What makes Alexandria sights so special is the unique mix of small town charms and the unwavering feeling that you could stumble into a historical drama at any time. The city was founded in 1815, shortly after the War of 1812, and has since changed the name more than a few times – a bit like a teenager who constantly changes his hairstyle. Originally an important hub on the Ohio River cruise route, Alexandria today has the calm flair of a suburb that still remembers its river piones, while the old brick houses quietly tell of the time that has spread here.
I like to drive over the old U.S. route 27, which sounds through the small city centre, and stop to enjoy the view over the calm water – no joke, that is almost meditative. Those who want to taste local life should definitely visit the weekly peasant market meeting; Here the real Alexandrians meet to act fresh peaches and to sneak over the latest urban development plans. And yes, I don't quite understand the hype about the old railway museum, but the restored locomotives next to the historic railway station are a real eye-catcher if you accidentally stroll past a sunny afternoon. For those looking for a bit of history, a bit of nature and lots of local peculiarities, Alexandria offers the ideal setting to feel the heart of Campbell County.
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The first stop of my little Odyssey leads me to General Butler State Park, one of the few places where the green has not yet been overrun by a coffee shop kiosk. The lake there is so clear that you can almost see your own mirror image – and that, although I haven't looked at myself in the mirror for years. Parking is almost always free as long as you do not arrive on Saturday night with the whole family; then parking becomes a small survival training that I prefer to leave the kids.
A short trip over the Kentucky River Bridge brings me to John James Audubon State Park. Here the famous bird painter has actually made a few of his first sketches – I have read the sign that confirms this, and then watched a few ducks who were more interested in the bread of my fellow travelers than for the art history. The hiking trail is well marked, and the small visitor center has enough seats to raise the legs when the weather suddenly decides to arrange a rain shower.
Continue north, where the Campbell County Historical Society Museum resided in a renovated old prison building. I have to admit I was skeptical because I thought it was just a dusty place for old documents. Surprisingly, there is an interactive exhibition on the railway history of the region, and the staff is so enthusiastic that I almost forgot that I wanted to look by for a short time. Parking is right in front of the building, but the road is narrow, so it's better to come early.
A small detour over the US‐27 leads me to Old Courthouse in Newport. The building is an architectural relic from the time when judges went through the halls with cylinder hats. I took a lead there with a local historian who told more about the court proceedings of 1902 when I ever wanted to know about my own tax returns. The best thing: Right next there is a small café stand where you can get a freshly brewed coffee – a real life savior after the long walk.
A little further south lies Red River Gorge, which is a piece outside the usual “Alexandria environment”, but is a must for nature lovers. The rock formations there are so impressive that I almost forgot that I was actually looking for a nice picnic area. The entrance is free, but the parking places are filled quickly, especially on sunny weekends. I met a few climbers there who explained to me that the “Gorge” is not only a word for a gorge, but also a synonym for “there’s no cell phone reception” – a real blessing for everyone who wants to escape digital madness.
A short trip to Maysville brings me to Riverfront Parkwhere the Mississippi-like flair of the Kentucky River is almost romantic. I saw a small concert of a local folk band that was suddenly interrupted by a group of ducks who apparently wanted to keep the microphone for their own quaken. The park is easily accessible, and parking is free as long as you do not try to occupy the whole area.
So, if you drive to Alexandria the next time, don't forget that the environment has more to offer than just the city itself – from historical court buildings to quiet lakes to wild canyons. These Alexandria Attractions show that the surrounding area is a mix of nature, history and a bit of unexpected charm that you should not miss.
This guide invites you to stroll with me through the small, but self-contained Alexandria in Campbell, Kentucky – yes, exactly the town you almost overlook on the map, because it is like a shy neighbor in the background between the larger cities.
I must confess at the beginning that my heart for the Campbell County Courthouse beats. The impressive brick building from the 19th century Century dominates the main road, and when you stand there, you almost feel like in a Western film, only that the cowboys are walking around here rather in overalls and not in boots. I once made a spontaneous photoshoot with my friend – he in a cowboy hat, I with a bag of popcorn, because the building would fit so well to a movie night. Parking is usually easy, except on Friday night, when the local court organizes an “Open House” and suddenly every lawyer appears from the area.
A short walk leads you to Campbell County Historical Society Museum. The museum is a collection of old maps, dusty photo albums and an amazingly well-preserved tractor engine that seems to tell more stories than some politicians. I found an old newspaper there, which reported about a 1912 horse train – no joke, that was the highlight of my visit, because I suddenly felt like a time traveler who was put back into the era of steam locomotives.
If you are looking for a place where you can exchange with locals, then the Alexandria Farmers Market That's right. Every Saturday morning, the small car park behind the city library turns into a colorful drive of fresh vegetables, self-baked bread and a floor space where an older master loudly discusses the benefits of hay for horses. I tried my first cherry there, which was so sweet that I almost forgot I was actually just looking for a coffee. Practical: The market is free, but a bit of small money for the cherries does not harm.
Another jewel I can hardly praise enough is the Alexandria Public Library. Yes, a library that not only lends books, but also houses a cozy café where you can browse the local newspaper at a latte and enjoy the quiet sum of the air conditioning as a background music. I once found an old town plan that showed the original boundaries of Alexandria – a fascinating look at how the city has developed from a small trading venue to what it is today.
For those who love the water, Riverfront Park on Ohio River a must. The park is not just a huge nature reserve, but it offers a surprisingly good view of the river, especially at sunset, when the water shimmers in gold tones and the silhouette of the bridge appears in the background. I made a picnic there with my neighbor who claimed he could smell the river – I told him that this was only the aroma of barbecue sausages that came from the barbeque next door.
A little away from the hustle Alexandria Historic District, a quarter with charming half-timbered houses and narrow alleys that give you the feeling to walk in another time. Here you will find the best examples of the architecture of the late 1800s, and I have often caught up with how I counted the doorsteps to see if I reach the “right” number before I go back to the next café. Parking is rough, but a short walk from the main road is enough.
And yes, if you are looking for a compact overview, just type “Alexandria Sights” into your search engine – this will give you a list that I have already surpassed here in a few lines. I personally recommend not to rush the city, but to enjoy every place with a small sip of local lemonade, because this is the real secret that Alexandria makes a place you don't forget so quickly.
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