Cincinnati is one of the coolest under-the-radar cities in America. In addition to cultural institutions, like the epic art deco Museum Center, and a dining scene to rival some of the more populous cities, there's also a really solid sense of identity and pride that comes from a close-knit small town, which makes Cincinnati such a unique and special place to visit.
The Tyler-Davidson Fountain, located on Fountain Square, is one of Cincinnati's favorite icons, and the area around it is a popular downtown hangout spot. There's something going on just about every night, from dance lessons to concerts to movie screenings.
Right in front of the beautiful old Music Hall building is Washington Park, a patch of green space in the historic and trendy neighborhood of Over-the-Rhine. There's a dog park, a playground, a splash pad, a gazebo for concerts, and a bar. They also frequently have various events going on, from live music to craft fairs to movies in the park.
Spend the morning gawking at the stunning architecture of the Cincinnati Museum Center, a train station-turned-museum. Believe it or not, it's even cooler-looking inside, and features a history museum, a natural science museum (with a cave!), an awesome children's museum, an OMNIMAX theater, and tons more.
With a great location in stunning Eden Park, and a lovely collection of pieces from various artists across the globe, the Cincinnati Art Museum is a great place to get lost for a bit. And the best part? It's free to visit!
Also close to the Art Museum is the Krohn Conservatory, with a fun collection of plants that range from exotic to interesting. Orchids, palms, bonsai trees, cacti and more can be found within. There's also a butterfly exhibit that's well worth a visit.
The weather in Cincinnati is predictably unpredictable. Summers can get hot, and late winters can get snowy, but you never know. Fall brings beautiful autumn leaves, and everything blooms in the spring (despite the sometimes-drizzly weather). Plus, Cincinnati is home to an early-summer music festival as well as pro baseball and pro football teams, all of which are worth checking out when in season.