Eden Park
There are many parks in the Greater Cincinnati Area but none have the incredible diversity of attractions of Eden Park. Its physical location is relatively close to the Downtown area but, in many ways, it couldn't be farther removed. There can't be too many parks that can claim a nationally-ranked flower conservatory, a nationally-ranked art museum, and a nationally-ranked playhouse, all within walking distance of one another.
One of the signature events at Eden Park was SummerFair. It has now moved to a new location but it was wonderful at Eden Park. I remember Janis Joplin showing up it one year. Her concert had been canceled through no fault of her own and she wanted the attendees to know that she would perform if she could even if it meant setting up at SummerFair. It turned out to be impossible but she certainly was willing to try. There's no place quite like Eden Park.
Don't overlook the interactive Cincinnati map as it is more than just a street map and can be quite entertaining.
Mirror Lake
Mirror Lake is just up the road from the Krohn Conservatory. Here you can see an array of radio-controlled model boats that range from a sailboat to riverboats to a Civil War ironclad! The walk around the back of the lake reveals a beautiful view of the Ohio River.
Ohio River Dinner Cruise
One of the most relaxing pastimes at Eden Park is watching the boats going up and down the Ohio River. B&B Riverboats has been running dinner cruises for years. This is a long-shot view of one of their boats from the Eden Park Overlook.
Balluminaria
The Eden Park reservoir is south of the Krohn Conservatory. Every so often there will be a gathering of balloonists and they will arrange their balloons at the water's edge. When night falls, they will start the fires to light the balloons and it's an incredibly spectacular event. In Cincinnati, this is called Balluminaria.
In the Winter, the reservoir is a favorite for ice-skaters because the water is relatively shallow so it freezes over faster than any other lake in town.
Vietnam Memorial
The Vietnam Memorial is across the Eden Park Drive from the Mirror Lake. It might not seem so from the location but the site is perfect for reflection on what this memorial and so many like it mean.
Eden Park Gazebo
The gazebo overlooks the Eden Park reservoir and the view from it is pretty regardless of the season.
Cincinnati Art Museum
This is a memorial to Senator Robert Alonso Taft just outside the entrance to the Cincinnati Art Museum. This picture is presented because the juxtaposition of his political thinking with the freedom of thought that created the exhibits within the museum presents some measure of comedy.
