As a city along the river, Cincinnati is known for its scenic bridges that span the Ohio River. They add even more visual interest to our already stunning skyline, and of course, provide an easy way to get to Northern Kentucky. One of the most eye-catching bridges that connect Ohio and Kentucky is the Newport Southgate Bridge, more commonly known as the Purple People Bridge. This colorful bridge provides some of the best views of Cincinnati, and it also has an interesting history and a few features that may surprise you.
If you've ever been along the Ohio River, it's difficult to miss the popular Purple People Bridge that connects Cincinnati and Newport.
This historic bridge is now known for its unique color and pedestrian-only traffic, but it actually has a long and interesting history. Known as the Newport Cincinnati Bridge, it first opened all the way back in 1872. With horse and cart paths, and eventually paths for streetcars, it was a vital part of the area's transportation. A portion of the bridge was also used by railroad traffic until 1987 when that portion then began to steadily deteriorate.
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With the opening of Newport on the Levee and other attractions in that area, interest in the bridge gained steam and it was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2001. It was also then that restoration plans began.
When choosing a color for this now pedestrian bridge, many were considered. But ultimately, purple was chosen because of studies done that show that purple is a good color for a structure such as a bridge. Of course, its brightness has faded over the years, and there are differing opinions on whether it was the right color choice, but you can't deny that it stands out.
The bridge connects Pete Rose Way in Cincinnati to Third Street in Newport and offers some of the best views of the city.
From the bridge, you can see the other bridges that cross the Ohio River, and also many of the riverfront parks that line the Cincinnati side. And of course, you get a good view of Newport in Kentucky. The bridge is also within walking distance of many downtown attractions, making it a popular stop for tourists and locals alike.
One feature of the bridge that you may not have thought about is that you can physically stand in two states at once.
As a pedestrian bridge with the state line clearly marked, you can walk over the Ohio River and then place one foot in Kentucky and one foot in Ohio. While standing in this position, be sure to decide then which state you think is better (likely many will side with Cincinnati's Ohio).
The Purple People Bridge is an eye-catching destination in our city that attracts out-of-towners and locals looking for a unique experience in their city.
If you've never walked across this purple pedestrian bridge, be sure to check it out, admire its history, its unique color, and of course don't forget to take advantage of the rare chance at being two places at once.
The Purple People Bridge is a unique attraction in Cincinnati that allows for beautiful views of our city and the rare chance to stand in two states at once. Have you ever straddled the state line on the Purple People Bridge? Did you know of its past? Let us know in the comments!
For more information on the Purple People Bridge, visit its website here.
And once you reach the Ohio side of the bridge, be sure to check out an incredible riverfront park, featured in an article here.
Best Travel Gifts of 2024, Hand-picked by Our Travel Experts
If you're looking for gifting ideas for the travelers in your life this holiday season, check out our list of our favorite, tried and true travel gifts.
Welcome to Hand-Picked, a curated series highlighting the travel gear and goods our staff truly love. From practical essentials to playful extras, these are the items that make travel fun—and shopping even better! Each pick is independently selected by our editors, and if you make a purchase through our links, Only In Your State may earn a commission.
There is nothing that makes me happier than picking out the perfect gift. Friends often ask me for ideas of what to gift to their family, children, partners, friends... the challenge of finding that special item (or experience) is my favorite kind of adrenaline rush. And because of this, the holiday season is like my version of sky diving.
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Our team of travel experts here at Only In Your State joined me in selecting our favorite travel gifts of the season. We've hand-picked 24 gifts that we own and love and would joyfully wrap up with a shiny bow for other travel lovers in our lives. We've chosen a variety of options, from candles to books, to the perfect travel shoes and bags. There is also a wide range of prices for any gifting budget. Pick out a few to gift this season and maybe even send some of these ideas to those who are shopping for you. It may be the holiday season, but it is also always travel season in our minds.
Why We Love Them: How fun is this candle? I love picking out meaningful gifts and this one is perfect for the woman in your life who can't help but plan another trip. Or, maybe this is you and this candle needs to make its way into your own stocking! The LEADO store on Amazon actually has several unique gifts and it's worth checking out. Where to Buy Them: Shop this candle and more on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 Bonus: Manager of Editorial Megan Shute swears by these rechargeable USB lighters – add one to your favorite candle lover's stocking, and they will not be disappointed.
Why We Love It: We've tried some pretty spiffy eye masks, but have you ever experienced an eye massager? The Bob & Brad EyeOasis 2 is as relaxing as it gets. With adjustable pressure & heat settings, this is a must-have if you want to tune out the world and treat yourself. It's the first thing we reach for when we feel a migraine coming on! Where To Buy It: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $59.99 (normally $74.99)
Why We Love Them: It's safe to say I am in my sneaker era and I know I'm not alone. When I discovered Kizik shoes, especially their sneakers, I felt like I discovered gold at the end of the rainbow. I love that the brand is size inclusive (I have big feet) and you literally just slip these on and go. Hands-free shoes! This makes them perfect for travel and the fact that these go with everything means no over-packing necessary. Where to Buy Them: Check out the Milan sneaker and several other styles (boots, too!) on the Kizik website. Price (at time of publication): $149
Why We Love Them: I discovered Frankie Jean while in Austin with my daughter and once I saw the Y'ALL Baseball Cap, I knew it would make the perfect souvenir -- and travel hat! I always travel with a baseball hat; they're handy for post-plane hair and offer protection from the elements. Frankie Jean has an array of adorable caps for non-y'allers, too, with all 50 states represented in the web store. Where to Buy It: Visit Frankie Jean online for this hat and many others! Price (at time of publication): $32
Why We Love Them: The Yoto Mini is an excellent gadget for kids on the go. Physical cards allow children to expand their imagination through audiobooks, music, activities, and educational audio. Manager of Editorial Megan Shute purchased the mini-player for her daughter's 4th birthday earlier this year ahead of an overseas move and has been endlessly impressed: "Not only did it replace her standard sound machine with its white noise options, but it has given us another portable screen-free entertainment option for at home and while traveling. The Yoto is also perfect for anyone who asks what your child wants for the holidays — cards for their new Yoto collection, please!" Where to Buy Them: Yoto is available on their website and Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $69.99 for player
Why We Love Them: The Vuori Performance Joggers might just be the most comfortable piece of clothing we own. The buttery-soft, stretchy material is the perfect weight, and the slim yet relaxed fit is one of the most universally flattering styles we've tried. Engagement Editor Meg Archer has gifted these to many people over the last few years: "I have yet to hear anything but rave reviews (and a bit of friendly shaming for spawning new obsessions). Don't be surprised if these just so happen to, umm... multiply... in your closet. I couldn't stop at just one pair." Bonus: The matching Vuori Halo Performance Hoodie is one of our favorite lightweight layers for all types of travel! Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From Vuori Price (at time of publication): $94
Why We Love Them: If you have a friend or family member who loves to travel and loves bags (who doesn't?), then this Calpak tote bag is the ultimate gift. When I say ultimate, I mean it, because this is the ultimate bag. My own tote bag is pictured above, when used on an overnight trip. I've also used it as a carry-on bag on flights, to tote sports equipment around for my kids, and for a weekend getaway. It is much larger than it looks in this photo and keeps everything organized. It also wipes clean! Where to Buy Them: Calpak has countless travel bags, but you can find this particular one on their website. Price (at time of publication): $131.75
Why We Love Them: I've purchased two of these portable hammocks with lightweight frames throughout the years — one as a gift for my father and one for myself after realizing how fantastic the hammock was. While it's not a travel product, per se, it has made my everyday life feel more like a vacation, something we could all use a bit more of these days. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $69.99
Why We Love Them: All of the staff at Only In Your State loves to represent their roots and Wear Your Roots allows you to do that in a fashionable - and comfortable - way. We love the wears from this Montana-based company and we happen to believe that these hoodies, shirts, hats, and more make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: Shop now on the Wear Your Roots website Price (at time of publication): Varies by Product
Why We Love It: It's taken several trips for me to figure out my perfect "weekender bag that's TSA approved," but I've found my perfect carry on with the TOBIQ Colorado 30L. An Instagram ad caught my eye during a late-night scroll session and I was intrigued by the colorful compartments and versatility of the bag, which can be carried as a duffle or as a backpack (I prefer the backpack for even weight distribution and airport navigation.) Made of durable, weather-resistant recycled materials, I've stashed this bag under my seat and in the overhead compartment; it's easy to maneuver and the top zip pocket is perfect for easy phone/ID access. Bonus: I loved this carry on bag so much, I purchased TOBIQ's Toiletry Bag; it fits perfectly inside one of the Colorado's four compartments and has a smart, intuitive design with the brand's signature "plethora of zippered pouches and pockets."
Where to Buy Them: Visit tobiqtravel.com to purchase the Colorado 30L and/or Toiletry Bag. Price (at time of publication): $199 (Colorado 30L)/$69 (Toiletry Bag)
Why We Love Them: The Zestt Dreamsoft Travel Scarf doubles as a blanket, making it the perfect travel accessory for year-round adventures – especially on airplanes! Made from organic cotton and easy to wash and care for, we have even used this piece as a makeshift picnic blanket while traveling. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $50
Why I Love It: This raincoat is absolutely perfect: it's light (12.4 ounces!) and super packable, "self stuffing" into one of its pockets in a Houdini-like feat. The hood is generously sized to fit over a hat and has a cord-and-hook design that keeps rain out (seriously -- this photo was taken after a trip to Portland, Oregon, where its water resistance was put to the test!). I purchased my Torrentshellfive years ago and it still looks brand new, the fabric has never snagged or ripped despite being put through the ringer! Bonus: The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket comes in men's sizes, too! Where to Buy It: Buy it now on REI. Price (at time of publication): $179 (both men's and women's)
Why We Love Them: I love gifting books. Maybe it's the writer in me or the nostalgia I feel every time I sit down and open up an actual book. Coffee table books make for great gifts and I absolutely love this collection of photography of New York City. Whether you know someone who loves NYC or has a wanderlust for the Big Apple, this gorgeous book just needs a bow on top and it's ready to gift. Where to Buy Them: Buy this book and others in the collection on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $19.78
Why We Love Them: A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any traveler, and we love these small Welly kits. They're the perfect option to keep in your car, diaper bag, or carry-on for accidents on the go. Another excellent stocking stuffer for anyone in your life. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Walmart Price (at time of publication): $9.70
Why We Love Them: The OluKai Pehuea Lī Sneaker is lightweight and breathable, but also extremely comfortable and surprisingly supportive. It's our go-to shoe when we know we're going to be on our feet all day! We love that they can be worn as either sneakers or slides, so they're easy to slip off when going through TSA checks. Plus, the style goes with just about everything. Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From OluKai Price (at time of publication): $110
Why I Love It: Fact: Airplanes are notoriously dry, dry, dry. No matter how much water I drink both before and during the flight, I always find myself in a hydration deficit for days. My skin feels so tight and parched during flights, and while I've been known to slap on a sheet mask at 12,000 feet, my 11 year old's mortification on a recent trip had me rethinking this strategy. My solution? BioRepublic's Lost Baggage biocellulose eye masks. These mini moisturizers contain an uber-hydrating cocktail of peptides, hyaluronic acid, squalene, rose water, and vitamin E that feel oh-so-refreshing on parched skin. Bonus: Each of these little masks has enough moisture that I'm able to massage the excess into the rest of my face after my brief, in-flight spa moment. Where to Buy It: I have a BioRepublic Lost Baggage Under Eye Emergency Repair Mask Subscribe & Save order through Amazon -- you'll get a slight discount if you set this up! Price (at time of publication): 3/$15.00
Why I Love It: I am a dedicated Stanley girl, but when I travel, I like to keep things as light and portable as possible. A recent trip to Washington D.C. had me singing the praises of my Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle, especially after paying $6 for a tiny bottle of water the afternoon we arrived and embarked sans water. I love the bottle's muted color options (I have the Hydaway in Twilight), sturdy handle, and fuss-free cleaning; fully extended it holds 17 ounces of water, making this smart little number perfect for filling up on the go. Where to Buy Them: The Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle is available at several online merchants; I purchased through REI. Available here on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $27.95.
Why We Love Them: This is one of those things that we don't know how we traveled without them. Packing cubes keep things organized, save space in a suitcase, and take the pain out of the packing process. If you know and love someone who travels, this set would make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: There are so many options for packing cubes on Amazon, but we particularly LOVE this set. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 for 8 cubes
Why We Love Them: I've been a fan of Beis for years now, starting with the Weekender (it’s my absolute favorite travel bag for short car trips or flying and is surprisingly roomy). I recently purchased another Beis item — the backpack. With a padded interior sleeve, two water bottle pockets, and plenty of organization built-in — we’re talking zippered interior pockets, pen slots, a key leash, and more — this is the best backpack I’ve ever owned. It also has a full-zip opening, so it’s easy to pack, and the trolley pass-through makes it the perfect carry-on companion. This olive beauty is officially my new favorite personal item while traveling, and I’ve already brought it on several trips. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Beis Price (at time of publication): $88
Why We Love Them: We bought this set of two accessory organizers for a recent trip and think they would make a fun stocking stuffer filled with all sorts of small and useful travel goodies — chapstick, hair ties, mini lotions, bandaids, etc. The gift recipient can then use the organizers for travel. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $17.66
Why We Love It: The sleek style of the Away Everywhere Zip Backpack looks at home in just about any environment, making it a great transition bag if you need to hop right from a flight into a work meeting (or want to start exploring as soon as you land). It's water-resistant, has a padded laptop sleeve to keep your devices safe, and the full wrap-around zipper makes it incredibly easy to grab what you need in a cramped airplane seat. I love it! Where To Buy It:Buy Now From Away Price (at time of publication): $195
Why We Love It: Engagement Editor Meg Archer recently travel-testedthis high-end aluminum travel case, and it can only be described as the Lamborghini of Luggage: "The Sterling Pacific 40L Travel Case is hands down the best I've ever owned or reviewed. It's stunning inside and out, timelessly stylish, and rolls like a dream. Honestly, I didn't know luggage could move like this." It's undeniably a splurge, but if you're looking for a piece of eye-catching yet understated luxury-tier luggage, this is it. Where To Buy It: Buy Now From Sterling Pacific Price (at time of publication): $2,150
Why We Love It: Throw out all your assumptions about generators. The Anker Power Bank Portable Generator is all-electric (so it's totally silent), super compact, and has a massive 60,000 mAh capacity that can power multiple devices dozens of times on a single charge. It also retains an impressive 85% charge after a whole year of non-use, making it absolutely vital during emergencies. This bad boy kept us in touch with family during a multi-day blackout, but we also love it for camping trips and off-grid adventures. Where To Buy It:Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $149.99
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If you need anymore ideas for the best travel gifts of the season, we have you covered. Check out more of our travel-themed gift guides...
Cincinnati Gardens was demolished leaving many Cincinnatians heartbroken. You see, we have a deep pride in our city and the historic buildings that line our streets. We love sharing our city's favorite historic structures, many of which have been repurposed and restored for new use today. Unfortunately, we cannot save all of the iconic buildings in Cincinnati, and that became very apparent this week with the demolition of Cincinnati Gardens. We knew it was coming, but it is still sad to see this 67-year-old legacy reduced to rubble to make way for a new life in the manufacturing world. If you grew up in Cincinnati, this building likely holds many memories of the incredible events that took place inside. So take a step back in time and relive these fond memories that our city has of one of the best venues near me.
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Cincinnati Gardens opened its doors in 1949 and at the time, the 25,000-square-foot venue was the seventh largest in the nation.
The very first event was an exhibition hockey game, which is appropriate given the number of hockey games that would eventually take place in the Gardens.
Over the next nearly 70 years, the best venue in Cincinnati would host countless sporting events, concerts, circuses, and other exciting shows.
While it may not be the most beautiful historic building in our city, Cincinnati has always had a fond place in its heart for this venue and has been holding its breath the past several years as rumors swirled of a sale and the end of an era.
In 2016, it looked like a sale would finally go through and this past week it became really official as the walls were knocked down.
While we may not be able to visit one of the best venues in Ohio anymore, we can take a look back through photos of the incredible memories Cincinnatians have of this historic venue.
Although over the next few years, The Rolling Stones, Diana Ross and The Supremes, and the Jackson 5 all took the stage at Cincinnati Gardens, so you can understand its icon status.
Another memorable visit to the Gardens actually performed twice — once in 1971 and again in 1973.
The King himself, Elvis Presley, performed two memorable concerts. And then later in the 80s, George Thorogood & The Destroyers recorded their live album at Cincinnati Gardens, and Bon Jovi also paid this venue a visit.
Roy Orbison even performed at Cincinnati Gardens on April 23, 1976.
The Cincinnati Royals, our city's former NBA team, played here from 1957 through 1972. The NBA All-Star game was even hosted here in 1966. This shot is of Ezzard Charles (left) covering up after an attack by his opponent, Nick Barone during their boxing match on Dec. 5, 1950, at the Cincinnati Garden.
When most people think of Cincinnati Gardens, hockey is one of the first things that comes to mind. The venue was home to a number of teams throughout its life.
Cincinnati's first hockey team — the Mohawks, played here from 1949 through 1958. But many locals have fond memories of attending games played by both the Cincinnati Mighty Ducks and the Cincinnati Cyclones.
More recently, the sports scene changed a bit as Cincinnati Gardens was home to the Cincinnati Rollergirls.
Along with the entertaining roller derby, the Gardens also hosted a number of Monster Jams, Professional Wrestling, indoor football and soccer, boxing, and rodeos.
There are also many childhood memories of visiting Cincinnati Gardens each year for the circus.
Especially now that the circus isn't as easy to see, these memories are much more special. The Shriner Circus was held here until just a few years ago, and you can actually still see this particular event at the BB&T Arena on the campus of NKU.
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When you think of all of the incredible events that took place inside the walls of Cincinnati Gardens, it makes it a little more difficult to watch those walls come down.
But we'll hold on tight to those memories and continue to share our favorite moments at this historic Cincinnati venue.
Cincinnati Gardens lives on through the lovely memories of those who took part in the events there which they share on a Facebook page. Are you sad to see this icon go? We'd love to hear about your favorite memory. Share with us in the comments below!
And if you like the idea of historic Cincinnati buildings with lots of memories — and maybe a few ghosts, check out the fascinating story of the Cincinnati Music Hall. Book a tour of this cool city and discover other memories it keeps.
