10 Reasons Why Cincinnati Is The Most Unique City In America

Unfortunately, this is not a trait that every city can claim, but Cincinnati has always been known as a friendly town. Perhaps it's a Midwest thing, or maybe Cincinnatians just know the importance of a warm welcome and a smile.

Not only did our beloved Music Hall recently reopen after restoration and renovation, but our city is inviting more and more arts-focused places and events each year. We offer many venues for live music - from classical to modern favorites - theatre, ballet, performance art, museums, galleries, and anything else you can imagine. For a city that is sometimes thought of as "behind the times," this is proof that we are the exact opposite.

One popular example of this unique factor is how Cincinnati's brewing history has been brought back to life. You can tour the underground tunnels used 100 years ago and sample a locally made craft beer in a historic building. There are many Cincinnati bars and restaurants, like The Lackman (pictured above) that beautifully celebrate these pages of our history book.

Say what you will about the streetcar, but they do make it easier to catch a Reds game, enjoy dinner at The Banks, and then head to OTR for dessert and a drink. It's a unique way to experience our thriving downtown.

The photo above was taken during the parade that accompanied BLINK this past fall, but we've proven our festive nature for years with other parades, festivals, and celebrations.

Speaking of BLINK, did you attend this unbelievable outdoor event in 2017? If you did, you know that most of Cincinnati joined you. This free event was one of the most innovative and inspiring artistic events our country has seen, and it was right here in Cincinnati.

You can't talk about Cincinnati lately without mentioning our lovable baby hippo, Fiona. Now almost one-year-old, Fiona is the preemie baby hippo that captured everyone's hearts - in Cincinnati and around the world - after her adorable antics caught the attention of visitors and several major news publications. Did you know she even had her own reality show? It's true! She has also been featured in a children's book, will have her own special "Fiona Day" (complete with bobblehead) at a Reds game during the summer of 2018, and even inspired a few local breweries to craft specialty brews in her honor!

This little (...or big... she now weighs over 600 pounds!) bundle of joy gave us all something to smile about as we watched her grow and play her way into stardom. Don't forget to raise a glass to toast Fiona on her upcoming birthday - she turns one on January 24th!

Cincinnati loves to celebrate long-standing traditions, like the annual Labor Day Fireworks that light up the sky each year. Our city tends to like the consistency of traditions, and when you combine that with a love of innovation, it makes for one unique city.

You can't say Cincinnati is unique without mentioning Cincinnati-style chili. This particular dish of deliciousness is from Camp Washington Chili, but you can find tasty options for 3-way chili every few blocks throughout Cincinnati.

Just look at it! Cincinnati is colorful, vibrant, welcoming and, yes, unique. The skyline is a beautiful image to represent a city that so deserves that spot as one of the best places in the world to choose to spend your time.