Mission: Greyhound Tavern

Located at 2500 Dixie Highway in Fort Mitchell, Kentucky, Greyhound Tavern is (according to its website) is Northern Kentucky's most award-winning restaurant and it is a Fort Mitchell landmark.  The Greyhound serves lunch, dinner, and a Sunday buffet brunch.

Originally, the restaurant/pub/watering hole, was called the Dixie Tea Room, which makes sense considering it is on Dixie Highway.  Built in 1921, the original two rooms, "Tavern Room" and "Hunt Room," are still used today.  Contrary to its first name, original owner, Johnny Hauer, operated it as an ice cream parlor and was conveniently located where the streetcars completed their southern journey and headed back across the bending river back to Cincinnati.

Later in the 1930s, Al Frisch bought the business and renamed it to honor his brother Benny who was a greyhound trainer in Florida.  The Greyhound Grill was a family business with Al's sister and mother cooking.  Later still, the ice cream parlor part of the business was eliminated and a beer garden (with a juke box) was added for entertainment.  In addition to these changed, the menu added onion rings, burgers, and double-decker sandwiches. 

More recently, Grill was replaced with the "Tavern" and the menu added steaks, seafood, among many others culinary specialties.

What Karen Said:  Fried chicken for breakfast?  Heck yes when you go to the Greyhound Tavern.  And, it was quite delicious.  As well as was the standard brunch fare of eggs, bacon, biscuit & gravy etc.   Oh and a few mimosas for good measure.  What good is brunch without a few brunch type beverages right?  It was a bit crowded so we happily took some stools at the bar where the bartender assisted us with our needs.  We giggled when they sat a full table of priests behind us.  (Yes, we spoke a bit softer once they were seated.)  It was clean and everyone was polite.  I am glad we went but next time we do brunch I call Otto's. 

What Colleen Said:  It was a Sunday, and there is little I enjoy more than over indulgence on a Sunday morning.  Karen and I decided it was time for us to try this little gem south of the river.  We ate our fill of eggs, biscuits and gravy, fried chicken, mashed potatoes, fruit, salad, puffy eclair things, bacon, french toast sticks, and green beans.  The place was packed with people joined with their families celebrating the weekend after church.  We were happily stuffed after we left the establishment.  The employees were polite and cheerful.  I can say that I was quite impressed with the place.  It's not my favorite brunch buffet in the area, but I'm not going to dog (pun, very highly intended) it in any way.

Progress on "The List"

A quick rough count gave us the count of 159 tasks on the list... Now, we are aware that we are missing a few things, and by few, it's probably much more than a few.  Please we need suggestions, and if the reason isn't obvious, please tell us why we should make this something that is uniquely Cincinnati.  We are currently in the process of adding to the list.  The list was created by going through travel guides, suggestions online from Cincinnati Bucket Lists, and from our own memories (which can often be foggy).  This is flawed though as Karen is not from Cincinnati, and Colleen has a very distinct understanding of the city.  She did not grow up in Northern Kentucky and her knowledge of the city is very strongly based on the East Side of the city.  We beg of you for ideas.  Thank you to those that suggested the Hustler Store (KD) and Greyhound Tavern (DT), we appreciate these tidbits and we will try to update the blog's list in a timely manner.  Thanks again.

However, based on our current count, we are looking good and poised to finish the quest on time.

Mission Count:
12 Missions Down!
147 Mission To Go!   
7.5% Finished!

Time Count:
27 Days Down! 
1068 Days TO Go!
2.4% Time Elapsed!

If we add an expected 41 Missions, bringing the count to 200... We will have to complete one mission at least every 5.4 days.  While that may seem like a lot of time to eat a bag of Grippo's potato chips, you are forgetting that involved in these missions are Bengal's games, Cincinnati Ballet, and the Flying Pig... things that don't come around very often, or are much harder to complete. 
*We will be adding another blog soon... with how much money we have spent, as already we are impressed with the amount of cash we have spend on our little project.

Mission: Florence Ya'll

Have you seen it?  The water tower with the words "Florence Ya'll" written in bright red paint.  Well, here is the quick story.  The tower was originally painted with the words "Florence Mall" in giant letters (in 1974, however, the mall did not open until 1976), but legal questions were raised.  Evidently, the signage was in violation of a state law restricting how tall a sign promoting a business could be.  Therefore, a change was mandated.  The solution was changing the "M" to a "Y" with an apostrophe.

What Colleen Said:  Well, isn't that just cute.

What Karen Said:  Yeah, yeah - its FLORENCE! 

Mission: Panegyri Greek Festival

http://www.holytrinity.oh.goarch.org/92.html

(From L to R) Dave, Stephanie, Karen, Dave, Colleen, and Erich at the Panegyri Greek Festival

What Karen Said:  Love it.  I could really spend 3 days here.  The food, the drink, the dancing, the people watching...  Such a good time.  You will undoubtedly run into more than one person you know and everyone is pretty happy chugging wine straight from the bottle and indulging the all of the deliciousness of the festival.  Everyone should go at least once!  If you do, you will go back.  GYROS RULE!

What Colleen Said:  This is my most favorite festival in the city.  Stephanie (see the picture) and I started a tradition going to the festival a few years back.  Any place where I can get a gyro is going to be pretty high on my list, but any place where I can buy a bottle of wine, eat a gyro, and hear people saying Opa! is going to be at nearly the highest of all points.

Mission: Drive the Roebling

The John A. Roebling Bridge, or suspension bridge is a uniquely distinct landmark in the greater Cincinnati area.  The bridge links Covington and Cincinnati and has been a symbol of the cities since its completion in December of 1866 (December!  That makes it is a brrrrridge, sorry for the really horrible joke) for pedestrian use.  At this time, the 1,057 ft main span of the bridge was the longest in the world (see not only is Cincinnati into really long wooden rollercoasters - The Beast, but we are also rockin' out bridges!) and it was the first to use both vertical suspenders and diagonal stays fanning from each tower.  

The bridge was named for its designer, John A. Roebling, of Saxonberg, PA, who also designed the Brooklyn Bridge, this bridge surpassed its Cincinnati predecessor in almost every category (except for Cincinnati awesomeness) in 1883.


In 1854, the small suspension bridge over the Licking River at Newport collapsed, the deterred investors from investing in the bridge, but Amos Shinkle was elected to the board of trustees in 1856, and he brought with him the energy to find private investors and get more support from both the Ohio and Kentucky governments to build the bridge.

The bridge, originally operated by a private company (eloquently named the Covington-Cincinnati Bridge Company) ran the bridge until the Commonwealth of Kentucky purchased it in 1953 for $4.2 million.  At this point, the state collected tolls until the Brent Spence Bridge was opened on I-75 (Isn't that going to be a disaster when they have to replace that bridge?). 

 

Fun Facts:

• It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975.l
• It was designated a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark in 1983.
• It is the busiest of Cincinnati's 4 non-freeway autmobile or pedestrian bridges.
• On June 27, 1983, it was renamed, changing it's name from Covington-Cincinnati Suspension Bridge.
• It was originally painted brown, but painted blue in 1896. 
• Decorative lights were added two the main cables in 1984.
  

What Karen Said:  Being a native New Yorker and very fond of the Brooklyn how could I not also love the Roebling.  As I have with the Brooklyn - I have driven it, walked it, and run it.  I love the sound it makes while you are driving over it with your windows down, obviously all the while my dogs are hanging their heads out taking in the wiff of the Ohio River! 

What Colleen Said:  According to researchers, the bridge is called the Suspension Bridge by most Cincinnatians.  While, this may be true, it is important to point out that some Cincinnatians don't understand what a suspension bridge (note, when you point a finger, there are at least three pointing back at you... so I am one of these morons!) exactly is... So, I never knew they were talking about the Roebling1.  As simple (however, I prefer the term cute), I might be I have always referred to this bridge as "The Singing Bridge," or just "Roebling."  Contrary to Karen, I don't enjoy the singing.  It reminds me of the bumps on the highway, that remind me it is not appropriate to program my radio while in traffic... it simply scares me2.  And years ago I had a dream that lightening struck the bridge repeatedly in one night and it broke and there were a lot of cats floating in the Ohio River.  However, regardless of my insanity and asinine thoughts, the bridge is simply gorgeous and I love that it was designed by the same guy that did the Brooklyn Bridge.  What fun trivia! 

1(Brent Spence is clearly 75, there is also Clay Wade Bailey, that yellow 471 bridge and the Purple People Bridge... if you are giving me directions, I suggest you use these terms)

2Remember, cute, not simple...

 

Mission: Alms Park

Alms, Park, or The Frederick H. Alms Memorial Park is located on Mt. Tusculum and it offers what Colleen thinks to be the best view of the Ohio River.  The spot which offers the most amazing view was originally called  "Bald Hill” because local Native Americans cleared the trees so that they would have an unobstructed view of early settlers of "Columbia."

The 94-acre land was given to the Cincinnati Park Board in 1916 as a memorial to Mr. Alms and his wife.  The land was previously owned by Nicholas Longworth (not an unfamiliar name in the Queen City).  Mr. Longworth produced his Catawba wine in this spot before the Civil War.

What Karen Said: It is a really beautiful setting.  The view is gorgeous.  The cute boys running, always a plus.  I am more a fan of Ault, because I have spent more time there, but Alms is also a wonderful place to pop a squat and enjoy a beautiful day.

What Colleen Said:  As previously mentioned, Alms is one of my most favorite parks in Cincinnati.  I just adore the view and the awesome cement slide is beyond rad.  (However, when Karen and I visited, it appeared to be under construction.)  As a child, I was convinced that it would be at Alms that I finally would swing over the top of the swing bars , or break my arm jumping off of one... luckily for me, neither happened.  Now, Alms, is one of my favorite spots to spread a blanket, and munch of some curry chicken salad and discuss how depressing the upcoming Bengals' season will really be...

Mission:Ault Park

Ault Park is located in Hyde Park at 3600 Observatory Avenue. The park is about 224 acres and according to the Cincinnati Parks' website, it is one of the best places to observe Cincinnati's unique ancient geology. 
Ault Park is the fourth largest park in Cincinnati and is named in memory of Ida May Ault and Levi Addison Ault, her husband, a former Park Commissioner who was prominently active in Cincinnati Parks development.  The gardens areas have been redesigned a number of times (budget cuts, lack of volunteers to help with upkeep) to bring them to their current landscape and design.. In 1980 the board organized an Adopt-A-Plot garden at Ault. The effort was successful. This concept soon won national recognition with the selection of the Adopt-A-Plot Garden for the first place trophy in the 1983 Daniel Flaherty Park Excellence Award competition presented by the Chicago Park District and the Great Lakes Park Institute.The original Pavilion was dedicated in 1930 and from the photos you can find was beautiful.  It unfortunately fell into ruins in the 60's and was not fully renovated to its current beauty until sometime in the late 80's.  Which includes the cascading fountain, which we shouldn't play in but its too fun not to.




What Karen Said: When I first moved to Cincinnati I lived on Saybrook Avenue which dead ends into just about the backside of Ault Park.  I took full advantage of this especially once I got my dog Bernie.  We would trounce through the woods, play in the big rain puddles and make our way up into the park to socialize and play with all the neighborhood folks.  I have enjoyed picnics, observed Tai Chi workouts and quite a few weddings and watched many a private plane take off and/or land at Lunken Airport.  I would run up and down the hills into the park regularly with my running friends (that's a good workout) and or just walk around and see all of the beautiful colors of the flowers.  The ride into the park via Observatory Avenue, during the early spring when those big trees are all in bloom, is one of the most beautiful park entries I have experienced.  I love it up there and will still take the dogs to walk around from tine to time.  I know for sure there is an upcoming hiking trip with Janelle which I am looking forward to.  I really, really miss living up there. 

Lizardy Thingy

What Colleen Said:  Oh, Ault Park... Ault is a gorgeous place.  It is full of flowers, crannies, views, birds, rabbits, people running, overpriced SUVs, and surprisingly lizardy things.  Ault Park has a distinctly different feeling for me, as I incorporate many a high school memory with Ault Park.  It is where I learned that you are not supposed to be in the park at 2 AM, and lacrosse practice is not nearly as much fun, when you can see some of your friend hanging out across the park.  However, you can teach old jaded women new things... I didn't know Ault Park had trails, and now I am intrigued.

Mission: Zip's Cafe

Established in 1926, Zip's Cafe uses meat from Bleh-Avril & Sons, Inc to create its delicious burgers.

What Karen Said: Yey, Zip's.  It had been a while and honestly I didn't remember the burger being as good as it was on this day. I guess after serving burgers for 80+ years you must being doing it right.   Zip's is simply a cool joint with good food and fun times.  Look at all the awards it has won:

FOOD NETWORK
"Cheap Eats"

CITY BEAT
For the 10th year in a row, Zip's Cafe is proud to accept CityBeat's 2007 "Best Burger & Fries" award. Also awarded to us this year from CityBeat and it's readers was the "Best Cheap Eats" award. Thank you Cincinnati, thank you CityBeat and thank you to our patrons for the continued support over the last 80 years!!

CityBeat Best Of Website
2003 Best Burgers
2000 Best Cheap Eats
2000 Best Burger & Fries
1999 Best Burger & Fries

CINCINNATI MAGAZINE
Best Restaurants Issue
Best Non-chain Fast Food

Nobody can say for sure what makes Zip's so special.  It has to be a perfect combination of atmosphere, service, regulars, the circling train overhead...  Whatever it is, everyone near enough to visit should do so and enjoy it.  I will certainly be back!  (Oh and hearing Colleens stories, although maybe for the 5-6th time, made the visit all that much better!)

What Colleen Said:  Zip's holds a very special place in my heart.  Granted, I did not grow up in Mt. Lookout, but I spent a lot of time in the area as a kid.  I have an extremely distinct memory of my childhood best friend Kathleen and I getting changed from our Summit Country Day soccer uniforms into costumes (Kathleen dressed as a flapper and I think I was a pack of lifesavors) in the tiny bathroom at Zip's so we wouldn't be late to Katie W's birthday party.  Also, my dad would help me learn to count and understand time better (this is not apparent in any of my standardized test math scores), by counting and timing how long it took the train that circles the restaurant above to complete one full rotation.   I have many memories of Zip's and there is no doubt it is one my treasured Cincinnati spots.  If you haven't been there, go... and maybe ask someone at the table next to you (or at your own table) if they have any Zip's stories.  It is just that kind of place.

Mission: Norwood Indian Mound

There isn't a whole lot of information out there on this mission.  The following are things that we have found:

According to Wikipedia: "The Norwood Mound is a historic mound in Norwood, Ohio, United States. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on May 2, 1974. It is located in Tower Park at 656 ft above sea level. That site is the highest land elevation in Norwood and one of the highest elevations in all of southwest Ohio. It is believed the burial mound was built at that site due to the high elevation."

Well, that's about all the information we found.  Please, if you have additional information, we would greatly appreciate it.



What Colleen Said: Now, if you didn't know it was there, you probably wouldn't notice this, but I think that is probably intentional.  I know if I had an Indian burial spot in my backyard, I would not want a ton of people to know.  I would prefer that my backyard didn't receive a ton of visitors.  I mean, that would seriously put a damper on all that topless sunbathing (I don't sunbathe, and I certainly don't go topless, this is a joke.)  However, I did know about this place because of a teacher of mine in high school that was highly fascinated by the American Indians.  We went here on a field trip.  I remember being less than impressed at the age of 17, and still, at 29, while I think it is pretty neat, the fact that there isn't any easily accessible information makes me a bit sad.  It is still quite interesting, regardless of its diminutive size.  I mean, a long long time ago, people built this thing... the tree that is currently growing out of it wasn't there, and certainly the view from the top looked very different.  Did the people that built this ever expect someone hundreds of years later to be wondering about them?


What Karen Said:  Difficulty in being able to find location - mild to high.   Level of interest -  high.   Level of creepy - super high!  I mean are there Indian ruins buried under right our feet?  If so, I would think they don't want us running a muck on their sacred mound.  I guess this is why the location is not advertised as a "site" to see and unless you know someone who knows someone who might know something about this, you wouldn't know.  At 656ft above sea level we imagined it was probably used as a lookout (the view 100's of years ago probably allowed for a 365degree view of the entire region) and provided a level of protection and comfort.  I wonder what type of worshiping, rituals and festivities took place here?  Do any of the adjacent home owners have experiences with ghosts or spirits?  I wish we could find some more information.  If you have any, please comment and enlighten us.

Mission: Piatt Park

Piatt Park is the oldest park in Cincinnati, established in 1817.  It is located between Elm Street and Vine Street on Garfield Place (also known as 8th Street).  The land was granted to the city in 1817 by a Feberal Circuit Judge and father of a Civil War general.  Benjamin M. Piatt expected the land to be used to a market space, and it's original name was Eighth Street Park in 1868, but in 1940 it was given the name of Piatt Park.  However, it is most commonly known as the Garfield Park.

What Colleen Said:  My first job after college was right across the street from Piatt Park.  I had no idea that the name of it was Piatt Park, nor did I really know that it was considered a park.  I just thought it was a pretty oasis in the middle of downtown.  When Karen and I visited Piatt Park, it was rainy and cold.  I was in no mood to walk around, so I can't really share any experience of the park from that point of view... however, when I worked for an attorney on 8th Street I would often have to run errands, and I do have a different memory of a rainy day right in front of the statue of Garfield (see above).  That particular day, I was wearing high heels and while they were quite cute, they were not so conducive for the walking and running that I often needed to do.  That rainy afternoon I had the unfortunate luck of having the heel of my shoe get stuck in a crack, and the other heel slide on the wet pavement.  My arms were winding as if I were one of those tacky birds people put on their roofs to help them remember that it is windy, but regardless of my attempt at flight, I face planted in the street.  My further luck would have it was a busy day at both the law office and downtown... so many individuals saw my pink clad butt fly gracelessly across 8th and Vine, and then the rest of the day I had to explain to people that I was not skilled at walking when they asked why my skirt was ripped and why my face was bleeding. 


What Karen Said:  Well  - It is quite a small area, in the middle of downtown, and if you didn't know it was considered a park and were unfamiliar with the definition of Park:
(An area of land set aside for public use, as:

1. A piece of land with few or no buildings within or adjoining a town, maintained for recreational and ornamental purposes.
2. A landscaped city square.

you would miss the fact that it is indeed a Park. And the oldest one in Cincinnati. I had been here before, more than once, and of course noticed the area.  But until we went to explore I was unaware of the significance.  We didnt stay long since it was rainy and gross but I imagine the space is full of down-towners on any nice spring, summer or fall day enjoy their lunch for a minute before returning to work.

Mission: Findlay Market

According to Findlay Market's website it is a "living landmark." Interestingly enough, Findlay Market, located in Over the Rhine, is Ohio's oldest continuously operated public market, and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) on June 5, 1972.  Cincinnati once had nine markets, but Findlay Market is the only that stands today.  The market was founded in 1852 on land that was donated by the estate of General James Findlay and his wide Jane Irwin Findlay. 
What Karen Said: Cold, rainy and just an overall gross morning to be out exploring.  But once we got to the Market and ordered some coffee - mine served with an extra dollop of love - we felt better and started to walk about and check things out.  Now, we had a list of things we were going to be doing before heading home so I didnt want to buy anything that I was unable to refrigerate for a while but I tell you I could have stared at the displays of cheese for hours and hours and hours.  I am very fond of cheese.  I have been to the market on previous occasions and have indulged in specialty cheeses, sausages and breads.  Always delicious!  Although it was rainy, the patrons were out in force most of them enjoying some delightful looking waffle thing covered in berries and whipped cream.  Not a sweets girl, even I stopped and said "wow that looks amazing."  I can not wait for my next visit and absolutely returning home happy, with lots of cheese!  Yey - Findlay Market.

Coffee served with love at Findlay Market

What Colleen Said:  It was rainy and gross when Karen and I went to Findlay Market, which was a bit of a let down.  Normally any excuse I get to shop is a highlight for me, but I was cold, sleepy, and wet... the only cure for that is coffee.  Lucky for everyone we encountered, there is coffee at Findlay Market, so once the vanilla latte was in my hand, things were certainly much better.  I have been to Findlay Market numerous times before, often going down on a Sunday or Saturday to buy some fresh produce.  Once there I see what the people have, buy a few things (including some yummy cheese), and get home and create the rest of my grocery list based on the wonderful goodies I picked up at Findlay.  This time I didn't buy any cheese, or sausage, or fudge, or green beans, or even a tomato... but don't worry faithful Findlay I'll be back.

Mission: Pete Rose Way

Okay, we aren't going to even try to act like this was "Mission Impossible."  We drove downtown and made a slight detour to drive on Pete Rose Way.  For those of you not so familiar with who this magical Pete Rose might be, here is a quick little biography.  Pete Rose is an Aries and played baseball who has the unfortunate moniker of "Charlie Hustle."  As a switch hitter (seriously, this is evidently a baseball term and is not slang for any of his extracurricular activities), he is the all-time Major League leader in hits, hitting a massive 4,256.  Additionally, he leads in number of games played, 3,562, at bats, a whopping 14,053, and outs, 10,328.  As a player, something he and Karen have in common, he won three world series, three batting titles, a Most Valuable Player Award, two Gold Gloves, the Rookie of the Year Award, and he made 17 All-Star appearances playing five different positions.  More importantly, Colleen had actually heard of him and would be able to pick him out in a crowd.  Very few baseball players have the privilege of that!

However, with all that fame, magical awesomeness, and obviously being a baseball legend, the Rosey player is missing from the Baseball Hall of Fame (thankfully a place that Karen and Colleen do not have to visit) for gambling on baseball.   

At least there is a street named after him... even if he doesn't get a plaque in Cooperstown.

What Karen Said:  I have to admit, I am not much of a baseball fan.  I find it boring as hell to watch either live or on TV and the beer is way to expensive to drink enough at the stadium to care even a little.  People watching is sometimes fun.  My dad, however, was pretty into it.  Like most dads I figure.  Therefore, I grew up knowing exactly who Pete Rose was and how important he was to the game, just from hanging with dad.  And although this is just a street we had to drive on, and it really is just a short little street, driving on it made me think of my dad and that made me smile.  I think Mr. Rose should absolutely have his moment of induction into the famed hall.  Its been long enough, allow his greatness to be recognized.  Love you and miss you tons Dad.

What Colleen Said:  It's a street.  It wasn't that magical.  I wish it were.  I wish I could say unicorns came and greeted us, and my car filled with Skittles, but nothing happened.  Maybe it was magical that I didn't get a ticket as Karen was hanging out the side of my car trying to get a picture.  Maybe.

Sunday June 19, expected plans

So, in an effort to get a few things crossed off of our list Karen and Colleen have set up a little bit of a tour day.  Please feel free to join us.  If you are interested, please contact us through the website or cincyquest@gmail.com, karen.cincyquest@gmail.com, or colleen.cincyquest@gmail.com.

This is our plan/itinerary.

10AM: Drive Pete Rose Way

10:20: Findlay Market (It opens at 10 on Sundays)

11:15: Piatt Park, downtown

12:15: Norwood Indian Mound

1:15: Zips Cafe for lunch... 

2:00: Alt Park and Alms Park in Hyde Park

Mission: Black-n-Bluegrass RollerGirls

The Black-n-Bluegrass RollerGirls (BBRG) started in May of 2006.  The skater-owned organization has two teams and competes in leagues throughout the Midwest.  If you are unfamiliar with contemporary roller derby, don't worry, what we have learned is that most people are unfamiliar with the sport.  Basically, the game is an American-invented contact sport.  Two teams compete on an oval track with five players from each team skating around the track.  Points are scored when a designated player from each team (the jammer) laps a player from the opposing team, during a two minute time period, called a jam.

What Colleen Said: This was my first experience with roller derby.  As a child, I remember watching a bit of roller derby on television after I watched the Hulk do some moves and I was hoping I would get to see Nitro, Blaze, Turbo, and Thunder break things down on American Gladiators.  But, this was different from my memories.  It lived up to expectations of tough looking Cyndi Lauper-esque women in skates hip checking each other, but what thrilled me more than anything were the names.  After watching women named Scary Garcia, Rose The  Riv-hit-her, Honey Bunny, Kung FU Hussy (who I actually know), and Billie Bitchslap, wear tights and helmets and cruise the "rink" I realized that this is a sport where a lady can make her own name, a woman can become someone completely different!  She can reinvent herself.  And I went on a mission.  I began rattling off names for Karen (HellRazer) and others and trying to come up with new ones... "If Britney Spears did roller derby, what would her name be?"  I myself decided I wasn't filled with enough hate to make mine tough, but would rock out the leprechaun that I hold deep inside and turn into a shamrock toting, Emerald Isle promoting lady from Cincinnati... Ladies and Gentlemen, meet Paddy O'Nati. Additionally, there was a woman dressed as a smurf there and a guy in a neon yellow jumpsuit.  If anything, people watching at the BBRG proved exciting.   

What Karen Said:
Hilarious and fun.  It took a little while until I understood what was going on but eventually I was completely entertained.  These "outfitted" ladies are tough and ready and know exactly what needs to be done.  Whether running the jam or blocking the run they were all about the game and ready to win!  Lots of crazy hand motions that could be interpreted many ways became visuals to watch for as a stop the jam, score a point, time out sort of understanding. We laughed and cheered and found ourselves wanting to "get it" just a bit more.  I was entertained by their yellow and black polka dot panties and watching their coach - Spyder, a friend, exuberant on the side lines calling the plays.  I was not sure what to expect but the Drew Barrymore film, Whip It, was a little scorched in my mind, however there was no elevated track to throw the ladies over.  More of a duct tape line on the floor to not foul.  I think the "railing" would be much more intense and entertaining.  That's just me.

I was super happy to have gone to experience this and I hope our friend Kristin, a former Riverside Roller Lady, has the courage to get back out there and try out for the Black and Bluegrass.  If she does I will absolutely go and watch more "derby" moments.  AND I look forward to seeing the Cincinnati girls Kick some Ass!

Mission: Dixie Chili

Dixie Chili was founded in 1929 by Nicholas D. Sarakatsannis, whom is affectionately referred to as “Papa Nick.”  Nick immigrated to the United States from Greece and originally worked at Empress Chili, the original Cincinnati-style chili parlor.  Soon, he decided he wanted to make his own recipe and open his own restaurant.  Dixie Chili opened his first location in Newport Kentucky (which is why we chose the Monmouth location), and now also operates two other locations (Covington and Erlanger), and additionally distributes a canned version of the chili in some select supermarkets.  He passed down the business to his sons, George, Chris, Panny, and Spiros.  

What Colleen said: I actually had never been to a Dixie Chili.  I had walked by this location about 80 bagillion times, but had never gone inside.  My boyfriend used to live a few blocks away and we would often walk down Monmouth to the Levee, or to Newport Pizza Company.  The menu was pretty much what I expected, coneys (chili and cheese over a hot dog), three ways (chili and cheese over spaghetti), a few deli sandwhiches, but a gyro!?!  Granted, I get it... the chili is Greek, and I completely welcome the gyro, so I ordered one in addition to my coney, no onions and my make-me-happy-red-cream-soda.  I was pleasantly surprised with all accounts.  As of now, I am still a Skyline girl, but I am not discounting Dixie Chili.  Saying I prefer Skyline is like saying I prefer Diet Dr. Pepper, while I may prefer it, I will still happily drink and purchase Diet Coke, Diet Pepsi and most of their friends.

 
What Karen said:  It is done and off the LIST.  I think I can say with certainty this was the first and only time I will eat at a Dixie Chili.  Not saying it was bad or good - it just was what is was, weird Cincinnati chili with way to much cheese (Seriously - WAY to much cheese).  Just not my thing!  Next?

Mission: Union Terminal

On, Friday, June 3, 2011, Karen and Colleen went to see the Cleopatra exhibit at the Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal.  This was the first of many many many adventures to come. 


What Colleen said:  Okay, so it was a museum exhibit, and it was totally cool.  I could have done without the 900 women talking about their husbands and bumping in to me, but for the most part the caddy women were well behaved.  I was kinda obsessed with one specific artifact.  There was what appeared to be a version of a baby bottle, or some sort of cup with a nipple on it.  Why this interests me?  I don't know.  Sure, the coins and mega statues were super interesting, but I expected that, I didn't expect to see a nipple cup.  Overall, the exhibit was pretty cool.  I'm happy we went. 

What Karen said:  Agreed, it was totally cool.  Lots of general information most would already know about the mysterious Queen of the Nile but lots that I learned as well.  Watching how they are able to recreate the original coast lines from thousands of years ago, using all of the underwater technology available today, was incredible.  It is really fun to hear about their decadent and lavish lifestyles.  They were certainly the party animals of their day.  There was a reference about a "Den of Sin" - I think I need to explore if I have any direct ties to this lineage.  Overall, happy to have experienced this.  It was a nice evening.

Karen and Colleen at Union Terminal

The List ("Churches" and Parks)

 Churches (places of worship)

Saint Peter in Chains Cathedral
Plum Street Temple
Cathedral Basilica
Immaculata Church
Isaac M. Wise Temple

Parks (traditional parks, forests, nature preserves, etc)

Winton Woods Park
Mt. Echo Park
Pyramid Park/Sculpture Hill
Mt. Airy Forest
Stonelick Lake
Big Bone Lick Park
Sawyer Point
Sharon Woods
French Park
Ault Park/Alms Park
Piatt Park
Caldwell Nature Preserve

The List (Other Noteworthies)

(corporations, businesses, Cincinnati-isms)

5/3 Bank
P&G
GE
Meet a famous Cincinnatian

The List (Arts and Entertainment)

(museums, music, art)

Creationism Museum
Fire Museum
Jimmy Buffet
Walton Creek Theater
Cincinnati Pops
20th Century Theater
Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park
Cincinnati Opera
Cincinnati Ballet
Bootsey Collins
Revel in Cincinnati music (Foxy Shazam, Over the Rhine, Heartless Bastards, etc)
Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal (Museum of Natural History)
Taft Museum of Art
American Sign Museum
Verdin Bell and Clock Museum
Rosenthal Center for Contemporary Art

The List (Physical Activities)

Get Physical!

Drive through for beer
Drive on Pete Rose Way
Subway (take a tour of the subway)
Go to parade-opening day or pride?
Drive the 275 loop in one run
Cincinnati Brewery Tour (www.CincinnatiBreweryTours.com)
Ice Skate at Fountain Square
Oktoberfest - Chicken dance
Flying Pig (oh dear Lord, do we have to?)
Anderson Ferry - take a ride
Bull at Bobby Macke's
Kayak/Canoe one of the rivers
Drive the Roebling
Church festival
Greek Festival (Panegyri at Holy Trinity - St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church
Perfect North Slopes
Find a Glendale Black Squirrel
Buckeye Tree, find one
Go to a Party in the Park at Sawyer Point
Hang on Sloopy... dance...
Listen to a concert from a boat
Local politics, volunteer
Bowling
Cornhole
B&B River Boats
Tribute to Cincinnati's presidents
CocoKey Water Resort
Metro, take a ride
Tank, take a ride
Ride horses
County Fair (Grant County has one)
River Walk, talk a walk
Tribute WKRP somehow
Pay respect to Robert Maplethorpe in an unCincinati way

The List (Sports)

(local sporting events or team related)
Red's game
Bengal's game
XU game (does not have to be basketball)
UC game (does not have to be basketball and keep in mind Colleen is forbidden to root for UC basketball based on family obligations)
Crosstown shootout
NKU sporting event
High school football game or rival game
Cincinnati Masters
Cincinnati Cyclones game
Cincinnati Roller Derby
Black and Bluegrass Roller Derby
River Monsters game
Florence Freedom game

The List (Places)

Kroger
Morelein Lager House (scheduled to open Fall 2011)
Jungle Jims
Adath Israel Cemetary
Buell Road
Top of Carew Tower
Loveland Bike Trail
Cornell Place Apartments
Dent School House
Fountain Square
Spring Grove Cemetary
The Country Hearth Hotel
The Beach
Buffalo Ridge
Hustler Store
Lick Road
Satan's Hollow (what is this?)
Henke Winer
Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens
Woodstone Creek Winery
Newport Aquarium
King's Island
Picture in front of Florence Ya'll
Vinoklet Winery
Jerry Springer's old house
Meir's Wine Cellars Inc
The site of the Beverly Hill Supper Club
Rozzi's Famous Fireworks
Union Terminal
Spring Grove Cemetery
Findlay Market
Observatory
Khron's Convservatory
Riverdown's
Turfway
Riverbend
Coney Island and Sunlight Pool
Touchdown Jesus (is it gone, did they build a new one?)
Purple People Bridge
KY Speedway
The Ingalls Building
National Underground Railroad Freedom Center
Norwood Indian Mound
Loveland Castle
Casino (Belterra -Florence, IN; Hollywood - Aurora, IN; Horseshoe at Broadway Commons in 2012)
Harriet Beecher Stowe House
"400 Oak Street, Cincinnati, OH"
Rosenthal Center for Contemporary Art
Hauck House
Aronoff
US Bank Arena
Esquire
Visit the 7 Hills of Cincinnati

The List (Food)

UDF
Zips
Terry's Turf Club
Graeter's
Habit's Cafe
Washington Platform Saloon
Skyline
Mecklenburg Gardens
Goldstar
Greyhound Tavern
Mount Carmel Brewery
Stengers
Beehive Tavern (Augusta, KY)
Empress Chili
Arnold's Bar and Grill
Mill Street Manner
Capri Pizza
Grafton's
Drink Christian Morelein Beer
Scotti's
Shuller's Wigwam
The Golden Lamb
Larosa's
Lenhardt's & Christy's
Blue Ash Chli
Green Derby
Buy Chiquita Bananas
Goetta
Anchor Grille
Frisch's
Grippo's
Church Fish Fry
Northside Tavern
Haps
Price Hill Chili
Camp Washington Chili
Dixie Chili and Deli
Revolving restaurant
Eat a buckeye candy
Busken
Servatti's
The Pepper Pod
Hussman Potato Chips
Montgomery Inn
Ludlow Bromley Yacht Club (LBYC)
Pompillio's
Blue Whisp

About Colleen

Hello, as the native Cincinnatian on this quest and clearly the one that thinks that Cincinnati is not completely worthless, I am excited about this trek.

A little background on me:  I was born in Cincinnati and like most natives, I have tried to leave, but something about the appeal of asking someone where they went to high school is just too great for me to leave this river town.  I did go away for college (Wisconsin), but after I walked across the stage in that unflattering black grown, I found myself packing up my tiny car and venturing back south to Cincinnati.

Currently, I live in Mainstrasse Village, and for some reason it dives me crazy when people pronounce a "sah" at the end of "Mainstrasse."  Sure, it might be actually pronounced that way, but I have never heard anyone who actually lives there pronounce it that way.  I live with my two cats, Cassie and Oscar.  They are my furry companions and I fear that they may mutliply and I might just become "That Crazy Cat Woman" people already think I am.

When I am not jumping around the city from one thrilling adventure to another, I can be found dreaming of floating in my hot pink kayak, attempting to find rhythm (this is going to be a life long battle), and planning parties with over-the-top themes.  I tend to get a bit carried away with things (note this blog), but I like to face a challenge.

If there are things on our list that we have yet to mention, please do not hesitate to email Karen or myself.  Now, I'm off to see the city, meet us out if you'd like.

Cheers!

To email Colleen directly, please use Colleen.CincyQuest.@gmail.com

About Karen

This is Karen's Bio Spot.

Hey everyone - thanks for stopping by and checking out our quest.  We are really looking forward to the adventure.

Unlike Colleen, I am not from this part of the country.  I was born and raised on Long Island, NY and came to Cincinnati (back in 2002) via Las Vegas - which is all just a bit crazy in itself.  As you can imagine this was boy related.  Happily, there is no longer the boy - but I am still here.  After getting a taste of the cost of living in this neck of the woods, how could I possibly go back to NY?  So I decided to stay, bought an old house in NKY, got a few dogs and made some great friends.  I am very fond of my house, my dogs and my friends but I never took a complete liking to the conservative nature of Cincinnati and its surrounding areas.  I would much rather be living in some mountainous state!

So in a slightly drunken state Colleen (maybe she was not so drunk) decided since we were here, and who knows for how much longer, we would go on a quest to explore and learn and see what we could find to do to enjoy our time here.  And born was our LIST! 

It should be fun and I am sure a bit of a pain in the ass.  But as you get to know Colleen and I better you will quickly understand that it will, WITHOUT A DOUBT, be entertaining and full of laughs.  For us and for you followers.

I am committed to see this list through so we hope to hear from you with your ideas and meet you out and about the neighborhood.

See you soon!

To reach Karen directly, you may email her at Karen.CincyQuest.@gmail.com

The Rules

RULES 

(that we will probably break and bend)

1. Do as many things in the allotted time of 3 years, finish the list by June 1, 2014 
2. Take a picture or have “proof” of the event, with ticket stub, signature, etc
3.  If event is unable to be captured or finished (ie, Am I really going to be able to do The Flying Pig?) a valid attempt must be made and parties must agree on it (ie, If we are injured or unable to complete or compete in The Flying Pig, we must at least watch or volunteer at the event)
4. If possible, the original site, oldest known location, or most iconic location should be visited (try to find the original Skyline, or the Clifton Skyline – at Ludlow and Clifton Ave might suffice) 
5. Try everything! (Colleen is exempt from rooting for UC basketball based on family obligations)

Cincy Quest, What is This?

I should probably go ahead and introduce myself, and my fellow conquest companion.  My name is Colleen and her name is Karen.  (We will have bios soon, but please bare with us until we get this blog going/running/up/rockin',etc) 

Our goal... to do everything Cincinnati, and share it with you.

It may sound crazy.  Either you are on Team Karen and you think, WHAT!  So, you are going to eat some chili and do some sort of chicken dance and call it a day.  Well, that won't take very long.  Or, you are on Team Colleen, where you think, sure Cincinnati has its faults, but there is A TON to do in this city.  So, that is what we are doing. 

I (Colleen) say, "Don't knock it, until you try it..." and Karen, always the pessimist says, "Prove it!"

So, here we are... off to do and try EVERYTHING this city has to offer.  We are going to research and do anything we think defines or says something about the history or future of this city.  We currrently have a pretty extensive list, but we will be adding to the list.  And please, if you have suggestions, do not hesitate to contact us at CincyQuest@gmail.com, or post a message to us on our blog. 
We hope to see you out and about, and let the quest begin!