A Taste of Queen City History

A 2.5 day itinerary for student groups that gives an introduction to the history of the Cincy Region.

Day 1

Arrive at host hotel. Welcome to the Cincy Region!

Dinner and fun at Dave & Buster's:

Dave & Buster's in Florence, KY, is an entertainment powerhouse where fun meets food and games. Have your fill of arcade games, from classic to cutting-edge, ensuring there's something for everyone. Guests can challenge friends to a game of air hockey, try their luck at claw machines, or immerse themselves in virtual reality adventures. Beyond gaming, Dave & Buster's menu features a variety of appetizers, burgers, sandwiches, and more, perfect for refueling between rounds of play.
Dave & Buster’s Florence Group Contact: 859-692-9806

Return to host hotel for the evening

A row of racing arcade games with red chairs at Dave & Busters. — Dave & Buster's

Day 2

Breakfast at host hotel

National Underground Railroad Freedom Center:

Through permanent and traveling exhibits, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center shares the stories of freedom’s heroes, from the era of the Underground Railroad to contemporary times, challenging and inspiring us all. Journey through this immersive museum that illuminates the struggles and triumphs of the Underground Railroad and beyond.
Time may vary, approximately 2 hours
Group Contact: Ryan Repasky, 513-333-7500, rrepasky@nurfc.org

Lunch with Riverside Food Tours:

Join Riverside Food Tours for The Roebling Bridge Tour, a captivating, guided exploration of the bridge's rich history. Delve into its engineering marvels and storied past, then, set forth along Riverside Drive in Covington, KY and discover the tales and landmarks that have shaped this vibrant riverfront community. Enjoy a progressive lunch with a stop at 4 different, locally owned restaurants. Your guide will share their wealth of knowledge and passion for the area and are always happy to give advice on additional dining or sightseeing options. Each guest receives a food guide, detailed descriptions of the Floodwall Murals, and will be full – body and mind! Riverside Food Tours offers several other tours and is happy to customize tours as well.
Approximately 3 hours
Riverside Food Tours Group Contact: Laura Noyes, 513-289-0035, laura@riversidefoodtours.com

Cincinnati Museum Center:

Cincinnati Museum Center is a one-of-a-kind museum complex housed in the historic Art Deco Union Terminal train station. The Museum Center is made up of multiple museums, with the most popular being the Cincinnati History Museum, The Children's Museum, and the Museum of Natural History & Science. Consider adding the current special exhibit or an OMNIMAX film to enhance your visit.
Approximately 1.5-2 hours
Group Contact: Shannon LaPoint, 513-287-7001, slapoint@cincymuseum.org

Dinner at Camp Washington Chili:

Camp Washington Chili-Camp Washington Chili is the only one of its kind with a retro style diner atmosphere serving up “Cincinnati Style” chili since 1940. Take a chance on one of the region’s most famous dishes! If you aren’t as adventurous, they also serve a variety of sandwiches and soups.
Camp Washington Chili Group Contact: Maria Papakirk, 513-541-0061

OR

Pizza party at hotel with LaRosa's Pizza:

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. You can also use the One Number to arrange in-person dining for your group.

Return to host hotel for evening

A museum exhibit showcasing people made up of modular photos. A timeline runs in the background. — National Underground Railroad Freedom Center

A steaming pizza with pepperoni sits in the middle of a table at The Gruff — The Gruff, part of The Roebling Bridge Tour

Exterior of the Cincinnati Museum Center showing the fountain, landscaping, and large clock on the building. — Cincinnati Museum Center

A white building with a rounded entry. Words above the door say Camp Washington Chili. A vertical sign is on top of the building made up of squares that spell CHILI. — Camp Washington Chili

A slice of a small pizza with spinach and tomato is being held up by a spatula. — LaRosa's Pizzeria

Day 3

Breakfast at host hotel

Harriet Beecher Stowe House:

The Harriet Beecher Stowe House is a historical and cultural site focusing on abolitionist and author Harriet Beecher Stowe who lived in Cincinnati in 1840 while preparing to write Uncle Tom's Cabin. In the 1940s African-American proprietor Irene Bacon managed the house as the Edgemont Inn, a boarding house, gathering space, and tavern listed in the Green Book. The home recently underwent restoration and preservation to ensure the history housed here is available for generations to come. The museum provides a look at the family and friends of the Beecher-Stowe family, the Lane Seminary, abolitionist, civil, and human rights movements as well as the Underground Railroad movement, the historical figures involved, and Ohio’s place in the movement.
Approximately 1 hour
Harriet Beecher Stowe House Group Contact: Violet Rae Webster, 513-751-0651, vwebster@stowehousecincy.org

Tour of Findlay Market:

Findlay Market is the only surviving municipal market house of the nine public markets that operated in Cincinnati in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Findlay Market has operated continuously in the same iron-framed building since 1855, yet it's not just another historic monument, it is an essential institution to life in 21st century Cincinnati. Numerous businesses at Findlay Market span multiple generations. This intergenerational legacy serves to preserve the traditions and core values that define the vibe of Findlay Market. Stroll through the market and shop local vendors, enjoy a delicious meal, and take a self-guided tour. Guided tours are available through the market or third-party tour operators: American Legacy Tours, Cincinnati Food Tours, OTR Museum Walking Tours, and Riverside Food Tours.
Times may vary, approximately 2 hours
Findlay Market Group Contact: info@findlaymarket.org

Enjoy lunch at one of Findlay Market's many vendors

Behringer-Crawford Museum:

Behringer-Crawford Museum offers a captivating journey through the region's rich heritage. Set against the picturesque backdrop of Devou Park, this museum celebrates Northern Kentucky's cultural legacy through engaging exhibits, interactive displays, and educational programs. From the area's natural history to its industrial prowess and artistic achievements, visitors of all ages are invited to explore the diverse stories that have shaped the local community. With a focus on innovation, creativity, and community engagement, the Behringer-Crawford Museum provides a dynamic and enriching experience for all who walk through its doors.
Approximately 1.5 hours
Behringer-Crawford Museum Group Contact: info@bcmuseum.org, 859-491-4003

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 the evening