•  Check out the Party at Sawyer Point. Wednesdays –Tonight, July 1, it’s Red, White & Rock Night, with Prizoner. July 15th,  It’s Reggae Night with Super-Massive.

• July 3 – Head up to Mason, Corwin Nixon Park. Huey Lewis and the News
• July 3 – All Star Comedy Tour – P & G Hall, at the Aronoff Center
 
• July 6 – Hear Counting Crows a the PNC Pavilion. Also at the PNC Pavilion this month:
        July 8 – Stone Temple Pilots….I can never get enough “Spoon Man”. A great song to run to!
        July 21 – Pull out the black leather, it’s Judas Priest.
        July 28 – A little too much metal?…then how about Jackson Browne
• July 8 – I have to see this again! The Musical of Musicals at the Showboat Majestic. If you like an intimate theatre setting where you feel like you can just reach out and be part of the show, you have to go to the Showboat Majestic. This great production will be a wonderful introduction to the fun of the Majestic!
• July 10 -12 – St. Rita Fest at 1720 Glendale-Milford. One of this area’s most popular fund-raising festivals. Come on out! A good time for a good cause!
The following events don’t even begin to tell you all there is to do at Jungle Jim’s, the Foodie’s Paradise! Check this out:
July 4 – John Sebastian in concert! Formerly of Lovin’ Spoonful, but better known by an entire generation as the guy that sang “Welcome  Back”, as in Welcome Back Kotter.
July 11 – Wine tasting & Celebration: Benefiting the Shayne Graham Foundation. VIP Reception at 6 with Food, Music & Celebrity Guests
July 24 – Have you been to DaVeed’s in Mt Adams? NO! You must go! It’s “special occasion” prices, but truly one of the most outstanding meals I’ve ever had.  David Cook, the chef with an impressive history in Greater Cincinnati culinary circles, will guest chef!
Be sure to check out http://www.junglejims.comfor more information, times, reservations and costs.

Everyone loves summer food!

There is ALWAYS something happening at Jungle Jims!

• July 14 – Broadway Across America presents “Mamma Mia!” at the P & G Hall, Aronoff Center. Go ahead, belt out  “Dancing Queen”. You know you want to!
• July 16 – Live at the Levee, with the Menus. Newport on the Levee
• Pack up the Family and head to a Reds Game. Buy the $5 “Cheap Seats” for an economical night out. There isn’t a bad seat in the place! Check out their schedule here
• July 18 – Head to a Dive-in Movie at the Beach Waterpark. “Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa” is showing
• July 18 – Can’t make it to the Beach? No problem….try the Saturday Night at the Movies on Fountain Sq. “Free Willy’ & “Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events” will be playing
• July 22, 24 & 26 – Ready for a little culture after splashing in the pool and hanging out at the movies? Try the opera “Carmen”, at Music Hall
• You’ll find Fourth of July events and fireworks around town here. Get the lawn chairs and soft drinks….it’s time for the show! Check out the list here, and enjoy!

Red,White & Boom!

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• Thomas & Friends – June 10 & 11, Bank of Kentucky Center, NKU
• Riverbend Music Center has a great line up for June:
June 4 – Coldplay, June 12 – Garrison Keillor’s Prairie Home Companion, June 16 – Dave Matthews Band, June 19 – Brad Paisley, June 20 – 311, and June 27 – Oh yea, they’re back! It’s The New Kids on The Block.

• Milford Ohio Kicks off the Summer with the 47th Annual Frontier Days! June 4 – 7. The parade starts at 6:30 on Thursday June 4th. Enjoy Food, Games, Lawn Mower Races, Karaoke Contest and the Big Chicken Dinner. Check out the official Frontier Days site for more information!

• At the PNC Pavilion at Riverbend The Offspring play June 24
• Broadway Across America Presents “A Chorus Line” at the Aronoff Center through June 7
 
• Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra – June 18, Music Hall. Featuring the Mormon Tabernacle Choir
• Playhouse in the Park presents “Marry Me a Little” – Through June 14. In the Thompson Shelter house.  Songs by Stephen Sondheim. “What can you do on a Saturday night alone?” These and other meaningful questions answered comically and musically here!
• There is ALWAYS something happening at Jungle Jims! The following events aren’t necessarily “kid friendly”, but mom & dad need an afternoon off too!  Here are few things to check out:
June 19, 7 – 10 pm it’s Beerfest!  What true Cincinnatian, or soon to be Cincinnatian, would pass on the “native” refreshment?
June 13, France vs. USA. Wine Tasting 1 – 3 p.m.
June 20, “Rhone Style” Wine Tasting 1 – 3 p.m.
June 27, The “Not to Miss” Event….Battle of the Bands Wine Tasting Event! Ten of the Top Suppliers will be on Hand Vying for Your Vote as “The Best”
Be sure to check out www.junglejims.com for more information, times, reservations and costs.

• Kevin Pollack – June 18 & 20 Special Engagement! Funny Bone Comedy Club. Newport on the Levee
• “Junk in the Trunk” Sale in Lebanon. June 6. Interfaith Hospitality Network of Warren County Hosts at Lebanon Jr. High. Call 934-5250 for more information
• Pack up the Family and head to a Reds Game. Buy the $5 “Cheap Seats” for an economical night out. There isn’t a bad seat in the place! June 5 – 7 the Reds hot the Chicago Cubs. June 16 – 21, there’s a 6 day home stretch. The Reds host the Atlanta Braves & the Chicago White Socks. Let’s see if they can stay in the run for 1st place!
• June is a big month for church and school festival fundraisers. Link to Local12.com for a complete list.

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The contest is centered on “Cincinnati Trivia” and every customer who plays is a winner!  You’ll claim either an instant-win food prize or a discount on a Cincinnati-style chili T-shirt. As any true Cincinnati-style chili consumer knows, you want your chili the way you want it! Order your 5-way, 4-way no onions, cheese coney “no mo”, that means no mustard for those of you new to the area still learning “chili-speak”. You can order your winning t-shirt to match your order preference. Who wouldn’t wear that proudly? :) Check out www.chilitownusa.com to see what I mean.
 
The grand prize winner will win a year of free family entertainment at Greater Cincinnati’s top attractions. The grand prize package, valued at more than $3,325, includes:
 
• Family memberships to the Newport Aquarium, Cincinnati Museum Center, Cincinnati Nature Center, Reds Hall of Fame,  and the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center
• Two tickets to three Cincinnati Bengals games during 2009
• Four tickets to the Meijer 300 at Kentucky Speedway
• Four tickets to the Five Show Series: The Marx Theatre Package at Playhouse in the Park
• Season ticket four-pack for the Northern Kentucky University Basketball season at the Bank of Kentucky Center
• A family four-pack to the Nutcracker at the Cincinnati Ballet
• A family four-pack to The Beach Waterpark and Kings Island
• A family four-pack for the Florence Freedom 2009 season
• Plus other additional great surprises

Those are great prizes! So get over to the Gold Star nearest you and play. You just might learn a thing or two about your hometown, or “adopted” home town, and win a little something along the way. Check out www.goldstarchili.com for more information.

More Cincinnati real estate information can be found at RealCincy.com

 Spring has arrived!

• Paula Deen – April 8. Cintas Center, Xavier University
• Tom  Foss – April 9. Funny Bone Comedy Club. Newport on the Levee
• Drew Hastings – April 15. Go Bananas Comedy Club…that should be a good show!
• Kings Island – April 18th……Opening Day….!
• Queen City Barbie Doll Club Show & Sale – April 19. Holiday Inn, Sharonville. I know my girls would have loved this when they were little!
• Sesame Street Live: When Elmo Grows Up – April 23 – 26. Bank of Kentucky Center
• Butterfly Show – April 18 – June 21. Krohn Conservatory

Such a welcome sight

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• Getting ready for the boys of summer! Spring training is underway. Get ready for the Reds winning 2009 season with a  visit to the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame & Museum. Downtown. Free admission for active military & veterans   
• Take advantage of the last days of the skiing & snowboarding season while you can at Perfect North Slopes. Close to Greater Cincinnati in Lawrenceburg, IN
• Restaurant Week starts March 16th! This is a great value! March 16 -22, you can visit 29 locally owned restaurants and take advantage of a 3 course prix-fixe dinner for $26.09. Enjoy Andy’s Mediterranean Grille, Behle Street Café, Bella Luna, Tink’s Café ( a favorite of mine), Brown Dog Café  (another one of my favorites) Chalk Food & Wine, China Gourmet, Pompilios, Nicholson’s ( I love this place)  and plenty more! Get more information here!
• Timon of Athens. Cincinnati Shakespeare Company. Through March 22. Here’s the Story: frozen credit markets, corrupt government officials, bankruptcy, foreclosures, extravagant spending by the “haves” and the expense of the “have not’s”. Sound familiar? Set in 1607, not 2009, you’ll wonder how mankind has not learned a lesson or two. 
• The Aronoff hosts the Cincinnati Ballet’s production of Sinatra Suite+ More. New to Cincinnati, this show brings classy to meet classic.  March 27 – 28
• Playhouse in the Park presents “The Foreigner” starting March 10th. A shy Englishman pretends to not understand English while staying in a rural lodge in Georgia. Of course, those around him assume they are free to speak and scheme….and it only gets funnier from there. Go see the show and have a good laugh
• You can’t go wrong with Cooking School at Jungle Jims. The following list is just a short example of the cooking classes available this month at Jungle Jims:
March 9 – Knife Skills
March 14 – Wine & Food Class: Italian Style
March 10 – Guest Chef Molly Steven works with Best American Recipes
March 23 – Guest Chef Justin Dumcum features Cooking with Spirits
March 24 – Beer & Food Class: England’s Fun, Food, and Best Brews
March 26 – A Greek Easter Feast
For more information and to see the other class offerings this month go to the Jungle Jim’s site.

More Cincinnati real estate information can be found at RealCincy.com

• Gem of the Ocean – Ensemble Theatre of Cincinnati, Over the Rhine. February 4 – 22
• Lily Tomlin- An Evening of Classic, at The Aronoff Center. February 6
• The Foods Lincoln Liked. Pay honors to Presidents Day at Jungle Jim’s International Market. February 9
• Grass Roots: African Origins of an American Art. Honor Black History Month at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. February 11
• Frontiers Journey Tribute! Get your ticket here Bogarts, February 13. Don’t Stop Believe’n!
• Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens has a Wild About Winter Program. February 16
• Ben Folds – Cintas Center, Xavier University. Check it out February 19
• Treat the kids to Disney’s High School Musical 2 at the Taft Theatre. February 20 – 28
• Frost/Nixon – Not the movie…the play! Presented by Broadway Across America, Aronoff Center. February 24 – March 8.
• Did you dream of joining the circus? Then come out to the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. Bank of Kentucky Center. February 26 – March 8
• Cincinnati Blues Festival. Bringing the mood to Music Hall. February 27
• Think Spring! Cincinnati Home and Garden Show. Duke Energy Convention Center. February 28 – March 8

Spoil Your Special Someone on Valentine’s Day

• Party like a rock star!  Metromix Valentine’s Day Party – Newport Syndicate – The Pre-Party is 7 – 9pm. The REAL party starts at 9! Prizes, food, and “adult beverages”
• Treat your special someone to a Valentine’s Day Carriage Ride though downtown. Fountain Square
• I Love You Because – Know Theatre, Over the Rhine. Through February 21. Enjoy this light hearted musical, exploring life and love in neurotic New York
• La Petite France – I love this charming little restaurant in Evendale. The romantic 3 course French Valentine’s Day dinner for $49 includes your choice of appetizer, entrée and dessert. Lobster bisque…fabulous!
• He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not – Is your honey a “game player”? Take him to Gameworks, Newport on the Levee. 3 Course Couples dinner, 3 hour game card $65
• D L Hughley – Funny Bone Comedy Club. February 13 – 15. The food there is pretty good! Check out the menu online, then give your valentine the gift of a good laugh!

More Cincinnati real estate information can be found at RealCincy.com

Since January in Cincinnati can be a little gray and a little chilly, we need some nights out to look forward to.  I have some great ideas for you to get out and keep busy.   Hang in there! Spring is coming!

• Ryan McGuinness’s Aesthetic Comfort.  Jan 6 – Feb. 15. Free! Cincinnati Art Museum. Contemporary graphic art installation in a black-lit environment. Looks cool!
• Central Ohio Based Comedy Show. January 9. Jackson St. Underground in the Know Theatre of Cincinnati.  Three comics from Columbus and one from Cincinnati. Call 513/300-5669 for information
• Cincinnati Wedding Showcase. Jan 10 – 11. Sharonville Convention Center. Is your “Big Day” this spring?  Come out for fashion shows, entertainment, florist, gift ideas and more!
• George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic.  Jan 14. Madison Theater. Atomic Dog is stuck in my head already.
• Monster Jam. Jan 3. US Bank Arena. Grave Digger, Donkey  Kong, Avenger & Brutus
• Need more Monster Truck? Ok…then check out Monster Truck Nationals Tour. Jan 16 – 17.  Bank of Kentucky Center, N. KY University. Get tickets here to a family-friendly show, including TreadHead Ted. I don’t know who that is…but I supposed Monster Truck Fans of all ages will be glad to see TreadHead Ted at the pit party prior to the show!
• Dancing with the Stars.  Jan 17. US Bank Arena. Dancing celebrities & pro’s make it look easy
• Grease. Jan 20 – Feb 1. At the Aronoff Center, Broadway Across America Series
• Funnyman Ron White. Jan 23. The Taft Theater. Get tickets here
• Travel, Sports & Boat Show. Jan 16 – 18, Jan 21 – 25.  Duke Energy Convention Center. It will get in the mood for summer vacation in the middle of winter
• Cavalcade of Customs. Jan 9 – 11. Duke Energy Convention Center
• Travels of Angelica.  Jan 20 – Feb 20. Playhouse in the Park at Mt Adams.  A time-traveling tale that looks interesting! I think we’ll go see this one. It looks good

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Paramount’s Kings Island – The jewel in the crown of the Queen City! Located in the northeastern suburb of Mason, this park is the area’s biggest attraction for kids.

Great Wolf Lodge  – The official resort of Kings Island, this large indoor water park is exclusive for the lodge’s guests. Fun, decorated suites, tailored to kids. Activities galore, and good food too!

The Beach Water Park – Located in Mason, across from Kings Island, this  35 Acre water park has a “water coaster”, water racing slides, inner tube rides, wave pool and plenty more to  help keep you cool in steamy Cincinnati summers.

The Cincinnati Fire Museum – Antique memorabilia and a real fire pole to slide down! Ring the bell and climb on the fire truck.

Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden – The second oldest zoo in the country. Treat your family to a zoo-pass so you can get in to sneak peeks of new attractions.

Cincinnati Museum of Natural History and Science – Featuring the Children’s Discovery Center, an interactive exhibit where kids can do some “hands on” learning.  It’s worth checking out the gift shop for really special items. Your budding scientist will thank you.

Cincinnati History Museum – A museum in an art deco train station….very cool.  Visit Cincinnati in Motion, and the working radio studio.

Coney Island – On the Ohio River, Anderson.  A really good time at a major attraction, but on a smaller scale.  Sunlite Pool at Coney has a large shallow section for the littlest Cincinnatians.  More adventurous kids will like the 500 foot waterslide. There is a Ferris wheel, pedal-boat trips and a great playground area.

Newport Aquarium – Newport on the Levee, Newport KY – One of the newest area attractions.  Walk under and into the sea, thanks to the large acrylic tunnels. Surround yourself with sharks, eels and a giant Pacific octopus.

Game Works – Newport on the Levee – Drop them off, go get something to eat at one of the Levee’s restaurants for big people, and pick them up later. They still won’t want to leave.  25,000 square feet of interactive games and virtual-reality craziness. This brainchild of Steven Spielberg does become an “over 18” night spot after 10 pm.

OMNIMAX Theatre, Union Terminal – Once you have exhausted the Museum tours, bring the kids back to the OMNIMAX Theatre to view movies on a domed ceiling, above your head.  If you’ve never seen an OMNIMAX movie, you need to.  It’s quite an experience.

This is just a short list of ideas to help you get comfortable with the Cincinnati area.  To see an even more complete list of ideas and attractions, be sure to let us know where we can send you your copy of The Insider’s Guide to Cincinnati.  You’ll find more great ideas to keep away the “boredom bug”.

More Cincinnati real estate information can be found at RealCincy.com

The Christmas Tree on Fountain Square has officially been lit, ushering in the Holiday Season. There are some really fun things to do in December. Shows, productions, shopping! So much to do! So, pick out a couple of favorites, and enjoy!

• Stomp – December 2 – 7, Aronoff Center, P & G Hall – Bring your Little Drummer Boys ( & Drummer Girls) to a celebration of percussion and rhythm. We saw this show a few years back. I dare you to not go home and start beating on the table with butter knives.
• Alice in Wonderland – December 3 – Jan. 4, Ensemble Theatre of Cincinnati
• Comedian Brian Regan – December 4, Taft Theatre. This guy is funny. Should be a great show.
• St Nick Arrives at Mainstrasse! December 6 – A German Tradition!
• Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer – December 5 – 7 & 13, Taft Theatre
• 3 Doors Down – December 19, US Bank Arena
• Cincinnati Pops – December 12, Music Hall
• Redsfest – December 12 – 13, Duke Energy Convention Center
• The Nutcracker – December 12 – 27, Aronoff Center, P & G Hall. A Christmas Favorite!
• UC vs. XU Crosstown Shootout! – December 13, Fifth Third Arena.  Go Cats!
• A Christmas Carol – December 15 – 30, Playhouse in the Park. 
• Santa’s Water Wonderland – Through Jan. 3, Newport Aquarium.
• Cincinnati’s Jewish Holiday Traditions – December 21 – 22, Cincinnati Museum Center
• Twelfth Night – December 5 – Jan. 4, Cincinnati Shakespeare Company. Love, Cross-dressing, Mistaken Identity. Could be fun!
• Trains. Trains. We all Love Trains – December 29 – 30, Cincinnati Museum Center
• Monty Python’s Spamalot – December 30 – Jan. 4, Aronoff Center. Flying Cows. Killer Rabbits. Yikes!

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November fun in Cincinnati

I love this time of year. I really enjoy  the cool, crisp fall relief from summer’s heat.  Of course, there’s Thanksgiving. A great excuse to have both pumpkin AND pecan pie for dessert. I believe, officially, calories do not count that day.
There is plenty to do to keep busy. There are some Great Productions for Date Night this month!
It’s time for Early Birds to start their holiday shopping.  Not me. I work better under pressure, and I‘m big on last minute bargains. In the meantime, check out a few of these events!
• “A Reporter’s Life” with local favorite Jim Knippenberg, November 10,  Cincinnati Museum Center
• Election Day! November 4… You know the rules: If you don’t vote, you can’t complain!
• Holiday Craft Show,  November 1 – 2 , Eastgate Mall, 15+ Vendors, Benefits American Heart Association “Go Red for Women”
• Taste of the World Wine & Beer Festival. November 8, Newport Aquarium  Newport
• PNC Festival of Lights, Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens, November 28 – January 4
• The Greater Cincinnati Holiday Market, Northern KY Convention Center , November 15 – 16
• The Eagles, November 18 at US Bank Arena
• Radio City Christmas Spectacular , November 28 – 30 US Bank Arena
• “How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying,  College-Conservatory of Music, UC November 20 – 23
• “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change”  Playhouse in the Park, Eden Park. We are Definitely seeing this one!! Go see it through December 31st. 
• “The Wizard of Oz” Aronoff Center  November 11 – 23 as part of the Broadway series 
• Turkey Bowl, November 25, Fountain Square, Downtown. Yep…Just how it sounds. Bowling with frozen turkeys…on ice. Ya’ gotta love it.
• “Love Song”, Playhouse in the Park, Eden Park. We saw this one. Through November. Definitely Quirky…but we liked it.
• November 27  Happy Thanksgiving!
• Light Up the Square!  November 28, Fountain Square, Downtown Cincinnati

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