Carew Tower Arc, Downtown

Building of the Carew Tower was completed in 1930 and, until 2010, it was Cincinnati's tallest building. Its interior still reflects the elegance of the original art deco design. The arcade features several small shops and Hathaway's, an old school diner that has been there forever. If you want an old school diner experience in an old school building, then make sure to visit Hathaway's. The wrought iron railings and marble hallways connect Carew Tower and the arcade to the art deco gem, Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza Hotel, one of the must visit spots in Cincinnati. Carew Tower features an observation deck on the 49th floor. While in Downtown Cincinnati, a visit to the Carew Tower Arcade is a must, if for no other reason than to see how buildings used to be built and decorated.

The Carew Tower Arcade is a rare beauty in the heart of town. It's strictly commercial and located on the first floor of the Carew Tower at the corner of Vine and Fifth Streets in downtown Cincinnati. Before the Great American tower was completed in 2011, Carew Tower held the distinction of being Cincinnati's tallest building for nearly a century.

The Carew Tower was built in the ornate Art Deco style that was popular at the time of construction. The Arcade is a beautiful example of that style. Ceilings, doors and archways include lavish floral motifs with hints of polished brass. It's always a little sad to see so many people rushing through the Arcade each day without stopping to admire the beautiful workmanship. It's like a secret world of art and beauty above their heads.

The corridor at the west end of the Arcade houses several small businesses. The floors in the tower above are mostly filled with business offices; but if you go all the way to the top, you'll find another Carew Tower secret.

Simply take the main elevators up as far as you can. Get off and ride the tiny elevator for a few floors, then climb that last, steep flight of stairs and you'll arrive at the Carew Tower Observatory. For a small fee you can step outside and see the entire city of Cincinnati: river, bridges, hills and beyond.

Outside on Fifth St. is the Boi Na Braza Brazilian Steak house and the Havana Martini Club. Beyond that, you're walking distance to Reds and Bengals stadiums, the Banks and everything downtown Cincinnati has to offer.