Hyde Park and Mt. Lookout are two neighboring suburbs that blend together almost seamlessly to form one of Cincinnati’s oldest areas. Hyde Park was established in 1892 by Cincinnati businessmen who wanted an exclusive community for the wealthy and named it after New York’s Hyde Park. The area was annexed by the City of Cincinnati in 1903. Mt. Lookout is located adjacent to Hyde Park and was named for the Mount Lookout Observatory which was moved to this neighborhood in 1873.
Hyde Park and Mt. Lookout are adjacent urban communities where people of all ages enjoy the convenience of being centrally located and only minutes from downtown. Throughout this community, older homes are lovingly care for in an urban setting with a suburban vibe. Boasting original exteriors, these homes have modern, up-to-date features for today's living standards. One finds homes of all sizes as well as apartments, condos and townhouses.
Head up the hill and there are larger home estates with magnificent Ohio River views as well as wondering streets of beautiful lawns featuring exceptional properties. Homes near Madison Road or Observatory and Erie Avenues may be on smaller lots, but still have beautiful facades and well-planned interior spaces. These communities are a very hip place to live!
Wherever one lives in the Hyde Park and Mt. Lookout areas, residents love to take advantage of walking their neighborhood whether to enjoy a meal, coffee, drink at a pub or shopping. Dog walking and jogging are very popular activities, too.
Transportation
Hyde Park and Mt. Lookout have good access to the heart of Cincinnati, within 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the point of departure. I-71 links the area with all interstate highways and most major thoroughfares. Columbia Parkway is a popular route towards downtown Cincinnati. Cincinnati Metro Bus services the area.
Hospitals
Mercy Health - Rookwood Medical Hospital Center is located along I-71 and is a modern facility with an emergency department as well as primary care offices.
Jewish Kenwood - Mercy Hospital is a 10-minute drive to the north. This hospital features a state-of-the-art patient tower as well as a 24-hour emergency department. It is the region’s only adult Blood & Marrow Transplant Center. Bethesda North Hospital, a Level III Trauma Center, is located in Montgomery and is a 15-minute drive away.
Seven of Cincinnati’s finest hospitals are within a 10-minute drive and include: Good Samaritan Hospital, University Hospital, Children’s Hospital Medical Center and The Christ Hospital. Many uptown groups of doctor’s offices are also within easy access.
Shopping
Hyde Park and Mt. Lookout Squares feature excellent specialty shops, local restaurants and cafes as well as popular pubs. Hyde Park Square hosts a farmer’s market every Sunday. The Echo (on the side of the square) has been a popular place for a meal since 1945 and is open for breakfast and lunch daily. In Mt. Lookout, Zip’s Cafe (which was established in 1926) is known for its burgers.
Hyde Park Plaza Shopping Center, Rookwood Commons and Rookwood Pavilion serve all convenience needs. Nearby Oakley has its own “downtown” strip along Madison Road with popular eateries, cafes and shops. Kenwood Towne Centre (with Nordstrom, Dilliards and Macy’s as anchors) and Sycamore Plaza (aka Kenwood Square) are only a 15-minute drive away. All feature nationally branded stores along with everything from casual to gourmet dining.
Need a donut fix? Local Busken Bakery bakes its goodies in Hyde Park and this particular location is open 24 hours a day. And, we cannot forget Peace Love and Little Donuts where you can find scrumptious cake donuts with delectable toppings and frostings.
Recreation
There are picnic and play areas at Ault Park and Alms Park, two of Cincinnati’s largest and most beautiful parks. Alms Park has beautiful views of the Ohio River. Ault Park has a lovely pavilion that serves as a lookout point to the beautiful gardens. This park hosts many outdoor events during warmer months including a Concours d’Elegance car show, dances and a 4th of July celebration. Annwood Park is located on Madison Road and is a serene parklet with a fountain.
The private Hyde Park Country Club has an 18-hole golf course, tennis courts and a swimming pool. The Cincinnati Country Club, also private, has an 18-hole golf course, swimming pool, squash and tennis courts. The Mt. Lookout Swim Club is private. Nearby Lunken Playfield (public) offers tennis, archery, golf and baseball. Marinas along the nearby Ohio River provide excellent facilities for boating enthusiasts. An indoor tennis club is located across from Lunken Airport and a racquetball facility is located in nearby Fairfax.
There are also a variety of athletic and rec activities sponsored by neighborhood schools and special interest groups. Hyde Park Square hosts the annual Hyde Park Art Show with over 200 artists showcasing their work. The Hyde Park Blast (held in June) is another square event for runners and bikers.
Lifestyle
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Cincinnati, OH
Arts & Entertainment
The Carnegie - Constructed in 1904 and on the National Register of Historic Places the Carnegie inspires creativity for all. See professional theatre presentations, concerts and art exhibits at the largest and only multidisciplinary arts venue in Northern Kentucky, with The Carnegie Galleries, the Eva G. Farris Education Center and the Otto M. Budig Theatre housed together under its landmark dome.
Cincinnati Ballet - For more than 40 years the Cincinnati Ballet has entertained and enriched the culture of our community.
Cincinnati Arts Association - The CAA is a non-profit organization founded in 1992 which oversees programming and management of the Aronoff Center for the Arts and Music Hall.
Cincinnati Black Theatre Company - A not-for-profit organization that includes: professional leaders, educators, and visual artists from various racial and cultural backgrounds. They are committed to providing positive cultural interaction within our city.
Cincinnati Music Theatre - Over the last 45 years and counting the Cincinnati Music Theatre has strived to produce and encourage outstanding non-professional musical theater in and with our community.
Cincinnati Opera - On June 27, 1920 Cincinnati’s Opera began its reign as the second oldest opera company in the U.S. with a sold out performance.
Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park - The Playhouse is a non-profit theatre that is dedicated to presenting great theatre as well as making theatre affordable and accessible to everyone in our community.
The Children's Theatre - Sponsored by Sibcy Cline, Inc., The Cincinnati Children’s Theatre has been introducing children to the magic of theatre for over 80 years.
Cincinnati Pops Orchestra - Since its founding in 1977 the world-renowned Cincinnati Pops Orchestra performs in Cincinnati’s Music Hall.
Cincinnati Shakespeare Festival - The Cincinnati Shakespeare Company is a resident ensemble theatre that brings Shakespeare and the Classics to life for audiences of all ages.
Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra - The Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra was founded in 1895. It is the fifth oldest orchestra in the United States representing the evolution of 200 years of musical tradition in the Queen City.
Contemporary Dance Theater - Since the theater’s creation in 1972 it has been connecting the community by moving bodies and souls with diverse and socially relevant contemporary dance.
Ensemble Theatre of Cincinnati - The Ensemble Theatre of Cincinnati is home to Regional, World and Off-Broadway premiere productions. They are the first theater to present plays as they were still running on Broadway.
Fifth Third Bank Broadway in Cincinnati - As a division of Broadway Across America they are committed to educating audiences of all ages with the magic of live theatre.
University of Cincinnati College - Conservatory of Music - As the largest source of performing arts events in the state the conservatory is an educational institution for the performing arts within a comprehensive public university.
Riverbend Music Center - Visit the premier concert venue of Greater Cincinnati. Nestled on prime real estate on the city’s eastern outskirts along the Ohio River you will enjoy listening to a variety of musical talents while taking in the scenic views.
Ohio Renaissance Festival - Experience life during the Renaissance period by enjoying games, shows and shopping in a re-created 16th Century English village.
Performance Gallery - Specializing in theater that “appeals to unconventional or nontraditional interests” the Performance Gallery produces challenging works of theatre that seldom find a home on mainstream stages.
Warsaw Incline Theater - The 229-seat live-performance theater is located in East Price Hills Incline District. Year-round performances are offered with many shows enjoyed by sell-out crowds.
Sports & Recreation
Sports
Cincinnati is home to the excitement of the oldest professional baseball team (Cincinnati Reds), an NFL football team (Cincinnati Bengals), a professional hockey team (Cyclones), a Major League Soccer team (FC Cincinnati), the Kentucky Speedway, horseracing, the Tennis Masters Series Cincinnati, golf (LPGA and Senior PGA) and Division I athletics from area colleges. Sports teams enjoy the support of loyal Cincinnatians, evident in the building of two professional stadiums, Paul Brown Stadium and the Great American Ballpark.
Cincinnati Bengals - Visit Paul Brown Stadium to catch some NFL excitement with the Cincinnati Bengals.
Cincinnati Reds - Enjoy the great American pastime with the first professional baseball team.
Turfway Race Track - Whether you’re a veteran racing fan, casual fan or new to horseracing, Turfway Park puts you up close for all the action.
Belterra Park - Stop by and enjoy live thoroughbred racing from April through September and simulcast racing year round.
Kentucky Speedway - Located approximately halfway between Cincinnati and Louisville in Sparta KY. The Kentucky Speedway delivers a dose of NASCAR speed and adrenaline while hosting Busch series races in addition to their diverse racing schedule.
Flying Pig Marathon - Come and participate in the country’s third largest first-time marathon. Join athletes of all running abilities as they find their personal reward.
US Open Tennis Masters Series Cincinnati - Professional tennis visits Cincinnati every summer during the Western & Southern Financial Group Masters and Women’s Open tournaments.
Florence Y'alls - Come out, join in the fun and root for Greater Cincinnati's Minor League Professional Baseball Team, the Florence Y'alls, as they play against teams from Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Missouri and Pennsylvania. They are a member of the Independent Frontier League.
FC Cincinnati - Cincinnati is very proud to host a Major League Soccer (MLS) team, FC Cincinnati. Games are well attended by passionate fans wearing their blue and orange. The club plays at a world-class soccer stadium called TQL Stadium.
Parks and Recreation
Cincinnati Parks - Over 5,000 acres have been designated to the city’s 100 parks and green spaces making our parks some of the best in the nation.
Hamilton County Park District - Our Hamilton County parks are dedicated to the preservation and protection of all natural resources by providing outdoor recreation and education to create a better quality of life for present and future generations.
Ohio State Parks - Visit any of Ohio’s 74 state parks for an outdoor recreational experience that will exceed all expectations.
For More Information about Life in the Greater Cincinnati Region
www.redicincinnati.com - Cincinnati is home to 9 Fortune 500 firms, and more than 300 foreign-owned firms which provides our community with a strong foundation for thriving careers and an outstanding quality of life.
www.cincinnatiusa.com - Things to do and places to go in Cincinnati
www.downtowncincinnati.com - A list of things to do in downtown Cincinnati
Museums & Attractions
Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky/Southeast Indiana region is filled with boundless choices for museums and attractions for endless enjoyment and excitement! A museum-lover has the new Contemporary Art Museum, the spectacularly renovated art museum, and Museum Center to explore. Other attractions include the world-renowned Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens and Newport Aquarium. For summer thrill-seekers, the region has Kings Island and the Beach.
Cincinnati Art Museum - Visits to scenic Eden Park are not complete unless you take time to enjoy exhibitions, programs and activities at the Art Museum. There’s no excuse not to visit since admission is always FREE.
Contemporary Art Museum - As one of the oldest museums of contemporary art in the United States the Contemporary Arts Center has served the city by providing a forum for progressive art and ideas.
Taft Museum of Art - Built in 1820, the Taft Museum is a National Historic Landmark and is known as one of the finest small art museums in America.
Cincinnati Museum Center - One gorgeous, historically important building. Inside, four amazing places to enjoy and explore. Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal offers endless fun and learning.
National Underground Railroad Freedom Center - Learn the stories of freedom’s past and present heroes while visiting the museum’s three buildings that represent the cornerstones of freedom- courage, cooperation and perseverance.
Heritage Village Museum - Located in Sharon Woods Park, the Heritage Village is a recreated 1800’s community featuring a dozen historic buildings that were saved from destruction and moved to their present location. You will experience the rural simplicity of a small town life as it was during Ohio in the 1800’s.
Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens - Come and see the world famous and #1 rated family attraction in Cincinnati. Opened in 1875, it is the nation’s second oldest zoo and a national historic landmark.
Newport Aquarium - Open 365 days a year, the Newport Aquarium was ranked the #1 aquarium in the Midwest by the Zagat’s U.S. Family Travel Guide in 2004.
Krohn Conservatory - Visit a nationally recognized showcase of over 3,500 plant species from across the world. The conservatory is open year round with free admission.
Newport on the Levee - Enjoy open spaces, unique shopping, international dining, catch a movie or comedy show and much more at this leading local tourist attraction.
Perfect North Slopes - Skiing in Cincinnati? That’s right, but Perfect North Slopes is actually located about 30 minutes away in Lawrenceburg Indiana, where you can hit the slopes skiing, snowboarding or snow tubing.
Kings Island - From Soak City to Planet Snoopy, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Kings Island has 14 roller coasters and numerous rides and attractions that will entertain the entire family.
Sunlite Pool at Coney Island - Swim and sunbathe at the world’s largest re-circulating swimming pool.
Business & Media
Business Organizations in Cincinnati
Clermont County Chamber of Commerce - Promoting local and regional business through: Entrepreneurship, Retention and expansion efforts, business attraction, advocacy of interests, counseling and analysis, regional partnerships, networking and cost savings.
Greater Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce - The Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber is the nation's fifth largest chamber and twice has been named Chamber of the Year.
Greater Cincinnati Convention and Visitors Bureau - Whether you are looking for business or leisure the GCCVB gives you the best that Greater Cincinnati has to offer.
Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce - The Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to developing strong businesses and lively economy in order to improve quality of life for all in the area.
Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky African American Chamber of Commerce - Since established in 1996 the AACC has been a strong advocate of African American businesses in the Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky area.
Greater Cincinnati Hispanic Chamber of Commerce - The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce’s goal is to promote the creation as well as the continued growth of Hispanic/Latino business in the Greater Cincinnati area.
Northern Kentucky Convention and Visitors Bureau (NKCVB) - Plan your next business meeting with the best of the South, on the edge of the North. We have great places to meet, stay, play, eat and learn.
Newspapers in Cincinnati
The Cincinnati Enquirer - Find everything from breaking news to local events.
The Community Press - Keep up with local news and activities in your neighborhood with Cincinnati’s Community Press.
Radio & TV in Cincinnati
WGUC - WGUC broadcasts the finest in classical music programming and is the leading provider of arts information for Greater Cincinnati.
WVXU - WVXU is the city’s primary source of public affairs, information programming and a home for unique entertainment on the radio.
WLWT - TV - Channel 5 WLWT is your number one source for breaking news, local stories, weather traffic and more.
WCPO - TV - Broadcasting daily since 1949, Channel 9 WCPO is Cincinnati’s home for news, traffic, weather, sports and entertainment.
WKRC - TV - Channel 12 WKRC is committed to providing its viewers with the most up-to-date news, information, weather and entertainment and has been doing so for over 50 years.
The Weather Channel -(Cincinnati) Provides Greater Cincinnati with up to the minute weather reports and severe weather updates.