Cincinnati from a Portlander Visitor's Point of View (Dayton, Hamilton: houses, neighborhoods)

[backdrifter]

Hey Cincinnati forum. I just got back home to Portland from a week-long trip to the Cincinnati area (though I jaunted down to Louisville and Lexington while I was there), and I have to say I was mightily impressed.

The hills, the architecture, the skyline, the food, the bars, the music... WOW! What an amazing time. Read a little about Over the Rhine before I went out there, but it really didn't seem as bad as I was expecting it to be. Though, in fairness, I did see more cop cars in one place at one time (there were 12--I counted them) than I ever recall seeing... This was relatively near the Kroger on Vine Street.

Stayed across the river in Covington, and marvelled at the architecture. Ate at Skyline Chili (had to), visited UC, went to Northside... Bar? Or Tavern? Also went to Hofbrauhaus in Newport, and a few other places. We wandered around all over. Downtown, Northside, Covington, Walnut Hills, Avondale, St. Bernard, The Heights, Clifton, Norwood... Explored the Vine Street Hill Cemetary.

One thing I was struck by (not something unique to Cincinnati) is the marked and plainly visible differences between the rich and the poor neighborhoods. You DEFINITELY know when you're in a wealthy part of town versus when you're in an impoverished part of town. Seemed very segregated in this sense. Out here it's a lot less obvious--run down looking houses can be owned by rich yuppies, or a decent looking house can be inhabited by working poor, and a lot of times they're right next to each other.

The suburbs were clearly suburbs like you'd find anywhere else--Oregon, Washington, Ohio, Kentucky... But the urban core was just spectacular. A very pleasant surprise to find such a charming city in what I considered to be flyover country. Seemed to be a lot going on there--even though it was the middle of winter. Loved the snow and the cold. It was a dry cold--much more tolerable than the clammy wet we have here at times.

Definitely was quite the experience. It felt so... American. When I pictured "America" in the past, Cincinnati is pretty much exactly what I imagined. But when it came to what I expected Cincinnati to be, it defied what I imagined it to be completely.

I definitely wouldn't mind if I had to go back there again! Never thought I'd go to Ohio (or Kentucky) and like it, but stranger things have happened. I know Cincy has its problems like anywhere else, but it still seems like a great little gem to be proud of and keep working on improving.

[kjbrill]

A very good recommendation for our fair city and one which I feel reflects your experience. Please come back and visit here more often.

[Nomomo11]

Great post. I commute from Clifton Heights out to Hamilton to teach and I must say I am always struck by the sprawl. I truly didn't know the meaning of suburbia until I made the trek out. It is so strange to see the American landscape these days. Miles and miles of houses that stretch as far as you can see. I have to confess I have a bit of culture shock every day.

I suppose that is what I find so refreshing about your post. I am always fascinated to learn about other perspectives and ways of viewing the world. Seeing my city through the eyes of a visitor always seems to let me rediscover what it is I love about this city so much. Despite the self segregation and the sometimes strained racial tensions, this city really does have a great deal going for it. I am quite lucky to live in such a place.

[Traveler87]

Great post! Portland is a beautiful city as well, and Oregon is a pretty fun state.

[cincyforlife]

thanks for this! i do really like to see visitors' points of view and acknowledgment of strengths and problems. it's ironic because portland is on my list of top places to visit!

[Crew Chief]

Backdrifter, glad you had a good visit to the Queen City! Please come back soon! BTW; we've visited Portland twice and it has been gloriously sunny both times!

[kjbrill]

backdrifter... Been through Portland several dozen times, but never saw past the airport. The planes I took from Cincy to Tokyo changed over in Portland. But a very nice airport. At my age it is unlikely I will get to Portland again, unless it is on a train from San Francisco to Seattle, once again passing through. If I find myself doing that I will definitely have to make a stop, at least over night.

I am very glad your experience in our Queen City was enjoyable.

[motorman]

Dear backdrifter -- may we make you an offer you can't refuse? Strictly a business arrangement wherein you will be provided a 24th floor river view office in the newly-opened Queen City Square tower, regular business hours, secretary included. Now, what we ask of you is ongoing, glowing copy about our city for a one-year period, starting ASAP. ( Sorry, no breaks except for lunch.) Whatta ya' say?

[CarpathianPeasant]

Would you happen to have a view of Dayton (the big one in Ohio)?

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