1. It’s All about Water – Cruise, Aquarium and Riding the Ducks
2 nights

 

Day 1

Dinner:
“All Aboard” for a breathtaking Dinner Cruise aboard BB Riverboats on the beautiful Ohio River.

 

Day 2
A day at Newport on the Levee

Morning
Take in a tour of the Newport Aquarium – named number 1 aquarium in the Midwest by the Zagat Survey showcases thousands of animals from around the world in a million gallons of fresh and saltwater through 70 exhibits and 14 galleries, including five seamless acrylic tunnels totaling over 20 feet in length.

Lunch
Choose from one of the many fine restaurants at Newport on the Levee. Options range from Brio Tuscan Grille to hamburgers at Johnny Rockets to pizza at Dewey just to name a few.

Afternoon - “Ride the Ducks”
Laugh and learn (and "quack") by land and sea during 40-minute tours aboard amphibious vehicles (crafted from the WWII DUKWs) that take visitors on a narrated sightseeing ride highlighting some of Northern Kentucky and Cinicinnati's most impressive landmarks. Then splash down and cruise the Ohio River exploring the historic waterfronts of Newport, Covington and Cincinnati. Ticket booth located outside the Newport Aquarium.

There is so much to do at Newport on the Levee. Stay for the whole evening. Maybe take an interactive game at Game Works or a movie at AMC Theater. Adults can enjoy a live sketch comedy show and rock and roll club at Shadowbox, or a live comedian at Funny Bone Comedy Club or enjoy a local or regional musical act at Jefferson Hall.

 

 

 

2. Visit the Past and Shop in the Present in N KY
1 night

 

Day 1

Dinner:
Enjoy Old-South hospitality and southern cuisine in a gracious, historic home setting at The Tousey House Tavern in Burlington, KY, www.touseyhouse.com

Day 2

Morning
Take a drive to an authentic general store. Located in the heart of historic Rabbit Hash, a Northern Kentucky river town on the banks of the Ohio River. Be sure to look for the new 4-legged Mayor, Lucy Lou. She has appointed herself as the town’s official tour guide! While you are in the area plan to stop by Big Bone Lick State Park where the Wooly Mammoths roamed. This state park is well known for its fossil beds full of vertebrates from the Pleistocene era. Ancient creatures like the mammoth, mastodon, ground sloth and bison once roamed through mineral springs and swamps now grassy plains covered with trees and shrubs. You can also get this state park to get an up close look at an American Buffalo herd.

Afternoon
Enjoy a great lunch and shopping at the Crestview Hill Town Center – Crestview Hills Town Center in Northern Kentucky is anchored by a new Dillard’s department store, Bed Bath & Beyond and Borders Books as well as 65 other prime retailers and fine restaurants.

 

 

 

3. A Taste of Germany in N KY
1 night

 

Start your day in Covington’s quaint MainStrasse Village at the 100 foot tall Carroll Chimes Tower where it presents a delightful mini-concert on the hour from its 43 bell carillion. Wooden animated figures (jacquemarts) act out the tale o f the Pied Piper of Hamelin. Enjoy light shopping in the quaint village at shops such as Ottoman’s Imports or visit one of the many pubs. Stroll the streets and take in the Goose Girl Fountain depicting the German fair tale of the Princess Goose Girl.

Dinner
Hofbrauhaus Newport – Enjoy dinner in the fun and friendly atmosphere in the German Bier Hall, with live music and about 350 soon to be close friends. There is also a quiet dining room for those who want to simply come and enjoy the delicious Bavarian fare. Many dishes are prepared with ingredients specially made locally for the Hofbräuhaus or imported from abroad. The Bier Garden, with freshly planted trees and shade awnings, will seat an impressive 400 guests. The view is of Newport’s waterfront with the Cincinnati skyline as its backdrop. Oyher possible dinner options include Chez Nora’s Rooftop dining and drinks with live Jazz music or share a bottle of wine at Bouquet Restaurant and Wine Bar.

After dinner you can even take a stroll along the pedestrian only bridge “Purple People Bridge” connecting Newport, Kentucky with downtown Cincinnati, Ohio.

 

 

 

3. One and a half day Weekend itinerary

Friday Night
Dinner at Jeff Ruby's Tropicana located at Newport on the Levee. It is the modern version of the old Tropicana Club on Monmouth Street in Newport, famous during the vivid past of Newport's wide-open gambling and entertainment era. Take in a late movie at AMC Newport 20 Theaters located just upstairs at Newport on the Levee. It features the newest in stadium seating and current releases.

 

Saturday
Breakfast at your hotel or nearby restaurant. Visit the CATHEDRAL BASILICA OF THE ASSUMPTION at 1140 Madison Avenue in Covington, Kentucky. It is a French-Gothic replica of the Notre Dame in Paris, featuring 80 stained glass windows (including the world's largest stained glass church window), murals by Covington artist Frank Duveneck, sculpture by Clement J. Barnhorn, and historic Matthias Schwab organ. An organ concert can be arranged for a nominal fee. Open 10a.m. to 4 p.m. Plan to spend about an hour here. Stop by the Carnegie Arts Center at 1028 Scott in Covington. It offers changing menu of exciting visual arts by local and regional artists. Up to 44 different shows each year in four distinct galleries. A 750-seat theatre promises exciting and invigorating experiences for the audience. Open noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday. Stop by the Carroll Chimes Bell Tower to see the Pied Piper lead the children - daily at noon.

Lunch at one of the unique restaurants in MainStrasse Village on Main St., then browse the many electic shops.

Dinner at Scalea's Ristorante on Greenup Street in Covington. Unique, authentic Italian foods served in a tastefully casual atmosphere.