Midwest Living Magazine honors Cincy with award highlighting the best cities across the region
CINCINNATI (March 17, 2026) – Cincinnati has been named one of the Best Cities in the Midwest by Midwest Living’s Best of the Midwest Awards, an annual recognition of standout travel and hospitality destinations across the region. Two other Cincinnati favorites, A Tavola and Hotel Celare, were also recognized on this year’s list.
Hand-selected by Midwest Living editors, the Best of the Midwest Awards recognize nearly 150 established and emerging leaders in travel and hospitality across the Midwest and beyond. The awards span 16 categories, highlighting exceptional hotels, resorts, restaurants, vacation destinations, cruise lines and cities that offer memorable experiences for visitors.
“This recognition confirms what we’ve always known – Cincy is the best of the Midwest,” said Julie Kirkpatrick, Interim CEO of Visit Cincy and CEO of meetNKY. “People don’t just see our city, they feel it when they’re here, which is why we keep landing on these lists. We’re approachable, affordable and have a little something for everyone – from bourbon and beer to urban trails to some of the best street art and museums in the nation. This honor reflects the energy, ingenuity and pride of our community that make our region unforgettable.”
It also underscores the city’s continued rise as a standout destination and creative epicenter, where historic architecture, vibrant neighborhoods, a thriving arts scene and outstanding culinary culture come together along the Ohio River. From the iconic Over-the-Rhine district and riverfront parks to beloved attractions like the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden and Findlay Market, the region offers visitors an authentic and unique blend of experiences.
The honor also builds on a growing list of local destinations previously recognized by Midwest Living’s Best of the Midwest Awards. Past recipients include Wildweed, the American Sign Museum, Smale Riverfront Park, Kings Island, The Lytle Park Hotel, and Over-the-Rhine.
Midwest Living’s 2026 Best of the Midwest Awards is featured in the magazine’s Spring 2026 issue, with the full list of winners also available online at midwestliving.com/bomw.
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About Visit Cincy
Visit Cincy connects the Cincinnati region's people and experiences with visitors and meeting attendees from around the world through sales, marketing, communications, and community-building strategies. The destination marketing organization is supported by nearly 500 businesses that join together in making Cincinnati, Hamilton County, and the Cincy region a world-class destination by offering their services, attractions, and facilities to visitors, meeting planners, and convention attendees. For more information, go to VisitCincy.com.
About meetNKY
meetNKY drives quality of life and economic growth for Northern Kentucky through tourism marketing and destination development. Learn more at meetNKY.com.
About Midwest Living
For nearly 40 years, Midwest Living has been the definitive voice of the American Midwest region. We curate travel, food, shelter and lifestyle content that you won't find anywhere else. We are smart, witty, bold, diverse and loudly, proudly Midwestern. Through award-winning storytelling and service, we aim to inspire our audience to explore, adventure, learn, cook, create and grow—on the road and at home.
