Cincinnatians have taken to Portland, Oregon; maybe when Mayor Mallory visited there several years ago he visited the beautiful Portland Rose Garden.

The Portland Rose garden sits atop a hill overlooking the city with glorious Mt. Hood in the distance. It feels like the waiting room of heaven. The roses are beautiful, the gardens pristine, and the people who come from all over the world, are happy.

Roses do very well here in Cincinnati; in the summer my days are made walking up 14th street in Over The Rhine smelling and viewing the roses that are tended to by the people who live on the street there. They smell soooo wonderful, and look like the colors we are supposed to stick our noses in!

Historically, Cincinnati has had an attraction at the top of the street car inclines; they were humongous party halls were beers were poured, (except in Price Hill) bands played, and great attractions planned. I suggest we create a destination at the top of the incline that would enhance the entire city while capping off a successful day of shopping on Main St. and the Gateway Quarter. Come to the Gateway Quarter and shop, have a late lunch and an afternoon mocha from Iris Book cafe then stroll up the old incline stair case to the Cincinnati Rose Garden. You will be amazed how fast you can get above the city; overlooking our beautiful city you will have a great view of Music Hall, the new Western and Southern Queen City Square Tower building, the many steeples of Over The Rhine, and more. Walk the rose gardens, sit and enjoy the view, the breeze, and the city.

NOTE: Currently there is an excellent park at the top of the incline stairwell complete with benches and picnic area with grill.