Cincinnati was another one of our last-minute trips. It had been a long time since we had gotten out of Dallas and we just needed to go somewhere. Turns out that Oktoberfest was going on in Cincinnati (or Zinzinnati as it was that weekend). The trip started off a little suspect since the only piece of luggage we checked didn't make it on our plane. This was still before the liquid ban had been modified so we had had no choice but to check our toothpaste. Lesson learned.

Before starting the caloric assault on our bodies, we walked down to the riverfront area and went through the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. It was extremely well done and we were both quite impressed with all the different types of exhibits that it offered.

A few blocks from the river, a 6-block section of street had been shut down for this festival. Touted as the largest, most authentic Oktoberfest outside of Germany, it was definitely crowded. The weather was perfect that day and it brought out the German in everyone. I still don't understand the chicken hats though. As we made our way up and down the streets, we did our best to sample all the different offerings. We weren't keeping track of calories that day but I know that I personally left about as full as I'd ever been.

Although it was a quick trip, it was a nice getaway. We did have to break the cardinal rule of never trusting regional jets (and I did almost get left behind in Cincinnati) but we made it back before the storms hit. If you are ever passing through Ohio in late September, stop by and get a potato pancake and some beer.