If you’ve been to Kentucky, it’s probably to the well-known capitals of Bourbon and horse racing: Lexington and Louisville. But the Bluegrass State has so much to see beyond these. I took a trip recently to northern Kentucky, to the towns that follow the curves of the Ohio River across from Cinncinati. It’s an easy flight from many major cities and is the perfect dose of the big city and small-town charm.
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Covington
Located across the river from Cincinnati, Covington is the perfect spot to base yourself for exploring the region. Check out the historic neighborhoods and charming main street, called the Mainstrasse, not to mention the Roebling Bridge that inspired the Brooklyn Bridge.
Where to Eat in Covington
Libby’s 
Lil’s Bagels
Kung Food AmerAsia– Check out this funky Asian restaurant covered in movie posters. The menu has favorites like giant egg rolls, wonton soup, and lo mein. There’s also a full bar with local beers.
Libby’s Southern Comfort– Start your day off right at this family-owned restaurant known for its fried chicken, goetta hush puppies, and Cheerwine Bourbon Slush.
Lil’s Bagels– Set in a former home with a “windough,” this LGBTQ-supporting bakery has classic and funky bagels and pairings including lox, pastrami, soy sausage, and vegan schmear.
Otto’s on Main– Opened in 2006, this Mainstrasse Village restaurant in a historic space has art-covered walls and a bistro-style menu. Highlights include the famous Kentucky Hot Brown and shrimp and grits.
Rich’s Proper Food & Drink– This casual restaurant is the perfect spot for a post-distillery meal. Chow down on jambalaya and po boys along with funky cocktails.
Where to Drink in Covington
Braxton Brewing– The downtown brewery in a former garage has a sprawling rooftop bar and an incredible lineup of beers ranging from IPAs to lagers to stouts and seltzers. There’s also a second location across the river.
Green House– The light-filled California-inspired place is full of plants and neon. Belly up to the vintage bar for a craft cocktail or hang out with your dog on the patio.
Old Kentucky Bourbon Bar– This cozy bar has one of the biggest selections of Kentucky bourbon. Ask the staff for recommendations on what to enjoy neat or in a cocktail.
Revival Vintage Spirits & Bottle Shop– Bourbon geeks can’t miss this shop, which has bottles dating back over 50 years. Not only can you purchase these relics, but you can also sample them for only $5 at the bar.
Ripple Wine Bar– The stylish wine bar is the perfect spot for happy hour or a nightcap with wine on tap as well as beer, cocktails, and shared plates.
What to Do in Covington
Behringer-Crawford Museum– The regional history museum has dioramas and a model train and is popular with families.
Carnegie Art Center– Set in a former Carnegie library, this art center has a theater and art gallery.
Where to Shop in Covington
Earth to Kentucky 
Hierophany & Hedge
Earth to Kentucky– This funky store has artwork, comics, and other sci-fi inspired gifts.
Handzy Shop + Studio– The colorful boutique sells women’s clothing and gifts.
Hierophany & Hedge– Step into this magical goods store that feels straight out of Diagon Alley, with books, herbs, and wands.
Sole by Style – “Sneakerheads” flock to this retail space with rare and valuable shoes and clothing.
Where to Stay in Covington
Hotel Covington– Set in the state’s first modern skyscraper and a former department store, this boutique hotel has 114 guestrooms and a bourbon-focused bar and restaurant.
Radisson Hotel Cincinnati Riverfront– This chain hotel has a rotating restaurant on the 17th floor, an indoor pool, and a fitness center.
Rentals- Stay in the area’s interesting neighborhoods at rental homes like this minimalist home, colorful Pickle Factory apartment, and this carriage house near the river.
Ludlow
Small town Ludlow was established when the land was given to a Revolutionary War hero and came to prominence thanks to its rail location.
Where to Eat in Ludlow
Ernie’s Yard– The food truck park has a constantly rotating selection of options from barbecue to Mexican.
Taste on Elm– The specialty market has charcuterie, cheese, wine, and other essentials.
Where to Drink in Ludlow
Bircus Brewing Co.- The circus-themed brewery was opened by a former clown and has a large tasting room that hosts events.
Second Sight Spirits– One of the stops on the area’s bourbon trail, this distillery is inspired by magic, with a fortune-telling still.
Where to Shop in Ludlow
Hater’s Dry Goods– This store sells home decor, antiques, artwork, and gifts.
Leeta Ruth Boutique– The historic building holds a women’s clothing store.
Newport
Founded in 1795, Newport is also across the river from Cinncinati next to Covington. It has an interesting history, specifically during Prohibition and when gambling was legal.
Where to Eat in Newport
The Baker’s Table– The farm-to-table prix fixe restaurant was opened by California transplants and focuses on the region’s local farmers and purveyors.
Purple Poulet– You may have had “Kentucky fried chicken,” but none quite like this. It’s located inside a historic building and has a menu of Southern favorites.
Where to Drink in Newport
New Riff Distilling– A longtime favorite of the Kentucky Bourbon Craft Tour, this distillery hs been creating spirits since 2014 but is especially known for its rye, which uses heritage grains.
What to Do in Newport
Newport Aquarium– The sprawling aquarium has 14 galleries of underwater creatures including penguins, sharks, and stingrays.
Newport Gangster” Walking Tour– Follow a local historian around town to learn about Newport’s seedy past that once rivaled Vegas in terms of bootlegging and gambling.
Where to Stay in Newport
Aloft Newport on the Levee– The colorful hotel has free WiFi, an indoor pool, a fitness center, and bike rentals to help you explore the area.
Hampton Inn & Suites Newport– The standard hotel has free parking, free WiFi, breakfast, and a swimming pool.
Maysville
Founded by none other than Daniel Boone, Maysville is known for its ties to Kentucky Bourbon but it was also an important stop on the Underground Railroad.
Where to Eat in Maysville
Capronis Restaurant & Bar– Set in a 1930s building, this restaurant has both traditional Italian and American fare.
M’s Eatery- The restaurant on the east side of town serves salads, flatbreads, burgers, and more.
Parc Café– Stop by this French inspired cafe, where you can enjoy coffee and sandwiches.
Where to Drink in Maysville
Old Pogue Distillery– Established in 1876, Old Pogue was the third distillery in Kentucky and is near what’s believed to be the state’s first Bourbon distillery.
Kenton Stories with Spirit– Browse and snack at the bookstore and art gallery with wine, bourbon, sandwiches, and charcuterie.
What to Do in Maysville
Kentucky Gateway Museum Center– The museum features a large collection of miniatures, including replicas of local landmarks, along with artifacts and an adjacent space with Old Pogue displays.
National Underground Railroad Museum– Learn about this important part of history in the town where it happened.
Where to Stay in Maysville
Days Inn by Wyndham Maysville Kentucky– Options are sparse in this part of Northern Kentucky, but this basic roadside inn has free WiFi and free parking.
Lee House Inn– Right near the river is this historic inn that offers daily breakfast.
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