Alright folks, welcome to Cincinnati, Ohio — the Queen City! We’re about to take a self-guided driving adventure through one of America’s most historic and scenic river cities. Sitting proudly on the banks of the Ohio River, Cincinnati is a city that’s always been about connections — north and south, old and new, tradition and innovation. Cincinnati was founded in 1788, making it one of the first major American cities west of the Alleghenies. In the 19th century, it grew so quickly it earned the nickname “Queen City of the West.” This was a powerhouse of river commerce, pork packing, brewing, and German immigration. Fun fact: by 1850, Cincinnati was America’s sixth-largest city. Another claim to fame? The world’s very first professional baseball team — the Cincinnati Red Stockings of 1869 — played right here. It’s also a city of “firsts.” The first reinforced concrete skyscraper, the Ingalls Building, rose here in 1903. The Roebling Suspension Bridge — the very one we’ll cross later — was the longest suspension bridge in the world when it opened in 1867, and it served as the prototype for New York City’s Brooklyn Bridge. And if you’ve ever enjoyed a scoop of Graeter’s ice cream or a plate of Cincinnati chili, you’ve already tasted some of its unique traditions. On this tour, we’ll take you from the heart of downtown at Fountain Square to cultural treasures like Music Hall and the Cincinnati Art Museum, through the bustling Findlay Market and the historic streets of Over-the-Rhine, then up to the hilltop views of Eden Park and Mount Adams. Finally, we’ll circle back to the river and finish where it all comes together — at the graceful span of the Roebling Suspension Bridge. So buckle up, relax, and get ready. Cincinnati has stories, flavors, and views you won’t forget. Let’s hit the road and explore the Queen City together!
