My teens and I got away this summer, but we ventured less than 5 hours from Pittsburgh!
While I am sharing 23 Cincy Summer Experiences to enjoy, this is only the shortlist, there’s so much more!
After a few days in Warren County Ohio, we continued on to Cincinnati, and then Northern Kentucky.
Not too far a drive, which is the part, I liked and yet, I felt like I had removed myself farther than we really were.
This summer I made a cognitive choice to not venture too far from home.
Where Niko Travels and I generally travel all summer, but this year, I changed things up.
For the first time in maybe 10 years, we did not go further than 5 hours, yet we got away from everything.
What I can tell you, is that we experienced more in 6 days that we were away, and did more things than we have done on longer trips!
We got our trips worth and we discovered 23 Cincy Summer experiences to enjoy as a family, with friends, or as a couple!
23 Cincy Summer Experiences To Enjoy – Don’t Miss Them
First, I need to start off and thank Cincy USA For hosting us. As a family, we enjoyed a lot of great adventures, hotels, and meals.
Truly, the days spent in Cincinnati, Ohio were busy, beautiful, tasty, and epic.
My story evolved over a few days in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky and I’ve got the pictures to share!
I knew we were still in the USA & only a few hours away from Pittsburgh but we truly felt like we were further away than we were.
Really that describes a great destination!
Because of the proximity of Cincinnati to Northern Kentucky we are about to take onto destinations with ease! Now that’s a Cincy Summer!
Up close & personal with the animals (1) Cincy Summer Experiences
Our first stop was at the Cincinnati Zoo. We are about to get personal interactive time with the wallabies.
We really had no idea what to expect.
It was a behind-the-scenes exclusive for me, and the staff made it more than endearing.
To watch the teens pet, talk, and enjoy a little bit of time with these very cute and domesticated Wallabies was its own treat.
Each Wallaby has its own personality and they were all of different ages.
One of the most telling and compelling parts of the Wallabies is not about them, but rather their caretakers.
These are dedicated experts, who understand the needs, wants, and things that happen and can happen to each wallaby.
Each expert provides the best of love, kindness, and proper dieting/lifestyle so that in the end the Wallabies are well cared for.
Bears
After we spent a bit of time with the wallabies we left and started uncovering the zoo.
Our first stop was to visit both the Polar Bear and the Black Bear.
This might be the first time I have seen a bear in a zoo doing more than just sleeping.
In fact, the black bear just came out of the water and basically was walking around his pool.
Then, of course, there was the polar bear.
Really, we thought the polar bear was going to head back into the water it just came out of, but it did not.
The Red Panda
Later after a lot of searching and a few wrong trails, we found the red panda.
I have no idea how small this was actually going to be but it was not only small but cute.
With the heat, one was on the branches laughing well another was below playing.
No one had Googled what a Red Panda looked like, so this particular exhibit won our award for #NotKnowingHowSmallAndCute.
Truly a great place to capture an IG-Worthy Image.
Monkeys & Hippos
Our next decision was to walk through Jungle Trails where all of the endangered primates are housed.
You can see the animals from inside and out.
It’s actually a magnificent trail as it is in the zoo, but you feel like you entered a new world.
We were not disappointed as we watched Gibbons, Orangutans, Gibbons, and Bonobos, throughout.
One of the most popular attractions was the hippos.
Fiona the hippo did not disappoint she was nestled with her mom they moved from one side to the other in the water do you see her in my picture?
Lunchtime (2) – Cincy Summer Experiences To Seek Out
It’s safe to say between the scorching heat, and sun, we were ravenous and thirsty as we had been walking throughout the whole zoo that morning.
It just so happened that while we were in Cincinnati, we were under a warm-weather advisory.
Trust me, we sweat off pounds when outdoors and we were constantly outdoors! LOL!
Next stop, and so close to the zoo, the Findlay market. It is colorful, fun, and full of food shops.
Located in the Over-The-Rhine neighborhood and is very walkable and stroller friendly.
Boasting sidewalks and pedestrian crossing areas!
Let’s just call this the retail and food therapy area.
Shop till you drop from local artisans, vendors, and culinary pros, all in one place.
Eat lunch at one storefront and walk a few steps over to enjoy ice cream or gelato.
Pro tip
You will be parking in one of the metered parking lots.
However, there are no actual meters you will be using a parking app.
Make sure to download the app in order to program your parking spot number.
Since your credit card is already loaded onto your app you will not have to do anything else.
The great thing about this is if you need to increase the time of your meter you don’t have to go back to the car.
Instead, all you have to do is pull out your app and increase the time. Parking spot number.
Do you know that most of the time the area gets very busy and you may struggle to look for parking?
Find a lot, commit, and park.
Don’t be afraid to walk a bit, we parked further and that made it easier to find parking.
Findlay Market – Cincy Summer Experiences
The market has a lot of history.
Make sure to look down at the floor inside of the main Findlay.
You might walk over it, but look down, and saunter, don’t just walk through.
Look at the walls, the ceiling, and each market inside.
A lot of this market reminded me of the North Market in Columbus, Ohio.
Inside this warehouse-type complex, you will find many different nationalities of foods being prepared.
Purchase lunch items, raw meat, spices, chocolate, gelato, ice cream, cookies, candy, bread, etc.
In other words, you could buy all of your groceries here and eat lunch at the same time.
Inside and Out
There are shops on the exterior of the warehouse-like complex.
I saw products created from honey, jewelry, and so on.
On the weekends there are many pop-up stands where various people sell their baked goods and other foods.
Weekends offer more vendors, different foods, fresh farm produce, and from what I gather, many more local artisans.
Often the vendors on the weekend are there only on the weekend as they work other jobs and test out their ‘craft.’
Tempering the market to see if their products are saleable and if they should ‘quit the day job’ and move into a full, swinging business model of their particular product (food, beauty, etc).
Truly a great way to test the waters for sales and learn how the market accepts your product, before GOING big and Going Under!
EXPANSION is On The Way – Findlay Market
The great news for all of this is that this area is expanding.
Some of the people that bring food on the weekend really would like the opportunity to try pop-up restaurant-type situations.
It is about to happen.
Shortly, those that create food, but can’t truly tend it out all week, will be able to rent out a little area.
Incredible storefronts for as little as three months or longer, depending on their success and want.
Next time you find somebody’s product in the Findlay Market that you like, make sure to ask them if they’re planning on expanding staying more than just the weekends?
The answer might surprise you.
Even Better News About the Expansion
For those that cannot afford a kitchen, there are test kitchens where they can produce their food.
Yes, I walked right on through, and many of the food vendors were working, creating, and prepping.
It’s right on Race Street.
No longer do those culinary artists have to haul cooking equipment or borrow and barter for equipment because it’s right there.
The prep kitchens offer everything from refrigeration to ovens!
The chefs bring their food, eliminating the need for the chefs to haul and store items, which totally is a game-changer for these folks!
This innovative Prep kitchen is perfect for those people that cannot afford a kitchen or a place to cook their really delicious foods.
Harvest pizzeria (3) Cincy Summer Experiences
Harvest Pizzeria is one of my favorite pizzerias as I’ve already eaten one before in the Columbus area.
The artisan-style of pizza comes out perfect every time.
I knew this was the best choice for teens and myself.
It’s sitdown, cool with the ac blowing as well as aesthetically pleasing.
Truly an urban feel with a little ‘upscale’ twist to it. My suggestion is their lunchtime special.
You will find it is perfect the perfect answer to both carb and a veggie, lol!
Get the pizza and a salad for $9.99.
Truly a modestly priced lunch menu.
Located directly across the street from the Findlay Market proper.
Washington Park (4) – A Don’ Miss Cincy Summer Experience
Practically around the corner from Findlay Market is Washington Park.
There is a lot to do there from walking to looking at architecture.
Truly a culture-driven area.
We could’ve used more time in the area to explore.
We were attempting to avoid the heavy rainfall, which was recurrent all afternoon, we eventually retreated to the car, then the most incredible downtown Cincy Hotel on the 16th floor! ♥♥♥
The Westin Cincinnati Downtown (5) – for R & R after your Cincy Summer Experiences
I cannot say enough about this lovely hotel in the middle of everything.
An amazing destination because of its location and how clean the rooms are.
Personally, I just wanted to collapse and stay IN my room for the next 24 hours.
Hot, tired, and in need of a few minutes to myself, we checked in to the Westin Cincinnati.
Since I was traveling with two teem boys, one my own and when his best friend we really need to have separate areas and rooms.
The Westin Cincinnati delivered big.
We were situated on the 16th floor with two adjoining rooms and three different sleeping areas as well as two bedrooms and a kitchenette!
Pinch Me I am totally in that ‘Dana-esque’ Ambiance. It’s impeccably designed, offers adjoining, large rooms and it’s at the top of the hotel. Someone totally GETS me!
The View From The Top
I loved the view from my 16th-floor room.
An additional component I thoroughly appreciate about The Westin Cincinnati fact is the fact that when you want to use the elevator if you don’t have a key, you are not going up!
The Westin Cincinnati makes client safety first and foremost. As a travel writer that is a woman, and a mom who travels with her children, this is a VERY important point!
A missing component to my story, however, it was due to lack of time, not will!
Since we did not spend much time in our room, we literally checked in, freshened, and left for the rest of the day until 10 P.
We did try to visit the pool on the 17th floor at 9:45p at night.
Our key would not open the pool door and I assume that is because the pool closed at 10.
Regrettably so, I cannot show you any pictures of what might’ve been beautiful.
The Carew Tower (6) Cincy Summer Experiences To Enjoy
If you really want to get a great view of Cincinnati you need to experience this tower.
From The Westin Cincinnati, it was only a few footsteps.
Take an elevator up to the 43rd floor, and then you get out and go a few more floors up.
You won’t believe the Vista that you will have eyesight towards.
Because I do NOT want to spoil what YOU will see I am NOT publishing these photos.
As long as it is not too busy (we were there at 4 ish) you need about 30 minutes Max to fit this into your schedule, just in case you are wondering.
Shopping (7)
With every trip, you need to do a little bit of shopping, and this was our stop.
You will find a great store called I love Cincinnati right inside of the building where the Carew tower is.
Once you come off of the elevators just turn left go straight down the hall and you won’t miss the escalators to the shopping. It’s perfect.
If by some misfortune, you don’t find anything here just take the bridge across in Barnes & Noble is there and there are other options for shopping in there as well.
I love to find how buildings connect, so I just keep on walking.
Unfortunately for anyone else that was with me, they also hoofed about 10+ miles that day.
My curiosity will never ‘kill the cat’, it will only add steps to my Apple Watch, lol!
Walking tour (8)
Now it was time to get ready for the big night finale in Cincinnati.
At least that’s how we were thinking of it.
We began our walking tour after the Carew tower.
First, make sure to walk over to the famed Fountain Square, it’s directly across the street from The Westin Cincinnati.
Additionally, our room on the 16th floor offered the perfect view by night.
There was an incredible Latin dance party happening that evening and it was rocking on until a bit after 10P so I watched from above. How alive Cincy downtown is at night and this square just brings it on!
Carousel (9) – Cincy Summer Experiences
Now, head towards the ballfield, but you are not going there just yet.
Our end stop was the ballfield, but we had about an hour left before we needed to pick up our tickets and visit the museum.
So, we walked what I will term as ‘downhill’ and stopped by the Smale Riverfront Park.
Here is where you will find Carol Ann’s Carousel, brought to you by Cincinnati Parks’!
The carousel is INSIDE and there’s AC to cool you down, as well as restrooms.
The carousel offers 44 ‘Cincinnati-centric’ characters, take a look.
While the boys rode it, they begged me NOT to take a picture, so I obliged!
Pichler Fountain (10) – Cincy Summer Experiences
It is so warm I was truly tempted to jump in the splash pads myself.
However, we just stopped and took a restroom break and I instead wiped my face off with water LOL!
However, the backdrop is unmistakably Instagrammable and provides both a view of Northern Kentucky as well as Downtown Cincinnati, you gotta capture it!
Bridge (11) John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge – Cincy Summer Experience
Go here and you will be able to lay claims to, “I’m In Ohio and a few steps later I’m in Kentucky. 2 state visits fer’ the price of ZERO dollars!”
It is not the ONLY bridge in Cincy I will share with you like this, but it is the FIRST one we walked on!
The John A. Roebling Bridge is both an Instagrammable and an architectural concept you don’t want to miss.
Walk on it, you can, because there is no traffic.
It’s closed on both sides so pedestrians only. Bridging the gap (had to say it) between Covington, Kentuck, and Cincinnati, Ohio.
Designed by the brainchild of the Brooklyn Bridge, which connects New York City To Brooklyn!
Yup! Historical, free, and fun!
Naturally, we took a little jaunt across, and then returned so that we could carry-on to our destination of the ball game.
SkyStar Observation Wheel (12) – Will you Take this Cincy Summer Experience?
Right across from the bridge is this huge SkyStar Observation Wheel.
Since I absolutely hate heights and already pushed my limits at the Carew Tower, I was already spent for the day.
Travel 15 stories up in a PORTABLE Observation Wheel (no thanks!).
Your return on investment if both heights and ‘portability’ don’t bother you, is a picturesque view of the Cincinnati Riverfront Park.
I asked several people coming off if they would do it again?
Almost unanimously, ‘Yes’ was the overall opinion.
However, the disclosure on this, ‘but once you’ve done it, you don’t need to do it again!’
Life-size baseballs (12) – Cincy Summer Experiences
The balls that are life-size outside of the Great American Ballpark are incredible places to take pictures.
They are realistic looking and great for Instagram and Snapchat.
Baseball Hall of Fame (13) Cincy Summer Experiences
So here’s a Dana Experience, I must have created on my own.
The heat was huge, we had been out all day, and I think I missed a few directional moments.
What is a trip without a story right?
So here’s where I messed up and bear with me because I am not from Cincinnati I am from Pittsburgh.
We got in the lines to have our bags searched, only to be told that we needed to go get our tickets.
I thought we were getting our tickets AFTER we went through the gates. Nope.
Guess what it was like groundhog day, we followed through, got back in line, and started again.
We went to the door for the baseball Hall of Fame, where the man told us to go in after he scanned our tickets.
What he didn’t tell us is that we were not going to be able to gain entry to the ballpark through here want to guess we had a to do.
Yep. Travel. Eat. Adventure. REPEAT. I felt like I was in a scene from Groundhog Day.
To be fair too, the security guy that had already checked us in, smiled, and laughed, as we visited his line 3x.
True story, and that’s my baseball hall of fame moment. 3 attempts at entering!
Walk the Exterior Perimeter (14)
Since we were not checked in, after 2x through the line, we figured to hold on the third time through.
So we walked.
Vendors selling everything from water to tees are outside the ballpark.
We also walked over to the hockey arena.
I loved watching all of the fans just amass and take on the ballpark.
It was bobblehead night, and some of the fans were acting like they were gathering gold, creating some havoc at each entrance. Keep reading.
Ballpark (15) – Cincy Summer Experiences
Now it was time to enter the ballfield we went in through the previous entrance we had already been at, as I mentioned above.
Easily navigating to our seats, we began taking notes on the hotspot for the boy’s favorite foods: chicken, hot dogs, popcorn, etc.
From the minute the game started it was actually quite exciting.
We saw a triple play, a grand slam, a double play, and even a few home runs.
I’ve been to a lot of Pirate Games, and I am just gonna come right out with it, they are generally lackluster and I always walk away saying, “I went for the food and stadium, not the team!”
Conversely, what a great game and tons of action, it actually kept me interested.
Ha!
Thank you Cincinnati Reds for this fabulous game night, even though you lost. The next night you won and we saw the fireworks from Newport, Kentucky!
The Bobblehead Fandom Was Insanely Funny!
What was most humorous about this night is that people were coming in and leaving and collecting more than one bobblehead per person.
I had no idea how important bobbleheads were to people.
Fans were leaving the stadium, and reentering to get more than one.
We saw 2 people with garbage bags full.
The people in front of us were so upset because I cannot get a bobblehead, but I said they just brought more to the door and guess what they did?
They got out of their seat and went back out to get one.
I offered them mine, but they said, ‘no thanks, they wanted to get their own!’
Food (16) Take Me Out To the Ball Game and Feed Me!
Really, there are so many choices of food, if you go home hungry after a ball game it’s on you.
We enjoyed hotdogs, from one concession stand.
And then the boys walked off and got me a vegetarian hotdog from another stand.
I was quite excited to be able to enjoy a hotdog at the ball game.
After they walked their hotdogs off they came back and we got a few buckets of popcorn and more water.
Next, they ate pretzels, then nachos, then bbq shredded pork.
I think you could call it an eat fest.
Overall about $125 on food, waters, no alcohol.
Pro-Tip
I also learned that they could even the ballpark safely as each of the boys has peanut allergies.
Just ask at each concession stand and declare your allergies, the food managers are very receptive, kind and helpful! Thank you!
All we did was ask each concession stand and they were more than willing to accommodate and help us.
One place even let me read the bun label to make very sure.
Cincy By Night Walk (17) – Part of The Cincy Summer Experiences
We left about one inning shy of the end of the game because the Reds were not winning.
Additionally, we were beat from the heat and about 10+ miles of walking.
I had my own plans for walking before everyone else got out of the game.
Selfishly, I just wanted to be able to take a few pictures of the city, uncongested, from everybody spilling out of the ball game.
I love Cincinnati by night. Downtown is simply beautiful, day or night. The riverfront revitalization truly adds to this, but the walk itself up to the hotel is ‘lit’ for lack of a better description. Bright city lights, with a welcoming atmosphere, in a very walkable downtown area make it perfect for after games and before.
P.S. – Don’t forget to snag that picture of the ballpark all lit up at night.
Ingredients (18)
The next morning we woke up packed up, checked out, and then headed down to breakfast at ingredients.
This is an al la carte eatery housed inside of The Westin Cincinnati on the ground floor.
Food finds include bagels, cereal, milk, and yogurt.
Additionally, you can get omelets cooked in order, fresh baked cookies, specialty coffees, and other breakfast sandwiches.
If you go hungry, that’s on you.
Even with the pickiest eaters, my boys filled up for a very eventful upcoming day!
I gotta say that it is truly a convenient location.
We were able to exit the restaurant right to the pay station for our car, and then down the elevator.
That’s it, we were in the garage at our vehicle in covered, underground parking.
Aloft (19) Hello Northern Kentucky
Packed up and raring to go, we navigated only a few minutes across a bridge to Newport Kentucky.
While we would not be checking in until MUCH later, and since the weather was so incredibly warm we checked our luggage with the front desk staff!
Aloft was very welcoming and obliged easily.
Now here’s a pro tip
Once checked into the hotel, you need to park.
The garage is RIGHT on the property and it costs $11 to Park. That is good for 24 hours!
Pro Tip – Know Before You Go
We were headed to the Newport Aquarium which is literally less than 1/4 mile and about 5 minutes (if that of a walk).
My point: we could have just paid for the parking there, rather than seeking a place to park which was FURTHER away.
I had no idea, but now you do! Since we would be checking out the next morning, it would have been the best value.
That’s my tip for anyone checking in, needing parking, and staying at Aloft!
Newport Aquarium (20)
Oh, hat a fun morning. You are never too old to enjoy an aquarium.
Being able to see all of the sea life up close and personal is pretty special no matter when you go.
We spent several hours here, enjoying the shows, and touring.
There are hands-on activities and a lot to see and do.
I feel that a morning there is best and you need about 3 hours if you want to get through and enjoy most of what’s there.
Tom + Chee (21)
Alright, this foodie and culinary travel girl were SUPER excited to visit Tom + Chee.
I mean, it was on Shark Tank. Watching Mr. Wonderful, under assume and get it shoved back in his face when he HEARD their actual financials was the icing on the cake.
Then, once it was off of Shark Tank, I did not hear anymore.
I assumed they were off and running! Instead, I met Jenny Ratchford one of the co-owners.
We dined on fabulous grilled cheese sandwiches, and Jenny made sure the boys indulged in the famed S’MORE.
Created with a fresh grilled inverted doughnut, graham cracker, marshmallows, and not to be missed. (allergy warning, graham crackers may contain honey, if you have an allergy, inquire!)
Honestly, the story behind the story is most interesting.
A great place to eat, at affordable prices, and food that is loved by the masses, is no longer owned by the original founders/cofounders.
It’s a true story of learning the ropes while growing.
Rather than rehash, what you may or may not know, check out the story about Tom + Chee.
Now, Jenny works with the company that purchased Tom + Chee and she is conquering the world!.
I have to tell you, Jenny is super upbeat, completely enthusiastic, and brutally honest about how being a restauranter can be very challenging.
The Ark Encounter That Was An Adventure (22)
I have waited forever to visit the Ark Encounter.
My intention to visit has absolutely NOTHING to do with my faith.
Rather, learning that Noah’s Ark was HUGE, and understanding that this replica is comparatively as large, is what piqued my interest.
From Newport, Kentucky, we were about 45 minutes away at the Noontime hour.
Once there, you will find a large parking lot.
Not to worry, if you get lucky as we did, an employee in a golf cart will be around to drive you to ticketing (or was it fate? You will see why I am saying this shortly!)
Wow were we going to have a great day!
We were the ONLY people in the lot at this time.
Honest! We were parked where everyone EXITS the destination, as it was very busy!
How in the world, did anyone know we were there?
Once we got to the ticketing window to claim our tickets and my media lanyard, we then boarded a bus, filled with visitors, and headed over to the Ark Encounter.
I’m Ready To Explore
Reading the dimensions and imagining the size is kind of hard because when you actually see it, it’s mind-blowing. 51 ‘ high x 85′ wide x 510’ in length.
We are gonna walk this!
Yes, there are ramps, it is wheel-chair and stroller friendly.
Overwhelming? Absolutely.
Can you see the whole thing and spend more time elsewhere on the property?
Yes, you can.
From Camel rides to zip-lining, dining, and beautiful gardens, you will find SOMETHING for everyone. Large groups are welcome!
Inside The Ark Encounter Religious Theme Park — The Answers Center
A tip about your smartphone.
After the bus dropped us off, my phone was getting warmer in my hand.
It was time to power my phone down, I clicked on over to airplane mode.
Perhaps my phone was having trouble getting service which was making it very warm?
My kids are with me, and I am working, no need to use it for anything but some photos or a video.
While there appeared to be cell service, our carrier was NOT cooperating, but slide it into Airplane mode and you should not run your battery down.
The Answer Center
This center is apparently the latest addition to the Ark Encounter.
It’s interesting, to say the least.
From concerts to speakers if you are there for religious aspects are all here for you.
The center offers, snacks, souvenirs, and bathrooms.
Then you can move on to the Ark.
It just so happened this day, that Ken Ham (who I actually met) was speaking.
Many were excited to hear him speak.
Ken is the founder of Answers in Genesis and of the founder of Ark Encounter.
Many making the pilgrimage to The Ark Adventure come because this is a Christian religious and ‘creationist’ theme park.
That is NOT the reason I came, nor is it the reason most of my other colleagues had recommended.
My Mission Today: I am interested to see if this is an adventure and destination that families would enjoy.
As you saunter along the pathway to the Ark, stop and make sure to get a photo.
You will have your best LENGTH captured here.
Upclose it is difficult to get this type of photo.
Your challenge will be people in the background no matter what you do because it really is a popular attraction.
This is an Adventure
My visit was an adventure, not an encounter.
While I was corrected on this a few times, I was not there for the Creationist aspect, merely as a spectator in awe of the time, and effort it must have taken to create this immense attraction.
When you see the ark and understand it has been built to biblical specs, you then feel the power and ‘get it!’
It’s huge, over 1.5 football fields big.
You will jaw drop and stand there mummified for a few minutes. We did!
The intricate detail of the characters depicted is frighteningly eerie.
Truth be told, it’s unnerving to look into the eyes of the sculpted figures.
We have not stopped talking about the lifelike qualities each portrayed.
Look At The Life-Like Characters. REALLY Look.
Really you have to look at these photos.
We saw this in person and still are mildly freaked out by how realistic they are.
For nearly 2 1/2 hours we walked through the Ark, reading, watching, and also watching others react to what they were seeing.
By the time we had swirled to the last deck and spent time at exhibits and a little time at the movies that replayed on each deck, we termed it an adventure.
Questioning The Statements – It’s Who I Am!
We came across a few people with sparked debates about what they were READING here at the Ark Encounter vs. what they have been taught via their religion.
Others were just perusing and looking at everything, there’s just so much.
From creative animal displays (fake) to understanding how The Answers in Genisis group interprets and releases the story of Noah’s Ark, it is one part of the journey.
You need to keep your own interpretive clause on at all times and take this as their interpretation.
It’s exactly what it is, interpretation by a different sector of a different religious group.
Doing this, as you read, and see, allows you the opportunity to possibly discover the information you may not have had.
By no means do you need to change your belief system or challenge it?
That is not what I am saying.
Here’s the thesis I toured with: One statement in my religious world which has been profound, “ours is not to question.”
My strong opinion is the Ark Encounter is certainly something to visit.
However, I believe that the tilt of everything read at the Encounter surrounds and supports The Answers In Genesis.
I don’t need my faith defended, because it’s MY belief system.
Plain. Simple and how I feel.
Knowing my faith and belief system, believing in my Catholocism, I maintained course throughout, comparing their views, to mine.
Staying objective, yet being inquisitive to learn.
It’s what you do when you are there.
Challenge your thoughts and tour.
Movies at the end of the Decks
Movies with seating were playing, to explain what faith, is and how to return to your faith.
The other was almost like watching The Hobbit. The characters in the movie were more modern-day and yet talking to Noah.
While I get it, I don’t get it. I am not being rude, I am simply explaining what I felt.
No, I did not really enjoy them, but, we did stop to see what they were about.
It was almost as though the movies were there to further support the Answers In Genesis reality of Noah’s Ark.
Many were watching the movies and it did have a flow of people that would sit down and then leave, after a bit.
My words are to challenge you and motivate you.
After you have read what I am writing, won’t you want to make your own trek here and debate my findings?
The Last Deck
The last deck will take the longest to sojourn through.
There are actual Bibles (not replicas) on loan from museums around the world.
Historic timepieces, with a Genesis interpretation of their finding.
You will read, and see the interpretation from The Answers in Genesis group on all the walls.
Their depiction.
There’s a lot to take in and if you walk away questioning everything you’ve learned in your religion, then Answers In Genesis has succeeded.
Go For The Adventure, Keep Your Beliefs and Religion
Make sure to venture outside to the animals.
There are camel rides available, zip-lining, a lovely large playground, and a really delicious, and LARGE Buffet restaurant on-premises.
Since I was chatting with someone during my meal, I was unable to actually photograph it.
I was being respectful of their time, taken away from their daily duties. Sorry.
Yes, Go.
It’s truly something to see.
Like I said, hold on to your belief system, and learn what others believe.
You can spend the day, or a few hours it really is going to depend on how in-depth you want to read and view.
Also, there will be long lines, but when we went, there were not.
We walked all through this in 3 hours and then were taken back in again to revisit what I thought I had read.
The early afternoon is a great time to visit.
I’m Crossing The Border Over The Water (23)
Where can you visit Cincinnati and Kentucky within steps? On the People’s Purple Bridge.
We did just that.
The last night that we were staying in Newport, Kentucky, at the ALOFT, we walked across the bridge.
Take photos, of Cincy from here as the vantage point is incredible.
Then turn around and take pictures of Newport, Kentucky. Best ever!
At one point on the bridge, the boys were jumping between state borders.
Trust me, there is not a shortage of summer fun for those wanting to experience Cincy Summers.
No matter what you choose, you are sure to have a very fun, adventurous, interactive time.
Travel high up, walk across water, hang with the animals, stay 16 floors above the city and enjoy every minute of it! ~ Dana XO
Thank you again Cincy USA For all of this, it was one of our best ever USA Trips as a family! XO