If you haven’t noticed, traveling is back on!!! I absolutely love to travel and explore all of the amazing places around the globe. But do you know what I enjoy even more? …. CINCINNATI! So much so that I decided to pair my love for the city and my love for travel and have a staycation right here in the city, sponsored in partnership with Cincy Experience! This really helped me have a renewed love for so much that is right here in our backyard! If you’ve been considering doing the same, I have the perfect place for you to stay and the perfect places for you to play!
Where to Stay
To kick things off, I checked in at the amazinggggg 21c. If you’re unfamiliar with 21c Museum Hotel, they are a contemporary art museum and boutique hotel chain that originated in Louisville. Since opening in 2006, they have expanded to 7 additional locations in different states- with more coming soon! They have won many awards as the top hotel in America and named in the top 10 in the world by some!
I am so thankful they are in Cincinnati. Their rooms are nice and spacious with the best bedding! Fun thing to look out for: In the shower, there are body parts carved into the tile. As mentioned, the hotel is artsy! Another fun trend you’ll notice is the iconic penguin. Every location has them throughout the establishment, but each in a different color. I really just wanted to lay down for a while, but nope, I had to get my night on the town started!
Speaking of them being artsy, after getting settled in my room, I went down to the art museum that’s located on the first floor of the hotel. Each location has their own museum that is open 24 hours a day and is free of charge. Yes, FREE! It is North America’s only museum dedicated to collecting and exhibiting contemporary art of the 21st century. I absolutely loved roaming around and viewing all the incredible exhibits. They will really get your mind going!
Now let’s get the night really going!
Prior to stepping out for happy hour, I wanted to explore their cocktail terrace which is located on the rooftop. First off, what a view! I could sit up there all day long especially with the beautiful weather I had. Second, slushie drinks! They have a rotation of flavors they offer, which are so delicious and refreshing. Even if you’re just going up with friends (or solo) for one drink, definitely visit this area. If the weather isn’t being so nice, visit their downstairs bar. They have great cocktails there too.
And nowwwww…. HAPPY HOUR! Woop Woop!
Although we’ve already had a good amount of fun, our time is just getting started! It was time to go to Nostalgia Wine & Jazz Lounge. When I heard the city was getting a hip jazz and wine lounge, I was ecstatic! There’s literally not much more that I need on a nice night out (although more is coming after this hehehehe). This black-owned lounge opened nearly a year ago (right in the middle of Covid!) and is awesome!! They have already made quite a name for themselves in such a short amount of time. It is gorgeous on the inside with such jazzy vibes (how fitting!) The owners have done an excellent job of creating an intimate space that is fitting for all crowds. They have over 40 wines by the glass or bottle, of which 8 are on tap! What I appreciate is they are highlighting women and minority winemakers and producers. I call that “lifting as you climb” and sharing the love! They pair all of this with live DJs and live jazz performances…I’m all for that! We had a blast vibing to the music, drinking our cocktails and wine, and enjoying the overall space.
Ok, after all this fun, you might be wondering…when and where should you eat?! We’ve got you!
Where to Eat
For dinner, we dined at Khora which is a newer restaurant located inside of Kinley Hotel. What a lovely space this was! The staff were also very kind. Although we had a dedicated person, they all worked together to make sure we, as well as all the other guests, were well taken care of. They pride themselves on using fresh, organic ingredients from local farms. I like that! Their passion for good food certainly comes across in the flavors as well.
We started with the Nduja flatbread, shared one of their pastas (the Sonora), and each ordered an entrée (the Atlantic black bass & seared scallops). SOOO GOOD! My belly was nice and full, and I was happy! As full as we were, though, we absolutely saved room for dessert. We ordered the chocolate caramel tart and the whipped ricotta. Let me tell you, these may have been the prettiest and tastiest desserts we’ve ever had. My goodness!!! I could see myself going back and ordering a nice dessert by itself. Simply incredible!
*Be sure to make a reservation. They were pretty booked when we went- understandably so.
Alright ya’ll…. It’s been a long, fun day so rest is needed! After dinner, I went back to 21c Hotel and had the best sleep in my super comfy bed! This rest was necessary because more fun was coming in my staycation!
Treat Yourself!
In the morning, if you want to truly get the full 21c experience, book an appointment in advance at their spa. It will likely be one of the best you’ve ever received, which is what it was for me. I really felt like my body was transformed. I picked the deep tissue massage and lordddddd it was perfect! I’ve never been one to almost fall asleep during a massage, but I was pretty darn close! They were so thorough and just…. amazing! I again wanted to just lay down in the room after this, but…there was one last thing that needed to be done to cap off my staycation.
And that’s BRUNCH!
Each 21c location has a restaurant on site that’s unique to the city’s vibe. In Cincinnati, that is Metropole! It is located on the first floor of the hotel across from the museum area. Whether it’s for lunch, dinner, or brunch, you MUST make time to go here. Their menu is what I call “small, but mighty”. You may not see pages of options, but what they offer is legit! A few of my close friends joined me to enjoy the experience. I personally ordered the Cacio e Pepe Soft Scramble and WOW! It was yummy!! And I wouldn’t be me if I didn’t order a brunch cocktail as well!
I’ve visited Metropole for dinner several times and my meal was just as great. You really can’t go wrong with this one.
Well, I don’t know about you, but I’d absolutely say THAT is how you do a night on the town and staycation in one of the best cities around! All of these amazing gems are right at our fingertips. We hope it helps you appreciate the city even more as well!
Cheers to Cincy!!
