I Come From C-I-N-C-I-N-N-A-T-I, Cincinnati!

We're nearing a month living outside of Cincinnati, and in all honesty, we haven't explored our new city as much as we've liked. We've been so busy hosting or visiting family that we haven't had time to get out and enjoy all that the area has to offer.

We did take one full day while Mindy's parents were in town to show them (and us) the riverfront and downtown. We started at Sawyer Point, a huge park that funs along the Ohio river that has lots of green spaces, sidewalks, a public "swimming" fountain, amphitheater, etc., plus beautiful views of the river and the Kentucky side. 

We also found a huge playground under one of the bridges and Adam had to test out the swing.

We also explored downtown and found Carew Tower, the second tallest building in Cincinnati and a National Historic Landmark. We took the very narrow elevators to the top to check out the observation deck. It offers 360-degree views of Ohio and Kentucky. Interesting tidbits -- the building was built in 1930 and was used as a model for the Empire State Building. It still has the original postal drop-box system that is still in use today.

We had lunch on Fountain Square, a downtown plaza that is the symbolic center of Cincinnati. Refueled from lunch we decided on one last stop at Findlay Market, the state's oldest continuously operated public market. It's open 4 or 5 days a week with an indoor section that reminded me of the public market we saw in Vancouver, and part of the year there are also outdoor vendors and farmers' markets. I believe you could get virtually any cut of meat, any spice blend, or any type of cheese there. It's a neat place to walk around (and even better with a fresh gelato).

And, fittingly enough, it's located on this street...

We are still eager to learn more about the various events, landmarks and local fare that the city has to offer. The other night Michael went to the Reds game with some of his Ky buddies -- an exciting game with a walk-off home run to win it. It's events like this that we are excited to make more frequently so they become 'regular' things to us and not so novel. Plus, we are anxious to learn even more so when we have visitors come to visit we'll have some neat and unique places to show off.

Yes, please come visit!

***********

PS. Did anyone recognize the blog title? They are lyrics from the Cincinnati Song from the movie Babes in Toyland (1986). Our brother-in-law Josh was shocked to discover we had never heard the song, much less seen the movie. So, Josh, this is for you (and everyone else out there)...