There are quite a few things that come to mind when thinking of 'Cincinnati' in the United States, but three in particular are almost always mentioned.

They are the Cincinnati Reds, Cincinnati Chili, and the downtown view along the river.

Having lived here for a while, I understand why these things are so famous among Americans.

First is undoubtedly the 'Cincinnati Reds', the first professional baseball team in Major League Baseball.

Founded in 1869, this team symbolizes the very history of American sports.

For the people of the city, baseball is not just a sport but almost an identity.

When the season starts, the entire city is painted in red hats, and on game days, the streets are bustling with people.

The 'Great American Ball Park' is right next to the Ohio River, allowing fans to enjoy the riverside view while watching the game.

The sight of the stadium lights reflecting on the water on summer nights is truly spectacular. Even the opening day parade is considered an official city festival, with some workplaces closing early.

The second is 'Cincinnati Chili'. It is a unique dish that you won't find in other American cities.

Cincinnati Chili is served over spaghetti with a generous amount of chili sauce and cheese. It sounds a bit strange, right? I thought, "What kind of combination is this?" when I first saw it, but one bite changes your mind.

With spices like cinnamon, cocoa, and nutmeg, it has a slightly sweet and addictive flavor. Locally, 'Skyline Chili' and 'Gold Star Chili' are the two main brands, both claiming to be the original.

People in Cincinnati will ask, "Which side are you on?" as chili brand preference is a kind of local identity.

The third thing that cannot be overlooked is the 'cityscape along the Ohio River'. Cincinnati is a city built around the river, and the view from the riverfront park is truly stunning.

Especially, the 'John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge' is a symbol of the city.

The designer of this bridge is the same person who created the Brooklyn Bridge in New York, but the Cincinnati bridge was completed first.

So, it is sometimes referred to as the 'big brother version' of the Brooklyn Bridge. Across the river is Covington, Kentucky, where you can walk on the bridge in the evening and see the lights of both cities at a glance.

The charm of Cincinnati lies in the coexistence of the leisurely riverside and the energy of an industrial city.

You can see factory smokestacks, but next to them are stylish breweries and art galleries, with hip bars and music cafes hidden among old buildings.

Particularly, the 'Over-the-Rhine' area, which was once home to German immigrants, is now filled with young, vibrant restaurants and art spaces nestled between brick buildings. This gives the entire city a feeling of coexistence between the past and the present.

The three things that come to mind when thinking of Cincinnati are the roots of American baseball, the unique and sweet-spiced chili, and the emotional view along the Ohio River. These three elements show that Cincinnati is not just an ordinary Midwestern city, but a place steeped in American history and culture.

The scene of stadium lights reflecting on the river, the smell of chili wafting from the next house, and the music flowing from the brewery is the unique charm of Cincinnati.