Start your trip by immersing yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Downtown Covington. In the morning, take a stroll along the historic Main Street, lined with charming shops and restaurants. Visit the Covington Farmers Market, offering fresh produce and local crafts. In the afternoon, explore the Madison Theater, a cultural hub showcasing independent films and live performances. As the evening sets in, enjoy dinner at Bouquet Restaurant, known for its farm-to-table cuisine.
Main Street: Free, 2-3 hours
Covington Farmers Market: Free, 1 hour
Madison Theater: $10-$15, 2 hours
Bouquet Restaurant: $30-$50, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Molly Malone's Irish Pub: Start your day with a traditional Irish breakfast at Molly Malone's. Enjoy hearty dishes like bangers and mash or a full Irish breakfast complete with eggs, bacon, sausage, black and white pudding, tomatoes, and toast. Average cost for a meal is about $10-15 per person.
Keystone Bar & Grill: For lunch, head to Keystone Bar & Grill where you can indulge in their famous mac and cheese. With a variety of toppings and flavors to choose from, such as buffalo chicken or barbecue pulled pork, their mac and cheese is a true delight. Average cost for a meal is about $8-12 per person.
Ottawa Tavern: Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Ottawa Tavern. Known for their craft beer selection and tasty pub fare, this restaurant is the perfect place to unwind after a day of exploring. Try their signature Ottawa Burger or indulge in their crispy fish and chips. Average cost for a meal is about $12-18 per person.
Wednesday August 2: Covington Art Scene
Immerse yourself in Covington's vibrant art scene. Start your morning at the Carnegie, a historic library turned contemporary art gallery. Explore the diverse exhibitions and attend a workshop or lecture. In the afternoon, visit Covington Arts Center, showcasing local artists' works. Take a leisurely walk in Devou Park, enjoying the breathtaking views of the city skyline. Finish the day at Braxton Brewing Company, a local brewery known for its craft beers.
The Carnegie: $5-$10, 2-3 hours
Covington Arts Center: Free, 1-2 hours
Devou Park: Free, 1-2 hours
Braxton Brewing Company: $10-$20, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Breakfast: Otto's - Enjoy a delicious breakfast at Otto's, a charming local cafe known for its farm-to-table dishes. Average cost for a meal is about $12 per person.
Lunch: Wunderbar - Indulge in a tasty lunch at Wunderbar, a cozy German restaurant offering a variety of traditional dishes. Average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
Dinner: Bouquet Restaurant - Treat yourself to an unforgettable dinner at Bouquet Restaurant, known for its farm-to-table cuisine prepared with locally sourced ingredients. Average cost for a meal is about $35 per person.
Thursday August 3: Riverfront Adventures
Explore the scenic Ohio Riverfront and indulge in outdoor activities. Start your morning at the Roebling Suspension Bridge, an iconic landmark connecting Covington with Cincinnati. Take a walk across the bridge and enjoy panoramic views. In the afternoon, rent a bike from Cincy Red Bike and cycle along the riverfront trail. Visit the Newport Aquarium, home to fascinating marine life. End the day with a dinner cruise on the BB Riverboats, offering delicious food and stunning views.
Roebling Suspension Bridge: Free, 1-2 hours
Cincy Red Bike: $10-$15, 2-3 hours
Newport Aquarium: $20-$30, 2-3 hours
BB Riverboats Dinner Cruise: $50-$80, 2-3 hours
Restaurants
Start your morning at Ritzi's Restaurant, a local favorite known for their delicious breakfast dishes. Average cost for a meal is about $10 per person.
For lunch, head over to Commonwealth Bistro, a farm-to-table restaurant that offers unique and flavorful dishes. Average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
End your day with dinner at Bouquet Restaurant, a cozy and upscale eatery known for their seasonal menu and creative cocktails. Average cost for a meal is about $30 per person.
Friday August 4: Historic Covington
Discover Covington's rich history and architectural gems. Start your morning at the Behringer-Crawford Museum, showcasing the region's history and heritage. Explore the fascinating exhibits and stroll through the beautiful Devou Park. In the afternoon, visit the Dinsmore Homestead, a well-preserved 19th-century farmhouse. Take a guided tour and learn about the area's rural history. End the day with a visit to the Baker Hunt Art and Cultural Center, featuring art classes and exhibitions.
Behringer-Crawford Museum: $5-$10, 2-3 hours
Devou Park: Free, 1-2 hours
Dinsmore Homestead: $10-$15, 1-2 hours
Baker Hunt Art and Cultural Center: Free, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
For a delicious breakfast, head to Otto's. This charming restaurant offers a variety of breakfast options, including fluffy pancakes and hearty omelets. The average cost for a meal is about $10-15 per person.
For a satisfying lunch, try Bouquet Restaurant. With its farm-to-table concept, you can enjoy fresh and locally sourced ingredients in their salads, sandwiches, and soups. The average cost for a meal is about $12-18 per person.
For a memorable dinner, visit Coppin's at Hotel Covington. This elegant restaurant offers a sophisticated dining experience with a focus on seasonal, locally-inspired dishes. The average cost for a meal is about $25-40 per person.
Saturday August 5: Food and Drink Delights
Indulge in Covington's culinary scene. Start your morning with a delicious breakfast at Otto's, known for its farm-to-table cuisine. Explore the local shops and boutiques on Pike Street. In the afternoon, take a guided food tour and sample a variety of local dishes and drinks. Visit the Braxton Barrel House for a tasting of their unique barrel-aged beers. Finish the day with dinner at Inspirado, a Latin-inspired restaurant offering innovative cuisine.
Otto's: $15-$25, 1-2 hours
Pike Street Shops: Free, 1-2 hours
Guided Food Tour: $50-$75, 2-3 hours
Braxton Barrel House: $10-$20, 1-2 hours
Inspirado: $30-$50, 1-2 hours
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
While exploring Covington, don't miss the hidden gems and local favorites. Visit the Roebling Point Books & Coffee, a cozy bookstore and coffee shop perfect for relaxation. Take a walk along the Licking River Greenway Trail, a peaceful escape offering scenic beauty. Discover unique art installations at Covington's Alleyways, showcasing local artists' creativity. Lastly, immerse yourself in the local music scene at the Madison Live, a live music venue hosting talented bands and artists.