The Cincy Region: Where the Midwest and South Meet in Ohio and Kentucky

Both sides of the Ohio River in the Cincy Region reflect the rich history and culture of the area. You’ll find attractions that tell stories of faith and freedom, pay homage to important historical figures, celebrate the present and look to the future.

One of the most notable sites is the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Downtown Cincinnati, dedicated to showcasing those who fought against slavery and sought freedom from it. Another significant historical site is the Harriet Beecher Stowe House, where you can tour the antislavery author’s home and learn about her life in Cincinnati, which helped inspire her famous novel “Uncle Tom’s Cabin.”

At the Ark Encounter, get a glimpse of biblical history with a life-size replica of Noah’s Ark. The impressive timber-frame structure houses three levels of exhibits. On site there’s also a zoo, zip line and other family-friendly activities.

For music enthusiasts, the Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame at The Andrew J. Brady Music Center celebrates the impact of King Records and other local influences on funk, opera, hip-hop, gospel, R&B and rock music with an interactive outdoor park.

The American Sign Museum is another gem in the Cincy Region’s cultural landscape. Housed in a former factory space, the curated collection reflects the USA’s Main Streets while blending art and history. You can watch tube-benders carry on the craft of sign-making at the neon workshop inside. Time your visit for October to check out BLINK, an innovative biennial festival featuring light installations, sculptures, interactive art, live performances and more. The four-day event is spread throughout both sides of the region along the riverfront and into the city.

Sports aren’t just entertainment in the Cincy Region, they’re also ingrained in the area’s history. The iconic Great American Ball Park is home to the Cincinnati Reds, the oldest professional baseball team in the USA. Whether you catch a game or take a tour, don’t miss the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame and Museum. Also located on the downtown waterfront is Paycor Stadium, where the National Football League’s Cincinnati Bengals play America’s version of the sport. For traditional football — or as the USA calls it, soccer — you can find FC Cincinnati on the pitch at TQL Stadium.

As a foodie destination, Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky offer a diverse range of options. Southern comfort fare is reimagined at restaurants across Covington and Newport, whose menus feature unique spins on classic dishes. German culture is celebrated in the local cuisine too, including goetta — a style of sausage that has a festival in its honor each year. Of course, no mention of the food scene is complete without Cincinnati Chili. Try the quintessential regional specialty, a Mediterranean-spiced meat sauce, on a hot dog or plate of spaghetti.

From beers to bourbon, you can sip on the delights of local breweries and distilleries. This area sports a longstanding tradition of beer brewing, with more than 80 breweries pouring pints today. Bourbon enthusiasts will appreciate the selection at establishments like New Riff Distilling, Newberry Bros. Coffee and Prohibition Bourbon Bar and Wenzel Whiskey, who offer tastes of authentic Kentucky spirits and tours spotlighting the distilling process. If you’re looking for a stunning view with your beverage of choice, head to one of the many rooftop bars in the area, such as Vista at Lytle Park.

A plethora of outdoor activities allow visitors to admire the picturesque scenery from both sides of the water. With four walkable bridges across the Ohio River connecting Ohio and Kentucky, you can take a leisurely stroll to meander between the two states. Paddling rentals and riverboat cruises on the Ohio River provide a unique perspective of Cincinnati’s skyline and the chance to experience the river up close. The urban riverfront parks and green spaces are ideal for biking and walking, with plenty of well-maintained trails and paths to explore.

Fly into Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) and rent a car to explore the region at your leisure.