Visiting Cincinnati and Southern Ohio

Pack those gloves and scarves, we’re heading to southern Ohio in 2012. Visit Cincy in the New Year and check out amazing attractions and activities scattered throughout the city. Bundle up for a brisk stroll through the beautiful campus of the University of Cincinnati, or beat winter's chilly air with a day at the American Classical Music Hall of Fame. Traveling with children? Take the kids to the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Gardens for Penguin Days, happening through late February, or catch the start of Zoo Blooms in early April. Cincinnati is a wonderful town to explore, but that’s not all southern Ohio has to offer this season.

An hour north of Cincinnati lays the city of Oxford – a college town if ever there was one. Home to Miami University, Oxford is a historic town offering plenty of attractions and events for its many visitors. Take a brisk tour of Miami University in uptown Oxford – and explore the Miami University Art Museum, or National Historic Landmarks like the William Holmes McGuffey Museum and the Langstroth Cottage. Many restaurants, coffee shops and boutiques are just off campus, so discover uptown Oxford with lunch at 45 East Restaurant and Pub or a quick latte at Main Street Gourmet. Take advantage of the nearby Best Western hotel in Oxford, within walking distance of Miami University.

Another fixture of southern Ohio is the city of Chillicothe – the state’s first capitol and an adventure to explore. Chillicothe is an incredibly scenic and historic town, home to such points of interest as the David Nickens Heritage Center, the Chillicothe Railroad Museum, and a portion of the Ancient Ohio Trail. Start 2012 off right with a brisk walk down Chillicothe's Old Second Street, or course your way through the First Capital District in some comfortable shoes and warm winter clothes. Chillicothe’s Historic District is home to some great shopping, and now that the Christmas season is over, treat yourself to a new read from Book World, something for the home garden at Affinity, or just about anything from Susie's Gifts For All Seasons.

As winter turns to spring, discover more shopping and history in the southwestern Ohio city of Mason. Set just northeast of Cincinnati, Mason grants travelers easy access to the attractions of Cincy, as well as local festivals, boutiques and museums. Take a stroll though the Historical Society’s Alverta Green Museum for a little background on the area, or visit in late spring for the opening of the Kings Island Theme Park. Boutique shoppers - browse the shelves of Dixie Union Station Railroad Memorabilia, as well as DuPriest Antiques and the Unusual, and take your new gifts back to the Best Western hotel in Mason – where you’ll be spending your nights in southern Ohio.

Cincinnati and Southern Ohio Hotel Map