Curated Adventures
Experience some of our favorite adventures in the Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky areas! Created by individual members of our team, these unique excursions are designed to accommodate a reasonable budget, be safe for anyone, and of course stay within spaces that are available for public access.
Choose any adventure that fits your style—choose more than one if you have time—and feel free to make it your own! While you're out, take lots of photos. And we would love to hear which adventure/adventures you went on, and what you loved most!
Stay safe. Have fun. And happy adventuring!
Space Chicken & Ice Balls
1. GALACTIC FRIED CHICKEN
Galactic Fried Chicken will likely rank at the top of your "best fried chicken ever" list. The restaurant, though a total dive, is somehow still super relevant, which is odd. The batter they use is gluten-free, so if you have a gluten intolerance, know thyself, and be free! I recommend the three-piece chicken tender basket with fried pickles.
2. SCHNEIDER’S SWEET SHOP
420 Fairfield Ave, Bellevue, KY 41073
Just down the road from Galactic is a place called Schneider's Sweet Shop. They have been a small neighborhood sweet shop for over 75 years, and they make everything from scratch. They are known for a treat called the 'Ice Ball,' which is ice cream and a snow cone mixed into one. They're a fun treat to try, though personally, I don't think you can go wrong with their chocolate milkshake.
3. BELLEVUE BEACH PARK
643-665 Frank Benke Way, Bellevue, KY 41073
If you leave Schneider's and walk straight north toward the river, you'll end up in Bellevue Beach Park. Though a simple park, it is a beautiful place to sit and eat your Ice Balls while looking over the river. The one thing that I love about this park is that the trees are MASSIVE!
created by: Jeremiah
Like a Sunday Afternoon
1. FINDLAY MARKET
1801 Race St, Cincinnati, OH 45202
One of my favorite Saturday or Sunday afternoon/late morning actives is to walk around the shops at Findlay Market. You'll find everything from handmade items, to plants, to produce and fresh meat! It's a great place to people-watch and maybe even catch some live music! And the great thing is the free Cincinnati street car has stops on both ends of the market, so you don't even have to park nearby!
2. BLUE OVEN BAKERY
125 W Elder St, Cincinnati, OH 45202
While you're at Findlay Market, check out the Blue Oven Bakery! I love to get one or two of their pizza pocket sandwiches. Delicious!
3. DEEPER ROOTS COFFEE
1814 Race St, Cincinnati, OH 45202
After you've had a bite to eat (or if you need coffee before you do anything else), go to Deeper Roots Coffee just across from the Race Street stop for the street car. I love to get a cappuccino with a little cinnamon sprinkled on top, and a savory pastry on the side.
created by: Jeriah
Breakfast and Bicycles
1. The Press on Monmouth
421 Monmouth St, Newport, KY 41071
This adventure begins with brunch at the Press on Monmouth this is the best place for a simple airy morning. When I go, I get the Geotta breakfast sandwich or their plain waffles. Both are delicious. For those of you who aren’t Cincinnati locals, Goetta is a sausage-like breakfast meat which includes grain (typically some kind of oat.) It was invented in Cincinnati by German immigrants in the mid 1800s and it is well loved locally. We even have a Goetta festival once a year!
2. Red Bike Rental
When I go to The Press with my family, we’ll typically walk down to Newport on the levee after brunch and grab a Red Bike from the Red Bike rental station and go for a ride. The East Row Neighborhood of Newport is beautiful to ride through but more importantly, I like to ride across the Purple People Bridge which is the pedestrian bridge leading from Newport on the Levee across the Ohio River to downtown Cincinnati.
3. Friendship Park
1117 Riverside Dr, Cincinnati, OH 45202
The above address will take you to another Red Bike Rental location within Friendship Park. Leave your bike there and enjoy the park. This is a beautiful river front park and a favorite of my family. I love being able to walk through all the different paths close to the water. I usually end up finding a bench or step along the water to relax.
created by: Heather
The Past, the Present, and the Plants
1. SUGAR N' SPICE DINER – OTR
1203 Sycamore St, Cincinnati, OH 45202
Start your morning off by grabbing breakfast at Sugar n' Spice Diner. They remodeled a '50s diner and turned it into...well, a '50s diner. Everything looks like you're stepping back in time - vibrant colors, shiny chrome fixtures, and everything that we love about mid-century architecture! Their food is everything it should be at a classic American diner. I had the Western omelet, and it doesn't disappoint. It's almost big enough for two people, so if you're a light eater, consider sharing. Also, every guest at the restaurant gets to take home a rubber ducky. Why?...Why not!
2. BOLIVAR ALLEY
Bolivar Aly, Cincinnati, OH 45202 (Between Pendleton St. and Reading Rd.)
After breakfast, it's time for a walk. There is an alley called Bolivar Alley that is an easy 6-minute walk from Sugar n' Spice. If you put Bolivar Alley in Google Maps, it should drop a pin somewhere near the end of the alley. The alley has been painted over time by many local graffiti artists. There has been no real organization behind the art. I don't know why all the local artists chose that alley, but it's a little secret spot in Cincinnati that is worth knowing about!
3. KROHN CONSERVATORY
1501 Eden Park Dr. Cincinnati, OH 45202
Leave the alley and head to Krohn Conservatory. They have beautiful indoor gardens year-round, as well as outdoor gardens in spring and summer. This is a great place to just sit and enjoy nature. Turn your phone off and relax for a bit. If you are in town between late March and early June, they have a butterfly exhibit where you can walk through the conservatory while it's filled with local species of butterflies.
created by: Jeremiah
Adventuring Atop Mt. Adams
1. EDEN PARK
950 Eden Park Dr, Cincinnati, OH 45202
Explore the gorgeous Eden Park on top of Mount Adams! You'll find groves of trees, a huge zig-zag staircase, a couple of lakes, the Cincinnati Art Museum, and so much more! There's pretty much something for everybody here!
2. MT. ADAMS BAR & GRILL
938 Hatch St, Cincinnati, OH 45202
Get a delicious bite to eat at the Mt. Adams Bar & Grill! They serve all kinds of sandwiches and burgers, so there are plenty of great options! The restaurant is a gorgeous building, with TONS of personality and charm. Parking on Mt. Adams can be a bit tricky, so be sure to check signage!
3. THE BLIND LEMON
936 Hatch St, Cincinnati, OH 45202
Right next door to the Mt. Adams Bar & Grill you will find this charming little speakeasy, the Blind Lemon! They have absolutely adorable indoor and outdoor seating options, so you can go at any time of year and still enjoy yourself! The interior is so cozy, you'll feel like you're sitting in a little English pub!
created by: Jeriah
Farms, Fries, and Floating Cars
1. Anderson Ferry
1 Anderson Ferry Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45204
Cincinnati is too cool and modern to have an old ferry, right? Wrong! There is a ferry that runs between Cincinnati and Ludlow Kentucky and it’s such a cool experience. Take a cruise up to the Cincinnati side of the ferry rout. Wait for the boat to get back across the river and drive aboard! There’s something that never gets old about feeling your car bobbing along in the river.
2. 1975 Burgers Shakes and Fries
Once you’re back on dry land, drive over to the 1975 which is my favorite place to get shakes and fries. They also have pretzel bites, fried cheese curds, and a pretty great menu of food options!
3. McGlasson Farm
5832 River Road Hebron KY 41048
After ice cream head to McGlasson Farm. This is a locally owned and operated farm that is open May through November, but you’ll want to confirm their hours depending on the season. In the summer you can hand pick your own strawberries, blueberries, blackberries and more. Later in the season you can pick apples and then lastly in the fall they have all kinds of fun fall pumpkin patch activities.
created by: Heather
Edgy Outfits Underground
1. PIXEL 19
2100 W 8th St, Cincinnati, OH 45204
Pixel 19 is a private vintage thrift shop. It’s reservation-only, and you have to call or text the owner at 513-476-2333 to make a reservation. The owner's name is Stu. He's a trip; you're going to love him. When you get to Pixel 19, find a cool vintage fit that you can take to the streets this evening, then go home to get changed. *Bonus points if you just change in the back seat and have a friend watch out for pedestrians.
2. BELLEVUE HILL PARK
2191 Ohio Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45219
Once you're changed, head to Bellevue Hill Park. This park has one of the coolest views of Cincinnati. The park was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. If you're not an American architecture nerd, then suffice it to say, he was a pioneer in mid-century modern architecture. There are large floating disk structures which are super interesting. Treat yourself to a mini photo shoot in your new outfit and then relax awhile and enjoy the view.
3. GHOST BABY
1314 Republic St, Cincinnati, OH 45202
When you're done at the park, head to Ghost Baby. Ghost Baby is a bar that is built in a historic lagering tunnel used for cooling and aging beer before refrigeration. The bar is four stories underground. It's set up like a speakeasy, and there is no signage. There are two purple lights on the front of the building. When the attendant asks you if you'd like to take the stairs or the elevator, take the stairs. The elevator keeps you from understanding how far underground you're actually going. I recommend the 'Fred and Ginger,' which is just a mocktail and it's delicious!
created by: Jeremiah
The Perfect River Walk
1. FIRST DISTRICT COFFEE
525 Scott St, Covington, KY 41011
Stop by the adorable First District coffee shop and get a honey latte, and some pastries from the display case. Enjoy this little coffee shop tucked away on Scott Street!
2. SMALE RIVERFRONT PARK
166 W Mehring Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202
After you've gotten your coffee and pastry from the café, head out the door and across the gorgeous Roebling Bridge (by foot or by car) and take a walk around the Smale Riverfront Park. You'll see the stadiums for both the Cincinnati Reds and the Cincinnati Bengals! Find the kinetic sculpture of the flying pig and climb up inside for a ride!
3. GOLDEN GELATO
130 W Pike St, Covington, KY 41011
To round out your day, grab a cup or cone of gelato at Golden Gelato back over the river in Covington. The gelato is super sweet, and the owners are even sweeter! You can't go wrong with any of their gelato flavors, and they have different ones every day, so go back multiple times!
created by: Jeriah
Barbeque and Bobsledding
1. ELI’S BBQ
3313 Riverside Dr, Cincinnati, OH 45226
Nestled between the foothills of Mt. Lookout and the Ohio River is Eli's BBQ. Their food is delicious, and their outdoor seating is great. The thing I love about Eli's is that when you're there, it doesn't feel like you're in the city. It feels like you're in a little rural town grabbing food after a long day of kayaking or hiking. Not sure that I'm conveying the vibe adequately, but just go and you'll see what I mean. I recommend the pulled pork sandwich and mashed potatoes with an Ale8 to drink. They pan-sear one side of their mashed potatoes, which somehow takes it up a notch.
2. ALMS PARK
710 Tusculum Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45226
Just up the hill from Eli's is a park called Alms Park. Drive up there and park next to the lookout. You can't miss it, it's just past the playground. There are a bunch of benches that look out over the valley. At the bottom of the valley is Lunken Field, which is a small municipal airport. If you're feeling adventurous, bring your BBQ from Eli's and eat it while watching the planes take off.
3. THE SLIDE
After your food settles, head back toward the playground at Alms Park. This is where the adventure can get a little weird, but what's life without some weird fun? There is a concrete slide built into the side of the hill. It's probably 20 feet long. The concrete is polished, and it is FAST. If you're with friends, link up bobsled-style and slide down together. It's great fun, just make sure the littlest person in your group is last on the train. When I was in college, the unlucky person would lay on the slide, and we would try to surf on top of them all the way to the bottom. Neat Suites definitely doesn't encourage this specific behavior… just trust me on this, it's fun.
created by: Jeremiah
Can We Go Thrift Shopping?
1. MOM 'N 'EM
3128 Colerain Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45225
Want some delicious breakfast food, amazing coffee, and homey atmosphere? Mom 'n 'Em is perfect for that! They have another locations on the other side of the city. So if you like this one, you should check out the other spot too. Get the Avocado Toastie and a latte of your choice. Trust me, it'll be amazing!
2. SPRING GROVE ARBORETUM
4521 Spring Grove Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45232
If there's one thing I enjoy, it's a walk in nature. And the Spring Grove Arboretum at the Spring Grove Cemetery offers a VAST amount of space for walking among the trees. You can come back multiple times, walking for hours, and still see different parts of the cemetery each time. It is gorgeous.
3. ST. VINCENT DE PAUL
4530 Este Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45232
Another one of my favorite past-times is shopping for exciting outfits at a good thrift store! St. Vincent de Paul has some really fantastic options! And what's really fun is to go to the Outlet next door and sort through the bins for an EXCELLENT deal on clothes. You pay by the pound, so expect to walk away with multiple new outfits that cost only a few dollars total.
created by: Jeriah
Doughnut, Set, Hike
1. SCENIC CITY OVERLOOK AT DEVOU PARK
854 Park Ln, Covington, KY 41011
Drive to Devou Park at the address above, and you'll find one of my favorite views of Cincinnati. You can hike in the woods nearby or just enjoy the view from the hilltop!
2. BARDS BURGERS & CHILI
3620 Decoursey Ave, Covington, KY 41015
After you've soaked up the scenery, hop back in the car and head to Bard's Burgers & Chili. This is a place of local legend. They were featured in the Food Network's 'Diners, Drive-ins and Dives.' It definitely encompasses the 'dive' part of the show, but it has the best burger in the Cincinnati area. I recommend the Fire burger with a 3-alarm spice level. I'm a bit of a wimp, though, so if you like it hot, kick it up to a 5 and see how it goes!
4. MOONRISE DOUGHNUTS
3718 Winston Ave, Covington, KY 41015
Right down the street from Bard's is Moonrise Doughnuts. As the name suggests, they don't start serving donuts until the evening. All their doughnuts are hot at 6:00 p.m. If you show up close to 6:00, prepare to stand in line, as these doughnuts are a hot commodity among the locals. If you happen to go after dinner on a Tuesday, keep an eye out for me and my family. We live just a couple of blocks away, and walking to get a doughnut after dinner is one of our favorite weekly rituals.
created by: Jeremiah
Play, Treats, and Tastings (Williamstown, KY)
1. Grant County Park
144 S Main St., Crittenden, KY 41030
Kick off your day at Grant County Park, where you'll find yourself surrounded by nature on 55 scenic acres! The park offers a variety of activities to keep you entertained, from a disc golf course and baseball fields to basketball courts and multiple playgrounds for the kids. Just pack your sporting equipment for endless entertainment! Take a leisurely walk on the park's walking paths and enjoy the fresh air and beautiful scenery.
2. Whippy Dip
140 S Main St., Crittenden, KY 41030
After working up an appetite, walk on over to the Whippy Dip. This quaint local hotspot is known for serving up 75 different flavors of soft-serve ice cream. If you're looking for something more substantial, try their delicious small-town bites, like the double bacon cheeseburger and onion rings. And don't leave without trying their banana split!
3. The Grape Vines Wine Bar
485 Lebanon Rd., Crittenden, KY 41030
In the afternoon, head over to The Grape Vines Wine Bar. This beautiful 6-acre property offers a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere where you can sit back and enjoy some locally selected wine. While you taste some of the best wines in the region, you can explore the grounds, play frisbee with the kids, or just take in the view on the deck. If you're feeling competitive, you can challenge your family to a game of cornhole. In the evening, gather around the fire pits to make s'mores, kits available for purchase inside! As the sun sets, you can enjoy live music on Friday and Saturday evenings during the summer, starting at 7 PM. Savor some delicious pizza and charcuterie boards as you listen to the tunes and unwind after a full day of activities.
created by: Ed
Splash, Shop & Savor (Williamstown, KY)
1. Beans Café & Bakery
21 Taft Highway, Dry Ridge, KY 41035
This adventure starts your morning off with brunch at Beans Café and Bakery, a locally-owned restaurant serving up delicious breakfast and lunch dishes, fresh donuts, homemade baked goods, and deli produce. Their famous Texas donut, which is as big as your head, is a must-try! Enjoy your brunch indoors or on their patio! The café is well-loved by the community, and the great reviews speak for themselves.
2. Mercantile 1820
120 N. Main St., Williamstown, KY 41097
After brunch, take a stroll through downtown Williamstown and explore the small storefronts. I always make sure to stop by Mercantile 1820, an artisan mall that features vintage treasures and antiques from 50 different vendors. This is the perfect place to find unique souvenirs and gifts that you won't find anywhere else. If you're traveling with kids, Miffytown is a must-visit, located right across the street. This interactive storytelling experience puts a playful spin on teaching kids about plants and nature. The experience is educational and fun and includes a play area and coloring.
3. Williamstown Splash Pad
700 Waterworks Rd., Williamstown, KY 41097
If you're visiting Williamstown during the summer months, make sure to check out the Williamstown splash pad. It's located down a long country road and is free to the community. This is the perfect place to let kids burn off some energy! Bring a picnic, some towels, and snacks and enjoy a relaxing day out.
created by: Ed
1. Galactic Fried Chicken
Galactic Fried Chicken will likely rank at the top of your "best fried chicken ever" list. The restaurant, though a total dive, is somehow still super relevant, which is odd. The batter they use is gluten-free, so if you have a gluten intolerance, know thyself, and be free! I recommend the three-piece chicken tender basket with fried pickles.
2. Schneider’s Sweet Shop
420 Fairfield Ave, Bellevue, KY 41073
Just down the road from Galactic is a place called Schneider's Sweet Shop. They have been a small neighborhood sweet shop for over 75 years, and they make everything from scratch. They are known for a treat called the 'Ice Ball,' which is ice cream and a snow cone mixed into one. They're a fun treat to try, though personally, I don't think you can go wrong with their chocolate milkshake.
3. Bellevue Beach Park
643-665 Frank Benke Way, Bellevue, KY 41073
If you leave Schneider's and walk straight north toward the river, you'll end up in Bellevue Beach Park. Though a simple park, it is a beautiful place to sit and eat your Ice Balls while looking over the river. The one thing that I love about this park is that the trees are MASSIVE!
created by: Jeremiah
1. Findlay Market
1801 Race St, Cincinnati, OH 45202
One of my favorite Saturday or Sunday afternoon/late morning actives is to walk around the shops at Findlay Market. You'll find everything from handmade items, to plants, to produce and fresh meat! It's a great place to people-watch and maybe even catch some live music! And the great thing is the free Cincinnati street car has stops on both ends of the market, so you don't even have to park nearby!
2. Blue Oven Bakery
125 W Elder St, Cincinnati, OH 45202
While you're at Findlay Market, check out the Blue Oven Bakery! I love to get one or two of their pizza pocket sandwiches. Delicious!
3. Deeper Roots Coffee
1814 Race St, Cincinnati, OH 45202
After you've had a bite to eat (or if you need coffee before you do anything else), go to Deeper Roots Coffee just across from the Race Street stop for the street car. I love to get a cappuccino with a little cinnamon sprinkled on top, and a savory pastry on the side.
created by: Jeriah
1. The Press on Monmouth
421 Monmouth St, Newport, KY 41071
This adventure begins with brunch at the Press on Monmouth this is the best place for a simple airy morning. When I go, I get the Geotta breakfast sandwich or their plain waffles. Both are delicious. For those of you who aren’t Cincinnati locals, Goetta is a sausage-like breakfast meat which includes grain (typically some kind of oat.) It was invented in Cincinnati by German immigrants in the mid 1800s and it is well loved locally. We even have a Goetta festival once a year!
2. Red Bike Rental
When I go to The Press with my family, we’ll typically walk down to Newport on the levee after brunch and grab a Red Bike from the Red Bike rental station and go for a ride. The East Row Neighborhood of Newport is beautiful to ride through but more importantly, I like to ride across the Purple People Bridge which is the pedestrian bridge leading from Newport on the Levee across the Ohio River to downtown Cincinnati.
3. Friendship Park
1117 Riverside Dr, Cincinnati, OH 45202
The above address will take you to another Red Bike Rental location within Friendship Park. Leave your bike there and enjoy the park. This is a beautiful river front park and a favorite of my family. I love being able to walk through all the different paths close to the water. I usually end up finding a bench or step along the water to relax.
created by: Heather
1. Sugar n' Spice Diner – OTR
1203 Sycamore St, Cincinnati, OH 45202
Start your morning off by grabbing breakfast at Sugar n' Spice Diner. They remodeled a '50s diner and turned it into...well, a '50s diner. Everything looks like you're stepping back in time - vibrant colors, shiny chrome fixtures, and everything that we love about mid-century architecture! Their food is everything it should be at a classic American diner. I had the Western omelet, and it doesn't disappoint. It's almost big enough for two people, so if you're a light eater, consider sharing. Also, every guest at the restaurant gets to take home a rubber ducky. Why?...Why not!
2. Bolivar Alley
Bolivar Aly, Cincinnati, OH 45202 (Between Pendleton St. and Reading Rd.)
After breakfast, it's time for a walk. There is an alley called Bolivar Alley that is an easy 6-minute walk from Sugar n' Spice. If you put Bolivar Alley in Google Maps, it should drop a pin somewhere near the end of the alley. The alley has been painted over time by many local graffiti artists. There has been no real organization behind the art. I don't know why all the local artists chose that alley, but it's a little secret spot in Cincinnati that is worth knowing about!
3. Krohn Conservatory
1501 Eden Park Dr. Cincinnati, OH 45202
Leave the alley and head to Krohn Conservatory. They have beautiful indoor gardens year-round, as well as outdoor gardens in spring and summer. This is a great place to just sit and enjoy nature. Turn your phone off and relax for a bit. If you are in town between late March and early June, they have a butterfly exhibit where you can walk through the conservatory while it's filled with local species of butterflies.
created by: Jeremiah
1. Eden Park
950 Eden Park Dr, Cincinnati, OH 45202
Explore the gorgeous Eden Park on top of Mount Adams! You'll find groves of trees, a huge zig-zag staircase, a couple of lakes, the Cincinnati Art Museum, and so much more! There's pretty much something for everybody here!
2. Mt. Adams Bar & Grill
938 Hatch St, Cincinnati, OH 45202
Get a delicious bite to eat at the Mt. Adams Bar & Grill! They serve all kinds of sandwiches and burgers, so there are plenty of great options! The restaurant is a gorgeous building, with TONS of personality and charm. Parking on Mt. Adams can be a bit tricky, so be sure to check signage!
3. The Blind Lemon
936 Hatch St, Cincinnati, OH 45202
Right next door to the Mt. Adams Bar & Grill you will find this charming little speakeasy, the Blind Lemon! They have absolutely adorable indoor and outdoor seating options, so you can go at any time of year and still enjoy yourself! The interior is so cozy, you'll feel like you're sitting in a little English pub!
created by: Jeriah
1. Anderson Ferry
1 Anderson Ferry Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45204
Cincinnati is too cool and modern to have an old ferry, right? Wrong! There is a ferry that runs between Cincinnati and Ludlow Kentucky and it’s such a cool experience. Take a cruise up to the Cincinnati side of the ferry rout. Wait for the boat to get back across the river and drive aboard! There’s something that never gets old about feeling your car bobbing along in the river.
2. 1975 Burgers Shakes and Fries
Once you’re back on dry land, drive over to the 1975 which is my favorite place to get shakes and fries. They also have pretzel bites, fried cheese curds, and a pretty great menu of food options!
3. McGlasson Farm
5832 River Road Hebron KY 41048
After ice cream head to McGlasson Farm. This is a locally owned and operated farm that is open May through November, but you’ll want to confirm their hours depending on the season. In the summer you can hand pick your own strawberries, blueberries, blackberries and more. Later in the season you can pick apples and then lastly in the fall they have all kinds of fun fall pumpkin patch activities.
created by: Heather
1. Pixel 19
2100 W 8th St, Cincinnati, OH 45204
Pixel 19 is a private vintage thrift shop. It’s reservation-only, and you have to call or text the owner at 513-476-2333 to make a reservation. The owner's name is Stu. He's a trip; you're going to love him. When you get to Pixel 19, find a cool vintage fit that you can take to the streets this evening, then go home to get changed. *Bonus points if you just change in the back seat and have a friend watch out for pedestrians.
2. Bellevue Hill Park
2191 Ohio Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45219
Once you're changed, head to Bellevue Hill Park. This park has one of the coolest views of Cincinnati. The park was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. If you're not an American architecture nerd, then suffice it to say, he was a pioneer in mid-century modern architecture. There are large floating disk structures which are super interesting. Treat yourself to a mini photo shoot in your new outfit and then relax awhile and enjoy the view.
3. Ghost Baby
1314 Republic St, Cincinnati, OH 45202
When you're done at the park, head to Ghost Baby. Ghost Baby is a bar that is built in a historic lagering tunnel used for cooling and aging beer before refrigeration. The bar is four stories underground. It's set up like a speakeasy, and there is no signage. There are two purple lights on the front of the building. When the attendant asks you if you'd like to take the stairs or the elevator, take the stairs. The elevator keeps you from understanding how far underground you're actually going. I recommend the 'Fred and Ginger,' which is just a mocktail and it's delicious!
created by: Jeremiah
1. FIRST DISTRICT COFFEE
525 Scott St, Covington, KY 41011
Stop by the adorable First District coffee shop and get a honey latte, and some pastries from the display case. Enjoy this little coffee shop tucked away on Scott Street!
2. Smale Riverfront Park
166 W Mehring Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202
After you've gotten your coffee and pastry from the café, head out the door and across the gorgeous Roebling Bridge (by foot or by car) and take a walk around the Smale Riverfront Park. You'll see the stadiums for both the Cincinnati Reds and the Cincinnati Bengals! Find the kinetic sculpture of the flying pig and climb up inside for a ride!
3. Golden Gelato
130 W Pike St, Covington, KY 41011
To round out your day, grab a cup or cone of gelato at Golden Gelato back over the river in Covington. The gelato is super sweet, and the owners are even sweeter! You can't go wrong with any of their gelato flavors, and they have different ones every day, so go back multiple times!
created by: Jeriah
1. Eli’s BBQ
3313 Riverside Dr, Cincinnati, OH 45226
Nestled between the foothills of Mt. Lookout and the Ohio River is Eli's BBQ. Their food is delicious, and their outdoor seating is great. The thing I love about Eli's is that when you're there, it doesn't feel like you're in the city. It feels like you're in a little rural town grabbing food after a long day of kayaking or hiking. Not sure that I'm conveying the vibe adequately, but just go and you'll see what I mean. I recommend the pulled pork sandwich and mashed potatoes with an Ale8 to drink. They pan-sear one side of their mashed potatoes, which somehow takes it up a notch.
2. Alms Park
710 Tusculum Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45226
Just up the hill from Eli's is a park called Alms Park. Drive up there and park next to the lookout. You can't miss it, it's just past the playground. There are a bunch of benches that look out over the valley. At the bottom of the valley is Lunken Field, which is a small municipal airport. If you're feeling adventurous, bring your BBQ from Eli's and eat it while watching the planes take off.
3. The slide
After your food settles, head back toward the playground at Alms Park. This is where the adventure can get a little weird, but what's life without some weird fun? There is a concrete slide built into the side of the hill. It's probably 20 feet long. The concrete is polished, and it is FAST. If you're with friends, link up bobsled-style and slide down together. It's great fun, just make sure the littlest person in your group is last on the train. When I was in college, the unlucky person would lay on the slide, and we would try to surf on top of them all the way to the bottom. Neat Suites definitely doesn't encourage this specific behavior… just trust me on this, it's fun.
created by: Jeremiah
1. Mom 'n 'Em
3128 Colerain Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45225
Want some delicious breakfast food, amazing coffee, and homey atmosphere? Mom 'n 'Em is perfect for that! They have another locations on the other side of the city. So if you like this one, you should check out the other spot too. Get the Avocado Toastie and a latte of your choice. Trust me, it'll be amazing!
2. Spring Grove Arboretum
4521 Spring Grove Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45232
If there's one thing I enjoy, it's a walk in nature. And the Spring Grove Arboretum at the Spring Grove Cemetery offers a VAST amount of space for walking among the trees. You can come back multiple times, walking for hours, and still see different parts of the cemetery each time. It is gorgeous.
3. St. Vincent de Paul
4530 Este Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45232
Another one of my favorite past-times is shopping for exciting outfits at a good thrift store! St. Vincent de Paul has some really fantastic options! And what's really fun is to go to the Outlet next door and sort through the bins for an EXCELLENT deal on clothes. You pay by the pound, so expect to walk away with multiple new outfits that cost only a few dollars total.
created by: Jeriah
1. Scenic City Overlook at Devou Park
854 Park Ln, Covington, KY 41011
Drive to Devou Park at the address above, and you'll find one of my favorite views of Cincinnati. You can hike in the woods nearby or just enjoy the view from the hilltop!
2. Bard's Burgers & Chili
3620 Decoursey Ave, Covington, KY 41015
After you've soaked up the scenery, hop back in the car and head to Bard's Burgers & Chili. This is a place of local legend. They were featured in the Food Network's 'Diners, Drive-ins and Dives.' It definitely encompasses the 'dive' part of the show, but it has the best burger in the Cincinnati area. I recommend the Fire burger with a 3-alarm spice level. I'm a bit of a wimp, though, so if you like it hot, kick it up to a 5 and see how it goes!
3. Moonrise Doughnuts
3718 Winston Ave, Covington, KY 41015
Right down the street from Bard's is Moonrise Doughnuts. As the name suggests, they don't start serving donuts until the evening. All their doughnuts are hot at 6:00 p.m. If you show up close to 6:00, prepare to stand in line, as these doughnuts are a hot commodity among the locals. If you happen to go after dinner on a Tuesday, keep an eye out for me and my family. We live just a couple of blocks away, and walking to get a doughnut after dinner is one of our favorite weekly rituals.
created by: Jeremiah
1. Grant County Park
144 S Main St., Crittenden, KY 41030
Kick off your day at Grant County Park, where you'll find yourself surrounded by nature on 55 scenic acres! The park offers a variety of activities to keep you entertained, from a disc golf course and baseball fields to basketball courts and multiple playgrounds for the kids. Just pack your sporting equipment for endless entertainment! Take a leisurely walk on the park's walking paths and enjoy the fresh air and beautiful scenery.
2. Whippy Dip
140 S Main St., Crittenden, KY 41030
After working up an appetite, walk on over to the Whippy Dip. This quaint local hotspot is known for serving up 75 different flavors of soft-serve ice cream. If you're looking for something more substantial, try their delicious small-town bites, like the double bacon cheeseburger and onion rings. And don't leave without trying their banana split!
3. The Grape Vines Wine Bar
485 Lebanon Rd., Crittenden, KY 41030
In the afternoon, head over to The Grape Vines Wine Bar. This beautiful 6-acre property offers a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere where you can sit back and enjoy some locally selected wine. While you taste some of the best wines in the region, you can explore the grounds, play frisbee with the kids, or just take in the view on the deck. If you're feeling competitive, you can challenge your family to a game of cornhole. In the evening, gather around the fire pits to make s'mores, kits available for purchase inside! As the sun sets, you can enjoy live music on Friday and Saturday evenings during the summer, starting at 7 PM. Savor some delicious pizza and charcuterie boards as you listen to the tunes and unwind after a full day of activities.
created by: Ed
1. Beans Café & Bakery
21 Taft Highway, Dry Ridge, KY 41035
This adventure starts your morning off with brunch at Beans Café and Bakery, a locally-owned restaurant serving up delicious breakfast and lunch dishes, fresh donuts, homemade baked goods, and deli produce. Their famous Texas donut, which is as big as your head, is a must-try! Enjoy your brunch indoors or on their patio! The café is well-loved by the community, and the great reviews speak for themselves.
2. Mercantile 1820
120 N. Main St., Williamstown, KY 41097
After brunch, take a stroll through downtown Williamstown and explore the small storefronts. I always make sure to stop by Mercantile 1820, an artisan mall that features vintage treasures and antiques from 50 different vendors. This is the perfect place to find unique souvenirs and gifts that you won't find anywhere else. If you're traveling with kids, Miffytown is a must-visit, located right across the street. This interactive storytelling experience puts a playful spin on teaching kids about plants and nature. The experience is educational and fun and includes a play area and coloring.
3. Williamstown Splash Pad
700 Waterworks Rd., Williamstown, KY 41097
If you're visiting Williamstown during the summer months, make sure to check out the Williamstown splash pad. It's located down a long country road and is free to the community. This is the perfect place to let kids burn off some energy! Bring a picnic, some towels, and snacks and enjoy a relaxing day out.
created by: Ed