Meet Me in Cincinnati

One thing I always notice in my travels is the first impression you get of a place from your journey to downtown from the airport. Pittsburgh is a great example of this. For the unfamiliar, the trip involves a plunge into the darkness of the Fort Pitt Tunnel before you reemerge, as if having a blindfold removed, with a panorama of the Steel City skyline. It’s what the New York Times once called “the best way to enter an American city.”

A few hundred miles down the Ohio River, I found one to rival it.

Your trip to Cincinnati, if you fly, actually begins in Kentucky, where Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport is. After about 20 minutes on Interstate 75, you take a sweeping, left-hand bend through Covington, Kentucky, and between a cut in two hills comes downtown Cincinnati into view. From the back of an Uber, the anticipation builds for my 48 hours in Cincinnati.

One thing you won’t see on that skyline today is the iconic CINCINNATI sign on the side of the Duke Energy Convention Center. The sign is currently being refreshed and improved, as is the building it’s attached to. In fact, as I discovered, it’s easier to as what isn’t being transformed in Cincinnati these days? Downtown is in the middle of a transformation including $800 million in investments. The centerpiece is a fully renovated convention center, by itself a $264 million project set to reopen in January. That state-of-the-art facility is set to anchor a Convention Center District that includes a Marriott Headquarters Hotel, new and improved restaurants, and entertainment venues.

The top of my itinerary reads “The Future Meets in Cincy,” and it’s an easy future to envision. Cincinnati is betting big on meetings, and that’s great news for any group looking to visit this historic, vibrant, yet still somewhat under-the-radar city. Even more group-friendly attractions are on the way, but there’s plenty to enjoy in the present in a city that boasts the convenience of a small town but the amenities of a major city.

History, Made Modern

Cincinnati’s an old river town, once shipping its manufactured goods on riverboats to a growing nation. The riverboats maybe relegated to tourist duty today—incidentally, something to consider for your group—but Cincinnati is eager to share its history with you everywhere you look. Consider the city’s Over-the-Rhine district, one of the largest and most intact historic districts in the country.

Just north of Cincinnati’s central business district, Over-the-Rhine (“OTR” to locals) is a diverse neighborhood of historic architecture, rich culture, and captivating bars and restaurants. A visit to the Over-the-Rhine Museum, or taking one of their walking tours, would be a great introduction to OTR.

Mine consisted of dinner at Alcove by MadTree, a stylish yet relaxed space inside a restored German beer hall. A chef-driven menu—I opted for steak frites—is paired with cocktails and beers from local brewer MadTree for a delightful experience. The space features both indoor and outdoor dining, with spaces for private events of up to 150 guests.

One item I circled on my itinerary that I knew would be a hit with groups is the American Sign Museum. This showcase of both Cincinnati and American history is a treasure-trove for fans of advertising, nostalgia, and neon signs in general. Visitors can stroll down a reconstructed “Main Street USA,” featuring real historic Cincinnati storefronts. One even houses the museum director’s office—if he’s in, feel free to knock on the door with any questions you have. Groups can also take in a demonstration of how glass is bent into words and see the shop where historic signs are fixed and restored.

Give a Cheer

If you’re touring Cincinnati for sports, you probably already know that this is the original major league city. The Cincinnati Reds became the first fully professional baseball team in 1869, and more than 150 years later, are still going strong. They literally throw a parade when Opening Day comes around in Cincinnati, but whatever day you visit, your group will delight in a visit to Great American Ballpark. The name is apt—even though Great American is actually an insurance company that holds the naming rights—as this park on the shores of the Ohio River delivers a classic ballpark experience with a variety of group seating options available.

Be sure to leave time before or after the game, or tour, to visit the Reds Hall of Fame & Museum. If your group is filled with baseball diehards like me, they’ll easily spend hours here viewing historical artifacts from baseball’s oldest team. There’s a little something for everyone too, as fans can try their hand at calling highlights and other interactive exhibits. And just across the street is Moerlein Lager House, a microbrewery and restaurant that’s ideal for pre- or postgame celebrations.

While Cincinnati’s relationship with baseball is well documented, you may be less familiar with the Cincinnati Open tennis tournament in suburban Mason. I certainly was unaware it is the longest-running pro tennis tournament in the United States still held in its original city, as 2025 was the 126th edition. I visited on a qualification day, which is a great option as tickets are less expensive and you can see the players up close on smaller courts as they practice. The tournament’s home at the Lindner Family Tennis Center recently received a $260 million renovation that expanded and improved an already world-class facility.

Last but not least, one of Cincinnati’s newest teams is FC Cincinnati of Major League Soccer, playing near the OTR at TQL Stadium. Built in 2021, this intimate ground packs a punch when the “orange and blue” are playing, representing one of the most intimidating home atmospheres in American soccer.

Downtown Delights

In addition to the Marriott Headquarters planned for 2028, existing downtown hotels are expected to receive renovations, providing updated and refreshed services for convention attendees and group visitors alike. That includes the Westin Cincinnati, now owned by the same developer as the Marriott project. There are also historic hotels such as the Hilton Netherland Plaza, an art deco icon featuring Brazilian rosewood furnishings and original murals.

And for dining, downtown Cincinnati boasts a diverse array of options including Mita’s from James Beard Award-winning chef José Salazar. With private dining options available, Mita’s offers an innovative tapas menu—the short rib empanadas are a must-try. Chef is also opening the eponymous Salazar later this year, located in the same building as a forthcoming Flight Club darts bar and restaurant.

Cincinnati is betting you’ll want to meet here in the future. And there are already plenty of reasons to visit this historic yet thriving city. Whether it’s now or in the future, the time is right to consider Cincinnati.

By Todd Kortemeier

Main Image: Lindner Family Tennis Center, Mason, Ohio; Credit: Todd Kortemeier