Cincinnati has always sparked a joy inside of me for her representation of diverse people and places. Walnut Hills is a prime example. How lucky are we to be surrounded by historical architecture, talented artists and dedicated, creative small businesses?
The Queen City earns her tiara in many ways, especially in eclectic Walnut Hills.
As a teenager, before moving into the city, my friends and I would make the hour drive and almost always land ourselves in Walnut Hills. Eden Park was (and still is) my happy place. So much so, my little one has taken on the park’s namesake.
LOCAL FOOD: Fireside Pizza
If the world could run on small businesses, we’d be a better place. One of our favorite spots to grab an easy bite to eat is Fireside Pizza. The menu is strictly pizza (even gluten free!) and is fired in a wood burning stove. The old fire station-turned-pizza joint might be famous for their pizza but their people, too. The folks at Fireside pour their heart into being good stewards of their city.
GIFTS + FLOWERS: Daisy Jane’s Flower Bar
A quick jot across East McMillan fills your soul with fragrant blooms and trendy gifts for the plant-lover in your life. Celebrating their one-year brick-and-mortar anniversary next month, the flower bar is packed with small potted plants, succulents, pay-by-the-stem roses, eucalyptus, ranunculus, home decor and local gifts. Daisy Jane’s Flower Truck has become a Cincinnati treasure at local markets and events.
CINCINNATI PARKS
Invest in an affordable Friends of Krohn family pass for year-round admittance into Krohn Conservatory. We were lucky to get a peek inside the showroom where the fall mum show is transforming into the famous holiday train display. An afternoon stroll around the conservatory refreshes your mind and keeps the little ones engaged with nature.
Eden Park is home to some of the city’s most noticeable landmarks. Take a stroll around the famous reflecting pool we’ve come to love as Mirror Lake. A quick glance over the dam to the old water reservoir highlights the brand new Tom Jones Commons which connects the lower half of Eden Park to the rest. Bring along your kiddo’s bikes or simply wander around the park’s miles long trails and playgrounds. We recommend a trip to the overlook at Twin Lakes!
ART: Cincinnati Art Museum Art Climb
Walnut Hills is full of collaborative art from several of Cincinnati’s prominent art organizations. The stair climb near Gilbert Avenue and Eden Park Drive gives you an art experience and tires out the kids, too! In the early evenings, the stairs light up the path leading up to the Cincinnati Art Museum and other fun sculptures and art pieces.