by Laura Holcomb, Memories and Moments Travel
The last six weeks have been filled with traveling in search of great locations for my clients to visit. I am so excited to share with you the wonderful opportunities and experiences that await you in both a weekend getaway and week long vacation!
First, if you are looking for a weekend getaway, I have two great options for you. You can actually combine both of these locations for a terrific – and full – weekend!
Louisville, KY
The Hawthorne Suites is my hotel of choice for Louisville! This was my second stay and I will return anytime that I am in the area. The staff was welcoming and helpful. It is right off the freeway and only a few minutes away from almost anywhere in Louisville where you would like to visit.
It is the perfect location for a larger family as well. They provide suites with a full size living room including a sleeper sofa, a kitchenette to take care of your cooking needs, a bathroom, and a bedroom with one or two very comfortable beds. There are doors between the living room and bedroom for privacy.
Monday through Thursday evenings they offer a manager’s reception for a nice small meal. A daily hot breakfast is also served in which they rotate the items available so that you aren’t having the same thing day after day.
Here are a few highlights from Louisville that you can experience on your own trip.
The Belle of Louisville, at 99 years old, is America’s last Mississippi River Steamboat still in operation according to their owners. It provided a nice relaxing ride down the Ohio River. Buffets and a concession stand are available on some cruises as well as a bar. The staff was knowledgeable about the surroundings, and we enjoyed a nice account of history along our way. While you are on the Belle, don’t forget to visit the steam engine room. It was very fascinating!
Museums of all sorts abound in Louisville, including the Louisville Slugger Museum. On this particular trip, we decided to spend some time at the Frasier Museum. It is a fascinating military museum whether you are a military history buff or not! Besides the standard museum surroundings, they also offer small storytelling or reenactment times. This was my favorite part. It was very interesting to see certain situations portrayed right in front of you. It really made it come to life.
Louisville is a great city to just walk around and soak in the historic views. There are many green areas and parks if you are looking to just relax. Louisville is also known as a great spot for “foodies!”
For a wonderful dinner, you must stop by Varanese. Chef John Varanese was recently named “Restaurateur of the Year” by the Kentucky Restaurant Association. This accomplishment is added to the many others that Chef Varanese and his staff have earned. I have had the opportunity to try a number of different items on the menu and have been wowed every time! The freshness and creativity are evident.
The evening musical entertainment is top notch as well. Between the menu, music, and a beautiful setting, this is the perfect location for a romantic dinner or a night on the town with friends. They have now expanded to be able to offer small groups their own space. Needless to say….I will be back!
Cincinnati
Kudos go out to two fabulous sites! The Symphony Hotel and The Clifton House. Two very different locations and very different atmospheres. Both made us feel very much at home.
The Symphony Hotel was stunning! History abounds in this 1870’s building and it is just beautiful. For a fan of music such as myself, you could not ask for a more perfect hotel.
The breakfast is wonderful and reviews state that when they offer dinner, it is one of the best around! This is the perfect spot if you want to be close to the heart of the city or if you are planning a trip to the Cincinnati Music Hall.
Just a bit away is The Clifton House. Located in a more residential area, The Clifton House does not only house a standard B &B, but it also has a separate cottage. This is where we stayed, and it was wonderful! Again, we were made to feel at home in this 1900s building. It is located in a very charming area that’s not too far away from most anything in the Cincinnati area.
The Clifton House would be a wonderful place for a small wedding. The grand staircase is the perfect setting for the service and the well-equipped B&B for the guests, with the couple in the romantic cottage complete with Jacuzzi.
The Cincinnati Regional Tourism network was fabulous at hosting us around the many locations in town. This included a stop at the Moerlein Lager House for a great dinner to kick start the evening, then off to the Reds vs. the Mets across the street! This stadium was terrific. Everything was easy to access, and I don’t think there is a bad seat anywhere. The Reds won, so that made the night even better!
The next day we hit the city with a visit to 21c Museum and Hotel. This is a free museum with changing exhibits and is well worth a visit. While there, ask to see one of their rooms and then plan to stay there the next time. It is truly unique! Even if you are just stopping by to see the museum, don’t forget to grab a light lunch at Metropole located right in the hotel. For something different from the ordinary and with a changing menu based on what is fresh and available, this is the place to dine!
A visit to Cincinnati for history buffs must include a stop at the Cincinnati Museum Center. There is so much to see and do that a day may not be enough. We were able to explore the Museum of Natural History and Science and the Cincinnati History Museum. Both were fascinating! These museums, and the others that are housed together, are located in the Union Terminal. The building alone is worth the visit!
The Cincinnati Zoo made for a great way to spend an afternoon for young and old alike. We enjoyed a leisurely stroll watching the animals and the taking in the beautiful grounds. We were also able to grab lunch at the zoo’s Base Camp Café….the “greenest restaurant in America.”
Our last evening was spent on the BB Riverboat Dinner Cruise for a sunset on the river experience. While this was the way we started our Louisville /Cincinnati trip, it was a totally different experience. We were able to travel different waterways on two types of vessels. The food was great, and the cruise was relaxing. It was a perfect way to end an enjoyable week!
Next up? A Week Long Getaway….stay tuned!
If you are in need of a weekend away, contact Laura at the Memories and Moments Travel website or call her at 440-298-1497. She’ll give you a personal recommendation of the best and affordable spots!
