Cincinnati

Cincinnati is a city in Ohio, on the Ohio River. The Over-the-Rhine district is known for its 19th-century architecture, including Findlay Market, which has food and craft vendors. To the north is the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden. The Cincinnati Museum Center encompasses history, science, and children's museums in the art deco Union Terminal. Works spanning 6,000 years are on display at the Cincinnati Art Museum.

Acclaimed author Charles Dickens observed: "Cincinnati is a lovely city; bright, lively, and energetic." And people completely agree. Although parts of Cincinnati's neighborhoods are in disrepair, the winds of revival are blowing strongly through the city. Look no farther than the historic Over-the-Rhine (OTR) area for proof: This area is home to the famed Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra as well as the popular Findlay Market, which attracts hundreds of foodies on weekends. Downtown is another illustration of this resurgence; examples include the recently renovated riverside Great American Ball Park and the pedestrian-friendly Fountain Square.

But there's more to Cincinnati than just urban development. Some of the more pastoral areas have remained just as pastoral. A walk through the Spring Grove Cemetery & Arboretum will convince you of that point, as will Eden Park, which spreads out beside the Cincinnati Art Museum. So it should be no surprise that Dickens also said, "The inhabitants of Cincinnati are proud of their city as one of the most interesting in America, and with good reason."

Best Hotels in Cincinnati

• Hotel Covington, Cincinnati Riverfront
• 21c Museum Hotel Cincinnati
• The Lytle Park Hotel, Autograph Collection

The Best Things to Do in Cincinnati:

• Eden Park
• Spring Grove Cemetery & Arboretum
• The Cincinnati Art Museum

Rankings:

• 2 in Best Places to Visit in Ohio
• 19 in Best Weekend Getaways in the Midwest
  

Rating:

• 19 in Best Weekend Getaways in the Midwest