Carew Tower Observation Deck
Carew Tower Observation Deck
From the 49th floor of this iconic 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 this hometown ice creamery, black raspberry chip is the most beloved (and best-selling) of them all. Oregon blackberries and generous chocolaty 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
Opened in 1933, this urban tropical oasis 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. $4 adults, $2 children ages 5–17 (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. Whether you call it breakfast, lunch or dessert is up to you. $3.99, multiple locations, tomandchee.com
