Domestic Destinations: How to spend a weekend In Black-owned Cincinnati

Cities like Detroit, Milwaukee, and Chicago have always been the pillars of the great Midwest. Each city is known for its distinct culture and swagger. However, one city in Ohio is ready to stake its claim as one of the Midwest greats: Cincinnati.

Forget everything you thought you knew about the “Nasty Nati” and get ready to embrace everything Black-owned in Cincinnati, from the food and libations to the city’s diverse cultural experiences.

Culture

Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame

For the music fanatic, the Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame is an immersive experience to remember. The Southwest Ohio region has birthed some of music’s most creative artists, including James Brown, Bootsy Collins, John Legend, and the Isley Brothers. Visitors can sing along to their favorite songs, create music videos, and even play along to some of the most historical songs in music.

National Underground Railroad Freedom Center

Located in Downtown Cincinnati with a prime spot overlooking the Ohio River, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center is a powerful tribute to the enslaved people of the region and their heroism as they embarked on the Underground Railroad to freedom. The museum features exhibits such as “From Slavery To Freedom” which covers three centuries of slavery in the United States, there’s also “Invisible: Slavery Today,” which is about modern-day slavery and human trafficking, and other exhibits on how the area of Cincinnati and the Ohio River played a part in the history of slavery. The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center is meticulously designed with spacious event areas and balconies offering sweeping views of Northern Kentucky and the river. It’s more than a museum; it’s a beacon of hope and a testament to the enduring human spirit.

Great Food & Libations

Nolia

Recently named one of the Best New Restaurants in America by Esquire Magazine in 2023, Chef Jeff Harris shares his take on New Orleans and Southern cuisine with Cincinnati. Nolia is Black-owned and a favorite among locals, and reservations are required. Harris changes the menu often but if you’re lucky, get the delicious crudo and the very tasty skillet cornbread.

The Aperture

Located in the Walnut Hills neighborhood of Cincinnati, The Aperture’s menu is influenced by the Mediterranean and highlights cooking styles reminiscent of those in the South of France, Italy, and Greece. The food is exceptional and cooked over a wood fire grill. For starters, their focaccia is light and fluffy under a dark toast. The fried mushrooms are succulent and won’t exhaust your palette. Lastly, whether you decide to go with the lamb shoulder or the branzino, either dish has subtle great flavors that will leave you longing for more. Chef Jordan Anthony-Brown has curated one of the city’s best menus. This Black-owned restaurant is great for friends who like to eat family-style and has plenty of delicious options for those who don’t eat meat.

Esoteric Brewing Co.

Cincinnati’s first minority-owned brewery is shaking things up and creating quite a buzz among locals and tourists. Helmed by CEO Brian Jackson and his partner Marvin Abrinica, they’ve turned the historic 1930s Paramount Building into a sprawling 6,000-square-foot speakeasy and sports bar. Esoteric Brewing Co. is now a cornerstone in the Walnut Hills neighborhood, spearheading the revitalization of this once-overlooked part of the city. With its unique charm and dynamic presence, Esoteric Brewery is setting the pace for new business development in Cincinnati.

For the last 10 years travel expert and journalist Rafael Peña has committed his life to changing his community’s perspective of travel. Focusing on transformative food experiences and luxury travel through travel hacks, Peña offers poignant personal knowledge of how to travel the world like a pro.

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