"Dutch Utopia: American Artists in Holland" at the Taft Museum
February 5 – May 2, 2010
The tulips, windmills, peasant costumes and canals so characteristic of Holland were powerfully captured by a group of American artists who frequented or settled in the Netherlands in the decades around 1900. Approximately 70 paintings and works on paper have been lent from collections throughout the United States and Europe for this exhibition, which has been organized by the Telfair Museum of Art in Savannah, Georgia. This exhibition features art by renowned American artists such as Gari Melchers, William Merritt Chase, as well as Cincinnati-born artists John Twachtman and Elizabeth Nourse.
World Peace Bell
You'll want to make a stop in Newport, Ky., to visit the World Peace Bell, the largest, free-swinging bell in the world. Weighing in at 66,000 pounds and measuring 12 feet high and 12 feet wide, the bell was designed and cast by Cincy's own Verdin Bell Company, one of the largest bell-making companies in the world. Installed in 1999, the bell was originally crafted to be rung on the International Day of Peace, in 2000. Since then, the bell has become an icon for the city of Newport and marks the location for many events and civic gatherings. Visit the World Peace Bell Center adjacent to the landmark to pick up souvenirs.
Visit the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption
Closed for eight months in 2001 for a $4.7 million restoration, the 100-year-old cathedral, the principal church in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Covington and one of only 35 minor basilicas in the United States, attracts 70,000 visitors and worshippers per year. This example of French-Gothic architecture resembles the exterior of Notre Dame, and the interior of the Church Abbey of St. Denis, both in Paris. There are more than 80 stained glass windows, including the second largest stained glass church window in the world.
Grand Victoria Casino & Resort
Grand Victoria Casino in Rising Sun is the leader in Southeast Indiana for providing the newest slots but, of course there is nothing quite like sitting down at your favorite friendly table game and making a decision that pays off big. After a winning day in the casino, relax in one of the 200 comfortable hotel rooms featuring several wonderful guest amenities. Enjoy a soothing whirlpool spa, take a refreshing dip in the indoor pool, cleanse the pores in a steamy sauna or work off that extra energy in our health club or by swinging the sticks at Southern Indiana's only Scottish links-style golf course!
Split Rock Conservation Park
In the spring of 2002, Wildlife Conservation Kentucky, Inc. opened Split Rock Conservation Park as an outdoor education facility. Split Rock is named for the unique glacial formations deposited in the area thousands of years ago. This awesome feature and the beauty and diversity of the surrounding area have been a destination for exploration and wonder for generations. The land is a mosaic of woodlands and meadows surrounded by Woolper Creek and the Ohio River. Find your way back to nature on one of the hiking trails or participate in programs all year round!
Shop 'til you drop!
The Northern Kentucky and Cincinnati area offers various possibilities for great shopping experiences! For instance enjoy shopping and dining in the charming Fairfield Avenue historic district of Bellevue or visit IKEA, the world famous, value-oriented Swedish home furnishings retailer. If you are searching for something exclusive and special - have a look at Batsakes Hat Shop in Cincinnati. Since 1907, this venerable shop has become world famous for its dedication to the art and fine craftsmanship of hat making. Antiques, big-name department and specialty stores, outlet malls and boutiques featuring locally-made arts and crafts – whatever your heart desires, you’ll find it here!
Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra
Founded in 1895, the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra is the fifth oldest orchestra in the United States and today represents the evolution of almost 200 years of musical tradition in the Queen City. Paavo Järvi, one of the most sought-after conductors of his generation, became the 12th Music Director of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra in September 2001. His dynamic leadership on the Cincinnati podium has captured international attention, attracted new artists to Cincinnati’s historic Music Hall and consistently garnered rave reviews. Enjoy this extraordinary music experience in the Music Hall Cincinnati!
The Turtle Creek Valley Railway
Turtle Creek Valley was named for the famous Indian chief "Little Turtle". In the 1780's Shawnee Indians watched as an expedition from Ft. Washington (now Cincinnati), led by George Rogers Clark, headed north through their hunting grounds along the Turtle Creek. Just west of Lebanon, Union Village was settled. With over 4,000 acres, it was the largest Shaker Community in the 'West'. Their train also has a story to tell. Running on track originally laid in 1880, the diesel/electric locomotive pulls four enclosed passenger coaches, built around 1930, and an open gondola car. It offers a panoramic view of passing pastures and the rippling Turtle Creek.
Gangsters, Gamblers & Girls: Newport Historic Walking Tour
Before there was Las Vegas, there was Newport Kentucky. Rising from the profits of bootlegging, Newport would quickly grow to become the premier gaming destination in the US. Walk the streets where gangsters made their millions, gamblers lost their lives, and ladies of the night earned their living. See the buildings that housed casinos, brothels, and speakeasies. Explore Newport's connection to some of the most well known crime figures in our country's history, and discover the individuals who gave the town its infamous reputation.Walk the streets along "8 blocks of villainy", a legendary district and explore Newport from another side on this guided tour!
