Cincy/ Pittsburgh Trip

[FVBrewerFan]

Looking to visit Cincy/Pitt surrounding July 4th. Not sure how many days yet, 1-2 games in Cincy, 2 in Pitt for sure.

 

I've been to both cities, but it's been a while. I don't like Cincy style chilli, but my wife does so we're going to Skyline. Other that that, I don't know where else to go. Really don't need activities per se, just cool places/area to eat, and we're into local breweries.

 

Ditto for Pitt, Primanti Bros is a must. (When in Rome) Otherwise, just want to hang out in a cool area, good (not fancy) restaurants/ breweries. That tram ride looks pretty cool too, will probably do that.

 

Any suggestions on what we shouldn't miss in either city? Restaurant/ brewery recommendations? Finally, any ideas on where to sit in either stadium? Thanks in advance!

[bani1717]

For Cincy I like the bars and restaurants along E. Freedom Way (right by the stadium) and by Fountain Square. I can't remember what E. Freedom Way is like for Reds games, but they shut it down for Bengals games.

 

When I was last there for a Brewers game, they stayed at the Westin by Fountain Square. A number of players walked to/from the game from there.

[Dean Machine]

As someone who has traveled the entire country going to all the amusement parks Kings Island in Cincinnati is a top notch thrill park although the days you chose would be really busy and you would almost be forced to buy the fast pass to make the park usable.

[JimH5]

The most recent overall winner in the US cheese championship was a Baby Swiss made by Guggisberg cheese, in Millersburg, OH. That appears to be not too far out of the way off the route between Cincinnati and Pittsburgh. If I were taking that trip, I'm sure I would find time to stop for an hour or so. Babyswiss.com is their website. I've never been there, but I like places like that.

[RobDeer 45]

I recently lived in Cincinnati for 5 years. There is so much going on downtown now, it's really a fun place to hang out. I'd suggest the area of downtown called Over the Rhine. There you will find several awesome local restaurants. I'd say let yelp be your guide, depending on what you are looking for. Be prepared to wait for a table at most places, but trust me it's worth it. Most places you give your phone number and they will call when they are ready for you. It's nice because you can roam around or grab a beer somewhere. I'd also suggest checking out Washington Park while you're walking around. There is usually something going on there.

 

As for Breweries, there are a lot, but my favorite is Rhinegeist. Go check it out! Awesome setting. Another favorite of many is Taft's Ale House, which is in an old church. They have food there too, which is nice.

 

Right before game time, there are a lot of bars and restaurants right by the stadium. They are convenient but much more on the commercial/chain side of the spectrum. It's a cool atmosphere but of course very crowded. We would go to Moerlein Lager House a lot.

 

I'm not sure how long you will be in Cincinnati, but another really cool place to check out is Mt Adams. It's right across from downtown (probably only a mile or two from the stadium) with some really cool views of the river and downtown. There are several bars and restaurants up there. It's a great place for lunch and a beer and a little walk. There are so many cool buildings/houses up there. Good food at Mt Adams Bar and Grill. I'd suggest just walking around and wondering in to whatever place seems like a good fit. There are a couple places with views, which are always cool. The only thing I'd say is that this turns in to crowded college type vibe at night. During the day it's more people from the neighborhood and is a lot more laid back. They used to also have shuttle busses to the games, but not sure if that's still a thing.

 

If you have any questions, let me know, I'd love to help.

 

JimH5 - I've been to Millersburg a couple times. Amish country as they call it. It's pretty cool. It's a different world out there but very relaxing.

[FVBrewerFan]

Thanks for the tips so far, much appreciated!! Will probably do all of this, with the exception of amusement parks. We took a trip years ago to Kings Island and Cedar Point on the way back, not really our thing anymore. You're right though, it was a really nice park!

 

I feel I have Cincy down, and somewhere to stop on the way to Pitt. Now I just need my Pitt experts to chime in ; )

[Dean Machine]

I just remembered my favorite thing I did on that same road trip. Ohio State Reformatory is in Mansfield Ohio which is almost directly on the path to Pittsburgh and it's where they filmed Shawshank Redemption and they left many of the sets from the movie up. So besides being a really old cool prison to tour you will recognize many places from one of the greatest movies ever made. We also drove the extra 90 minutes from Pittsburgh to see the Flight 93 Memorial site. It was somber but touching.

[AJOHNSON104]

Graeters Ice Cream, many locations, is a must in Cincy. They put large chocolate "chips" in most flavors. Not frozen custard, but very good.

[sveumrules]

I liked Coal Hill Steakhouse when I was in Pittsburgh. Wasn't anything fancy, kind of had an up nort sort of vibe, but it's up on a bluff over one of the rivers & had some really cool views.

[Outlander]

I am thinking of taking this trip with the family as well especially since one of the days is the 4th and a paid holiday. Have been to both parks but it has been a good 15 years. I'm sure my kids will like the incline thing they have in Pittsburgh and the view of downtown from up there. Maybe even stop for a visit that Monday to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Home Run Derby if tickets are available.