Cincinnati is built on hills overlooking the Ohio River. Take time to walk around the city's colorful and historic neighborhoods. The Over-the-Rhine district just north of downtown has the largest collection of 19th-century civic, religious, and residential architecture in the U.S. It's home to Music Hall and historic Findlay Market, a year-round, open-air fresh foods market that was recently expanded and renovated. The narrow, winding streets of Mount Adams reveal stunning views of downtown and the Ohio River.
Professional sports dominate the new developments on Cincinnati's famed downtown riverfront. Of course, baseball has been a favorite spring and summer pastime in Cincinnati since 1869. The Cincinnati Reds, featuring future Hall of Famer (and native son) Ken Griffey, Jr., play at the Great American Ballpark, a nostalgic but modern facility overlooking the Ohio River. Tickets range from $7 to $67. Call Ticketmaster at tel. 800/877-REDS (877-7337) or 513/421-REDS (421-7337), or go online to www.cincinnatireds.com.
The NFL's Cincinnati Bengals (tel. 513/621-8383; www.bengals.com) battle their opponents at the $400-million Paul Brown Stadium, another waterfront gem. Single ticket rates start at around $50.
Kings Island (tel. 800/288-0808 or 513/754-5600; www.visitkingsisland.com), formerly known as Paramount King's Island -- and now operated by the same company that owns Cedar Point in Sandusky -- is located off exits 24 and 25 on I-71 north of Cincinnati in Mason, Ohio. With its pedestrian walkways and Eiffel Tower replicas, the park is a family-oriented destination that boasts more than 80 rides, including 14 world-class roller coasters. The Beast is billed as the world's longest wooden roller coaster, while Son of Beast is touted as the world's tallest and fastest wooden coaster. Kids can meet cartoon heroes such as Dora the Explorer and SpongeBob SquarePants at the Nickelodeon Universe. Boomerang Bay, an Australian-themed, 15-acre waterpark with 30 water slides, is free with park admission. Single-day passes start at $46 ages 3 to 61 and 48 inches and taller; $30 ages 3 and up, under 48 inches tall, and ages 62 and up; free for children 2 and under. Discounted tickets of $30 are available to active military. Parking is $10. Multiday passes also are available. Kings Island is open daily from Memorial Day to late August at 10am; closing times vary. Also open some weekends in April, May, September, and October.
Riverboat excursions on the Ohio, especially popular at night, leave from Covington, Kentucky, just across the river from downtown Cincinnati.
