2.26.11 – Rabbit Hash, Kentucky

I’ve gotten myself backlogged again, partially because of work, but also, with this segment, I feel a bit guilty. I really wanted to like Rabbit Hash, which is not far from Cincinnati, enjoyed the documentary I saw on it several years ago, and have always like the idea of the community. What’s not to like about a city where only animals can run for mayor? That’s right – dogs, cats, birds, but no humans serve as elected officials, and with the current state and federal political situations, I’m sure many would agree that our pets would do a better job than the current bozos in office. That said, I really didn’t like Rabbit Hash.

I enjoyed being the passenger in the car and being able to film the wild curves of Kentucky’s Scenic Byway (that seemed less than scenic this time of year), but was disappointed with the community. It probably didn’t help that we went just after the rains we’d been receiving, so it was very muddy everywhere and a bit overcast. Being greeted by a group of men discussing guns – one even went back to his truck to show off his handgun, and frighteningly enough, pulled the trigger. Luckily it was not loaded.

At that point, it seemed a good idea to visit with the dogs sitting outside the General Store (the Boone County Health Inspector has made them keep the animals outside now). None of the dogs outside were the current mayor, Lucy Lou, but all seemed far more engaging than the men with the guns. We encountered many more men with pickup trucks buying six-packs of beer. There was really nothing at the General Store you couldn’t buy elsewhere, which reminded me of my disappointment with the shopping on my first European visit in 2003. The global economy certainly has mainstreamed the offerings of items, and in a bad way.

I think mostly what kept creeping up in my mind after the trip was how lucky I had been to not grow up in the country. While I didn’t have a great childhood, I almost had to move from the city (Tampa) to the country (Plant City). Back in the 70s and 80s, the country really was the country. Now, places like Rabbit Hash have cell phone reception and WiFi, but I think spending my adolescent and teen years in such a place would have been awful. I wouldn’t have had the opportunities that I received from being in a very good city school district, with, at least at that time, ample money for education. I’m not sure where I’d be if I hadn’t had those opportunities, but probably nowhere good.

Rabbit Hash isn’t a bad Saturday drive, but I’m not sure I’ll be back. Some places just don’t match expectations.

2.19.11 – Behringer-Crawford Museum and Devou Park, Covington, Kentucky

Due to sickness, bad weather, and my own distractions, as well as annoyances of the winter season, I've been less than diligent in my current blog, but it appears spring may be arriving early and I am grateful. I visited the Behringer-Crawford Museum in the Devou Park area of Covington on Saturday. I'd heard about it for years, but somehow the description never seemed all that exciting to me, but they were having a performance by the National Symphony Orchestra Wind Trio, and with the good weather, it seemed like a good Saturday trip, especially as my flu/virus/cold/whatever is also breaking.

I have to admit that the Museum was actually quite charming with its miniaturized Roebling Suspension Bridge, Delta Queen, a luscious 1950s car that you can sit in and watch amusing black and white footage, and an elaborate train set that you can safely watch from its center. There's also some German heritage and of course horse items to round out the collection. Of course seeing the Kentucky Streetcar brings up my aggravation as Cincinnati is trying desperately to put one in, yet a bunch of narrow-minded people keep trying to stop the project. I guess I can visit the Museum to see what once was and will probably never be again in this area.

Devou Park is similar to Cincinnati's Eden Park and San Diego's Balboa Park with many cultural attractions in a windy park setting and great city views. If you visit the Museum and Devou Park you should stop off at Drees Pavilion before you leave to take in the stunning views of both Cincinnati and Covington.

1.17.11 – National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, Cincinnati, Ohio

I'm still running a bit behind, but I'm trying to get back on pace with the blog. It seemed very appropriate to attend the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center on Martin Luther King Day. The fact that it was also free made it that much more enticing in the current economic times. Of course this did cause the Center to be almost too full for my taste, but it is a good sign that the community knows what's happening and actually comes out for such events. It was also good to see so many kids learning about past events that don't involve celebrities.

The building itself is quite dramatic and reminded me a great deal of contemporary art museums I visited in Denmark -- which reminded me of ships.

I do have to admit the highlight for me was stopping at the Center's cafe, which is run by Taste of Belgium (what can I say, I'm addicted to sweets). If you're outside the area you probably have not heard of them, but if you are in the Cincinnati area and don't -- you are missing out! Their waffles can be found at local coffee shops (and at their kiosk at Findlay Market), but eating them freshly baked, while looking at the Roebling Suspension Bridge, was quite a treat (you will notice there is no footage of the waffles because they were too good to wait even the few minutes to film). Even if you don't visit the Center, I'd recommend you stopping at the cafe (no Center admission needed), but why not go to both.

1.13.11 – York Street Cafe, Newport, KY

I'm still running behind on posts, but getting a little better. Actually this footage was used for another purpose, but I felt it was fun enough to post here too.

York Street Cafe is an eclectic restaurant with great food (and desserts) in Northern Kentucky. What I like most is the visual overload of the room. I never feel I've seen everything and if you look close at some items, you'll even see price tags. If only I could take the lights home with me.

1.2.11 – Carew Tower, Cincinnati, Ohio

Somehow not doing the movie a day has made me a bit lazy. This footage was actually shot on January 2, 2011, yet I’m just now getting it up. I can’t blame the weather for my laziness, as I have had some snow days, but I managed to find other things to do. I must do better.

This film was taken on the rooftop of the Carew Tower in downtown Cincinnati -- now Cincinnati's second tallest building. I’d always meant to go up, but had never been. After getting through the two elevators, short few final flights, and a less than with it clerk, we made it up for an incredible view of both Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. It was really cold and windy, so my footage is somewhat limited. Mostly I was surprised that there wasn’t a fence around the edges like the Empire State Building. It made me quite nervous to get too close. I may be short, but I could have easily leaned out and plummeted to my death (or had my camera drop, which would have been almost as bad). I’m not encouraging such behavior, but it was shocking. Still, even with the lack of safety, the view was very much worth the $2.

12.25.10 – Christmas Fireworks, Cincinnati, Ohio

Technically this footage was shot last week, but I thought I'd save it for Christmas. Christmas used to be a far simpler affair -- Bing Crosby movies, carols, lots of food, and upset family members (and me skulking away to the TV). Now everything is a production. Here in Cincinnati, the downtown Macy's store has a repelling Santa (thankfully I missed that; not sure I'm ready for Santa as action hero) and fireworks.

As beautiful as the fireworks are/were, I'm not sure that's really what the Christmas spirit is all about.

Happy Holidays.

12.11.10 – Mt. Adams Reindog Parade (Cincinnati, Ohio)

What I’ve found from living in the Cincinnati area for a long time is that Cincinnatians need sanctioned events in order to cut loose, party, and act ridiculous. Parades are of particular fondness to the area citizens, and, this time of year, there is a penchant for dressing up your dog to add more frivolity. Yes, today was Reindog in Mt. Adams, a now relatively affluent neighborhood (not originally, of course), where I used to work, with a terrific view of the river and downtown. Somehow I had always missed, if not plain avoided, such events, but a friend suggested we go, and the weather cooperated enough for us to venture out.

There were a fair number of pugs, as would expected for the neighborhood, but also many golden retrievers and every other variety imaginable. There were more weimaraners than in a William Wegman book. My friend noticed the antlers on the dogs seemed to always be pointing down, but then I was surprised the dogs even stood for them on their heads to begin with. It's also surprising there wasn't more mayhem what with the mail men, Santa, bagpipes, carolers, and all the kids.

The weather has been uncooperative for a travel blog (bad timing), and it looks like tomorrow brings more snow (ugh), so there may be a brief hiatus with future posts.