tourism Archives - Jen is on a Journey

4 Things to See in Cincinnati

July 8, 2020 by The Mom Jen Leave a Comment

Cincinnati isn’t a city that gets a lot of love when it comes to attractions and entertainment options. The city is often overshadowed by bigger cities on the coasts, and Cincinnati rarely comes up in conversations. The Queen City is also often overshadowed by other Midwestern cities, as cities like Chicago, Cleveland, and Milwaukee are often discussed much more often. Despite all that, Cincinnati has many sights that both residents and tourists can take advantage of. So if you’ve just closed on one of the Cincinnati houses for sale and are looking for some sights to see on the weekend, what are your options? Here are some of the top things to see while in Cincinnati.

Cincinnati Art Museum
A great thing to see while in Cincinnati is the Cincinnati Art Museum, an institution with hundreds of great pieces on display. The Cincinnati Art Museum is one of the oldest and most historic public museums in the entire country, and they deliver extremely high-quality exhibits. The museum covers over 18,000 square feet, housing all sorts of different paintings and sculptures that will keep you enthralled. One of the most famous exhibits in the museum is the two adoring angels made by famous Italian sculptor Odoardo Fantacchioti, a truly great masterpiece. If you’re looking for some great sights in Cincinnati, try looking at the exhibits at the Cincinnati Art Museum.

Great American Ballpark
One of the main attractions of Cincinnati is its home baseball team, the Reds. The Reds are one of the oldest organizations in Major League Baseball, as they were established in 1882. The Reds are essentially synonymous with the city of Cincinnati at this point, as they have represented the city for so long. Great American Ballpark was built in 2003 to be a new home for the Reds, and the team has used the ballpark ever since. Spending a day at Great American Ballpark is always a blast, as you get to experience a great day of baseball. There’s nothing more fun than spending the day with family watching America’s pastime, as it truly is the perfect family activity. If you’re looking for some beautiful sights and a great time, catching a Reds game is the perfect way to do it.

Cincinnati Zoo
The Cincinnati Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in the United States and has long been a staple of Cincinnati entertainment. The zoo has several great exhibits with all different sorts of animals including lions, cheetahs, crocodiles, and monkeys. You’ve probably heard of the Cincinnati Zoo, since the zoo gained infamy in 2016 with the shooting of one of their gorillas. A young child snuck its way into the exhibit, prompting the zoo’s security to shoot the gorilla known as Harambe to protect the child’s life. Even with the incident, the zoo has remained strong and is still a top entertainment destination for those in the Queen City. If you’re looking for some great sights in Cincinnati, try viewing the amazing animal exhibits on display at the Cincinnati Zoo.

Smale Riverfront Park
If you’re ever in Cincinnati and want to get away from the bustling city life, then taking a visit to Smale Riverfront Park may be a great option for you. The park is great for the whole family, as it is the perfect place to take a nice afternoon stroll. You can also see some gorgeous views of the river, making it the perfect place to picnic by. Kids will especially love coming to the park, as it has several playgrounds and water activities for them to enjoy. There’s just so much family fun to be had in Smale Riverfront Park that it absolutely has to be high up on your places to visit.

Partnered Post

Oahu Excursions: MaiTa’i Catamaran Sail Review

September 22, 2011 by The Mom Jen 1 Comment

Oahu Excursions: MaiTai’i Catamaran Sail Review

My kids have never been on a sail boat. Their faces lit up when we told them we were going to go out on a Catamaran, just before they asked, “what’s a Catamaran?” A vessel (as a sailboat) with twin hulls and usually a deck or superstructure connecting the hulls is what my husband mustered up for the kids, I continued to say sailboat. With a beach-side boarding, you’ll find the infamous green sails of MaiTa’i Catamaran on Waikiki Beach between the Halekulani Hotel and Sheraton Waikiki Hotel. With seating for 47 passengers, we were eager for this trip our whole family could enjoy!

Boarding barefoot in the sand and water, you are greeted by a fun crew who are full of great information and will keep the 90 minute Tradewind Sail exciting and memorable! My son who gets a tad motion sick was prepared with his Dramamine and we all found some great seats. Drinks are extra and cash only, so if you are inclined don’t forget your money. We took the 11am sail so that we could get off and head straight to lunch and still have out day ahead of us. Plus, it was the coolest time of day, we wanted to avoid getting over heated.

Surprise, the cool breeze, the water spraying you over the edge, you are anything but hot on this Cat! What an adventure, with the speed of the boat picking up after we coasted out past the surfers, the kids eyes widened and the views were phenomenal. We headed south past Diamond Head and got such incredible pictures, we almost felt we visited the crater (which we never got to). The waters turned from aqua to aquamarine to turquoise, to royal then deep blue and still so clear that we saw sea turtles, fish, and even flying fish miles out!

We all could move about the boat, though we could not sit on the trampolines like my husband and I did on another island’s sail. But, at the very front tip, the younger kids and my husband sat and enjoy the breeze and cool water splash them like the best water ride ever! I sat back with my oldest (who now takes Dramamine on boats!) and shot photos.

With my cell phone camera securely packed away, we used our digital Canon and tried to keep it dry. A compartment area between seats could hold items, so when the water sprayed harder I kept my camera in that area. With sliding around and a few huge splashes, the holding area filled with water and soaked my Canon. It has since succumbed to the water, but luckily we rescued the SD card with all our photos! If you can purchase a waterproof camera for this excursion, I’d suggest it!

The sail was amazing and the kids thought it was incredible. For 90 minutes and $28/aduults $14/children (12 & under), and children under 3 are free, it’s a really reasonable excursion your family can enjoy on Oahu!

Tickets were complimentary, all opinions are our own.

Oahu: Touring Pearl Harbor and the Battleship Missouri

September 12, 2011 by The Mom Jen 2 Comments

During a time many are remembering the lives lost a decade ago on 9/11/2001, we are sneaking up to the seventieth anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor on the island of Oahu. During our recent trip to Hawaii, my husband and I knew the plan to visit the memorial was a must as history buffs and as Americans. How would the kids feel about the experience, even they were infants and toddlers when the Trade Center attacks occurred, they know only what they’ve learned in school. It was a experience we knew we all would appreciate if not immediately, down the road.

Arriving at Pearl Harbor that morning, we immediately got our tickets for the USS Arizona Memorial tour. Starting every 15 minutes from 7:45am-3pm daily, we had 11:30am tickets and it only being 10am, we had time to tour the visitor’s center. We explored the museum which gave a graphic and written timeline of the fateful day, December 7, 1941. For my older two children who had a million questions, they were able to tour the museum, use the interactive videos and monitors, and literally read the walls all about the decade of deteriorating relations between Japan and the US that led up to the attack.

There is a whole building of the prelude to the war, then a second that encompasses the very day. Both areas hold different aspects that made an impact on our family. My youngest, at 5 saw the model of the memorial and could already visualize what we were about to experience, “is this the underwater part that sunk?” My husband remembers the draft of Roosevelt’s “Day that will live in Infamy” speech and his personal handwritten edits, my children and I remember the decoder machine that gives you the feeling of how close they were to interpreting the Japanese communication, to be more prepared for the upcoming events. That combined with the radar signals they picked up that was enemy though they didn’t have the full capacity to interpret, just gives you the heartbreaking feeling, and realization how far communication and technology has just come. Resonating with us most, the question my oldest asked, “why does war even have to happen, it’s stupid.” Not a question easily answered.

Once you begin the tour, which is free, you enter a theater and listen to a National Park Service ranger talk you to about Memorial etiquette. Then a 23 minute documentary film is presented on the attack on Pearl Harbor. Immediately after the film, visitors board a Navy shuttle boat to the memorial. The USS Arizona is the final resting place for many of the ship’s 1177 crewmen who lost their lives, the 184-foot-long memorial structure is truly awe-inspiring. It spans the mid-part of the sunken battleship in 3 sections, the entry and assembly rooms with flags representing the states and the armed forces. The central area is designated for ceremonies and the ability to observe the parts of the ship under the water as well as the oil that still surfaces to this day from the ship. In the back, the shrine stands powerful as well as sad where the names of those killed on Arizona are engraved in the marble wall.

Battleship Missouri

Also in the harbor you’ll find the Battleship Missouri, first launched in 1944, it’s final decommission was back in 1992. A memorial to all those who have served our Nation, you can explore the ship with all of it’s physical characteristics of her service still intact. “Knee-knockers” and “head-bangers” abound on the ship while you still need to ascend or descend ladders facing the steps.

Aboard you can take the walking tour as we did on our own pace through the main deck touring the most famous aspects of a ship. Below deck you’ll find the reality of life at sea which we all enjoyed. The quad bunks stood out to my younger two kids who share a two-bed bunk, also you see the cafeteria style dining commons and rooms and areas where seaman would spend their free time playing checkers or cards. “A library? Computers?!” Yes, kids remember the ship was last used in the early 90’s so you will see some sort of technology relateable to what our young family knows.

My son’s highlight was the command and control centers of the ship as well as the Captain’s quarters, not to mention posing with a machine gun. A contrast to the Arizona Memorial, we had a chance to recover some of the sad feelings for a bit to enjoy the fascinating Missouri. Also sensing the pride of the seeing the signed document ending the end of WWII and Japan’s surrender on the deck by MacArthur.

My kids still talk about Pearl Harbor and the Battleship Missouri experience as well as ask questions, memories were made on this experience and was a huge impact on our vacation.
Our tickets for the Missouri were hosted, all opinions are our own.

OHANA Waikiki Malia Resort Review

September 8, 2011 by The Mom Jen Leave a Comment

When choosing a location to stay on the island of Oahu with your family, the OHANA Waikiki Malia is a wonderful choice. Located in the heart of Honolulu, just a 15 minute walk to the beach, and 5 minutes from shopping, the city bus stops right out front of the hotel to get you to your next activity. The hotel may not host luxuries like a spa or a pool, but the rooms, view, and location will have you hooked once checked in.

For our family of 5 we had two adjoining rooms with two double beds in each. Having all of the kids in their own bed was relaxing and important to them after a long day of excursions, beach, and the sun. We were thrilled to have a very clean room with all the basic amenities that was comfortable and something we looked coming back to each evening.

Renovated in 2010, the guest rooms have a tropical leaf themed bed cover on the plush Serta beds and cherry-toned woods in the custom headboards, dressers, and vanity. The custom wood pieces are complemented by granite countertops on the bar/coffee area giving an modern Hawaiian feel. The bathrooms are perfect with a detachable shower head making baths for little ones easier to manage.

The balconies sported fabulous city views with the ocean peeking behind the buildings. The space itself didn’t allow for a chair or sitting, but the sliding door and adjoining windows did offer plenty of light during the day and a beautiful lit scenery at night. We stayed over a Friday night and were excited when we had a spectacular view of a fireworks show southwest of our room.

Being midpoint on our trip, it was time for laundry to be done and an oversized washer and dryer was available on the 5th floor. For under $10 we refreshed our clothing and especially our swimwear that takes a beating with moisture, salt, and never really drying out.

The hotel security is reassuring as you need a key card once in the main elevator to get to your floor. The lobby is very helpful in every aspect and there were a few times we needed our keycards reactivated and security and privacy was always considered by checking ID. The parking garage is also secure with in and out access via a parking attendant. Be careful as the driveways are really narrow! Parking is $20/night.

Families will enjoy this aspect of the OHANA Waikiki Malia, it sits adjacent to an IHOP restaurant (with door leading into the restaurant from the hotel). Perfect for my kids aged 12, 10, and 5 with simple tastes of comfort foods, for certain afternoon/evening hours, kids eat free with an adult purchase! Perfect for parents who want to ensure kids are eating meals they like at reasonable prices, you feel good not having to eat gourmet each day.

Honestly, none of us missed not having a pool on site. If we wanted to, we could visit other OHANA/Outrigger hotels in the area with our room key, but it was the part of our vacation where we headed up to the North Shore during the day so we generally were just in the hotel to sleep. My husband teases that none of the hotels should have pools with the biggest warmest pool, the ocean, at our fingertips! I tend to agree! Overall, save your money for excursions and souvenirs, save by staying at a quality location like the OHANA Waikiki Malia!

Our stay was hosted for two nights, all opinions are our own.

Waikiki Beach Services: Outrigger Canoe Ride Review

August 30, 2011 by The Mom Jen 4 Comments

I have to admit, I have some trepidations being in the water, feet dangling over a surfboard with ocean sea life swimming about below me. The rest of my family, husband and 3 children aged 12, 10, and 5 have all experienced surfing, both times in the warm waters of Hawaii. I have anxiety about it, though we did have a family experience in Oahu that got me about as close as I might get to surfing. Waikiki Beach Services has an Outrigger Canoe ride that will take you literally amongst the surfers and paddle boarders for an unbelieveable ride of your life!

The sport of canoe surfing is unique to Hawaiʻi, more specifically to Waikīkī. In old Hawaiʻi, Waikīkī was the playground of the elite and canoe surfing was a privilege reserved solely for the aliʻi, or Hawaiian royalty. To this day, Waikīkī Beach is one of the only places in the world where you can race down a wave on an outrigger canoe.

Just beachside of The Royal Hawaiian Resort, the Waikiki Beach Services kiosk will check you in and get you ready for your ride. Exclusive to your group of up to 6 riders, if there’s a canoe open and available, you can go for your ride. Assigned to your spot in the canoe, pushing out to the water is easy with your two assistants that help paddle the boat. Literally each family member paddles and for my kids, it wasn’t easy so we relied on the paid help! You get out to the area where you are among surfers and paddle boarders all waiting for that great wave.

Once out there, the assistants shout to paddle fast and hard to get some speed going so that the canoe can sail with the wave. Once you stop paddling you surf right along with those with longboards and to top it off, you just get a spray of cool mist on you, no crashing head over foot, ever. The canoes are so safe, my youngest (age 5) could have opted to not even wear her life vest because she doesn’t swim yet! It’s truly exhilarating and you get the opportunity to catch 3 great waves. Paddling is an acquired activity and you will feel off in pattern, especially with kids. I must say it’s a good work out and you can get a little sore later, but it’s worth it!

You shouldn’t bring valuables on the canoe like fancy sunglasses or cameras/phones, Rx glasses should have a strap or wear your contacts! Luckily there are professional photographers documenting your experience and the CD of all the photos is included in the price of your trip. Seriously, we waited only 15 minutes following our quick 30-45 minute experience to get the photos uploaded and they are spectacular! (click on the ones above to see them larger!)

This is an amazing family activity that I highly recommend, you will catch 3 waves and the assistant paddlers know to wait and get those that will leave you with an amazing memory. Watch those waves curl while you’re surfing them, the views of the beach line and those around you are phenomenal. Best yet, you can do it for 6 people at $150 with the photo package, not per person like many activities can be on the islands!
Our adventure was hosted, experience is ours and 100% honest.