Fall is almost here, which means pumpkin patches are blooming, apple cider is being poured, and zombies in elaborate makeup have taken over all of the popular haunted houses in the Queen City. Our town is great if you love a good scare and you could spend every weekend from now through October trying something different. If you want to be utterly terrified after a day of pumpkin spice lattes and apple picking, then check out the 8 best haunted attractions in Cincinnati. These creepy places deserve a spot on your fall calendar and we have something on this list for everyone.
The USS Nightmare is a Halloween tradition in the Queen City that's been terrifying locals for years. This creepy boat that is said to actually be haunted docks in Newport and appropriately opens up on Friday, September 13th. Get more information on this lengthy haunted attraction (where 15% of people get out early!) on its website here.
The Dent Schoolhouse is a popular westside haunted attraction that also takes place in a real, ghostly destination. This old schoolhouse is said to be home to actual ghosts, and that just puts this terrifying haunted house over the top. If you're a haunted house fan and have yet to try it, make plans to do so this year. Learn more about the Dent Schoolhouse on its website here.
Address: 5963 Harrison Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45248
The newest haunted attraction in Cincinnati is located on the same property as the Old West Festival in Williamsburg. The new owners have created a can't-miss Halloween event that is sure to resemble a real-life ghost town. The makeup and costume previews have been incredible and this is a terrifying destination to add to your calendar this fall! Find out more about Terror Town on its website here.
If you've ever been in one of the popular corn mazes around Cincinnati, then you know that they can be creepy in the middle of the day. Well, head into one after the sun goes down and throw in a bunch of zombies hiding in the corn, and you have Highway 50 Fright Field. This haunted attraction near Cincinnati takes a lot of bravery and maybe even a little bit of craziness! Learn more about it on its website here.
Address: 11294 US Highway 50, North Bend, OH 45052
Land of Illusion is now a year-round attraction with a Christmas light display and an inflatable waterpark in the summer; however, it was first known and loved as one of the best haunted houses in the region - and now in the country. This is a true entertainment complex with food, drinks, concerts, and so much more. Find out more about this popular fall destination here.
Kings Island is a favorite day trip destination near Cincinnati and, beginning September 20th, it transforms into a Halloween wonderland. During the weekend days, it's a fun, family-friendly place, but at night the spooks and scares come out. Plan your visit to Kings Island this fall here.
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Address: 6300 Kings Island Drive, Kings Mills, OH 45034
The Heritage Village Museum is a wonderful, family-friendly gem in Sharonville that brings history to life. In October, the village offers a "slight fright" experience for families who'd like to do an evening activity that isn't too scary for younger children. Stroll along the historic streets, take a wagon ride, hear a spooky story, and more. Find out more about this kid-friendly haunted attraction here.
Mt. Healthy Haunted Hall is another long-running haunted house in Cincinnati that is really a classic. It's expanded over the years and is filled with unique frights and scenes. They offer discounts, including a canned food drive that gives back to the community. Learn more about this haunted Cincy tradition here.
Address: 7700 Seward Avenue, Mount Healthy, OH 45231
Fall is a beautiful and sweet time of year, but it's also downright scary if you enjoy visiting all of the haunted houses around the Queen City. We've got you covered with this list of the 8 best haunted attractions in Cincinnati, but what else would you add? Let us know in the comments!
And if you'd like to check out a creepy, haunted road while you're at it, take a look at our previous 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...
Ask someone who has lived in the Queen City for all their life for suggestions to see around the city and best things to do in Cincinnati and you'll get a few repeated notable destinations. Places like Fountain Square, the Cincinnati Zoo, Smale Park, Music Hall, and other top attractions are top attractions for a reason - they're so much fun and wonderful for visitors to our great city. These are indeed must-sees, but there's so much more to Cincinnati than the popular, most obvious places that typically make "best things to do in Cincy" lists. Cincinnati is filled with so many amazing hidden gems, and we've gathered up a few of our favorites that provide the best secret views in Cincinnati. These are all Cincinnati top things to do that you'll definitely want to add to your bucket list!
Bellevue Park is a great hidden gem in Clifton. This place has some of the best secret views in Cincinnati. It's a beautiful, unique park with a fascinating history, and we're not really sure why it doesn't seem to be as popular as some of the other parks in the area. However, that's part of what makes it so special: you likely won't have to deal with as many crowds here as you might find at bigger-name parks.
The Krohn Conservatory is one of those magical places where it feels like summer all year long. It's just minutes from downtown and a beautiful oasis in Eden Park. These delightful gardens are open year-round, and the seasonal shows are especially magnificent. I love a colorful escape here during the cold months!
You wouldn't think that the second-tallest building in Cincinnati would be a hidden gem, but the Carew Tower observation deck really is! Unfortunately, many locals go a lifetime without riding the elevator all the way to the top, but this is one of the best things to do in Cincinnati. These are some of the best views in Ohio.
The relatively unknown Cincinnati Observatory is one of the most historic spots in Cincinnati. It's actually been in its current location since 1873! This is such a beautiful place to wander and explore. Try to attend a night event for an unforgettable look at the sky. Looking up at the constellations makes you realize how big the universe is.
The unique Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park and Museum is one of our favorite parks in Ohio. It" s tucked away in hamilton and combines the natural surroundings with man-made art throughout its acres. this is a place that many locals don ever think to visit but we it belongs on any must-see list of cincinnati top things do.>
If you're looking for the best secret views in Cincinnati, plus some of the best hiking in Ohio, you won't want to miss the stunning Sharon Woods. This magnificent preserve offers up a lovely lake, stunning waterfall, and miles of hiking trails that are perfect for explorers of all ages and skill levels. For more information about these great trails, visit our friends at Alltrails, where you can find photos and maps of so many great hikes in Ohio, and beyond.
This long-standing Cincinnati restaurant can sometimes be lost in the myriad of countless new dining spots that seem to always be rising up within our city. However, there's a reason it's been here so long. The food and views are some of the best around, and we think this is one memorable spot you have to dine at at least once. This award-winning Italian restaurant is great for celebrating a special occasion or a romantic date night.
Do you agree that these seven hidden gems offer up some of the best things to do in Cincy? How many of these have you visited? Any other secret views in Cincinnati you think belong on this list? Let us know your thoughts and experiences in the comments!
