Three things to check out in Cincinnati

I had some free time during my business trip in Cincinnati which allowed me to check out some pretty cool places. Here are three of them:

1.      American Sign Museum—our company took us to party among some bright and colourful neon signs in this museum. Folks can tour this museum filled with neon signs, lighted signs, small signs, giant signs, all offering a glimpse of American history in certain eras. Or, like our company, you can also hold events in this venue. It was a fun setting to cap our series of meetings. We had nice 80's and 90's music and an open bar, they couldn't have gotten it wrong. The food was not bad either—complete with retro candies!

2.      Fountain Square—in the heart of downtown Cincinnati, people gather at the Fountain Square for events and other celebrations. There is a music stage, a video board, café chairs and tables. Bars and stores surround the square. At its centre, streams of water flow from a magnificent 9-ft bronze and granite fountain, called, “The Lady.” When we were there, it was Salsa night. The place was just vibrant and fun. My friend and I got a quick lesson in Merengue as well!

3.      Graeter’s—at the Fountain Square, beside the Fifth Third Bank, and after our salsa dancing, there was a long line up for goodies at Graeter’s. And you know what line ups really do—make us line up as well, to try this Queen City tradition. We got some of the popular Black Raspberry chip ice cream, made from what they call a French pot process (producing only 2 gallons at a time for that decadent creaminess). The chocolate chips in the ice cream were delightful. Big, uneven chunks were wonderfully mixed into the cream. You can even get a chunk as big as your thumb—none of those mini-Hershey-like chips in these! You can get their delectable ice cream in cones, in cups, as a sundae, in travel packs and in shipping pints! They don’t only sell ice cream, they also have cookies, chocolate, caramel and other cute merchandise. I hand-carried some cookies just to have the kids try the yummy goodies! And, if you were not able to make it to a Graeter’s during your stay in Cincinnati, don’t worry, there is a kiosk at the airport. They won’t have the cones and sundaes, but they have some ice cream cups!

I already started eating before I thought to take a photo

So, even if your trip to Cincinnati is short, there are some places worth seeing and food worth trying. I heard that Cincinnati chili is really good, but sadly, I was not able to try some. Again, for things you didn’t get to try, they have some available at the airport. The chili is available at the airport store in cans and powder mixes, along with the Montgomery Inn BBQ sauce in bottles.