Top 7 Things To Do in Cincinnati this Fall

Featured photo: Leigh Taylor; courtesy of Cincinnati USA

It’s time to say goodbye to the hot and humid Summer and hello to the crisp, cool Autumn air, and we can think of no better place to do so, than in the Queen City. Rooted in German heritage, Cincinnati is a city that knows how to celebrate Fall. For locals, the festive season really kicks off with Oktoberfest Zinzinnati (the largest Oktoberfest celebration in the US), which celebrates all things German heritage with beer, food and a crowd favorite, wiener dog races… sign us up for watching dachshunds dressed in hot dog bun costumes any day! For those always searching for the perfect fall ale, the beer-filled celebrations don’t end there. You can find one-of-a-kind fall-inspired beers throughout the city, all season long. If fall foods are your thing, then mark your calendars for Findlay Market’s Fall Food Fest, a 3-day event featuring dozens of fall-themed food samples, live music and activities for the whole family.

Looking for more of that fall-festive-feeling? From the best foliage-filled trails to where to stock up on Autumn-inspired scents, here are our top seven Cincinnati fall activities.

1. Hike amongst the falling leaves.

Step outside and explore some of the best trails the city has to offer. Located just a few minutes from downtown, is Cincinnati’s largest park, Mt. Airy Forest, with miles long trails and a wheelchair-accessible treehouse, making it a destination for everyone. Soak up skyline panoramic views of Cincinnati and Covington’s changing leaves from the highest hill at Devou Park. Planning to add to your at-home garden? Autumn is the best time to plant and you can find more than 60 native plants, scrubs and trees at the Cincinnati Nature Center. Traveling with little ones? The Nature Center’s PlayScape will “inspire passion for nature” while also letting them burn all that never-ending energy.

2. Enjoy a cool beer.

After all of that hiking, you must be thirsty. Grab a growler and head to Taft’s Ale House, which resides in what was formerly known as St. Paul’s Evangelical Church, the oldest protestant parish in the Queen City. Love a good pumpkin-themed beer? We highly recommend ordering a pint (or two) of Pumpcan from MadTree. Also worth a visit… Braxton Brewing Company in Covington, which has a huge rooftop bar overlooking downtown Cincinnati.

Interested in seeing some murals along the way? Check out our Brewery + Mural Adventure!

@friendsofmusichall via @washingtonparkotr

3. Bundle up for a cozy picnic.

Pack your coziest flannel blanket, a thermos of your favorite soup and a good book for a cozy picnic in Eden Park Overlook. With beautiful views overlooking lakes and the historic, picturesque gazebo – it may be tempting to sit and enjoy the view instead of your book. The park is also home to the Cincinnati Art Museum, the photo-worthy art climb, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park and the Krohn Conservatory, making it the perfect spot for a fall stroll. Washington Park is another must-visit park when visiting the Queen City – especially in the fall – the view alone of the Cincinnati Music Hall is worth the trip. Located in the center of the city’s trendiest neighborhood, OTR, Washington Park has everything from turfed dog parks, playgrounds, an outdoor bar and plenty of community events, including Halloween themed movie nights in October, The City Flea, Workout on the Green and FC Cincinnati Pre-Match at the Park. Venture towards the river to find live music and unbeatable city views from the lawn or Icon Music Center at Smale Riverfront Park.

4. Warm up with a cup of coffee.

Ditch the pumpkin spice latte and warm up with a cup of Woke-anda blend from our neighbors at blaCk Coffee Lounge. They have everything you need to refuel, including house made pastries, quiches and sandwiches. On your way out, make sure to buy a custom tee and bag of beans to take home with you.

5. Get festive.

What is fall without a trip to the pumpkin patch? Corn mazes, apple cider, farm animals, fall crafts and more – find it all at Burger Farm & Garden Center‘s Annual Fall Fun at the Farm event. Another local favorite for pumpkin picking, is Neltner’s Farm. Be sure to check out their Farm Fall Festival live music lineup, which starts in September and goes through October.

6. See a show at the theatre.

Support our local performing and visual arts community with a trip to the theatre. This year, show season at the Aronoff Center (just across the street from the Yellow Penguins!) kicks off with Pretty Woman: The Musical. Treat yourself to dinner before the show at Metropole with a special pre-fixe menu by Chef Vanessa Miller, which includes a $5 donation to the Aronoff’s Cincinnati Arts Association.

7. Shop local.

Find all of the best fall-themed scents at The Candle Lab in OTR. Looking to customize your home fragrances? Pour your own candle in their Candle Lab! After designing your custom scent, get out and explore the rest of the OTR shopping scene! Fill your home with leafy plant babies to help fight the winter blues from Forage, find the perfect fuzzy fall sweater from Sloane Boutique, shop for the perfect soup bowl from Rookwood Pottery and buy a stack of books to help get you through the upcoming hibernation season from the Ohio Book Store. Whatever your fall shopping needs are, you can find it in OTR.

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Ready to fall in love with our city? Book our Fall Into Savings offer and save 20%. Hurry to book, this offer ends September 20, 2021!

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