Northern Kentucky is a place that's steadfast on its future with vibrant developments like Newport on the Levee and a constant influx of new restaurants and entertainment options in its distinct neighborhoods. Yet, it's also a place dutiful to its past, preserving old businesses and historic homes nestled within idyllic tree-lined streets. If you want gorgeous views of the Ohio River in an energetic urban environment bursting with activities and overflowing with art, bourbon, and enchanting green spaces, Northern Kentucky is the perfect spot to explore for the weekend.

Recommendations

Friday

Start your day at Roebling Books & Coffee in Newport (there are also two other locations nearby in Covington and Bellevue, KY). Try one of their specialty coffees or teas while perusing their wide selection of books, including literature by local authors and books about the area’s significant history.

Situated within the historic East Row district, this area is also home to hundreds of tiny “fairy doors.” See if you can spot some on a self-guided tour.

From Roebling Books & Coffee, you can walk a short distance to Newport on the Levee, which boasts dining, shopping, and endless activities right along the banks of the Ohio River. You can also explore the Levee and other nearby areas using convenient city Red Bikes with stations all across Northern Kentucky. (Download the app to get started.)

At the Levee, check out the Newport Aquarium, an award-winning aquarium with thousands of aquatic animals that’s celebrating its 25th anniversary with a new exhibit, “Ring of Fire: World of the Octopus.” You can purchase admission tickets online or at the ticketing booth (starting at $22.99).

Also, be sure to look ahead at the Levee’s events page to see what’s happening that weekend!

The Purple People Bridge is a violet-hued pedestrian-only bridge that stretches half a mile across the Ohio River, connecting Newport, KY to Cincinnati, OH.  It’s the longest connector of its kind in the country that links two states together. Walk or bike along the bridge and visit the new State Line Mural completed by local artist Matt Grote, which shows where Kentucky meets Ohio—and where the South meets the North.

For 45 years, BB Riverboats has been offering specialty river tours up and down the Ohio River. The High Noon Sightseeing Cruise provides tales and river lore about the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky area, while the sunset cruise provides an opportunity to unwind from the day with live music. No matter which tour you choose, you’ll have an incredible experience taking in the beauty of the river. (Book tickets in advance.)

Kentucky is known for many things, from its horse racing and Louisville Slugger baseball bats to its fried chicken and bluegrass music, but perhaps it’s most famously celebrated for its world-renowned bourbon. And whether you’re a connoisseur of the spirit or just trying it for the first time, there’s no better way to explore different variations than along The B-Line—a self-guided bourbon tour with 25 can’t-miss sippable stops. 

In Newport, try out New Riff Distilling featuring The Aquifer Tasting Room with award-winning and limited-edition spirits; Pensive Distilling Co. (don’t miss their secret upstairs speakeasy); The Prohibition Bourbon Bar at Newberry Bros with supposedly the largest collection of bourbon and rye whiskeys found anywhere in the world; or head toward Bellevue at Three Spirits Tavern which features a “Big Bone Lick Gold Rush” cocktail made from salt at the Big Bone Lick, Kentucky’s 100-year-old State Park. 

*Tip: Download a free digital passport to collect stamps along the B-line, or ask for a paper copy at your first stop. You’ll be able to redeem your stamps for some B-line swag!

Coppin’s Restaurant + Bar at Hotel Covington offers a dazzling seasonal menu focused on carefully crafted dishes that support local artisans. Its chic interior inside the historic building offers an open-space dining experience that feels as intimate as it’s intended. 

Be sure to make reservations ahead of time. And if you’re still in the mood for another bourbon experience, head north a block to Revival Vintage Bottle Shop, a tasting room and bottle shop with a rare selection, including a 100-year-old bourbon.

Saturday

Licking River Greenway Trails provide a serene escape amidst the hustle of its nearby urban environment. Accessible from Covington, the Greenway Trails offers a 1.6-mile point-to-point nature trail that hugs Kentucky’s Licking River (a tributary of the Ohio River). Start near the corner of Eastern Ave and Levassor Ave. See if you can spot some of the 17 murals along the way!

Covington’s Mainstrasse Village is picturesque, featuring German architecture and culture and many local eateries and pubs. Close by is Madison Avenue, another entertainment district with B-line stops, restaurants, and the Madison Theatre, which hosts weekly concerts. 

While strolling these streets, take in all of the intriguing art painted on street buildings. From the faces of Jimi Hendrix and Andy Warhol to mosaics on overpasses and murals along the waterfront, Covington’s public art is something that truly inspires. You should also say hi to Clive the Alien, a 30-foot tall art installation located at the Midtown Parking Garage on the intersection of Fifth and Scott Street. Pop into some unique boutique shops like Peachy and Vintage, Hometown Vintage, and Grainwell. Or, stop by the Covington Farmers Market, which takes place every Saturday from 9 a.m.- 1 p.m.

Note: If you’re traveling between May and the end of October, the farmer’s market is located outside at 425 Madison Ave. If you’re traveling between November and April, the market is located inside Braxton Brewing Company. 

Alternative: Learn about Newport’s Gangster Past 
If you’re a history buff and would rather learn about Northern Kentucky’s organized crime past, then embark on The Newport Gangster Tour, one of the city’s most sought-after tours that dives deep into the notorious mob men of the area. Tours are only on Saturdays at 11 a.m. and do sell out, so purchase your tickets in advance.

Experience 360-degree views of the Covington skyline at Opal Rooftop Restaurant & Bar. Indulge in fresh, local ingredients that are wood-fired on an open-fire cooktop. (We recommend making a reservation ahead of time.) 

Or, if you don’t want to try just one place for lunch, consider embarking on the Mainstrasse Village Food Tour, which stops at five restaurants while diving into Covington’s German-settler history. (Tours are from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. every Saturday. Sign up here.)

Take a casual stroll along Covington’s waterfront for unobstructed views of the Ohio River. Covington Plaza, located at 1 Madison Ave., offers a scenic view of The John A. Roebling Bridge —a National Historic Landmark and National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark over 150 years old. The John A. Roebling Bridge was even the pre-design for the iconic Brooklyn Bridge. (Read more about the history here.) 

If you want a little more rigor in your afternoon activity, sign up for a Pedal Wagon tour that will take you on a two-hour adventure through historic Covington.

Lisse Steakhuis is a Dutch-inspired restaurant that sources everything from meat to produce from their own farm. Unwind in its intimate, cozy dining room with indulgent dishes and Kentucky-inspired cocktails. (Make a reservation here.)

If you’re still itching for more stamps on your B-Line passport, there are endless unique bourbon joints throughout Covington and close by on Madison Ave. Stop inside: Old Kentucky Bourbon Bar ​​with more than 700 different bourbons or Wiseguy Lounge, a bourbon-obsessed speakeasy located above Goodfellas Pizza (also a great spot for a late-night slice!).

Sunday

Head over to Bellevue for breakfast at Yuca, featuring a Latin-ingredient-inspired menu with unique dishes you won’t find anywhere else, like their “Big Bad Wolf,” a shredded pork waffle with crispy pork belly, candied bacon, and orange chipotle honey. 

Or head to Unataza Coffee, a Honduras-owned coffee shop with specialty Honduran brew, pastries, and other breakfast bites.

Take your breakfast and walk toward Bellevue Beach Park (or walk there after your meal). There are plenty of benches facing the river, where you can sit, relax, and take in the tranquility of the water.

There are lots of boutique shops and vintage stores to explore in Bellevue, but make sure you stop in Schneider’s Sweet Shop, a candy and ice cream shop that’s been family-owned and -operated since 1939. They make all of their ice cream and candies in-house using original recipes, candy equipment, and methods. Try their specialty Opera Cream chocolates or their season Ice Ball.

Since Devou Park opened to the public, it has been a premier spot for locals celebrating weddings, graduations, or family events thanks to its unprecedented scenic view overlooking the Ohio River and Cincinnati skyline. Besides its iconic panoramic views, Devou Park has endless activities. Play a round of golf, hike its backcountry trails, enjoy a picnic, fish in its lake, or visit the Behringer-Crawford Museum, which preserves Northern Kentucky’s culture and heritage. 

Devou also has incredible mountain biking trails with high climbs, speedy descends, and lots of exhilarating jumps. Learn more about the mountain biking trail here.

Close by Bellevue in Dayton, Kentucky (not to be confused with Dayton, Ohio), is Manhattan Harbour, a lively bar and grille located right on a marina with a tropical-flair menu. This place is only open during the summer months, but it’s well worth a visit if you want somewhere with a waterfront view while you eat.

If traveling during the warmer months, stop by The Lagoon Saloon, an indoor/outdoor laid-back venue with live music on the weekends and a classic American menu (this place is cash only, so plan accordingly). Or, check out Bircus Brewing, a circus-inspired microbrewery featuring craft beers and wood-fired pizzas. Check out their events page ahead of time for live circus performances! 

If you want to keep learning about Kentucky spirits, do a Distillery Tour and Tasting at Second Sight Spirits ($14 + tax/person). From classic oak-barreled bourbon to smoked cherry rum, you’ll get a unique regional tasting unlike any other. 

Bonus Town 

Looking to explore another Northern Kentucky Ohio River town? Stop by Ft. Thomas for a few hours. Check out:

• Tower Park: A massive 86-acre park with dense forests, serene hiking and biking trails, playgrounds, tennis and pickleball courts, and more to do and see with the whole family. 

• The Fort Thomas Military and Community Museum: Located within Tower Park, on the grounds of one of the last military installations of its type in the US, this museum houses a collection of letters, photos, uniforms, and other displays honoring the city’s history of the past 150+ years. (Admission is free. Operating hours: Friday and Saturday from noon - 4 p.m.) 

• Fort Thomas Coffee: You’ll instantly feel the warmth of community in this beloved neighborhood spot. Stop in for a great cup of joe (or even a cocktail) and check out their calendar for upcoming Ft. Thomas events.