CINCINNATI — The Queen City has new attractions to command your attendance.

A recent visit turned up so many new-for-2012 reasons to visit. We missed such Cincy staples as baseball’s Reds, the NL Central champs and ready for the post-season, and the NFL’s Bengals and even the signature chili.

No worries. Cincinnati had plenty to show us.

On the agenda were such recent attractions as Moerelein Lager House for food and drink, the American Sign Museum for retro fun and glory and the newly re-created Washington Park, good for relaxing in one of Cincy’s coolest nouveau old neighbourhoods, the Over The Rhine (OTR) district.

A selected guide to the attractions and institutions on the visit under the auspices of the Cincinnati U.S.A. convention and visitors’ bureau hits a few of the Ohio city’s highlights.

Yes, we had to rush to fit in all the stops called for on the trip’s plan. No, you won’t have to move along nearly as quickly in the Queen City, a nickname going back almost 200 years and then varied as “Queen of the West” in a Longfellow poem praising its 19th-century vineyards, vigour and setting on the Ohio River. Read the verse while stopping in downtown’s famous Fountain Square.

This fall, there will be major exhibitions devoted to the Dead Sea Scrolls and iconic L.A. photographer Herb Ritts and two of the Ohio city’s signature institutions, the Cincinnati Museum Center and the Cincinnati Art Museum respectively.

If you go now, you can be sure there will be hot chili, cold beer and mammoth portions await you. So will America’s chef of the year Todd Kelly and his 2011 cookbook.

CINCY GETS GOETTA

Go to Cincy and you gotta get some goetta. Really. It’s good. We never heard of it before our July trip, so it’s another Cincy first.

Primarily composed of ground meat and steel-cut oats and flavoured with bay leaves, rosemary, salt, pepper, and thyme, this dish originated with German settlers who emigrated to the Cincinnati area in the 19th century. The modern popularity of goetta in Cincinnati has led to it being called “Cincinnati Caviar.” Glier’s Goetta, the largest commercial producer of goetta, produces more than one million pounds annually, around 99% of which is consumed in greater Cincinnati.

Visit cincyusa.com for all your goetta information and the starting point of your Cincy checklist.

AMERICAN LEGACY TOURS

Briefly: A vigorous and invigorating approach to local history and heritage. Tours cover the bosses, breweries and burials of the Queen City Underground, the Newport (Ky.) Gangster Tour, Civil War Cincinnati and more.

Who wants to go: Anybody with a love of heritage and history. You will see the insides of places — cathedral crypts, the catacombs of long-vanished breweries, derelict film sets — no other tour will take you, often on the same jaunt.

The details: About $20, $10 for children 16-and-younger but prices vary. “We no longer allow for rescheduled tours. We do not offer refunds. Tours go on rain or shine. Please come prepared.” Call 859-496-9880.

On the street, on the web: Newport Gangster tour leaves from 18 E. 5th St., Newport, Ky; some tours depart from Cincy Haus, 1218 Vine St., Cincinnati, or visit americanlegacytours.com

NEWPORT AQUARIUM

Briefly: It promises “a million gallons of fun” and with chances to encounter penguins (for an extra charge), gaze in awe at American alligator Mighty Mike or watch fish and other creatures of the deep swim overhead in tanks topping walkways, it just might be all of that. Mighty Mike is the star of Gator Alley and he’s about 50 years, 4.5 metres and 360 kg of survival backstory. Mike is at Newport until March

Who wants to go: A family wanting to marvel at hundreds of aquatic species and thousands of animals, up close in more than 65 exhibits and explained by people who are passionate about the place.

The details: 13-and-older, $23; two to 12, $15; younger than two, free; passes, discounts available. Open 365 days a year, basic hours 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Call 1-800-406-3474.

On the street, on the web: One Aquarium Way, Newport KY 41071, newportaquarium.com

CINCINNATI MUSEUM CENTER AT UNION TERMINAL

Briefly: A beautiful train station, which still has Amtrak service in the wee hours, is home to several institutions at once: the Cincinnati History Museum, Duke Energy Children’s Museum, the Museum of Natural History and Science, the Robert D. Lindner Family Omnimax Theater and the Cincinnati Historical Society Library. In top 4.5% of U.S. museums with recently awarded American Association of Museums accreditation. One million plus visitors annually. Union Terminal voted the nation’s 45th most important building by the American Institute of Architects.

The details: Mega-exhibition Dead Sea Scrolls: Life and Faith in Ancient Times opens Nov. 16. All museums pass, $12.50; children 3 to 12, $8.50.

OVER THE RHINE

In a sentence or two: Historic neighbourhood named by 19th-century German settlers who thought old Miami-Erie canal was reminiscent of the Rhine. Over The Rhine is home to the Cincinnati Symphony, Music Hall, the Cincinnati Opera, the Cincinnati Ballet, School for Creative and Performing Arts, Know Theatre, New Stage Collective and Ensemble Theatre. Also site of Cincinnati’s oldest public market, Findlay Market, the newly revitalized Washington Park, specialty retail shops and boutiques, classy and innovative restaurants.

Who wants to go: Your average heritage-minded tourist who wants to see more than 900 Italianate buildings from the 19th-century. Or someone who likes boutiques. Or eating Belgian waffles, modern American cuisine and more.

The details: OTR is focused on 110 square blocks (about 44 hectares) from Liberty Street on the north, Central Parkway on the south and west and Main street to the east. More at 3cdc.org

ORCHIDS AT PALM COURT

There are lots of good places to eat in Cincy. American Culinary Federation’s July 2011-July 2012 chef of the year Todd Kelly’s Orchids is No. 1 in the Queen City and one of the Top 100 restaurants in the U.S. Zagat survey named it No. 1 in Cincy thus: “The room is worth the price of dinner declare enthusiasts enchanted by this art deco wonderland . . . Kelly’s cooking lives up the grandeur of this spectacular space – prepare to be totally blown away.”

Who wants to eat? Recommended for anyone who wants a terrific dining experience while gazing on the magnificent hotel’s vista including Cincy signature Rockwood Pottery fountain flanked by two large sea horses as part of art deco in restaurant.

The details: Chef’s tasting menu, $65, with wine pairings. $95; first and courses, about $8-$12 each; entrees, about $25-$35. Kelly’s 2011 cookbook, $30. Call ­513-421-9100.

On the street, on the web: Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza 35 West Fifth St. 45202, hilton.com or orchidsatpalmcourt.com

CHRISTIAN MOERLEIN BREWERY

Contemporary beer baron Gregory Hardman purchased the historic hometown brewery in 2004. He has revitalized its brands, honouring the tradition created by the brewery’s namesake, Bavarian-born Christian Moerlein. His Cincy brewing began in 1853 and flourished during the 19th-century.

Who wants one? This writer can recommend Moerlein OTR (Over the Rhine) ale ($5 for 17 oz., $6.50 for 22 oz) without reservation. There also are lagers, pale ales, bocks, stouts and more to choose from.

The details: Hardman’s beers are only available in Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana. But you really want to quaff one in Cincy, don’t you? Call Moerlein Lager House 513-421-2337.

On the street, on the web: The best place to sample the brew and dozens of other beers from around the world is likely Hardman’s new Moerlein Lager House, 115 Joe Nuxhall Way (across from the Great American Ball Park, home of the Reds) Cincinnati 45202. Visit christianmoerlein.com or moerleinlagerhouse.com.

CINCINNATI ART MUSEUM

Attractions include Cincinnati’s iconic Rookwood Pottery, a collection covering 6,000 years, masters from Titian to Monet to Rothko, and much more all in a spectacular setting on Mount Adams. Building dates from 1881 and is work of art itself. Ranked as Top Art Museum for Families by Parenting magazine,

Who wants to go?: Good for families with enough kid-friendly material to balance the ageless awe inspired by other galleries.

The details: General admission is free. Exhibition devoted to iconic LA photographer Herb Ritts opens Oct. 16. Closed Mondays. Call 513-639-2984.

On the street, on the web: 953 Eden Park Dr. 45202 or visit cincinnatiartmuseum.org.

NATIONAL UNDERGROUND RAILROAD FREEDOM CENTER

An outstanding experience. The shock of seeing the body of an early 19th-century slave recovered from a Kentucky farm about 90 kilometres from the centre is matched by the exhibitions detailing “invisible slavery today” – and realizing how the struggle for freedom continues in a world where there is human trafficking. A section of the Berlin Wall has been installed. Opened in 2004.

Who should go: Everybody. All of us. There are experiences which will move all ages in a celebration of courage, co-operation and perseverance, the centre’s core values.

The details: $12; seniors/students, $10; children (six to 12), $8; children (five and younger), free. Closed Sundays and Mondays. Call ­513-333-7500.

On the street, on the web: 50 East Freedom Way, Cincinnati 45202-3414 or visit freedomcenter.org

PURPLE PEOPLE BRIDGE

Officially, it’s one of nine bridges crossing the Ohio River at Cincinnati and called the Newport Southbank Bridge. It’s beloved in everyday Cincy and Newport (aka southern Cincy) as the “Purple People Bridge.”

Opened on April Fool’s Day, 1872, as a rail bridge.

After a $4 million restoration, the former L&N Railroad Bridge between Newport and Cincinnati became a pedestrian walkway in May, 2003.

Who should go: Anyone who wants a spectacular view of the Ohio River and downtown Cincy, and a fine stroll over about 750 metres.

The details: Open 24-7, 365 days a year. Can be rented for private functions. Call 859-655-7700.

On the river, on the web: Connects Pete Rose Way near Sawyer Point in Cincinnati to Third Street in Newport. Visit purplepeoplebridge.com.

CINCY WAS FIRST

This was our first trip to Cincinnati. Here’s a list of Cincy firsts.

1835 - First bag of airmail lifted by a hot air balloon.

1849 - First city in the U.S. to hold a municipal song festival, Saengerfest.

1850 - First city in the U.S. to establish a Jewish hospital.

1850 - First city in the U.S. to publish greeting cards, Gibson Greeting Card Co.

1869 - First professional baseball team, the Cincinnati Red Stockings, now known as the Cincinnati Reds.

1870 - First city in the U.S. to establish a municipal university, University of Cincinnati.

1870 - First city to hold annual industrial expositions.

1875 - First city to establish a Jewish theological college, Hebrew Union College.

1875 - Reuben Springer offered to finance building of Music Hall for May Festival if citizens also contribute; becomes first matching fund-raiser.

1880 - First city in which a woman, Maria Longworth Nichols Storer, began and operated a large manufacturing operation, Rookwood Pottery.

1880 - First and only city to build and own a major railroad.

1902 - First concrete skyscraper built in the U.S., the Ingalls Building.

1906 - First university to offer co-operative education, University of Cincinnati.

1935 - First night baseball game played under lights.

1954 - First U.S. city to have a licensed public television station, WCET TV.

Source: cincyusa.com