If you plan to stick around for the weekend, Cincinnati has plenty to do & see to keep you busy! Below are a few favorites that will allow you to get a taste for the city and see some of its icons.
Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is dedicated to creating adventure, conveying knowledge, conserving nature, and serving the community.
Founded in 1873, the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is one of the oldest and best zoos in the nation. At its core lies an abundance of biodiversity, featuring over 400 species of animals and 3,000 plant species. It is also a world-renowned leader in the areas of endangered species reproduction, groundbreaking education collaboratives, and green practices.
If you love animals as much as Mallory does, we definitely recommend spending part of your weekend at the zoo! If you do, make sure you see Fiona the Hippo (she's world famous)!
Findlay Market is the only surviving municipal market house of the nine public markets operating in Cincinnati in the 19th and early 20th century. Built originally as an open-sided pavilion, the market was erected in 1852.
Open year round, Findlay Market is home to more than 50 full-time merchants selling produce, flowers, cheese, meat, fish, and more.
Findlay is the perfect place to walk around, get some fresh air, and check out some locally made goods - all while seeing a Cincinnati landmark! If you stop by, plan to get a cup of coffee from Deeper Roots or a bagel from OTR Bagel Bar.
Located in the heart of Eden Park, Krohn Conservatory is Cincinnati’s nationally recognized indoor botanical garden that attracts over 200,000 visitors annually and is home to more than 3,500 plant species from around the world, including desert plants, Bonsai trees, tropical specimens, carnivorous plants, exotic fruit trees, and rare orchids.
Our wedding weekend happens to fall during their internationally recognized Butterflies in Space floral show, which comes highly recommended. If you swing by this area, make sure you also check out the Eden Park Mirror Lake!
This beautiful location is where Bryce and Mallory attended their first wedding together as a couple! (And what's even more fun - it was their officiant's wedding!)
The John G. and Phyllis W. Smale Riverfront Park is a 32-acre park along the banks of the Ohio River in downtown Cincinnati. Located along the high banks of the river, the park is framed by great city landmarks including the Roebling Bridge, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, the Paul Brown Stadium, and the Great American Ball Park.
It was also recently ranked the No. 1 riverwalk in the US by USA Today as part of their 2024 Reader's Choice Awards!
Fun Fact: Smale Park is where Mallory and Bryce got engaged! Once you've seen the Roebling Bridge in person, you'll understand why it was the perfect spot!
We highly recommend grabbing coffee, brunch, or lunch at one of the amazing nearby restaurants and then walking along the river in the park! Mallory's favorite part of the park (aside from the Roebling of course) is the swings that overlook the river.
The Taft Museum of Art is recognized nationally as a museum leader. The Taft is a truly unique art museum and holds National Historic Landmark status. Here, you’ll find gems nestled into every nook and cranny with stories that have endured for generations!
If you want to stay near downtown but get away from the hustle and bustle for a bit, this is a great option - especially if the weather is a bit dreary!
Unfortunately Mallory's brother wasn't named after the same guy as this museum - but it's still fun that they share the name.
Added bonus: If you go on a Sunday, admission is free!
Cincinnati has a long history of brewing beer, and was once referred to as the beer capital of the world! It’s a tradition that dates back more than 200 years. There are countless ways to explore the region’s brewing past and present, but we highly recommend checking out some of Cincinnati's most well-known breweries (listed below) to get a taste while you're in town!
MadTree was born out of a passion for the craft, a heart for the community, and a desire to actually love what you do. It started as friends brewing beer together in a garage who took the leap to open a craft brewery. Since 2013, MadTree has been crafting quality beer and bringing people together.
MadTree holds a very special place in Bryce & Mallory's heart. In the very early days of knowing one another, this is where their Crossroads small group would gather after service. Since then, they have created many memories there - including celebrating their engagement right after the proposal with local friends and family!
One of the fastest growing breweries in North America, Rhinegeist Brewery is making the Midwest proud with its much-loved range of flavorsome craft beers and ciders.
Since opening its doors in 2013, Rhinegeist has brewed a wide variety of beers across a range of styles. These include Uncle, a British mild ale, and the bestselling Truth IPA – both of which have been on-tap at the brewery since day one.
Bryce & Mallory's favorite year-round Rhinegeist beer is Beer for Humans. Its an "Easy Hop Ale" & supports Rhinegeist's community support & charitable giving initiatives!