Covington

Covington is the largest city in Northern Kentucky, situated across the Ohio River from Cincinnati, Ohio. It is essentially the southern side of Cincinnati, with similar architecture (though far better preserved in some areas) and a shared history linked by the historic Roebling Suspension Bridge and the Ohio River. Like its eastern neighbor Newport, Covington has profited from revitalization, transforming from an industrial river town into a vibrant urban neighborhood with restaurants, bars, and cultural attractions.

The city's Mainstrasse Village is a festival and entertainment district known for its German heritage, numerous bars, and the famous Goebel Park Bell Tower. The Riverside Drive Historic District features one of the oldest remaining neighborhoods in the Cincinnati area, with stately mansions from the early to mid-1800s. Covington enjoys a moderate climate with four distinct seasons, warm summers, and cool winters.

By Plane

Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) is in nearby Hebron, Kentucky, ☎+1 859-767-3151. Other options include John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH), Dayton International Airport (DAY), and Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF).

By Train

Amtrak offers passenger train service from key U.S. cities. The nearest station is in Cincinnati at Union Terminal/Cincinnati Museum Center.

By Car / Road

Covington is accessible via Interstate 71/75 via Exits 192 (Fifth Street) and 190 (Twelfth Street). Note that Covington's street grid numbers southbound (away from the river), while Cincinnati's grid numbers northbound, which can cause confusion for travelers coming from the interstate. Greyhound and Megabus offer bus service to downtown Cincinnati, which is easily accessible from Covington.

The Transit Authority of Northern Kentucky (TANK) provides bus service in Northern Kentucky with several routes crossing the Ohio River into Cincinnati. The Southbank Shuttle, provided by TANK, offers regular bus service from downtown Cincinnati to the Covington and Newport riverfronts.

• Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption — 1140 Madison Ave, ☎+1 859-431-2060. Daily 10AM-4PM. The Diocese of Covington's home cathedral, inspired by Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. Guided tours available.

• Mainstrasse Village — From about 5th St to Pike on Main Street. A festival/entertainment district known for bars, historic architecture, and its famous Goebel Park Bell Tower. Walking tour available on the website.

• The Ascent at Roebling's Bridge — 1 Roebling Way. A unique condo tower designed by Daniel Libeskind, one of the most distinctive buildings in the region.

• Devou Park — 20 W. Pike St, ☎+1 859-292-2151. Breathtaking park with views overlooking Covington and Cincinnati, with picnic tables, playground, golf, and trails.

• Riverside Drive Historic District — East of the Roebling Bridge north of 6th St. One of the oldest neighborhoods in the Cincinnati area, with charming houses from the early to mid-1800s and the birthplace of Boy Scouts of America founder Daniel Carter Beard.

• Railway Museum of Greater Cincinnati — 315 W. Southern Ave, ☎+1 859-491-7245.

• Roebling Suspension Bridge Walk — Cross the Ohio River on this historic bridge connecting Covington to Cincinnati, completed in 1865.

• Dog Costume Parade — Mainstrasse Village, held in October near Halloween.

• Second Sunday Antiques Marketplace — Sixth Street Promenade, 9AM-3PM on the second Sunday of most months (May-August, October) in MainStrasse Village.

Budget: Anchor Grill (438 Pike St, ☎+1 859-431-9498) — a 24-hour diner known for cheap food and unique clientele, open since 1946 with table-mounted jukeboxes. Pike Street (9 West Pike St, ☎+1 859-279-3858) — a popular brunch eatery. Splurge: Greyhound Tavern (2500 Dixie Hwy, Fort Mitchell, ☎+1 859-331-3767) — established 1921 in a beautiful old building. Riverview Revolving Restaurant (668 W 5th St, ☎+1 859-491-5300) — revolving restaurant overlooking downtown Cincinnati, $25-50.

Kentucky still allows smoking in its bars, unlike Ohio. Braxton Brewery (27 W 7th St) is a large garage-like lounge brewing excellent coffee by day and beer by night, with unique brews like "Tropical Stout." The riverfronts of Covington and Newport have many large liquor stores, particularly good for Kentucky Bourbon selections.

Second Sunday Antiques Marketplace in MainStrasse Village offers antiques and collectibles. Main Street in Covington features boutiques, antique shops, and local retail.

• Cincinnati, Ohio (across the river) — Cincinnati Zoo, Museum Center at Union Terminal, and professional sports.
• Newport, Kentucky (5 min east) — Newport Aquarium and the Levee entertainment district.
• Louisville (1.5 hrs south) — Kentucky Derby, bourbon district, and cultural attractions.
• Covington's Mainstrasse Village — Within the city, the German-heritage district is worth an evening visit.