Krohn Conservatory is a place devoted to the plant world and showcases over 3,500 plants. It has a devoted rainforest section as well as an arid plant section. The Krohn Conservatory is an architecturally rich space built in 1933 with a waterfall to walk behind and glass domed ceilings that let in the light and air for plants and people alike. The place has several theme shows each year. For instance, this summer, the butterflies of Japan are let free and are able to be viewed along with the Rainforest area. There is no charge for general admission; however, some donation is appreciated and for the special shows, a nominal fee may be charged. The permanent displays include a Desert Area, a Tropical Area, and Orchid display. Easter brings a special fragrance from all the bulbs on display and at Christmas time, the Poinsettia Room is filled with red blooms and many Christmas gift plants. There is a gift shop as well and many benches along the paths to take a rest and enjoy the sights.
For more information, call 513-352-4080. The Krohn Conservatory is located at 1501 Eden Park Drive, off Rt 50E about two miles outside downtown Cincinnati.
Summer heat brings Kings Island to mind. This amusement park covers 364 acres of wet and wild fun. The park has 14 official wild roller coasters and has been the stomping grounds of many devoted thrill seekers for years. The park hosts a variety of events and shows for all ages including a water park for families, food booths of all kinds, and many gifts and souvenir booths. The Cincinnati foodstuffs are well represented by LaRosas pizza, Skyline chili, Graeter's Ice Cream, and Starbucks as well as the normal hamburgers and hot dogs and desserts. Kings Island is well known for its blue ice cream. There is a replica of the Eiffel Tower and every evening as the temperature cools down a little, the night sky is bombarded with terrific fireworks about nine o'clock. If you want to stay and make several days of visiting Cincinnati and Kings Island, there is the Great Wolf Lodge right on the grounds.
For more information, the number is 513-574-7500. Kings Island is about 20 miles northwest of downtown Cincinnati off I-71.
Every September, the banks of the Ohio River, both in Ohio and Kentucky, become the home to over 1.5 million people visiting booths all day and capped by the best fireworks that many have ever seen. This is Cincinnati's end of summer Labor Day celebration called Riverfest and is held on the first Sunday in September. The booths have any type of food desired, and music stages are set up to play all day providing many types of music. A local radio station, WEBN, composes a music tribute that matches the booms of the fireworks and presents a very loud and thrilling evening event, starting with the battle of Ohio and Kentucky. Each side of the river sees which can be the loudest right before the fireworks will begin. This is a very large display of fireworks which are very costly, but well appreciated by all the fans on the river. Lucky boat owners can be right on the river as the colors and sounds surround the hills and waterway.
There are many wonderful sights and places to visit in Cincinnati. Cincinnati is a very friendly Midwestern town with a family atmosphere. It is a very clean town and lodgings are abundant, but reservations must be made well before the bigger festivals such as Riverfest. If a fun time of shopping, restaurants, events, and other amusements are desired, it would be hard to beat Cincinnati, Ohio.
