June 30, 2014
Summer is in full swing, and TriHealth team members have big plans this season. We asked team members to share one fun thing that tops their to-do list in Cincinnati this summer. The following top 10 list was compiled using the most frequently submitted answers.
1. Go to a Reds game.
Most TriHealth team members agree: it isn't summer until you've set foot in Great American Ball Park, smelled the hot dogs, felt the breeze from the Ohio River, purchased an overpriced beverage and squeezed into your seat to cheer on the hometown team.
Don't miss remaining TriHealth Team Member Appreciation games when you can purchase discounted tickets to cheer on the Redlegs.
2. Go on a Ride the Ducks Newport tour.
Surely you've seen the strange boat-like tour bus cruising through downtown Cincinnati and on the Ohio River. Maybe it was the even stranger sounds coming from duck-bill-shaped whistles draped around riders' necks that made you turn to look.
That's Ride the Ducks Newport: a unique land and water sightseeing tour through downtown, Newport, Covington and on the Ohio River in an amphibious vehicle. Tickets are $17 for adults (ages 13 and older) and $12 for children (ages 2 to 12).
3. See a concert at Riverbend.
Along the banks of the Ohio River, Riverbend Music Center was originally built for the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. Since then, the outdoor amphitheater has hosted big-name artists and big-time music festivals. Long-time Cincinnati favorite, Jimmy Buffett has played at the venue every year since 1988, including a five-night stint in 1993.
4. Go to King's Island.
If you're looking for gut-wrenching thrills, King's Island has you covered. The largest amusement park and waterpark in the Midwest now has the world's longest inverted roller coaster. And, don't forget old reliable: The Beast celebrates its 35th anniversary this season and is still the world's longest wooden roller coaster.
Bonus: TriHealth team members can get discounted admission to the park.
- Discounted admission information is available on HRCentral (in the right-hand sidebar under Vendor Discounts).
5. Go to Coney Island.
If you're better suited for a smaller amusement and water park, get to Coney Island. With North America's largest flat-surface pool, classic rides, miniature golf, music and a full line-up of events, this Cincinnati summertime destination is fun for children and adults, alike.
View ticket prices and purchase tickets online.
6. Eat in Over-the-Rhine.
Once avoided at all costs by many, Over-the-Rhine has undergone a renaissance in the past few years and now boasts some of the most popular and sought-after restaurants in the city. And, there's nearly something for every taste.
Looking for an all-American bite? Try The Eagle, with its classic fried chicken and macaroni and cheese. Want a twist on all American? Try Senate, where you can get a gourmet hot dog topped with goat cheese, caramelized onions, bacon, arugula, balsamic and "tons of drama."
Or, try the Western street-food flavors of Bakersfield, named after the Bakersfield Sound, a gritty fusion of rock 'n' roll and country music popular in the '50s and '60s.
7. See the Cincinnati Opera Perform.
The 2014 Cincinnati Opera season started June 12 and lasts through July 27, so there's a limited time during the year when you have an opportunity to experience this time-honored art form.
The company performs in historic Music Hall, a unique, old-world venue in Over-the-Rhine that's unlike modern performance art theaters. Music Hall was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1975.
8. Visit the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden.
Did you know TriHealth team members get discounts on admission to the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden? That's just one good reason to visit the second-oldest zoo in the U.S. and one of the top-rated by peer zoological parks.
The zoo's latest exhibit, Painted Dog Valley, highlights one of the most predatory and endangered species in Africa, the African painted dog, known for its round ears and colorful coat.
- Discounted ticket information is available on HRCentral (in the right-hand sidebar under Vendor Discounts).
9. Shop at Findlay Market.
Ohio's oldest surviving municipal market house, Findlay Market offers a down-home, urban grocery and homemade goods shopping experience with a tinge of nostalgia that makes you feel like you're part of Cincinnati tradition.
On Saturdays and Sundays in the summertime, local vendors set up in the outdoor pavilion space with fresh produce, cheese, baked goods, herbs, flowers and more. An outdoor biergarten features a guest craft brewery each week and live music on Sundays.
10. Visit a local brewery.
With the recent revival of craft beer culture in Cincinnati, it's easier than ever to find a local brewery. For those who are interested in the how-tos of beer making, most breweries offer tours.
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