Hit the Road: a foodie foray to Cincinnati

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We hope you’ve packed your appetite. This month, we’re finishing our Hit the Road series with a foodie foray into Cincinnati. Whether you’re interested in taking a tour of Cincinnati Art Museum, strolling through the dozens of vendors at Findlay Market, or trying the award-winning chili at Camp Washington Chili, this driving-distance destination is every foodie’s dream.

Before you start packing your bags, here’s everything you need to know about the area + our insider recommendations.

Drive time: ~1.5 hours from downtown
Est. population: 2.26 million
Avg. high in August: 86°

🎟️ Things to do

Krohn Conservatory

If you love exploring plants + greenhouses, this one is a must-do for you. Check out the current exhibit, “Prismatica,” where you’ll learn about the science of color through giant pivoting pillars.

Findlay Market

Get ready to devour some of the freshest + tastiest eats at Ohio’s oldest continuously-operated public market. This local hotspot is open Tuesday-Sunday year-round and is home to 50+ full-time merchants selling meat, produce, flowers, ethnic foods, and more.

Cincinnati Art Museum

Take a public tour of the dazzling rotating galleries that encompass 67,000+ works spanning 6,000 years. Explore the “ArtsWave Showcase,” now until August 14. Or, explore “Unlocking an Art Deco Bedroom by Joseph Urban.

Pro tip: Parking + general admission are free. ❤️

Rhinegeist Brewery

This widely-acclaimed brewery offers a rooftop bar + taphouse to sip on ales and ciders like the Cheetah Lager or Geist Hard Tea. Plan ahead with a tour of its beer-making facility. 🍻

Riverbend Music Center

Before you hit the road, check out this epic outdoor arena for its upcoming shows. This month features headliners Zac Brown Band, Chris Stapleton, Pitbull + more. 🎵

Cincinnati Reds

Reds games are a summer must. This Saturday, grab a ballpark dog + beer while you catch the Reds battle the Chicago Cubs at the Great American Ball Park, or play the Philadelphia Phillies Monday, August 15.

FC Cincinnati

To get you amped for Lexington’s own professional soccer team, catch FC Cincinnati in the meantime. August matches include a battle with the Atlanta United DC this Sat., Aug. 13 at its TQL Stadium. Or, watch Cincy’s team play rival Columbus Crew on Saturday, August 27. ⚽

🍲 Memorable eats

Camp Washington Chili

The chili at this classic 1940s diner has earned the James Beard Award as an “American Regional Classic” + been featured on shows such as “Man vs. Food.”

Pepp & Dolores

Prepare to carb load starting with small bread bites like The Dunk + pasta dishes including the Spicy Vodka bowl. 🍝

Rich’s Proper Food and Drink

While Rich’s has good eats for any time of day, be sure to block off your Sunday for brunch — featuring its “Only On Sunday” chicken sandwich, a bourbon slush, mimosa pitchers + more.

BoomTown Biscuits and Whiskey

The name says it all. Pick from a list of 10+ specialty biscuit sandwiches like the “Gold Fever” that stacks buffalo mac & cheese, fried chicken, bleu cheese, bacon + more.

Silver Spring House

A homey + relaxing dive that has something tasty for everyone, especially when involving its award-winning citrus-marinated chicken.

Pro tip: Don’t spoil your dinner too badly with the unlimited movie theater popcorn machine. 🍿

Goose and Elder

Located at the historic Findlay Market, the seasonal market-driven menu offers fresh health conscious options like its Big Salad + grain bowls. Or, snag foodie classics like grass-fed beef burgers or pepper-crusted steak. 🥗

Montgomery Inn BBQ

According to Cincinnati Business Journal, this BBQ spot with Ohio River views, is one of the Queen City’s most recommended restaurants on Facebook. Create your own three-course meal that might just include Graeter’s ice cream.

Madtree Brewery

While brews on tap like the 3 Legged Lion or 42 Mile are reason enough to go, its Alcove restaurant seals the deal. Start off with Salmon Cakes or Crispy Tofu that features veggies, pickled mustard seeds + more. For your entree, order the Sakura Farm Meatball with lemon caper sauce and thank us later.

Boca

Its new revitalized menu features artful, in-season dishes like the Beet Mezzaluna — local greens, goat cheese, and hazelnut. End your dining experience with a handcrafted dessert like the Candy Bar 3.0 with Grand Cru chocolate, nougat, brownie, Rocher, and hazelnut ice cream. 🍫

Nicola’s

This dreamy patio provides the perfect date night backdrop. Try the Seafood Risotto with oishii shrimp, charred octopus, clams, saffron, tomato + calabrian chili paired with an Orangecello Cosmo.

Coffee Emporium

Find all of your caffeine needs fulfilled out of this trendy Hyde Park coffee joint. Treat yourself to the Bumble Bee Buzz Latte for the perfect balance of honey + vanilla. 🍯

🏨 Accommodations

21c Museum Hotel Cincinnati, 609 Walnut St.

Unique art, modern rooms, a delicious restaurant — what more could you ask for?

Pro tip: Try the blistered shishitos from onsite restaurant Metropole, they are City Editor Molly’s favorite.

The Lytle Park Hotel, 311 Pike St.

Nothing says romance like the lobby of The Lytle Park Hotel. A refreshing take on hospitality awaits in this 1909 building that offers a beautiful rooftop space + Italian restaurant Subito.

Hotel Covington, 638 Madison Ave., Covington

This trendy boutique hotel is located in Covington, KY, but it’s right across the river from Cincinnati + just over a mile from the city’s major sports venues.

Kinley Cincinnati Downtown, 636 Race St.

If those Reds games caught your attention, this stay + play is a short distance from the Great American Ballpark. More into the arts? The Cincinnati Contemporary Arts Center is only a five-minute walk. 🎭

Symphony Hotel, 210 W. 14th St.

This restored 1871 townhome is known for its five-course pre-concert dining in its Historic Dining Room. Stick around for live jazz + specialty martinis every Friday and Saturday night at the bar and lounge. 🎷

Westside Condo, Westside Cincinnati

This one-bedroom, one-bath condo is directly across from the TQL Soccer Stadium + has views for days. Its open-air patio is perfect for sipping pre-FC soccer game cocktails. 🍸

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