DoctorT

Will be in town only one day, early April, for business. I have the day and evening free. Any suggestions what to see, where to shop (not malls) and where to eat, perfer smaller restaurant, Italian, sea food, or continental cusine. Thanks

Gekko

You're in luck where dinner is concerned.

Maisonette, on 6th Street, is the longest running 5 star restaurant in the USA, according to Mobil. I've been fortunate enough to dine at Maisonette a few times, and it is extraordinary.

Enjoy!

indytravel

The new Underground Railroad museum is supposed to be excellent:

www.freedomcenter.org

I've enjoyed the museums at Union Station:

www.cincymuseum.org

The Contemporary Art Center has a new building designed by Hadid:

www.contemporaryartscenter.org

I've not dined at Maisonette yet though it's on my list.

Keep in mind they do have a dress code:

"Dress code for lunch is business casual with collar required for gentlemen."

"Dress code for dinner is jacket required, tie preferred for gentlemen and no denim for women or men."

www.maisonette.com

I really need to get to Cincy more often then just using their airport.

SAnParis

Newport on the Levy is close by & has the Tropicana (very good food) as well as the Hofbrau House (related to the Munich bar/restaurant of the same name). Many little shops, etc.

vmcenroe

Unfortunately Cincinnati isn't the greatest tourist destination. If you want to visit a museum then the Museum Center is the best. It's in the old train terminal which is quite grand. If the weather is nice then I'd recommend 2 alternatives. For shopping, Mainstrasse Village just over the river in Covington is a charming area with old houses and a shopping district. If you want to enjoy the outdoors then I'd recommend Eden Park it is a huge park which has overlooks of the Ohio River. It also has Krohn Conservatory which is a beautiful indoor display of plants. Mount Adams is another charming neighborhood right next door to Eden Park which has great views of the city. The Celestial restaurant in Mt. Adams sits on the hill and overlooks Cincinnati. Hope that helps.

snowrooster

vmcenroe -
Mainstrasse Village for shopping? I've lived in Cincinnati for 20+ years and never shopped there! Perhaps if you hit the right spots you'd enjoy your visit more.

For shopping, Hyde Park Square will be your best bet. Lots of local spots - and don't miss Graeter's Ice Cream - it has received national recognition & is Oprah's favorite (try mocha chip).

Maisonnette does indeed have a great history, but it not considered the best locally anymore. Cincinnati Magazine recently chose Boca (in Hyde Park, so convenient to the shopping) and Jean Robert at Pigall's (former chef at Maisonnette) as tops. I've been to both and they are wonderful - more modern than Maisonnette's traditona French cuisine. Jean Robert also has a French/Vietnamese fusion place called Pho Paris that is supposed to be wonderful, though I haven't been yet.

There is a new Contemporary Arts Museum downtown as well that has been acclaimed for it's architechture. The Museum Center at Union Terminal is good if you are interested in Natural History or Cincinnati History as it houses these two museums as well as a Children's Museum.

Just saw you like Italian - Primavista in Price Hill is my all time favorite (really good escargot, carbonara, and one of the best views in town). Boca is considered Italian too, I believe, but much more contemporary.

Have fun, and let me know if you have any questions - I love my home town!!

vmcenroe

Snowrooster: Maybe if YOU got out more you would know that Boca is no longer in Hyde Park. It hasn't been in Hyde Park for at least a year.

vmcenroe

Furthermore, regarding Hyde Park, it IS the premier shopping district in Cincinnati. It is very quaint and charming. But the shops cater more to people who live there. Lots of high end home decor and clothing shops. And in my opinion it is not the easiest location to get to. You will not find it without a map. Mainstrasse Village is also very quaint. It has more of a gift shop/cafe feel to it. Plus it is right off I71/75. If you get off at the Covington exit then you are right there. It's very close to downtown Cincinnati. Hyde Park is in the burbs about 8 miles out.

snowrooster

vmcenroe - Sorry, but Boca used to be in Northside and moved TO Hyde Park, not from it. Hyde Park is within the city limits of Cincinnati. I used to live in the area and you can't vote for city council if you don't live in the city. Hyde Park may not be in the midst of high rises, but it is technically in the city.

I guess if you prefer gift shops then Mainstrasse could be for you (since this what you said is there). As a someone who loves to shop, I prefer the local boutiques of Hyde Park.

snowrooster

Techically Boca is in Oakley, but Hyde Park and Oakley blend together along Madison Rd - it definitely moved to the Hyde Park area rather than from it.

However the point of this additional post is that I realized I didn't mention Cincinnati Chili. If haven't had it before, it is a must try. Skyline is my favorite but there are lots of local spots. It is a greek influenced chili served over spaghetti w/shredded cheddar and your choice of onions and/or beans. I took a while to grow on me, but some people love it the first time they try it.