Your Next Vacation Should Be in Kentucky

Covington has a small-town charm with big-city access. The city sits high above the Ohio River, offering incredible views of downtown Cincinnati, especially from Devou Park. Aside from its scenic Memorial Overlook, Devou Park also has hiking and biking trails, golf and disc golf courses, and lake fishing.

Visitors have to check out Mainstrasse Village, Covington’s German-inspired district lined with cobblestone streets, vendors, boutique shops, art galleries, and pubs and restaurants. It’s the perfect place to grab a bite, stroll with a coffee, or catch live music in Goebel Park under the Carroll Chimes Bell Tower.

For art lovers, the Roebling Murals along the floodwall tell the story of Covington and the surrounding region in massive, beautifully painted panels. Nearby, the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption is a must-see. Often called “the Notre Dame of the South,” the cathedral is beloved for its soaring stained glass and Gothic design.

Also just minutes from downtown Cincinnati, Newport is a riverfront city packed with adventure and deserves a spot on your Kentucky itinerary. Consider staying at the Aloft on the Levee, a modern, centrally located hotel with great access to the city’s top spots.

Newport was a hotspot for Prohibition-era bootlegging and gambling, and visitors can learn more during a two-hour walking tour with American Legacy Tours. Afterward, board a BB Riverboat cruise for sightseeing and culinary delights along the Ohio River. The views of the skyline at sunset make for a fantastic night!

Back on land, Newport on the Levee is a must-visit for a bustling mix of shops, restaurants, and events. The Levee connects directly to the Purple People Bridge, a pedestrian-only span that links Kentucky and Ohio with gorgeous river views ideal for a stroll before or after dinner.

As the Horse Capital of the World, Lexington is renowned for its horse farms and famous racetracks like Keeneland. Another great stop is the Kentucky Horse Park, a working horse farm with museums, tours, and live shows.

Stay at The Campbell House, a stylish, historic hotel with equestrian flair. Enjoy dinner at J. Render’s Southern Table & Bar for genuine hospitality and mouth-watering southern culinary staples.

No Kentucky visitors’ guide would be complete without Louisville, the state’s largest city. Louisville offers some of the best things to do in Kentucky, including the Kentucky Derby and its museum, as well as the Louisville Slugger Museum.

Make the elegant Seelbach Hotel, a historic landmark with incredible service, your home base. Eat lunch at Doc Crow’s, a bourbon bar that boasts the largest collection of bourbon in the Western Hemisphere, with over 4,000 bottles. Then, visit the Frazier History Museum to take a peek at their speakeasy and attend a lesson on 1920s clothing.

Located just across the street, the Louisville Slugger Museum is a must for sports fans. Other advisor-recommended stops in Louisville include a bourbon tasting at Evan Williams, a trolley tour around the city, and the Kentucky Derby Museum and Churchill Downs.