O'Bryonsville

One thing I love about visiting Cincinnati, Ohio is it's distinct neighborhoods. Every time I visit the city I spend time in a new place exploring the local areas.

On this past trip I found my favorite neighborhood, I think it may be hard to top.

In the 1830's Irish immigrants settled a small borough called O'bryonsville. Today the street is bustling with unique gift shops and restaurants. The cozy street reminded me of Hampstead in London, England.

Being a huge Anglophile I'm a little partial to those creature comforts. What sold me on O'bryonsville was the Notting Hill-esque houses built into the hill we parked on. The brightly colored homes built from garage up were beautiful restorations of the old homes.

We spent a few hours perusing the specialty shops. Some highlights were Margot Madison Creative Stationary, Ten Thousand Villages, The Art of Entertaining, The Coffee Shop on Madison and the Jack Wood Gallery.

The strip even included Clark's Point, a sitting spot to watch the local traffic.

A childhood dream come true

My adventure starts with a love of the Backstreet Boys when I was 12. Love is not a word, obsession is more like it. I've been a Backstreet Boys fan for 12 years (yes, do the math, I am 24). I have taken in every part of them possible. Brian Littrell was my favorite. There was something about his angelic voice and devilish good looks that had my heart thumping loud and screaming for his attention.

Brian comes from a small city called Lexington, an hour past Kentucky's boarder. I've always wanted to go there. I can't really explain why, but I think it has to do with simply seeing how he lived before he captured my heart. Tates Creek High School is where he went to school and I've been dying to see it.

My sister moved to Ohio eight years ago. Every time I am there I suggest we go to Lexington, this past visit we finally did.

It took only an hour from Cincinnati to get to our destination. Entering Lexington off of 75 South it looks much like any other smaller city. Once we turned off Man 'o War Blvd. it was as if we entered a different place. We found the inner city - or so it appeared. Tates Creek High School was surrounded by houses that were not taken care of and abandoned, beat up cars. There was trash all over the ground. I could not believe that is where a Backstreet Boy went to school.

When I saw the school, I will not lie, I geeked like a twelve year old. It was nothing impressive, but I almost felt a presence.

After a few pictures we headed towards downtown. I never would have guessed the treasure that would be before us.

Lexington has the most beautiful historic downtown. It's home to Mary Todd Lincoln, the wife of president Lincoln. It has a lot of African American history. Henry Clay lived here as a child. The buildings are old and restored to look wonderful.

We spent the day at the Lexington Historic Museum before venturing on the streets. We found gorgeous churches, parks and old neighborhoods.

A great weekend get away. Read more here.