Four States Fall 2018 (State 4) - 23 - Center of the Universe (RABBIT HASH, KENTUCKY)

Although we spent just over an hour in Rabbit Hash (yes, that is the name of this wee town), we had a blast. Its nickname is "The Center of the Universe!"

In 2004, Mike and I saw a documentary (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ngncqodJFbs) about this unique place. Unique in many ways, but mostly because it elected a dog as its mayor. Anyway, a visit niggled in the back of our minds until we set up this trip.

A big question is always "how did Rabbit Hash get its name?" Here are some theories:

https://www.rabbithash.com/about-us/how-rabbit-hash-got-its-name.html

This tells a little more of the town's tail ... oops, tale.

We crossed the Ohio River bridge from Cincinnati to 20 some miles into Kentucky. It was all lush and lovely back roads. Here was the first sign that we were headed in the right direction.

Lots of motorcycles travel the twisty road to R.H.

No concrete parking lot here, so we parked on the side of the road. Because of the drizzle, it wasn't busy that day. Thank goodness. I imagine is gets crazy crowded sometimes.

The General Store is the big attraction. It has been in operation since 1831. It is in the same location, but the original building burned down and was rebuilt in the same configuration. Lots of dogs wandering free in this town.

When they say general store, they pretty much mean generally if you want it you will find it. Here is the central aisle as you enter.

Then there are side rooms with addition merch. Stuff piled upon stuff.

There was a fascinating conglomeration of stuff--antique, used, and new. I won't attempt to type a list, but basically if they don't have it, you don't really need it. We didn't need anything, but we all bought t-shirts to commemorate the visit.

Like I said, lots of dogs. These three were friendly, happy, and right at home in the store. Wish I could remember their names.

As we exited, the owner waved through the window. She said in the documentary her son was the toddler running around the store.

Outside we cruised the area. A carved wood memorial to early settlers.

There was a saloon, but, darn, not open today. We would have loved to rub elbows and share a beer with the locals.

We saw this photo op on the porch.

Apparently pigs run hog wild here.

I'm sure they occasionally end up in this barbecue next to the bar. This was the newest thing in town. A nice set-up.

There was an outdoor stage / porch with a fab view of the Ohio River.
Other buildings were rustic. Lots of blooming flowers around, too.
This town definitely has a sense of humor.

Last stop was the tasting room for Verona Vineyards.

Notice the election posters on the door. The current mayor is Brynn (top left). Donkey Higgens and dog Bourbon were other contenders, but lost. Go here to see the vote tally:
http://www.rabbithashhistsoc.org/the-mayor/buy-votes/

Even though the name of the winery was Verona, our samples tasted nothing like the ones we tried in Varenna, Italy. The only purchase we were inclined to make was the "Brynn for Mayor" decal.

Although we didn't, you can spend the night in the Old Hashienda, a "classic" building in the heart of R.H. converted to a lovely, rustic B&? (nor sure if they serve breakfast). Its advertisement says it even has amenities like running water and electricity. Sit on the porch swing and watch the riverboats pass by on the old Ohio while sipping a cool cocktail. Sounds like hash heaven! Photos are lovely at:

https://www.rabbithash.com/14-about-rabbit-hash-general-store/visiting-the-general-store/259-stay-at-the-old-hashienda-in-rabbit-hash.html

We had also planned to stop at the nearby Kentucky Gateway Museum in Maysville, KY because they feature a miniatures collection. Turns out it was closed that day. Another time, for sure.

So we headed back to J&K's. Stopped at this place in Bellefountaine, Ohio for dinner. They offer pretty good, typical bar food. We recommend it.

Overnighted and headed home the next morning. It was uneventful, with one stop at The Homestead Store, an interesting structure. We had passed this farm store many times, but never stopped. Today we did. We purchased munchies for the ride home and popping corn. It was a fun look-around.

Our "4-states" trip was not exotic like a trip to Europe or Thailand, but really fun. Traveling with J&K is always a blast. We saw a lot of new places and checked Rabbit Hash off our travel list.

Four States Fall 2018 - 22 - CINCINNATI, OHIO

Cincinnati is in the southwest corner of Ohio. It borders closely on Indiana and Kentucky. The population is just over 300,000. We didn't have much time to explore, but they have a zoo, botanical gardens, aquarium, city market, Ohio River excursions, several museums, and the Reds baseball and Bengals football teams.
We were anxious to get to our hotel and relax for the rest of the evening. Jim had set us up at the Hampton Inn downtown. Here we were paying for our own room (birthday time was over), but he arranged a suite on the concierge floor at the everyday rate. A very nice bonus, indeed. Our room was comfortable and spacious.

We had a nice view of downtown.

And at night from J&K's room.

We checked J&K's room which was double the size of ours (as it should be), so we hung out there for our visiting time.

The hotel was located in the former Cincinnati Enquirer headquarters. That newspaper was established in 1841 and this 14-story building was completed in 1926. It is also depicted as the home of radio station WKRP in the WKRP Cincinnati TV series (1978-1982), although it was referred to as the Osgood R. Flimm Building. That show was a favorite in our family.

The entrance is spectacular. Bronze decoration everywhere including the six elevator doors and mail drop. Floors are black and white marble. Just lovely.

Nice gluteus maximus, but looks a little risky working around all that machinery in the nude!

Animal sculptures are embedded in the stone decoration.

A beautiful old safe stands in the lobby.

Outside the city was colorful, even in the rain.

After walking around a bit, we chose Midici Neapolitan for dinner.

They had two gorgeous gold pizza ovens in the see-for-yourself kitchen.

Loved the pizza (artichokes, mushrooms, fresh mozzarella) and spaghetti 'n' meatballs.

 

The next morning breakfast was in the gathering room.

Mike's oatmeal was hearty and delish!

Some famous Cincinnatians are: Rosemary and Nick Clooney (but not George), astronaut and first moon-walker Neil Armstrong, Sarah Jessica Parker, author Harriet Beecher Stowe, General and President Ulysses S. Grant, Doris Day, Peter Frampton, Steven Spielberg, Jerry Springer, Ted Turner, and cowboy Roy Rogers. Also, the "Mayberry" map behind Andy Griffith's desk on much of the Andy of Mayberry TV series (1960-1968) is actually a map of Cincinnati.