One of my favorite parks in Cincinnati and never as crowded as the others. Some great hikes though it's not quite large enough to take a run. Amazing wedding venue style vignettes. Best part is you can watch the planes take off from Lunken airport next door. Really cool spot to take kiddos into aviation or just lounge in the sun.
Court Street is a great place to eat without a long wait. This is a beautiful walk if you have to cut across town and have some options. Reminds me of a mini Commonwealth Ave in Boston though there's not more besides benches and greenery.
There's a commercial of Serena Williams taking this climb. The stairs start from the columbia parkway and go all the way up the hill to a great view. Take a few more streets to get to the final pitch - some stairs up to the church. Usually 1-5 people here no matter what time of day or night you hit it but enough serenity to be a great place to catch a view and some thoughts. Historical markers at a few locations on the stairs to give you more info than I know!
This park is gorgeous. Recently (as in last 5 yrs) completed by the riverfront. A great place to run when you're in town and plenty of slides and swings and unconventional climbing structures to keep kiddos occupied. Watch fire works here on the 4th or head down to juggle a soccer ball when it's warm. Clean and well kept with lights at night.
Walked this course and it was a mistake :) But the hilly-ness gives way to some amazing views. Affordable and usually in great shape!
Asian BBQ - yum. Cool place on court street where you'll almost always get a seat but won't be alone. Small and restaurant-style it's a good spot for bringing one friend or three. Surprisingly delicious cauliflower. Recommended to not order out. for reals. Pro tip: if it does happen to be crowded court street is an untapped gem for some good food spots like French Crust or one of the only Dunkin' Donuts in town :)
Finally made it to Myrtle's after learning that it's an establishment owned by the same Cincinnati legend - Molly Wellmann. Go here on the weekday for space to lounge and plenty of light upstairs. There's just one bar but they churn out punch bowls and cocktails and do it with care. I was skeptical about the punch but ordered a "boat" and tried 'em all - watch yourself for a bit of a sugary hangover. Basement is a major plus. Head in early to grab a cave-esque booth and stay as the crowd rolls in for music.
This place had been open for a month when I hit it and the owner was so friendly / eager to answer questions about his story. Great high ceilings with a seating bar for ~5 overlooking the cafe. Don't expect the option for a "small hot coffee" though. While they've got a drip and Americano for the basics you *should* be ordering the Caffe Shakerato or Frizzante or one of those espresso drinks with Gelato in it (true story). Urbana has limited seating in the colder months but intends to share a patio with the burger spot next door. Stop by for good conversation and pro tip: check out the artist studios in Pendleton art center next door. Oh and there's a toast bar on the weekends. Enough said.
Woah I love this spot. Went to visit Lands End park (shares parking and basic location) and was so happy to discover this solemn and gorgeous piece of history. The wind is high here and the baths sink down to the oceans edge so even if there's 50 visitors it's easy to have a really peaceful visit. On this side of SF's rocky coast it's also a great place to get right down to the water's edge. Can't recommend this area in general highly enough.
If you're looking for a walk (or hike) around Cincinnati, take the time to check out this place. Unbelievable stone memorials and mausoleums. Truly like a sculpture park. Go there for the craftsmanship or for reflection or just...go there, seriously!