Cincinnati's Secret Neighbor: Uncovering Historic Charm in Covington, Kentucky

Imagine wandering through a 19th-century German village without leaving Kentucky. That's the magic of Mainstrasse Village, where Covington's European heritage comes alive through Victorian architecture and cobblestone streets. The 100-foot tall Goose Girl Fountain—inspired by a Brothers Grimm fairy tale—stands as the neighborhood's iconic centerpiece, surrounded by charming shops and cafés.

Sophia and I spent hours treasure-hunting through local boutiques, where I scored vintage Kentucky Derby memorabilia (my weakness!) for less than half what you'd pay in Louisville. The shopkeepers share fascinating stories about the neighborhood's evolution if you take time to chat—something I always encourage when traveling.

As evening approached, we found ourselves at Lisse Steakhuis, a Dutch-inspired restaurant where the cocktails are as impressive as the food. Their bourbon selection rivals what I've found in much pricier Louisville establishments. Pro tip: happy hour runs Tuesday through Friday from 4-6pm with incredible small plate deals.

As a budget traveler who appreciates free attractions, I couldn't pass up the chance to walk across the historic John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge. If it looks familiar, that's because it was designed by the same engineer who later created the Brooklyn Bridge! Completed in 1866, it was once the longest suspension bridge in the world.

The pedestrian walkway offers spectacular views of both the Cincinnati skyline and Covington's riverfront. I recommend crossing around sunset when the golden light bathes both cities—it's a photographer's dream. I captured some stunning shots with my phone, but wished I'd brought my tripod mount for those perfect long-exposure twilight photos.

The bridge connects directly to Covington's riverfront parks, where we enjoyed a picnic lunch we'd packed in my trusty insulated backpack. Keeping our drinks and snacks cold all day saved us at least $30 compared to eating out for every meal—a classic Morgan budget hack!

My trips always include connecting with local artisans (you know me!), and Covington's burgeoning arts scene did not disappoint. The Covington Creative Corridor along Pike Street houses galleries, studios, and craft shops where you can often watch artists at work.

The standout experience was our workshop at Handzy Shop + Studio, where we participated in a two-hour letterpress printing class for just $45 per person. We created custom postcards that now serve as unique souvenirs—much more meaningful than mass-produced magnets! I wore my craft apron which protected my clothes from ink splatters while giving me convenient pockets for tools.

Afterward, we explored The Carnegie, a former library transformed into a gallery and performance space. The architecture alone is worth a visit, but the rotating exhibitions of Kentucky artists make it a cultural must-see. Admission is by donation (suggested $5), making it another budget-friendly activity.

Consejo de viaje: Many studios offer impromptu mini-workshops if you express genuine interest in their craft. My broken pottery piece from Covington Clay became a beautiful kintsugi project using a repair kit I keep in my travel bag specifically for these creative opportunities.

Covington's food scene delivers big flavors without breaking the bank. For breakfast, we discovered Roebling Point Books & Coffee, where locally roasted beans and homemade pastries cost less than chain coffee shops. The literary atmosphere makes it perfect for planning your day's adventures.

For lunch, Covington's taco scene rivals what I've found in much larger cities. My Cuban palate is picky about Latin food, but Mad Llama Market's street tacos (3 for $9) satisfied even my discerning taste buds. Their homemade hot sauces are worth bringing home—I packed mine in my travel bottles to avoid any luggage disasters.

No Kentucky trip is complete without bourbon, and Covington delivers with Bourbon Haus 1841, where a flight of four premium bourbons runs $18-25 (compared to $35+ in Louisville). The knowledgeable staff provides an education alongside your tasting without any pretension. We paired our bourbon with locally made chocolates from Schneider's Sweet Shop—a combination that still makes me smile thinking about it.

For dinner splurges that won't actually splurge your budget, Otto's offers Southern cuisine with a modern twist. Their famous bourbon bread pudding is worth every calorie—trust me on this one!

Covington offers remarkable accommodation value compared to staying across the river in Cincinnati. We chose the boutique Hotel Covington, housed in a 1910 department store building. Fall weeknight rates start around $149—at least $75 less than comparable Cincinnati options. The historic details and locally-sourced amenities made it feel much more expensive than it was.

To make our room extra cozy, I brought my travel diffuser with lavender oil—my secret weapon for making hotel rooms feel like home. The hotel staff even commented on how pleasant our room smelled during housekeeping!

For ultra-budget travelers, the Covington HI Hostel offers private rooms from $65 and dorm beds from $30. While I didn't stay there this trip, I toured the facility and was impressed by the renovated historic building and community spaces.

My favorite money-saving hack: Hotel Covington offers complimentary bikes for guests. We saved on transportation while exploring neighborhoods beyond walking distance. To track our adventures, I used my smart watch which showed we covered over 8 miles one day without ever feeling like we were on a forced march!