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Take a Sunday Drive Around Cincinnati
Do you ever come down with a case of wanderlust, but vacation just isn't in the cards right now? With as little as one day and one tank of gas, get away from it all and take one of these fascinating trips around the Cincinnati area.
Barn Quilt Trail of Boone County
6282 Burlington Pike, Burlington, KY 41005
Quilts have a nostalgic appeal that instantly creates a homey feeling of comfort. Enterprising crafters have taken "quilting" to a new level, and many of their works make up the Barn Quilt Trail of Boone County. Donna Sue Groves, a representative of the Ohio Arts Council, inspired the project with a quilt square painted on the side of a barn in Adams County to honor her mother. Boone County's collection, sponsored by the Florence Women's Club, features more than 60 barn squares in traditional and contemporary patterns.
Spring Grove Cemetery and Arboretum
4521 Spring Grove Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45232
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It may seem a more appropriate site for Halloween visits, but Spring Grove Cemetery and Arboretum is not your everyday cemetery. Established in 1845, Spring Grove is the second-largest cemetery in the United States and one of only seven to hold the designation of National Historic Landmark. In addition to the burial grounds, Spring Grove includes a stunning 733-acre arboretum with an extensive collection of flowering trees, shrubs, and perennials. Download a map from the website and tour the grounds by car or foot. Hours are 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. daily.
Riverside Drive Statue Tour
Riverside Dr. and Greenup St., Covington, KY 41011
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Sneak in some local history with a family visit to view the impressive artwork along the Riverside Drive Statue Tour in Covington's Licking Riverside Historic District. Start with the statue of John A. Roebling at the foot of the bridge spanning Cincinnati and Covington that bears his name. As you make your way along the riverfront, you'll pass impressive historic mansions along with statues of notable figures such as Captain Mary B. Greene, first licensed riverboat captain along the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers, and James Bradley, a former slave who became one of the first black students at Oberlin College.
Eden Park Tour
1292-1298 Elsinore Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45202
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Iconic Eden Park may define Cincinnati more than any other area in the city. Its name is taken from "Garden of Eden," as it was called by original owner Nicholas Longworth. Start your tour at Elsinore Arch, a stately structure built as a valve house for Cincinnati Water Works that also serves as the entrance to Eden Park. Other stops include Mirror Lake, a reflection pool with a 60-foot fountain, and Presidential Grove, which features a tree dedicated to each president of the United States. Hours are 6 a.m. - 10 p.m. daily.
"Secret Cincinnati" Tour
229 Fairfield Ave., Bellevue, KY 41073
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Once you've seen the traditional Cincinnati sites such as Great American Ball Park and Fountain Square, it's time to check out the lesser-known but equally interesting spots. The "Secret Cincinnati" Tour is based on Kathryn Witt's book, Secret Cincinnati: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful and Obscure. Start at Petri's Flowers Building, where a whimsical mural imagines characters from artistic masterpieces enjoying a "Garden Party at the Taft." Other visual treats along the way include a Western mural adorning a park in Old Seminary Square and St. Mary's Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption, with an exterior designed to resemble iconic Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris.
City of Sculpture
1 High St., Hamilton, OH 45011
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Hamilton's commitment to culture led then-Governor Bob Taft to officially recognize it as the "City of Sculpture" on August 16, 2000. Community members founded a non-profit group under the same name to continue installing sculptures from local and national artists in various public spaces around Hamilton. One of their projects involves teaming up with Leadership Hamilton to provide a series of sculptural bike racks throughout the downtown area and along Main Street. After spotting the sculptures around town, finish your tour at Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park, featuring more than 80 sculptures in a beautiful natural setting. The park is open seven days a week from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Admission is $8 for adults and $3 for kids aged 6-12.
ArtWorks Public Art and Murals
20 E. Central Parkway, Cincinnati, OH 45202
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Not all art galleries are behind four walls. ArtWorks is a non-profit organization helping to make Cincinnati a diverse and vibrant open-air art gallery. The Public Art program matches youths aged 14-21 with professional artists who serve as mentors. Since 1996, members of ArtWorks have created more than 12,500 projects, of which one of the more notable works is the "Sing the Queen City" sculpture greeting people entering the city on the Roebling Bridge. Visit the website and download the convenient map of self-guided walking tours.
Hocking Hills State Park
19852 State Route 664 S., Logan, OH 43138
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With five separate sections offering a diverse range of landscapes and features, Hocking Hills State Park is like Mother Nature's amusement park. More than 330 million years ago, the area was submerged beneath the Atlantic Ocean. As the waters receded, various natural wonders carved out by a melting glacier came into view. Get a brisk workout on the hiking trails that's rewarded with breathtaking sights of cliffs, waterfalls, caves, and sweeping panoramas. Hours are dawn to dusk year-round.
Columbus, IN Art and Architecture Tour
506 5th St., Columbus, IN 47201
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When you hear "Columbus," you probably think automatically of Ohio. But the "other" Columbus, across the Indiana state line, has been named one of America's top historic destinations by National Geographic Traveler. Columbus has been dubbed "Athens on the Prairie" thanks to the city's unique mix of public art and modern architecture. The visitor center boasts a Dale Chihuly chandelier, while the library was designed by I.M. Pei and features a Henry Moore sculpture adorning its outdoor plaza.
Mt. Airy Forest
5083 Colerain Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45223
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Cincinnati is a bustling urban center, but a peaceful oasis is only 15 minutes away. At 1,459 acres, Mt. Airy Forest is the largest facility in Cincinnati's park system. Along with miles of hiking and mountain biking trails, Mt. Airy has Ohio's only wheelchair-accessible treehouse. The arboretum features 30 acres of gardens, several gazebos, and a scenic lake. Bring Fido along for a romp in the enclosed dog park. Be sure to pack a picnic to enjoy at one of 23 picnic areas. Mt. Airy is open daily from 6 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Hit the Road, Jack
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