A Cincinnati Guide to Exploring Black-Owned and Diverse Experiences
This blog post is sponsored by Ohio, The Heart of it All and Visit Cincy. All opinions and recommendations are my own.
If you’re traveling to Cincinnati, Ohio, looking for local and diverse experiences in the city, use this guide to help you plan a vacation or weekend getaway that you and your friends will love. I truly believe this city has a beauty that can’t be replicated anywhere else in the state.
The entrepreneurs and people who live here are proud and have so much passion in the stories they share with outsiders and visitors passing through or those who’ve decided to plant their roots. From the hand painted murals found on several brick buildings throughout the city to the beautiful views found at the highest hills of Eden Park, it’s impossible not to be a fan of Cincinnati.
With that, I hope you take this guide and make it your own. There’s so much to eat, explore, and do – you won’t be able to do it all in one weekend, but my best recommendation is to make the most of what you can in two days and find time in the future to come back. Have fun!
Eat Like a Local at Findlay Market
Address: 1801 Race Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
Looking for a unique and diverse eating experience, right in the heart of downtown Cincinnati? Then look no further than Findlay Market, where you can experience local flavors at an affordable price.
Built in 1852, Findlay Market is the oldest public market in Ohio. It started as an open-air market, where vendors brought their produce, meats, and cheeses and now it’s grown into a family-centered community of more than 60 businesses, operating year-round, except for Mondays.
Fun fact: 80% of Findlay’s vendors are women, BIPOC and immigrant-owned businesses.
What makes this market unique is that it also serves as an incubator for food entrepreneurs, and through a self- or tour-guided experience hosted by Cincinnati Food Tours, you’ll be able to hear the stories and taste the recipes that have been passed down through several generations.
From Dean’s Mediterranean Imports, an international grocery store passed down from father to daughter to Flavors of the Isle where you can experience the Southern and Jamaican flavors of Ebony Williams’ childhood, Findlay Market is truly a destination you’ll want to experience when visiting the city.
During our tour with Cincinnati Food Tours, we visted: Gramma Debbie’s Kitchen, Dean’s Mediterranean Imports, Churchill Fine Teas, Flavors of the Isle and Makers Bakers Co.
Our five samples included: a goetta egg hash from Gramma Debbie’s Kitchen, braised oxtail with rice and red beans from Flavors of the Isle (we went back and placed a full order), freshly made pita bread and hummus from Dean’s Mediterranean Imports, iced cold brewed lavender tea from Churchill Fine Teas (we went back and bought a couple of ounces of different teas), and banana pudding, drizzled in bourbon-infused caramel sauce from Makers Bakers Co. (which we also bought the famous cinnamon roll).
All-in-all, my brother and I had a great time exploring the market and listening to the stories and everyday life each of the food entrepreneurs we met. Also, a special thank you to our tour guide, Barb Cooper, founder of Cincinnati Food Tours, who shared her story and reminded us of the importance of connecting the everyday food we eat to the people who make it happen.
To book a food tour with Cincinnati Food Tours (not only Findlay Market), click here.
Rest and Relax at the Kinley Hotel
636 Race Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
During our stay, we were hosted by the Kinley Hotel (a Marriott Bonvoy partner), located a few blocks away from Cincinnati’s riverfront. Derived from the word kinship, the hotel aims to create an inclusive experience for guests – where they feel connected and at home.
As we checked into the hotel, we were greeted by the relaxing aromas of lavender and bergamot, and a warm welcome from the front desk staff. Within 10 minutes, we had our room keys in hand and then were falling backwards onto white linen sheets after a two-hour food tour. It was perfect and much needed.
We stayed on the 7th floor (third highest floor from the top), in a room with two beds that offered modern furniture, a waterfall shower experience, and a beautiful corner view looking out into the city. As parents, we both enjoyed the cleanliness of the space, while also the comfort of having all the essentials we have at home.
Additional details of our hotel room:
Free Wi-Fi
In-room safe
Mini refrigerator
Spacious, luxury bathrooms
Flat Screen LCD TV (personalized with your name)
Complimentary toothbrush and toothpaste (if requested)
Valet (an additional cost)
Tip: If you book directly on their website, you’ll be able to enjoy two complimentary cocktails from their Exchange lobby bar. Also, if you have time during your visit, we’d recommend you and your friends checking out Washington Park, a central spot in Over-The-Rhine. It’s less than a 10-minute walk from the hotel where you can experience live concerts, community events and more.
To book hotel accommodations, click here.
Eat and Drink at Nolia Kitchen
1405 Clay Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
As a James Beard award-winning restaurant focused on classic Southern cuisine, you’ll find no dining experience quite like Nolia, one of Cincinnati’s best Black-owned restaurants in the city. Chef Jeff Harris curated the menu inspired by his upbringing in New Orleans and travels throughout the South.
When you walk in the door, you’ll be greeted like family. Personally, it brought back childhood memories of when neighbors used to stop by my grandmother’s house for a plate of food and good conversation. The ambiance provides an intimate setting for friends to reconnect, along with fun, vibrant pops of color and natural light.
For our dining experience, we made all plates shareable, which was the best way for us to try “basically” everything on the menu (except for the Raw Bar). It was so much fun trying to new foods together, like rabbit, or unique takes on familiar dishes, like slaw – but with collard greens instead of cabbage. We also loved their rap artist-inspired cocktail menu, along with a complimentary mocktail menu for non-alcoholic drinkers.
For apps, we ordered:
Skillet Cornbread
Crab Boulettes
For entrees, we ordered:
Blackened Ham
Jerk Rabbit
For sides, we ordered:
Street Corn
Collard Slaw
Pickle Plate
For dessert, we order:
Cheesecake
Fruits N’ Cream
Need recommendations? We’d get all the apps, drinks, sides (except the pickle plate) and cheesecake again! For entrees, it depends on what kind of food adventure you want to take – and I don’t think you can go wrong with wherever your palate takes you. But if you want a little heat in your life, make sure you have a bottle of the house made hot sauce at your table and get your waiter’s recommendations on what plates to try it with or just experiment yourself.
To book dinner reservations, click here.
After Dinner | Grab Drinks at Ghost Baby
1314 Republic Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
Located a few blocks away from Nolia Kitchen, enjoy a short walk over to Ghost Baby, a trendy and eclectic bar, offering a unique and lively atmosphere, a diverse range of cocktails, and a dynamic music scene. To enter, you’ll walk into an unmarked brick building where a host will greet you asking for reservations.
Once you’re checked in, you’ll be directed to walk down six flights of steps (ranging from 50-60 ft) below ground to a dimly lit bar, in the style of an old school train car. Right behind it, there is private room (that requires reservations) with tables and chairs, another bar, and a stage for live performances.
As you take it all in, you can feel the coolness of the air, as if it’s instantly coming off the exposed brick walls – a kind of beauty that dates back more than 150 years. Formerly used by the Cincinnati Brewing Company, Ghost Baby was built in tunnels that were once used for refrigerating and aging beers.
So, if you’re looking to visit this one-of-a-kind experience, consider making reservations to see a show, share a few secrets with a friend, and order a few cocktails or mocktails to put you in the right mood.
Note: It’s important to make reservations prior to visiting and arrive on-time or else you could be bumped for those on a waitlist to enter. Also, to keep the intimate vibe of the space, videography and flash photography are not allowed.
Grab a “Woke-anda” from the blaCk Coffee Lounge
824 Elm Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
As you start your day (especially if you’re staying at the Kinley Hotel), head over to the black Coffee Lounge, one of the few Black-owned coffee shops in the city. Since it opened in 2019, the BlaCk Coffee Lounge has been intentional in hiring underrepresented baristas, supporting Black artists, and starting programs and initiatives to support the Cincinnati community.
If you like your coffee black, you’ll want to order the “Woke-anda,” which is offered in medium and dark roast, and what my brother ordered. But, if you’re not a coffee drinker or looking for something different, they also offer teas and lemonades with different flavored simple syrups. I ordered the Lavender Lemonade, which is exactly what I needed at the time. It was so light and refreshing, but next time I’ll be back for the coffee.
As you’re waiting on your order, you’ll notice the Black art featured on the walls, a small shelf filled with local business cards and flyers, as well as a table filled with coloring books and crayons for kids. The atmosphere is one that intrinsically makes you feel like you’re at a coffee shop that’s at the center of its community.
Personally, I loved the vibrancy of all the people coming in to grab their drinks – like a student walking in to grab a study table, residents quickly grabbing a coffee to go, or civil leaders sharing deep thoughts on how to make the city better – it was actually quite inspiring.
Get Lit at the American Sign Museum
1330 Monmouth Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45225
If you’ve ever wondered where famous signs of old eateries or businesses go, it’s time to check out the American Sign Museum the largest public museum dedicated to signs in the United States! Covering more than 100 years of American sign history in 20,000 square feet of indoor space, visitors can walk through the ages of technology and design.
For instance, did you know that most neon lights are not made from neon gas, but rather argon gas? This is due to the color of each gas and its ability display certain colors in certain light fixtures. We also learned about how one of the largest and coolest McDonald’s signs made its way from Alabama to Ohio, due to new laws being enforced on outdoor signage, which forced the original owner to take it down for safety reasons.
You can learn all this and more by booking a guided or audio tour, which can have you walking around each sign display for hours. For our experience, we really appreciated having the additional expertise of our tour guide, Erin, who walked us through the earliest display of signs made of wood to what we have today with LED-lit signs.
Toward the end of our tour, we also were given the unique opportunity to meet the curator and owner of the American Sign Museum, Tod Swormstedt, who just so happen to be working, with hands greased up, and fully into the work he focused on for the day. He began working on the museum back in 1999 and opened it to the public in 2005.
What was most exciting about this encounter was that sometime toward the end of next year, he informed us that they will be expanding and extending the USA Main Street into another part of an unfinished building they own which is being worked on right now. The new space will provide educational classrooms, more vibrant signs, a state-of-the-art theater system, and much more.
To book your visit or tour, click here.
Get Groovy at the Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame
25 Race Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
If you love a classic throwback, combined with the history of Black music, you’ll want to make sure you visit the Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame.
Founded and created by Hamilton County Commissioner Alicia Reece, this outdoor interactive, and musical experience celebrates the legacy and untold stories of music artists, songwriters, producers, and musicians from Cincinnati, Hamilton County, and Southwest Ohio.
My brother and I had a great time dancing in front of the kiosks that prompted augmented concert performances and learning about Cincinnati’s history of hosting the longest running Black music festival in the United States, which debuted back in 1962.
Located right near Ohio’s riverbanks (off Race Street), you’ll find that the Cincinnati’s Black Music Walk of Fame has no entry fee and will take you between 30 minutes to an hour (depending on how fast or slow you want to go) to complete.
There are several interactive displays that will play music, allow you to record solo dance numbers (that you can send to your mobile phone), and provide QR codes which can be scanned to provide a deeper dive into an artist’s history and legacy.
Tip: To commemorate the moment, make sure you take a picture in front of the bright yellow star which you’ll find closer toward the end of your journey if you’re starting from the top of the pathway or within a few short steps if you’re starting the experience from the bottom.
Experience Black History at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center
50 E Freedom Way, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
After grabbing brunch from Taste of Belgium on Freedom Way, we made our way to the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, where we experienced several exhibits and displays highlighting the historical timeline of slavery to freedom through the lens of the Underground Railroad.
If you want to cover everything, including the shows which run by the hour, you’ll want to dedicate anywhere between 2-3 hours during your visit. That’s not including time spent in the John Parker Library and Family Research Center, which can help you trace back your family roots and is offered as a free resource to visitors. Tip: Make sure you have a relative in mind of who you want to learn more about ahead of time.
To start our tour, we started on the third floor (which is recommended) and then made our way down to the first floor. Personally, facing the painful realities of what life was like for enslaved people, and the stories of survivors who have experienced modern day slavery through human trafficking can be a lot to accept – so be mindful of your emotions as you’re walking through each exhibit.
If you need a moment to find hope in the darkness, step outside onto the terrace, located on the third floor, where you’ll find Freedom’s Eternal Flame – which pays tribute to those who have gone before us in the fight for freedom and the ongoing work that continues today.
Our experience was a self-guided tour, and the exhibits that stood out to us included: Invisible Slavery Today (which highlighted both local and international human trafficking), The Slave Pen – the largest artifact at the Freedom Center (and was recovered from a farm in Mason, KY), and the traveling exhibit: The Truth and Healing Artist Showcase.
A personal favorite of mine was Michael Coppage’s Hands Behind Your Back, which had the most realistic bronze sculptures detailing incomplete parts of Black and Brown bodies experiencing the actions of police brutality. As you walk through each of his art displays, you hear his voice shouting the demands of what a police officer would say when pulling someone over which made the experience more lifelike than anticipated.
If you’re a history buff or looking to learn more about the rich history of Black Americans and the African Diaspora, you should consider visiting this museum during your stay. To book tickets, click here.
Admire the Original Works of Pablo Picasso at the Cincinnati Art Museum
953 Eden Park Drive, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
For our last stop, on our weekend getaway to Cincinnati, we visited the Cincinnati Art Museum, located in the Eden Park neighborhood, where we experienced the Picasso Landscapes: Out of Bounds exhibit.
What makes this exhibit so special? This year marks the 50th anniversary of the death of Pablo Picasso (1881–1973), who is the most innovative and influential artist of the 20th century. To celebrate his legacy, the Cincinnati Art Museum is showcasing his lifelong engagement with landscape.
During our visit, we spoke with Austin, a docent (a member of teaching staff) at the museum, who encouraged us to look into his art [Picasso’s] rather than at it. My brother and I are aware of who Pablo Picasso is, but not as entrenched with his work as some may be, so we took this advice to help us navigate the exhibit, which really helped us appreciate Picasso’s work more.
Picasso used landscape throughout his life to establish himself in new surroundings and to push himself forward into new styles of painting and sculpture. As I experienced his work, I felt that his beginning work was more abstract - seeing more shapes and hard lines representing landscapes and then toward the end of his life I felt as though his work felt larger in size and realistic.
There were several moments where I felt like I could transport myself into the terraces he was painting on – and see the hills and trees he was looking at – all I had to do was stare long enough and it felt surreal, like I was Picasso, himself. It was beautiful.
Overall, if you’re looking to transport yourself Out of Bounds – you’ll definitely want to grab tickets to this limited time exhibit, which will only be available till October 15, 2023.
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Now that you’ve read my recommended guide to exploring Black-owned and diverse experiences in Cincinnati, are you ready to get exploring? If you’re ready to make this experience your own, or need more information on what to do, eat and see in the city, check out Ohio, The Heart of it All and Visit Cincy. Happy travels!