Frequently Asked Questions About Cincy

Why are pigs so significant to Cincinnati? What's with Kentucky and bourbon? This and more questions are answered here.

Where is Cincy?

The Cincinnati metropolitan area, or Cincy, is located on the scenic Ohio River in the Midwest. Cincy comprises Southwest Ohio, Northern Kentucky, and parts of Southern Indiana. The core of Cincy is where Downtown Cincinnati meets Northern Kentucky at the Ohio River. This vibrant region includes 15 counties between the 3 states and countless opportunities for unique adventures. 

What is there to do in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky?

The choice is all yours! The selection of events and attractions is endless—from amusement parks and world-class museums to professional sports and five-star dining. Whatever your taste, schedule, or budget, there is something waiting for you here in Cincy. Find inspiration here.

Why are pigs so significant to Cincinnati?

The nickname Porkopolis was attributed to Cincinnati around 1835. At that time, the city was the nation’s primary pork packing center and herds of pigs often traveled the streets. The Flying Pig Marathon is named in part because of the historical importance of the pig industry to Cincinnati.

Is Cincy known for any foods?

There are plenty of options for truly local flavor, however, the one that has put us on the map is Cincinnati style chili. This isn’t traditional chili, but rather a thin sauce that resembles Greek pasta sauces, which makes sense since it was developed by Greek immigrants and is served as a topping for spaghetti (“ways”) or hot dogs (coneys”). Cincinnati style chili is seasoned with, among other things cinnamon, allspice, cloves, cumin, nutmeg, and chili powder. There are over 250 chili parlors throughout the region!

Ok, is there anything besides Cincinnati chili?

Absolutely! Goetta is a German immigrant contribution and staple here in Cincy. This blend of breakfast sausage, steel-cut oats, and spices has moved beyond the breakfast table and into a variety of dishes. It even has its own festival spread out over two weekends in late July & August.

Here in Cincy we love our BBQ, especially from the famous Montgomery Inn, which has been serving their award winning ribs and housemade sauce since the 1950s.

Opera creams were started in Cincinnati, where they were given out to audience members of the Cincinnati Opera. You can find opera creams and other confections at sweet shops around the region like Aglamesis Brothers, Schneider’s Sweet Shop, and Graeter’s. The latter of which is also beloved for their small batch, French Pot Ice Cream, with iconic chocolate chips and specialty flavors like Black Raspberry Chip or Bourbon Ball made with local New Riff Single Barrel Bourbon. Watch this clip from Food Network's Unwrapped 2.0 for a behind the scenes view of how Graeter's is made.

What's with Kentucky and bourbon?

Bourbon is the only uniquely American spirit. In fact, no whiskey made outside of the US can be called bourbon, and 95% of all bourbon is made in Kentucky. What makes Kentucky so important to bourbon? Some say it’s the water, which gets filtered through the bed of blue limestone that Kentucky sits on. Some say it’s the rich, Kentucky soil that grows high quality corn. Bourbon, by law, needs to be 51% corn, so this is essential to the process. That same soil also grows White Oak trees, which are used to make the barrels that bourbon is aged in. Lastly, the temperature changes we experience here in Cincy literally moves the bourbon in and out of the wood, contributing to the unique flavor.

Here in Cincy we have The B-Line®, a self-guided bourbon experience where you can visit Kentucky Bourbon Trail® distilleries, world class bourbon bars, and savor delicious, bourbon centric dishes.

Where should I stay?

Cincy has plenty of options for accommodations. From family friendly to full service, you can find something for any budget or need. There’s large hotels, cozy bed & breakfasts, luxury, boutique retreats, and modern, quirky lodgings. Find the right place to stay for your trip by searching our full list of accommodations where you can filter by neighborhood or amenities.

When is the best time to visit Cincy?

Any time is a great time to visit the Cincy Region. Spring brings the start of baseball with opening day. The whole region wears red to root for the home team. Our parks and greenspaces are awash in vibrant floral displays and the spring butterfly show starts at Krohn Conservatory. 

Summer brings the heat, but baseball season is in full swing. Our festival offerings are plentiful and there’s free live music almost every night of the week. Summer is also a great time for renting a kayak and paddling the day away. 

Fall paints the region in reds, oranges, and yellows as the fall foliage arrives, just in time for Oktoberfest. This is a great time to explore our many hiking and biking trails or visit a fall festival at a pumpkin patch. If you are looking for something a little spookier, Cincy has some of the best haunted attractions in the country. The even numbered years bring BLINK, the nation’s largest art, light, and music festival.  

Winter doesn’t slow Cincy down! The Cincinnati Zoo has its award winning Festival of Lights, along with other light displays across the region. Ice skating is popular at several rinks including the new Elm Street Plaza. There are a variety of Christkindlmarkts, and private igloos to enjoy mulled wine with friends. There’s even skiing in Cincy.

In other words, the best time to visit Cincy was your last vacation, the next best time is to start planning right now!

I'm bringing a group to the Cincy Region. Can you assist in planning our trip?

Yes we can! For leisure group or motorcoach tours find what you need on our Group Tour page. Find resources for meetings and conventions in Cincinnati and connect with our Cincinnati sales team on our Cincinnati Meetings page. To speak with our Northern Kentucky sales team, and find resources for meetings and conventions in Northern Kentucky, visit MeetNKY.com. Any of these links will guide you to information and associates who can assist with planning meetings, group experiences, and tour itineraries.