EDspaces Host City nati ’ s revitalized historic neighborhood , a short walk , cab or streetcar ride from downtown . In the early 1800s the first wave of German immigrants to the United States came to Cincinnati and established an early neighborhood known as Over-The-Rhine , which became the most densely populated neighborhood in the country outside of New York City .
A once-bustling community of German beer brewers and pork packers built the nation ’ s largest collection of 19th-century Italianate architecture in this thriving area that is one of the nation ’ s largest urban historic districts — 943 buildings made the National Register of Historic Places in 1983 . Another milestone connecting pre-Prohibition history in OTR to present day is a recent discovery of abandoned underground lagering tunnels and caverns . Before the turn of the century , these were used to cool and store beer before refrigeration was invented . Today , several companies offer escorted tours of these hidden passageways .
Over-The-Rhine has undergone a dramatic revitalization over the past decade and is now one of the most diverse and iconic of its kind in the Midwest characterized by its unique architecture , brightly painted buildings , award-winning restaurants and an emerging microbrewery scene . OTR now has dozens of dining options boasting nationally-renowned chefs ( like Daniel Wright – Food + Wine ’ s Great Lakes Chef of the Year for restaurants Abigail Street and Senate ) and entrepreneurs who created businesses around unique dining options , inspired by the OTR ’ s business start-up scene . Every Day with Rachael Ray , New York Post , Food + Wine , Bon Appetit , and others have taken notice of these unique dining options .
Here are a few of my team ’ s favorites :
• OTR : Start anywhere on Vine
street north of 12th ( the streetcar runs here , or it is an easy 15 minute walk from the convention hotels ). When you determine a place you want to eat , put your name in ( or reserve your table ) and then grab a drink or snack at a wine or cocktail bar for happy hour . There are a huge number of great and varied options within a few blocks ; a couple personal choices are The Eagle for cocktails and great fried chicken if you dine ; 1215 Wine Bar and Coffee Lab for a pre- or post-dinner drink or snack ; Abigail Street for a large wine list and great small plates ; Kaze for sushi and small plates in their outdoor courtyard ; Zula for carpaccio of beef or various fish ; and Salazar for a top notch meal in a small , personalized atmosphere .
• Take a 5 minute cab ride over to Covington ’ s Main Strasse neighborhood : bourbon lovers will be in heaven in Good fella ’ s Wise Guy Lounge ( 2nd floor ) or OKBB ( Old Kentucky Bourbon Bar ) — you ’ ll find many dozens of bourbon choices and great craft cocktails ; try a flight of mescal and great small plate appetizers at Frida ’ s ; or dine at high-end Bouquet ( be sure to get a reservation ) or Lisse ( very unique steakhouse with a rood patio view of downtown ).
We are excited to welcome the educational facility community to EDspaces in Cincinnati , November 2-4 . Hope to see you there ! n
TOM GREEN is president of the John R . Green Company in Covington , KY , an educational distributor founded in 1950 . Tom is a past Chair of the Education Market Association and a current member of the EDmarket Executive Committee .
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