The Neighborhood of Mount Adams, OH

The hillside neighborhood of Mount Adams, Ohio was once a vineyard in the 1800s and named Mt. Ida until 1843. It was renamed to honor John Quincy Adams, the country’s sixth president, who spoke at the dedication of the community’s new Observatory. Much of Mt. Adams at that time was owned by Nicholas Longworth, the city’s first millionaire, who grew wine grapes on the hillsides. Today, it is a hip, artsy neighborhood with clusters of specialty shops, art and antique stores, bars and restaurants blending with century old restored houses. Condos are being built, including the 14 units in the old Mt. Adams Public School, the 12 new ones called Elite condo complex; and a seven-story, 10-unit condo project on Oregon and Baum streets. Buildings are narrow and tall to conform to the hillsides and preserve the panoramic river view. Nearby is Eden Park, which is home to the Cincinnati Art Museum, Krohn Conservatory and Playhouse in the Park. Two popular events here are the Good Friday ritual of “praying the steps” at the Immaculata Church, dating back to 1860, and the annual Mt. Adams Reindog Parade in December featuring hundreds of holiday-clad dogs.