On our last morning in Cincy, we went to the Museum Center. This is in the old train station. We have gone before when Camden was a babe, so this was a great time to enjoy more activities with her. There are three museums within this one building...and it's part of the passport system (included with our local museum membership) so we got in free!
We started at the Science & History Museum. This was a tiny place, but we enjoyed the activities. First up was the dinosaurs.
There was a Virtual Reality flying game that Camden HAD to try. It was different than anything she had done before.
Next was all the physics and science activities.
Our next area was a special exhibit within the Cincinnati History Museum called Holiday Junction - featuring model trains, as well as other Cincinnati holiday traditions.
A large magnetic poem that we created.
Build your own snowman...inside.
Then off to the main section of the Cincinnati History Museum.
We spent a huge portion of our time in the Duke Energy Children's Museum. I realized we never went to this part before. It encompassed the entire basement. Lots of hands-on activities!
My favorite part of this museum was, "The Woods" - a three-story area designed for kids 8 and older (although younger ones could also enjoy).
Last stop before we left was in the Lego Wonderland which recreated scenes around Cincinnati in Legos.
A few pictures outside of the beautiful building before we left.
It was Winterfest at King's Island. The amusement park opened a portion of the park - including one big rollercoaster (Mystic Timbers), one indoor rollercoaster (Flight of Fear), and several of the standards (swings, bumper cars, carousel, etc.). Lots of games, activities, and misc. experiences were throughout. The park was lite up with all sorts of lights. The weather cooperated with us and we enjoyed being outdoors without freezing.
We got there about 1/2 hour before the park opened, so we had an excellent parking spot, plus got to go inside and wait a the rope drops nearest rides.
We made our way to Mystic Timbers and decided to do single riders since that line only had two other people in it (you will ride with another person when there is a group from the main line who has an odd number of people. Usually you get on very quickly). Kevin didn't want to ride, so Camden and I could wait together, she could ride first and have someone waiting for her at the bottom. This was a fantastic ride. We both rode, then she went again!
We made our way around to another section as the sun was setting and the lights were coming on.
This looks like she is making an angel on the ground, but she was actually standing up.
We bought one ticket for the event that included parking, a refillable mug for coffee/hot chocolate (which we used A LOT!), and a meal. We decided to get a pizza when we got back to the hotel, so we just split this meal to hold us over. We stopped at a barbeque spot and got a pulled pork sandwich, mac n cheese, and a drink. It was a nice size sandwich and really gave us each a nice snack. We did top off our evening with a funnel cake to share...per Camden's request - and it was so tasty!
We headed back to Mystic Timbers for a last ride, passing through the Snoopy section with lots of kiddie rides. Camden is really getting too big for these, plus we were ready to leave, so we just got some pictures.
We loved this night. The lights, the weather, the rides. We would do this again in a heartbeat.
I looked for different places to eat when we travel. Sometimes we discover a hidden gem; other times we hit a dud. I came across one that looked interesting and also had a few "must eat in Cincinnati" recommendations. Called "The Schoolhouse Restaurant" for obvious reasons, it was built in 1864 at the end of the civil war which was converted in 1962. When we pulled up, I loved the building (especially the bell in the tower), but it was looking run down and I was concerned we were going to regret it.
The lobby had an old desk, with stairs leading up to the old auditorium which looked like it was used for events/catering.
The main restaurant was the classroom, still with the old blackboard. I loved the green cursive writing boarder since it was so similar to what was in our elementary classrooms.
Food was served family style, but we were the only ones at our table. Since we were at lunch, there were only a few sides that came with our meal, but they were unlimited - country-style green beans, mashed potatoes & gravy, and cornbread. We also ordered a side of coleslaw for $2 that also was unlimited. One bite and we knew this was a good choice!
I ordered the lunch fried cod & mac n' cheese. Unbelievable! I didn't get a picture of Camden's chicken fingers and fries, but she raved. Kevin had salmon croquettes which he enjoyed, but he liked my cod better. He was happy that we split our meals (and I didn't like the salmon!). This was a very substantial meal and for $8 or $9 dollars. We would definitely lunch here again!
After lunch, we headed to a local arcade. If Dave & Busters is Chuck E Cheese's on steroids, this was D&B on steroids.
In addition to arcade games, Kevin and Camden did a round of laser tag and go-carts. It was dark (and Camden had just been 'shot' so her vest was dark), but I could watch part of the action from a small viewing window.
I think this was the first time that Camden drove her own 'adult' vehicle with others also on the track. She was very cautious (glad!), but did a great job.
We were here for several hours before heading off to a big night of fun.
We checked into our hotel and had a quick swim. We had originally planned to go to the Cincinnati Zoo for the Christmas lights, but it was a cold, rainy night. So the new plan was to go to someplace unique for dinner and come back and swim some more. I found a place, called "Senate" that was listed on several, "must eat in Cincinnati" lists. It was fairly close to our hotel so off we went.
Of all things, their specialty was hot dogs - but everything was gourmet. We started with poutine. The french fries were fried in duck fat, then it was topped with local cheese curds, braised shortrib and gravy. We also opted to have a fried egg on top. Delicious! Camden did give it a try, but wasn't crazy about it.
She opted for a plain dog with fries and loved it. She wasn't able to finish all the dog, so I did. One of the best hot dogs I have ever had. The waitress said a local butcher shop makes them specifically for the restaurant.
And yes, I did let her wear her cute, new PJs to dinner.
Kevin and I shared two dishes. Our hot dog of choice was called, "Lindsey Lohan". The menu description was a beef hotdog, goat cheese, caramelized onions, bacon, arugula, balsamic & tons of drama. These are some of our favorite things (minus the drama) and this did not disappoint.
We also got a non-dog option - a falafel taco. It was good, but wasn't exactly what was described on the menu.
We were surprised when we pulled up to discover the restaurant was in a really cool park. If it were not winter, we would have spent the evening playing here. However, they did have an outdoor ice rink. It was covered so we didn't have to worry about the rain. Neither Kevin or I enjoy ice skating, but Camden was willing to give it a go on her own.
The blue helpers change the game a bit. It sure makes the learning curve not so painful.
She first basically walked on the skates.
Thought that might be the end of the evening, but she got right back up!
Then she mastered the one-skate glide.
A little too confident, but really improving! More importantly, she was having a great time while pushing her limits a bit. Kevin and I were also enjoying the evening watching her.
She explained later that the "stupid" thing was the blade at the bottom of the skate. "It would have been so much easier without that."
Bravely attempted twice without the blue safety...she really enjoyed this and requested to go again. Maybe yet this winter...
I've said it many times, but we love Cincinnati. It's a comfortable drive away, but offers lots to do with little fuss. We originally planned to go over New Year's, but Kevin's days off got changed, so we quickly altered our schedule and went a few days after Christmas.
Ginger was dropped off at Papaw's.
Our first stop was at Jungle Jim's - a HUGE grocery store on the northwest side of the city. It's fun to walk around and see the unique items. They also have some silly statues and such around the store.
