Top Reasons to Plan a Spring Trip to the NKY and Cincy Region
Condé Nast Traveler Named Us a Best Place to Go in 2023
Before we share details on NKY and Cincy region top things to do and locals' favorite restaurants and hangouts, you need to know that we were named one of the "23 Best Places to Go in 2023" by Condé Nast Traveler!
Five Reasons to Travel to Covington, Kentucky this Spring
With a charming, historic downtown and access to the outdoors, Covington offers some of the most unique boutiques, restaurants and views in Northern Kentucky.
Devou Park
This 718-acre park offers a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, biking, golf and disc golf. It also has a playground, an amphitheater, a pavilion and a beautiful view of the Cincinnati and Covington skylines.
Covington, Ky. Named “The Best Restaurant City in America”
Covington has the best eats. From the best Southern fare at Libby’s Southern Comfort to “Best in the City” Asian food at Kung Food Chu’s AmerAsia to a restaurant that made Esquire’s List of "100 Restaurants America Can’t Afford to Lose" – Bouquet (their salmon with green beans and potatoes is pictured above) – to local favorite Bard’s Burgers, featured on Food Network’s Diner’s, Drive-Ins and Dives, dozens of restaurants in Covington are worth the road trip! In fact, Only in Your State named us “The Best Restaurant City in America.”
Unique shopping in Covington, Ky.
One of the pleasures of traveling to Covington, Ky. is the local as local gets authenticity around every corner and that includes our shops. From an actual magic shop – Hierophany and Hedge – where you can choose your own wand like Harry Potter to a unique Sci-Fi and Bootleg Toy Shop – Earth 2 Kentucky (pictured above) – to handcrafted one-of-a-kind wooden treasures at Grainwell, a wealth of local arts at Purple Paisley, and unique clothes, cards and accessories at Handzy Shop + Studio. These are just a sample of the memorable shops you’ll discover in Covington.
The John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge
This historic bridge connects Covington to Cincinnati and offers breathtaking views of the Ohio River and the city skyline. Did you know it was designed and built by the same engineer who built the Brooklyn Bridge in NYC? In fact, our Roebling Suspension Bridge is the prototype! Visitors can take a walk or bike ride across the bridge for a unique experience.
Mainstrasse Village
This charming German-style village – a Historic District listed on the National Register of Historic Places – is filled with shops, restaurants, bars and a park, making it a great place to spend an afternoon or evening.
Inspiration for planning your springtime trip to Newport, Ky.
Newport is a must-visit for its top-tier attractions and a laid-back, something-for-everyone vibe.
Shopping in Newport, Ky.
Newport is a shopper's paradise, with a wide variety of shops and boutiques offering unique and locally made items. You could spend a day exploring all the shops at Newport on the Levee.
Restaurants in Newport, Ky.
Newport also boasts a thriving dining scene, with a variety of restaurants and cafes serving up delicious meals. Here’s a short list to help you plan:
Hofbrauhaus Newport (pictured above) – The first Hofbrauhaus in the U.S., Newport’s adheres to the standards for German food, beer and fun set by the original Hofbrauhaus in Munich, Germany.
Tom & Chee – Do you love grilled cheese? You’re in luck! Tom & Chee is famous for their huge variety of grilled cheese sandwich options, plus their delicious soups. Located at Newport on the Levee.
Brothers Bar & Grill – Enjoy a wide-ranging menu of American favorites while drinking in the beautiful views of the Cincinnati skyline at this restaurant, also located at Newport on the Levee.
Awesome Attractions in Newport, Ky.
Newport is home to the award-winning Newport Aquarium, where guests can pet a stingray, get face-to-face with rare white alligators, walk inches above a shark tank and even explore a sunken ship while surrounded by exotic and fascinating underwater creatures. And if you’re looking to cross another type of water, wander nearby to the Purple People Bridge, a historic railway bridge that’s been turned into a brightly painted pedestrian walkway connecting Newport to Cincinnati across the Ohio River.
Explore Bellevue, Ky.
Located just a hop, skip and jump away from Newport is the quaint river city of Bellevue. The main thoroughfare — Fairfield Avenue — is lined with colorful historic buildings, leafy trees and plenty of independent boutiques and restaurants. Grab brunch at Yuca before meandering to specialty shops like the boho-leaning Coda Co., Twice As Nice antique store or Splendid Things gift shop. Then stop for a local craft beer at Darkness Brewing or an over-the-top milkshake (with or without booze) at Nomad.
Accommodations in Newport, Ky.
Newport offers a wide range of accommodations to suit any budget, from luxurious hotels and resorts to budget-friendly bed and breakfasts. Whether you're looking for a romantic getaway or a family vacation, Newport has something to offer.
Florence, Kentucky is a Road-trip Worthy Destination in Springtime
For family-friendly fun and adventure, look no further than Florence, which has indoor and outdoor attractions for everyone.
The Florence Nature Park
For those looking for a more natural experience, the Florence Nature Park is a great place to explore. This beautiful park features a variety of hiking trails, picnic areas, and a lake, making it a great spot for a relaxing spring break getaway.
Catch a Florence Y'alls Game
For sports fans, the Florence Y’alls baseball team are a must-see. The team plays at Thomas More Stadium and the games are a great way to enjoy the beautiful spring weather while cheering on the home team.
The Ark Encounter
Bring the family to Ark Encounter, close to Florence for one-of-a-kind experiences. With one of the best zoos in Kentucky, Ararat Ridge, and jaw-dropping, built-to-impress scale, the Ark Encounter also is the largest timber frame structure in the world.
Get Extreme at DEFY Florence
After a few hours at DEFY Florence, they’re guaranteed to have a good night’s sleep! DEFY is an extreme air sports and trampoline park, featuring a ninja obstacle course, extreme dodge ball, trapeze, foam pits, and more.
Big Bone Lick State Historic Site
Named after a prehistoric salt lick the once drew mammoths, mastadons and other Pleistocene megafauna to the site, Big Bone Lick is now a state park that offers 4.5 miles of hiking trails, camping, birding, mini golf and its own herd of bison. Visit the on-site museum for exhibits on paleontology and Ice Age mammals, or spend your time exploring the great outdoors.
Jane’s Saddlebag
Located near Big Bone Lick is another can’t miss spot: Jane’s Saddlebag, 35-acres of living history. Named after a reconstructed and restored rural “saddlebag” home on the site, the property includes farm animals, a general store, a restaurant and a wine shop. Explore an 1800 smokehouse or a replica 1700s flatboat — the type Lewis and Clark would have used on their expedition down the river.
Rabbit Hash
Known for its series of dog mayors and nearly 200-year-old general store, Rabbit Hash is a little hamlet located on a bend on the Ohio River — perfect for a lazy Sunday drive. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the town is made up of about 12 buildings and 300 people, all of which are full of character. Shop for crafts and antiques, sip on wine at Gunpowder Creek Vineyards or catch live music on weekends.
Don’t forget Cincy!
That’s not all! One of the best things about planning a trip to Northern Kentucky is the fact that Cincinnati, Ohio is just a bridge-walk away.
Enjoy the Cincinnati Zoo when you visit NKY. Located just a short drive from Covington, the Cincinnati Zoo is a must-see attraction for animal lovers. With over 500 species of animals, it's one of the most diverse zoos in the country. And it's repeatedly named The Best Zoo in the U.S. by the readers of USA Today.
So many fun things to do in the Cincy Region!
The Zoo is just a start. Here's a few more ideas for your springtime trip to the NKY and Cincy Region:
Be sure to check out our friends’ website – Visit Cincy – for more cool things to do, and great places to eat and drink.
So, pack your bags and head to the NKY and Cincy region for a spring break you'll never forget! With so much to see and do, you'll have a hard time leaving.
