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

Make the Bluegrass State Your Holiday Season Destination

State Wide

Looking for a getaway destination for this year's holiday season? Look no further than Kentucky. From family adventures full of fun and thrills, to cozy and quiet getaways, Kentucky is brimming with unforgettable ways to spend a holiday vacation.

 

Is your family seeking jolly thrills? Kentucky Kingdom, located in Louisville, is pulling out all the holiday stops for "Christmas at Kentucky Kingdom." From Nov. 22 through Jan. 3, this world-class amusement park will feature more than 1 million lights, gorgeous holiday décor and opportunities to see Santa Claus.

 



 

At Holly Jolly Junction, kids can meet Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer and all of his friends. In addition, the park will debut a 175-foot-long snow tubing hill covered in real snow! All this, plus select rides like Cyclos and Lightning Run, will be open to the public throughout the season.

 

Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill offers a more contemplative approach to the season. Located, in Harrodsburg, 25 miles southwest of Lexington, Pleasant Hill was one of the largest Shaker communities in the country during the 19th century. Shakers are celebrated for their craftsmanship, unique architecture and spirituality, but they were also among the first Protestant groups to celebrate Christmas.

 

Today the 3,000-acre property has been preserved as a testament to the Shaker tradition, which is evident year-round, but particularly during the holiday season. On select evening throughout Decembers, visitors can tag along with an interpreter for a candlelit stroll for Shaker Christmas by Candlelight. This tour goes through the heart of Pleasant Hill and provides a close up view of how the Shakers used to decorate those beautiful and historic buildings for the holidays.

 

My Old Kentucky Home State Park located in Bardstown is also well known for its historical take on Christmas. From November 15 through January 4, you can get a view of traditional and unique Christmas customs from the Victorian era. Learn the origins of the Christmas tree, how mistletoe became famous for exchanging kisses, the tradition of the yule log, the history of the Christmas pickle, and legends of Father Christmas and Santa Claus.

 

Grand Rivers Festival of Lights is an annual attraction that brings in guests from near and far, and features over 1 million lights and displays in Patti's Settlement and downtown Grand Rivers from November 4 through January 31, from 4 to 10 p.m. Enjoy musical Christmas productions at the Badgett Playhouse, one-of-a-kind gifts at unique shops, memorable family meals at Patti's Restaurant, and cozy lodging beside Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley.

 

If you love both the holidays and animals, don't miss the Reindeer Farm in Bowling Green. From November 14 through December 28 the farm offers a wide array of holiday themed events and activities, including chainsaw carving, Grinch Day, meeting Santa and Mrs. Claus and a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with Santa's reindeer. In addition, you can take a tour of the farm to interact with pigs, mini horses and much more.

 



 

From tradition and history to music and adventure, there are so many amazing events and places all over the Bluegrass State for visitors to experience that radiate holiday fun.

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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