CINCINNATI - ATTRACTIONS

We didn't have as much time in Cincinnati as we wanted, but we did manage one day to tour the city and we would recommend the following attractions, three of which are in the downtown core.

1. Carew Tower -  A $2 admission fee gets you right onto the roof of this 49-story downtown building. Unlike newer observation decks, which are heavily fenced, this one provides clear views around the entire city and into the surrounding countryside. As well, it was almost entirely empty, so you can really enjoy your time up there. Located at 5th and Vine, kitty corner from Fountain Square (see #3 below), the Carew Tower is easy to get to and as the only public observation deck in the city, it is worth your time.

Carew building from downstairs...

and the view from upstairs

2. Taft Museum of Art -  Much smaller than your typical art museums, the Taft is located just beyond Lytle Park. Housed in a old mansion built in 1820 and faithfully maintained by all its owners, the Taft contains 12 rooms upstairs, each with its own motif and some interesting works of art. Downstairs there are changing exhibits. This is a good museum as it can be toured in an hour or so, but the real treasure here is the house itself - you really get a feel for how the better half lived at the turn of the century. As well, you can pass through Lytle Park on your way there and see an interesting statue of Abraham Lincoln without his trademark goatee.

Taft from outside

3. Fountain Square -  Just a good place to relax after a few hours of walking, the square is considered the heart of the city. On a working day, you can see the office workers enjoying their lunch in the sunshine. The Tyler Davidson fountain at the center of the square was built in 1871 and is a very interesting place for people watching or just relaxing. It is also the fountain that began each episode of WKRP in Cincinnati, one of the best shows of the late 70's - early 80's. 

4. Eden Park -  Located just northeast of downtown, the park contains the Cincinnati Art Museum, a planetarium, a conservatory, and two theaters that house the Playhouse in the Park. A good place to relax and get caught up on your reading, or have a picnic, the park also has some good views of the Ohio River stretching north.