Valentine’s Day is almost here and love is in the air. We can’t think of a better place to steal a smooch from your sweetheart than in YOUR beautiful Cincinnati Parks! Here is a list of five unique spots, perfect for a romantic moment with your Valentine.
MT. STORM TEMPLE OF LOVE | CLIFTON
Have you seen that beautiful pergola standing proud within Mount Storm Park? The (perfectly named) Temple of Love was deigned in the 1850’s by Adolph Strauch, designer of Spring Grove cemetery.
Date idea: Pack a picnic, make a romantic playlist and have a seat under the Temple’s domed roof. Don’t forget to steal a kiss (or two) from your sweetheart!
MOUNT ECHO OVERLOOK | PRICE HILL
Mount Echo Park features a beautiful historic pavilion which was built in 1928. Facing downtown to the East, the park’s overlook offers one of the most dramatic views of any Cincinnati Park.
Date idea: After staying up all night dancing, end your evening on one of the Mount Echo overlook benches. Enjoy a kiss as you watch the sun rise over the city.
LARZ ANDERSON PARK OVERLOOK | COLUMBIA-TUSCULUM
Larz Anderson Park is a hillside park located above Columbia Parkway with a beautiful view of the Ohio River. This park itself represents love! In 1920 Emma M. Anderson gave 6.2 acres of the 9.2 acres as a memorial to her beloved husband. (Photo by @alexsargent11)
Date idea: Not interested in catching an overlook sunrise? Enjoy a sunset instead! Start your evening with a kiss on a Larz Anderson overlook bench before heading out for a romantic dinner.
SMALE RIVERFRONT PARK “MY ONE AND ONLY” STATUE | RIVERFRONT
Located along the sidewalk, between the Park’s labyrinth and Black Brigade monument, is a beautiful statue of two geese. Many years ago, John gave Phyllis Smale a necklace with two geese intertwined, and a note that read, “To my one and only, geese mate for life.” Years later, the Smale children donated this sculpture of two geese flying in synchronicity, denoting that same simple and loving message. These geese will forever remain a symbol of true love within Smale Riverfront Park.
Date idea: Drink a hot cocoa as you walk through Smale Riverfront Park. Impress your one and only with the history of this statue, then share a kiss.
CALIFORNIA WOODS FOOT BRIDGE | CALIFORNIA
California Woods Nature Preserve is home to 113 acres of forest, 53 species of trees and more than 200 species of herbaceous plants. The Lick Run Creek passes through this preserve and creates the opportunity for creeking and long pauses on short footbridges. If your true love is a nature-lover, we highly recommend a visit!
Date idea: Enjoy a hike on one of California Woods’ many trails. Stay a while on a foot bridge and listen to the sounds of a babbling creek. This is the perfect moment for a peaceful kiss with the sounds of nature all around you!
Do you have a favorite make out spot in YOUR Cincinnati Parks? Have a first kiss story or a romantic date idea in the parks? TELL US on social media! Shout out to @cincyparksfoundation on Facebook or Instagram and use the hashtag #LOVEcincyparks.