Greater Cincinnati's newest "Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area" is opening this week at The Banks.
It means you'll be able to walk around 85 acres of Downtown Cincinnati with a drink in hand.
Of course, there are rules to go along with that. Here is everything you need to know about having a good time.
More:Spring is here, find a Dora drinking district near you
First of all, what is the Dora?
The "Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area" or Dora district is exactly what it sounds like. The one at The Banks will open March 25 at 11 a.m.
The district will be located from Heritage Bank Center (formerly US Bank Arena) to Paul Brown Stadium and from Mehring Way to Second Street. In addition to being pedestrian-friendly, restaurant owners at The Banks said they will provide outdoor concerts and live music.
Now that we've got that over with, here are 5 things you need to know about Cincinnati's new "front porch."
1. This is a permanent, year-round feature
The fun won't end when it starts to get cold again. The Dora will be open year-round, which means you'll be able to enjoy it late into the Cincinnati Bengals season, for Oktoberfest and SantaCon.
The district will be open daily from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m., 365 days a year.
And yes, officials said it's here for good.
2. You need a special cup for drinks (it's environmentally friendly)
We'll answer your burning question first. No, you can't bring your own alcohol into the Dora. You will need a special cup, which is available from vendors inside the district (more on that below.)
The cup will allow patrons to carry up to a 16-ounce open alcoholic beverage within the boundaries at The Banks. You will able to drink beer, wine and liquor in the cups.
The cups will also feature a list of rules for visitors.
The cups are made for "single day use" and are compostable. Banks Spokeswoman Tracy Schwegmann said to not take the cup home and put it in the dishwasher like you can with other Dora cups because it will melt.
Other drink-related rules include: Dora beverages are not permitted in parking areas, nor on the Streetcar.
3. You can get a drink from nearly anywhere
On that note, there isn't a shortage of alcohol options.
Schwegmann said the City of Cincinnati worked with state officials to update liquor licenses for local businesses. That way you can get a drink from The Holy Grail, Fishbowl at the Banks or Taste of Belgium (and everyone in between.)
If you're used to other Dora districts, you know you sometimes have to pay for cups. That's not the rule at The Banks.
Schwegmann said cup and Dora beverage distribution is an individual business decision and can differ by the establishment.
She said some locations may have Dora beverages and cups only available at certain bar or counter. Others may sell every alcoholic beverage in a Dora cup.
"I suppose some might charge, but that would be up to the individual establishment," Schwegmann said.
4. Part of Freedom Way will be permanently closed to cars
In order to create a pedestrian walkway, Freedom Way will be permanently closed to vehicular traffic between Joe Nuxhall Way and Walnut Street/ Marian Spencer Way.
This closure will also make room for additional outdoor service areas for those bars and restaurants, officials said.
5. No, you cannot walk through Smale Park
While sitting in the park and having a beer sounds nice, it's definitely a no-no.
Smale Park is not included within the DORA district. However, that doesn't mean there isn't some green space to enjoy.
You'll have access to space around all the stadiums as well as the green space outside the Sing the Queen City sign, near Moerlein Lager House and next to the new The Andrew J. Brady Icon Music Center.
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