It's been four years since we've taken the kids on any sort of vacation. We used to go somewhere every year, but that became impossible once they got older and had travel teams, tournaments and jobs to occupy their summers. We knew our trip out west in 2010 would be the last with all five of us. However, when my son was able to get a few consecutive days off of work, I decided the four of us would try to get away. My oldest has her career and a honeymoon coming up, so I wasn't worried about her!
Two nights doesn't give you a lot of options to venture far, so I asked the kids what they would most like to do. Middle Child loves zoos and my Son is a rollercoaster enthusiast, so we decided to go to Cincinnati.
The Cincinnati Zoo is the second oldest zoo in the U.S. (Philadelphia zoo is the oldest, Ron!) It's a huge zoo and we were able to spend almost six hours there.
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| The indoor reptile house held a wide variety of snakes and other creatures, such as this Komodo Dragon. |
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| A lion enjoying the sunshine. |
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| Cheesy bird stunt show that was so dumb, I couldn't stop laughing. There was a vulture that kept chasing the trainer (who pretended to be a park custodian) on the left. |
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| This guy was making such a racket, he had quite the audience. |
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Beautiful red panda
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After checking into our hotel and having dinner, we ventured to this place:
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Cincinnati is known for Graeter's Ice Cream (since 1870). I guess it's Oprah's favorite ice cream. I am not a big ice cream fan, but I will say, it was probably the best ice cream I've ever eaten. They use the 'french pot' method, if anyone knows what that is. I had the coconut chocolate chip and the 'chips' were actually huge chunks of dark chocolate. My kids both got the banana chocolate chip and loved it. What I especially liked about the place was that it was a real ice cream parlor, which we lack here. They even had an electronic piano outside (right side of picture) that anyone could play.
(I'll try to come back later in the week to post day two of the trip)
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"(Philadelphia zoo is the oldest, Ron!)"
ReplyDeleteYup...you are absolutely correct about that :)
LOVE your photographs in the zoo! Especially the one of the lion enjoying the sunshine. OMG...how cute is the expression on his face! Also, the red panda is beautiful.
Yes, I'm not a big ice cream fan either, however, that 'french pot' method with coconut and dark chocolate chips sounds heavenly!
Glad to hear you're enjoying yourself on your vacay. Looking forward to seeing and reading your updates later in the week!
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Isn't that lion gorgeous?? I'm not sure I've ever seen a lion with a full mane like that (in person).
DeleteHere is the link to their method of ice cream making: http://www.graeters.com/french-pot-process
We were only gone three days, so back to reality this week!
I love zoos! We used to go to the Detroit Zoo when I was growing up. I've also been to the Brookfield Zoo in Chicago, and the San Diego Zoo AND Wild Animal Park. I've heard that the Toledo Zoo is pretty special, but I've never been there. . .
ReplyDeleteWe've got a nice little zoo here in Our Town (emphasis on the 'little', but it's got penguins and spider monkeys, which are pretty cool). There's also one (not quite so, uh, small) in Grand Rapids, which isn't too far away. . .
I've only been to the Toledo Zoo out of the ones you mentioned. It was nice! My hometown (Akron) zoo has a great penguin exhibit, too. It's my favorite part. We didn't get to see it because they were remodeling, but the Cincy Zoo has a special memorial to the last passenger pigeon.
DeleteSounds like a mini getaway and that ice cream especially sounds delicious! Good thing I do not live in Cincinnati. That could be addicting, I fear.
ReplyDeletebetty
They could easily turn me into an ice cream lover. The prices were steep, but honestly, not really much more than the prices places charge around here for local ice cream that's just a window you walk up to and order from. I liked that Graeter's had some unusual flavors, too!
DeleteI used to love Friendly's.
ReplyDeleteLOL.....Whenever I lament about the lack of ice cream parlors here, Middle Child brings up Friendly's. Not the same!
DeleteWow, Bijoux, looks like you all had a great time. The zoo photos are excellent and I've got this sudden craving for ice cream. When's the next bus to Cincinnati...?
ReplyDeleteWell, I read over the weekend that People's Express is back and running......maybe you can find a $50 flight to Cincy!
DeleteWhat is this vacation of which you speak?
ReplyDeleteWe're headed to Nashville soon but as usual, it's connected to a wedding (or funeral, those two kinda dictate our tripping).
I do love a good zoo but, well, only one of us is up to hours of walking so it is rare that we indulge. Looks like you found a good one.
We are the opposite. If a wedding or funeral is more than a few hours away, we decline!
DeleteI adore the red panda. I had no idea pandas could be that small! "French pot" ice cream sounds interesting - only two gallons made at a time so it's richer and creamier. I'd love to try it.
ReplyDeleteThe zookeeper in the photo said that red panda and giant panda are not related. Giant panda are in the bear family while red panda are in their own classification. Or something like that!
Deleteok, the animals are cute - but I'm with your son - bring on the rollercoaster!!!
ReplyDeleteComing soon to a blog near you!
DeleteThe red panda is absolutely adorable! This looks like a great trip so far! I really need to get away for a little bit but the next time we have that is just a weekend in October. Only three days and just the next state over but better than nothing right?
ReplyDeleteWe were only gone three days, but it WAS better than nothing. I hope you get to do some fun things on your trip!
DeleteHow awesome! I love visiting zoos, mostly because they're usually so scenic and beautiful. If it weren't for the smell, it would be perfect. :-)
ReplyDeleteI agree, most zoos do a nice job with horticulture too. We lucked out with a 70 degree day, so not too hot either.
DeleteLooks like you picked a great destination--it can be tough finding something for everyone when you have so many diverse interests. I have been to Cincy a couple of times, but don't think I went to the zoo there. Our gang would love to see a red panda, and a stop at Graeter's would be on our list as well.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward for more on the trip!
Thanks, SD. I'll post more next week.
DeleteFor a short vacation, you got a lot of amazing pics. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed, LL!
DeleteI like zoos, but haven't been in several years.
ReplyDeleteI had Graeter's Ice cream for the first time last month. Raspberry with those huge chocolate chunks - delicious!
That's funny that we both had it for first time! I saw that flavor and I wish I had tried it. Yum!
DeleteHello Bijoux, It's very nice to meet you. I've just come from Ron's favorite travels photo sharing. I'm really enjoying living vicariously through everyone's photos. I haven't been any of the places mentioned, including yours. Yes, the needles do look like a city. It is breathtaking. Nature is my first wonder. It's perfect. Thank you for sharing, Bijoux.
ReplyDeleteYou are on a vacation now? Love ice cream but never heard of the "French pot" method. I've just copied the link. Intriguing, and am wondering whether I've ever had any without knowing?! lol
Beautiful photos. The Lion is gorgeous and could have been in the Lion King, it is so majestic!
Again, Bijoux, it was nice meeting. By the photos, you're having a wonderful vacation! Sincerely, Petra :))
Thank you for stopping by! The trip was a week ago, but I'm glad you enjoyed my photos.
DeleteOne of my biggest regrets is that we only ever took one real family vacation when the kids were little ("we" being my ex-wife and I). Not that I miss her company, but it would have been nice had all four of us done a few more fun things before the divorce. So this sounds like a great opportunity for you guys!
ReplyDeleteMark, I wonder if everyone regrets not doing enough with their kids when they were little. The time just seems to go too fast.
Deletethat shot of the lion is fabulous! sounds like you all had a fun time. glad it worked out for the whole family.
ReplyDeleteThanks! Isn't he cute?
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