what's up in Cincinnati on New Year's eve?

December 30, 2006 3:38 PM

I'm going to be visiting in Cincinnati this New Year's eve, and I was curious if anyone could suggest something fun for an out of towner to do?
posted by donabean to travel & transportation (11 comments total)

My in laws live there. I can tell you a couple things, but I'm not a local, so, take it for what it's worth.

There are two art museums in Cincinnati, a modern one and a more traditional one. Both are worth a visit. There's also the pottery factory which features a so-so restaurant but they let groups eat in one of their cleaned up kilns.

There's a science and transportation museum that's in the old high art deco train station.

If you have access to a car, just north of the city, off the beltway in Fairfield, there's a place called Jungle Jim's. It's got everything there. An entire aisle of hot sauces. Fresh durian. Live fish tanks for the freshest fish possible. If you're a foodie, it's worth the trip out of town.
posted by Dave Faris at 4:08 PM on December 30, 2006

er, or were you looking for things to do specifically on new years eve?
posted by Dave Faris at 4:17 PM on December 30, 2006

I'd like to know of stuff for new years eve, but I'm going to be there a couple of days, so any suggestions for non new years suggestions would be appreciated as well.
posted by donabean at 4:56 PM on December 30, 2006

Cincinnatian here. I can provide some links: Cincinnati Art Musuem is the traditional one. I'd say its a pretty good collection and admission to the permenant collection is free. The Contemporary Arts Center is obviously the Modern musuem. It has no permenant collection and the various galleries rotate every 3 or 4 months or so.

There is also another traditional musuem, The Taft Museum. The collection isn't as large or as impressive as the Cincy Art Museum but it is housed in a large period mansion.

As for what is going on for New Year's, there really isn't a single place where everyone goes a la New York. I've been hear 8 years now have gone to different bar/restaurant or friend's house practically every year. This year, our group will be at Tellar's. Its an old bank turned in a bar and restaurant. The local papers will have lists of lots of places that are having entertainment (CityBeat and the more corporate CinWeekly).

Feel free to e-mail if you have any questions.
posted by mmascolino at 6:21 PM on December 30, 2006

If you're going to be in Cincy for a few days, you gotta take the quick culinary tour. Head to a Skyline for some Cincinnati chili (I'm partial to a three way with a cheese coney, no onions, on the side... and make sure you crush up the oyster crackers in your three way). Then make your way to Graeter's for a scoop of chocolate chip ice cream.

There's a spot in Clifton (near the University of Cincinnati) where a Skyline and a Graeter's are only about a block apart.
posted by gd at 8:37 PM on December 30, 2006

As a Cincinnati native, I'd caution against a "Cincinnati Chili" sampling; as much as I like it, it seems like only locals really ever appreciate it.

Definitely check out the alt weekly Citybeat's calendar for events (or CinWeekly, which is more family-oriented). Also, CityBeat's Best of Cincinnati list is always a font of fun info.

One more museum to mention - the Museum Center at Union Terminal. Right now there's a Titanic exhibit that's been getting good reviews.

Do you have any specific interests? If you have any questions feel free to contact me at the email in my profile.
posted by dicaxpuella at 12:05 AM on December 31, 2006

They have an awesome zoo.

I'm over in Indiana, but my family has visited many a time. We frequent the Zoo and Montgomery Inn, a great rib restaurant right on the river. The last time I was there I checked out the (linked above) contemporary arts center and the art museum, the former of which I found more enjoyable. But I second suggestions for both of those.
posted by ztdavis at 12:23 AM on December 31, 2006

Excellent suggestions, I will definitely hit a museum or two while I'm there. Any suggestions of great restaurants that cater to a vegetarian diet?
posted by donabean at 1:01 AM on December 31, 2006

For vegetarians, there's a lot of great ethnic choices, but the long-time favorite has been Myra's Dionysus in the Clifton/Univ of Cincinnati area. The prices are very reasonable, and everything on the menu is very tasty.
posted by dicaxpuella at 4:20 AM on December 31, 2006

My wife and I will be at the Know Theatre of Cincinnati's Party. We only know a few people, but it should be a good time.
posted by TuxHeDoh at 9:05 AM on December 31, 2006

I've never been but my good Indian friend tells me that when his family wants yummy authenticate South Indian Vegetarian food they go to the Udipi Cafe.
posted by mmascolino at 9:46 AM on January 1, 2007