Honestly, if you ask yourself why I'm even chatting about Covington, that's because of its history: Founded in 1815, the city grew from a small border village to a pulsating gate to the Ohio River region, all thanks to a bit of rail-mindedness and the unwavering urge of people to defy the water. I have the feeling that the old brick buildings are telling more stories here than some guide blog, and that's exactly what binds me to Covington.
I usually come by car over the I‐71/75 intersection – a bit of traffic jam, but for this a magnificent view of the Cincinnati skyline, which you can see from almost every hill. If you prefer to use public transport, you can take the TANK bus that takes you to the heart of the city, or even the historical ferry that sips over the Ohio – a short trip that has more charm than an Instagram filter.
When you stroll through the streets, you quickly notice that the “Covington Sights” are not in shiny brochures, but in the small cafés, the weathered facades and the conversations with the locals who immediately give you the feeling that you have always been here. I don't quite understand the hype about some tourist magnets, but the authentic flair of this city is really great – a mix of history, local serenity and a touch of cynicism that you only find here.
With the map tool, you can plan the ideal location for a photo online in advance – taking into account the sun's path and the surroundings.
Here's how it works:
Advantage:
You can assess light, perspective and location before visiting the site – ideal for photography, sunrises and sunsets.
To find the exact point where the sun disappears behind the skyline, use the azimuth display on poi-travel.de. In Covington, the sun travels further northwest below the horizon in summer, while in winter it takes a more southwesterly angle. With the embedded line on the map, you can determine your tripod position down to the metre.
The first stop of my little Odyssey was American Sign Museum in Cincinnati – a great paradise for those who still believe in the glittering era of neon slaves. I've seen more than 30 000 lights there, and yes, that's not exaggerated. Parking is a small maze of free places and paid garages; I chose the free road behind the museum, but on Saturday night it becomes a real patience game, because then the whole city shows up with its Instagram cameras.
A short jump over the Ohio River and you stand in front of the Newport Aquarium. I don't understand the hype around the shark tunnel completely – the water is cold, the light flickers, and you feel more like in an overpriced swimming pool. Nevertheless, the Seelöwen-Show program is really great, and the staff does not let you go with empty hands; a small fish souvenir fabric bag is almost mandatory.
Go on Newport on the Leveewhere you can count between bowling alleys, a mini gondola and a bar with more craft beers than you can, the feeling of landing in a mini-town. I spent an evening that was crowned by a spontaneous karaoke session at the bar “The Bar” – no joke, the crowd was louder than a rock concert, and the singers clearly had more courage than talent. Parking is a children's play here as long as you don't come after midnight; then the terrain turns into a car park fairy tale of overcrowded zones and screaming security people.
A bit further north, almost already in rural Kentucky, is that Big Bone Lick State Park. Who thought that Kentucky has only Bourbon and horses is surprised by prehistoric fossils. I took a walk there where I almost stumbled over an ancient mammoth bone – the sign “Don’t touch” was more a proposal than an order. The park offers free hiking trails, but the visitor centre requires a small entrance, which I feel fair, because you really learn about the “Mammut story”.
A short trip to Lexington leads to Kentucky Horse Park. I was there because someone told me that there is “the soul of the bluegrass”. The horses are of course impressive, and the show series are well choreographed, but the real highlight was the museum that tells more about the story of the horse than you find in a normal tourist guide. Parking is free at the main parking lot as long as you are there early enough – in the afternoon the field fills up like a concert festival.
For those who love speed, this is Kentucky Speedway in Sparta a must. I visited a race there in the summer; the adrenaline was almost as strong as the beer you get in the fan tents. The seats are simple – metal benches that become slippery during rain – but this is part of the charm. On weekends there is a special “Pit-Stop-Parking”, which is quickly booked, so better to call beforehand.
Last but not least a short trip to John A. Roebling Suspension Bridgethe iconic landmark that connects Covington and Cincinati. I crossed the bridge at sunset, and the play of light on the river was almost poetic if you do not use the word “poetic” too often. Parking on the Covington side is usually easy, except when a local festival blocks the street – then you have to continue a cat jump and walk a few minutes on foot.
If you are looking for a mix of retro nostalgia, animal encounter, adrenaline-charged motorsport and historical bridge romanticism, the surroundings of Covington, Kenton, Kentucky offer exactly that. The places mentioned show that Covington Attractions not only to be found in the city centre but to extend over the entire region – and this with a charm you only experience here.
So when you first come to Covington, let me get you the MainStrasse Village put to the heart – this is virtually the heartpiece that every tourist wants to hold on Instagram with a photo of the headstone plaster and a cup of coffee. I don't understand the whole hype about the small boutiques, but the mix of old German craft architecture and modern craft beer bars is really a bit like a hipster-time trip. Parking is usually a Klack, unless you arrive on Friday night after the “Bier-und-Brezel-Tour”, then the car park becomes a battlefield. Last time, I was lost in a alley, just to land in a tiny bakery that served the best cinnamon chick-bread wide and wide – a real lucky handle when you ask me.
A short walk over Roebling Suspension Bridge is almost obligatory because you see the Cincinnati skyline in full splendour and at the same time feel like floating over a huge river. I crossed the bridge for the first time at sunset, and the light play on the Ohio River was so cheesy that I almost threw away my camera – until I realized that the photo later in my sister's living room will give rise to discussions. The bridge is freely accessible, and parking on the Covington side is usually easy as long as you are not on Saturday night with a group of college students, then there is a small crowd.
Right next to the bridge lies the Riverfront Park, a green stripe that has more to offer than just a few benches and a playground. I made a picnic with a friend there while we tried to feed the ducks – but they only rejected us with a determined beak bump. The park is ideal for a short walk after the bridge shopping, and parking is a bit more tricky here, because most places are reserved for residents. Nevertheless, you will always find a few free spaces when you are ready to run a few blocks.
If you want to swallow a bit of history, that's it. Covington Museum in the Carnegie Library That's right. The building itself is a magnificent example of neoclassical architecture, and there are exhibitions ranging from industrial bloom to local jazz legends. I saw an old photograph of a horse car driving through the main road there – that reminds me that Covington was an important transport hub in the past. The museum is free, and parking is usually a walk away from the MainStrasse, so no stress if you just want to look inside.
Last but not least, Covington Art Center Forget hidden in a rebuilt factory building. There are changing exhibitions of local artists, workshops and sometimes even live music. I visited a ceramic workshop on a Saturday, where I got more tone on my hands than on the cup I finally took home – a perfect souvenir if you have nothing else to tell. The center is just a few minutes walk from the MainStrasse, and parking is usually a short sprint to the back entrance where a small parking space is available for visitors.
If you now think that this is too much, then don't let yourself be fooled – Covington has more to offer and the Covington Attractions can be discovered on foot, otherwise you miss the true flair of the city: the mix of old charm, slightly cynical locality and a pinch of unexpected kindness that keeps you coming back.
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