Surprisingly fun weekends in Cincinnati
Curious about what you'll do when you live in Cincinnati? If you like the idea of strolling along the riverfront, getting artsy, wandering through art deco theaters, and are daring enough to try zipping across the Ohio on a zipline that connects Ohio to Kentucky, because why not, Cincinnati is calling you home! This list of fun things to do will take you from chili parlors to riverboats and give you a spirited sampling of Cincinnati's vibrant arts and riverfront culture.
Heather, Our Local Expert Guiding Your Move
Heather has lived in Ohio for 36 years, minus a brief three-year stint in Kentucky (thanks, parents). Born in Appalachian southeastern Ohio, she later moved to the city and spent years wondering where all the cows went and why everyone was suddenly in such a darn hurry. She's adapted...mostly. That culture shock taught her Ohio doesn't get enough credit for its range of flat farmland, Amish hills, and mini mountains all crammed into one state. When she's not writing copy while binging true crime podcasts, she's hunting down a "bubble" from Jackson County (if you know, you know) or stealing the last slice of pie from her husband at So Pizza in Miamisburg. She's telling you about So Pizza with reluctance, because long lines would ruin everything. At Snappy Scout, Heather writes Ohio guides that don't waste your time and occasionally drops puns that may or may not land. You've been warned.
Read moreWritten with local insight from Snappy Scout relocation experts
What Will You Do in Cincinnati?
From weekend adventures to iconic road trips, here's how locals spend their time off.
on a Saturday with perfect weather
Findlay Market grazing but get there before 10am or parking becomes a blood sport, OTR patios, Smale Park swings, skyline doing glamour shots with the Kentucky hills in the background
when the gals come to town for the weekend
Maplewood mimosas, Hyde Park boutiques, Lytle rooftop selfies, gossip ricocheting off skyscrapers while pretending you're on a coast somewhere
dude hangout
Rhinegeist rooftop pints where the view alone justifies the beer prices, Pins duckpin, arguing Bengals draft picks like philosophers who've had three IPAs
rainy dreary day
Union Terminal museums, OmniMax thunder, Art Deco ceiling curing seasonal gloom because February here is brutal and you need indoor backup plans
intellectually stimulating
Freedom Center truths where the Underground Railroad history hits different when you're standing on the actual river, river vistas, heavy thoughts, lighter steps leaving
artsy
Contemporary Arts Center mind bend, then ArtWorks mural safari through OTR where every alley is Instagram bait
something inside and free
Cincinnati Art Museum, free wander, parking is free too which is basically unheard of, Monet neighbor to a mummy
outdoorsy
Ault Park sunrise, cherry trees whispering Ancient Roman villa gossip from the pavilion that looks straight out of Italy
fitness oriented
Mount Adams steps sprint, there are literal staircases instead of streets, quad flames, reward coffee at Bow Tie if your legs still function
if you're a shopaholic
Jungle Jim's carts, hot sauce jungle, cheese cave like dairy Versailles with an actual Elvis animatronic for some reason
with your dog
Otto Armleder dog paradise, zoomies achieve frightening interstate speeds and yes, dogs can swim in the Little Miami River there
family oriented
Cincinnati Zoo day, Fiona side eye (she's a celebrity hippo and she knows it), kids suddenly zoologists
My Favorite Local Spot in Cincinnati
Eli's BBQ down by the riverfront. You order at the counter, eat at picnic tables overlooking the river, and the brisket is ridiculous. Portions are huge, you'll smell like smoke after, and sometimes there are barges floating by. It's not fancy, but it's perfect. Cash only, though, so hit the ATM first.
— Heather Taylor
Ohio Local Expert
Ready to See If Cincinnati Fits You?
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