Things to do Tuesdays; Solo in the City with Tiff in the Morning

Hi I’m Tiff of Tiff in the Morning on Kiss 1071 (heard weekdays 6-10a on iHeartRadio)


I do a lot of things alone…As someone who lived solo in city of Cincy for 4 years I’ve got this down to a science. Join me for tips on how to enjoy experiences alone during various activities…


Tonight I went to a comedy show/dinner at OTR eatery at the DT Kroger. Its centrally located in the city and the atmosphere lends itself to causal conversation, good food, and… grocery shopping if needed.


*Bonus Tiff tip: grocery shopping is a great conversation starter.


For this type of setting my number one recommendation is to sit and chat with the bartender, it’s not groundbreaking, but it’s a great start. Bartender who are not busy are often open to chatting, sharing recommendations, and will often bridge the gap to other people solo in the bar.

Easy questions to start:

  • “What do you recommend on tap?”
  • “What’s a typical night here look like?”
  • “ What else happens at this place, that I might like?”

My second recommendation is; If you find common ground with someone, exchange Instagram handles. This eliminated having to exchanges numbers with someone who don’t really care about (yet.)


*Bonus Tiff tip: FOLLOW UP! That’s my secret sauce, if I meet you and we hit it off, I will reach out and
DM within a day or two. I never wait for someone to come to me, its nothing personal, but people get
caught in their busy schedules.

  1. My final recommendation is… just do it. You usually wont regret the experience, but it’s natural for your mind to talk you out of it… hell! Our body literally protects us from things that are uncomfortable.

*bonus Tiff tip: I usually tell myself “Stay for 30 mins Tiff, then you can decide.”


Everything Cincy has loads of things to get you started … she does all the research, so you don’t have too, then stop by Tiff in the Morning Tuesday 9:20 for tips of the week.

Follow @thetiffpotter & @everythingcincy for more.

Everything Fall

Fall is here and we’ve got so many wonderful ways to celebrate the month-long occasion full of flannel and cool weather.

For all of your fall 2022 needs—scares, tricks, treats, crafts, corn mazes, festivals, and more—check out the list below of the many fun goings on over the next few months. All events are linked to a site with more information regarding admission costs, dates and times, and location.

Blooms and Berries - Pumpkins at a Pumpkin Farm
Blooms and Berries

Halloween Events

For admission information, dates, and more details about the events, click on the corresponding link below.

October 7–9: Metamora Canal Days (Metamora, IN), 9a–5p

October 7–9: 11th Annual Operation Pumpkin (Pumpkin and Art Festival) (Hamilton)
October 8: The Great Pumpkin Fest (Keehner Park, West Chester), 2–6p
October 14–15, 21–22, 28-29: Sharon Woods Haunted Village, 6–10p
October 15–16, 22–23, 29–30: HallZOOween (Cincinnati Zoo), 12–5p
October 16: Hocus Pocus Halloween: A Family Fun Festival (Middletown)

October 21: Howl at the Hall (Westwood), 6p
October 23: Findlay Market Fall Food Fest, 10a–4p
October 27: Ghost Walk (Aurora, IN), 6:30p
Tickets are pre-sale only to ensure they do not exceed maximum capacity. Click the link above for more information.

Kinman Farms - Baby holding onto pumpkin
Kinman Farms

Pumpkin Patches

Blooms & Berries Fall on the Farm (Loveland)

September 17–October 31
Online ticket purchase is required to attend Fall on the Farm. Admission includes hayrides, Pumpkin Bounce Pad, corn maze, mini corn maze, bee train, play area, Barnyard 500 Trike Track, farm animals, Spookley, and more! The Beer Garden is open on the weekends.
Tickets start at $5.95 and must be purchased online. Leashed pets are allowed.

Burger Farm Fall Fun at the Farm (Newtown)

Saturdays and Sundays, September 24–October 30, 10a–6p (weather permitting)
Pumpkins, corn stalks, mums, gourds, apple cider, animated pumpkin land characters, games, food, music, farm animals, crafters and more.
Admission is $14 per person (children 2 and under are free; ages 65 and older are $10)

Burwinkel Farms (Ross)

Weekends in October
Corn maze, skid maze, Halloween scavenger hunt, locally grown apples, crawl-thru straw tunnel, corn pool, and weekend hayrides to a pumpkin patch and sunflower field (when in bloom).

Country Pumpkins Fall Festival (Dry Ridge, KY)

September 10–October 30
General admission is free and includes kiddie corn maze, sand tunnels play area, hay pyramid, and farm animals. For an additional cost, you can experience U-pick pumpkins, hayride, and much more. 

Click here for pricing information

Irons Fruit Farm October Weekends (Lebanon)

Last weekend in September and all October weekends, 11a–5p
Pumpkins and hayrides, corn maze, bakery (with apple fritters, pies, cinnamon-cider donuts, cookies, and more!), market and store, apples, and special events.
Click here for a coupon for $1 off purchase of $10 or more

Jack O’Lantern Junction at EnterTRAINment Junction (West Chester)

September 24–October 31
Indoor, kid friendly maze as well as friendly ghosts, skeletons, and more. Each child will receive a bag of trick-or-treat candy, plus new Halloween mini scenes and a Halloween themed train display.

Jackson Family Farm Fall on the Farm (Middletown)

Saturdays (11a–6p) and Sundays (12–5p), September 25–October 23
Activities include pumpkin jump pad, pedal tractors, pedal implements, farm animals, make your own animal feed, corn maze, corn barn, hay tower and slides, pumpkin launcher, and more!
$14 per person general farm admission (includes all activities, kids 2 and under free)

Kings Island Tricks and Treats Fall Fest (Mason)

Select days, September 25–October 30
Admission includes one-of-a-kind fall festival with amazing food, activities, live entertainment, more than a dozen trick-or-treat stops, costume contests, crafts, games, seasonal merchandise, and access to the park’s rides and attractions.
Tickets starting at $29.99; military discounts available

Kinman Farms Fall Fest (Burlington, KY)

September 16–October 30; Fridays and Saturdays 10a–10p, Sundays 11a–7p
Admission includes: hayride around the Farm, picnic shelters, bonfires, games, The Great Pumpkin Express Rides, 5-acre Corn Maze, Kinman’s Carnival Tent, live bands, tricycle ride for the little ones, and laser tag. New this year: tunnels slides, dirt mound climbing, and straw pyramid. Everyone gets a pumpkin to take home, too! Open daily, but activities take place on the weekends.

McMonigle Farms Pumpkin Fest (Middletown)

Every weekend in October, 12–6p
McMonigle Farms offers the most affordable and unique pumpkin patch in Middletown, Ohio. Admission includes: U-pick pumpkins, hayrides, one-acre clueless corn maze, cow train rides, arm animals, FREE straw maze, large play area, and seasonal treats.

Neltner’s Farm Fall Fest (Melbourne, KY)

September 23–October 31 (more info)
There’s something for every member of your family: horse-drawn wagon rides, crafters and artisans, live music, home cooked food by Four Mile Pig, wine tastings by local wineries, homemade ice cream, pumpkin patch, 3+ acre corn maze, kids corn play pit, toddler corn maze, farm stand, petting zoo, barrel train, model train display.
Weekend activities admission (10a–6p): $5 (ages 3 and up); weekdays (9a–6p): free
Leashed pets are allowed

Niederman Fall Fun 2022 (Liberty Twp.)

September 23–October 30
Thursday 6–9p (group reservations only during the day), Friday 4–9p (concessions available after 6), Saturday 11a–9p, Sunday 1–6p
Tickets include: 4-acre corn maze, hayrides, kids tractor play area, wagon ride, human foosball, duck races, pipe swings, climbing hill, jumping pillow, and so much more!
$15 general admission wristband must be purchased for children 2 and above (children under 2 are free) and includes access to all activities. Tickets are available here.

Shaw Farms (Milford)

Weekends in September (starting the third weekend) through October 31, 9a–6p (Monday–Saturday), 9a–5p (Sunday)
Huge corn maze with a kid-friendly treasure hunt, two interactive playgrounds, and horse- and tractor-drawn hayrides through the scenic countryside.
General admission is free. Click here for activity pricing information and to purchase tickets.

Kings Island Haunt - View of the Rollercoaster Banshee
Kings Island Haunt

Haunted Houses, Trails, and Attractions

Cincinnati goes all out for haunted houses; many of which include extraordinary makeup, spooky settings, and animatronics. Here’s a list of haunted houses and trails to visit this Halloween season:

All Hallows’ Eve (Williamsburg)
Fridays and Saturdays, September 2–November 5, 7p–12a
Admission starts at $30 to Terror Town (Ultimate Horror and Weekend Passes are also available)

Brimstone Haunt (Wilmington)
Friday and Saturday nights September 24 through October 31
Admission for a combo admission pass to the Haunted Hayride ($XX), Forgotten Forest ($XX), Psychosis ($XX), and Zombie Assault ($XX) to be determined. Fast Pass also available. Click here to purchase your tickets online. (Save by buying online. A $2 fee will be added to each ticket purchased in person.)
Parking costs $3 cash at the door

The Dent Schoolhouse (Dent)
Weekends, September 16–November 5, and all Thursdays in October
General admission starting at $20, with options for fast pass and front of the line options also available (view ticketing options here)
Family friendly Lights On Tour will be Sunday, October 23, 4–6p

Kings Island Haunt (Mason)

Select nights, September 23–October 29
Bone-chilling scare mazes and scare zones, sinister live entertainment, and hundreds of horrifying creatures lurking in the fog and hiding in every corner of the park. Haunting Halloween activities plus some of the most exhilarating night rides in the country. Not recommended for children under 13. No re-entry after 6p.
Tickets starting at $44.99; military discounts available

Land of Illusion Haunted Scream Park (Middletown)

Friday and Saturday nights, 7p–1a, September 9–October 30
Five premium haunted houses, including Dysphoria, Dr. Psycho’s Haunted Estate, Phobia, Temple of Terror, and The Killer Klown House, plus other attractions and entertainment. Food and drinks available for purchase.
Click here for ticketing information.

Mt. Healthy Haunted Hall (Mt. Healthy)
Friday, Saturday (8–11p), and Sunday (7–9p) from September 30–October 29 (closed October 30)
Entry is $12 (click here for information about available discounts), Fastpasses available for $18, no discounts
Lights Up Night will be Sunday, October 23, 6–6:45p (cost is $5 per child, free for adults)

Sandyland Acres (Petersburg, KY)
Friday and Saturday nights (8p–midnight) from September 16–October 29 (closed October 30)
Hayride ($15), Haunted Barn ($12), or a combo for $25. Cash only, free parking.
Click here for more information.

USS Nightmare (Newport, KY)
September 17–18, September 24–November 6 (closed Mondays and Tuesdays)
Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday, 7–11p
Friday and Saturday, 7p–1a
General admission prices from $18–30, with Fast Pass admission being $28–50. Front-of-the-line and season passes also available. 

Click here to view all ticketing options.
Lights On Matinee, October 24, 4–6p

Cornfield at one of the haunted parks
Cornfield

Ghost Tours

Do you favor the paranormal over costumes and actors? Don’t worry, there are several options for paranormal and haunted ghost tours in greater Cincinnati.

Bobby Mackey’s Music World Paranormal Tour (Wilder, KY) 

$35 per person for a two-hour tour

Two-hour guided tours, private group investigations, and public event hosting at one of the most haunted nightclubs in the country.

Book your tour here

Buried Secrets, Haunted Cincinnati Tours (OTR)

$29 for a two-hour outdoor walking tour to sites including Washington Park, Memorial Hall, and Music Hall. 

Click here to purchase your tickets online

Newport is Haunted, American Legacy Tours (Newport)

$29 for a 90-minute—low intensity, stroller and wheelchair accessible—3/4 mile walking tour. 

Click here to purchase your tickets online

Queen City is Haunted, American Legacy Tours (OTR)

$29 for a 90-minute 3/4 mile walking tour (flat but not stroller and wheelchair accessible); $39 for an “ultimate” tour. 

Click here to purchase your tickets online

Pumpkins on a Pumpkin Farm
Pumpkins on a Pumpkin Farm

Art Festivals and Craft Fairs

Looking for gifts this holiday season? What about decor to spruce up your home? Shop local at one of many art festivals and craft fairs this fall. For information regarding the event and admission, click on the corresponding link.

October 1–2: Lakota West High School Craft Show ($2 admission)

October 2: Art on Vine on Fountain Square, 12–6p
October 8: The City Flea at Washington Park, 10a–4p
October 16: Second Sunday on Main (Main Street, OTR), 12–5p
October 28–30: Vintage Market Days of Dayton-Cincinnati

November 11–13: Greater Cincinnati Holiday Market at the Duke Energy Convention Center
November 12–13: Lakota East Holiday Arts and Crafts Show

November 13: Art on Vine at Rhinegeist, 12–6p
November 19: Oak Hills Band Association Holiday Craft Fair, 9a–3p

November 19: Sycamore Arts and Crafts Show (Sycamore High School), 9a–4p

November 19: The OFF Market: 2022 Holiday Market at Summit Park, 10a–4p

November 25–27: 2022 Winterfair at NKY Convention Center
November 26: Crafty Supermarket Holiday Show at Music Hall Ballroom, 11a–5p

December 11: Art on Vine at Rhinegeist, 12–6p

December 17 and 18: The City Flea Holiday Market at Washington Park

Have any questions about what’s going on this fall? Just ask!


Written by: Linsey Kraeling – Woman, wife, and mother about town, proud millennial, and lifelong Cincinnatian with an invested interest in community involvement and having a full plate—literally and figuratively. Follow along with and read more about eating like a sophisticated six-year-old, supporting local, and acting like a tourist in her own city at instagram.com/linsinnati and tourdecincinnati.com.

Summer Festivals Guide

Here is your go-to guide for all summer festivals in and around Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky!

JULY:

7/14-7/17 – Bacon, Bourbon and Brew Festival

7/15-7/17 – St. Pius X Summer Festival

7/15-7/17 – Immaculate Heart of Mary Summerfest

7/15-7/17 – Immaculate Heart of Mary Festival

7/15-7/17 – St. Cecilia Festival

7/21-7/23 – Cincinnati Music Festival

7/22-7/24 – Holy Cross Festival

7/27 – Sad Summer Festival: Newport

7/28-7/31 – Glier’s Goettafest I

7/29-7/30 – St. Ann Festival

7/29-7/31 – Our Lady of Lourdes Festival

7/29-7/31 – St. Bartholomew

AUGUST:

8/4-8/7 – Glier’s Goettafest II

8/5-8/6 – St. Joseph Cold Spring Parish Festival

8/5-8/6 – Holy Cross Immaculata

8/5-8/7 – St. John the Baptist

8/6 – Festival on the Lake at AJ Jolly Park

8/7 – Flea in the Fort II

8/11-8/14 – Hamilton County Fair

8/11-8/14 – Great Inland Seafood Festival

8/12-8/13 – Maysville Oktoberfest

8/12-8/13 – St. Mary of the Assumption Parish Festival

8/12-8/14 – Sacred Heart Festival

8/12-8/14 – Our Lady of the Visitation Visifest

8/12-8/14 – St. Joseph Crescent Springs End of Summer Celebration

8/19-8/21 – St. Mary Funfest

8/26-8/28 – St. Ignatius of Loyola Parish

SEPTEMBER:

9/3-9/5 – St. Cecilia Labor Day Festival

9/4 – Riverfest Newport

9/9-9/11 – St. Barbara Rocktoberfest

9/9-9/11 – St. Susanna

9/16-9/18 – St. Timothy Oktoberfest

9/23-9/24 – Loveland Oktoberfest

9/23-9/25 – Newport Oktoberfest


Everything Cincy is your one-stop shop to Local Events. Local Deals. Local Jobs.

Top 10 Things to Do and See in Cincinnati

Whether you live in Cincinnati or are traveling through the area there are plenty of awesome things to experience in the Queen City! We have the top 10 things that you’ll have to put on your to-do list, that you’ll want to keep going back too. So get ready to make more memories that you can share with others!

1. Coney Island and Sunlite Pool

This historic theme park has been around since 1867 and it’s the perfect place to get a dose of nostalgia! There are games, shows and more at this fantastic little theme park that has a huge pool and water slides. This destination appeals to the entire family and there’s a lot of options for things to do near the park like the casino/race track located next door, and various restaurants, bars, and breweries to eat and drink at.

2. Findlay Market

You can’t miss out on taking a day trip to this incredible market that has everything you could possibly hope for or want out of a market. The food is absolutely amazing and so are the friendly people there. Findlay Market gives you a real sense of what the community is like in Cincinnati and highlights what we’re known for. The scent of fresh food is in the air, with live music on the street, plenty of places to sit and eat, and lots of different shops to check out that have locally made goods by local artisans.

3. RiverFront and The Banks

Cincinnati is one of the most beautiful river cities in America and you really get to see that when visiting the RiverFront and The Banks. The park along the water is wonderful, with many activities for the entire family to enjoy. There are sculptures and gardens that are very pleasant to encounter with an excellent view of the city. The Banks is one of the most happening places to be and there’s always a party on the weekends to join in on! When the sun goes down this area is just as beautiful with all of the city lights reflecting off the river, take a walk on one of the bridges to get the full spectrum!

4. Visit the Parks

The parks here are beyond amazing and there are several of them that offer something for everyone. Eden Park in Mt. Adams is the perfect place to have a leisure day and the best place to see views of the city. There are overlooks at the park that give you an amazing view of the river leading into downtown Cincinnati and of Kentucky, making it a great area for taking pictures. Washington Park in OTR is a major place to go to for events, live music, and pure enjoyment! It’s dog friendly and has a patio with refreshments to enjoy on a hot day.

5. Krohn Conservatory

Art, nature, and science come together at the Krohn Conservatory. Krohn is located in Eden Park in Mt. Adams and is truly an enchanting experience. The butterfly shows that they have there are magnificent and really give you the opportunity to connect with wildlife and nature in a way that’s approachable and exciting. There is a waterfall inside that has a creek with fish and turtles inhabiting it, making it feel like you’re in the rainforest. The building has sections for different species of plants and walking from one room to the next transforms a new environment to discover.

6. Cincinnati Zoo

We have one of the top rated zoo’s in the country! A zoo that is not only beautiful but is also educational and fun. The zoo does a great job to help wildlife and nature through their Saving Species program, animal care, and by going completely green with solar power.  There are different events to check out throughout the year and your trip there will feel like you’re on a real exploration of adventure.

7. Live Performances

Cincinnati has always been a hub for music and live performances! There are several venues to check out that offer a variety of different acts that appeal to every type of style and genre.  Music Hall, Memorial Hall, and The Taft Theater are historic venues that are absolutely stunning that feature talent all over the world. We also have the Aronoff and Playhouse in the park for well known shows and a few concert venues that feature locals and bring in big name performers.

https://www.memorialhallotr.com/

https://tafttheatre.org

8. Museums

We have some of the best museums around and there are so many to choose from! Union Terminal is one of the most incredible museums that takes you into a different world of fun and education. The building alone is a sight to see and the inside is breathtaking! There are many art museums to choose from like the Contemporary Arts Center and The Cincinnati Art Museum, which are both free to the public. We also have the American Sign Museum that is a real gem and will have you in awe when visiting!

https://www.cincinnatiartmuseum.org

https://www.contemporaryartscenter.org

https://www.americansignmuseum.org

9. Professional Sports

Go to a game! We are lucky to have major sports teams in the city and no matter what your favorite sport is you’ll be sure to have a great time at any of the games! The Cincinnati Reds baseball team and the Cincinnati Bengals football team play and practice in stadiums right next to each other, with our Cyclones Hockey team in Heritage Bank Center just down the street. And now we officially have a soccer stadium for the FC Cincinnati team!

https://www.mlb.com/reds/ballpark

https://www.bengals.com/news/pbs-history

https://heritagebankcenter.com/cyclones

https://tqlstadium.com

10. Take a Walk Downtown

Take in as much of the city scenery as you possibly can while you’re exploring downtown.  You can take the streetcar, bike, or simply take a walk around to experience some really wonderful things about the city.  You can take a tour or have our own self guided one that focuses on the fascinating architecture, history, and culture of Cincinnati. The food and drinks here are outstanding, so go to as many restaurants and bars as you can. We have tons of events going on and little shops to pop into for all of your shopping needs. OTR and fountain square are places to spend endless amounts of time with everything that the area has to offer.


Everything Cincy is your one-stop shop to Local Events. Local Deals. Local Jobs.

Celebrate Halloween, NKY Style

Northern Kentucky can be a spooky place. With a long history and neighborhoods that date back to the Civil War, the region holds many tales of roaming ghosts and gruesome events that will send chills up your spine.  

Here is a sampling of what awaits you here, as the weather grows colder, and the spirits come out to play. Links to all the events can be found here.  

Nightmare ships and haunted fields 

The USS Nightmare docks in Newport this time of year. It’s one of the area’s longest haunted tours (over 30 minutes), inviting brave and foolhardy guests to explore two full decks of pure horror. 

Sandy Acres Farm is a charming place to visit in the daytime. At night, though, it gets a lot creepier. Come for a hayride through haunted fields—if you dare. 

For kids 

To get the kiddos involved in something more than just trick-or-treating, take them to the free Halloween Hoopla at Behringer-Crawford Museum. They can do a seasonal craft, march in the costume parade and more. 

For fans of LEGO, the Northern Kentucky Convention Center is hosting Bricks, Tricks and Treats, a LEGO convention with a Halloween theme.  

Talk to dead people 

Falcon Theatre and Dinsmore Homestead Museum have teamed up to create a rare opportunity to talk with six costumed actors who are portraying people from the Homestead’s past. All the characters are based on their actual lives, letters and journals. It’s kind of like a historic version of “Sixth Sense.”   

Take a spooky tour 

Tickets are still available for the Halloween date of the Spooky Secrets Tour. This 2-mile walk past haunted houses, creepy historic sites and cool shops was created by the author of “Secret Cincinnati” and the writer for the NKY Art Tours website. It’s the perfect way to start your Halloween celebrations. 

For more Halloween fun, as well as details on the events listed above, please visit NKY ArtQuest’s Halloween roundup

About the author:  

Jill Morenz is the Director of Community Initiatives and Communications for the Catalytic Fund and also runs the NKY Public Arts Network. She is an enthusiastic evangelist for all things NKY. 

Boozy Milkshakes in Bellevue

We finally made it to Nomad after seeing so many mouth-watering social posts!  A product of pandemic-times, its opening may have seemed like a sleeper, but Nomad should be at the top of your list for picture-worthy boozy milkshakes!

A great place to gather with friends

nomad interior entry

Located at 225 Fairfield Avenue, the outdoor patio space is cute, comfy, and conducive to gathering.  And the interior of the restaurant is no different.

nomad lounge area interior

We loved the lounge area room, complete with a trunk full of board games.  I could totally hang out here, drinking milkshakes and playing games til my heart is content.  We opted to sit inside during our visit since the outside temperature exceeded 90 degrees, but we can’t wait to return and have a shake on the patio.

nomad interior tables

Food at Nomad

Those who’ve ever shared a meal with me know that my eating habits are like those of a child.  No, really, my young kids (8, 6, and 3) all eat more healthily and more adventurously than I do.  So when I heard about Nomad and their menu of tacos, tater tots, and milkshakes, my eyes lit up.  I mean, what a combination!  And combinations they have–all with witty menu names.  Being a lover of words, I took several minutes to just read the menu and giggle at the plays on words.

nomad cincinnati chili tots

After much debate, I settled on the Naughty Nati tot basket.  A nod to Cincinnati-style chili, this would be a great way for visitors to sample the Cincinnati delicacy if the thought of chili on spaghetti repulses them.  It’s literally tater tots smothered in Cincinnati-style chili and topped with onions, mustard, and cheese.  While the cheese was a bit different than the traditional shredded cheddar you’d see from Skyline, Gold Star, and the like, the Naughty Nati tots were tasty and exactly as I expected they’d taste.

nomad tacos

My friend ordered the blanco taco (smoked chicken, mozzarella, onion and pico) and the Korean BBQ taco (Korean style short rib, mozzarella, onions, house-made kimchi) and enjoyed both.  While they may not be the top pick if you’re looking for traditional tacos, they’re certainly a solid choice.  And when the hankering hits for tacos and tots or tacos and milkshakes–you know where to go!

Milkshakes at Nomad

nomad milkshakes

Drumroll, please…. The moment we’ve all been waiting for–the boozy milkshakes!  The menu names of these are all so cheeky! (S’more than a feeling, Oreo speedwagon, Dough you want me baby, Go Nutell-it on the mountain, etc.)  But the shakes are serious business.  So. Good!

nomad milkshakes

My friend opted for the “Ba-Duh Duhduhduh Duh-Dumdum! Tequila!,” a lemon sorbet blended with Jose Cuervo tequila & blueberries, topped with whipped cream and fresh fruit.  I sampled hers and it was incredible!  Much more of a berry base than I expected from the description, which I loved.  It would be perfect on a hot day, sitting on the patio.  So refreshing!

nomad milkshakes

If you’re like me and looking for a more “traditional” milkshake, there are several options.  I opted for the “Build me up peanut butter cup,” which is ice cream blended with bourbon, Ghirardelli chocolate sauce & peanut butter, topped with whipped cream, Reese’s Cups, Hershey bar, and cherry.  Yum–what’s not to love?!  One of the best milkshakes I’ve ever had!

And if you aren’t into milkshakes, they also have several other cocktail options, including margaritas, sorbet spritz, hot toddy, Kentucky mule, and more.

If you’re looking for a different dessert option, I’m intrigued by the tot fudge sundae–cinnamon sugar tossed tater tots, three scoops of vanilla ice cream, Ghirardelli chocolate & caramel drizzle, whipped cream, and a cherry. I have never seen a concoction quite like that on a menu anywhere else and it sounds appetizing!

Explore Bellevue

nomad outdoor patio

Once you’ve gorged enough on the treats at Nomad, you can saunter over to Darkness Brewing across the street, or venture down Fairfield Avenue to explore more of Bellevue.  From the cute shops, other restaurants & bars, and chill patios (think Three Spirits Tavern, also a B-Line stop!), there’s plenty to do to keep you entertained in Bellevue!

Written By: Dot Crane, MeetNKY

Art at Arnolds Bar and Grill

The historic restaurant, Arnold’s Bar and Grill in Downtown Cincinnati is known for being the oldest bar in town but that’s not all they’re known for!  For over a hundred years this special establishment has been a gathering place for creatives of all kinds!  Not only can you see live music by local musicians every night in their beautiful courtyard but you will find yourself meeting poets, writers, musicians, actors, dancers, performers, and artists of all kinds enjoying themselves while sharing stories of their experiences at Arnold’s.  One of the many highlights to this space is the collection of art that they have on the inside and outside of the building.  From the 1800’s to now you’re sure to discover new things with each and every visit!

Before heading in, take a minute to admire the architecture, stained-glass, and the impressive neon signs that are displayed in the windows!  They recently added new ones that were made by, Neonworks of Cincinnati which is located in the fabulous American Sign Museum!

Another cool feature about the outside of the building is that one of the world’s most well-known street artists, Shepard Fairey has a large piece on the wall in the alley to the right!  The piece, “Global Warning” is 15 feet tall and was part of his “Supply and Demand” exhibition at the Contemporary Art Center in 2010.  Fairy put up several other pieces throughout the city that year but Arnold’s is one of the only places where you can still see his artwork in public in Cincinnati and they take great pride in continuing to preserve his incredible screen-printed wheatpaste mural.

As soon as you step inside you can’t help but to be mesmerized by the ambiance and aesthetic of this place!  The bar features historic nostalgia all over the walls that helps your imagination envision what it was like throughout time.  Everywhere you turn you will find something interesting and even quirky little details that will make you smile!  Behind the bar on the top shelf are five ceramic bottles that you don’t want to pass up taking a look at!  These interesting pieces of pottery depict faces of people but it’s a mystery as to who they are.  A fun game the bartends like to play with the patrons is guessing who they might be, so next time you’re there make your bets on who you think they are!  The artist, Scott Wynn created them, as well as the amazing carved double doors that lead you in and out of the courtyard that the former owner, Jim Tarbell commissioned.

https://scottwynnatelier.com/pages/about-us

The courtyard itself is a work of art with its unique stage that looks like a front porch and features a variety of vintage signs.  On one of the walls you can find a second wheatpaste mural by another popular street artist, JR.  This piece is of waitresses that worked at Arnolds in the 1930’s and the original photograph to compare it to is inside the dining room! https://www.jr-art.net

Adjacent to it is another wall piece that was also created by a famous graffiti artist!  This piece is of local legend Peanut Jim and was made by Alexandre Manuel Dias Farto, also known as Vhils.

https://www.vhils.com

Chris Breeden, the current owner is a huge advocate for art and continues to support creatives from all over by showcasing their work in his business.  He has kept the art scene alive through this revitalization of incorporating art into the experience of what Arnold’s has to offer!  So keep going back to see what he collaborates on and curates next!

Ancient Art in Ohio

Ohio is full of Indigenous Culture and you don’t have to travel far to find it!  Take a leisurely drive down a beautiful route of the Midwest’s countryside to Peebes, Ohio to visit the great Serpent Mound made by Indigenous People of Ohio!  Serpent Mound is a Historical Site that features one of the worlds largest Earthworks in the world!  The prehistoric mound is a spiraling snake that is 1,348-foot-long and three-foot-high sitting on a woodland plateau along the Ohio Brush Creek. This Earthwork is an effigy mound which is a raised pile of earth built in the shape of a stylized animal, symbol, or human figure.  The indigenous people that made this breathtaking natural art piece were both the Adena and Fort Ancient Cultures between 381 B.C. and 44 B.C.  This place has a sense of wonderment and it’s still a mystery of why they built it, some say it’s for spiritual purposes and ceremonial celebrations for the Solstice and Equinox.

Walk the trail along the mound and take in the beauty of it while you imagine what it would be like to build this massive earthwork with a team of people by hand. Reflect on the craftsmanship and hard work of the ancient artists that created it over a thousand years ago. Just make sure you stay on the path and don’t walk on top of the sacred mounds.  There are two overlooks that you must stop at to take in the view of the vibrant green treetop canopy that leads to the river, which has another beautiful trail that’s through the forest. This Nature Trail, is the Ohio Brush Creek Hiking Trail, that is an easy 1-mile hike that takes you into the valley, past the river, and brings you back up to the Serpent.  You could even take a swim in the river on a hot day to cool off, or hang a hammock to relax in the shade.

If you aren’t afraid of heights then make sure you check out the spectacular aerial view of the winding mound to see the full form of the serpent on the observation deck that’s there! The steps are a bit steep but the climb to the top is worth it to get the full appreciation of the spectacular mound!  There are plenty of picnic tables to have lunch at and discuss the magical place while enjoying the lovely nature all around you.  I recommend packing a lunch because There are not many additional attractions or restaurants in the area. You can also visit a small museum to stop into for educational facts, diagrams of how the mound was made, artifacts and gifts.

The Ohio State Archaeological Society has helped preserve this great piece of history and they offer volunteer opportunities for people interested in preserving, studying, and caring for ancient sites.  This is the perfect place to put on your Ohio Day Trip Bucket List! It’s also a wonderful place to learn about indigenous culture and history in Ohio. Serpent Mound was purposefully built for a special, sacred purpose and should be treat with respect and care while visiting.

They have events like traditional celebrations that honor the solstice and festivals that highlight the ways of the ancient people that came before us.  Some of the events include, retreats, workshops, live music, drum circles, and camping outings. Upcoming events to check out are, the Autumn Equinox at Serpent Mound, September 14th, the Serpent Mound Star Knowledge Peace Summit Festival, September 24th-26th and Light Up the Serpent for the Winter Solstice, December 6th, which is a ceremonial candle lighting outlining the serpent effigy in an effort to reflect upon the history and the importance of this world-renowned earthwork.

https://www.ohiohistory.org/visit/museum-and-site-locator/serpent-mound