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

Beyond Bourbon: Crafting Your Perfect Kentucky Adventure with Beer, Wine and a Little Moonshine

State Wide

With more than 100 distilleries throughout the commonwealth and an entire trail dedicated to sharing the stories behind “America’s Native Spirit,” Kentucky is a bourbon lover’s paradise. 

 

But where does that leave folks who want something other than bourbon? Fear not. There are many options for libations in every region of Kentucky, home to more than 90 craft breweries and an abundance of wineries and vineyards with multiple ways to taste and experience them all. Several brewery trails also feature passports designed to help organize and plan your “beercation.”

 

The Kentucky Brewgrass Trail features breweries in and around the greater Lexington area including regional powerhouses Country Boy Brewing, West Sixth Brewing Company and Ethereal Brewing. Don’t forget to check out establishments outside of Lexington, including Maiden City Brewing in Cynthiana, Sig Luscher in Frankfort and Abettor Brewing in Winchester.

 

The Louisville Ale Trail highlights nearly 30 breweries in the Derby City. Against the Grain, one of Kentucky’s original craft breweries, operates from Louisville Slugger Field in the heart of downtown, and Atrium Brewing, located in the Germantown neighborhood, has gained a reputation for pushing the boundaries of beer with a rotating selection of experimental sours, IPAs, stouts and lagers.

 



 

The West Kentucky Brewery Hop is comprised of a group of 13 breweries in western Kentucky, many of which are located in historic and repurposed facilities. Paducah Beer Werks is located in the former Paducah Greyhound bus terminal, and the Henderson Brewing Company located in downtown Henderson resides in a century’s old bar formerly known as the Bright Spot Tavern.

 

In addition to beer, Kentucky has been producing and selling wine since the 18th century. The First Vineyard Winery in Nicholasville, founded in 1799, was the first commercial winery in the United States.

 

What’s better than an excellent glass of wine? An excellent glass of wine with a gorgeous view of the Kentucky countryside. Since 2000, more than 70 wineries and vineyards have sprung up across the Bluegrass State, offering not only a wide variety of wine styles, but unforgettable experiences in the way of tours and tastings.  Many Kentucky wine producers such as Talon Winery in Lexington, Equus Winery in Midway, and Naimoli Estate in Hopkinsville, are located in some of the most gorgeous parts of the commonwealth. And don’t forget to grab a passport while visiting the Western Kentucky Wine Trail.

 

 




For those traveling through eastern Kentucky, be sure to explore the Moonshine Trail. This trail features 10 moonshine distilleries and historical sites that celebrate Kentucky’s “untamed spirit.” Learn about moonshine history at the Backwoods Moonshine Museum in Beattyville and enjoy the breathtaking Appalachian scenery as you travel from distillery to distillery, immersing yourself in one of eastern Kentucky’s oldest traditions.

 

Regardless of what you like to drink and where you happen to be, Kentucky has something that will perfectly suit you.

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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