Downtown

Knowing that we were headed Downtown, I had this Seinfeld scene in my head all week: 

When it comes to Downtown Cincinnati and running there is always a lot going on. In addition to being a regular training ground for athletes out on their long runs, it is also the site of some of Cincinnati's major races like the Flying Pig, Hudepohl 14k and Thanksgiving Day.

As we got ready to run, a herd of Team in Training runners made its way past us. This single group of about two hundred runners outnumbered all of the runners we had seen on our challenge up to that point. 

With droves of potential competitors in her midst, Kayla set an aggressive pace right from the start.

  
First, we made our way to the eastern edge of Friendship Park, where at a dead end we encountered a towering sculpture that appeared to be part tower part weather vane.

After looping around the sculpture, we headed back west and passed the Montgomery Inn Boathouse.  Probably in violation of a local ordinance, I've never been to Montgomery Inn. Even Kayla the vegetarian is a two-time visitor: once on a 9th grade homecoming date and then more recently for a meeting. 

One aspect of the riverfront that I have missed when I've been passing through on other runs, are  the great bridge views. In particular, the "Big Mac" bridge is stunning.  

 

Of course, as the prototype for the Brooklyn Bridge the Roebling is a great piece of Cincinnati history in its own right.

When it comes to development, the area around Smale Park is the most significant marker of recent progress.  From Great American Ballpark to the Banks to the Christian Moerlein Brewery, what was once an underutilized area is now bustling with activity.

The Freedom Center was on the early end of the recent riverfront development. In the wake of Cincinnati's civil unrest, the Freedom Center was intended to embrace Cincinnati’s African American history.

In the winter of 2011, the Freedom Center became my office and I enjoyed being able to walk from my cubicle into some fascinating exhibits.

The downside to the Freedom Center as an office was having to pay to park.  Of course, now the bike center is just in front of the Moerlein Brewery and offers an opportunity to bike or run to work at a low monthly cost.

From the Freedom Center we headed away from the river into Downtown proper.  4th and Vine is  Kayla’s favorite intersection.She claims she loves the architecture, but I think her adoration has more to do with the Starbucks/Brueggers combo.

This blurry Starbucks has served Kayla well over the years. At one time it was the only place where Kayla could find coffee while she waited for me to finish the Heart Mini marathon on several dreary March mornings.

Looking up through the buildings at 4th and Vine you might think you were in New York or Chicago.

The dense urbanness receded as we headed up Vine to Fountain Square. This is the site of one of my favorite Cincinnati restaurants, Via Vite. 

Fountain Square is also home to the Tyler Davidson fountain, a gift from Kayla’s relative, Henry Probasco to the city of Cincinnati. This marked our third Probasco inspired stop, and one of Kayla’s classier poses.

When we ventured off of Vine, we came to Piatt Park--the one-time headquarters of Occupy Cincinnati. The east end of the park features a statue of former president Garfield. 

From Piatt Park we continued through the 9th Street historic district. This stretch of Downtown has always been one of my favorites, as it is quiet and unassuming, yet really close to all of the amenities.

Court Street is a nice, flat stretch that took us past some great eateries. My personal favorite is Tom and Chee (gourmet grilled cheese), which at one time was an unhealthy addiction that I couldn't shake. I even considered offering space on my racing singlet in exchange for free sandwiches. Sadly, now that I lunch almost exclusively in the law school cafeteria I don't make it in to see Tom and Chee much anymore. 

                                 

      


                                 

Our next stop was just off of 4th street, where we found Lytle Park. A trip into Lytle Park is like a trip back in time, as this quiet area is tucked away from the rest of Downtown. On one end is the oft celebrated Taft Museum. Finally, at the center of Lytle Park is a fantastic statue of Abraham Lincoln, standing watch over the park and the Anna Louise Inn.