By TODD WESSELL
Journal Travel Editor
In Cincinnati, it's the River‹‹the Ohio River‹that gives this diverse, exciting and emerging city its identity.
Without the River, Banjo Bob wouldn't be strumming the chords of "Dixie" as the paddle boat River Queen gently slushes past Cincinnati's picturesque skyline. Without the River, the seven bridges that span the Ohio wouldn't exist, including the Roebling Suspension Bridge, the prototype of New York City's Brooklyn Bridge. And without the River, it's doubtful that this city of 317,000 and region of 2 million would resemble anything like it does today, a bustling metropolis that links America's geographical and spiritual North and South.
In 1788, Cincinnati was founded even though for its first two years it was named Losantiville. In 1790, it took its new name from the Roman general Cincinnatus because the governor of America's Northwest Territory at the time was the president of the Society of Cincinnati.
Over the next 50 years, Cincinnati became the nation's leading inland port with River traffic ferrying goods and people from the urban East to the sprawling West. Today, Cincinnati, which sports the nicknames of "The Queen City" and "The Blue Chip City", is Ohio's third largest city and home to huge corporations such as Proctor & Gamble, Scripps Howard publishing, Fifth Third Bank, and Kroger food stores. At the same time, it's a community that takes great pride in its historical connections serving as home to the new and impressive National Underground Railroad Freedom Center and professional baseball's first team, the Cincinnati Reds.
Depending on who's doing the counting, one might say that there're three or four Cincinnatis. For Ohioans, the Cincinnati they identify more closely with is the city of downtown skyscrapers, three professional sports arenas along the River, Reds Baseball Hall of Fame, Taft Theater and Museum, and Fountain Square. For others, south of the River, there's Covington and Newport, Kentucky, two communities working hard to carve out their own niches. In Newport not far from the famous Purple People Bridge, there's Riverboat Row where those yearning for the mid-19th century glory days of River travel can board one of any number of vessels for an evening dinner, afternoon lunch or morning breakfast cruise. Prices are reasonable ranging from $15 to as high as $70 for special packages.
Also situated just across the River is the Newport Aquarium, a great place to take the kids to learn about and view all kinds of sea creatures, and Newport on the Levee, a fresh and new development where people can shop, eat, relax or take in a movie.
The Kentucky side of the River has plenty more. Many stately brick homes‹some dating back to around the Civil War, dot the many neighborhoods on terrain that gradually slopes toward the Ohio River. Many of these houses feature colorful floral gardens. There's also a movement afoot to add or lengthen existing bike and pedestrian trails in the area. For those who enjoy building architecture, a must-see is St. Mary's Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption located in Covington. Dedicated in 1901, this marvel attracts visitors from all over the globe. Its facade is modeled after Paris' famous Notre Dame cathedral. Inside, St. Mary's is adorned with 82 stained glass windows. Its interior measures 180 ft. in length and 81 ft. in height. Along the nave and transept walls 14 stations of Christ's passion and death are reproduced in mosaic art.
Located just a few hours away visitors can gawk at the world's largest swinging bell at The World Peace Bell Center. The bell itself is 12 ft. in diameter and weighs 66,000 pounds.
All around Cincinnati are located world class restaurants. Chili lovers can stop by the Skyline Chili or Golf Star Chili restaurant. There's Jeff Ruby's Steakhouse, Montgomery Inn Boathouse, Nicholson's Tavern & Pub and the five star Maisonette to choose from. For those in the mood for some good old-fashioned German fun, a stop at Hofbrauhaus in Newport is recommended. There, not only can you dine on authentic German cuisine, but clink your beer steins as you prepare to sip on a Hofbrau Dunkel or Munich Weizen as the Cincinnati skyline looms in the distance. For the more lively crowd, Hofbrauhaus' Bier Hall features live music in a setting where as many as 350 people join in with song and laughter.
As for attractions, Cincinnati has plenty. Located just 20 minutes west of downtown lies the Argosy Casino and Hotel. Paramount's famous King's Island theme park has 85 rides and attractions to chose from as well as live entertainment. Jungle Jim's International Market is another site to behold where 10,000 wines, 1,000 beers and 1,600 cheeses are offered for sale to busloads of curiosity seekers.
There's also the Cincinnati Fire Museum, Cincinnati Art Museum, Harriet Beecher Stowe house where the author of Uncle Tom's Cabin lived.
Of course, there are a plethora of places to stay in the Cincinnati area including several upscale downtown hotels such as the Millennium, Westin, and Cincinnatian.
Getting to Cincinnati is easy. It's about a 7-1/2 hour drive southeast of Chicago. If you fly, it's only about an hour in the air and there are plenty of flights out of O'Hare. The cost is less or as low as $200 round trip. For more information about the Queen City, call 800-543-2613 or 513-621-2142 or go to CincyUSA.com.
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