Northern Kentucky

In Northern Kentucky you’ll find cities like Bellevue, Covington, Florence, Fort Thomas, and Newport. There’s lots to love about living on the Kentucky side of the Ohio River, like the amazing view of the Cincinnati skyline, the world’s only ventriloquist museum, the historic residential districts, and the official gateway to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.

Located just across the river from Cincinnati, Covington Kentucky offers an array of unique shops, street art, restaurants, bourbon bars, and craft breweries. MainStrasse Village is a German American historic neighborhood known for its storybook charm. Here, you’ll also find several stops on The B-Line®, Northern Kentucky’s self-guided bourbon tour. In the heart of the village is the Carroll Chimes Bell Tower, complete with a carillon and a working glockenspiel. Devou Park is a large urban park and public golf course offering beautiful views of Cincinnati and the Ohio River. Take a stroll across the historic John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge, which spans the Ohio River and connects Covington to Cincinnati. A few blocks away, grab a latte and browse the aisles at Roebling Books & Coffee.

Bellevue is a quaint town along the Ohio River with its own unique charm. Bustling Fairfield Ave is home to an array of local favorites—like Schneider’s Sweet Shop, an old-fashioned candy and ice cream store, and Avenue Brew, a diner which has been serving residents for years. Or, stop in at newcomer Darkness Brewing which specializes in unique and dark, experimental craft beer styles and offers a fun, beer-centric Sunday brunch. Relax at Bellevue Beach Park, a gem of a park right on the Ohio river and home to the town’s summer concert series.

Florence isn’t shy about welcoming visitors. Its iconic landmark is a water tower painted with the friendly phrase “Florence, Y’all.” In fact, the city’s independent league baseball team even adopted the phrase Florence Y’alls for their team name. Cheer them on at Thomas More Stadium from April to September. For natural history enthusiasts, don’t miss Big Bone Lick State Historic Site where visitors can see still-active salt springs, a re-created Pleistocene marsh, 20,000-year-old fossils, and even a herd of bison.

Built on a series of hilltop ridges overlooking the Ohio River, Fort Thomas is a close-knit community where tree-lined streets and well-maintained neighborhoods contribute to the city’s appeal. Enjoy a range of recreational opportunities at Tower Park, more than 80 acres of lush forest, sport facilities, playgrounds and hiking/bike trails. For history buffs, delve into the city’s rich history at the Fort Thomas Military and Community Museum.

Newport’s riverfront is a bustling hub of activity, featuring an array of entertainment options such as the Newport Aquarium and the iconic Newport on the Levee, an entertainment complex with restaurants, shopping, and nightlife. Grab a takeout meal and enjoy the view from Bridgeview Box Park. Take in the live music scene at Southgate House Revival or Thompson House featuring local and touring acts. Stop by Prohibition Bourbon Bar, home to the world’s largest bourbon collection, or experience the area’s German heritage with brats and bier at Hofbräuhaus.