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.

Sleeping with Art at the 21C Museum Hotel

Work took me to Cincinnati, OH for a few days. At first, my co-workers and I were kinda moping about not going to Florida instead. After all, what is there to do or see in Cincinnati?! But then again, we didn’t have much free time outside of the Duke Convention Centre. So either the Convention Centre or the hotel would have to be near attractions or we would never get to see anything. In my case, my hotel was an attraction itself! What luck!

We arrived before noon at the 21C Museum hotel. A huge chandelier hung outside on the street, a marker so apt for what you can find inside—fun, contemporary art! I checked in at the front desk and the actual desk was art in itself--the table was made up of thousands of multi-colored figurines holding up the glass panel above them.

at the lobby

My room wasn’t ready yet so I just hung around in the lobby and checked out the art. Modern art was displayed in the lobby along with the iconic yellow penguins. These plastic sculptures were commissioned for a public art project and now reside at the 21C. There are several of these yellow penguins all over the hotel and they “migrate” throughout the day.

I had to register for our work event so I just left my luggage at the front desk. The staff was quite helpful and very pleasant. When I finally got back to the hotel at the end of the day, I was able to get a room already.  It was no surprise that the elevator cab was an exhibit called, Time Capsule. As well, each floor had different art displayed upon getting out of the elevator.

right outside the elevators

In the rooms, there was more original art, of course—from the paintings on the wall, to funky phones and light fixtures.

A rubber ducky accompanied me in my bath along with some nice Malin +  Goetz products. Bas relief facial parts were on the tiles and the floor was also heated. The 42” flatscreen even had video artwork channel! Talk about being surrounded by art.

The bed and pillows were soft and clean. There was complimentary water, free wifi, an ipod docking station and a Nespresso machine where I got my brewed coffee. My deluxe room did have a small window which had the view of surrounding buildings. As well, the aircon is a bit on the noisy side, making me think there was a howling wind outside every time the unit turned on. But as I was only there at night, it was ok. I closed the black-out curtains (which I always do at night) and snuggled with my 6 pillows, pretended I was sleeping in during bed weather. The fancier suites would probably be more awesome. I wonder if turn-down service in those rooms include more chocolate…I know I enjoyed mine.

There was a spa, a rooftop patio and a nice lounge at the ground floor. Yellow penguin paraphernalia and other cool items were available at the Museum shop (or you can buy online!).

colourful staircase to the second floor gallery

As well, there was an art gallery on the 2^nd floor—open to the public. The exhibit at the time featured works of Cincinnati and Louisville based Jay Bolotin and Sarah Lyon, among others. These were mostly portraits but there was also film.

It was a lovely stay. And if I didn’t have a chance to see anything else in Cincinnati, my stay at the 21C would have made the trip worth it. A couple of nights without hubby, the kids, and chores in a fun hotel surrounded by art, what better way to get away—even if it was a business trip.