Visiting Cincinnati- YMCAs, Red Bikes, Schack’s Yaks Kayaks, Dining at the Montgomery Inn, Reds baseball & museum- Aug 2025

August 19, 2025 todd elliot

Fitness and getting around by Bike

5-Star Review for the YMCA of Greater Cincinnati

I can’t say enough great things about the YMCA of Greater Cincinnati – especially the Downtown location and my personal favorite, the Blue Ash YMCA!

The Blue Ash YMCA is truly a gem. Whether you’re a serious fitness enthusiast or just getting started, this location has everything you could possibly need. The weight room is incredible – spacious, clean, and packed with all the modern equipment you could ask for, from free weights to top-tier machines. One of the biggest highlights is the Olympic-size swimming pool, perfect for lap swimming, training, or just unwinding after a workout. The pool is well-maintained, and there are always lifeguards on duty, which adds to the safe and welcoming environment.

The staff is always friendly, helpful, and professional. Whether you’re checking in at the front desk, taking a class, or asking for assistance in the fitness area, the team at Blue Ash goes above and beyond to make members feel welcome and supported.

Amenities at the Blue Ash location (and at many others in the Greater Cincinnati YMCA network) include:

Steam room & sauna – perfect for relaxing sore muscles or winding down after a workout
Group fitness classes – from yoga and Pilates to spin and HIIT, there’s something for every fitness level and interest
Full locker rooms with clean showers and changing areas
Childcare options for parents who want to work out worry-free
Basketball courts, indoor tracks, and even community events and programs that bring people together

The Downtown Cincinnati YMCA is also a fantastic facility, right in the heart of the city. It’s ideal for professionals looking to squeeze in a workout before or after work, or during lunch. It offers many of the same great amenities, including a full gym, fitness classes, and locker rooms, all with the convenience of being centrally located.

Whether you’re training for an event, working on your wellness, or looking to connect with a supportive fitness community, the YMCA of Greater Cincinnati delivers.

Learn more or sign up for a tour at: https://myy.org

If you’re looking for a fun, eco‑friendly, and healthy way to get around Cincinnati, Red Bike is an absolute gem. This nonprofit, station-based bike‑share program makes city exploration a breeze—literally and figuratively.

Why Red Bike Rocks

Battery‑Assisted E‑Bikes
Red Bike offers electric‑assist bicycles that help you pedal up Cincinnati’s famous hills with ease. Riders report that with the boost, even steep climbs aren’t a sweat‑inducing challenge any more

Wide Coverage & Easy Access
With around 70 stations and some 700 bikes (both regular and e‑bikes) across Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky, the system is extensive and convenient . You simply rent, ride, and return—with all the info and availability clearly visible in their mobile app Visit Cincy cincyredbike.org.

Great Value & Inclusivity
Pricing options are straightforward and affordable:

2‑hour pass: $12
Monthly pass: $30
Annual pass: $150
Red Bike Go (for income‑qualified residents): just $5/month cincyredbike.org Wikipedia.
Importantly, the Go program is a standout: it helps ensure equitable access and has grown to represent a significant portion of riders Better Bike Share bcycle.com.

Easy to Use & Helpful Features
Red Bike makes getting started smooth—download the app or use a kiosk, and you can check nearby stations, bike availability, and get rolling quickly. The system even helps avoid overage fees by instructing you to end and restart your ride if you’re going over two hours cincyredbike.org.

What People Love

From locals and visitors alike—Red Bike gets high marks for being cheaper than parking or rideshares, faster than walking, and eliminating storage hassles:

“Super convenient to be able to grab a bike to commute to work, grab a meal, go to the ballpark, etc. Cheaper than parking or an Uber…”

Others especially value the e‑bikes:

“The electric RedBikes are good… with the electric assist, the hill is really not a problem.”

Fantastic Routes for Every Rider

Red Bike even offers route ideas that double as mini‑adventures:

Downtown to Findlay Market via Fountain Square and the Public Library—food, sights, and local culture Visit Cincy.
Smale Park routes: cruise the riverfront, cross into Kentucky via the Purple People Bridge, circle beautiful parks, or head to Over‑the‑Rhine for a donut-themed ride
Art and architecture in Covington: ride across the historic Roebling Bridge, soak up murals and architecture, and enjoy vibrant neighborhoods before riding back

Final Thoughts

Red Bike is more than just a transportation option—it’s an invitation to explore and connect with Cincinnati in a fresh, active, and thoughtful way. Whether you’re commuting, sightseeing, or getting a bit of cardio, Red Bike’s intuitive system, friendly pricing, and e‑bike support make it a top choice for locals and visitors alike.

To learn more, check routes, pricing, and get started, visit https://www.cincyredbike.org

About Schack’s Yaks

Owners: Chris (Christopher) Schack—a firefighter, paramedic, and swift-water rescue-trained—and Amanda Schack (Amanda Cottrell), who manages logistics. Schack’s Yaks LLc
Founded: March 2020, originally as Kentucky’s largest mobile kayak company. Schack’s Yaks LLc
Evolution:
- Moved to New Richmond, Ohio in July 2021 and launched kayak rentals on the Great Ohio River in August.
- 2022: Rolled out the first self‑service kayak kiosks.
- 2024: Launched the first personal kayak storage lockers in Newport, providing an urban-friendly storage solution. Schack’s Yaks

Newport (General James Taylor Park)

Located at 100 Riverboat Row in Newport, Schack’s Yaks offers both kayak rentals and personal storage lockers:

Rentals:
- Self-service via the Koloni app: sign waiver, pay, scan QR code to access locker.
- Rates: $15 for the first hour, $10 for each additional hour.
- Each kayak comes with life jacket, paddle, two fishing‑rod holders, cup holder, and cargo space. Weight limit: 250 lb.
- Kayaks expected to stay on the Licking River, and must be returned to the kiosk to avoid extra fees.
Storage:
- Lockers measure 12 ft × 40 in × 21 in.
- Available seasonally or year‑round. Rates prorated based on when you start.
- Customers provide their own lock after signing agreement and payment.
Convenience:
- Open daily from 7 am; the last rental must be scanned out no later than two and a half hours before sunset.

Other Locations & Expansion

Augusta: Self‑serve kayak kiosk open since September 2023 at the boat ramp on Bracken Creek. Operates seasonally. Same Koloni app and QR-based system applies
Doe Run Lake (Erlanger): Opened spring 2025. Another dockless-style kiosk for rentals.
Other NKY Locations:
- Kiosks also in Carrollton and West Point.
- More coming soon to Wilder.

Your Visits: Newport & Windsor Reflections

Newport: You mentioned enjoying city views—this aligns with the park’s urban riverside environment and Schack’s Yaks’ convenient city‑center setup.
Windsor: A serene, lake‑like feel—if Dawn or similar tranquil waterfront areas are around, that fits Schack’s Yaks’ ethos of providing peaceful paddling experiences, especially in settings like Doe Run Lake or other calm water sites beyond Newport.

Quick Overview Table

Location	Offerings	Notes
Newport	Rentals + Personal Storage Lockers	City views, quick access via app
Augusta	Rental Kiosk	Seasonal, self-service via app
Doe Run Lake	Rental Kiosk	Scenic, quiet lake environment
Carrollton, West Point, Wilder	Rentals (kiosks or future)	Expanding network across NKY

Website & Contact

Website: schacksyaks.com (for bookings, info, and app details)
Phone (Newport): (859) 448‑0232

Final Thoughts

Schack’s Yaks nails convenience and flexibility, especially in dense urban areas like Newport, where hauling or storing a kayak can be a challenge. The app-based kiosks and storage lockers are intuitive and time-saving. For a city‑view kayaking experience, Newport delivers, while spots like Doe Run Lake or other more tranquil settings match the peaceful serenity you experienced in Windsor.

Let me know if you’d like assistance locating a nearby kiosk for your Windsor trip, pricing breakdowns, or recommended routes!

Dining

Montgomery Inn Boathouse — A Review

Website & Location

Montgomery Inn Boathouse is located at 925 Riverside Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45202, with full details found on their official website: montgomeryinn.com montgomeryinn.com+1. Operating hours for in-house dining vary by day—with openings starting in the late afternoon through evening—reservations are encouraged montgomeryinn.com Wanderlog.

A Memorable Meal

Begin with a Delightful Appetizer

We started with the Southern BBQ grilled shrimp, served over a bed of fresh spinach leaves—a perfect tangy, savory introduction that teases the palate.

Signature Ribs and Combo Perfection

Next up: the unmissable pork loin back ribs, slow-roasted to tender perfection and drenched in Montgomery Inn’s celebrated tomato-based barbecue sauce—rich, slightly sweet, and generously spiced For a more substantial experience, we opted for the combo with chicken—juicy, hand-spiced, and slow-roasted quarter chicken with that same signature sauce. The pairing of the fall-off-the-bone ribs and savory chicken created a flavorful harmony and satisfied every craving . Many reviewers praise exactly this combination, highlighting the chicken’s moistness and the ribs’ perfect texture

Seafood Highlight

A standout dish: the Coho salmon, grilled and served over couscous and vegetables—clean, flavorful, and beautifully balanced against the heavier barbecue dishes Foursquare.

Friendly Service and Welcoming Atmosphere

Our server, Amanda, was exceptionally attentive and accommodating, ensuring our every need was met with warmth. Meanwhile, the manager, Todd, added a personal touch—welcoming us to the Boathouse and checking in to ensure our meal exceeded expectations. This level of hospitality is frequently echoed in reviews that praise the Boathouse’s attentive service and inviting atmosphere

Ambiance & Experience

Dining overlooking the Ohio River brings a serene and scenic backdrop to the meal—with views of passing riverboats, twinkling lights, and a beautifully decorated interior blending rustic charm with an upscale vibe . The setting enhances both casual meals and special occasions, complete with a full bar and outdoor seating available in warmer months

Perfect Pairings

A meal this rich and satisfying calls for a drink to match—whether you prefer a signature wine, local craft beer, or a slider appetizer to enhance the flavors and round out the experience.

Sweet Endings

To finish, we indulged in the beloved carrot cake, accompanied by Graeter’s famous ice cream—a decadent finale that left us feeling blissfully satisfied and perfectly content

Final Thoughts

What a fantastic dining experience from start to finish. The BBQ grilled shrimp set a memorable tone, followed by the iconic signature pork ribs and chicken combo that truly delivered. A lighter but equally impressive Coho salmon dishadded variety. Service from Amanda and Todd elevated the experience, and the river-view ambiance made it feel special. Paired with the right drink and capped off with carrot cake and ice cream, we left thoroughly delighted. Whether for a relaxed evening or a celebratory night out, the Montgomery Inn Boathouse should not be missed.

If coming in the baseball season, check out a game at the Great American Ballpark with the Cincinnati Reds. Fantastic stadium near the River.

Lastly, I was a huge Reds fan growing up with Pete Rose being my favoite player and the Big Red Machine. It was amazing to visit the Reds Hall of Fame & Museum.

Located just steps from the stadium on Joe Nuxhall Way, the Reds Hall of Fame & Museum presented by Dinsmore is a must-visit

Exhibit Highlights

Vast, Interactive Space: The 16,000 sq ft museum houses historical exhibits, multimedia galleries, Hall of Fame inductees, World Series trophies, memorabilia, and more
Rich Storytelling: Discover baseball artifacts—from the original 1869 Red Stockings scorebook to MVP trophies and plaques—providing a deep dive into the Reds’ legacy

Hours & Admission

Game Days:
- Night Games: Open 10 a.m. until the 7th inning.
- Afternoon Games: 10 a.m. until two hours after the game ends
Non‑Game Days: Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Pricing: Adults $15, Seniors/Students $13, Kids (12 & under) and active/veteran Military free—courtesy of foundation sponsors
Museums for All: SNAP EBT card holders (plus ID) get free admission for up to four people

Tours

Great American Ball Park Tour: Includes access to the Hall of Fame & Museum. Explore dugouts, warning track, luxury clubs, and more (~75–90 min)
- Prices: Adults $30, Kids (5–12) $20, Military $20, Kids under 5 free
VIP Clubhouse Tours (off-season): Go behind the scenes in the clubhouse, broadcast booths, media rooms—with museum access included

Quick Reference: Websites

Reds Official (Ballpark & Museum info): Visit https://www.mlb.com/reds/hall-of-fame