Neighborhoods You Should Know: Cincinnati's Over The Rhine

Who doesn't love a good comeback story? If you're searching for a place with a great tale, Cincinnati's Over the Rhine neighborhood is for you. Back in 2000, Over the Rhine (just over the bridge from Cincy's downtown) held records for most crime-ridden neighborhood in the country. According to one local business owner, some streets that were so bad that you couldn't even look down them. 

From old... 

To new! Both look like New York a little, don't they?

But flash forward to 2014. This crime-ridden place has been transformed into a thriving spot. Many fine small businesses call this part of town home. And I fell in love with this neighborhood this fall. 

Start your visit on Vine Street. I enjoyed a smooth latte at the 1215 Wine Bar & Coffee Lab. And I fell in love with the doughnuts at Holtman's. Watch them being made in the window and enjoy creative creations like the red velvet topped with cream cheese (my personal favorite) or the maple bacon--one of the shop's signature offerings. According to Cincy's travel team that covered the costs for my trip, the wait at fried chicken joint The Eagle can sometimes be more than three-hours long.

Local businesses like the one above have been a key part of revitalizing the area. 

But it's not all just food--although that is one of my favorite parts of any city. I also enjoyed a visit to Steam Whistle Letterpress on Main Street. Owner Brian Stuparyk gave me and another writer the low-down on his unique business. His creations look like a nice mix of vintage and modern posters. My favorite of the bunch were these concert posters and these ultra-modern, sleek wedding invitations with embossed writing. 

And I've really just scratched the service of this dynamic spot. It's fascinating to watch a neighborhood transform, and you can literally find and see that transformation happening when you're in Over the Rhine.