Carew Tower Observation Deck
Carew Tower Observation Deck
From the Observation Deck on the 49th floor of the iconic Carew Tower building—located smack in the hub of downtown’s business district—guests can revel at 360-degree views of the Ohio River, Great American Ball Park, Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal, Northern Kentucky and beyond. $6 adults 12 and over, $3 children ages 6–11, 513-579-9735
A scoop of Graeter's Black Raspberry Chocolate Chip ice cream
Graeter's Ice Cream (photo: Wendy Pramik)
Of all the fabulous flavors—and believe us, there are many—at the hometown ice creamery Graeter's, black raspberry chip is the most beloved (and best-selling) of them all. Oregon blackberries and generous chocolate chunks make it a don’t-miss delicacy. $4, multiple locations, graeters.com
Loveland Castle
Loveland Castle
Yes, it’s a real stone castle in the middle of the suburbs. Built in 1929 by Sir Harry Delos Andrews, a former World War I medic with a penchant for European castles, Loveland Castle is the perfect destination for history buffs, architecture enthusiasts, and those who believe in happily ever after. $5 per person, free ages 5 and under, Loveland, 513-683-4686, lovelandcastle.com
Krohn Conservatory
Krohn Conservatory
Opened in 1933, the urban tropical oasis of Krohn Conservatory boasts more than 3,500 plant species from around the world, plus a famous rainforest waterfall. Annual events like the holiday show and the Butterfly Show have become yearly traditions for both locals and visitors. $7 adults, $5 children ages 5–17, free ages 4 and under (admission increases slightly for special events), Eden Park, 513-421-5707, cincinnatiparks.com/krohn
Grilled cheese donut at Tom + Chee
Tom + Chee
Gooey cheddar cheese comes stuffed between two halves of a grilled glazed donut in this unlikely masterpiece of sweet-and-salty deliciousness at Tom + Chee. Whether you call it breakfast, lunch or dessert is up to you. $3.99, multiple locations, tomandchee.com
Written by Elizabeth Miller Wood.
