Looking for some Summer fun?

Two fun/new things to do are coming to Cincinnati soon. Ride the Ducks tour(s) in Cincinnati will mark the companies 8th location nationwide (Boston, Philadelphia, Seattle, Baltimore, etc). These tours are a combined land and water tour and are popular among tourists and locals alike. The Cincinnati tour will begin in Newport (near the Newport Aquarium) and will go between both Cincinnati and Nky.

Ride the Ducks tour boat (left) and cable wakeboarding (right)

The other new attraction will be a Wake Nation theme park in the Fairfield area. The company specializes in 'cable wakeboarding' (GoogleVideo) and describes the theme park as a "watersports complex designed for wakeboarding, wakeskating, water skiing and knee boarding." This news, as originally reported by Cincinnati Living Online, states that they plan to break ground in August 2008 (with a planned opening in Spring/Summer '09) and that the park is on an eight acre lake and has a cable system suspended 30 feet above the lake.

Both sound like very fun and very unique/new attractions for the region. I personally can't wait for both as the Duck tours will provide for great photo ops and a chance to get out on the Ohio River...and the Wake Nation complex just sounds awesome in every sense of the word.

Read more about the Ride the Ducks tours in this week's Soapbox Cincinnati issue.

GOOD FOOD - GOOD BEER - GOOD TIMES

Taste of Cincinnati USA is held every Memorial Day weekend in Downtown Cincinnati by the Downtown Council and the Greater Cincinnati Restaurant Association. Started in 1979, it is now the nation's longest running culinary arts festival.

Taste of Cincinnati USA started as a one-day fest in Piatt Park, then known as Garfield Park, with approximately 5,000 attending the first event. The event expanded to two days in 1981, and in 1988 expanded to three days and moved to Central Parkway.

In 2007, th event was moved to Fifth Street to spotlight the $42-million renovation of Fountain Square and its underground parking garage, and to bring the event closer to Downtown's cluster of hotels, such as The Cincinnatian, Garfield Suites, Hilton Netherland Cincinnati, Hyatt Regency, Millenium Hotel, Terrace Hotel, and the Westin.

Approximately 500,000 now attend the annual food extravaganza, making Taste one of the nation's largest street festivals. Taste of Cincinnati was named Food Event of the Year for 1997 by Events Business News, the recognized authority of the special events business in the United States, selecting it out of 40,000 special events across the nation.

Taste of Cincinnati USA features more than 40 fine restaurants serving up delicious and delectable menu items. In the weeks leading up to Taste each year, menu items are previewed and judged for the prestigious Best of Taste Awards.

The Taste is also a music festival, with continuous live entertainment featuring local and national recording stars performing on multiple stages throughout the event.

WHEN:
Saturday: Noon-11:00pm
Sunday: Noon-11:00pm
Monday: Noon-9:00pm

WHERE:
On six blocks of Fifth Street, from Race Street to Broadway in Downtown Cincinnati.

Reds Hot Weekends

This weekend marks the first of 8 Reds Hot Weekends this Summer. The festivities will be taking place on Fountain Square and will start Friday and last through Sunday...covering the entire weekend series against the Cleveland Indians.

Friday's activities will include live music by Lo-fi, a local cover band playing funk and rock classics, at 5pm. Following Lo-fi, at 8pm, The Harlequins will take the stage. It will make for a great time to just hang out with friends, and there will be beer available on the Square. What makes it even better is that from roughly 4pm-7pm I'll be serving the delicious adult beverages.

OK Go performing on Fountain Square
Image from myfountainsquare.com

On Saturday the fun continues with DJ Iceburg from 2pm-4pm followed by the first "Movie Night" (featuring Sandlot and The Natural) of the Summer starting at 7:30pm. Beer, soft drinks, and snacks will all be sold on the Square...and people are encouraged to bring chairs, blankets, pillows, etc for "Movie Nights."

Finally Sunday will wrap up the weekend with free UDF ice cream, on the Square, from about 4:30pm-5:30pm...along with some other neat festivities. Be sure to come out even if you're not going to any of the games and just have a great time Downtown on Fountain Square.

Downtown Treasure Hunt

The European-American Chamber of Commerce and the Alliance Francaise are hosting a Downtown Treasure Hunt this Saturday, May 3rd. The event will start at 1:30pm and last until 4:30pm. On the walk you will attempt to discover some of Cincinnati's many hidden gems.

It is described as a stroller-friendly event that will cover just over a mile. Refreshments will be served and prizes will be awarded at the end of the event. The cost is $10 per person or $20 per family. For more information and to register, please fill out the form available online (PDF 580kb) and fax it to the European-American Chamber of Commerce at 513-852-6511 or call 513-852-6510.

Valentine's Day UrbanCincy style

Valentine's Day is right around the corner, and it's probably best that you are prepared for the "big day." You're in luck, because UrbanCincy has the perfect evening for you. May we recommend a trip to the Ensemble Theatre...it is a very intimate theatre that hosts great productions and will be something unique and fun to do with your significant other. Mary's Wedding by Stephan Massicotte (Feb 6-24) will be going on during the Valentine's time-frame and should definitely make for a romantic evening.

You could make a night of it by grabbing some of the city's best Italian at Nicola's just a few blocks away. Take a lovely stroll from dinner to the show...If dinner gets out a little early you could always do some browsing through the many great businesses in the Gateway Quarter.

After the show, take a stroll down to Lytle Park and take in the night with that special person.

IKEA Cincinnati!

It's official...IKEA has announced the opening day for their new Cincinnati area store. Clear your calendars for March 12th, and get a good nights sleep...the store opens at 9am.

OHIKEA has been keeping tabs on all things related to the Cincinnati store and has the press release available for viewing. At OHIKEA you can get more information about employment opportunities and everything else juicy that you may or may not want to know.

Cincinnati film festival?

As with many other things in Cincinnati lately...things are starting to heat up for a "major film festival" in Cincinnati. CityBeat had a fantastic article about this very subject last week, and it has since stirred some interest on the topic.

Mayor Mark Mallory has commented on the issue and said, "Let me tell you, I am very interested in that concept. We have a very rich film industry in the city of Cincinnati, considering we are not L.A., Chicago or New York." He goes on to say that CityBeat's reference of it only costing $120,ooo, "doesn't seem like a lot of money to me."

So what do you think...is Cincinnati capable of hosting a major film festival here? CityBeat highlighted the many niche film festivals that are already prevalent in Cincinnati. It seems as though our arts community is capable enough, but do we have that extra umph to make it happen? Furthermore, what could a marque event like this do for Cincinnati's image nationwide? Sure we've got fantastics arts here, and they are supported well...but it doesn't seem like all that many people know it. Could an event like this put Cincy on the radar of young professionals, and thus enlighten them to everything else Cincinnati has to offer?

External Links:
Cincinnati World Cinema
Cincinnati Film Commission

Experience the holidays Downtown

Well there's tons to do Downtown this holiday season as there is every year. There is the ice rink, the best Santa in the region, train display, free horse-drawn carriage rides, free trolley rides, live music all over the place and TONS of great restaurants. There is also a new Downtown Visitors Center set up in the lobby adjacent to Joseph A. Banks.

In addition to the new information center, there are a couple of other new things this holiday season. There is the new Downtown Gift Card which is valid at over 100 places Downtown. This can be purchased online (at DCI's website) or at the new Visitors Center. There is also a new Rookwood Pottery Commemorative Plaque. This too can be purchased at the Visitors Center or at Macy's Fountain Place. You can find more information HERE regarding both items and the details for each.

There is also a great Holiday Guide for everything going on Downtown this holiday season. It includes specific details for everything you'll want to cover this year. You can also find a list, with details, of all the highlights of things going on Downtown...and if you're visiting and need something to do; check out some of the Downtown Itineraries.










External Links:
Downtown Cincinnati Inc.
Fountain Square
Downtown Holiday Photos (by me)

November 6th nears

In case anyone cares...here is where I stand on the issues and politicians for this coming election day. Please remember to get out and vote; if you need more information on polling location or anything else GO HERE!

City Council:
Chris Bortz
Roxanne Qualls
David Crowley
John Cranley
Laketa Cole
Jeff Berding
Leslie Ghiz
Greg Harris
Joan Kaup

***All of these candidates have indicated their support for the streetcar system. In addition to that they were based on the judgment on whether they are pro-city or not. I took political affiliations out of the question and looked at who is best for the city.

Issue 27 (Jail Tax):
Yes

I won't go into every single thing on the ballot, but these seem to be the two most interesting categories. So if for some reason you need a cheat sheet when heading into the voting both just hit print screen and take UrbanCincy into the booth with you.

Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati: Review

The girlfriend and I took in a show at the Ensemble Theatre on Friday. Now I've been to a couple of theatres in NYC (both Broadway and off-Broadway)...I've also been to multiple shows at the Aronoff and other various venues (ie CCM). With that said I must say that this was one of my favorite venues.

The ETC offers a fantastic view from every seat (about 200 or so by my guestimations), and also has surprisingly good acoustics for that space. What makes the venue even better is the building itself...it is a gem and has all sorts of architectural details for you to enjoy (if you're in to that sort of thing).

As for the show we saw 'Rabbit Hole' which is the winner of the 2007 Pulitzer Prize for Best New Play and a Tony Award-winning drama. The show was great and the seats were full...at the end the audience gave a standing ovation for the great performance. The ETC is a great theatre that has a strong history and is nationally known.

I highly recommend a visit to the ETC. It is a good alternative to the movies and the show lets out with plenty of time to go out drinking afterwards. The ETC offers student discounts, as well as, senior discounts. You can now also buy tickets online...and if you want to see 'Rabbit Hole' then you better hurry because its time runs up this Sunday.

Oktoberfest Zinzinnati: 2007

Ah...yes, Oktoberfest is back. Everyones favorite German festival is about to kick off this weekend. Get ready for bratwurst, bier, wiener schnitzel...oh and did I say bier? This is all part of Cincinnati USA's larger Zinful Weekend.

But, back to the main event...Oktoberfest. This is the second largest Oktoberfest celebration in the world (outside of the original in Munich). The weekend event will attract around 500,000 people and take place in the core of Downtown Cincinnati. Here are some of the details, and for any other information you can check out the event website.

When: Event: Saturday, Sept. 22, 2007, 11 a.m.-midnight; Sunday, Sept. 23, 2007, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

Where: On 6 blocks of Fifth Street; from Race Street to Broadway in Downtown Zinzinnati.

2Q State of Downtown Report

I don't know how many of you get the quarterly emails from Downtown Cincinnati Inc. (DCI), but I do...and I am obsessed with the quarterly reports that they put out on the state of Downtown Cincinnati. No fluff...no shenanigans, just facts. If you would like to receive the quarterly emails as well just let them know. From here though I am going to highlight some of what I think are the most important numbers/pieces of information from the 2Q report:

--The CBD/immediate periphery saw 44 condo sales and 9 single family home sales in the 2Q, selling for a median price of $279,032 and $228,000 respectively.

--10 new retail establishments opened (including bars/clubs) while 8 retail establishments closed...but in all honesty, a good chuck of the businesses that closed had other issues not related to downtown.

--Downtown hotels continue to boast the best occupancy rates in the region (62.6%) and also saw the largest increase in occupied rooms over 2006 (+3.4%). Downtown hotels also boast the highest cost per room ($126.12) and accordingly the highest revenue per room($79.00) in the region.

--Part 1 crimes (more serious crimes) are down 11.4% and Part 2 crimes (quality of life crimes) are down 16.1% over the numbers from the same time period for 2006.

--DCI Ambassadors assisted 13,858 pedestrians, removed 23,740 lbs of trash, addressed 3,019 instances of panhandling, removed 513 graffiti tags and distributed 3,800 Go To Town Guides.

As for development...there is either proposed or under construction:
4,877,160 sq. ft. of space
2,641 residential units
13,800 parking spaces
For a grand total of $1,450,300,000 in total investments.

External links:
www.downtowncincinnati.com

Scribble Jam 2007

Scribble Jam 2007 is coming up next weekend! It will start on Thursday, August 9th and last until Sunday, August 12th. This years event will include MC, DJ, B-Boy and Beatbox battles...and also include a graffiti expo. This event is considered "America's Largest Hip-Hop Festival" and is the largest public display of underground hip hop that is available in the United States.

The event will be taking place throughout the city at locations like: The Poison Room, Annies Night Club, Burnett Woods and Top Cats. You'll be able to witness, arguably, the most competitive MC battle in the country where competitors have to beat out others, from their region, in order to qualify for the Cincinnati Scribble Jam event.

This event is always a popular one and it's recommended that you buy pre-sale tickets where you'll save money and ensure yourself entry. The event attracts tens of thousands of hip hop fans from across the country, and has called Cincinnati home for the past 10 years. Some of the events are free, so it's best to check the website for more details regarding the schedule, prices and details of the locations.

Sources:
http://www.scribblemagazine.com

The NEW Downtown Cincinnati

Downtown has managed to turn the corner relatively quickly. People who once used to think of downtown as a tired/boring place are now frequenting the new restaurants, clubs, bars and events. New residents are everywhere and visitors are welcomed by something new almost every other week. It's just past the half way point in 2007 and Downtown Cincinnati has seen the opening of 4 new bars/clubs, 3 restaurants and more events on Fountain Square than you can count.

It's wonderful to see everything coming together and this is just the beginning. The majority of the tenants in the redone 5/3 building have yet to open, another few restaurants will be opening shortly, and another couple bars/clubs are on the way. This is all before the ball drops for 2008. If you want to think about 3-4 years down the road, then you'll really be blown away with what Downtown Cincinnati will be like.

3-4 years puts the streetcar in place and the first phase of The Banks. The Banks will most likely attract tenants like ESPN Zone, Hard Rock Cafe, House of Blues, countless restaurants, bars/clubs. Combine that with the activity that the streetcar system will be shuffling around and you have yourself a VERY strong/vibrant urban core. Thousands of new residents and tons of new attractions. The streetcar system will most likely help give the retail scene downtown a kick in the pants...if that doesn't do it, the thousands of new residents should.

Check out what's going on in the NEW Downtown Cincinnati!
Bang Nightclub
Cadillac Ranch
Lodge Bar
Sully's
McFadden's
McCormick & Schmick's
Boi Na Braza
Fountain Square Events
Oceanaire Seafood Room
JeanRo Bistro
Jean-Robert at Pigall's
Bootsy Ruby's
Aronoff Theatre
Morton's Steakhouse
Jeff Ruby's Steakhouse
The Blue Wisp
Havana Martini Club
Rock Bottom Brewery
Contemporary Arts Center
Macy*s
Saks Fifth Avenue
Brooks Brothers
Tiffany's and Co.
Taft Museum of Art
Joseph A. Banks

Need more to eat...
MORE RESTAURANTS!!!
Like to shop...
MORE RETAIL!!!
Want to be entertained...
MORE ENTERTAINMENT!!!

Some more developments (just to name a few):
The Banks
Parker Flats
The McAlpin
The Edge Condominiums
One River Plaza
Cincinnati Streetcar
Queen City Square

Now, downtown hasn't gotten 'there' yet, but it is certainly on it's way...and picking up speed.

Taste of Cincinnati has some new digs!

The Taste of Cincinnati is this weekend and I personally can not wait! The Taste has always been a great event for the city and for those who attend, but it will be even better this year. You may ask why...well it's because of the all important move from Central Parkway to Fifth Street. This move presents a whole slew of benefits for the event.

First of all, shadows from the building will help shade the event and offer a slightly cooler atmosphere for everyone. Secondly, it is in the heart of downtown and in the midst of the up-and-coming Fountain Square District. There is shopping, dining, lodging, and entertainment all within a stones throw from the event this year. This has to bode well for neighboring businesses, more so than previous events held nearly 6 blocks away.

3CDC has certainly been criticized for the issues with the Fountain Square work. Whether it is warranted or not is another issue, but one thing is for sure...The heart of downtown is looking/feeling stronger than ever. Well done!