Why I Made a Reds Road Trip Planner (And What's Actually In It)
Spoiler: I showed up to one too many away games with a dead phone, no restaurant plan, and a complete vibe. The planner was born from that chaos.
Let me paint you a picture.
It's game day. You're in the city, wearing your Reds gear, absolutely thriving on the energy — right up until you realize it's 5:30 PM, you have no idea where to eat before first pitch, your phone is at 12%, and you're standing on a sidewalk Googling "restaurants near stadium" like a person who definitely did not plan this trip.
That was me. Multiple times. Enthusiastically, unapologetically me.
I love Reds road trips more than I can reasonably explain. New York. DC. Cincinnati when we're playing home. There's something about following your team into someone else's ballpark — in full Reds gear, fully outnumbered, completely unbothered — that just does something for the soul.
But I kept showing up underprepared for everything that happens around the game. The hotel. The food. The getting-around-without-losing-your-mind part. The "wait, can I bring this bag in?" panic at the gate.
So I built the thing I wish I'd had.
Introducing the Away Game Weekend Planner
It's a printable trip planner designed specifically for Reds fans doing road trips — whether that's a quick overnight or a full weekend away. And it's not just a list of fields to fill in. It's actually useful. Grab it in the shop here ($14.99) — or keep reading to see what's inside.
Here's what's inside:
Trip overview + hotel notes. Confirmation numbers, check-in times, parking info, distance to the stadium, and a little space for hotel perks because yes, blackout curtains are important information.
A packing checklist that actually makes sense. Two sections — stadium bag (MLB-compliant clear bag requirements included, you're welcome) and your overnight bag. There's even a line that reads: "Pack what you need. Then remove one thing. Then add it back because you know yourself." Because we all do it.
Dining + food notes. Pre-game meal. In-stadium must-eats. Post-game eats. Coffee spots. And most importantly: a dedicated line for "the best thing I ate this trip." Because every ballpark has a signature food and you should absolutely find it.
A trip reflections page. For people who want to remember more than just the score. It's gentle — answer what feels right, skip what doesn't. One of the prompts is "one word for this whole trip," which I find surprisingly hard to answer and also kind of love.
City Spotlights — filled in from real trips I've actually taken. This is the part I'm most proud of, honestly.
I wrote detailed guides for Cincinnati, Queens/NYC, and Washington DC — based on places I've actually been, stayed, eaten, and wandered around in Reds gear. Real recommendations from someone who has done the thing.
For Cincinnati: the free Connector streetcar that gets you everywhere (yes, free), the bag policy at GABP (soft cooler allowed — use it), where to stay downtown, and why Cincinnati Lager House is the pre-game move. There's even a note about the plaque near the host stand that marks where first base used to be at old Riverfront Stadium. Because details like that are why we travel. Read my full Cincinnati Reds weekend guide here.
For New York: where to stay in Queens so you're not losing your mind, why the 7 train to Citi Field is genuinely easy, the Shea Stadium bases embedded in the parking lot pavement that you need to walk before the game, and why you should build in a full extra day because New York will eat your schedule in the best possible way.
For DC: why I will die on the hill of staying in Old Town Alexandria instead of DC proper, how to get literally everywhere on the Metro, the Smithsonian museums (free — all of them), and why Chinatown dinner should be on your list.
If you want the full story on the New York and DC legs, I wrote about our Reds road trip from NYC to DC here.
Plus a blank city template at the end — because eventually you'll go somewhere I haven't covered yet and you'll want to do it right.
Ready for some baseball!
Who this is for
This planner is for the fan who loves the game and loves the trip around it. The one who wants to eat well, stay somewhere good, know how to get around, and actually remember the experience when it's over.
It's for the person who has shown up underprepared one too many times (hi, same) and wants a simple system that does the thinking ahead so they can just enjoy being there.
If you're already planning a Reds road trip this season — or thinking about one — grab it before you need it. Future you, standing calmly at the stadium gate with a legal bag and a dinner reservation, will be very grateful.
And if you find a ballpark food situation that genuinely changes your life while using it, I want to know. That's not a joke. I want to know.
Go Reds. ❤️
The Away Game Weekend Planner is $14.99 — a printable trip planner for Reds fans who want to actually enjoy the whole trip, not just the game.
Grab it in the shop at harmonyhorizon360.com/store →
Not ready to plan solo? I host Reds road trips too — you show up, I handle the details. Get on the interest list here.
And if you want more travel tips, trip stories, and planning tools in your inbox, join the newsletter here.
We're Taking the Reds on the Road — And We're Starting Right Where I Grew Up ⚾
I grew up in Cincinnati.
Which means I have opinions about the chili, strong feelings about the bridges, and a very specific kind of hometown pride that only makes sense if you're from there.
So when people ask me why our first hosted Reds trip is Cincinnati instead of somewhere flashy like New York or Chicago — I just smile.
Because I know exactly what's waiting for you there.
The Trip That Reminded Me Why This City Is Special
Last year, Jamie, Lance, and I went down for a game.
We did what we always do — grabbed a hotel downtown, walked to the pre-game spots, took our time getting to the stadium the way you're supposed to. No rushing. No stressing over parking. Just the riverfront, a drink in hand, and the slow build of game-day energy all around us.
That night happened to be Ely De La Cruz bobblehead night.
And not just one bobblehead. A right-handed AND a left-handed version. Two. For one giveaway night.
The place was packed in a way I hadn't seen in years. We were standing in line to get in when the guy behind us leaned over and said, completely serious:
"This is a special day. We're here for the bobbleheads."
They were not there for the baseball.
But then Ely hit a grand slam.
And I promise you — the bobblehead people lost their minds right along with the rest of us.
That's the thing about Cincinnati. You think you're just going to a game. And then something happens and you remember why live baseball is magic.
Why We're Starting Here
I could have launched our first group Reds trip somewhere with more Instagram appeal.
But here's the truth: Cincinnati is one of the easiest, most enjoyable baseball weekends you can plan.
Downtown is walkable. The riverfront is beautiful. The hotel-to-stadium situation is genuinely one of the best in the league — you can walk or hop the trolley and skip the parking spiral entirely.
And the vibe before a Reds game at Great American Ball Park? There's nothing quite like it.
We know this city. We love this city. And that means when you travel with us, you're not getting a travel agent who looked it up on Google. You're getting someone who grew up eating Skyline Cheddar at 11am and has zero regrets about it.
I've written about how to plan a Cincinnati Reds weekend if you want the full breakdown — but the short version is: it's easy, it's walkable, and it's really, really fun.
(If some of you are my friends from back in the day — hi. Welcome. Nice to see you.)
Here's What We're Doing
Jamie and I have dates locked in for May and June — two separate Cincinnati trips, small groups, built around a Reds home game each time.
The usual Harmony Horizon 360 way:
Downtown hotel, walkable to everything
Built-in breathing room before the game
Pre-game spots that actually feel good, not rushed
Space for the trip to be what it's supposed to be — fun, easy, and worth it
If you've ever wondered why these kinds of trips matter more than they look like they should — I wrote about that too. But the short answer is: shared experiences in a new place do something to people. In a good way.
Spots are limited and intentionally small. This isn't a bus tour. It's more like: come do this thing we love, with people who actually get it.
Want In?
If you've been curious about what a Harmony Horizon 360 trip actually feels like — this is the one to start with.
No flight. No complicated logistics. Just Cincinnati, the Reds, and a really good weekend.
👉 Join the interest list here and I'll send you the details directly.
And if Ely hits another grand slam while we're there, I take full credit.
💛
How to Plan a Cincinnati Reds Weekend Trip (Even If You’ve Never Been)
There’s something special about a baseball weekend in a new city.
You get the energy of the stadium, the walkable excitement around the ballpark, and a built-in reason to explore somewhere new.
For us, the best baseball trips include wandering a little, finding a good place for a drink before the game, and leaving enough time to just enjoy the atmosphere.
And if you’re thinking about planning a trip to see the Cincinnati Reds play at Great American Ball Park, the good news is Cincinnati is one of the easiest baseball cities to plan a relaxed weekend trip.
Stay Close to the Stadium
One of the best things about Cincinnati is how walkable the riverfront area is.
If you stay downtown, you can walk almost everywhere you’ll want to go during a baseball weekend.
Hotels near the stadium that work well include:
• AC Hotel Cincinnati at The Banks
• The Westin Cincinnati
• Hampton Inn & Suites Cincinnati-Downtown
The Banks area between the river and the stadium fills up with fans on game days, and the entire district starts to feel like a pre-game celebration.
Walk the Riverfront Before the Game
Before heading to the stadium, we love walking along the river.
The parks along the Ohio Riverfront Park offer great views of the river and the bridges connecting Ohio and Kentucky.
You’ll see fans in Reds jerseys everywhere, boats moving along the water, and the excitement building as game time approaches.
It’s a relaxed way to start the evening.
What we love most about baseball weekends is how simple they can be.
You don’t need a packed itinerary — just a walkable city, a good hotel, and time to enjoy the atmosphere.
We’ve found the same thing happens on cruises too. Some of our favorite moments happen when we slow down and enjoy the experience, like we talked about in our post onWhat Sea Days Are Really Like on a Cruise.
Grab a Drink at a Pre-Game Bar
Part of the fun of baseball trips is the atmosphere before the first pitch.
Some great spots near the ballpark include:
• Moerlein Lager House
• Holy Grail Tavern and Grille
• Yard House
Arriving an hour or two early gives you time to soak in the energy of the crowd before heading into the stadium.
Take the Stadium Tour
If you have time earlier in the day, consider taking a tour of Great American Ball Park.
You’ll get access to areas most fans never see, including the dugout and press areas, along with exhibits that highlight the long history of the Reds.
For baseball fans, it’s a great way to start the day.
What to Bring to the Game
Most stadiums now have strict bag policies, so planning ahead helps.
A few things we always bring:
• a clear stadium bag
• a small travel backpack for exploring the city
• a portable phone charger
Hot Tip:
Always check the bag policy before you go… this is one of those things that’s easy to overlook until you’re standing at the gate figuring it out in real time 😅
The last couple of times we went, we realized you can bring in a small soft-sided cooler, which honestly makes the day so much easier. We usually pack it with frozen water bottles so everything stays cold without taking up space.
You can check the current bag policy for Great American Ball Park here.
Having a small bag that works for both sightseeing and stadium entry makes the day much easier.
Why Baseball Trips Are So Fun
What we love most about baseball weekends is how simple they can be.
You don’t need a packed itinerary.
Just a good hotel, a walkable area, and a stadium full of fans who are all there for the same reason.
Some of the best travel memories happen in the moments in between.
Walking to the stadium with a crowd in red jerseys.
Talking baseball with strangers at a bar.
Watching the lights come on over the field as the sun sets over the river.
And if you’re planning a baseball trip, Cincinnati is a great place to start.
What we love most about baseball weekends is how simple they can be. You don’t need a packed itinerary — just a walkable city, a good hotel, and time to enjoy the atmosphere. That relaxed approach is something we’ve learned over time, especially when we started planning trips without overplanning.
Where We Like to Sit
Everyone has their favorite place to sit in a ballpark, but over time we’ve found ourselves coming back to the same area at Great American Ball Park.
We love sitting behind the home dugout.
There’s something special about being close enough to watch the players interact, see the game from their perspective, and feel the energy of the crowd around you.
One of my favorite moments happens late in the game when the starting pitcher is finishing his outing. When the crowd rises for a standing ovation as he walks off the mound, you can really feel the appreciation for the performance.
Those moments are part of what makes seeing the Cincinnati Reds play in person so memorable.
Quick Game Day Tips
If it’s your first time visiting Great American Ball Park, a few simple tips can make the experience even smoother.
Arrive early
Give yourself at least an hour before first pitch to enjoy the riverfront and pre-game atmosphere around the stadium.
Walk if you’re staying downtown
The area around the stadium is very walkable, especially from hotels near The Banks district.
Bring a stadium-approved bag
Most MLB stadiums have clear bag rules, so a small clear stadium bag makes entry faster.
Check the pitching matchup
If you're lucky enough to see a strong starting pitcher finish his outing, the standing ovation from the crowd is one of the best moments in the park.
Our “Go Back and See” List
One thing we’ve learned about travel is not to try to see everything in one trip.
Instead, we travel like we’re going back.
Sometimes that means noticing things we don’t have time for the first visit and putting them on a mental list for the next trip.
Cincinnati is one of those cities we’ve returned to several times, and each trip we’ve explored something new.
Some of the things we’ve already gone back to experience include:
• taking the tour of Great American Ball Park
• exploring the historic streets and restaurants in Over-the-Rhine
• visiting Findlay Market
• spending more time walking along the riverfront
Traveling this way makes every trip feel a little deeper.
Instead of rushing through a checklist, we let each visit add another layer to the experience.
Why Midweek Baseball Trips Matter More Than They Should
Some trips look small on paper.
A random Tuesday game.
A couple of hotel nights.
A few hours in a stadium you’ve visited before.
But sometimes those trips end up meaning more than the big ones.
Our midweek baseball trips to Cincinnati have slowly become one of those traditions. Not because they’re elaborate or impressive. In fact, they’re the opposite.
They’re simple.
And somehow that simplicity creates something important.
The Unexpected Power of Shared Interests
Shared interests do something subtle in relationships.
They create a natural place to meet.
Not a heavy conversation.
Not a forced bonding moment.
Just something you both enjoy.
A baseball game.
A walk through a city.
A good meal somewhere new.
Those shared experiences give people room to exist together without pressure.
And sometimes that’s exactly where connection grows.
Why Midweek Trips Work
Weekend trips tend to turn into events.
Crowds.
Packed schedules.
Trying to fit everything in.
Midweek trips feel different.
The pace slows down.
The stadium is calmer.
The city breathes a little.
You notice things you would normally rush past.
A conversation during the drive.
Laughing about a terrible inning.
Talking about things that somehow only come up when you're away from normal routines.
Those small moments are the ones that stay with you.
Shared Experiences Build Independence
Something I’ve noticed over time is that shared experiences don’t just build connection.
They build confidence.
When adults share experiences together, something shifts.
Plans get made.
Decisions get shared.
Everyone learns how to move through the world a little more independently.
It’s not about forcing independence.
It’s about creating space where it can grow naturally.
A trip.
A game.
A few days away from routine.
Sometimes that’s all it takes.
Why Baseball Happens to Be Our Thing
For us, baseball became that shared interest.
The Cincinnati Reds games started as something simple we enjoyed doing together.
Now they’re part of our rhythm.
A reason to get out of town.
A reason to spend time together.
A reason to build memories that don’t require a huge plan.
Just a ticket, a hotel room, and a little space to enjoy the experience.
Travel Doesn’t Have to Be Big to Matter
There’s a lot of pressure in travel culture to make everything bigger.
More destinations.
More activities.
More planning.
But some of the most meaningful trips are the simple ones.
The midweek games.
The easy drives.
The shared interests that quietly become traditions.
Sometimes the trips that matter most are the ones that weren’t trying to be anything special.
They just gave us space to be together.
If you think about the people you love, there’s usually one shared interest that brings you together.
Maybe it’s sports.
Maybe it’s music.
Maybe it’s travel.
The activity itself isn’t the important part.
The connection is.
Sometimes all it takes is choosing to keep showing up for those moments.
💛 If you enjoy thoughtful travel and connection-first trips, join the newsletter here.