Cincinnati: Hot fun in the summertime

Electrical Apparatus, May 2002 by Tryling, David P, Rodgers, Susan M

Extremely popular and educational is the Newport Aquarium, boasting glass-walled viewing tanks. You can walk around, over, and under exhibits of both saltwater and freshwater creatures. There is even a "touch pool" (a sort of aquatic petting zoo) where children can get up close and personal with some really interesting creatures. Don't worry-nothing bites!

Ribs and steaks

For the summertime, not only are there lots of things to do on the riverfront, but this is also a great place for dining. Our favorite river view pick remains the Montgomery Inn Boat-- house, where a panoramic view of the river, Cincinnati skyline, and northern Kentucky keeps the eyes occupied while the taste buds are focused on award-winning barbecued ribs.

Across the river is the Waterfront and the South Beach Grill, presented by Jeff Ruby, one of Cincinnati's premier restaurateurs. This is the place to go for steaks and an opportunity to spot some local celebrities and sports figures. If just watching the boats cruise the river while you dine isn't enough, hop on one of the B&B Riverboats for a two-hour lunch buffet with games and entertainment, or an evening buffet and dancing, while you tour Cincinnati from a whole new angle.

If you want to stay within walking distance of the hotels, try the Redfish Looziana Roadhouse and Seafood Kitchen for fun decor and Cajun cuisine. For a special evening with a terrific view, you'll want to go up two flights in Fountain Place to the Palomino Restaurant. You can enjoy upbeat city dining while overlooking the lights on Fountain Square. Five minutes west out of downtown and serving Italian fare is Primavista, with an impressive view of the downtown area.

Fun for your mind

For stimulation of your imagination (and if you enjoy learning a little bit in the process), Cincinnati can be your kind of place. The Cincinnati Museum Center combines historical displays and natural history exhibits in a beautifully restored art deco train station.

Features on Cincinnati history and the evolution of the Ohio Valley area are permanent displays. Features rotate monthly, but during the week of the convention you can experience "Cincinnati in Motion"-a scale working model of Cincinnati from the period 1900-40 complete with interactive computer work stations. For the kids, there's "Grossology," with a multitude of interactive games and experiences that aim to teach the science of the human body's biology.

For your listening pleasure, there will be a great opportunity to enjoy the sunshine and the world-renowned Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra from noon to 1:00 p.m. June 19 at one of the Fountain Square "Concerts on the Square." The Cincinnati Opera will be presenting "Romeo and Juliet" during the week of the convention as well.

For history buffs, take a self-guided walking tour of the 13-block neighborhood Riverside Drive on the Kentucky side of the Ohio River. Carriage houses, life-sized bronze statues, and the Mimosa Mansion, an Italian renaissance architectural masterpiece, can all be seen in Covington, Ky.