Scintillating Cinci

Ranked as one of the ‘Top 10 cities that Rock’ by Esquire magazine, Cincinnati Ohio boasts a happening music scene, scrumptious food and inviting parks, reports Connall Oosterbroek

- Connall Oosterbroek

When my brother invited me to visit him in his adopted home town of Cincinnati, I leapt at the opportunity. All I knew about it came from a few vague memories of late-70’s TV series WKRP in Cincinnati. I soon found out that while some of the TV show’s quirkiness still lingers, this dynamic capital of Ohio has plenty to offer.

But before I left, I had to apply for a US visa. I admit I was a bit apprehensive. News coverage on how the USA is clamping down on visitors gave me the impression it would be a harrowing experience. I must reassure you that the whole process was streamlined, efficient and hassle-free, which also aptly described my experience of the USA.

I discovered that the best way to explore Cincinnati was on foot, mainly because there was so much that I wanted to photograph, so many shops to poke my nose into and delicious food to sample. Most parts of Cincinnati are completely safe to walk around in, particularly during the day. However, for the not so energetic, the Cincinnati Bell Connector, a single streetcar line, runs in a 6km loop between The Banks on the riverfront, through Downtown ​and Findlay Market and into Over-the-Rhine. There are 18 stops along the way and with a $2 day pass you can hop on and off should a particular area take your fancy. It’s a great way to experience this Midwestern city that still has the feel of 50’s America.

No excursion into downtown Cinci (as it’s called by the locals) would be complete without stopping at Fountain Square with its iconic Tyler Davidson Fountain. Frequented by locals and tourists, there’s always something happening. I enjoyed the food trucks surrounding the square and wished I had a bigger appetite so I could sample something from each. On Tuesdays there’s a market and on most weekends through the summer there are free concerts and events.