Posted in Cincinnati
December 08, 2016
10 Things Everyone In Cincinnati Must Do Before They Die
There are some things in Cincinnati you just have to do. In fact, attending Reds Opening Day Parade is about as Cincinnati as saying “Please?” when you need someone to repeat what they’ve said. Check out this list of Cincinnati must-dos. Every one of them will make you proud to be from The Queen City.
You've got to attend Cincinnati Reds Opening Day Parade. In fact, lots of people feel this way, which why city council has been mulling over making it an official Cincinnati holiday for years. They should. This is a day that everyone anticipates because it symbolizes the beginning of spring and baseball season. You really should call in sick that day. Reds fever is highly contagious.
It's the largest Oktoberfest outside of Munich and an absolute must-do if you live in Cincinnati. You don't have to be German to enjoy the festivities or a great dancer to do the Chicken Dance. You do, however, have to brave to wear a chicken on your head as some festival goers do.
'Tis the season to enjoy the Cincinnati Ballet's production of The Nutcracker, which has been a Cincinnati tradition for decades. Every season, the ballet presents amazing productions that shouldn't be missed. From the set design to the choreography, the Cincinnati ballet performances are stunning. Treat yourself to a magical night.
Who-Dey think gonna miss a tailgate? Or something like that, right? Cincinnati Bengals tailgates are fun, no matter if the team is winning or losing (but more fun if they're ahead, admittedly). Make a big pot of chili for 200 of your closest friends, bundle up, and don't dare show up in that downtown parking lot in a Steelers jersey.
You know that little black dress you bought that just hangs in your closet? It's waiting for you to take it to The Palm Court at the Hilton Netherland, downtown. This is the swankiest hotel bar in town, and it's also on the National Historic Register, so just tell yourself you're drinking martinis there to learn about Art Deco design. It's a sort of educational field trip for adults.
The Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra is one of the most renowned orchestras in the world. They're that good. Make a night of it and visit the Symphony Hotel nearby before or after the concert. It has been recently renovated and is full of little nooks with plush leather seats where you can relax with friends.
Findlay Market is a foodie's dream - even if you're a foodie who can't boil an egg. That's because the market includes a few great restaurants like Pho Lang Thang and Market Wines (wine is a food group, right?). Give yourself a day here, stroll the market, and relax with a local gelato.
If you're wondering what the motorized bathtub is doing outside of Arnold's, it's because it was used during Prohibition to make booze. Arnold's is the oldest bar in the city and it shows it - from the crooked floors to the beautiful wood bar. The only difference is that the booze they serve here now is perfectly legal. Check out Arnold's for their great courtyard, burgers, and live music.
In Cincinnati, the chili is made with cinnamon, pizza sauce is slightly sweet, and the ice cream is so rich and good you'll gladly put off your diet another day. You have to try Skyline, Gold Star, LaRosa's, and Graeter's at least once - or one thousand times.
Cincinnati has long been a beer making city, but today a new batch of breweries are on the scene. Mount Carmel, Listermann, 50 West - the list is endless. Someday soon we'll be debating Mad Tree versus Rhinegeist. Or maybe you already do.
There’s just so many great things to do in Cincinnati – and this top 10 is just a start. What would you add to the list?
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