New York Times does Cincinnati on a budget

The New York Times‘ “Frugal Traveler” section visits Cincinnati via a new report from Lucas Peterson, who takes in “a former boomtown that was once called the ‘Paris of America’ because of its inspired architecture and ambitious engineering projects.”

“I discovered that Cincinnati has a complicated and fascinating history that bridges (quite literally) the Northern and Southern United States,” he writes. “There are, of course, great opportunities for the budget-conscious traveler: gorgeous buildings, interesting museums, open-air markets and good food, including Cincinnati’s famous chili.”

Peterson tries Skyline in Clifton and Camp Washington Chili, spends time at Findlay Market and Museum Center at Union Terminal and experiences a transcendent moment at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center.

“There’s an odd quietness in the (slave) pen, which visitors are allowed to enter: an almost ghostly chill,” he writes. “It’s a potent piece of history, and one of the more impressive artifacts I’ve encountered in any museum, anywhere.”

Read the full New York Times story here.