Cincinnati on a Sunday

when Anne asked me to do a post for her (thanks again for the opportunity, doll!!)  I already knew what direction I was going to go: Cincinnati Sunday Funday, obviously!! anyone that follows me on instagram knows that I love my city and have the upmost pride for where I live. I have friends that live all over and though sometimes I daydream about living in New York or Los Angeles, Cincinnati will always be home and be where I plan on staying forever. 

Luckily for me… and you, too... this city is blossoming into a pretty amazing area for those of us looking for easy and cheap weekend fun. I took out my camera this past Sunday and photographed the day! Just your average Sunday in my world, but such a fun way to spend time with family and friends without breaking the bank. Sometimes I take it for granted that I have Findlay Market right down the road and OTR is just a hop skip and a jump away, too. They are my two favorite places to enjoy a Cincinnati weekend and I wanted to share a little more about them with you!! 

 I'll blame it on the weather, but every dang person I passed on Sunday was smiling. The sun was shining and you could see it on everyone's faces while they picked up their weekly fruits and veggies. Musicians playing in the streets, kids and dogs running around, and just a general warm and fuzzy feeling took over Findlay as if we were all saying together "You guys! We made it! Winter in Ohio is finally Over!! High Five!" or something like that… That being said, the warmer it  gets outside the more packed Findlay becomes! Make sure you get there early so you can get in the parking lot, but also keep in mind that some vendors start to sell their food at a cheaper price once the day starts winding down. It's always kind of fun to haggle, isn't it? 

Daisy Mae is my favorite fruit and vegetable vendor. Their prices are dangerously cheap and I can't help but buy waaay too much every time I'm there. That being said, if anyone needs some grapes… I have plenty. Just let me know! 

Andre, the gentlemen below with the bicycle, is one of my favorite things about Findlay market. Even during Christmas time when it was freezing, he sits there and sings his heart out about God and loving each other and just how we are all trying to make it. He's kind of the sweetest.

you'll see artists of all shapes and sizes and colors just doing what they love. This guy with the violin? Oh man. He was good. Like really really good. How can people be so good at things? Sometimes it blows my mind. And yes, I always tip the artist before snapping their photos! :) 

Once you have all of your groceries, head on back to your car and leave your loot. Trust me, you bought plenty. $20 at Findlay will get you 4 bags of fresh food and you won't be wanting to carry all of that around. So once I dropped off my food bag, we walked two blocks down to Rhinegeist to get some beers, pretzels and hang out with friends. 

 Now, have you been to Rhinegeist yet? It's amazing. The best set up hands down around Cincinnati for people to come and hang out. It's a huuuuuge warehouse with ping pong tables and corn hole boards where you can bring your kids and picnic baskets and hang out all day long. Which is pretty much what we did. You get there and set up on one of their long wooden tables, and just chill. It's such a laid back environment with a knowledgable staff, awesome beer selections and plenty of room for kids to wear off some energy.

After a few beers though, it will be time to get something a little heavier than a pretzel! So we headed over to Bakersfield for some drinks and Queso and tacos. I love it there because it's perfect for a sexy date night with your man or a fun brunch with your best friends. Either way, this is tacos and queso we're talking about here and who the heck doesn't love tacos and queso?  

 I'm sure not everyone that reads this will be from Cincinnati, so none of these places may apply to you specifically… but the point is: it's so important to love your home. Love where you're from and try to find your own special bond with your city. Cincinnati is mine and I love it here. Having markets and local hangouts that feel like they have been mine forever means the world to me and I feel very fortunate that my city works as hard as it does to make me as proud as I am. 

 Thanks again, Anne, for letting me share a day in Cincinnati!