When it’s time to plan your summer travel, don’t overlook Cincinnati. Yes, this Ohio city has so much to offer, it’s well worth the trip for solo travelers and families, too. From shopping to music and cultural landmarks that recognize key events in Black history, you’ll discover a lot to love here.
Big Events Draw Crowds to Cincinnati
One of the top annual events in Queen City is Black Tech Week, which is held every summer and welcomes more than 1,000 attendees. More than just informative panels and programs, action-oriented events include VC access and career fairs to encourage the growth and development of the Black innovation and technology ecosystem.
This year’s Cincy Music Festival, July 21-23, is the 60th anniversary of this landmark musical event, and it features a star-studded list of performers, including Janet Jackson, The O’Jays, Fantasia, Anthony Hamilton, Tony! Tone! Toni!, Charlie Wilson, BJ the Chicago Kid, and more.
Beautiful Accommodations
There are plenty of gorgeous and welcoming hotels in this city, but among the stand-out properties are the 21C Museum Hotel, the Lytle Park Hotel, and Renaissance Cincinnati.
21C Museum Hotel is a favorite because of its eclectic art offerings. The hotel includes a spacious museum with a wide range of artwork in multiple gallery spaces and lovely rooms that showcase the epitome of elegance, with marble bathrooms and rainfall showers. The on-site Metropole restaurant makes fine dining convenient, too.
The Lytle Park Hotel is known for its rooftop bar and lounge, Vista at Lytle Park. Rooms and suites in this historic building feature Lytle Park or river views with contemporary decor. Small botanical touches reflect the hotel’s proximity to the landmark gardens in the nearby park. On-site, dine at Subito, where Northern Italian cooking is highlighted or check out the lobby jazz bar and linger over a drink and conversation. Full concierge services ensure ease in booking reservations and excursions.
Renaissance Cincinnati Hotel downtown offers contemporary appeal near Paul Brown Stadium and the Cincinnati Zoo, making the Over-the-Rhine location convenient to access much of the city. Bright, minimalist decor emphasizes neutral black and white tones for a polished, modern look, and guests can enjoy casual breakfasts, lunches, and dinners at the on-site D. Burnham’s restaurant.
Shop, Dine, Explore
Cincinnati may not be the first place you think of for amazing shopping opportunities, but the Black-owned businesses here will easily change your mind. For hats of all kinds, visit Chapeau Couture. At Crafted Vibes Boutique, discover unique home decor pieces and furniture. Browse Diva Defined Boutique for women’s clothing and accessories, and take a break for some pampering at Grace + Grit Spa.
Start the day off right at 6 N’ the Mornin’ for authentic Southern-style breakfasts, then try Alabama Que for smoker-made BBQ favorites at dinner. Black Coffee Lounge and Conscious Kitchen Restaurant also get rave reviews for food and service.
When it’s time to learn more about Cincinnati and Black history, make a stop at the Black Brigade Monument. It honors the hard work and dedication of hundreds of volunteer Black men who made up the Brigade in holding back Confederate forces during the Civil War. Cincinnati is also home to the National Underground Railroad Railroad Freedom Center, and Union Baptist Cemetery, the oldest of its kind in the city.
Feel Like Royalty in the Queen City
Cincinnati delivers an exciting travel opportunity that showcases the best of local art, culture, and dining. It’s an ideal location for solo travel, a girls’ trip, a friends reunion or a family vacation, so next time you’re thinking about a getaway, make it Cincinnati.