Explore These 10 Hidden Gems in Cincinnati + 5 Restaurants
Cincinnati may be a city renowned for its chili, the Reds and the Bengals, unique breweries, and museums, but its hidden gems are just as exciting.
From under-the-radar museums and one of the nation’s biggest international markets to places where visitors can channel their inner child to have fun, the Queen City’s hidden gems are equal parts unique, fascinating, and fun.
Loveland Castle
Ohio is home to many magnificent castles and the Loveland Castle and Museum Chateau Laroche is an architectural marvel.
The castle is a nearly full-scale replica of medieval keeps and is open for seasonal, daily self-guided tours. The property includes a dry moat, a weaponry collection, gardens, and much more.
American Sign Museum
In the heart of Cincinnati, resident Buckeyes and visitors alike can visit the American Sign Museum, which has as much flashing neon as the Las Vegas Strip.
Inside, visitors can marvel at over 100 years of American signage that spans from hand-painted signs and milk glass letters to neon signs and everything in between.
Greater Cincinnati Police Museum
One of the most beloved displays at this museum is that of Handsome, a police dog who worked one of the city’s hardest beats in the early 1900s and assisted in hundreds of arrests.
He was stuffed when he died in 1912 and after moving several times, he has been displayed in his original case at the museum for many years.
Lucky Cat Museum
What started as a home collection of Japanese Neko (Maneki Neko) cats, cat ephemera and Asian art is now a full-fledged museum with thousands of Neko cats in various sizes, styles, and colors.
Admission is free (donations are encouraged), but reservations for tours must be made in advance.
Jungle Jim’s International Market
Jungle Jim’s is a fun family destination because there’s something for everyone. For shoppers, it’s the ultimate grocery experience with more than 180,000 products for sale from around the world.
Visitors can also find fun attractions, food demos, store tours, gift shops, and more.
Swing House
This immersive experience — a three-story swing suspended from the ceiling — is the brainchild of artist Mark DeJong. Curious travelers can come on select dates to see the swing, which moves like a pendulum, and contemplate the passage of time.
The home can also be rented as an AirBnB for a unique lodging experience.
Glenwood Gardens
Located about 20 minutes outside Cincinnati, Glenwood Gardens is the perfect place for an escape from everyday life.
Across 338 acres, visitors of all ages can explore beautiful formal gardens, a looped nature trail, a 10-mile paved trail, forests, and wetlands. Even to the most casual nature enthusiast, it’s easy to escape into the beauty of Glenwood Gardens.
Vent Haven Museum
Looking for interesting museums? It doesn’t get much more interesting than the world’s only museum dedicated to ventriloquism — located in Fort Mitchell, Kentucky, just over the Ohio River.
Tours are by appointment only and offer a fascinating look into the world of ventriloquism with over 1,100 dummies, memorabilia, posters, and other pieces of ventriloquism history.
King Arthur’s Court
King Arthur’s Court is one of the best places in Cincy for kids to just let loose and be kids. Youngsters can shop for the perfect toy in King Arthur’s store or make a birthday extra special by visiting the Birthday Party Room and Artie’s Birthday Castle with Artie the Dragon presiding over the festivities.
Play Library
There’s something that’s just so relaxing about escaping into stacks of books at a library. Now close your eyes and imagine borrowing toys and games instead of books.
Open your eyes and you can do just that as you dive into puzzles, games, cars, trucks, blocks, and more. It’s a place where every visitor can be a kid!
5 Hidden Gem Restaurants in Cincinnati
Butler County Donut Trail
Travelers with a sweet tooth will have a hard time resisting this tasty trail just north of Cincinnati. Donut enthusiasts can visit 13 different Mom-and-Pop shops throughout Butler County and bring their special donut passports and get them stamped to get a cool T-shirt reward.
The Standard
Just a hop, skip, and a jump from Cincinnati, visitors can dig into a little bit of everything inside a garage dating back to the 1930’s.
Weekend brunch features options like Cinnamon Toasted Crunch-toasted French toast and the regular lunch and dinner options include burgers, Bahn Mi, pizza, rice bowls, Korean beef, and a lot more.
Adriatico’s
Hungry University of Cincinnati students are very familiar with Adriatico’s, but to the initiated it’s a top-notch spot for pizza and beer. With a huge draft beer selection and mouthwatering, thick-crust pizzas, there’s something here for every appetite.
RELATED: Check out some of the best breweries in Cincinnati.
Good Plates Eatery
With a menu focusing on classic foods and bold flavors, hungry guests can find plenty to enjoy. Good Plates offerings include fried chicken sandwiches, meatball subs, brisket and cheese sandwiches, and plenty more to satisfy both meat eaters and vegetarians.
Pig Candy
The name of this place may have you scratching your head, but step inside and you’ll discover a house of succulent BBQ inside a former jail. Prepare to sink your teeth into mac ‘n cheese with pulled pork, the famous Pig Candy waffle (pressed with pulled pork), and much more.
Explore Some of the Best Hidden Gems in Cincinnati
As one of the biggest cities in Ohio, Cincinnati never has a shortage of things to do. But if you’re tired of the same old, same old, and find yourself craving something new, Cincy’s hidden gems are fun for visitors of all ages.
So rent your favorite game at Play Library, marvel at the curiosities of the Vent Haven Museum, or discover your new favorite restaurant in Cincinnati. Happy exploring!