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

Kentucky, Where Pets are Welcome

State Wide

Want to bring your four-legged family member along on your Kentucky vacation? We say, bring them. There are hundreds of sites all over the commonwealth that love it when you bring your fur-babies along.  

 

 

Distillery Tours 

 

Believe it or not, most Bourbon Distilleries welcome dogs on their property. Woodford Reserve in Versailles, Wild Turkey in Lawrenceburg both allow canines into their gift shops. Heaven Hill in Bardstown and Maker’s Mark in Loretto also encourage Bourbon Trail travelers to bring their four-legged best friends for a day on the grounds. 

At Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, not only is your dog welcome in the gift shop, but they can also go on every part of the tour, except the Blanton’s Bottling Hall. 

 



 

Breweries 

 

Bringing dogs to breweries has been an essential part of American beer culture for decades, and Kentucky breweries are no exception. 

 

With so many craft breweries all over the Kentucky map, the vast majority of them allow pets on their outdoor patios. Some establishments, like Sig Luscher in Frankfort, allow them inside the taproom. 

 

 

Bars and Restaurants 

 

There are some places that not only allows dogs but caters to them. Club K9 Dog Bar in Louisville boasts a full bar, food trucks and a 1.5 ace dog run area for off-leash fun. 

Double Dogs, which has locations in Bowling Green, Lexington and Louisville and offers dog bowls, not only for your dog, but for you as well.  

 

If you find yourself in Northern Kentucky, be sure to stop by the BARk Park & Patio in Florence. With over an acre of fenced in grassy space for your four-legged best friend to run around in you will have no problem relaxing while you sip on an ice-cold beer and enjoy the backyard atmosphere we all love. 

 

 

Sporting Events 

 

Want to catch a ball game with your furry best friend? The Louisville Bats, Bowling Green Hot Rods and the Lexington Legends all feature several pet friendly games throughout the season and often times the pet gets in free. 

 



 

Dog Parks 

 

Kentucky offers plenty of space for your furry friend to roam free at dog parks. From the Lexington’s Masterson Station Park with its 13.5- acres and two separate paddocks (one exclusively for small dogs) to Bardstown's member-run park with a splash pad, Kentucky has exactly what you’re looking for when it comes to dog play days.  

 

 

Cat Coffee Shops 

 

So maybe you are more of a cat person and you are traveling without a cat. We’ve got you covered. Kentucky has a handful of coffee shops that are also home to rescued cats. If you find yourself in Louisville at the Purrfect Day Café, or in Georgetown at the Central Purrk Cat Café, have a cappuccino, pet a cat or two, and maybe even adopt one. 

 

 

Author Information

Ben Mackin holding a coffee cup while making a strange face.

Ben Mackin

Ben Mackin is a communications specialist for the Kentucky Department of Tourism.  Before joining KDT, Ben worked as a staff writer and freelancer for a number of publications including the Vicksburg Post, Williamsburg-Yorktown Daily and the State Journal in Frankfort. 

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