Seth Walsh and Erin Hinson have been asking people, “What’s your favorite thing to do in Cincinnati?” Whatever the answer is, they do. This is one of their adventures.
Cincinnati has countless streets, but how often do you get to experience all that surrounds them to make each neighborhood unique? Thanks to Cincy Summer Streets, you can #UnlockCincinnati and do just that.
Seth: Recently my parents came into town and were eager to experience the hidden gems in our city. While planning their itinerary, I asked my friend Anne for her favorite thing to do. She told me about Cincy Summer Streets, which would be happening that weekend in Northside.
Erin: Since Cincy Summer Streets events are hosted on the weekends, make a day of it! The next event is 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sept. 26 on Pleasant Street between Findlay Market and Washington Park.
We recommend either parking at an open meter on Liberty or Vine streets, or even Central Parkway. You also can park at Findlay or under Washington Park, but expect lots to be relatively full. If you’re feeling particularly ambitious, you can use Cincy Red Bike, your personal bike or even run there.
Seth: Cincy Summer Streets began in 2014 to celebrate our city's largest public spaces. It’s part of a nationwide “Open Streets” initiative, with events in more than 100 cities, including New York, Seattle and Nashville. Organizers take great pride in celebrating our city’s streets through “play, physical activity and exploring our city.”
This year, Cincy Summer Streets has held events in Walnut Hills and Northside, with Over-the-Rhine closing out the schedule, following successful events in 2014 where people were literally coloring in the streets with oversized crayons.
I wasn’t sure what to expect at the Northside event, but it was a lot of fun. One of my favorite parts were the bicycle tricks happening about halfway through the event. People were doing tricks that I couldn’t even fathom trying!
Erin: There were plenty of people, some vendors, lots of music and other activities such as Chiquita Banana boxing. While wandering through Northside, we ventured into many stores that we might not have otherwise. The festivities gave us the chance to explore a community right down the road.
If you have kids (or you just want to be a kid again yourself), Cincy Summer Streets is packed with fun things to do. Northside had a climbing tower (which Seth didn’t want to do for some reason) and dancing in the streets. I didn’t know if you had to be part of the dance studio to participate, but I’m sure they wouldn’t stop you from joining!
We visited Joseph Clark Gallery Arts of Africa, and not only did we see beautiful art, but the gallery had information on how to interpret African art, as well as the significance of particular aspects. For example, eyes cast downward signify respect and humility, while eyes gazing out show confidence or aggression. Each piece of artwork said something, coming together to illustrate an idea far greater than the piece alone. I was blown away, and I can’t wait to go back.
Why go: Explore a new neighborhood, find a new favorite shop along an ordinarily busy street, or enjoy a nice day outdoors. Due to the roads being closed off, you also can appreciate the lack of car exhaust and freedom of jaywalking, which is actually the goal of the Over-the-Rhine event! If you can’t make it, never fear: Cincy Summer Streets will return in 2016.
Cincy Summer Streets
Price: Free
Parking: Parking lots and side streets
Time commitment: 1 hour
Pair it with: Findlay Market
We invite you to follow this journey in real time online at www.unlockcincinnati.org, on Twitter (@UnlockThe513, @SethTWalsh and @erinhinson2), Instagram (@sethtwalsh and @erinhinson2) and Facebook, or by following #UnlockCincinnati. Or you can email us at favorite@unlockcincinnati.org.
