Area Attractions

HISTORIC MAINSTRASSE VILLAGE
5th Street at Main Street
Covington, KY 41011
(859) 743-1003

Centered around Covington's old German area, the village is so much more than a historic district. Mainstrasse offers a collection of unique shops and restaurants set in a scenic neighborhood of parks and Victorian and Classic Italianate homes of the mid- to late-1800s. From the latest fashions to the oldest antiques, relaxing massage and salon services to quick snacks and convenience products, Mainstrasse has it all.

At the western end of the village stands the glockenspiel Carroll Chimes Bell Tower. Compelted in 1979, the tower was named in honor of the then governor of Kentucky, Julian Carroll. The German gothic structure plays a 43-bell carillon hourly to present mini-concerts and the lively enactment of the tale of The Pied Piper of Hamlin.

At one time farmers raised geese in the Covington area. Thus, the German Grimm's fairy tale entitled The Goose Girl was the inspiration for a theme to represent the culture of the area. The bronze Goose Girl Fountain rests in a corner. Unveiled in October, 1980, it was cast by noted Greek sculptor Eleftherios Karkadoulias who used his daughter as his model.

NEWPORT ON THE LEVEE
1 Levee Way
Newport, KY 41071
(859) 291-0550

Popular with tourists and locals alike, Newport on the Levee is a scenic destination for dining, entertainment and shopping. From the ethnic and unusual, to the casual and family friendly, there's something for just about everyone: AMC 20 Theatres, Funny Bone Comedy Club, GameWorks, Dewey's Pizza, Brio, Cafe Istanbul, and Mitchell's Fish Market are just some of what is available. The Newport Aquarium is also located here, see below for more information.

THE MUSEUM CENTER AT CINCINNATI UNION TERMINAL
1301 Western Avenue
Cincinnati, OH 45203
(513) 287-7000

Originally built in 1933 as Cincinnati's Grand Union Terminal train station, the rounded building is a National Historic Landmark that was later renovated and reopened as Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal in 1990. Restored to its original grandeur, it is one of the country's most spectacular examples of Art Deco architechture, featuring a magnificent rotunda filled with larger than life murals. Cincinnati Museum Center is home to the Cincinnati History Museum, Duke Energy Children's Museum, the Museum of Natural History and Science, the Robert D. Lindner Family OMNIMAX^® Theatre and the Cincinnati Historical Society Library.

Serving over one million visitors annually, the facility reaches out to nearly 200,000 youth through hands-on exhibits and programs. As a center for the entire community, over 700 events are held in the building each year.

CINCINNATI ZOO AND BOTANICAL GARDEN
3400 Vine Street
Cincinnati, OH 45220
(513) 281-4700 

The world-famous 75-acre Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden was rated as one of the top five zoos in the nation by the Zagat Survey and has been recognized by Child Magazine as one of "The 10 Best Zoos for Kids." Internationally known for its success in the protection and propogation of endangered animals and plants, it houses some 510 animal species and 3,000 plant varieties.

Among the must-see exhibits are: Jungle Trails, a travel through an African and Asian tropical rain forest; the Cat House, featuring 21 of the least know and most endangered species; Gorilla World, a natural outdoor habitat for gorillas; and the World of Insects, a live exhibt that has received international attention.

HERITAGE VILLAGE
1140 Lebanon Pike (inside Sharon Woods)
(513) 563-9484

Sharon Woods Village, only twenty minutes from downtown Cincinnati, is a return to the Ohio country-side of over a 100 years ago. The Village includes historic southwestern Ohio buildings that were threatened with destruction at their original sites. Each building was moved to Sharon Woods where it was authentically restored and furnished.

Its oldest structure is the Kemper Log House, a two story, double pen log house built in 1804 by Rev. James Kemper, the first ordained Presbyterian minister north of the Ohio River. The house, with interior plaster and walnut trim, was originally located in Walnut Hills near downtown Cincinnati.

The John Hauck House, an ornate town house in the Italianate style, built during the Civil War, was completed in 1880 by John Hauck, a German immigrant, brewer and prominent Cincinnatian. The Hauck House Museum is restored with period furnishings, memorabilia and antique toys. The Museum is located on Dayton Street, once known as Millionaires' Row, in an historic district with many fine examples of nineteenth century town house architecture. For information and group tours call 513-563-9484.

Other structures include a suburban railroad station of the 1870s, a simple Federal country home, an 1860s office of a Cincinnati doctor and an outstanding example of a Carpenter Gothic home.

THE NEWPORT AQUARUIM
One Aquarium Way
Newport, KY 41071
(859) 261-7444

Named the number one aquarium in the Midwest in the Zagat Survey's 2004 U.S. Family Travel Guide, Newport Aquarium showcases aquatic animals from around the world in a million gallons of fresh and salt water. Over 200 feet of clear, acrylic tunnels offer unobstructed viewing of thousands of beautiful and endangered species. The attraction allows visitors to explore 70 exhibits and 14 galleries featuring sharks, penguins, alligators, jellyfish and so much more.

CIVIC GARDEN CENTER OF GREATER CINCINNATI
2715 Reading Road
Cincinnati, OH 45206
(513) 221-0981

Founded in 1942, The Civic Garden Center of Greater Cincinnati is the second-oldest non-profit civic garden center in Ohio. Thousands are served each year by its outreach programs, events and resources. The Garden Center has developed many beautiful gardens throughout the Hauck Botanical Garden in Avondale, featuring colorful and textured displays of plants and landscape. It is a great place to sightsee or picnic.