Sat, 02 May 2026 22:59:15 +0000

We Found the Craziest Things To Do in Cincinnati—Bought On By Locals Cincinnati, Ohio, often flies under the radar when it comes to major tourist hotspots, but behind its charming skyline and rich history lies a surprisingly vibrant scene of quirky, authentic experiences—places and things locals actually buy, visit, and rave about. Whether it’s oddball eateries with one-of-a-kind mocktails, hidden underground meat packing shops, or niche thrift store treasures, Cincinnati’s true magic lies in its offbeat charm—something locals love so much they refuse to book it through a guidebook… they just live it. In this article, we dig into the craziest—and most beloved—things locals buy, up—and why they keep returning again and again. Buckle up for a nose-tingling, funky adventure through the weirdest, best-kept secrets of “Queen City” Cincinnati. ### 1. Experience the Underworld at Eat Your Own Junk Food Museum’s “Weird groceries” pop-ups
While Cincinnati’s official Eat Your Own Junk Food Museum isn’t a permanent location (it’s a traveling pop-up focus), locals love attending its curated “weird food challenges” hosted in unexpected spots—think vintage basements, retro diners, or even repurposed shipping containers. At these informal grocery oddities, visitors don gloved hands to taste preserved found treasures: candles shaped like real pickles, candy made from cereal dust, and jarred “artisan” sauces from local oddities like Cincinnati’s own Crispy Critter® candy (yes, it’s weirdly iconic). These events aren’t just food—locals call them community rituals where skepticism meets taste, and every bite tells a punchline.