Anyone familiar with the Cinncinati area? A friend of mine is going to meet me there Saturday night (equidistance for both of us) We have a choice of staying at the Marriott in Covington KY or one near the University of Cinncinati. Any feedback on either place? We were hoping to have dinner nearby and be in an area where we could walk around -- maybe find a coffee shop or somewhere there is music playing on Saturday night. Any help is much appreciated. Thanks!

I have lived in Cincinnati for many years - nice town. Do you realize Tall Stacks is this weekend? You might have trouble finding a hotel room so I would book it asap. Personally, my vote would definitely be for the Marriott on the KY side (I wasn't even aware there was one near UC). It is fairly new and is on the river so you get a nice view (especially w/Tall Stacks!).

There is an area in Newport, KY near where you will called Newport on the Levee. Lots of restaurants, theatre, bars - very popular place on weekend nights (more so than any areas in Cincinnati really). There are a lot of good dinner options but I'm not really sure what you are looking for: Tropicana - high end festive steakhouse; Hofbrauhaus - German (also festive); Istanbul Cafe - great food; Mitchell's Fish Mkt; Dewey's Pizza - I don't think you could go wrong w/any of these. If you do a search on google, I think there is a website for newport on the levee that would have current music listings, or check out www.cincinnati.com (northern kentuckys is pretty much considered part of the whole cincinnati scene).

Let me know if you have any other questions, and be sure to post a report afterwards!

been there lots...have you even checked hotels? Tall Stacks usually has em sold out and you may have to stay further in in Erlanger or Westwood.

Thanks for the responses. I had no idea "Tall Stacks" was going on -- or excuse my ignorance, What is "Tall Stacks?" Fortunately I was able to use my free certificate for a night at the Marriott U of Cinncinnati/Kingsgate conference center although I would have preferred the Covington location. However given what is going on there, it sounds like I was lucky to get a room at all. Are there things to do near U of C -- we are "30 something moms" -- not interested in the college scene anymore, so perhaps a drive to Newport would be a better choice. I will check out the site. Thanks for your recommendations, I'll let you know how it goes!!

I stayed at the Kingsgate a month ago. Definitely drive over to Newport on the Levee.

Yes, you'll love Newport. The Tropicana is fun, even that crazy Hofbrau House with the oompah bands. But you may have fun checking out the river scene, too. Funny, the cars just stream across the bridge on Friday evenings....ever think Cincinnati's downtown developers are scratching their heads? Have a great time!

Tall Stacks is an event where old or look like old steam boats (think paddle wheelers) line the river banks. There are a lot of boats there - some well known like the Delta Queen and the Belle of Louisville.

They come from places along the Ohio and other navigable rivers. It is a neat place to see a slice of river history.

Boat rides, bands, food at booths etc. are part of this event.

It is a pretty big deal. Parking and hotel rooms are hard to come by.

Please google "Tall Stacks" for info on times and activities.

Or you could check out www.tallstacks.com - there are still some cruises w/tickets available.

As a 30-something mom myself, DEFINITELY DEFINITELY DEFINITELY go to Newport on the Levee versus the area around UC (Clifton)!