A Visit To The Queen City

My Visit To The Queen City

I have a very good reason to visit the Queen City this is where my first born lives.  Garret is the oldest of my two sons.  He moved to Cincinnati a few years ago chasing his dream job. In addition he loves the Ohio sports teams. Besides that he has multiple relatives in the city.  As a result I took a road trip to Cincinnati to pay Garret a visit.

Two things Garret knows for sure. When I pay him a visit I will be coming bearing gifts and food.  Garret also knows that while I’m in the Queen City he will be getting some pretty decent home cooked meals. For example the last time I was in town I prepared three home cooked meals a day.  I’m one of those mothers who are concerned her children getting enough home-cooked meals. Garret is also busy working. I sometimes grow concerned about whether he’s eating as healthy as he should.

Garret knows the basic cooking skills.  Cooking was not his favorite thing to do unless he could place a whole lot of curry in the food he was making.  This would drive me nutty.  Having the house smell like curry for weeks. Garret thought this was so funny, but at the time I wasn’t laughing. When I think about it now I can laugh about it. It’s amazing how you see things differently as time goes by.

Proud Parent

I am so proud of this young man.  Because he is a veteran who served his country.

Garret is now living his dream.  He gets to live in the city he wholes near and dear to his heart, Cincinnati.  We moved from Ohio when he was in kindergarten.  Even though he spent most of his life in Maryland he’s always embraced Ohio sports. I guess he inherited that from his father who is a die-hard Ohio sport’s fan.

Unlike my sons, I’m the, “when in Rome do as the Romans type.” My family looks at me like a traitor because I have become a Baltimore Ravens fan.  I have lived in Maryland a lot longer than lived in Ohio.  Lol!

The Bengal’s Stadium

A dream come true for Garret is being able to work in downtown Cincinnati and have a view of  Paul Brown Stadium from his office.  He’s the biggest Bengal’s fan you will ever see.  I told him that the trade-off for that is when your team has a lousy year(s), you’ll still have to sit at work and look out at the stadium. This has to be difficult when they have a terrible season.


I scored Cool Points for installing Garret’s Fire Stick on his television.  Garret is such a Rocky fan.  Garret can now watch Rocky whenever he likes. Now, that the Fire Stick is up and running,  He’ll have to allow for more time for movie night since he’s all caught up in the Rocky series.

A Visit To Downtown Cincinnati – The Queen City




Garret took me on a tour of downtown Cincinnati and I found the buildings to be quite interesting in the Queen City.  A picture of a building has been painted on the front of the building.  How cool is that?


Everybody gets a turn at the Sing The Queen City sign.

The Ohio River separates Cincinnati, Ohio from Covington, Kentucky. The John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge which spans 1,057 feet, connects Cincinnati, to Covington.   The bridge was built back in 1866 and it is now a National Historic Landmark.

The bridge connects the two cities in work and play.  Fans can walk to the sports venues located in Cincinnati and frequent the bars, restaurants, and hotels.  Each June the RoeblingFest takes place in the area to celebrate the historic landmark.


The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center

Cincinnati played a significant role in the path to freedom for those escaping slavery. The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center is located downtown near the sports venues.  It’s amazing how The Underground Railroad of Cincinnati, Ohio has ties to Annapolis, Maryland.  Many slaves found their way to freedom after being brought to the shores of America through Annapolis.

The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center opened in 2004.  It gives insight into the path to freedom.  It shares with the visitors the challenges and struggles a race of people faced on their journey to freedom.   There are exhibits that help to celebrates freedom’s heroes that have contributed to the progress that has been made throughout history.

The Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame is within walking distance of all the other sports venues (The Paul Brown Stadium – home of the Bengals Football Team, the Great American Ballpark -home of the Cincinnati Reds Baseball Team and the U.S. Bank Arena -An indoor arena, home of the Cincinnati Cyclones) all located in the Queen City.


There are plenty restaurants, and taverns to choose from.  It all depends on what foods you are in the mood for. You won’t find a bad meal.  Cincinnati is known for its famous chili. You must have a bowl if you want to have the total Cincinnati experience.

Our day concluded by attending a parade of five model homes crafted by the most prestigious builders in the area. This is an annual event. It’s the 54th year of the luxury-living home showcase featuring the latest in new home designs, decorating and landscaping.   It’s referred to as a homearama.

We had to travel to the outskirts of the city near Kings Island (the amusement park) for the tour.  Going to model homes is one of my favorite things to do.  The funny thing about this is Garret suggested that we attend.  We were to meet one of his friends there at the homearama with his parents.  Come to find out it’s an annual event for his friend and his parents.

Hamilton County 54th Model Home Homearama

Tudor House
Family Room1
FamRoom3

The weather was perfect for the homearama.  A Lot of people came out to see the five homes decorated by local designers.

Dining3
ManCave
Outdoor fireplace
Tud2
Liv
FamRoom2
Kitchen Table0

Model Homes In Hamilton County

It’s always enlightening being able to visit model homes.  You get a sense of what’s trending in home furnishings, wall coloring, the latest occurring in home security, technology, and energy-saving techniques. In addition visiting well decorated homes is a great way to spend the day.

I had a wonderful time attending the homearama with Garret; clearly, we will have to make this an annual tradition.   The man cave was his favorite rooms to visit.

It has been such a blessing to be able to hang out with my son. Moreover I believe spending quality time with family is important. Garrett is a fine young man.  His dad and I did that.  I’m happy! Such a lovely visit to the Queen City to spend time with one of my favorite people.