A STEM Odyssey: Exploring Bioscience, Innovation, and Beyond in the Cincy Region
A 3.5 day itinerary for student groups exploring science and innovation in Cincy.
Day 1
Check into host hotel. Welcome to the Cincy Region!
Dinner and fun at Velocity Esports:
Experience an exciting evening at Velocity Esports! Dive into a world of entertainment with billiards, shuffleboard, bowling, foosball, vintage and modern video games, pinball, and giant table games. Velocity offers a variety of redemption games with a prize store packed with hundreds of popular prizes. When you play this hard you need to refuel and Velocity is there for you. Their menu offers modern American and Mexican classics with a fresh take. Vegetarian and gluten free options are available.
Velocity Esports Group Contact: 859-291-7529
Return to host hotel for the evening
Day 2
Breakfast at host hotel
Depart for Atlas Air:
Embark on an exhilarating journey into the captivating realm of aviation! Join Atlas Air and CVG Airport for an immersive day of discovery, delving into the intricacies of aircraft engineering and operation. Explore the inner workings of airplanes, from their construction to their flight mechanics, and gain fascinating insights into this dynamic industry. Box lunches can be ordered in advance and delivered to the facility, adding a flavorful touch to your educational adventure.
Atlas Air Group Contact: Leisa Spears-Snyder, 859-206-5922, leisa.snyder@atlasair.com
Dinner at LaRosa's Pizzeria:
Buddy LaRosa opened his first pizzeria in 1954 and has been feeding the Cincy Region ever since! This institution serves up delicious pizzas, pasta dishes, hoagys, and more, and everything on the menu can be delivered! Calling their “One Number” – 513-347-1111 means you never have to figure out what store delivers to you. Just give them your address and they will get your order to the correct location. LaRosa’s offers a special “Crowd Pleasers” menu for groups. Or you can use the One Number to arrange in person dining for your group.
LaRosa’s Pizza Group Contact: 513-347-1111
Return to host hotel for the evening
Day 3
Breakfast at host hotel
Visit American Sign Museum:
Ever wonder how florescent lighting came about? Step into a world where signs tell stories, from the iconic neon lights of the past to the intricate craftsmanship of contemporary designs. Learn about the evolution of advertising and communication through the ages through an extensive collection of more than 20,000 square feet of American signage. Everything from early, pre-electric signs to modern days, each with its own tale to tell.
Approximately 1.5 hours
Group contact: Alex Anderson, 513-701-2191, aanderson@americansignmuseum.org
Tour Cincinnati Observatory:
Nestled in scenic surroundings, visitors are invited to explore the historic Cincinnati Observatory through a guided tour. The Daytime Tour includes both of the Observatory’s buildings and two main telescopes. If time and weather permits, safe solar viewing through a telescope will be provided. On Sundays a more detailed, in-depth guided tour is offered. The Sunday History Tours include all that’s covered in a Daytime Tour - as well as more stories of how the Observatory came to be (and almost didn’t!). These tours also cover the Observatory’s role in weather forecasting and timekeeping as well as a visit to our interactive Sundial, original 1843 cornerstone, and more!
Daytime Tour Approximately 30 minutes
Sunday History Tour Approximately 1 hour
Cincinnati Observatory Group Contact: Kelsey Stryffe, 513-321-5186, kelsey@cincinnatiobservatory.org
Lunch and CREW Tour at Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden:
The second oldest zoo in the country dates all the way back to 1875. The Linder Center for Conservation and Research of Endangered Wildlife (CREW) hosts guided tours where students can see scientists in the labs and gain a better understanding of the advanced animal and plant research taking place every day at the zoo. After your tour enjoy lunch at one of the zoo’s many options, then take time to explore! The Cincinnati Zoo is home to over 400 species of animals and over 3,000 plant species! Walk with the kangaroos in the Kangaroo Walkabout, marvel at the majesty of the big cats in Cat Canyon, visit the snakes in the Reptile House, the oldest American zoo building, and of course visit with the famous Fiona the hippo and the rest of the crew at Hippo Cove.
CREW Tour Approximately 30 minutes
Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden Group Contact: Zane Fulton, 513-281-4700, zane.fulton@cincinnatizoo.org
Enjoy dinner at Element Eatery:
Cincinnati's premier food hall, Element Eatery is home to a collection of restaurants locally rooted right here in Cincinnati. Enjoy piping hot NY-style pizza, Creole, Latin American dishes, Japanese ramen, burgers, Italian, Mexican, smoothies, salads, BBQ and so much more!
Group Contact: 513-272-9800, info@element-eatery.com
Return to host hotel for evening or enjoy a movie night out at AMC Theatre in Newport
Day 3
Breakfast at host hotel
Spend the day with Gateway Community and Technical College and Northern Kentucky University:
Embark on an educational adventure with Gateway and NKU. Dive into immersive simulations across a spectrum of disciplines, including HVAC, AI, Cybersecurity, and diverse medical fields, all in a guided tour format. Explore interactive experiences tailored to your interests, where you can engage firsthand with cutting-edge technologies and gain valuable insights into these dynamic fields. Contact their knowledgeable staff to customize your tour and delve into the areas that intrigue you most. Whether you're passionate about technology, healthcare, or innovation, this collaboration promises an enriching day of exploration and discovery.
Approximately 6 hours
Gateway CTC Group Contact: Erica Clayton, 859-442-4101, erica.clayton@kctcs.edu
Northern Kentucky University Group Contact: Jenny Sandy, 859-466-8018, sandj4@nku.edu
Behind the Scenes Tour at Newport Aquarium:
Perfect for marine enthusiasts, the behind-the-scenes tour of Newport Aquarium offers a rare glimpse into all that it takes to care for a million gallons of water and thousands of animals every day! Step beyond the glass and take a fully guided adventure with exclusive access to staff-only areas where you will see some of the complex machinery, filtration systems, and miles of pipes that keep water flowing through the exhibits. Plus, learn all about animal enrichment and see some of their favorite toys and games. You’ll even get hands-on in the kitchen as you help prepare a tasty enrichment treat for the animals of the Amazon Tunnel. Students will also gain knowledge about ongoing research efforts dedicated to protecting aquatic ecosystems and have the opportunity to touch one of the aquatic ambassador animals!
Approximately 1 hour
Newport Aquarium Group Contact: Sheena Minix, 859-815-1427, sminix@newportaquarium.com
BB Riverboats Dinner Cruise:
Take a cruise with BB Riverboats, a favorite of the Cincy Region riverfront for more than 40 years. BB Riverboats offers the Admiral's Dinner Cruise on Friday and Saturday evenings and the Captain's Dinner Cruise during the week. Take in the skyline, watch the river roll by, and savor a delicious dinner, all while enjoying entertainment provided by a DJ or live band.
Approximately 2 hours
BB Riverboats Group Contact: Nancy Willhoite, 859-261-8500, nwillhoite@bbriverboats.com
Return to host hotel for evening
Day 5
Check out of host hotel and depart the Cincy Region. See you next time!