Visiting Cincinnati and Southern Ohio

Spring 2012 brings new life to the Queen City. April brings the season opener for the Cincinnati Reds to Great American Ballpark. Start the summer tradition early, head downtown to cheer on the Reds at Great American Ballpark - on the banks of the Ohio River, the setting is spectacular for a baseball game. Nearby, construction on Smale Riverfront Park is near completion with new facilities and grounds opening in May. North of Cincinnati in Mason, Kings Island Amusement Park celebrates its 40th season in 2012. With new additions and events, Kings Island is more fun than ever before. Time to get out and enjoy Cincinnati.

Spring brings another milestone in the completion of the John G & Phyllis W Smale Riverfront Park. Currently in phase I of construction, the bike mobility and visitor’s center, a portion of the Ohio River Bike Trail, the Black Brigade Monument and tree grove open with a Grand Opening celebration, on May 18th. Check out downtown Cincy’s newest additions and enjoy the springtime weather on the banks of the Ohio River.

Sports fans – get to know the Cincinnati Rollergirls. With spring bringing the season opener, match-ups are on the 2012 calendar through Fan Appreciation Night June 9th. Watch the Rollergirls “jam” their opponents at Cincinnati Gardens in northeast Cincinnati.

Paddlefest at Cincinnati’s Coney Island Park is a sure sign of summer. The 11th Annual Paddlefest is June 21st through 23rd, 2012. Events begin with the Kids Outdoor Adventure Expo, followed by the Ohio Music & Outdoor Festival. Enjoy live music from five bands, join the fun at the cardboard boat races or kayak fishing contest. A Saturday float down the Ohio River ends events with an 11-mile amateur race and 14-mile pro race. It’s the season to enjoy Hamilton County’s parks.

A first for the United States, Cincinnati hosts the 2012 World Choir Games. Choirs representing over 70 countries from across the globe, the World Choir Games is the largest international event in the history of Cincinnati. From July 4th through the 14th, events in over 23 categories keep participants busy and visitors entertained. Festivities include Opening Ceremonies at US Bank Arena, a Parade of Nations through downtown Cincinnati and the champion’s concert at Procter & Gamble Hall, at the Aronoff Center. For music fans, a trip to the World Choir Games is a rare opportunity.

2012 brings enhancements to Kings Island amusement park north of Cincinnati - get ready for the season opening for weekends April 28th, with daily operation beginning on May 11th. New attractions at Soak City Waterpark include Action River and a new Wave Pool along with a re-modeled entrance.

Celebrating their 40th anniversary season, Kings Island adds three new live stage shows to the schedule of entertainment including “British Invasion” and “Charlie Brown’s All-Stars”. It's that time of year – head to Mason and Kings Island, just of Interstate 71 north of Cincinnati.

Cincinnati and Southern Ohio Hotel Map