Quirky things to love about Cincinnati

1. Baby Bell

Cincinnati Bell is one of the nation’s few remaining “Baby Bells” and has a notable history. In September 1878, the Bell Telephonic Exchange, at the corner of Fourth and Walnut streets, became the first telephonic exchange in Ohio and the tenth in the nation.

2. Chili

The spicy dish is said to have originated here. According to local lore, two Greek brothers modified the spices in a Mediterranean recipe and served the dish up at their Empress Chili parlor. In Cincinnati chili is served over, yes, spaghetti.

3. Pigs

They were revered for decades in Cincinnati, which at one time was the country’s leading meat-packing center. City law actually protected the hogs, and citizens were required to throw garbage in the streets for the porkers to eat. Today the Flying Pigs sculpture at Sawyer Point pays homage, as does the arts fundraiser Big Pig Gig and the Flying Pig Marathon.

4. Tall Stacks

They’re riverboat stacks, not factory stacks. At one time, 22 riverboats a day docked at Cincinnati Landing. Every four years or so this heritage is celebrated with the Tall Stacks Music, Arts and Heritage Festival. Next up
in 2007.

5. Subway

“What subway?” you ask. The downtown two-mile loop of subway was nearly completed almost 80 years ago, but lacked funding to become operational. The tunnels still sit quietly beneath the hustle-bustle of the city.