When in Ohio

Cincinnati

     My husband is a Reds fan and insisted we go to Cincinnati for a game or two. I agreed only when he agreed to do other things there as well, since I didn't consider the trip worth it just for the baseball. Besides baseball, there are plenty of things to do in Cincinnati, and here are the things I suggest for the compromise.

There are a few of these around the aquarium.

     First, the Newport Aquarium. The hotels right across the river from Cincinnati are cheaper than the ones in the more well-known city, and therefore we stayed right across the bridge from the stadium. The aquarium is also right across the bridge from the baseball stadium, no more than a ten minute walk, in my approximation. It's a little on the pricey side, but if you haven't been there before, and enjoy wildlife, it's worth the trip. You can spend a whole half-day there, so plan accordingly. Their website is available here. Also in the vicinity of the aquarium, between it and Barnes and Noble is a rock-and-roll type cafe, which I highly recommend for good food and good service, but cannot remember the name of.

When in Florida

Zoo Miami

     The Miami Zoo is a great place for anyone who likes animals, walking, or just hanging out with the kids! This place is huge, and definitely has more to do than anyone can do in one day. Just for some kind of reference, take a look at the map I took a picture of and consider it takes 10-15 minutes to walk from the apex of one small curve to the next. It takes hours to walk through just one of the loops, and that's not considering standing still long enough to witness the animals living in their habitats. 

     I highly recommend checking this attraction out and blocking a couple days just for exploration. The zoo offers carts that anyone can rent and drive around in, but the exercise offered is a plus. Definitely wear tennis shoes or other comfortable footwear and clothes you feel comfortable sweating in, especially if it's going to be warmer than the mild 70s. And waterproof sunscreen is also a must, since there are mist stations everywhere, and you definitely want to use them for cooling off.

When in Florida

IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame and Museum

     When my mother and I were in Florida on vacation a few months ago, we went to the International Game and Fish Association's Hall of Fame and Museum. We were surprised at how much we enjoyed ourselves there. It was a whole lot less boring than we expected and a lot more diverse in presentation than we could have imagined.

     This attraction is not only for people who enjoy to fish and who are looking to learn about fishing, but also for those who enjoy wildlife, art, and history. The museum has more to offer to adults than expected and interactive learning for growing children.