The Most Charming River Towns In Kentucky
Working riverfront pasts still mark the small towns strung along Kentucky's waterways. Paducah artists painted the town floodwall with murals and filled a national museum with quilts. Covington and Newport occupy the ground where the Licking meets the Ohio. Wickliffe sits at the confluence of the Ohio and the Mississippi. Residents in each of these seven towns built their lives around the water.
Augusta
The town of Augusta sits along the Ohio River about an hour southeast of Cincinnati. Surrounded by forested hills, this pretty little town offers a place where visitors can get away from the crowds and enjoy some peace and quiet at the water's edge. River access is available throughout town, with many areas to stroll along the riverbanks, find secluded spots for fishing, or watch for wildlife. The Augusta Ferry, one of the oldest ferries on the Ohio River still in operation, began running in 1798 and continues to transport people every day of the year except Christmas.
If you're planning to spend time in Augusta, you'll want to check out theRosemary Clooney House Museum, situated on the banks of the river and containing one of the world's largest collections of White Christmas memorabilia. Other historical points of interest in town include theWalcott Covered Bridge, a pedestrian bridge built in the 1820s, and the 1811 Augusta Jail, one of the oldest jails in the state.
Bellevue
Bellevue is one of several small towns also located on the Ohio River. Surrounded by gentle rolling hills, the town is filled with trees and lined with colorful, historic buildings. Being only a short drive from Cincinnati, Bellevue maintains its small-town friendliness while remaining within easy reach of large-city amenities.
The historic downtown district draws visitors and locals alike, encouraging them to take part in events and shop or dine at locally owned businesses. First Fridays in Bellevue are monthly, themed community events often involving art, live music, vendors, and a strong sense of community. Whether you're in town on a First Friday or not, you can stroll along the streets of downtown to enjoy the architecture or do a bit of window shopping. There are lots of delicious food options, such as Bellevue Bistro, a classic small-town diner, and Schneider's Sweet Shop, where you can find tasty homemade candy, ice cream, and ice balls. While in town, be sure to stop by the Thomas J. Wiethorn Bellevue Beach Park, a riverside park offering great views of the water and local events like farmers' markets and concerts.
Covington
Just down the Ohio River from Bellevue sits the town of Covington. Bordered by the Ohio River on the north and the smaller Licking River on the east, the town gets up close and personal with the water. There are opportunities to fish and explore along the riverbanks, and several parks and green spaces provide top-notch views of both rivers. Devou Park, on the north side of town, is known for its magnificent views of the Cincinnati skyline, and the nearby Roebling Suspension Bridge, opened in 1867, allows both vehicles and pedestrians to cross easily between Covington and Cincinnati.
Covington contains several distinct neighborhoods, each with its own unique flavor and attractions. Roebling Point features the suspension bridge and plenty of riverfront hotels and businesses. Mainstrasse Village, a German-American neighborhood, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and contains one of the densest areas of preserved 19th-century architecture anywhere in the US. Popular attractions in this neighborhood include the Carroll Chimes Bell Tower and the Goose Girl Fountain. The Madison District, also known as Downtown Covington, has plenty of local shopping and dining options. Wunderbar is a great spot to sample craft beer, pretzels, and German cuisine, while Olla Taqueria is a can't-miss destination for Mexican food. Before leaving the Madison District, you'll want to tour the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption, a beautiful cathedral modeled after Notre Dame in Paris.
Dayton
The Ohio River town of Dayton sits directly east of Bellevue and is one of the lesser-known towns along this stretch of the river near Cincinnati. The town has a special connection with the river, as the largest completed section of the multi-town Riverfront Commons trail is found in Dayton. Here, visitors can bike, run, or stroll along paved pathways at the river's edge as well as atop the levee. Walker Park, a public green space, is another great spot to enjoy peaceful views of the river.
While in town, stop in at the Dayton Heritage Museum, a tiny local attraction in a cute yellow-brick building downtown. Walk along the historic Central Business District and grab a bite to eat at Hometown Heroes Sports Cafe, a family-run sports bar and entertainment hub, orElliott Coffee, a coffeehouse and diner housed in a restored old gas station. Finally, book an Ohio Riverboat cruise through the locally owned SS Tiki Tours, a great way to explore both the Ohio and Kentucky banks of the river.
Newport
At the confluence of the Licking and Ohio Rivers, Newport is just on the other side of the Licking from Covington. This pretty riverside town boasts two main crossings into Cincinnati and plenty of views of Cincinnati's skyline. A section of the Riverfront Commons passes through Newport, allowing visitors to explore the riverbanks on foot or by bicycle. The Newport Southbank Bridge, popularly known as the Purple People Bridge, allows people to cross between Newport and Cincinnati on foot.
Visitors in town won't want to miss the Newport Aquarium, providing interactive fun that lets families get up close and personal with marine life. General James Taylor Park, located where the two rivers meet, is a scenic spot for picnics and great views of the water and the city skyline.BB Riverboats provides tours of the Ohio River, allowing visitors to see towns and cities on both banks from a different vantage point.
Paducah
Paducah is situated near the Kentucky border where the Ohio andTennessee Rivers meet. The beautiful river town is a UNESCO Creative City, and its artistic spirit comes to life at various art galleries and performing arts centers. TheMarket House Theatreis a cute venue in the heart of downtown, hosting live shows and events year-round. The National Quilt Museumshowcases Paducah's deep connection to the art form through rows upon rows of quilts on display. Lots of locally owned shops, restaurants, and boutiques line the walkable downtown district, perfect for window shopping or finding unique gifts, treats, or souvenirs.
The City of Paducah Transient Boat Dock provides a convenient spot to leave boats and explore the town's historic riverfront. The riverfront itself is the site of various live music events, holiday celebrations, and festivals. It also features the Wall to Wall Murals, which tell the story of Paducah's history through beautiful artwork and are definitely worth checking out during your stay in town.
Wickliffe
Wickliffe is a small town on the Mississippi River in far western Kentucky, where the state borders Missouri. Located just south of where the Ohio River flows into the Mississippi, Wickliffe's riverfront offers wide views of the larger waterway heading south. Some of the best views of the river, including the confluence of the Ohio and the Mississippi, are available at Fort Jefferson Hill Park, where the 95-foot Memorial Cross pays homage to the region as a "crossroads of America."
Wickliffe is perhaps best known for the Wickliffe Mounds State Historic Site, where a settlement dating back to AD 1100 has been uncovered. Visitors can tour the museum and welcome center to view artifacts uncovered at the site, and many of the earthen mounds for which the site is named are also visible. Before leaving town, visitors interested in outdoor recreation are encouraged to take advantage of opportunities such as hunting, fishing, hiking, and boating, all readily available in and around the town thanks to the fertile wetlands provided by the rivers.
Explore Kentucky's River Towns
Kentucky is filled with pretty scenery, thanks in large part to the rivers that crisscross and border the state. Visiting one of Kentucky's river towns is a great way to explore the scenery and experience the peace found beside the water. Whether you're looking for city skyline views in Covington and Newport or are more interested in the slow pace found in Augusta, you're certain to enjoy your stay in one of these friendly small towns set among the green hills of Kentucky's riverbanks.
