Planning a trip somewhere has always been exciting to me. It doesn't even have to be exotic it just needs to be somewhere else. Having something to look forward to and get excited about makes all the days you spend at work somehow worth it, right? As I started to look into a trip for our anniversary I had a couple of non-negotiables. First it had to be within driving distance and second it needed to have an experience tied to it that we hadn't done before. Cincinnati checked both of those boxes, coming in just under 4 hours of driving time from Knoxville and they have dinner train, so sign me up!
Since we were so close we got up early on Saturday morning and drove up so we'd be able to enjoy the day before hoping on the train that evening. We drove directly to Krohn Conservatory located in Eden Park. Admission is reasonable at $10 for adults and $7 for children 5 and over. Their spring theme when we were there in March was 'The Shape of Nature featuring Oscilliation' the temporary feature were these giant crystals that would respond with sound and color as you walked about them.
As you wander through the conservatory you will walk through different areas that showcase plants from different regions. It was really enjoyable and you don't have to be a pro gardener to enjoy it. They sesonally have a butterfly garden that was not open when we went so make sure and check the website if your interested in that.
We choose to stay in Milford which is a suburb of Cincinnati and about 15 miles from downtown. Going solely on internet reviews and the price and location we stayed at Staybridge Suites and were very pleased. Clean room, a full kitchen (if you need that) and a pull out couch which is convienent if traveling as a family. I had no idea how cute Milford was or that they have a historic downtown (which you need to check out if you have time). We drove through and it is definetly somewhere we'd go back to and explore when we have more time. The Little Miami Brewing Company sits right on the Little Miami River that runs through Milford and it was very busy. Lots of families sitting outside so feel free to bring the kids.
The Cincinnati Dinner train has beautifully restored rail cars that have been converted to dining cars, each with a unique theme. You will be eating with another couple who you don't know unless you are booking with friends or pay for the entire table. There are a few coveted two person tables but those book fast. Reservations are released three months at a time and the train only runs on Saturdays all year except January and February. There is a 40's Andrew sister's style group that performs on the train. They will go through each dining car and sing a song and then they will do a short show in the caboose of the train and everyone is welcome to make their way that way. You will also have an opportunity to get your picture taken (or video) and pull the train whistle.
We arrived at 5pm to start the boarding process, they will not hold the train and it promptly leaves at 6pm. They have neat drink menu for an extra cost which includes both alcoholic and mocktail types of drinks. We thankfully were sat with a sweet younger couple who had left their 3 young ones at home for the weekend. Conversation wasn't forced and no one minded the silence when it came or when we spoke as couples. I do lean towards being introverted so while this could be a nightmare for me in certain situations it was actually really pleasant. Included in the price of the ticket is coffee/water/tea, an appetizer, salad, your entree of choice (prime rib, salmon or chicken) and a desert which was either cheesecake or a chocolate pecan pie. We both had prime rib and cheesecake and it was pretty good. I would remember that the food is loaded onto the train so it is more like a catered meal. It was tasty for sure, but your expectations should be realistic. For the cost of the ride which is $120 each before gratuity you need to remember you are paying for the experience more than the food. Our rail attendant shared a lot of neat information about our car during our meal. We were seated in the Oasis Tavern car and it's the most recent of their railcars. It originally was a rail car for Barnum and Bailey Circus and operated as a sleeper car. Until you get almost to the end of their rail line when you see the water most of the landscape is not very pretty to look at. We passed quite a bit of trash and what looked like someone's tent. There are homes close to the rails and folks seem to come out in order to wave at the train as we passed by. Depending on which side of the table you sit on you'll be traveling backwards one way and then the train will flip it into reverse and go back to the starting point. Quite a few people had ubered to the location so if you are interested in doing that it is an option. Dress code is business casual although they encourage folks to dress 40's style and we saw quite a few dressed that way and it was fun to see. Would definitely recommend this outing for a special occasion.
We finished up our weekend driving up to Dayton to enjoy the National Museum of the Airforce. Admission and parking are FREE. The museum is 20 acres and if you have anyone in your family interested at all in history, aviation or military artifacts you need to visit. My husband Rob loves all things aviation and space so he was in the sweet spot here. If you actually wanted to read every bit of what is there it would take you multiple days if not more. Film and history buffs will be familiar with the Memphis Belle.
I really enjoyed the exhibit on Hollywoods participation during the war. I learned a lot about Glen Miller (a big band conductor from the 30's and 40's) his volunteer service to the military and his ultimate death while performing that duty. They also have a really interesting exhibit on women during the war, the first aviation nurses and a lot more.
I'm looking foward to visiting the Cincinnati area again. My husband has an Uncle that lives there and there is an IKEA which is a nice perk. The waterfront area and the downtown seem to have some intersting things to do and of course going to see the Cincinnati Reds is on our list. My favorite part of the trip? This guy right here!
