Just across the Ohio River from Cincinnati, the “Top of the South” welcomes you to Kentucky with outdoor adventure, fascinating history and bourbon galore.

Adventure flows all along the scenic waterways and byways of the Northern Kentucky River Region. Here, you can explore Kentucky’s bourbon culture along the B-Line or enjoy a relaxing float down the Licking River. Paddling, biking and birding are among the many outdoor pursuits in this region, and idyllic water views are just about everywhere you look. Enjoy archery or clay shooting at the prestigious Elk Creek Hunt Club, then treat yourself to a glass of local wine at Elk Creek Vineyards – one of several wineries in the region.

More Things To Do In The Northern Kentucky River Region

The vibrant riverfront cities of Covington, Newport and Maysville reveal gems like quaint MainStrasse Village and Newport on the Levee, an entertainment complex featuring dining, shopping, nightlife and the world-renowned Newport Aquarium. Taste the past, present and future of Kentucky bourbon at distilleries such as Old Pogue and New Riff, and visit Boone County Distilling Co. to learn why they say their bourbon is "made by ghosts." Perhaps the best way to experience Northern Kentucky's bourbon scene is on The B-Line, a trail of bourbon distilleries, bars and restaurants that winds through the region before you journey deeper into Bourbon Country.

 

Explore Kentucky history at Big Bone Lick State Historic Site, home to a bison herd and many prehistoric fossils belonging to mammoths and mastodons that once roamed this region. See an authentic Civil War battle reenactment at Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park. Flemingsburg, the Official Covered Bridge Capital of Kentucky, is a photographer's dream. And the awe-inspiring Ark Encounter is a must-stop, whether you're interested in Bible history or just want to see a modern engineering marvel; this true-to-scale replica of Noah's Ark is the largest timber-frame structure in the world. 

Trip Inspiration

Articles

How to Spend a Day in Ashland

Kentucky Appalachians

Start your day at Sky37, where you can savor some of the best Brazilian coffee while meeting the humble and welcoming owners, Jason and Carma. Their custom ceramic pour-over ensures the perfect drip, and they source their coffee beans directly from farmers in Brazil.

 

Don't miss out on their delicious Breakfast Rice Bowl and the brown-sugar caramelized pineapple, which are simply irresistible. Jason and Carma’s whole goal is to make people feel like they’re at home, and that’s exactly what they accomplish — we didn’t want to leave. 


For lunch, head to Backyard Pizza and Raw Bar. You’ll find wood-fired pizza here with superb crust and unique topping combos. We ordered The Flying Piggie with tender bbq pork, mozzarella, toasted butter pickles, and onion strings. Other menu highlights — fresh raw Oysters, Hickory Grilled Wings, and Wood-Fire Grilled Mussels with a beurre blanc sauce.

 



The Ashland Hot Chicken Sandwich served at The Mill.

 

We recommend having dinner at The Mill, which serves delicious comfort food like the Ashland Hot Chicken Sandwich — crispy, juicy chicken, slathered in homemade hot sauce, nestled between buttery, fluffy toast, and served with perfectly cooked fries. While you might be full from the day, don’t miss their dessert. This is their specialty, as the owner herself makes all their baked goods in house and changes the options offered with the season. 


See more from @befatbehappy's visit to The Mill here.

See more from @befatbehappy's visit to Sky37 here.

Author Information

Caitlin Sakdalan

Caitlin is a social media influencer, storyteller, and content & community expert. She is the creator behind the hugely popular @befatbehappy Instagram page. 

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