"The Queen City." "Porkopolis." "The Nasty Nati." Regardless of what you call it, Cincinnati, Ohio is a mixture of classic, mid-western Americana with a tinge of art deco modernity. The city and surrounding area are an understated hub of blended cultural, historical and healthy activities, beating out other cities with things like the country's largest Oktoberfest celebration and longest paved trail. Nestled down in the southwest corner of the state, and comically spilling over into Kentucky, the city is an accessible and diverse opportunity for active and healthy lifestyles.
Perfect Passage to the Perfect Place: The Purple People Bridge
Go to Newport on the Levee, one of Cincinnati's most vibrant hot-spots. Yes, the center of Cincinnati's social life isn't technically in Cincinnati--you have to cross the city-famous Purple People Bridge over to Kentucky by foot. Over 110 years old, the former railroad bridge has been painted purple and opened for pedestrian traffic. Park near one of the stadiums downtown for a small fee, stretch your legs, and take a stroll over to Newport for a scenic historical district, a shopping center, the city's best movie theater, fine dining, an aquarium and a well-developed nightlife, complete with live jazz, fusion and rock.
Miles of Pavement Dedicated to Your Own Two Feet
Whether your thing is cycling, running, jogging, roller-blading or even dog-walking, you're in luck; Cincinnati is home to the longest paved trail in America. At 78 miles long, there is more than enough room for you to exercise or enjoy the outdoors. Just watch out for the occasional professional cyclist; they usually exceed the posted 15mph speed limit. The trail can be reached by car from Newtown, Milford, or Loveland, or even as far north as Xenia and Dayton. Extensions to the trail are in planning, and soon, hopefully, it will extend directly into downtown.
Environmentally Friendly Food at a Wallet Friendly Price
Ask any local, "Where can I get a healthy bite to eat around here?" The answer will most probably be "ah, the Green Dog Cafe, of course." Located about 10 minutes from downtown, this little restaurant serves up environmentally friendly, organic and healthy food unmatched by anything else in the city. You can enjoy a lemon hummus with red peppers, feta, olives and grilled bread for an appetizer, and then go for the popular "Chihuahua Bowl," a mixture of black beans, corn salad, organic rice and tomato salsa, served with chips. Finish the afternoon off with a glass of wine from the well-selected list. The Green Dog also offers vegan versions of many of its dishes.
Downtown's Winter Wonderland
Skate, skate, and skate some more under the twilight of the city's largest towers right in the heart of Cincinnati. Every winter, starting after Thanksgiving, an ice-rink is opened on Fountain Square, allowing people to get some exercise and practice their skating skills. After exhausting yourself on the rink, you'll find yourself already in the heart of Cincinnati where restaurants, bars and other activities abound.
This Will Make Your Swimming Pool Look Like a Bathtub!
"Come to The Beach, come to The Beach!" The TV advertisement says it all. People from Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana and farther come to The Beach because, well, they don't have beaches! The waterpark, located 30 minutes north of downtown, has a massive pool, complete with simulated ocean waves, lounge chairs and umbrellas. There are also many water-slides, some scary-huge and some that the children will love. Because there is a lot of running, jumping, and playing to do on the water-themed jungle gym, children will surely get a great workout and keep cool at the same time.
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