Weekend Getaway Guide
to Northern Kentucky
Bourbon and Bluegrass Are Just the Beginning...
Just across the bridge from Cincinnati, Ohio is a vibrant slice of Northern Kentucky known by locals as a unique haven for artists, creatives and of course bourbon lovers. In this part of Blue Grass country one can find a special mix of art, food, culture and even a very proud of presence of queerness. Here is everything you need to know to plan the perfect getaway in Northern Kentucky!
Stay:
In the heart of downtown Covington you’ll find The Pickle Factory Hotel, and yes the building really was a Pickle Factory before being renovated into a luxury stay! This unique stay features 8 whimsical guest suites to choose from, each with its very own theme – one of which of course being pickles!
During our visit we booked a stay in the colorful and funky “Odd Fellows Hall” suite. This suite pays homage to another unique piece of the building’s history as one of the first African American Odd Fellows Lodges – a fraternal club that offered friendship and support for members of the community. As luxurious as it is playful, this stay was the perfect place to call home base during our visit and is definitely a must experience while visiting Northern Kentucky.
Explore:
MainStrasse Village
Known for its 19th century German architecture and landmarks this unique neighborhood is full of fascinating history, locally owned shops and a fantastic foodie scene! Landmarks like the 100 foot tall Carroll Chimes Bell Tower and the Goose Girl Fountain speak to the unique history of Mainstrasse village and the many German immigrants that once called it home. Today, the village is home to a vibrant community packed with unique storefronts and locally owned restaurants and bars ( a few of which are even stops along the iconic B-Line tasting trail)
A few things to do and see while exploring:
- Take a self guided walking tour around the village and take in its many unique landmarks
- Check out the many unique locally owned shops in town! A few of my favorite spots included: Earth to Kentucky, The Creative House of Art and Design, SoHza Sister Fair Trade Boutique, Hail Records & Oddities and Handzy Shop and Studio
- Eat your way through town at a few of the villages amazing restaurants. A few of my favorites that we tried include Mamas, Bouquet and Otto’s on Main! You can also opt to take a guided foodie tour through the neighborhood with Riverside Food Tours (click here for more information!)
- Grab a nightcap at The Old Kentucky Bourbon Bar or Bourbon Haus 1841 ( both of which are B- Line stops )
Experience The Northern Kentucky
B-Line Bourbon Trail
If there is one thing most synonymous with the state of Kentucky it’s sure to be its Bourbon. So what better way to experience the epicenter of bourbon culture & history than by tasting your way through the B-Line Trail here in Northern Kentucky! The 19 total stops include 8 bourbon bars, 5 craft distilleries and 6 bourbon centric restaurants.
During our visit we checked out two unique stops along the trail:
- Revival Vintage Spirits – Self described as the American Pickers of vintage spirits, this unique tasting experience allows visitors a chance to taste from a menu of vintage bourbons and liqueurs dating back 50+ years. This is truly a unique tasting and shopping experience unlike anything I have seen elsewhere and a MUST for bourbon lovers.
- Second Sight Spirits – a fortune teller inspired distillery dreamed up by 2 best friends who left their careers as Cirque Du Soleil set designers in Las Vegas to create this one of a kind distillery & tasting experience here in Northern Kentucky. Be sure to sign up for a tour during your visit to get the full story on how this immersive and magical distillery came to be!
Newport on the Levee
Situated on the banks of the Ohio River, Newport on the Levee is an entertainment complex with unbeatable views of the Cincinnati Skyline! A few things to check out here include:
- Bridgeview Box Park: outside shipping container park with food and beverage vendors + fantastic views
- Trade: An artisan market with local vendors to shop from (so many unique finds here)
- Newport Aquarium: Definitely a must visit if your traveling with little ones
- Purple People Pedestrian Bridge: The longest pedestrian only bridge in the US, this is a fantastic scenic walk
A Few Other Spots Not to Miss in Covington:
Purple Paisley Artisan Shop – Artisan gallery shop packed with unique locally made goods
Kung Food Chu’s AmerAsia – AMAZING Asian-American cuisine, located just a few blocks from The Pickle Factory Hotel
Lil’s Bagels – The best breakfast in Northern Kentucky – known for their creative gourmet flavored bagels and filling pairings
Riverside Drive Statue Walk – Scenic walking path in Covington’s Historic Licking Riverside Neighborhood along the Ohio River
Libby’s Southern Comfort – Delicious southern comfort foods with a modern twist ( I highly recommend trying the hushpuppies and buttermilk fried chicken biscuit – SO GOOD)
The Standard – Vintage gas station turned indoor/outdoor restaurant and bar (this spot is a blast in the evenings)
Planning on taking the trip? Check out my custom google map with all of the spots mentioned already mapped out for you!
This blog post was part of a hosted visit and paid partnership with Meet NKY. All recommendations and reviews remain genuine, these opinions are my own.
