Recent history puts Cincinnati in the shadow of Hollywood owing to the fact that many movies have been shot on location in the city. Such recent blockbusters as Rain Man, Seabiscuit, and Traffic have all used Cincinnati locations as backdros for various scenes. Cincinnati holds the honor of being the birthplace of former United States President William Howard Taft. The house on Auburn Avenue in which Taft was born has since become a museum dedicated to his life. Tourism is a strong economic influence on Cincinnati as over 5 million people from out of town flock to the city each year. This influx of capital is to the delight of the estimated 1,621,100 people who inhabit the city.

Food

Cincinnati is one of the best places for travelers to go in America who are looking to taste great food. Cincinnati is famous for its chili and Skyline Chili is at the head of the class when it comes to chili excellence. There are over 80 restaurants in the Cincinnati area that specialize in chili and serve combination dishes such as chili, cheese, and spaghetti.

Sports

Cincinnati has a proud sports tradition with teams such as the Cincinnati Reds and the Bengals who play at Cinergy Stadium. This can be an exciting venue in which to take in a ball game with the family or with friends.

Culture and Fun

Paramount’s Kings Island Theme Park boasts the world’s longest wooden roller coaster and is only a short 24-mile drive north of Cincinnati. A great educational trip can include a visit to the Cincinnati Zoo which is home to over 6,000 animals. Eden Park is home to the Cincinnati Art Museum, while the Cinergy Children’s Museum makes a great day trip for the kids. Those who want to brush up on the history of Cincinnati can check out Bicentennial Commons which is home to monuments and statues that tell the tale of how Cincinnati went from an Indian crossroad to a city settled by easterners in 1788 that would eventually turn into one of America’ greatest cities. Architecture buffs might be drawn to the Roebling Suspension Bridge designed by the same man who designed the world famous Brooklyn Bridge, John A. Roebling.