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Resources & References

Resources & References

Great Lakes, USA

Digital Resources

Essential Apps for Your Visit

  • Google Maps / Apple Maps / Waze

    For navigation, driving, walking, and public transit directions.

  • Uber / Lyft

    For ride-sharing services throughout the city.

  • Cincy EZRide

    Official app from SORTA for bus fares, route planning, and real-time bus tracking.

  • Bird / Lime

    Download these if you plan to use electric scooters in Downtown and OTR.

  • Cincinnati Red Bike

    Use this app to find bike-share stations, rent bicycles, and track your rides.

Useful Websites

  • Cincinnati USA

    The official tourism website for Cincinnati, Cincinnatiusa.com.

  • City of Cincinnati

    The official city government website, Cincinnati-oh.gov.

  • Findlay Market

    Official website for Ohio's oldest continually operated public market, Findlaymarket.org.

  • Cincinnati Museum Center

    Official website for the Museum Center at Union Terminal, Cincymuseum.org.

  • Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden

    Official website for the Cincinnati Zoo, Cincinnatizoo.org.

Digital Engagement

Social Media Channels

Follow official tourism accounts like @Cincinnati_USA for real-time updates and inspiration.

Visit Cincinnati USA

Podcasts & Digital Content

Search for local Cincinnati news or history podcasts, or explore travel vlogs on YouTube.

Search on YouTube

Online Communities

Subreddits like r/cincinnati offer local insights and answers to specific questions from residents.

Visit r/cincinnati

Print Resources

Recommended Guides & Maps

  • Seek guidebooks focused on Cincinnati for in-depth local details.
  • Consider "Secret Cincinnati: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure" by Kevin Grace.
  • A physical city map can serve as a backup to digital navigation.
  • Pick up free tourist maps at the Cincinnati USA visitor center or your hotel.

Books on Destination

  • "The Cincinnati Chili Cookbook" by Dann Woellert explores the city's signature dish.
  • "Cincinnati: The Queen City" by Walter S. Glazer Jr. Gives a city history overview.
  • Local novels set in Cincinnati offer an atmospheric city understanding.
  • "A History of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, Ohio" presents regional development.

Local Publications

Cincinnati Magazine

  • A monthly city magazine.
  • Features articles on local dining, arts, and events.
  • Find it at newsstands or online.

CityBeat

  • A weekly alternative newspaper.
  • Covers arts, culture, music, news, and events.
  • Often available free at coffee shops and public venues.

Local Guides

  • Specialty guides covering niche topics.
  • Examples: brewery tours, historic walking paths.
  • Often found at visitor centers or local shops.

Emergency & Medical Information

Critical Contacts

Emergency Numbers

  • Police, Fire, Ambulance: 911 (Universal U.S. Emergency number).
  • Poison Control Center: (800) 222-1222.

Hospital Locations

  • UC Medical Center: 234 Goodman St, Cincinnati, OH 45219.
  • Mercy Health - Jewish Hospital: 4777 E Galbraith Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45236.
  • The Christ Hospital: 2139 Auburn Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45219.
  • Urgent care clinics are throughout the city.

Embassy & Consulate

  • Most countries' embassies are in Washington D.C.
  • Some consulates are in larger U.S. Cities (Chicago, New York).
  • Consult your national government's foreign affairs website.
  • Keep their emergency number handy for lost passports or aid.

Lost Document Procedures

Lost/Stolen Passport

  • Report it to the local police immediately (non-emergency: (513) 352-3520).
  • Obtain a police report for your records.
  • Contact your country's embassy or nearest consulate in the U.S. For aid.

Other Cards & IDs

  • Immediately contact your bank or credit card company.
  • Report lost or stolen cards and cancel them right away.
  • For other identification, contact the issuing authority.

Natural Disaster Protocols

Weather Alerts

  • In severe weather (tornado watch/warning, blizzard), local news advisories give info.
  • Hotels generally have emergency plans; follow their instructions.

Seeking Shelter

  • Seek shelter in interior rooms or basements if a tornado warning occurs.
  • Follow specific instructions for severe weather protection.

Further Exploration

Documentaries & Films

Search for documentaries on Cincinnati's history, its unique chili culture, or architectural heritage.

Music & Art

Listen to the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra or explore local bands. Local galleries present regional artists.

Online Communities

Online communities, like subreddits for Cincinnati (r/cincinnati), offer local insights from residents.

Safety Reminder

Save the 911 emergency number and your country's U.S. Embassy/consulate contact information in your phone. A trusted contact at home should have a copy of your itinerary and these numbers.

Print Resources

Books for Connection

City-Specific Guides

  • Specialized Local Guides

    Look for guidebooks specifically about Cincinnati for in-depth local details.

  • "Secret Cincinnati"

    Kevin Grace's guide offers unique discoveries and obscure facts.

  • Physical Maps

    A good city map helps with orientation and route planning as a backup to digital tools.

Historical & Cultural Reads

  • "The Cincinnati Chili Cookbook"

    By Dann Woellert, explore the city's signature dish.

  • "Cincinnati: The Queen City"

    Walter S. Glazer Jr.'s book gives a good overview of the city's history.

  • Local Fiction

    Seek out novels set in Cincinnati for a more atmospheric understanding of the city.

Local Publications

Cincinnati Magazine

A monthly city magazine featuring articles on local dining, arts, and events.

Read Online

CityBeat

A weekly alternative newspaper covering arts, culture, music, news, and events. Often available free.

View Website

Local Tourist Brochures

These are often found at visitor centers and hotels, providing quick reference points and special offers.

Find Visitor Info

Digital Resources for Dive

More Useful Websites

Dive Online

  • Look for local Cincinnati news podcasts or history podcasts.
  • YouTube hosts travel vlogs and documentaries about the city.
  • Subreddits (e.g., r/cincinnati) offer a wealth of local insights and answers.
  • For non-English speakers, language learning resources can enhance communication.

Essential Pre-Trip Reads

Cincinnati History & Culture

  • "A History of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, Ohio" for regional development.
  • Local libraries or bookstores recommend novels set in Cincinnati.
  • Appreciate the classical music scene by listening to the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra.

Practical Information

  • Review basic U.S. Etiquette and tipping customs for respectful interactions.
  • Understand how the Metro bus system and Cincinnati Bell Connector operate.
  • Learn about unique food traditions like Cincinnati Chili, Goetta, and Graeter's Ice Cream.

Additional Tip

For additional learning, consider Skillshare for photography courses, especially if you plan to capture Cincinnati's beauty. Visit Skillshare

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