
Music is such a significant part of Cincinnati's culture that it gave rise to the slogan, "The City that Sings." Whether you prefer country, rock, blues, jazz, R& B, or hip-hop, you'll find it at these lively music venues around Cincinnati.
342 Ludlow Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45220
No, it's not a figure of speech. Ludlow Garage was originally an auto shop that became a legendary rock venue in the 1970s, hosting acts such as Santana, The Kinks, Iggy Pop and the Stooges, and Allman Brothers Band. After stints as a restaurant, yoga studio, and hardware store, the Garage was reborn in 2015 as a gastropub with a menu of upscale bar food and once again offering live music. Upcoming shows include The Wallflowers (August 23), jazz legends Spyro Gyra (September 10), and Joan Osborne (September 24). Pub hours are 4 - 10 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday and 4 - 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. On Sunday, brunch is served from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. and dinner from 3 - 9 p.m.
1345 Main St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
View this post on Instagram
MOTR Pub is devoted to showcasing performing arts in all forms. In addition to live shows by cutting-edge musical acts, MOTR features open mic nights for comedy and writing, with no cover charge for any event. Each month, the works of a different local artist are displayed around the dining area. A light menu of burgers and munchies is available. Writer's Night is every first and third Wednesday of the month at 9 p.m. Other events include Comedy Night every fourth Thursday at 9 p.m., The Midwestern Swing (September 3), and Spoils with the Fairmount Girls (September 9). Most shows have no cover charge. MOTR is open from 4 p.m.. - 2:30 a.m. Wednesday through Saturday and 10 a.m. - 2 a.m. Sunday.
1404 Main St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
Across the street from MOTR is its sister venue, the Woodward. Both facilities have the same ownership, and several musical acts have started out at MOTR and "graduated" to the larger venue. The Woodward made its debut in 1913 as a silent movie house but couldn't survive the Great Depression. Like Ludlow Garage, the Woodward went through various incarnations over the decades until its grand reopening in 2014. Future shows include Built to Spill (August 22) and Carriers with Speaking Suns and Christian Nicholas Gough (September 30), but the Woodward still honors its roots as a movie house with periodic screenings and film festivals.
936 Hatch St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
View this post on Instagram
For more than 60 years, The Blind Lemon has been a Cincinnati institution. Words almost can't do justice to the experience, beginning with a descent down a narrow passageway that opens onto a charming brick courtyard with an oversized fire pit. The indoor bar is also rich in atmosphere, with a classic tavern decor and eclectic collections of model airplanes, campaign buttons, and other quirky memorabilia. The Lemon, as it's affectionately known, has been visited by celebs such as George Clooney and hosted a birthday party for David Crosby. Visit the website for the current schedule. Hours are 5 p.m. - midnight Tuesday through Thursday, 5 p.m. - 1:30 a.m. Friday, 3 p.m. - 1:30 a.m. Saturday, and 3 p.m. - midnight Sunday.
1225 Elm St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
With a name like Memorial Hall, you know a venue is bound to be special. Built in 1908 as a monument to Cincinnati's war veterans, the stunning 556-seat Memorial Hall features Tiffany chandeliers, marble staircases, and decorative murals. The hall also serves as a mini-museum with displays of artifacts related to local civic and military history. Over the next couple of months, you can enjoy shows as diverse as Girl Named Tom (September 1), Herb Alpert & Lani Hall (September 19), and A.J. Croce playing the music of his father Jim (October 5).
2621 Vine St., Cincinnati, OH 45219
View this post on Instagram
If you have to move when the beat grabs you, Bogart's is your spot. With a colorful past that includes vaudeville shows and German film screenings, Bogart's today is a spacious yet intimate music venue that provides plenty of space to get up and dance. Capacity is approximately 1,500 people with three viewing levels along with six bars. The Premium Seating program offers reserved seating and amenities such as in-seat cocktail service and dedicated concierge. Upcoming events include The Afghan Whigs (September 11), Stryper (September 12), and The Prince Experience (September 23).
4579 Hamilton Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45223
Perhaps the best description of The Comet comes from an online article about the best music venues in Cincinnati: "a grungy little slice of Brooklyn ... without the attitude or $12 cocktails." This old-school dive bar is beloved for its incredible Mexican food and the intriguing lineup of reggae, garage rock, punk, bluegrass, and avant-garde bands. De facto house band Comet Bluegrass All-Stars performs every Sunday at 7:30 p.m. The Comet is open 4 p.m. - 1 a.m. weekdays, 2 p.m. - 1 a.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m. - midnight Sunday.
1314 Republic St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
View this post on Instagram
The name conjures up an aura of mystery, and Ghost Baby definitely has the vibe of a private hideaway. Several flights of stairs lead to an underground bar with a darkly elegant ambiance. The atmosphere and live music lineup helped land Ghost Baby on Esquire's recent list of "Best Bars in America." Visit the website for the schedule of performers. Ghost Baby opens at 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 4 p.m. Saturday.
1901 Vine St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
Schwartz's Point brings European style and sophistication to the Cincinnati music scene. The cobblestone building, flickering candles, and cozy space make you feel as though you're in a private home or club. Jazz is the main event at Schwartz's Point, whether straight-ahead, smooth, be-bop, avant-garde, or fusion. A small soup-and-salad buffet is available, along with craft cocktails like Tito (Puente) Mojito and Chet (Baker) Basil. Be sure to catch upcoming shows with the Melvin Jackson Trio (August 26), Phil DeGreg's Trio Brasilliero (September 10), and jazz violinist Luca Volipiano (September 18). Hours are 7 p.m. - 11:30 p.m. Thursday, 7:30 p.m. - 12:30 a.m. Friday and Saturday, and 6:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. Sunday.
Where's your favorite spot in Cincinnati to bust a move?

Life may be like a box of chocolates, but when Forrest Gump was wounded, all he wanted was ice cream. Put a smile on your face with a tasty cone, milkshake, or sundae from these wonderful ice cream shops and parlors around Cincinnati.
Oakley Square, 3046 Madison Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45209
Now in the third and fourth generations of family ownership, Aglamesis Bro's blends classic Old World recipes with modern manufacturing methods. The shop's namesakes, Thomas and Nicholas, opened their first location in 1908 after emigrating from Greece. Tiffany lamps, antique tin ceiling, and genuine Portuguese marble fountain top create a charmingly nostalgic ambiance. In addition to premium ice cream and Italian ices, the shop sells a variety of gourmet chocolates to satisfy your sweet tooth. Hours are 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. - 10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and noon - 9 p.m. Sunday.
32 W. 12th St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
View this post on Instagram
At Simply Rolled Ice Cream, watching your order being prepared is almost as much fun as eating it. In a method inspired by Thai street vendors, ice cream is made right in front of your eyes using a liquid base flattened onto a frozen pan. Once your chosen mix-ins are added, the ice cream is shaped into a roll and placed in a bowl or waffle taco shell. Choose one of their signature combos, such as Buckeye Madness or Salty Caramel Pretzel, or create your own from more than 20 mix-ins. Simply Rolled is open 4. - 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 4 - 10 p.m. Friday, 2 - 10 p.m. Saturday, and 2 - 9 p.m. Sunday.
1408 Main St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
The ice cream at Buzzed Bull Creamery might be the greatest science experiment ever. Watch as they use liquid nitrogen on fresh, high-quality ingredients to make your order on the spot. Try specialties such as Death by Chocolate and Tiger Stripes, or become a mad scientist and brew up your own combination of mix-ins. If you're really looking for a "buzz," check out the ice cream lattes at the espresso bar or add a shot of liquor. Can't decide? Sample the monthly rotating "flights" that include four servings of special 21-and-over flavors. Hours are 4 - 9 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, 4 - 11 p.m. Friday, 3 - 11 p.m. Saturday, and 4 - 9 p.m. Sunday.
1530 Madison Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45206
View this post on Instagram
Hello Honey's cozy East Walnut Hills storefront has made a big splash in the neighborhood. But for owners Brian and Nitima Nicely, things haven't changed that much from the days when they were turning out small-batch ice cream for family and friends from their kitchen counter. They still make everything from scratch, right down to the vegan marshmallows brûléed with a mini-blowtorch. Creative flavors such as Berry Earl Grey, Honey Lavender, and Brown Butter Caramel rotate to take advantage of seasonal ingredients. Hello Honey is open Thursday through Sunday from 1 - 9 p.m.
1028 Delta Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45208
Take your taste buds on a trip to Europe with a visit to Sweet Hunter for gelato, Italy's version of ice cream. With half the fat and calories of ice cream plus high protein and calcium content, gelato lets you indulge your sweet tooth without any guilt. Sweet Hunter also offers sorbetto, which is a fruit-based, non-dairy frozen dessert that's comparable to sherbet. Pair your gelato or sorbetto with a French macaron, a light, crispy gluten-free cookie filled with buttercream or fruit. Sweet Hunter is open weekdays from 1 - 10 p.m. and weekends from noon - 10 p.m.
1218 Broadway St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
View this post on Instagram
Nick Ganim, owner of the Pendleton Parlor, has sugar hard-coded into his DNA. Since the 1920s, Nick's family has been serving up sweet treats around Cincinnati with shops such as the Mount Washington Creamy Whip & Bakery and the Old Milford Parlor. Like the other shops, Pendleton Parlor serves luscious soft-serve ice cream in vanilla, chocolate, and swirl, which can be customized with mix-ins and toppings. Edible cookie dough, in four classic flavors, is a recent addition that's been a big hit. Hours are noon - 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 10 a.m. - 11 p.m. Friday through Sunday.
6918 Plainfield Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45236
Remember those summer days of your childhood when you'd ride your bikes to the local soft-serve stand for a refreshing cone? Share that joy with your own kids when you stop by The Dipper. Eating a chocolate-, butterscotch- or cherry-dipped soft-serve cone is just as much fun as ever. Kids love the blue soft-serve as well as fun flavors like Bubble Gum and Green Apple. Pump up the volume with a Frost Bite, which includes Oreos, Snickers, and your other favorite mix-ins. The Dipper even has pup cups for Fido! Indulge in some people-watching to go with your ice cream while you relax at one of the nearby picnic tables. Hours are 2 - 9 p.m. weekdays and noon - 9 p.m. weekends.
Rookwood Commons, 2737 Edmonson Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45209
View this post on Instagram
The unusual name isn't the only thing different about Yagööt, which is owned by Cincinnati's iconic Busken Bakery. In a world of self-serve shops offering sweet froyo, Yagöö is a full-service shop where the frozen yogurt has an invigorating tartness. Try one of their signature bowls, including options such as peanut butter and berry, or mix and match toppings to create your own. Yagööt's ice-free smoothies are equally popular, especially with a shot of immunity-boost powder. Hours are 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. daily except Friday and Saturday, when doors close at 9 p.m.
So where do you stand on the great ice cream flavor debate: chocolate, vanilla, or strawberry?

Spring is in the air in the Cincinnati area, and you know what that means. It's time to get outside and enjoy it! After being cooped up all winter, we're all eager to see some greenery, unplug and get away from screens for a while.
The Cincy area offers virtually unlimited potential for adventures in the great outdoors, from hiking and biking to fishing and picnicking. These beautiful rustic campgrounds are perfect places to do all of the above, and they're all within a short drive of the city. That makes them perfect for a weekend getaway.
10174 Loveland Madeira Rd., Loveland, OH 45140
Just 20 minutes from Cincinnati, Lake Isabella is a great place to experience rustic camping without straying too far from the city. With 24 primitive tent sites, the campground is by a grove of trees not far from the lake. Each site has a picnic table, and each group of four sites shares a communal fire pit. Lake Isabella offers excellent fishing, and the campground is also within walking distance of a canoe and kayak launch on the Little Miami River.
2895 Lake Dr., Pleasant Plain, OH 45162
View this post on Instagram
Stonelick State Park sits less than 45 minutes from Cincinnati and offers a 1,058-acre wild getaway on the shores of Stonelick Lake. The park is home to one of the area's best family campgrounds for anyone who wants to get away from it all. Shady and secluded, the campground includes about 100 campsites, with a mix of electric and non-electric sites, including some right on the water. Primitive group sites are available too. Stonelick Lake is known for excellent bass, catfish, and bluegill fishing and also offers a public beach and boating for small craft.
651 Lakeview Dr., Cincinnati, OH 45231
A beautiful campground within the Cincinnati city limits? Yes, please! Winton Woods Campground is a perfect camping destination for families who don't have the time to travel to a far-flung wilderness. And while this campground may not exactly be "roughing it," they do offer lovely, shaded campsites for tents as well as RVs, with easy access to amenities like electricity, WiFi, and modern restrooms and showers. Its proximity to the city means this campground fills up fast on weekends, so book your site early!
8570 OH-73, Waynesville, OH 45068
View this post on Instagram
One of Southwest Ohio's top destinations for swimming, boating, and water sports, Caesar Creek State Park overlooks the picturesque waters of 2,830-acre Caesar Creek Lake. The park's campground offers nearly 300 sites, including full-hookup RV sites as well as many that are designated tents-only. Each site has a picnic table and campfire ring. Caesar Creek State Park is known for having one of the most beautiful public beaches in the region, but it's also a great place for hiking and bird watching. The park is home to about 25 miles of hiking trails, which explore a diverse habitat rich in plant and animal life.
6301 Park Office Rd., College Corner, OH 45003
Hueston Woods State Park offers more than 300 campsites, including both electric and non-electric sites, and even an equestrian group camp. The campground ranges from shady and secluded to open and spacious, and all campers have access to showers and modern amenities. Hueston Woods State Park offers hiking, fishing, horseback riding, disc golf, and a wide range of other activities. It's especially popular among fossil hunters, and its rich limestone beds yield rich deposits of fossilized marine life.
3294 Elklick Road, Bethel, OH 45106
View this post on Instagram
Offering one of the largest campgrounds in Southwestern Ohio, East Fork State Park is home to more than 400 campsites for tents as well as RVs. Electric hookups are available (a handful of sites also include water and sewer hookups), and all sites include picnic tables and access to drinking water. This spacious campground offers a mix of shady sites, as well as some that are more open. The park itself spans more than 4,000 acres and includes fishing and boating access to William H. Harsha Lake, as well as more than 50 miles of hiking trails.
130 Longworth St., Milford, OH 45150
Ohio's premier long-distance backpacking route, the Buckeye Trail is for campers who really want to get away from it all. The trail forms a 1,440-mile loop that circles the entire state, with lean-tos and primitive backcountry campsites all along the way for overnight hikers. One of the best places to start exploring the Buckeye Trail is the small town of Milford, Ohio. Just 25 minutes from Cincinnati, Milford is an official "Trail Town," and the Buckeye Trailhead at Jim Terrell Park is one of many prime entrances to the trail. Hikers can also get a permit to camp in the park overnight.
1750 Osborn Rd., Wilmington, OH 45177
View this post on Instagram
With a reputation for being one of Ohio's most beautiful state parks, Cowan Lake is a photographer's dream come true and a great place to spend a few days off the grid. The campground offers electric and non-electric sites, as well as primitive tent-only group camping areas. Several miles of trails meander through the woods and along the shore of Cowan Lake. Keep an eye out for waterfowl and inlets filled with blooming American Lotus water lily as you explore the lakeshore, and bring a fishing rod. The lake is known for excellent catches of Largemouth Bass.
9001 Mt. Hope Rd., Harrison, OH 45030
Just 25 miles northwest of Cincinnati, Miami Whitewater Forest is a 4,670-acre playground for anyone who enjoys spending time in the great outdoors. The forest offers many miles of hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails, along with ample access for fishing and kayaking on 85-acre Miami Whitewater Forest Lake. Campers can choose among 45 campsites, each with a picnic table, fire ring, and electric hookup, and all just footsteps away from the lake. Miami Whitewater Forest also includes an 11-acre dog park where you are welcome to let your dog run off-leash.
Where will you unplug and enjoy the great outdoors around Cincinnati?