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. While here, Emily stayed at the Aloft on the Levee, a modern, centrally located hotel with great access to the city’s top spots.

One of the highlights of Emily’s stay in Newport included a gangster-themed walking tour of Newport led by American Legacy Tours.

“Basically all of Newport is haunted, so expect to hear a lot of great stories,” Emily said, recalling the Prohibition-era tales that made this once notorious city a bootlegging and gambling hotspot.

In the evening, Emily boarded a BB Riverboat cruise for sightseeing and culinary delights along the Ohio River. “This was a spectacular experience,” she shared. “The crew on the ship was unbelievably kind.” The views of the skyline at sunset made 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. During her trip, Emily visited Mill Ridge Farm, where young horses are raised and trained for racing.

“We were hosted by owner Pryce Bell,” she said, “and met the horses, giving them treats before a private catered lunch in one of the barns.”

Another great stop is the Kentucky Horse Park, a working horse farm with museums, tours, and live shows.

“We toured the museum, took a horse-drawn trolley ride, and watched the Hall of Champions show,” Emily shared. “The horse park also has the largest collection of equestrian trophies inside, including Derby, Preakness, and Triple Crown awards.”

Emily stayed at The Campbell House, a stylish, historic hotel with equestrian flair. She also recommends dinner at J. Render’s Southern Table & Bar for some 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.

Emily stayed at the elegant Seelbach Hotel, a historic landmark with incredible service. “This is a stunning property, and their staff went above and beyond for us,” she shared. Her stay included a Roaring 20s tour of the hotel led by staff in full Gatsby-esque attire in honor of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s beloved novel, “The Great Gatsby.”

Her trip to Louisville began with lunch at Doc Crow’s. This bourbon bar boasts the largest collection of bourbon in the Western Hemisphere, with over 4,000 bottles. Afterwards, she visited 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.

Dinner was at Uncle Boojie’s in Paristown Point, an up-and-coming district with creative energy and great food. “This place was amazing and I was so impressed,” she said.

The next day included a stop at The Brown Hotel, a bourbon tasting at Evan Williams, and a trolley tour around the city. Emily’s trip ended in the best way possible. “We spent the evening at the Kentucky Derby Museum and Churchill Downs, dining in the exclusive Turf Club and even making our own Derby hats!”