City Hunting

By Susie Crossland-Dwyer

I am deep into training for 2013, with my first real race just four weeks away. So, with the Memorial Day holiday weekend in full swing as well as the need to get in some serious miles, Chris and I decided to play a game and go for an adventure instead of just grinding the pavement for hours on end.

I call this (Cincinnati) city hunting.
The rules are OVERLY simple:
1. Pick a target to run (or walk or ride) to and capture the next stop by pointing to it in a photo.
2. Run to that target/landmark via the quickest route possible.
3. Set a new target/landmark.
4. Repeat.

We covered some of the major neighborhoods of Cincinnati today and had a blast seeing the city on foot. We discovered many little beautiful surprises---hidden overlooks, winding staircases, historical event markers, outdoor sculptures--we would've never seen or explored in a car. For most of the run it didn't even feel like we were logging miles, just simply "hunting" the next target.

Wanna play? Go for it! Here is some inspiration from our adventure that ended up covering 20 miles.

Leaving from home headed to the famous "Mushroom House" of East Hyde Park.

The Mushroom House built by architect Terry Brown between 1992-2006.

Mushroom House headed to the Cincinnati Observatory

The Cincinnati Observatory founded in 1842. President Adams called it one of his biggest accomplishments. 

Cincinnati Observatory headed to Ault Park

Ault Park is over 200 acres of woods, playgrounds, gardens and this beautiful Italian-Renaissance style pavillion built in 1930. In the park's early years 97 sheep were employed to trim the shrubs and lawns. 

Ault Park overlook headed to Lunken Airport

Lunken Airport headed to Carrel Street

An old photo of Carrel Street along the Cincinnati & Portsmouth Railway route.

Carrel Street headed to Columbia Tusculum

Cincinnati's oldest neighborhood founded in 1788 known for its Victorian-style "painted ladies."

Columbia Tusculum headed along the Ohio River

Ohio River trail headed downtown to Friendship Park

Theodore M. Berry International Friendship Park, named for Cincinnati's first African-American mayor, drew its original design from a child's friendship bracelet (two intertwining walkways run the length of the park). Pictured above is a sundial with 150-year old English oak tree trunks. 

Friendship Park headed to Purple People Bride

The Purple People Bridge is a pedestrian bridge connecting Cincinnati and Newport, KY river fronts.

Purple People Bridge headed to Mt. Adams

Steps leading up to Holy Cross Immaculata in Mt. Adams--famous for the 150-year old Catholic tradition of praying the rosary on each step on Good Friday.

Mt. Adams to Eden Park

Eden Park is one of the most popular Cincinnati parks and home to Cincinnati Art Museum, Playhouse in the Park and Krohn Conservatory.

Eden Park headed to St. Francis de Sales church in East Walnut Hills

St. Francis de Sales headed to O'Bryonville

East Walnut Hills and O'Bryonville were historically (as early as 1860) known for their large, semi-rural estates. It was never intended to become a populous area but to be enjoyed for "country living."

O'Bryonville headed to Oakley Square 

In Hyde Park with St. Celcia and 20th Century Theatre of Oakley in sight.

Oakley, originally called "Four Mile", was a popular stop for wagon drivers in the mid-19th century along the Madison Turnpike (now Madison Rd.). Now named after the many oak trees in the area as well as for hometown of Annie Oakley, the famous markswoman who made her debut in 1876.

Oakley Square headed to home

Home Sweet Home!