Let Cincinnati Entertain You! Virtual at home fun

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                                                                                                                          If you have finished Tiger King and you’re bored putting puzzles together and taking walks here are some new entertainment ideas I have found for you! Some of our local people have really gotten creative. Times like this lend themselves to creativity so make sure to tip via Venmo or go fund me pages and support those who make your “normal” everyday life better. 

If you don’t have Facebook or Instagram this is the time to join! You can be enlightened by all the wonderful things to keep your “stay at home” days interesting! Zoom is another wonderful app. You can use if for many of the things mentioned below and you can use it to “get together” with your family and friends! 

Please follow along on IG Heymichelle1 or Facebook Hey Michelle to stay updated on things going on and an up to date list of the restaurants offering carry out on a daily basis. BE STRONG we will come out of this better than before, I just know it!! 

Food & Beverage

Molly Wellmann– Check out our most famous bartender as she shakes her cocktails on her FB & IG for 5 O’Cocktails. She gives you a heads up on what you will need to make the cocktail ahead of time ;) Wigs and colorful hair encouraged. 

Cristian Pietoso– Chef/Owner of Via Vite and Forno is sharing his wonderful cooking skills in his home kitchen. His girls are wonderful helpers and the best is listening to them all speak Italian! 

Kayla Robinson– Head Chef at Cincy’s Oldest restaurant Arnold’s Bar & Grill is sharing her culinary expertise with you… so tune into her IG or FB to join in the fun. 

Parties 

Front Porch Pours- RSVP  to get the info for this bash on Friday, Apr 3rd 5-8 … I’m so excited about this! AGAR is organizing this and is trying to get people in all 52 hoods to participate. So, RSVP to get the drink recipe, playlist and invites to share with your friends. See ya on the porch :) 

Naked Karate Girls– Dance Party … Cincy’s fave band is live-streaming a concert on Friday at 8:00, so put on your dancing shoes and tune in. They will be giving away some swag, too. 

Jacob Trevino– Owner of some seriously fun bars in Cincy like Tokyo Kitty, Overlook Lodge, Video Archive and more is posting some fun stuff so check out his FB & IG for details of what crazy thing is next.. like Disney Karaoke on Zoom, he has been DJing Sunday brunch so I’m excited to see what’s next. 

Book Club

Joseph-Beth – Shop our local bookstores! You can order books online. They are hosting virtual storytime for the kids and they have some great Easter basket surprises on the website! And, you can continue to support your local charity by just entering “giveback” number in the comments in your order.

Cincy Book Bus– My adorable friend, Melanie had to park her cute blue bus for now but she can still ship you the book for May bookclub! Order by April 15th to join in! 

Mercantile Library– Our oldest and most beautiful library is still hosting online virtual book discussions! 

Holocaust & Humanity Center– They are hosting a virtual book club “Anne Frank”- Tuesday, April 28th at 11 a.m. They also hosting video chats and virtual tours. If you have not been to this permanent exhibit it is well worth your time and here is the virtual tour

Theater

Playhouse in the Park– I was so excited for everyone to see Destiny of Desire because it is so damn funny and probably the most entertaining show of the year… then Corona came to town. :( Good news…you can still see it! They are streaming the show through April 11th for $35 and it is worth it! Also, Broadway HD has a subscription service for performances so check it out on the Playhouse website. 

The Cincinnati Ballet– They are also offering classes and excerpts from many performances. 

The Cincinnati Opera– Apartment Arias, a series of at-home performances by some of the 2020 season artists will be available soon! 

Museums

Cincinnati Art Museum– Is offering Q & A with some of the curators and leaders of the museum. They also are showcasing some of the beautiful art and giving interesting information on their social media. 

Taft Museum of Art– Offering Virtual Studios, Taft Trivia and more! 

Contemporary Art Center– They are live-streaming some concerts, having digital residency creation time and more! 

Holocaust Museum- read above 

Fun

Cincinnati Zoo- Is hosting Facebook Live click HERE where you can see the animals and learn something new! The tulips are in bloom right now too so take a look!

Cincinnati Museum Center– So much fun for the kids! Stem Girls, Storytime, movie night and more… Great videos for the homeschool time we are in right now :)

Workout – No excuses people! Get your booty moving 

The Mind Body app. It has a great collection of places offering workouts. Also, Quidwell is a great website to see what’s available 

It’s Working Out – Zoom classes offered daily …strength, cardio, yoga and more

Nicole Leisen Personal Training– Offering a mix of classes from TRX to yoga via zoom 

Body Alive– A great mix of classes! Bobby, should we crank our heat in our houses for some hot yoga? : )

Define Oakley– Spin, yoga, body all at home! 

Dancefix– Ohhh people this will get your booty movin’ … I have done this class and it is so fun. Advantage…..I’m liking the at-home option so I can practice the moves without making a fool of myself, so when this is over and we can hit the studio I might be going the right direction a few times !! :) 

Songs for someone you love or maybe don’t like – :)

Ryan Fine– A Mariemont native and CCM grad is offering to write a custom song for you for $50 !! I love this (www.ryanfine.com/custom.songs)

Support Local! Restaurants, Work-outs , Caterers & More

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Here is a list that keeps growing! These are the restaurants open with carryout, curbside and some who started a limited delivery offer. Please check my Hey Michelle Facebook page for more. The bottom of this is a list of OTR stores and more and how you can support! Thank you to all who replied on my Facebook and Instagram with all the scoop. 

Also, follow Quidwell on Instagram they are supporting all local workout studios who are offering online sessions and the ability for you to donate for the class! LOVE THIS

Chef Cristian from Via Vite and Forno is posting cooking classes! I’ll be reposting on my Facebook page

 

Just go to social media and check your favorite local spot and see what they are offering!

  • Tip well! Offer extra for bartenders, hostess, and others who are no longer working
  • Buy merchandise … t-shirts, hats, etc.
  • Buy gift cards for later 
  • Please try to shop online with your favorite local retail shop. Some will deliver to your home
  • Most coffee shops are open so go get some!
  • Caterers … don’t forget they have had everything canceled and need you so reach out and order. Most are doing some meal prep

Sotto– carryout 513-977-6886 Mon-Sun 4-9 all the goods and… read the next line

Boca– serving up the scallop & brussel sprout dish and Boca burger through Sotto carryout!

Boom Box Buns– Grand Opening on Thursday at 1400 Republic St.. they will open with carryout 12-8 

The Works in Loveland– curbside and delivery options

Garnish Catering– carryout and delivery. www.garnishcincinnati.com, info@garnish-catering.com or 513-791-2433

On The Rhine Eatery– pick up for all food court restaurants! ( great selection ) www.ontherhineeatery.com

 Libby’s Southern Comfort– Famous Fried Chicken and Goetta hush puppies along with sides available for pick up order call 859-261-3106

Urban Grill on Main– Carry out and Online orders start Wednesday. Packaged beer & wine also available. 

The Green Farm Juicery– Pick up and Curbside you can call in your order Hyde Park 513-620-7111, Blue Ash 513-417-8749 or online www.greenfarmjuicery.com/shop

Awakenings Coffee & Wine– Pick up coffee, quiche and more

Balance Cafe & Smoothie– healthy meal prep and curbside pick up. Order online www.balancecafe.com 

Alfio’s Buon Cibo– carry out and delivery within 3 miles 513-321-0555

O’bryons Bar & Grill– carry out! 513-321-5525

Share Cheesebar– pick up 513-351-3063

Dead Low Brewing – carry out food and growlers 513-800-1231

Montgomery Inn– offering pick up and delivery 

Sitwell’s Coffee House– pick up, carry out 513-281-7487

Crown Republic– DYI pasta kit curbside! 513-246-4272

Aladdin’s Eatery & Lounge – curbside and delivery open 11-7 call 513-381-0395 

E & O both locations  – curbside pick up

Chili Time Restaurant– Call 513-641-1130 drive-thru pick up 

The Birch in Terrace Park– starting Tuesday through Friday from noon to two and 430 to 630 Will be offering delivery within a 4-mile radius. Please tip well

Fireside Pizza – pick up

O Pie O– pick up and are also offering free meals to school children check their website

Terry’s Turf Club– pick up 513-533-4222

The Pickled Pig– pick up curbside delivery 513-748-7114

Via Vite–  pick up all great but please try the lasagna! VV 513-721-8483

Tony’s – Curbside menu is on the website 513-677-8669  open 4-8

Station family and barbecue and CWC the restaurant -Will be offering carryout 513-679-6797

Price Hill Chili–  carryout 513-471-9507

The Littlefield – Northside 513-386-7570

Branch – Walnut Hills offering carryout 513-221-2702

Mom n ‘em Coffee and wine -will bring your coffee warm food to your car text 513-390-7681

Hangover Easy– Clifton is offering carryout 513-221-5400

Dream Dinners- Will deliver your meal prep service curbside 513-233-3732, Anderson 

The Gruff– Covington Kentucky has a pickup window 859-581-0040

Saigon Noodle Bar -West Chester- Will be doing carry out and curbside pick up delivery through door Dash and GrubHub 513-874-5888

Coffee Please– Madeira  carryout

Urban Stead Cheese– Walnut Hills  will be offering retail cheese beer and wine with carryout Tues-Fri 4-7, Sat & Sun 1-5 they are working on an online ordering. They are also offering Farm fresh eggs and bread they can also pre-order ground beef and pork for pick up they are partnering with local farms to offer this all to you. Please call them at 513-828-0830 to see what is available. Fresh curds will be available at 6 o’clock tonight

Bones Burgers – carryout 513-407-2939

Nine Giant Brewing- starting carryout Food is as good as the brew.. open for lunch too 513-366-4550 

Django Western Taco – Northside 513-978-0619or OTR Eatery 513-263-5915 carryout

Bow Tie Cafe- Offering breakfast & lunch carry out and delivery 621-CAFE

The School House Restaurant – carryout ( you may get extra credit for an online class :) 

Funky Catering– Funky’s To Go available March 16 through April 3 same-day orders may be placed 8:30 AM to noon next day orders can be placed up to 5:00 call 513 841-9999 funky is also is available for delivery with a $20 delivery charge up to 10 miles.

Tanto Bistro– offering take out both locations and reopening the “Take and Bake” location on Loveland Maderia Rd. 513-683-8266

Urban grill on Main in Newtown– will offer a carry out an online ordering starting Wednesday curbside pick up an online payment. Packaged beer and wine will also be available. www.urbangrillonmain.com

Matt the Miller’s Tavern– * WEST CHESTER location Curbside pick up or delivery via grub hub and DoorDash Mon-Sun 11-8.

BonBonerie– will provide curbside service call 513-321- 3399 extension 2 for the bakery extension 3 for the café they are also offering delivery within a 10-mile radius

Streetside Brewery -remain open daily 3 to 8 for carryout orders they will have a drive-through option for details soon.

Nicolas- Is doing carryout starting March 23rd check website for a limited menu. 513-721-6200.  For  a limited time gift cards are available at a special price $100 and receive $20 bonus!

China Gourmet– carryout  Monday through Saturday 3 to 9 and delivery Monday through Saturday 5 to 9 delivery Will be based on demand call 513-871-6612. ( They just received a $1,000 tip from a customer …how great is that!?) 

Sacred Beast Dinner- online ordering at info@sacredbeastdiner.com

Forno – 513-231-5555 to place your order daily from 4-10

Jeff Ruby’s -is offering curbside take out go to the link on the website and check out and pay online pull into valet for pick up. 

The Cheesecakery–   Madisonville is offering online ordering and in-store pick up as well as door Dash we still need or sweets! 613-985-5225

Gomez Salsa Cantina -Walnut Hills & OTR ..online or phone orders 513-954-8541

Parlor on Seventh -Covington is offering pick up and delivery 11:30 a.m. to 8 PM delivery is available on door Dash and Uber eats 859-993-4700

Quan Hapa – OTR  full menu of Ramen and Asian items for carryout the delivery 11 AM to 9 PM you can order online or call 513-421-7826

Tickle Pickle– Northside is offering all of your burger favorites for carryout and is working on a delivery option 513-954-4003

The Delish Dish– Covington Curbside and carryout Menu on website orders@thedelishdish.com 

Sweets & Meats BBQ – Mt. Washington carryout Wed-Sun 513-888-4227 or order online www.sweetsandmeatsbbq.com 

WESTSIDE ! 

Maury’s Tiny Cove– Pick up & delivery within 7 miles 513-662-2683

Maloney’s Pub West – Drive thru St. Patty’s Pitty Party… bring growlers for fill up and grab some grub!

Wishbone Tavern– Carryout.. you can take and eat in the bed of your truck like some fellas yesterday! Call 513-834-8607 they are doing deliveries with orders more than $35 call for details Open 11 AM to 9 PM

Chandler’s burger bistro– in Delhi take out starting at 11 AM quesadilla Tuesday Rolls right along as usual call 513-941-0823

This was sent to me via OTR Chamber… for sake of time, I am sending as is instead of retyping :) My assistant is out sick haha as if  :)
#OTRisOpen : Support Small Businesses
Business Name Business Address Shopping Options Available Platform
Phone Number
 Website link:
EATERIES
3 Sweet Girls Cakery 29 East 12th Street Carry out, courier delivery, & gift cards Private courier (513) 421-0109 http://ww.3sweetgirlscakey.com
Aladdin’s Eatery + Lounge 1203 Main Street Carry-out / Delivery & Giftcards Doordash, GrubHub, Post Mates (513) 381-0395 https://aladdins.com
B&A Street Kitchen 1500 Race Street Carry-out / Pick-up, Giftcards, Accepting Donations Call the restaurant! Doordash, UberEats, EZCater (513) 345-6670 http://bastreetkitchen.com
Brown Bear Bakery 116 E. 13th Street Carry-out / Pick-up (513) 975-2142 http://www.brownbearbakery.com
Ché 1342 Walnut Street Carry-out/Delivery Uber Eats and by calling the restaurant (513) 345-8838 http://www.CheCincinnati.com
Coffee Emporium 110 East Central Parkway It only allows you to select one. We offer carry out/ pickup, online shopping and gift cards Our website (513) 300-9188 http://www.coffee-emporium.com
Cryo Cincy 1712 Elm Street Online Shopping www.cryocincy.com (513) 773-9801 https://www.cryocincy.com/
Deeper Roots Coffee 1814 Race Street Bags of coffee for home brewing available on our website & Giftcards Bags of coffee for home brewing available on our website! (513) 655-6535 https://www.deeperrootscoffee.com/coffee
Findlay Market 1801 Race Street Order through the app and onsite pick-up! Findlay Market Shopping App. http://findlaymarket.org/news/findlay-market-shopping-app
Goose & Elder 1800 Race Street Carry-out/Delivery Our Website for pick-up, UberEats for delivery (513) 579-8400 https://www.gooseandelder.com
Iris BookCafe 1331 Main Street Carry-out Call to order healthy all- natural foods, vegetarian and vegan house-made menu items (meat options) at affordable price points. (513) 381-2665 https://www.irisbookcafeotr.com
LouVino 1142 Main Street Carry-out Please call! (770) 286-7953 https://louvino.com/otr/
Macaron Bar OTR 1206 Main Street Carry out, delivery, online shopping, & gift cards Website, Uber eats, grub hub, doordash (513) 813-8180 http://www.macaron-bar.com
Mikey’s Late Night Slice 2014 Elm Street Carry-out, Uber Eats and Door Dash Door Dash, Uber Eats, Postmates, GrubHub (513) 258-0518 https://www.latenightslice.com/
Nation Kitchen & Bar 1200 Broadway Street Carry-out / Delivery DoorDash, Uber Eats, GrubHub 513-381-3794 http://www.nationkitchenandbar.com Tuesday – Sunday: 11am-9pm
MOTR Pub 1345 Main Street Delivery 53T Courier (513) 381-6687 https://www.motrpub.com/
OTR Bagel Bar 107 West Elder Street Carry-out / Delivery TBD (513) 313-4843
Pho Lang Thang 1828 Race Street Carry-out/Delivery 53T Courier (513) 376-9177 https://www.pholangthang.com/
Sweet Petit Desserts 1426 Race Street We are strictly catering now. 10am-2pm pick-up hours vary/ Catering Delivery Ava. We deliver. (513) 444-5094 http://www.sweetpetitdesserts.com
Taft’s Ale House 1429 Race Street Carry-out, Delivery, Giftcards Uber Eats, 53T Courier (513) 334-1393
Taft’s Brewpourium Cincinnati 4831 Spring Grove Ave Carry-out Call to order carry-out! (513) 853-5021
Tucker’s on 13th 18 E. 13th Street Carry-out/ Delivery Doordash, Uber Eats, GrubHub (513) 501-6073
https://www.grubhub.com/restaurant/tuckers-restaurant-18-e-13th-st-cincinnati/762213
SHOPS
Artichoke 1824 Elm Street We are offering delivery to the Cincinnati Metro Area for purchases over $20. We also have gift cards and can mail them. We can take orders over the phone. Free delivery by us. (513) 263-1002 http://www.artichokeotr.com
Cincinnati Hemp Company 101 W. Elder Street Carry-out / Pick-up, Delivery Findlay Market pick-up and delivery of orders over $10 (513) 288-0636 https://www.facebook.com/cincinnatihempcompany/
Cincy Shirts 1301 Main St Online Shopping, Giftcards Free shipping on our website, and normal production on custom T-shirt orders. (513) 510-5774 http://www.CincyShirts.com
CURAtive Marketing LLC 1025 Dalton Ave All of the above We ship ourselves, UPS, or courier (513) 633-6201 https://printotr.com/
HART & CRU 1401 Elm Street Delivery,/Online Shopping WWW.HARTANDCRU.COM (419) 348-9592 http://www.hartandcru.com
Idlewild 1230 Vine Street Online Shopping & Gift Cards. We’ll be hosting virtual shopping parties on Instagram. Free shipping on all online orders. IdlewildWoman.com https://www.idlewildwoman.com
Lane & Kate 1417 Vine Street Online Shopping Shopify, www.Laneandkate.com (513) 381-0650 https://laneandkate.com/
Ombré Gallery 1511 Race Street Online Shopping Free USPS 2-3 day priority shipping & Giftcards. All current performances are cancelled. The CSC Box Office is still available seven days a week by phone and in person (subject to change) from: noon-5pm. (513) 813-7278 https://www.ombregallery.com/
Pet Wants Cincy 1409 Vine Street Delivery Delivery on our website, curbside at both locations (513) 888-3647 https://petwantscincy.com
Queen City Alchemy 1808 Race Street Online Shopping www.queencityalchemy.com (513) 384-8286 https://www.queencityalchemy.com
Styled by Mama 16 E. 13th Street Online Shopping, Curbside pick-up of orders, & Gift Cards Website for online shopping. Phone for pickup orders. (917) 892-8118 https://www.styledbymama.com
The Most Beautiful Thing in the World is 6 West 12th Street Online Shopping, Free local delivery and curbside pick up www.themostbeautifulthingintheworldis.com (888) 662-8737 https://www.tmbtitwi.com
Wolfpack 1342 Main Street Online Shopping www.shopthewolfpack.com/ https://www.shopthewolfpack.com/
ENTERTAINMENT
Cincinnati Memorial Hall Society / Longworth-Anderson Series 1225 Elm Street Accepting Donations/Gift certificates WeShare, LA Website, Memorial Hall’s website (315) 276-8162 https://www.longworth-andersonseries.com
Cincinnati Shakespeare Company 217 W. 12th Street All current performances are cancelled. Box Office is still open 7 days a week (subject to change) 12-5pm. Website & Box Office (513) 381-2273 https://cincyshakes.com/

Looking good… Facials at Mitchell’s Salon

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Taking care of yourself, indulging or pampering … call it what you will, but taking a little time whenever you have the chance to maintain your body inside and out is important. I mean this for both men and women!  Recently, I took a little time and enjoyed a few amazing hours at Mitchell’s Salon and Day Spa. I enjoyed what I’ve always called “the bang for your buck” at Mitchell’s–their Euphoria Signature Facial. It’s my “go to” treatment that gives you a little extra as it’s not only an amazing facial that helps remove dead skin and rejuvenate with product and treatment, but they add a foot and leg massage! This all happens while you relax as they put lotion treatment and gloves on your hands to soften them, give you a shoulder massage and hot stone. It’s flipping awesome. You might just catch some zzz’s… I’m just saying. 

I also added on the Dermaplane and Instalift. These are some age management treatments (let’s just be real here; it is what it is).  They are noninvasive and are just helpful when you want to clean, brighten and perk up the skin that we expose to our, sometimes, brutal weather every day. I think of my skin and my body like owning a collectible car (and, I’m sure you men can relate). Let’s say you have a 67 Mustang convertible that you wash, buff, and wax all the time. You make sure that it is well-maintained inside and out and you protect it. Well, that is just like our skin and body. And, we are never put away out of the elements when the weather is bad! So, we should take that time an effort on ourselves :) 

Dermaplane is basically shaving the dead skin and fuzz off your face (it will not grow back thicker or darker, I promise). This allows product to absorb better, gives you a bit of a glow and opens-up your pours… and your face feels like a babies butt! :)

Instalift was a cool thing I had not tried before. It’s a non-surgical approach to help lift and tighten your skin. Sign me up! 

Ohhhh, I also tried Threading this was amazing and she was so fast at this and I didn’t feel a thing. It uses threads to shape your eyebrows! Ignorance is bliss because I had no clue what to expect and she was so good at it; I had zero issues. It is so much better than plucking or waxing no redness, no pain and lasts longer. Love it! CLICK ARROW TO WATCH!

We have spas sprinkled around town and each offers different services, but this service by Manisha (she rocked) was one I would definitely recommend. 

There are four locations (I went to the Kenwood location)

Kenwood- 5901 E Galbraith Rd.

Tri-County 11330 Princeton Pike.

Hyde Park- 2692 Madison Rd. (Rookwood)

West Chester- 7795 Discovery Dr. 

Cincinnati Union Terminal: Fun For Everyone!

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You have probably seen many news blurbs about the newly renovated Union Terminal. It is amazing and should be on your list of things to do. I’m here to tell you that this large and wonderful place isn’t just an iconic beautiful art deco piece of history. What started as a train station in 1933 through the years has transformed to a shopping mall, back to a train station and now the home of history, learning, jaw dropping beauty and more. It houses so many cool exhibits and permanent displays you could go many times and see something new every time! It’s not just for kids… I promise adults love all the Museum Center has to offer.

Here are the many areas you can explore while you are wondering the expansive and beautiful building.

  • Dinosaur Hall– You can come up close and personal with one of a kind giant prehistoric beast. Everyone will learn something cool in this area you just may come out a paleontologist! I still call this area the Natural History Museum.. it was moved to the Union Terminal in 1990 from Eden Park…did you ever wonder why the Channel 9 building has that cool old stone arch? That is where it used to be.

  • Holiday Junction– Family fun for everyone in this updated festive area. The Duke Energy Holiday Trains have a new permanent home so start the tradition with your fam now! This display has hundreds of model trains in a winter wonderland.

There is a cool Lego Land of Cincinnati that will wow everyone. There is also an area for the kids to play with Legos.

Walk in a snowstorm inside and build snowmen, ride on the Thomas the Tank Engine train, visit with Santa and so much more

  • Public Landing– Step back in time as your stroll the brick streets and look in the historic store fronts and the amazing ship, Queen of the West. You will feel like you just went through a time capsule.

  • Duke Energy Children’s Museum– I loved taking my boys here when they were little. There is everything from the little grocery store, the fun ball zone, the woods area where you can climb trees and walk across bridges, play in the water table area, or do learning crafts in the hands-on area with museum assistants.

 

Two Special Exhibits

  • Guitar– The Instrument That Rocked The World- Now – Jan 6th

 

Displays of nearly 100 historical artifacts showing the evolution of the guitar. Many Interactive pieces for everyone to enjoy and so many really kick butt guitars to check out even the largest in the world. You will learn so much about the evolution of the guitar over the 5,000 years that it has making sounds.  I loved this because in my next life I will be the lead guitarist in a band! J  extra fee for this exhibit

  • Chocolate– Now- through Jan 6th

YUM! It will get you right away when you walk in and smell the aroma of chocolate that is pumped out throughout the exhibit. You will learn everything from the history of the cacao bean to the delicious chocolate that we all inhale today! I never knew there was so much to learn about chocolate.  Extra fee for this exhibit

  • Omnimax Theater

Being restored and updated right now. Opening winter of 2018-19

 

Things to know:

• There is a really cool virtual reality experience of Jurassic Flight- for a small fee you get to soar beyond and it is pretty dang cool

  • They have a loaded schedule of special camps, story times, kids dance parties and more. So check it out!

 

  • It’s a great place for birthday parties and special events of every one.

 

  • Go get a sweet treat in the Graeters Rookwood Room Ice Cream Room opening in December.

 

  • Memberships are totally worth it!

 

– Individual $45 admissions to all museums and free parking

-Dual Two adults and one child pass for a guest $85 admission into all museums and free parking

-Family Two adults & (grand) children 17 and under, Two discovery passes for guests all museums and free parking $110

– Family Premium two adults (grand)children under 17, & one caregiver or guest, Four passes for guests, Discounted admission to some ACM network $140

 

 

Holidays in Cincinnati! List of things to do

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I hope everyone enjoys a wonderful day with family and friends. There are so many great things to do this weekend in Cincinnati to kickoff the holidays.

Fountain Square– Light up the Square Friday – events all day and light up of the tree is at 7:25 along with fireworks

Cincinnati Zoo Festival of Lights– One of the city favorites. Check out the schedule to see the penguins walking around! Festivities start at 5:00 every night through New Years.

Christmas Nights of Lights at Coney Island– Now through January 6th- you don’t even have to get out of the car!

Holiday Lights on the Hill– Pyramid Hill- now through January 1st. another drive through display with some creative works from the team that brought you Luminocity.

Winterfest– Kings Island- Starts Friday – December 31st- The whole park is a walking wonderland with characters, musical performances, ice skating and much more.

Cincinnati Childrens Museum – Holiday Junction – Union Terminal just reopened after a major renovation – Santa arrives by helicopter Friday around 11am then go inside and see the amazing train display and so much more!

Santas Workshop– Washington Park- Saturday Nov 24th – December 22nd- Santa will be there ornament decorating and more.

Winterfair– Funky cool art fair Friday & Saturday 10-5, Sunday 11-4 at the NKY Convention Center

A Franciscan Christmas– Christian Moerlein- Have a beer and check out the display of Nativity Scenes from around the world, Dickins displays, trains and Santa collection and more.

Skystar- Huge Ferris wheel with great views of the city- go to Groupon for discounts

These are just a few to wet your whistle :) Have a great long weekend

Check out my Hey Michelle facebook page for other things going on.

 

 

The Loveland Castle… a must visit in Cincinnati

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What?… A castle nestled in a neighborhood by the banks of the Little Miami River? Yes, The Loveland Castle and it is so flipping cool and it’s right in the heart of Loveland, Ohio. A man named Harry Andrews, who was highly educated and had a love for European Castles, took 51 years and he built it by himself.  Renovations and more construction continued after his death in 1981 by a group he organized called the Knights of the Golden Trail. This group continues to maintain it and provide historical tours today.

Chateau La Rouche, which means “Rock Castle” in French, was the name Harry appropriately choose for his castle and was also the name of the military hospital where he was stationed during WWI in Southwest France. This land was promotional land in the 1920’s that he obtained by paying for a one year subscription to the Cincinnati Enquirer. For each subscription you got a 20 by 100 foot camping lot. So he bought 11 subscriptions!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You can take a self-guided tour of this amazing place after getting a detailed overview by one of the volunteers. This is another hidden gem with such a cool story that you just have to go check out.  The story of Andrews pulling stones out of the Little Miami until there were no stones left, is crazy enough. But you also learn that he molded bricks with cement and used quart milk cartons to form them. And he did this for over 50 years… just insanely cool. You will also see rocks in the chapel that have other locations written on them. They came from his travels or were brought by others and used to help build it.

The stories you will learn from your guide are very interesting and you can also see a video that is about 20 minutes long where Andrews tells his own story. I promise this is a win for family fun.

 

The beautiful grounds surrounding the castle are picturesque!  You can enjoy yourself as long as you want. You may even want to bring a little lunch and eat at the picnic tables or anywhere you want around the area.

More to do in Loveland:

If you want to make a day of it the downtown Loveland area is full of fun places to eat, drink and shop.. click HERE for my blog on the area. Due to a fire there are a couple changes in places mentioned. Also, there is a beautiful bike trail with a couple places to rent bikes. Take advantage of this great area.

Fun Facts about the Castle:

•Hours: 11a.m -5p.m. April 1stto September 30th7 days a week

•Cost is $5 per person (kids 5 and under) Free

•12025 Shore Dr. Loveland Ohio

•Rumor has it that it might be haunted :)

 

 

 

Chicago Roadtrip:

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Chicago, Chi-town, Windy City, whatever you want to call it, I just call it plain FUN! Anyone who goes can make their list of fave things, these are just a few of my favorite things I uncovered this summer on a couple road trips. You could literally hit a new spot everyday, but then there are some places you just want to go because they are on your “have to go list”!

Where I ate/drank… (obviously)

Little Goat Diner– 820 W. Randolph St.- This is part of the Goat family such as.. Girl & The Goat, DuckDuck Goat & This Little Goat(online spices) all located in the West Loop. All are fantastic so take a pick. I stopped in for a drink while waiting on our table at Au Cheval. Great cocktails fantastic atmosphere and you can get an early start by going to lunch.

Duck Duck Goat– 857 W. Fulton Market- Wonderfully quirky Chinese part of the Goat family. Fantastic meal and hard to choose.  Thanks to our server, we narrowed it down and had quite a feast! Dumplings are so good totally more than basic and the “slap noodles”, just yum!  And, as you would expect, the cocktails were good, too.

Au Cheval– 800 Randolph St.- Cozy diner feel with a kick-butt cheeseburger… BonAppetit even agrees with me, voting it the best in America! Family friendly, hard to get in so you’ll need a little patience.

RPM Italian– 52 W. Illinois St.- Fantastic Italian restaurant owned by Giuliana & Bill Rancic.

Michael Jordan’s Steak-505N.Michigan Ave.- If you have boys like I do, this is a family pleaser! Honestly, it is a great little spot and worth going off the diet to try the garlic bread with blue cheese..you will be pleasantly surprised.

Gyo-Kaku Japanese BBQ – 1364 W. Randolph St. or 210 E. Ohio- Food and Fun all in one! Good bar area that you can get a bite, but I suggest you eat at a table. It’s an experience because you cook all the food in the center of your table. The upstairs has the traditional tables where you sit in the ground.

RL- Ralph Lauren Bar & Grill– 115 E. Chicago Ave. Absolutely elegant! You feel like your smack dab in one of their ads. Outdoor seating steps from Michigan Ave.

Noyane– 101 E. Erie St.- The name means “hidden roof” in Japanese and if you haven’t caught on.. I love Japanese. Contemporary Japanese and the sushi was amazing and I know that doesn’t sound that exciting, but I mean WOW so good. You cook up wagyu on hot stones at your table. My real reason to go is to get a boozy snowball drink served in a Japanese To Go box.

Where I Brunched 

Kanela Breakfast Club– 502 E. Illinois St. Laid-back atmosphere with delish food.

Beacon Tavern-405 N. Wabash Ave. Great outdoor seating. Right next to the river and the iconic Wrigley Building (one of the many beautiful buildings in this city….. Photo op!)

Pinstripes-435 E. Illinois St.- Huge brunch! Now serving on Saturdays. Seating outside along the river

3 Arts Club Café-Restoration Hardware- 1300 N. Dearborn St. – Ambiance overload!

Where I had a cocktail or two..

Lotties-1925 W. Cortland St. Young crowd or when your just feeling young! This is your neighborhood locals pub and it’s a really good time. Get Josh to make you a good shot!

Soho House– 113-125 North Green St. Some areas of this hotel are members only. There are a couple bar and restaurant areas for we average peeps. The décor is to die for and the cool vibe. The Fox Bar is small and eclectic. The Chicken & Farm Shop is a cool low-key diner style. The Allis– a great cocktail bar with huge windows to keep an eye on the happenings of the streets. They have all day dining and afternoon tea. It’s like bar hopping and all-day dining all in one place and you don’t have to walk very far.

Apogee-2 W. Erie St.- Rooftop of the Dana Hotel- Does have an enclosed area for all weather. Showstopper cocktails for sure… seriously, you have to see some of these drinks!

Booze Box-823 W. Randolph St.- Known as “Japan’s answer to the Irish Pub”. It’s a little basement bar with a hip-hop DJ and a laid-back vibe.

Broken Shaker-19 E. Ohio St.- Really cool diverse space located in the Freehand Hotel. Known for ingenious cocktails and hip unique space with little nooks to sit and sip. Get a drink in the fun golden pineapple.

Birkshire Room-15 E. Ohio St.- Located in yet another hip hotel, The ACME. Serving up great crafted cocktails and an amazing atmosphere.

Where I slept..Hotels

E=MC2– 228 E. Ontario St.- What a scientifically fun hotel! The best part is the robot that delivers anything to your door.. Love it!

The James-55 E. Ontario St.- Fun rooms, good cocktail lounge and the best coffee at the front desk. Get the donuts, you can inject different fillings.

Any of the cool hotels I listed above too!

Stuff I did…Things to do

Sugar Factory.- 55 E. Grant Ave.-This is a must if you’re with young kids. It’s bright and fun with an overdose of… you guessed it SUGAR! Worth going and sharing something.

Two touristy things that are still fun:  boat tours- you never know what’s going on at Navy Pier, so check it out.  The Ferris wheel has a really cool view. I also enjoyed learning more about the architecture one of the boat cruises or the kayak tours on the river..Skydeck- yep, tourist thing and a line but what a great insta pic!

Contemporary Art Museum – Funnnnky fun and really good gift shop. Such a variety of museums, so Google around and check out free days and just enjoy.

Shedd Aquarium– fun for the little ones…and everyone else :)

There are often pop up events and restaurants , so do some research. I happened upon this Happy Place while there this summer and last summer I went to the Rolling Stones exhibit at Navy Pier… so cool!

Lollapolloza– Love music: love this event. So many bands so little time!

Concerts, fireworks, movies all at the Pier during the summer. The airshow is pretty amazing too.

Games- Cubs, White Sox and Bears- I have a family of boys so we do sports (I have learned to join in).  Just  seeing different stadiums is really cool. This summer we missed Cubs, so we took the “L” and went to a White Sox game and it was so fun! Go see Hamilton!

Tokyo Kitty, karaoke the night away!

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“Hit me with your Best Shot” and “ Rappers Delight.” Just give me a microphone, and those are my first two choices. So, after a birthday, I grabbed a few friends to hit up Tokyo Kittydowntown, we ended up singing for two hours in a cool, private room and having a blast. I had a couple girls in the group who thought they would just “stop in for a minute.” Yeah, they were the ones from whom I was prying the microphone, and they ended up dancing out on the main dance floor for awhile.
Tokyo Kitty is just another addition to the innovative bars behind the mastermind Jacob Trevino. His other two bars are Video Archivein Walnut Hills (a Quentin Tarantino-themed speakeasy with a “Pulp Fiction” vibe) and Overlook Lodge in Pleasant Ridge (a nod to “The Shining”). This guy knows how to throw a party, and I love it! Last Christmas, he even transformed those two bars. Video Archive was “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” and The Overlook Lodge transformed into an over-the-top “Miracle Bar”.
The latest bar is a nod to Bill Murray’s “Lost in Translation.”. Jacob said the scene where Murray and Scarlett Johansson sing was part of the bar’s inspiration. The scene “shows people connecting over music”. I can attest, when we were all on the dance floor, we were all dancing with some “new best friends” haha
When you enter the bar, you’ll feel like you just landed in the Tokyo airport. They don’t want the dance floor to ever get jammed with people, so you wait in the bar area to start you off. Then you’re guided through a cool, mirrored hallway (selfie area for sure) and into the main bar, which has fantastic light effects a DJ and a fully stocked bar with a long list of specialty cocktails and sake drinks. You can stay in here as long as you want (where the crowd controls the music selection and everyone can sing along) or you can reserve a private room. There are seven themed rooms of varying sizes. This is a blast! You and your friends can sing dance and be crazy while you plug in the songs you want. The best part…your drinks are served using your phone and are delivered by a Bbot! A what???? It is a robotic drink delivery system where the bartender loads your drinks, they go up through the ceiling and down into your room! It is soooo flipping cool. TK is only the second bar in the country to have this system.
So, whether you want to just hang in the main bar or have a little private party or both, it’s really an awesome time. Put this on your list of things to do in Cincy for sure!
Click HERE for my previous write up on Video Archive
Things To Know:
• 575 Race St.
• Open 5p.m. – 2a.m. everyday
• Sun–Thurs private rooms
Small room $20/hour
Medium room $30/hour
Large room $40/hr.
Add $10 Friday & Saturday
• Try the “Luna” cocktail (yummm) named after Sailor Moon cat. Sailor is popular animated Japanese character
• The microphones they have must be magical because I swear I sounded sooo good!