I realize this trail really doesn't compare to the kind of hiking you can do out West around other really stunning places, but as far as getting into nature near Cincinnati, I love this place. It's a trail that winds through the woods alongside a creek. The creek is fun to hike up and if there's been enough rain, there are some small waterfalls and swimming holes that form that are pretty cool. Lots of people take their dogs to run on the trail, mostly off-leash. Every season is beautiful here, winter after a good snow turns into a Narnia-esque winter wonderland, spring is beautiful with lush fields of blooming tulips worthy of Lord of the Rings, summertime is super lush and being near the water is great, in the fall the trees light up and look really beautiful. Take the kids, take the dog, take yourself.
M doesn't get as much press as the newer restaurants downtown and in OTR, but it's probably only because it's located in Hyde Park, away from all the hype. That being said, the food is fantastic. The servers can be a little bit over-zealous at times, but the ingredients are fresh and the food is delicious. The pizzas are interesting (sausage and apple is my favorite), the farro salad is really good and the chicken and garbanzo entree sounds a bit weird but is also really good. Definitely recommend this place.
I'd say "meh" - if you want to take your picture in front of it as a memory of being here then you can go and wait in a long line of people seeking to do the same. It's literally just exactly what you see in the picture though, not that special. I wouldn't take the time to specifically go here.
What you're getting: Chile verde super burrito
It's now known for slinging jars of its famous salsa online, but Papalote is always in the running for best burrito in the Bay Area. The massive, glorious cylinders are best filled with long-marinated chile verde pork, which simmers in a green serrano sauce, and blends smoothly with the sour cream, guac, rice, beans and that famous salsa you clearly just bought online.
First: happy hour. Tanpopo's goes from 5:30-7:30pm and includes $2 Sapporo or Kirin drafts. Win. Second: the crowds love the ramen (especially the shashu), but the move is the yakisoba -- thick, saucy noodles with a spattering of mushrooms, carrots, and pork. Enjoy your noodles beneath fluorescent lighting with kooky Japanese TV on in the background, while you people-watch a long bar full of single Japanese diners, slurping their ramen solo.
Super cozy little spot near the shores of Lake Tahoe. The owners couldn't be a nicer, more accommodating couple. A bunch of cool little trails to hike nearby too.
The restaurant itself is really pretty, a light-filled terrace and indoor trees. Very good service. I did however find the food to be over-priced and not that good - for those prices everything should be spectacular. I had tuna tartare that was a bit on the dry side and lacking in flavor. The chicken was very good but at 350 pesos a pop it was quite steep.
They have some delicious sandwiches! I'm particularly a fan of their BLT as well as their barley salad - makes for a good and healthy lunch.
Awesome little restaurant nestled deep in Red River Gorge. It's a dry county so no alcohol is served on Sundays. The burgers are delicious - a lot of their ingredients are locally sourced from nearby farms - and the fries are also really, really good. Great place to have a solid meal after a long day of climbing or a weekend of camping. Very laid back vibe. You order at the counter, take a number, and they bring your food out when it's ready. Condiments and cutlery are self-serve near the counter.
Hard to summarize as it's such a massive area, but it's absolutely beautiful and by far some of the best hiking in the area. It's also a world-class climbing area, attracting climbers from all over the globe to Kentucky. Mosquitos are bad in the summer but there are rivers and streams to bathe in if you go camping and the weather in the spring and fall is perfect for spending all day outside. Loads of trails, cliffs, caves and mountain-top views. Definitely the place to go if you're in the mood for some nature.
Lots of areas people can camp as well as cabins for rent all over the place.