Feeling stir crazy at home? There are still ways to make it FEEL like you’re traveling without going too far! A local Cincinnati staycation is a great idea!

Depending on budget, there’s several great options in the N. Kentucky / Cincinnati area.

With my ideas, you can act like a tourist in your own town, and make it *feel* like you’re on a travel adventure, even if you’re in your own backyard. 

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Some links in this post are affiliate links, meaning if you book or buy something through one of these, I may earn a small commission (at no additional cost to you!). 

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IDEA 1:Get a hotel! This is the easiest way to make it feel like you’re away from home and your usual routine.

The hotels below are perfect for a date night, or a weekend getaway for your Cincinnati staycation:

Some Hotel Options:

• 21C Museum Hotel

• Hotel Covington

• The Pickle Factory: Boutique Hotel

• Lytle Park Hotel

⇒ See my photos & review of staying at Lytle Park Hotel

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IDEA 2: Get a Unique AirBNB or VRBO Rental Property

Some options:

• The Swing House – A fun and unique lodging idea, this art installation slash rental property is also open for free public tours, every second Saturday from 12-4 pm.

• Elk Creek Winery – About one hour outside of the city, this could make a great day trip option or serve as a getaway for a long weekend.

• House Boat  – If you really want something different, try staying on a houseboat for a night or two! Located in Dayton, Kentucky near the “Newport on the Levee” complex, you’re still close to all the action.

• Hopewell Croft Cabin – About 1.5 hours outside of the city is this rural getaway. Stay and enjoy true quiet and isolation! It’s nearby to several Amish shops, and has plenty to do if you want to reconnect with nature.

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IDEA 3: Pretend you own a Pool! 🏊‍♀️

• Rent a swimming pool (includes heated pools and hot tubs) by the hour with Swimply! This is a great idea for big groups. You can find pools during all seasons too.

• Use my Swimply referral link for $50 off your first rental!

• Another option is to visit local Ziegler Park Pool

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IDEA 4: Hit the Beach 🏊‍♀️

• Visit one of the many Cincinnati area lakes with beaches within an hour radius of the city if you’re looking to cool off!

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IDEA 5: One with Nature 🥾

• Get in touch with nature on a hike! Head north to Hocking Hills, or south to Red River Gorge. Both have some epic scenery and hiking.

• Locally, check out Bender Mountain Trail or Mount Airy Forest area.

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⇒ READ ON: My personal Cincinnati bucket list!

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IDEA 6: Learn your History 👻

• Do one of the many fun and historical tours led by American Legacy Tours . “Queen City Underground” is a personal favorite where you can explore the old brewery tunnels beneath the city.

• You can also check out fun ghost themed tours too!

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IDEA 7: Try New Foods 🍽️

• Indulge in a social Cincinnati food tour with Riverside Food Tours.My husband and I did this tour, and while most participants are from out-of-town, it is still fun to “be a tourist in your hometown”.

• We learned new information about the city, and got to try lots of new food and meet cool new people! A win-win really.

⇒ Read about my favorite tacos and Latin American food in the city!

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IDEA 8: Get Artsy 🎨

• Visit the Contemporary Arts Center and the Cincinnati Art Museum. Bonus points if you pack a picnic lunch and enjoy it at nearby Eden Park.

• Even if art “isn’t your thing”, these places are still fascinating with so many wonderful pieces and displays!

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IDEA 9: Get a Pogo Pass & Check out New Venues 🦓

• If you want to try multiple activities like the Zoo, Museum Center, indoor playgrounds, bowling, arcade games, baseball games, and more (all for $49/person), get a “Pogo Pass“!

• These are especially valuable for families with children, but can still be used by all!

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IDEA 10: Cruise the River 🛥️

• Head out on the water with an antique riverboat lunch or dinner cruise . I did one of these with my sister, and although the food is pretty standard, it’s still a unique and memorable night out!

• See a video of my Riverboat experience for more details!

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IDEA 11: Hop the Streetcar 🚃

• Take the streetcar around downtown for a food tour of Findlay Market.

• Another idea is to simply ride the streetcar around for fun (it’s free!), and hop off at different stops to explore. I did this with my toddler and we all loved it!

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IDEA 12: Attend a Candlelight Concert 🕯️

• The company Fever puts on unique events all over the world, and Cincinnati is often included in this lineup. One of my favorite events they do is their Candlelight Concert series.

• I went to the classical music version of “Queen’s Greatest Hits”, and went to another concert featuring a string quartet playing the music of ABBA. The setting and music are truly beautiful!

• See their concert lineup, and use code CDLXCHELLETRAVELFOTO for 10% off! 🕯️For more insight, see a video of my concert experience.

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Head out of Downtown for your Staycation:

• Day trip Ideas under a one hour drive from Cincinnati  🚗

• Day trip Ideas within a one to two hour drive of Cincinnati 🚙

• Visit Bowling Green, Kentucky and explore a cave or two 🦇

• Visit Lexington, Kentucky for a weekend away to horse country 🐎

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