Newport Aquarium:
While in the Cincinnati area the highlight of our time was our stop at Newport Aquarium. In fact, we collectively voted it our favorite Aquarium we've visited to date.
The overall design of the Newport Aquarium is probably one of the most powerful aspects. When you enter, the space naturally leads visitors to wander through all the aquatic displays with little effort. The kids, hubby, and I followed a path from tank to tank without really paying much deliberate attention to anything else but the aquatic life. We saw numerous water creatures including gators, fish, frogs, rays, reptiles, birds, penguins, jellyfish, and SHARKS! Not only did we see them, but we experienced them in a way we've never really done so before. They swam in tanks right next to us, they swam in a few spots right under us, and they swam in rounded tunnel tanks right over us. It's truly one of the most amazing ways to take in the true size, grace, and beauty of these creatures, second only to swimming with in the water with them. We loved every minute of our visit and only wish it was closer to us here in Chicago.
A few tips on your Newport Aquarium visit:
The intimate design that truly makes the aquarium for me, does work better if you leave your strollers behind. Opt for baby and toddler carriers when possible or check the calendar for stroller approved hours.
Also consider visiting during Summer family hours. Now through August. 31, two kids (ages 12 and under) get in FREE with every adult full price ticket bought online. Valid for admissions from 4 to 7 p.m., Sunday through Friday. This special offer is available for purchase online only! There are no coupons to clip or codes to remember. Strollers are welcome during Summer Family Hours.
Food:
Our casual Cincinnati dining treat was a stop at what's dubbed by many to be the best deli in Cincinnati, Izzy's.And what does one eat at the fabulous Izzy's? Their signature item is the reuben sandwich, but they have tons of other options if your not a reuben kind of girl or guy. I talked hubby into splitting orders with me so I can sample a few things. Plus the kids gave me the full report on their meals. Nothing but compliments all around, we'll definitely looks for an Izzy's next time we are in the area. If you can take a day off from healthy side items, try the potato pancakes. Yum!
If you are just discovering our Summer Travel series, you'll want to be sure you see the other places we explored on days one, two, three, four, and five. Next stop? We leave Ohio and head to Indianapolis, Indiana.
Disclosure: Please note, I was provided with passes to the Newport Aquarium for purposes of this review. All opinions expressed are my own.