Northern Ohio River Region

Understand

Kentucky's Northern Ohio River Region is where the North meets the South. From the very urban cities of Ludlow, Covington, Newport, Bellevue, and Dayton (not to be confused with Dayton, Ohio) which are virtually an extension of Cincinnati down to the start of the rolling bluegrass country and horse farms, the region is a surprisingly diverse one and is probably the most culturally Midwestern region of Kentucky—at least the parts closest to Cincinnati.

The term "Northern Kentucky" is used mainly for the counties within the core of the Cincinnati metropolitan area. Outside of that area, the culture becomes somewhat more southern, though not to the extent of areas to the geographic south. For example, Maysville is included in some definitions of the Cincinnati area, but is far enough away from the city to be culturally distinct.

The terrain is very hilly, particularly near Cincinnati. This provides many famous vantage points of that city, including Covington's Devou Park, a once notorious stretch of I-75/I-71, The Cut-in-the-Hill with one of the most stunning views of any urban area, and finally the many vistas one gets while travelling around I-275 from I-471 to I-71/I-75. A particularly spectacular vista that is less known can be found where I-275 crosses the Licking River right after the exit for KY 9 and the AA Highway, it's a stunning view that may cause accidents due to drivers rubbernecking to see the hills of the Licking River Valley give way to Cincinnati's famous skyline on the horizon.

Accents and culture gradually get more northern as you head north. Many people in the suburbs of Cincinnati are transplants from that city, whereas some of the outlying areas have everything you'd expect from the south. A cool landmark signifying the beginning of these southern accents is the Florence Y'All water tower in Florence.

The urban areas near Cincinnati are very nicely preserved. Newport developed a particularly nice collection of family entertainment options while Covington is waiting for magnificent old architecture to come back to life again. Bellevue has redeveloped its business district bringing in some charming restaurants and shops along with a new brewery in the works. The historic architecture is stunning in these areas, looking more East Coast than Southern or Midwestern and generally better preserved than in Cincinnati.

Cities

Many of the following are basically a continuation of Cincinnati across the river into Kentucky from Ohio.

• Northern Kentucky
• Alexandria
• Bellevue
• Covington
• Florence
• Fort Thomas
• Fort Wright
• Hebron
• Independence
• Newport
• Flemingsburg
• Maysville
• Sparta
• Williamstown

Get in

• Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) is located in Hebron, and is a short drive from Cincinnati.
• Northern Kentucky can also be reached via I-75, I-71, I-275.

Go next

• Greater Cincinnati
• Bluegrass Region
• Kentucky Appalachians
• Kentucky Derby Region
• Southern Indiana