Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza

This Hilton in Cincinnati is located across from Fountain Square, is the hub for the downtown Skywalk System, and is approximately seven miles from Cincinnati Lunken Field Municipal Airport, and 12 miles from Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky International Airport. Local attractions include the Music Hall, the Taft Museum, and Paul Brown Stadium, all located less than one mile from the property.

Hotel amenities include the Carew Tower Complex, connected to the hotel and housing a shopping mall, a beauty salon, elevators, gift shop, laundry services, multilingual staff, room service, safe deposit boxes, shoe shine stand, business center, copy services, fitness center, indoor swimming pool, hot tub, and a sauna. Dining options include two on-site restaurants, a breakfast kiosk, and a bar.

Guest rooms feature work desks, high-speed Internet access, telephones, voicemail, coffeemakers, irons and ironing boards, air conditioning, alarm clocks, cable TVs, movies on-demand, toiletries, hairdryers, weekday newspapers, video messaging, and electronic door locks.

Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza Property Information:

Rooms: 561
Floors: 7

Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza Service

Meeting room
Car rental desk
Family rooms
Business center
Dining
First class
Dry cleaning
Free high speed internet

Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza Reservation Policies:

Check-In: 1500
Check-Out: 1200

More photos

Cincinnati Events & Entertainment

Arts and Entertainment

Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra

1241 Elm St.

For information and tickets, call 513-381-3300.

The orchestra performs regularly at Music Hall.

Cincinnati Shakespeare Festival Theatre

719 Race St. For information and tickets, call 513-381-2273.

The theater performs plays by the bard and other playwrights.

The Cincinnati Ballet

Proctor and Gamble Hall

Aronoff Center

650 Walnut St.

For information and tickets, call 513-621-5219 or 513-621-5282.

The Fifth Third Broadway Series

Aronoff Center for the Arts

650 Walnut St.

For information and tickets, call 513-621-2787

The company presents popular Broadway musicals.

Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park

962 Mount Adams Circle.

For information and tickets

call 513-421-3888, or toll-free 800-582-3208.

The Cincinnati Opera

Music Hall, 1241 Elm St.

For information, call 513-621-1919.

For tickets, call 513-241-2742, or toll-free 888-533-7149.

The second-oldest opera company in the U.S., mounts four productions during its Summer Festival.

Events

January

1 January: New Year's Day. Public holiday.

17 January: Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Public holiday.

Throughout January: Theater. Cincinnati Shakespeare Festival Theatre performs plays by the bard and other playwrights. 719 Race St. For information and tickets, call 513-381-2273. Continues through late April

Throughout January: Concert. The Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra performs regularly at Music Hall, 1241 Elm St. For information and tickets, call 513-381-3300. Continues through early May

Throughout January: IHL Hockey. The Cincinnati Cyclones play regular-season home games at the U.S. Bank Arena, 100 Broadway. For information and tickets, call 513-421-2222.. Continues through early April

Throughout January: Dance. The Cincinnati Ballet performs at Proctor and Gamble Hall, Aronoff Center, 650 Walnut St. For information and tickets, call 513-621-5219 or 513-621-5282. Continues through early May

Throughout January: Musical. The Fifth Third Broadway Series presents popular Broadway musicals at the Aronoff Center for the Arts, 650 Walnut St. For information and tickets, call 513-621-2787. Continues through late April

Throughout January: Collegiate Basketball. The Cincinnati Bearcats play home games at Shoemaker Center, University of Cincinnati. For tickets, call 513-556-2287. Continues through late February

Throughout January: Theater. Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park presents plays and musicals. 962 Mount Adams Circle. For information and tickets, call 513-421-3888, or toll-free 800-582-3208. Continues through late June

February

Throughout February: Collegiate Basketball. The Cincinnati Bearcats play home games at Shoemaker Center, University of Cincinnati. For tickets, call 513-556-2287. Concludes late February

Throughout February: Concert. The Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra performs regularly at Music Hall, 1241 Elm St. For information and tickets, call 513-381-3300. Continues through early May.

Throughout February: Theater. Cincinnati Shakespeare Festival Theatre performs plays by the bard and other playwrights. 719 Race St. For information and tickets, call 513-381-2273.. Continues through late April

Throughout February: IHL Hockey. The Cincinnati Cyclones play regular-season home games at the U.S. Bank Arena, 100 Broadway. For information and tickets, call 513-421-2222. Continues through early April

Throughout February: Theater. Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park presents plays and musicals. 962 Mount Adams Circle. For information and tickets, call 513-421-3888, or toll-free 800-582-3208. Continues through late June

Throughout CDance. The Cincinnati Ballet performs at Proctor and Gamble Hall, Aronoff Center, 650 Walnut St. For information and tickets, call 513-621-5219 or 513-621-5282. Continues through early May

Throughout February: Musical. The Fifth Third Broadway Series presents popular Broadway musicals at the Aronoff Center for the Arts, 650 Walnut St. For information and tickets, call 513-621-2787. Continues through late April

March

Early March: Cincinnati International Wine Festival. More than 150 wineries offer up some 600 vintages for public tasting. Cooking seminars, live music, auctions and other special events also are held. Sabin Cincinnati Convention Center, 525 Elm St. For information, call 513-241-3434.

Early-Late March: Spring Festival. The Cincinnati Ballet puts on its Come Together Festival, featuring Donald McKayle's Rainbow Round My Shoulder, Kirk Peterson's Amazed in Burning Dreams and a world premiere. Proctor and Gamble Hall, Aronoff Center, 650 Walnut St. For information and tickets, call 513-621-5219 or 513-621-5282.

Throughout March: Theater. Cincinnati Shakespeare Festival Theatre performs plays by the bard and other playwrights. 719 Race St. For information and tickets, call 513-381-2273.. Continues through late April

Throughout March: IHL Hockey. The Cincinnati Cyclones play regular-season home games at the U.S. Bank Arena, 100 Broadway. For information and tickets, call 513-421-2222. Continues through early April

Throughout March: Dance. The Cincinnati Ballet performs at Proctor and Gamble Hall, Aronoff Center, 650 Walnut St. For information and tickets, call 513-621-5219 or 513-621-5282. Continues through early May

Throughout March: Musical. The Fifth Third Broadway Series presents popular Broadway musicals at the Aronoff Center for the Arts, 650 Walnut St. For information and tickets, call 513-621-2787. Continues through late April

Throughout March: Theater. Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park presents plays and musicals. 962 Mount Adams Circle. For information and tickets, call 513-421-3888, or toll-free 800-582-3208. Continues through late June

Throughout March: Concert. The Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra performs regularly at Music Hall, 1241 Elm St. For information and tickets, call 513-381-3300. Continues through early May

April

Early April: IHL Hockey. The Cincinnati Cyclones play regular-season home games at the U.S. Bank Arena, 100 Broadway. For information and tickets, call 513-421-2222. Concludes early April

Late April: Cincinnati Flower Show. Typically drawing tens of thousands of visitors, this is one of the largest open-air flower shows in the country. Exhibits, social events, gardeners and plant markets, lecture series and tours. Lake Como at Coney Island. For information, call 513-872-5194, or toll-free 800-670-6808.

Throughout April: Dance. The Cincinnati Ballet performs at Proctor and Gamble Hall, Aronoff Center, 650 Walnut St. For information and tickets, call 513-621-5219 or 513-621-5282. Continues through early May

Throughout April: Musical. The Fifth Third Broadway Series presents popular Broadway musicals at the Aronoff Center for the Arts, 650 Walnut St. For information and tickets, call 513-621-2787. Concludes late April

Early-Late April: Major-League Baseball. The Cincinnati Reds play home games at the Great American Ball Park, 100 Main St. For information and tickets, call 513-765-7400. Season continues through late September

Early-Late April: Horse Races. River Downs hosts live Thoroughbred racing and simulcasts from other parks on every day of the week except Monday. Free admission. 6301 Kellogg Ave. For information, call 513-232-8000. Continues through early September

Throughout April: Concert. The Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra performs regularly at Music Hall, 1241 Elm St. For information and tickets, call 513-381-3300. Continues through early May

Throughout April: Theater. Cincinnati Shakespeare Festival Theatre performs plays by the bard and other playwrights. 719 Race St. For information and tickets, call 513-381-2273.

Throughout April: Theater. Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park presents plays and musicals. 962 Mount Adams Circle. For information and tickets, call 513-421-3888, or toll-free 800-582-3208. Continues through late June

May

Mid-Late May: May Festival. Billed as the oldest choral festival in the Western Hemisphere. Lineup generally includes internationally known conductors and performers, as well as the 150-person May Festival Chorus. Music Hall, 1241 Elm St. For information and tickets, call 513-381-3300.

30 May: Memorial Day. Public holiday.

Late May: Taste of Cincinnati. The longest-running culinary-arts festival in the U.S. More than 40 local restaurants serve up samples from their menus while live bands perform on several stages. Central Parkway, between Elm and Main (downtown). For information, call 513-579-3197.

Throughout May: Horse Races. River Downs hosts live Thoroughbred racing and simulcasts from other parks on every day of the week except Monday. Free admission. 6301 Kellogg Ave. For information, call 513-232-8000. Continues through early September

Early May: Dance. The Cincinnati Ballet performs at Proctor and Gamble Hall, Aronoff Center, 650 Walnut St. For information and tickets, call 513-621-5219 or 513-621-5282. Concludes early May

Early May: Concert. The Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra performs regularly at Music Hall, 1241 Elm St. For information and tickets, call 513-381-3300. Concludes early May

Throughout May: Theater. Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park presents plays and musicals. 962 Mount Adams Circle. For information and tickets, call 513-421-3888, or toll-free 800-582-3208. Continues through late June

Throughout May: Major-League Baseball. The Cincinnati Reds play home games at the Great American Ball Park, 100 Main St. For information and tickets, call 513-765-7400. Season continues through late September

June

Mid-Late June: Opera. The Cincinnati Opera, the second-oldest opera company in the U.S., mounts four productions during its Summer Festival. Music Hall, 1241 Elm St. For information, call 513-621-1919. For tickets, call 513-241-2742, or toll-free 888-533-7149.. Continues through mid July

Throughout June: Horse Races. River Downs hosts live Thoroughbred racing and simulcasts from other parks on every day of the week except Monday. Free admission. 6301 Kellogg Ave. For information, call 513-232-8000. Continues through early September

Throughout June: Major-League Baseball. The Cincinnati Reds play home games at the Great American Ball Park, 100 Main St. For information and tickets, call 513-765-7400. Season continues through late September

Throughout June: Theater. Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park presents plays and musicals. 962 Mount Adams Circle. For information and tickets, call 513-421-3888, or toll-free 800-582-3208. Concludes late June

July

Early-Mid July: Opera. The Cincinnati Opera, the second-oldest opera company in the U.S., mounts four productions during its Summer Festival. Music Hall, 1241 Elm St. For information, call 513-621-1919. For tickets, call 513-241-2742, or toll-free 888-533-7149. Concludes mid July

4 Jul—Independence Day. Public holiday.

Throughout July: Horse Races. River Downs hosts live Thoroughbred racing and simulcasts from other parks on every day of the week except Monday. Free admission. 6301 Kellogg Ave. For information, call 513-232-8000. Continues through early September

Throughout July: Major-League Baseball. The Cincinnati Reds play home games at the Great American Ball Park, 100 Main St. For information and tickets, call 513-765-7400. Season continues through late September

August

1 August: Exhibit. Coming of Age in Ancient Greece: Images of Childhood From the Classical Past explores Greek rituals and mythology concerning childhood and adolescence with a re-creation of an ancient Greek house and more than 120 artifacts, including vases, terra-cotta figurines, statues, toys, baby feeders and gravestones. Cincinnati Art Museum, 953 Eden Park Drive. Phone 513-639-2984 or 513-721-2787. Toll-free 877-472-4226. Final day

1-15 August: Art Exhibit. To Observe and Imagine: British Drawings and Watercolors, 1600-1900 displays more than 100 drawings and watercolors that examine three centuries of British art covering various subjects from landscapes, portraits and illustrations to street scenes, architecture and still lifes. Features works by William Blake, William Turner, John Ruskin, Dante Gabriel Rossetti, Thomas Gainsborough and Sir Joshua Reynolds. Taft Museum of Art, 316 Pike St. Phone 513-241-0343. Concludes 15 Aug

Throughout August: Art Exhibit. Crimes and Misdemeanors: Politics in U.S. Art of the 1980s displays the representation of political sentiment in the visual arts during the '80s, including both iconic works and lesser-known pieces by artists such as Haim Steinbach, Jeff Koons, Richard Prince, Gran Fury and Barbara Kruger. Contemporary Arts Center, 44 E. Sixth St. Phone 513-345-8400. Continues through 21 Nov

Late August: Concert. The Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra performs regularly at Music Hall, 1241 Elm St. For information and tickets, call 513-381-3300. Continues through early May 2005

Late August: Horse Races. The Cradle Stakes Weekend Festival celebrates three stakes races: the Bassinet Stakes, the Governor's Buckeye Cup and the Miller Genuine Draft Cradle Stakes. Free admission. River Downs, 6301 Kellogg Ave. For information, call 513-232-8000. Continues through early September

Throughout August: Major-League Baseball. The Cincinnati Reds play home games at the Great American Ball Park, 100 Main St. For information and tickets, call 513-765-7400. Season continues through late September

Throughout August: Horse Races. River Downs hosts live Thoroughbred racing and simulcasts from other parks on every day of the week except Monday. Free admission. 6301 Kellogg Ave. For information, call 513-232-8000. Continues through early September

September

Mid-Late Septembe: Theater. Cincinnati Shakespeare Festival Theatre performs plays by the bard and other playwrights. 719 Race St. For information and tickets, call 513-381-2273. Continues through late April

Early September: Riverfest. Huge outdoor picnic and cultural event featuring nationally recognized musicians and entertainers on multiple stages, as well as scores of merchandise and food vendors. The climax of the day is a 30-minute fireworks display. Sawyer Point and Yeatman's Cove, Central Riverfront. For information, call 513-749-3764 or 513-621-9326.

Mid September: Oktoberfest Zinzinnati. One of the largest and most spirited Oktoberfest celebrations outside of Germany, regularly drawing nearly half a million visitors. Fifth Street, Race Street and Fountain Square to Broadway (downtown). For information, call 513-579-3191.

Early September: Horse Races. The Cradle Stakes Weekend Festival celebrates three stakes races: the Bassinet Stakes, the Governor's Buckeye Cup and the Miller Genuine Draft Cradle Stakes. Free admission. River Downs, 6301 Kellogg Ave. For information, call 513-232-8000. Concludes early September

Early September: Horse Races. River Downs hosts live Thoroughbred racing and simulcasts from other parks on every day of the week except Monday. Free admission. 6301 Kellogg Ave. For information, call 513-232-8000. Concludes early September

Throughout September: Art Exhibit. Crimes and Misdemeanors: Politics in U.S. Art of the 1980s displays the representation of political sentiment in the visual arts during the '80s, including both iconic works and lesser-known pieces by artists such as Haim Steinbach, Jeff Koons, Richard Prince, Gran Fury and Barbara Kruger. Contemporary Arts Center, 44 E. Sixth St. Phone 513-345-8400. Continues through 21 Nov

Throughout September: Concert. The Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra performs regularly at Music Hall, 1241 Elm St. For information and tickets, call 513-381-3300. Continues through early May

Throughout September: Major-League Baseball. The Cincinnati Reds play home games at the Great American Ball Park, 100 Main St. For information and tickets, call 513-765-7400. Season concludes late September

Early-Late September: NFL Football. The Cincinnati Bengals play regular-season home games at Paul Brown Stadium, Elm Street and Central Avenue. For information and tickets, call 513-621-8383.

Early-Late September: Theater. Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park presents plays and musicals. 962 Mount Adams Circle. For information and tickets, call 513-421-3888, or toll-free 800-582-3208. Continues through late June

October

Early-Mid October: Cincinnati International Film Festival. Local, national and international independent films are featured in this competitive festival that takes place at the Showcase Theatres. For information and tickets, call 513-379-6462.

11 Oct—Columbus Day. Public holiday

Mid-Late October: Musical. The Fifth Third Broadway Series presents popular Broadway musicals at the Aronoff Center for the Arts, 650 Walnut St. For information and tickets, call 513-621-2787. Continues through late April

Mid-Late October: IHL Hockey. The Cincinnati Cyclones play regular-season home games at the U.S. Bank Arena, 100 Broadway. For information and tickets, call 513-421-2222. Continues through early April

Mid-Late October: Dance. The Cincinnati Ballet performs at Proctor and Gamble Hall, Aronoff Center, 650 Walnut St. For information and tickets, call 513-621-5219 or 513-621-5282. Continues through early May

Throughout October: Theater. Cincinnati Shakespeare Festival Theatre performs plays by the bard and other playwrights. 719 Race St. For information and tickets, call 513-381-2273. Continues through late April

Throughout October: Concert. The Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra performs regularly at Music Hall, 1241 Elm St. For information and tickets, call 513-381-3300. Continues through early May

Throughout October: Art Exhibit. Crimes and Misdemeanors: Politics in U.S. Art of the 1980s displays the representation of political sentiment in the visual arts during the '80s, including both iconic works and lesser-known pieces by artists such as Haim Steinbach, Jeff Koons, Richard Prince, Gran Fury and Barbara Kruger. Contemporary Arts Center, 44 E. Sixth St. Phone 513-345-8400. Continues through 21 Nov

Throughout October: Theater. Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park presents plays and musicals. 962 Mount Adams Circle. For information and tickets, call 513-421-3888, or toll-free 800-582-3208. Continues through late June

Throughout October: NFL Football. The Cincinnati Bengals play regular-season home games at Paul Brown Stadium, Elm Street and Central Avenue. For information and tickets, call 513-621-8383. Season continues through late December

November

1-21 November: Art Exhibit. Contemporary Arts Center, 44 E. Sixth St. Phone 513-345-8400. Concludes 21 November.

11 November: Veterans Day. Public holiday.

25 November: Thanksgiving Day. Public holiday.

Mid-Late November: Collegiate Basketball. The Cincinnati Bearcats play home games at Shoemaker Center, University of Cincinnati. For tickets, call 513-556-2287. Continues through late February

Mid-Late November: Festival of Lights. Family-oriented festival showcasing more than 2.5 million lights, live entertainment, train rides and laser shows. Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens, 3400 Vine St. For information, call 513-281-4700, or toll-free 800-944-4776. Continues through late December

Throughout November: Theater. Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park presents plays and musicals. 962 Mount Adams Circle. For information and tickets, call 513-421-3888, or toll-free 800-582-3208. Continues through late June

Throughout November: NFL Football. The Cincinnati Bengals play regular-season home games at Paul Brown Stadium, Elm Street and Central Avenue. For information and tickets, call 513-621-8383. Season continues through late December

Throughout November: Concert. The Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra performs regularly at Music Hall, 1241 Elm St. For information and tickets, call 513-381-3300. Continues through early May

Throughout November: IHL Hockey. The Cincinnati Cyclones play regular-season home games at the U.S. Bank Arena, 100 Broadway. For information and tickets, call 513-421-2222. Continues through early April

Throughout November: Theater. Cincinnati Shakespeare Festival Theatre performs plays by the bard and other playwrights. 719 Race St. For information and tickets, call 513-381-2273. Continues through late April

Throughout November: Dance. The Cincinnati Ballet performs at Proctor and Gamble Hall, Aronoff Center, 650 Walnut St. For information and tickets, call 513-621-5219 or 513-621-5282. Continues through early May

Throughout November: Musical. The Fifth Third Broadway Series presents popular Broadway musicals at the Aronoff Center for the Arts, 650 Walnut St. For information and tickets, call 513-621-2787. Continues through late April

December

Mid December: World's Largest Office Party. The Hyatt's bars are staffed with local luminaries for an evening of drinking and dancing for several thousand attendees. Proceeds go to children's charities. Hyatt Regency Hotel, 151 W. Fifth St. Phone 513-579-1234 or 513-961-1702.

25 December: Christmas. Public holiday.

Throughout December: IHL Hockey. The Cincinnati Cyclones play regular-season home games at the U.S. Bank Arena, 100 Broadway. For information and tickets, call 513-421-2222. Continues through early April

Throughout December: Theater. Cincinnati Shakespeare Festival Theatre performs plays by the bard and other playwrights. 719 Race St. For information and tickets, call 513-381-2273. Continues through late April

Throughout December: Musical. The Fifth Third Broadway Series presents popular Broadway musicals at the Aronoff Center for the Arts, 650 Walnut St. For information and tickets, call 513-621-2787. Continues through late April

Throughout December: Dance. The Cincinnati Ballet performs at Proctor and Gamble Hall, Aronoff Center, 650 Walnut St. For information and tickets, call 513-621-5219 or 513-621-5282. Continues through early May

Throughout December: Concert. The Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra performs regularly at Music Hall, 1241 Elm St. For information and tickets, call 513-381-3300. Continues through early May

Throughout December: Festival of Lights. Family-oriented festival showcasing more than 2.5 million lights, live entertainment, train rides and laser shows. Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens, 3400 Vine St. For information, call 513-281-4700, or toll-free 800-944-4776. Concludes late December

Throughout December: NFL Football. The Cincinnati Bengals play regular-season home games at Paul Brown Stadium, Elm Street and Central Avenue. For information and tickets, call 513-621-8383. Season concludes late December

Throughout December: Collegiate Basketball. The Cincinnati Bearcats play home games at Shoemaker Center, University of Cincinnati. For tickets, call 513-556-2287. Continues through late February

Throughout December: Theater. Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park presents plays and musicals. 962 Mount Adams Circle. For information and tickets, call 513-421-3888, or toll-free 800-582-3208. Continues through late June

Cincinnati Destination Overview

Cincinnati, Ohio is a center of history and of fun. Located on the Ohio River, Cincinnati has been a prosperous town ever since its founding as a trading post in 1788. The Queen City shows off its diversity by scheduling a variety of events throughout the year. Traveling exhibitions at the Cincinnati Art Museum and performances by the Cincinnati Opera bring culture to the city, while the Cincinnati Reds and Bengals offer seasonal games for baseball and football fans. Beer, wine, music and dance festivals round out the eclectic calendar.

Outdoor activities abound in this family-friendly city. The Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden is a favorite destination for locals and visitors alike. In addition, Public Landing is a mile-long riverside walk featuring views of carefully painted showboats and other river craft that recall the city's bustling days of river commerce. For the true outdoors enthusiast, Surf Cincinnati Waterpark offers visitors, several water slides, miniature golf courses, boat rides and go-cart racing. Walkways and skywalks connect the sports stadiums on the riverfront to a vibrant business district, making it possible to dine, shop, see a game, and hit the clubs all without leaving downtown.

Fountain Square, with its graceful Tyler Davidson Genius of Water fountain, is surrounded by office buildings full of shops, restaurants and bars. A few blocks north are the elegant brick buildings of Over-the-Rhine, a former German enclave that's now the place to go for live music and trendy clubs. Cincinnati is proud of its artistic heritage and history. At the top of Mount Adams sits the Cincinnati Art Museum, a Romanesque-style building with eighty-eight galleries, displaying some eighty thousand works of art dating back 6000 years. Its treasured art and artifacts collection covers 5,000 years of art history and includes an impressive collection of art from the Near and Far East, Africa, Europe, and America.

Not just paintings and sculpture are displayed, but also finely crafted furniture (many pieces crafted in Cincinnati), porcelain, glassware, costumes, and ceramics. In May of 2003, the Lois & Richard Rosenthal Center for Contemporary Art opened in downtown Cincinnati, replacing a much smaller gallery that had been located over a drugstore for many years. The new space is an impressive building of geometric shapes and walls of glass that is an ideal showcase for what the Contemporary Arts Center refers to as “the art of the last five minutes.” The art is ever changing and always fascinating. New and noteworthy developments in painting, sculpture, photography, architecture, performance art, and new media all find there way into the museum’s remarkable exhibits. The Taft Museum, a small, exquisite museum housed in a mansion built in 1820, has reopened after a twenty-two million dollar renovation.

It exhibits stunning paintings by Rembrandt, Goya and Turner, as well as priceless Ming porcelains. The Museum Center at Union Terminal is entered through the original ten-story high rotunda which retains carefully restored rail terminal signs and symbols from its glorious past. It now houses a collection of museums including The Cinergy of Children’s Museum, The Museum of Natural History and Science, the Cincinnati History Museum, and an Omnimax Theater. Northern Kentucky is just a bridge away from downtown and offers almost as many attractions as Cincinnati. One of the bridges, the John A.

Roebling Suspension Bridge, is itself worth a look—it was the prototype for New York City's Brooklyn Bridge. Cincinnati encompasses several neighborhoods, each with its own ambience. You may want to allow some time to drive through the city's historic neighborhoods. Just north of downtown is Over-the-Rhine, an old German area whose steep streets are lined with brick row houses, many of which have been renovated. The area includes the Main Street Entertainment District, where you'll find art galleries and nightclubs.

The West End contains the city's best-preserved collection of Italianate homes. Mount Adams overlooks the Ohio River, offering spectacular views, as well as lively nightspots. Clifton (home of the University of Cincinnati), Hyde Park and Mount Lookout are known for their distinctive homes on heavily wooded lots and their town square-style shopping districts. Cincinnati has fine German restaurants, as well as excellent Italian and French cuisine. Be prepared to dine in some unusual surroundings.

You'll find restaurants in a former police station, a pottery factory (where you can eat in a kiln), a general store and a saloon. It is its very diversity that makes Cincinnati a popular destination. For a small city (only the third-largest in Ohio), it has an impressive array of museums, performing arts venues, galleries, fine dining restaurants, festivals, shopping areas, and sports arenas. It also has the Cincinnati Reds, the oldest professional baseball team in the U.S. All of this helps explain why more than 5 million people visit Cincinnati each year.