10 Things You Can Only Do in Cincinnati
Cincinnati, a jewel on the banks of the Ohio River, is one of the nation’s oldest cities. If you plan on stopping by this year, put some of these things you can only do in Cincinnati on your list.
Cincinnati Reds Classic Baseball Gloves Smell Museum
How would you like to not not only tour some of the classic baseball gloves from throughout Reds history, but smell them as well. You can’t get the full effect of the time period each glove comes from until you can stick your face deep in the leather and breathe it in.
“I breathed in Johnny Bench’s catcher’s mitt from 1980,” said Japser “Big Tall One” Trilskirl from Covington. “It was like I was back in my youth, watching them play in the hot sun. We’d skip school to watch them play. Heck, in fifth grade, I missed school for every home game. This glove brings me right back.”
Cincinnati Bridges Climb
Twenty-five bridges span Cincinnati and Kentucky along the winding Ohio River. Every spring, the Cincinnati Bridges Climb brings invites climbers from around the world to scale each bridge in the fastest time possible.
“I’ve been out here trying to get the title for 15 years,” said world-record holder climber Yenn Stromboolini. “Come close, but haven’t captured the title. I’m not outright saying some people are cheating, but you are supposed to climb a bridge, come back down, run to the next one and climb it, and so forth. Well, I heard some people may be getting on speed boats to go from one bridge to the next. I hope they check on that, because that is cheating, right there.”
Pasta Wrap Relaxation Spa
Cincinnati has the only pasta wrap relaxation spa in the world. You and your guests will have the choice of being wrapped in giant linguine, farfalle, pappardelle, ravioli, penne or other popular pastas. The cool pasta against your skin along with piped-in Michael Bolton and Andrea Bocelli will melt the stress away.
Sandra Losingitrightnow from Atlanta was all smiles when she emerged from the spa with eight girlfriends. “Oooh, it was wonderful! I chose to be wrapped in tagliatelle, which my mom used to make on Saturday nights, so already you know there is a childhood connection. I almost fell asleep I was so relaxed when one of the staff began rubbing my feet with cannellonis. I can’t remember when I felt so peaceful and calm.”
Goldfish and Cat Livaearium
Similar to a very large aquarium, the Goldfish and Cat Livearium stocks thousands of goldfish and similar water-going creatures. Household cats line the rim of the water, waiting for one to jump out so they can attempt to catch it before it falls back in the water.
Usually two or three cats go for the same fish, the poor thing batted around before flopping back to safety in the water below. Then the cats return to peering in the water, heads bobbing as they sense a jump or leap, only to be disappointed when nothing happens.
The Livearium is open year round, 24 hours a day. The cats cycle in and out from various homes in the area. When not peering into the water at the Livearium, they sleep in a sun-splashed spot on the living room carpet, getting up and moving when the spot slides across the floor during the day.
Cincinnati Lawyer Zoo and Botanical Garden
One of the original lawyer zoos in the world, Cincinnati Lawyer Zoo is fun for the whole family. Watch lawyers in their natural habitat, stalking prey and sleeping in the wild.
The zoo first opened in 1806 soon after the first law degree was awarded at the University of Cincinnati Law School. In those days, many people didn’t know what an attorney was. It was a public relations move to familiarize the public with these strange creatures.
Over the years, lawyers from diverse fields such as family law, IP law, maritime law, entertainment law, environmental law and many others have lived and worked at the Zoo.
“Be honest with ya, I didn’t even really know what a tax lawyer did all day,” said Ivan Ihavenoideawhatyousaid from Chillicothe. “As long as I’m being honest and all, I’m still not really sure what they was doing in there. He just sat there and talked on the phone while practicing his golf swing. But it was interesting, for sure.”
Cincinnati Riverboat Gambling School
Travel the Ohio River from Cincinnati to Pittsburgh while you learn the latest gambling tips, techniques and insights to take your winnings to the next level. How much fun would it be to go to school on a riverboat and learn from professional gamblers? Yehaw!
If you’re like me, you make the same mistakes every time at the tables in casinos, gambling halls and late night illegal games in shady parts of town. No more. Professionals will help isolate your errors and smooth out your play until you are bringing in the big bucks.
Don’t worry, there is plenty to do for everyone of a certain (over 21 please) age in the whole family. Plus you’ll get lunch, brunch and dinner every day. The Lady of the Water is a classic paddlewheel river boat equipped with state of the art gambling games we all know and love.
After a brunch of lobster and champagne, settle in to your favorite spot at the poker or 21 table (or 30 other games!) Your personal trainer will sit with you to help you develop the knowledge and skills to bring in $1,000, $10,000, $100,000 or more every hour.
Bark Encounter
Bark Encounter is for every dog lover in the family. That means its for everyone in the family because everyone we know loves dogs. Os, sure there are a few dog haters out there, but mostly they don’t go out of there house, hiding in the dark with their 17 cats.
Bark Encounter is an ocean-going ship parked next to the Great American Ball Park downtown. Filled from stem to stern with dogs of every breed, stripe and barking style, visitors can hug, pet, and run with dogs all day long. You can also dance with them by holding their paws in the air while you pretend to do the waltz. This is even better if the dog is super large or really tiny–social media gold!
Blink 183
Blink 183 is an amazing light show and community festival featuring stunning interactive light displays throughout the city.
Started in 1908 with the mayor making shadow puppets on his office wall, Blink 183 has grown by 1000 times. Stretching from Lexington to the southern reaches of Columbus, you’ll gasp at the jaw-dropping interactive light shows happening on every street corner.
“We came all the way from Saginaw,” said Lester Klopjikloprestein. “We started seeing cool light things as far away as Oxford. By the time we pulled into downtown Cincinnati, a light designer had somehow turned our Ford F-150 into a moving light display AND got us approved for federal funding as an art outreach project. I made $250,000 tax free and I hadn’t even pulled into a gas station to fill up my tank after that long drive. Amazing.”
Some of the more popular light displays include Garfield the Cat at Woodstock, History of Paprika Hats, and Country-Line Dancing Atop Downtown Buildings. The latter was a co-production of the Academy of Country Music and the Cincinnati Architectural Council.
Bings Island
Bings Island has been a family fun staple for more than 100 years. Built as a tribute to the King of Smooth, Bing Crosby, Bing’s Island’s roller coasters, restaurants, amusements, games, shows, educational displays and cotton-candy machines all honor the famous crooner.
“Sinatra World in Cleveland gets a lot of the press,” said park manager Do-Be-Do-Be-Do Dotson. “But we have been around longer and offer more entertainment value for the family. For example, the Pennies from Heaven Fireworks Show kicks off every night at 9pm to wild applause. In the fall, we change over to our It’s Beginning to Look Like Christmas theme where every park worker dresses up like Santa Claus. Even the custodial crew. They love it because they can more easily hide little bottles of holiday cheer in their fake bellies. So come down and see us. Remember – at Bing’s Island, You Belong to My Heart.”
Jason Bourne Live Games
Ever wanted to be Jason Bourne, chasing down baddies while trying to remember exactly who you are? At Jason Bourne Live Games, you’ll shoot your way out of trouble with custom-made soft-pellet blasters as you run through the city, hanging on buildings and driving WAY, WAY too fast, tires screaming as you expertly maneuver the downtown streets.
Halfway through your adventure, you’ll be joined by a beautiful and mysterious stranger who may have your best intentions at heart, but HEY maybe not! It’s all part of the fun. This year Jason Bourne Live Games is partnering with the Blink 183 interactive light show experience for a unique twist that will blow your socks off. Don’t worry! Special counselors will help you explore your past and help you with clues that are way too obvious but somehow you can’t figure them out.
