By: Matt Lawler

You’ve lived in Cincinnati, Ohio for a few years and loved it. Now that it’s time to move away, you don’t know when you’ll be back. What to see before you go? What not to miss? What else is there?

There are many things to do in Cincinnati. We put together a checklist of historical landmarks, theaters and must-see places in the city to check out before you leave. Have you taken a ferry ride across the Ohio river yet?

 Must-See Places & Things To Do in Cincinnati

Anderson Ferry – Registered U.S. historic site that just celebrated 200 years of service. Original ferry motored by horses on a treadmill. Now provides car and pedestrian service between Cincinnati and Constance, Kentucky. Be a tourist for a day and hop onboard.

Fountain Square – Public space founded in 1871. Free concerts, movies and regularly scheduled fun. Current events include a summer concert series, trivia night and every Tuesday the game ‘Fountain Feud’ – a play off the popular T.V. game show Family Feud. Wander around and sample a dish from a food cart or two. View calendar of events here: My Fountain Square.

Findlay Market – Attracts more than a million visitors per year and is Ohio’s oldest public market. Weekends from April to November it hosts an outdoor farmer’s market, special events and many local street performers wandering around ready to entertain you.

Roebling Suspension Bridge – When constructed in 1867 at a length of 1057 feet, it was the longest suspension bridge in the world. It is now a National Historic Landmark that connects Cincinnati with Covington, Kentucky. Walk across and enjoy the view. Read more about the bridge.

National Underground Railroad Freedom Center – A national and globally-recognized organization committed to freedom and equality for all. This museum connects the historic Underground Railroad with stories of today’s freedom fighters has more than 100,000 visitors per year. Their original documentary “Journey to Freedom” is shown in 50+ U.S. embassies around the world. Learn more here: Freedom Center.

Over-The-Rhine – Historic neighborhood famous for its 19th century architecture built by German immigrants. Findlay Market is located here. Enjoy one of the more than 100 craft beers at the award-winning Moerlein Lager House brewery and restaurant located at Smale Riverfront Park.

Cincinnati Shakespeare Company – This is a professional local theatre company staging ‘Shakespeare in the Park’ events in communities throughout the tri-state area. It houses performances at the intimate Otto M. Budig Theater.

The Drinkery – Want to experience the nightlife like a local? Head to this live music venue featuring eclectic local and national bands. Displays artwork by local artists. Located in Over-The-Rhine neighborhood. http://www.drinkotr.com/

Bell Streetcar Food Tour – Walking food tours of downtown restaurants and those located on the streetcar routes. If you want a feel for the culinary scene in Cincinnati, this is for you. Learn more here: Flavors of the Queen City.

Cincinnati Observatory at Mt. Lookout – For astronomy buffs and those who love learning about what goes on in the skies. The observatory’s construction began in 1843 and the original telescope is still housed there. The Mt. Lookout upscale neighborhood also includes 224-acre Ault Park. After a walk on the nature trails you can visit one of the pubs in the area such as Mt. Lookout Tavern or Hap’s Irish Pub.

Historic Theaters & Performing Arts in Ohio

If you haven’t seen the popular hip hop musical Hamilton yet – winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and 11 Tony Awards – you can in Cincinnati. What about Wicked, School of Rock or Waitress? Broadway shows, musicals, dance, ballet, family shows, comedy and stand-up… the Queen City has it all.

Historic theaters in the area include: Ohio Theatre (designed by Scottish architect Thomas W. Lamb, opened in 1928), Lincoln Theater (Egyptian Revival design, opened in 1928), Music Hall (completed in 1878, Ohio Symphony plays here), Taft Theater (opened in 1928) and The Historic Sidney Theater (originally the Majestic Theater, opened in 1921).

Newer art and performance venues include the Aronoff Center (opened in 1995), US Bank Arena (opened in 1975) and Playhouse in the Park (founded in 1959). To see upcoming events, what shows are playing and where view the Cincinnati Theater Independent Guide to Best Shows.

 Registered Historic Landmarks in Ohio

Sometimes it helps to have others point out the really cool things located in or near where you live. That you may then want to visit and experience for yourself. In addition to the mentions above (Anderson Ferry, Roebling Suspension Bridge, Music Hall, Ohio Theater) are 72 more historic landmarks in Ohio. Many are listed and described on the Ohio History Connection website.

Included are massive green spaces (the 450-acre Cedar Bog Nature Preserve), natural wonders (ancient marine fossils at Glacial Grooves Geological Preserve), churches (Plum Street Temple), homes of famous people (Harriet Beecher Stowe House), military relics (USS Cod submarine) and abandoned asylums (The Grotto).

All of the above are great for day trips and to learn a bit about the geography, architecture, culture, history and natural resources of the state and city you lived in. Spend a little time exploring before heading off to new adventures.

“Matt Lawler is a lifestyle blogger in Arizona where he attended Arizona State University. Whenever he can step away from the computer, Matt enjoys playing sports, traveling and exploring the great outdoors.  worcesterwired.com