cincinnati’s ability to blend old and new makes it a unique destination for visitors and residents alike.
A Historic River City
Cincinnati’s location on the banks of the Ohio River fueled its growth in the 19th century. Many immigrants passed through Cincinnati on their way west, leading to the city’s nickname “Gateway to the West.” As a booming river town, Cincinnati became an industrial and economic hub, with businesses focused on pork processing, leather tanning, and garment manufacturing.
Several remnants of Cincinnati’s river town days still exist. The purple-blue Roebling Suspension Bridge, connecting Cincinnati to Covington, Kentucky, was the prototype for the famous Brooklyn Bridge in New York. Riverboat cruises offer scenic views of the city from the Ohio River. At the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, exhibits tell the story of slaves crossing the Ohio River to freedom.
Preserving the Past
From the late 19th century to the early 20th century, wealthy Cincinnatians built elaborate homes filled with ornate architectural details. Several historic neighborhoods showcase these urban mansions.
In Mt. Adams, the narrow, winding streets provide glimpses of river views and beautiful period homes. Grab a bite to eat at one of the neighborhood’s many restaurants and bars after exploring its galleries and specialty shops.
Adjacent to downtown, Over-the-Rhine contains the largest collection of Italianate architecture in the country. Find19th century Saloons, churches, and breweries along its quiet, brick-lined streets. Today, the neighborhood is one of the trendiest areas in Cincinnati with boutique shops, coffee houses, and cocktail bars.
Other noteworthy historic neighborhoods include Columbia Tusculum, East Walnut Hills, and Mt. Auburn. Excellent examples of Greek Revival, Italianate, and Queen Anne style homes can be found across the city. Be sure to check out the American Sign Museum for a retro blast from the past.
Arts & Entertainment
While embracing its past, Cincinnati also hosts modern attractions that rival those in larger cities. Cincinnati’s arts and entertainment scenes are undergoing an urban renaissance.
Professional Sports
Cincinnati fans are devoted to their professional sports teams. The Reds, the oldest continually operating baseball franchise, play in the Great American Ball Park downtown. Root for the Bengals NFL football team at Paul Brown Stadium or head across the river to Kentucky to cheer on the Cyclones minor league hockey team.
Can’t choose between the Reds or Bengals? Check out the new FC Cincinnati soccer team. FC Cincinnati games have broken attendance records, showing the city’s passion for sports.
Theater & Music
Downtown’s historic Over-the-Rhine neighborhood provides an eclectic mix of arts and entertainment. Contemporary galleries like the Weston Art Gallery sit alongside vintage concert halls. Music Hall, home of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and Cincinnati Opera, recently underwent a major restoration. Nearby Memorial Hall features Broadway touring shows.
Smaller music venues and theaters create an intimate, lively atmosphere. Catch live blues and jazz at the canceled Arnold’s Bar & Grill or MOTR Pub. Know Theatre of Cincinnati and Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati offer innovative and provocative theater productions.
Family-Friendly Attractions
Cincinnati’s modern attractions entertain visitors of all ages. The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is one of the nation’s oldest and most well-regarded zoos. It’s also home to the iconic Fiona the hippo. Ride the antique carousel, see gorillas in an open habitat, and walk through lush botanical gardens.
The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center sheds light on the fight for freedom through engaging, immersive exhibits. At the Cincinnati Museum Center, visitors travel back in time to experience an Art Deco movie theater, historic train cars, and a cave system.
Younger kids will love EnterTRAINment Junction’s elaborate model train displays. Teens and adults will appreciate the airplanes, spacecraft, and stories of daring at the National Museum of the United States Air Force.
Local Flavor
Beyond the big city attractions, Cincinnati offers an array of quintessentially local experiences. Taste Cincinnati’s food, culture, and spirit by exploring some of these institutions.
Chili & Chocolate
Two classic Cincinnati food staples are chili and chocolate. On the chili front, Skyline and Gold Star vie for the loyalty of Cincinnatians, who enjoy chili ladled over spaghetti or hot dogs. Locals take their chocolate devotion just as seriously, with fondness for Maverick Chocolate Company, Aglamesis Bros, and Graeter’s Ice Cream. The velvety French pot ice cream at Graeter’s is a local treasure.
Breweries
Once known as one of America’s beer capitals, Cincinnati is rediscovering its brewing heritage. Places like Rhinegeist Brewery, Taft’s Ale House, and Christian Moerlein Brewing Co offer tours and tastings in vintage brewery buildings. Sample local craft beers and ciders at Braxton Brewing Co., MadTree Brewing, and Urban Artifact.
Oktoberfest Zinzinnati celebrates Cincinnati’s German roots and love of beer. As one of the largest Oktoberfest celebrations in the country, over 500,000 people flock to downtown each September for brats, beer, live music, and lederhosen.
City Parks
Cincinnatians adore their city parks. At 300 acres, Mt. Echo Park is the crown jewel. Located in Price Hill, the park has hiking trails, hilltop views, and remnants of 19th century buildings and fountains.
Eden Park, home to the Cincinnati Art Museum, provides a lovely green space near downtown. Meander through garden areas like Mirror Lake and the Krohn Conservatory to see exotic plants from around the world.
Washington Park provides a lively gathering place for nearby neighborhoods. Watch a free musical performance at the bandstand, let kids run free at the playground, or play some pickup basketball.
Cincinnati’s City Park System Enriches Community Life
Cincinnati’s outstanding park system provides free and accessible recreational areas that bring communities together. Well-maintained parks beautify neighborhoods, offer summer programs for children, host free concerts and movies, and give people a place to play, relax, and meet up with friends and neighbors. From dog parks to skate parks, lush gardens to wooded trails, Cincinnati’s parks enhance quality of life.
Business & Innovation
Cincinnati is gaining a reputation as an up-and-coming city for entrepreneurs and startups. The Queen City is an affordable alternative to nearby cities with a skilled workforce eager for opportunities.
Startup Surge
Support for small business and entrepreneurship is growing. The Brandery provides mentorship and seed funding for startups. UpTech, Cintrifuse, and CincyTech nurture early-stage startups, connecting them with advisors, talent, and investors.
Co-working spaces like Cintrifuse, Mortar, and The Grove provide flexible office space and networking events. StartupCincy, a grassroots group of entrepreneurs, hosts meetups and pub talks to cultivate the startup community.
The consumer products industry is thriving. Dapper and Wise, a natural skin care company for men, and Squish-Ly, creator of an edible beauty product, both started in Cincinnati. First Insight and Charlotte’s Web got their start here too.
Corporate Giants
Major corporations still have a significant presence. Cincinnati is home to the global headquarters of consumer goods company Procter & Gamble, the first billion-dollar company in America. Other Fortune 500 companies located in the city include grocer Kroger, freight transportation leader C.H. Robinson, and uniform rental service Cintas.
Major employers like the University of Cincinnati and various healthcare providers also fuel the economy. The University of Cincinnati brings in over $500 million per year for research activities and studies ways to apply academic research commercially.
Logistics Powerhouse
Situated within 600 miles of half the U.S. population, Cincinnati is a logistics hub. DHL has its Americas hub for package delivery and distribution at the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Airport. Amazon Prime also has a major air cargo hub there.
The city acts as a major freight rail intersection between the Northeast, Southeast, Midwest and Logistics services account for over 200,000 jobs in the metro area. Companies like UPS, FedEx, and XPO Logistics operate large facilities near the airport and interstate highways.
Community Revitalization
In the past, Cincinnati suffered from suburban sprawl, urban decay, and racial tensions. As the city embraces the future, many initiatives aim to strengthen underprivileged neighborhoods and improve inclusion.
Investing in Youth
Building safe, nurturing communities for the next generation is a priority. The Corporation for Findlay Market, a beloved historic market, started Preschool Promise to provide free preschool to low-income 3 and 4-year olds in the surrounding area.
The Cincinnati Youth Collaborative guides vulnerable youth through mentoring, counseling, parenting support, tutoring, and after-school programs. MYCincinnati is a network of drop-in centers offering enrichment programs in arts, technology, cooking, music, and more.
Rick behind these efforts is the belief that young people need guidance and support to unlock their potential. Investing in youth today creates a brighter future for Cincinnati tomorrow.
Affordable Housing
Revitalizing disinvested neighborhoods includes building affordable housing. Model Group, Brighton Center, and Over-the-Rhine Community Housing are a few organizations developing and managing affordable housing units.
To promote home ownership, Working in Neighborhoods provides down payment assistance and below market rate mortgages. Habitat for Humanity constructs new homes for low-income buyers who invest sweat equity. Addressing housing needs creates more equitable, diverse communities.
Pursuing Equity
Coming to terms with issues of racial injustice is an ongoing process. The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center has exhibits that challenge visitors to reflect on freedom’s meaning.
The Cincinnati Black United Front works to empower African American communities. The Hispanic Chamber Cincinnati promotes leadership and business ownership among Latinos.
While still a work in progress, Cincinnati is taking steps to acknowledge troubled aspects of its past while creating a more inclusive future.
Reasons for Optimism
Cincinnati has all the pieces in place to continue its rise as a top destination and flourishing community.
- Well-preserved historic sites vividly connect the present to the past. At the same time, new developments breathe life into the city.
- Arts and culture thrive, from major museums to small neighborhood theaters. You can enjoy world-class entertainment options without big city prices.
- Distinctive neighborhoods foster community pride with festivals, shops, bars, and parks where residents mingle.
- Local startups are nurtured and large corporations provide good jobs. Business is booming but costs stay reasonable.
- A beautiful riverfront location, great parks, and family attractions make Cincinnati an engaging place to live and visit.
The Queen City’s ability to blend historic charm with modern amenities makes it a unique place to call home. By embracing both its past and its future, Cincinnati emerges as a progressive and promising Midwestern city.
Frequently Asked Questions about City View: Cincinnati Embraces Old and New
Here are some common questions people have about Cincinnati’s unique blend of historic and modern attractions:
What neighborhoods should I visit to see historic architecture?
Some of the best neighborhoods to see beautiful old architecture are Over-the-Rhine, Mt. Adams, Mt. Auburn, Columbia Tusculum, and East Walnut Hills. Over-the-Rhine has Italianate and Queen Anne style buildings, while Mt. Adams has winding streets lined with Victorian houses.
Where can I learn about Cincinnati’s history?
The Cincinnati History Museum is a great place to immerse yourself in the city’s history. Other places to see exhibits about the city’s past include the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, the American Sign Museum, and Findlay Market. Taking a riverboat cruise also provides historical background.
What modern attractions does Cincinnati have?
Top modern attractions include the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, the Cincinnati Museum Center, and Great American Ball Park where the Reds play. Cincinnati also has a growing craft brewery scene, new startups and businesses, and revitalized neighborhoods.
Does Cincinnati have good parks?
Yes, Cincinnati is known for its excellent city parks. Some favorites are Eden Park, Mt. Echo Park, Washington Park, and Smale Riverfront Park along the Ohio River downtown. The parks host events and concerts and provide green space for recreation.
Is Cincinnati a walkable city?
Parts of Cincinnati are very walkable, especially downtown and Over-the-Rhine. Many neighborhoods have shops and restaurants with sidewalks making them easy to explore on foot. However, the metro area as a whole is quite spread out so walking between neighborhoods would be difficult.
Is Cincinnati safe?
Yes, Cincinnati is generally a safe city and violent crime rates are decreasing. Like any city, being aware of your surroundings is wise. Parts of the urban core can have more crime activity, while suburbs and historic walkable districts are quite secure.
What is there to do in Cincinnati at night?
Cincinnati has live music venues, theaters, cocktail bars, and clubs downtown and in Over-the-Rhine for nightlife. You can also take in city views and sunsets from Mount Adams. For evening events, check calendars for the Symphony, POPS, Cincinnati Ballet, Cincinnati Opera, and Broadway touring productions.
What makes Cincinnati unique?
Cincinnati stands out for its historic river city background combined with growth in arts, entertainment, breweries, and technology. The city has beautiful old architecture and charming neighborhoods, yet feels innovative and progressive. Locals are proud of hometown brands like Skyline Chili, Graeter’s Ice Cream, and an extensive urban park system.
Conclusion
With its embrace of past and future, Cincinnati emerges as an appealing Midwestern city with rich history and modern amenities. Striking a balance between historic preservation and new development, Cincinnati offers the best of both worlds. The Queen City beckons with river views, turn-of-the-century neighborhoods, major arts institutions, and a burgeoning entrepreneurial spirit. By honoring its illustrious past while moving forward, Cincinnati enters the 21st century as a dynamic and promising city.
