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| FMCA Headquarters - Cincinnati, Ohio |
We are members of the world's largest motor home group, FMCA, Family Motor Coach Association, and when we travel through Cincinnati we usually stay at the Headquarter's campground. A member benefit is that we are entitled to stay at their campground for 2 complimentary nights a month, and we opted to stay 3 nights upon arrival - at a cost of $20, which includes water, electricity and sewer, in other words, a full hookup (FHU).
No, we didn't go to WKRP (if you are old enough to remember), but we did enjoy some new experiences and we hope you will as well!
SKYLINE CHILI - Since 1949 Skyline Chili has become a tradition enjoyed by generations - Cincinnati Chili, Coney's, Ways, and table-side service. We talked to locals about exactly what we should order. RV had 3-way, I had 4-way uniquely seasoned Cincinnati chili. That means I had spaghetti, chili, beans and cheese. We ordered a small order and split a coney - hot dog, chili, cheese, mustard.
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| This logo is very familiar to Cincinnati! |
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| Cincinnati chili - 4 way! |
GRAETER'S ICE CREAM - Since 1870, Graeter's Ice Cream is a name synonymous with ice cream in Ohio. This is also listed as the number 1 restaurant in Cincinnati - hands down. Wow . Incredible . Indulgent . Delicious. This chain (with over a dozen ice cream parlors) pretty much has the sweet tooth covered at every angle. I had the raspberry chocolate chip in a waffle cone, and I think I teared up on my last lick. Yum. RV had vanilla ice cream in a cup. By the way, this is a reason to return to this city.
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| Graeter's Ice Cream - Mariemont, Cincinnati, OH location 2013 |
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| Graeter's Ice Cream - Mariemont - Cincinnati, OH 2013 |
JUNGLE JIM'S INTERNATIONAL MARKET - Eastgate -
For those of you who may not have heard of JJ's, this is an awesome international food market with over 200,000 square feet, yes, 200,000 SF, which carries over 150,000 products. This is their second store in Cincinnati, Ohio, and opened in September 2012, after being under construction for almost 3 years. The staff moves efficiently throughout the store on segways. It was difficult to show restraint with so many varieties....hundreds of selections...completely overwhelming! Loved every minute of it. This was the ultimate adventure...an ethnic food lover's paradise! I love you Jungle Jim's!!
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| Jungle Jim's Entrance - Eastgate - Cincinnati, OH 2013 |
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| Jungle Jim's Entrance - Eastgate - Cincinnati, OH 2013 |
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| Jungle Jim employee on his segway! 2013 |
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| Jungle Jim's - Eastgate - Cincinnati, OH 2013 |
Highlights of our 3+ hour shopping reconnaissance trip included: A huge hot sauce section (one cost $1,500. and you will have to call EMS to revive you).
A huge international cheese section including a monster 7,000+lb. Wisconsin cheese, candy and MORE candy, larger-than-life produce market, homemade salsa bar, humongous olive bar, and ethnic everything, etc. With all the varieties and selections we hardly knew which way to turn next.
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| I think Santa may get his candy here! |
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| Do you need an ostrich or a duck egg? |
The olive oil and balsamic vinegar shop kept us occupied quite a while. The seafood department was fantastic - including live fish tanks; a tea and coffee tasting area, huge wine and beer section. I'm sure I have left out half of what we saw but I think you get the picture!
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| Jungle Jim's - Eastgate - Cincinnati - OH 2013 |
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| Jungle Jim's Pirate Ship - Cincinnati OH - Eastgate 2013 |
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| Jungle Jim's Travel Trailer - Cincinnati, OH - Eastgate 2013 |
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| Jungle Jim's Seafood Exhibit - Cincinnati - Eastgate 2013 |
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| Seafood Counter - 2/4 CT Shrimp 2013 |
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| Top - is Tiger Shrimp 2013 |
International Cheeses Department - Jungle Jim's 2013
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| International Cheeses - Jungle Jim's 2013 |
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| Gourmet Cookware Section - Jungle Jim's 2013 |
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| 7,155 lb Wisconsin Cheese Wheel - Jungle Jim's - 2013 |
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| Nascar Race Car - Jungle Jim's 2013 |
Quirky is an understatement throughout the store! The bathrooms are entered through what appears to be a porta-john, but when you enter, the restrooms are actually gorgeous and very spacious. Next door is a theatre showing a film about the history of JJ's!
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| Movie Theatre - Jungle Jim's 2013 |
JJ must have been a true American picker.... An old monorail from Kings Island, a pirate ship from a hotel in Las Vegas, a vault from a bank on Colerain Ave. in Cincinnati, even seats from an airliner up near the front registers....and everywhere you turned...more!
We're poised to leave Cincinnati in the morning and will arrive in Shipshewana, Indiana, mid-afternoon.
