Family outing
Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
5 min drive
One of the country's oldest zoos, set among landscaped gardens — an easy, close-to-home morning or afternoon.
Official website for Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden (opens in a new tab) →
Explore Cincinnati
Make yourself at home. Explore the Queen City.
Things to Do
A few Cincinnati highlights
Food & neighborhood exploring
Findlay Market
10 min drive
Ohio's oldest continuously operated public market, with local vendors, prepared food and the streets of Over-the-Rhine around it.
Official website for Findlay Market (opens in a new tab) →Architecture & museums
Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal
15 min drive
A landmark Art Deco train terminal that now houses the city's history and natural history museums.
Official website for Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal (opens in a new tab) →Across the river
Newport Aquarium
15 min drive
Just over the Ohio River in Newport, Kentucky — a favorite with children and a good rainy-day plan.
Official website for Newport Aquarium (opens in a new tab) →Baseball by the river
Great American Ball Park
15 min drive
Home of the Cincinnati Reds, on the downtown riverfront beside The Banks.
Official website for Great American Ball Park (opens in a new tab) →Food & Coffee
From our family's list
A small selection from the recommendations we share with our guests.
Birdie's Coffee Co.
Coffee5 min drive
A family favorite for coffee and a relaxed start to the day.
Website for Birdie's Coffee Co. (opens in a new tab) →Gordo's Pub & Grill
Casual5 min drive
A casual meal — best known for its burgers.
Website for Gordo's Pub & Grill (opens in a new tab) →E+O Kitchen
Hyde Park10 min drive
Another family favorite, for dinner in Hyde Park.
Website for E+O Kitchen (opens in a new tab) →Pepp & Dolores
Over-the-Rhine10 min drive
Handmade pasta in the heart of Over-the-Rhine.
Website for Pepp & Dolores (opens in a new tab) →
An Afternoon in Norwood
Factory 52
5 min drive from Marion Hall
A former factory complex in neighboring Norwood, reimagined as a place to spend an afternoon — food, drinks, coffee, shops and outdoor space, all in one easy outing.
Visit Factory 52 (opens in a new tab)Visiting Campus
Xavier & the University of Cincinnati
For campus visits, move-in, family weekends and graduations, Marion Hall offers a quieter, more characterful alternative to a hotel — with separate residences so extended families can stay together on one estate. Xavier University is in the neighboring area, and the University of Cincinnati is a short drive away.
Graduation weekends book up early, so we recommend reserving as soon as dates are announced.
- Xavier University
- 5 min walk
- University of Cincinnati
- 10 min drive
Nearby Wedding Venues
A beautiful morning. A celebration nearby.
Begin with wedding preparation at Marion Hall, then head to your ceremony or reception at one of these nearby venues. Marion Hall offers wedding-morning preparation only, not ceremonies or receptions. Contact each venue directly for availability and event arrangements.
The Transept
Over-the-Rhine
10 min drive
A historic Gothic church with dramatic indoor spaces.
Venue website for The Transept (opens in a new tab) →The Bell Event Centre
Pendleton
10 min drive
A historic church with stained glass and an elegant indoor setting.
Venue website for The Bell Event Centre (opens in a new tab) →Cincinnati Art Museum
Eden Park
10 min drive
Grand indoor spaces and an outdoor courtyard for ceremonies.
Venue website for Cincinnati Art Museum (opens in a new tab) →The Monastery Event Center
Mount Adams
15 min drive
A restored historic monastery with a courtyard and surrounding grounds.
Venue website for The Monastery Event Center (opens in a new tab) →The French House
French Park / Amberley Village
15 min drive
A historic estate with outdoor terraces, gardens and meadows.
Venue website for The French House (opens in a new tab) →Ault Park Pavilion & Gardens
Mount Lookout
15 min drive
Outdoor garden ceremonies and an iconic pavilion. Garden ceremony areas are booked separately from reception spaces.
Venue website for Ault Park Pavilion & Gardens (opens in a new tab) →Laurel Court
College Hill
20 min drive
A Gilded Age mansion with French and Japanese gardens that hosts wedding receptions.
Venue website for Laurel Court (opens in a new tab) →Drees Pavilion
Devou Park / Covington
20 min drive
Outdoor gazebo ceremonies and terrace celebrations overlooking the Cincinnati skyline.
Venue website for Drees Pavilion (opens in a new tab) →