If you’re headed to the Queen City for winter sports, congratulations – you’re already winning. No matter the scoreboard, a weekend in Northern Kentucky means bourbon in your glass, southern hospitality in your heart – and a really great game.
We love our skyline views, our bourbon barrels, and our Cincinnati chili. And while the locals may roar “Who Dey!” or “Hey FC Cincinnati, hey!” – you’ll find that Northern Kentucky rolls out the welcome mat, even for rival fans.
So bring your jersey – and your thirst. Here’s how to make the most of your weekend.
Arrival & Acclimation
Choose your home base and check in:
- Hotel Covington – Luxe, yet local. A former department store turned boutique dream. The lobby bar and B-Line stop, Coppin’s, might steal your heart (and derail your schedule).
- AC Hotel Cincinnati at The Banks – Sleek, modern, and so close to Paycor Stadium that you can practically hear the pregame roar.
- Aloft at Newport on the Levee – Hip, bright, and steps from bars, restaurants, the Newport Aquarium, and New Riff Distilling.
Get a lay of the land and explore MainStrasse Village, Covington. This charming historic district is packed with locally owned bars and restaurants. Grab dinner at Bouquet Restaurant for farm to table seasonal fare, Lisse Steakhuis for Dutch flavors, or Frida 602 for the flavors of Latin street food.
After dinner pop over to Newport on the Levee for unbeatable riverfront views of the Cincinnati skyline. Enjoy music and plenty of bourbon-laced hospitality at this entertainment complex. You are technically “away”, but you’ll feel right at home among other traveling fans and locals.
Enjoy a nightcap at Bridgeview Box Park. This outdoor bar is built from shipping containers and has a glowing view of the skyline lights. Grab a craft cocktail and toast to the kickoff of your Bourbon and football weekend.
Bourbon Before Battle
Start with coffee & strategy at Second Sight Spirits – a Kentucky Bourbon Trail® distillery that offers delicious coffee drinks, with the option to spike with one of their craft made spirits, and pastries to start your day right. Or visit one of the Roebling Books & Coffee locations for caffeine before your Bourbon warm-up.
Begin your adventure on The B-Line, Northern Kentucky’s signature Bourbon experience. This celebration of America’s Native Spirit is a curated collection of Kentucky Bourbon Trail distilleries, some of the best Bourbon Bars in the country, and restaurants featuring Bourbon enhanced dishes.
Suggested Stops:
- New Riff Distilling in Newport
- Wenzel Distillery in Covington
- Boone County Distilling Co. in Independence.
Pro Tip: Pace yourself. This isn’t a sprint, it’s a barrel-aged marathon.
If you visit 2 distilleries, 2 bars, and 2 restaurants with your The B-Line Passport they will send you some sweet Bourbon swag.
Grab lunch at The B-Line restaurant stop, Libby’s Southern Comfort. A plate of hot chicken, pimento cheese grits, and a Bourbon Slush are just what you need to fuel the second half of the day. Trust us, it’s exactly as fun as it sounds.
Game Time!
It’s time to cross the Ohio River to Paycor Stadium or TQL Stadium. You will see it from miles away – gleaming orange and filled with fans chanting optimism. Smile kindly. Wave back.
Pre-game means tailgating in the Jungle Zone outside of Paycor Stadium. Or March to the Match from Washington Park to TQL Stadium for high energy, pregame fun.
You’re in enemy territory now, but that’s half the fun. Enjoy the energy, high-five your fellow fans, and remember – win or lose, you are still drinking Kentucky’s best Bourbon!
Recovery & Reflection
Brunch & Healing – Choose your cure:
- Greyhound Tavern – Sunday brunch features their famous fried chicken along with other delicacies.
- Pensive Distilling Co. – Another Kentucky Bourbon Trail® distillery with a killer weekend brunch.
- Smoke Justis – All the brunch classics + house smoked meats + hundreds of bourbons makes for a happy brunch.
Walk It Off:
A stroll across the Purple People Bridge or taking in panoramic views from Devou Park are a sure-fire cure for too much tailgating.
Head to New Riff’s gift shop for a souvenir bottle or two, no judgements. Then head home with Bourbon in your bag, stories to tell, and a newfound appreciation for Bourbon culture in Northern Kentucky – where the Bourbon flows, the people welcome, and the football hope springs eternal.
Here’s to Bourbon in your cup, football in your heart, and a weekend that’s pure magic.
