This Underrated River City Just Might Be The Most Beautiful Place In Kentucky
By Jenn Shockley|Published June 17, 2016
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Jenn Shockley
Author
I am somewhat a cliche'. I grew up running around barefoot on a farm in Kentucky.
I love writing, art, sunshine, all animals and my incredibly patient husband, who tolerates my "crazy animal lady" side.
Our state is filled with beautiful places, and we all have our favorites. A feature by Thrillist recently named Covington as the most underrated place in Kentucky. This special Bluegrass community is loved by the locals, so it might not be as underrated as the Thrillist article assumes. We decided to go with it, just in case.
This sweet little town is rich with history, beauty and amenities that might fly under the radar to those outside the local range. The Thrillist also covered the 20 best skylines in the US. Although they named Cincinnati as the 10th best, Covington is the skyline directly across the Ohio River.
Here is why the Thrillist rates Covington as the most underrated city in Kentucky:
As mentioned, Covington sits west of Newport along the Ohio River, and offers a stunning river view of Cincinnati and vice versa. There is something about a beautiful river view that just soothes the soul. You don’t realize how underrated Covington is till you relax along the riverfront during a sunset or sunrise.
The downtown area around the river has become a popular place for hipsters and art enthusiasts. There are several nice art galleries, and spaces available for artists.
This sweet little local hangout has a plethora of renovated 19th century German shops, and is home to a couple of the best bourbon bars in Kentucky. The renowned Old Kentucky Bourbon Bar and the Wiseguy are both top notch hangouts for bourbon enthusiasts. Wiseguy even offers their own "small batch" bourbon, which is a must try. If you like a fine shot or sipping glass of bourbon with a fabulous view, these are the places to go.
After the bourbon, you might need a little forgiveness.
Covington is home to eight historic churches and cathedrals, including the renowned Cathedral Basilica, modeled after the Notre Dame Cathedral. The Basilica is also home to the biggest handmade stained glass window in the U.S.. Each historic house of God offers a unique history and a lot of man-made beauty.
The beautiful Garden of Hope is located at 699 Edgecliff Street. It is a serene place of quiet reflection and personal prayer. The view of Covington and Cincinnati is breathtaking, but the area is a "model" of Jesus’s tomb. There is an ancient carpenter shop and a gorgeous chapel created from rocks brought from the Holy Land.
Covington is also rich in history and visitors can enjoy several different tours around the city. You can take the Historic Licking Riverside Civic Association tour in July which starts at the Church of Christ on 218 Garrard Street, or the Haunted Covington Tour, which begins at Molly Malone’s on 112 E 4th Street. Visitors are welcome to just stroll around the city and take in the sites and historic architecture.
The beautifully preserved murals start on Greenup and continue through Madison Avenue. You can find a convenient place to park and enjoy a stroll along the art lined street for free. The area also has a nice view of the Roebling Suspension Bridge for scrapbook photos.
Devou is a lush woodland overlook at 638 Madison Road that has a stunning view of the Ohio River. There are lots of elder trees, well maintained playground and golf course, an amphitheater and picnic tables with a wonderfully scenic view of the surroundings. It is a great place to relax and end a stressful afternoon in the park.
Once you visit Covington, it is hard to imagine why it was named as the most underrated place in Kentucky. The lack of over-sized crowds, friendly people, and scenic beauty just makes it a great place to visit. You could spend a few days just exploring the wondrous history of the community and historic sites.
What is your favorite thing about Covington? If not Covington, what do you feel is the most underrated place in Kentucky?
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