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Farewell, Queen City
BY JEN MROZOWSKI
I took a picture recently, looking down at my slippered feet, standing on the caramel-colored hardwood floors of my Cheviot home.
Of all the dozens of photos I've taken in the last few weeks to preserve my memories of Cincinnati, it's my favorite. That picture represents the comfort I feel here in this city, my home of nearly seven years.
But my husband and I have accepted new jobs in Michigan, and we're moving.
It's funny now to think that I steadfastly did not want to move here and never thought I'd feel like this was home. We were living outside lovely, lake-lined Chicago in 2000 when my now-husband was interested in a job at the Cincinnati Enquirer. My response was something like, "Ohio? Ugh. Ohio is boring and flat." Boy, was I wrong. The moment we drove to Cincinnati and I saw the rolling hills and winding river, I was hooked.
Is Cincinnati perfect? Ha. Being a reporter, I know too much about the politics and the problems to say that. But there is so much to appreciate.
What will I do without the Cincinnati Art Museum? I have been awed by exhibits like Cat Chow's clothing display, and I have loved my 10 percent members' discount at the light-filled museum café.
I will miss Covington and the super-cozy Greenup Café. I'm sure I'll long for the scenic drive along Columbia Parkway on my way to a play at the New Edgecliff Theater in Columbia Tusculum. I'll miss the appetizers and dirty martinis at Bella Luna, the pancakes at the Echo in Hyde Park, and picking out the perfect cheese at Findlay Market.
Then there's Newport, from the uber-cool Southgate House to the absolutely quirky York St. Cafe. And some of my favorite memories include the tacos and Jarritos at La Mexicana and drinking hot chocolate at the Levee's Barnes & Noble while I pore over magazines in the shadow of downtown's twinkling city lights.
And I cannot neglect to mention the underrated West Side, where we bought our first home - a character-filled early-20th gem with pocket doors and hardwood floors. (You have to love West Side prices for East Side-caliber homes.) Our kitchen reminds me of all the meals my husband and I shared at our first dining room table. Our deck reminds me of all the grilling while friends laughed and drank wine.
Cincinnati, you have inspired me with your devotion to the arts, satiated me with your diverse restaurants, frustrated me with your bickering politics and segregation, challenged me with plentiful opportunities, wowed me with your historic architecture and rich history, introduced me to some of my best friends and made me sad to go.
You are a Queen City to me.
Jen Mrozowski is a former education reporter for the Enquirer and is now a reporter for the Detroit News. She's leaving behind an awesome house at 3739 Herbert Ave. (Check it out, it's a steal.)
I took a picture recently, looking down at my slippered feet, standing on the caramel-colored hardwood floors of my Cheviot home.Of all the dozens of photos I've taken in the last few weeks to preserve my memories of Cincinnati, it's my favorite. That picture represents the comfort I feel here in this city, my home of nearly seven years.
But my husband and I have accepted new jobs in Michigan, and we're moving.
It's funny now to think that I steadfastly did not want to move here and never thought I'd feel like this was home. We were living outside lovely, lake-lined Chicago in 2000 when my now-husband was interested in a job at the Cincinnati Enquirer. My response was something like, "Ohio? Ugh. Ohio is boring and flat." Boy, was I wrong. The moment we drove to Cincinnati and I saw the rolling hills and winding river, I was hooked.
Is Cincinnati perfect? Ha. Being a reporter, I know too much about the politics and the problems to say that. But there is so much to appreciate.
What will I do without the Cincinnati Art Museum? I have been awed by exhibits like Cat Chow's clothing display, and I have loved my 10 percent members' discount at the light-filled museum café.
I will miss Covington and the super-cozy Greenup Café. I'm sure I'll long for the scenic drive along Columbia Parkway on my way to a play at the New Edgecliff Theater in Columbia Tusculum. I'll miss the appetizers and dirty martinis at Bella Luna, the pancakes at the Echo in Hyde Park, and picking out the perfect cheese at Findlay Market.Then there's Newport, from the uber-cool Southgate House to the absolutely quirky York St. Cafe. And some of my favorite memories include the tacos and Jarritos at La Mexicana and drinking hot chocolate at the Levee's Barnes & Noble while I pore over magazines in the shadow of downtown's twinkling city lights.
And I cannot neglect to mention the underrated West Side, where we bought our first home - a character-filled early-20th gem with pocket doors and hardwood floors. (You have to love West Side prices for East Side-caliber homes.) Our kitchen reminds me of all the meals my husband and I shared at our first dining room table. Our deck reminds me of all the grilling while friends laughed and drank wine.
Cincinnati, you have inspired me with your devotion to the arts, satiated me with your diverse restaurants, frustrated me with your bickering politics and segregation, challenged me with plentiful opportunities, wowed me with your historic architecture and rich history, introduced me to some of my best friends and made me sad to go.
You are a Queen City to me.
Jen Mrozowski is a former education reporter for the Enquirer and is now a reporter for the Detroit News. She's leaving behind an awesome house at 3739 Herbert Ave. (Check it out, it's a steal.)
posted 1/16/2007
10 comments
10 Comments:
It's amazing that we must have someone from the outside informing us of how lucky we are to live in our fair city. We all take the opportunities in Cincinnati for granted and instead point out the negatives.
Thanks for giving us a heads-up...
For CinWeekly readers, you may recall my June 2006 blog about how I moved to Cincinnati because I do like this city very much. In the nearly 3 years since I moved here, my feelings have yet to waiver. We are a great city with great people. Do we have some problems we need to work out? Yes. So does every city. But, with residents like these, I think we are on the best track we've in a long time.
Most people think the grass is greener on the other side. It is good to finally see someone with an objective view.
Amen on the biggest value in Cincinnati, the west side. My wife and I own a great old house for about what we were paying in rent downtown.
It's only natural for most people to complain about where they live. I know people who live in San Diego, New York, and Europe who complain also. People do it no matter what.
I've made my peace with Cincinnati. It has problems, but, now that I've lived here for nearly 8 years, I find myself defending it against people who live in the suburbs and never venture into the city.
Wonderful piece -- my fiancee and I have just moved to Westwood from New Jersey -- and we love what we've found so far. Best of luck to you and your family in Michigan!
What a refreshing article!! Cincinnati is a great city that has plenty to offer if your willing to go out and find it.
good riddance
I've been outside of Cincinnati for five years, and I have to say that it took leaving to make me realize what I was missing. It's a wonderful city with amazing people, and I'm so glad that someone from outside of the city can say what a fantastic place Cincinnati is.
Every town has its problems, but I for one am happy to say that I'm interviewing and moving home. Best of luck to you and your husband in Michigan. Thank you for posting the positive experience you had in the Queen City. We need more people like you here :)
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