Featured Mother’s Day Brunches

Alcove

Join us on Mother’s Day for Brunch from 10am to 3pm

Butcher & Barrel

Brunch will be served from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. with a special brunch menu. Appetizers, salads and sides will also be available.

Cincinnati Art Museum

– In addition to the free general admission to the museum you can always enjoy, the Terrace Cafe is offering a Mother’s Day brunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Reservations are required and cost $43.95 per person or $19.95 for children 12 and under. Children under 4 are free.

Coppin’s

A brunch buffet will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It will be $75 for adults, $55 for seniors 55 and older, and $19 for children ages 4-12. Children under 4 are free.

Frankie’s

Join us to celebrate Mom and kick off a new Brunch menu at Frankie’s!

LouVino

Adults are $30, and children under 12 are $12. Coffee, soda, iced tea and lemonade are included in the menu price. LouVino will have a special brunch menu for Mother’s Day, and its regular brunch menu will not be available.

Hofbrauhaus Newport

Treat your mom to a lovely brunch at Hofbrauhaus Newport Brewery & Restaurant this Mother’s Day! Gather the whole family as Hofbrauhaus serves delicious brunch favorites plus yummy cocktails! Need to find the perfect last-minute gift for mom? Don’t worry; Hofbrauhaus has you covered with 20% off everything in its gift shop, just for mom.

Metropolitan Club

Join us for our Mother’s Day brunch. Enjoy a lovely day with your mom and family!

Moerlein Lager House

Enjoy Mother’s Day weekend with brunch from Moerlein Lager House on May 13th-14th from 10am to 3pm! We’ll have our full brunch menu plus specialty menu items like our quiche with roasted red pepper, sausage, and fontina cheese. As well as mimosa flights and a special dessert trio of assorted Servatii pastries.

Pampas

Brunch will be served from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., with dinner from 3:30-9 p.m. Appetizers, salads and dessert will be available, along with a special brunch menu.

Prime

Join us at Prime for Mother’s Day brunch or dinner. Reservations available from 11am to 8pm

Shiners

Looking for the perfect way to celebrate Mothers Day? Join us for a special Mother’s Day brunch from 11am – 3pm. Shiners is please to bring to the table and delicious Brunch menu featuring our signature dishes like our all new Angeled Eggs, Pineapple Upside Down Pancakes, Brioche Stuffed French Toast, Big Ol’ Biscuit & Gravy, and more! In addition, our patio is open and we are offering a full Mimosa Bar with fresh fruits and purées to dress up your drinks and enjoy in the sunshine! Make your reservation today by visiting our website

Street City Pub

Join us at Street City Pub for Mother’s Day brunch or dinner. Reservations available from 11am to 6pm.

The Summit Hotel

Celebrate the special women in your life with a decadent Mother’s Day brunch at the Summit Hotel. Reservations are available from 11am to 1pm.

The View at Shires Garden

Brunch will be served from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on May 14. The standard brunch menu will be offered until 3 p.m., with dinner from 3:30-9 p.m. Outdoor reservations are not permitted due to weather unpredictability.

Everything New Year’s Eve in Cincy

From brewery celebrations to family friendly events—casual to swanky, free admission to pricy—there is truly something for everyone to do for New Year’s Eve in Cincinnati this year. We all love new beginnings, so get 2023 started off right by bringing in the New Year with one of these great things to do on Saturday, December 31, broken down by:

For the Family
Free events
Under $50
Live Music
21+

For the Family

Noon Year’s Eve
Happy Hangout, 10a–12p
Children can celebrate an early New Year at the westside’s playspace.
facebook.com
$20 members, $30 nonmembers

BB Riverboats New Year’s Eve Kids Cruise
11:30a–1:30p (boarding at 10:30a)
Lunch buffet, party favors, DJ for entertainment, kids activities, and a noon countdown. Some characters from their Pirate, Princess, and Superhero cruises will be onboard celebrating.
bbriverboats.com
$49 admission ($39 for children ages 4–12)

New Year’s Eve Balloon Drop
GoldFish Swim School West Chester, 1:30–3p
Family-friendly party for $10.
Tickets

New Year’s Eve Splash
GoldFish Swim School Anderson Twp, 2–4p
Family-friendly pool party for $10.
Tickets

Midnight in Munich | NYE Zinzinnati
Mecklenburg Gardens, 4–8p
Celebrate the German new year with authentic food and beer specials.
Tickets

New Year’s Eve at WinterFest
Kings Island, 4p–1a
Celebrate the final night of the year with friends and family. Two countdowns, one in Festhaus at 9:30p and another at midnight complete with fireworks.
visitkingsisland.com

Family New Year’s Eve Party
Ludlow Theatre, 5–7p
Includes Circus Mojo performance and instructional workshop, wood-fired pizza, and a “ball drop” with ginger ale toast.
Tickets
$20-$80

New Years Eve + Indoor Fireworks
Cincinnati Cyclones vs. Toledo Walleye
Heritage Bank Center, 6p
End your 2022 in a family friendly setting with the Cyclones and a 6p start time, then stick around for indoor fireworks.
cycloneshockey.com

Happy Zoo Year
Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, 8p
“Party Animals” of all ages are invited to celebrate the 14th annual Happy ZOO Year, with a kid-friendly, early countdown at 8p.
cincinnatizoo.org

Free

Your Neighborhood New Year’s Eve
The Lackman, 12p–2:30a
Reverse Happy Hour from 8 to 10p and complimentary party favors.
facebook.com

New Year’s Eve Blast
Fountain Square, 8–12:30a
Ring in the New Year in the heart of downtown—party on the plaza or celebrate on the ice. Ice rink will be open all night and the full-service bar will be serving beverages.
myfountainsquare.com

Bloom NYE Ball 2023
Bloom OTR, 9p–2:30a
Hosted by Jessica Dimon.

No Hassle New Year
Low Spark, 9p–2:30a
Reverse happy hour from 9 to 11, complimentary champagne toast, and complimentary party favors.
facebook.com

Under $50

New Year’s Eve with Rumpke Mountain Boys
Riverfront Live, 7p
Cincinnati’s premier nightlife venue. May contain special surprise guests.
Tickets
All ages

Bollywood New Year’s Eve
Holiday Inn North, 5800 Muhlhauser Road, 8p
DJ Mavi, festive party favors, Champagne toast, multi-course dinner buffet, photobooth, and cash bar until 1:30.
eventbrite.com
$40–$100

NYE Bash
Tin Roof, 8p
Live performances by DJ Kombat and Bluff City Bandits. Fast Pass and VIP tables available. Email will@tinroofbars.com.
facebook.com
$30+

Noah Smith’s Big Ol’ Family New Year’s Eve!
Big Ash Brewing, 8p–12:30a (doors at 7:30)
Private ticketed event. General Admission tickets include champagne toast at midnight. Seating will be first come first served and tables are not guaranteed. VIP packages available.
Tickets

NYE Dance
Mutual Dance Co. 1805 Larch Ave, 8p–1a
Hosted by CincyHop. Glass of Champagne for ages 21-up.
facebook.com
$15 per person at the door

NYE with the Almond Butter Band
Fretboard Brewing Co, 8:30p
Champagne toast at midnight. Ages 21+
cincyticket.com
$25

New Year’s Eve Party
Cincinnati Donauschwaben Society, 8:30p–12:30a
Music by the Rheingold Band; generous buffet included.
Make reservations at 513-385-2098 or at cincydonau.com.

Midnight on Madison NYE Party
Hotel Covington, 9p–2a
Ticket includes one drink ticket, photo booth, DJ Jermal Potter, balloon drop, confetti cannons and more. Light bites available for purchase. General admission $35. $75 Bottomless Bubbles admission includes VIP access, commemorative Champagne glass and raffle ticket for luxury prizes.
eventbrite.com
$35 general admission

Under the Sea 2023
Rhinegeist Brewery, 9p–2a
Under the sea-themed bash featuring DJ + dancing, 360-degree underwater photo booth, midnight bubble balloon drop, and plenty of celebratory beverages. Coat check is available.
rhinegeist.com
Tickets $20 at the door

Dinner Parties

NYE Dinner and Silent Disco
The View at Shires’ Garden, 4p
Party on the rooftop with three-course dinner, sparkling wine toast, and silent disco in the parlor. Book via Open Table.
$99/person

NYE Dinner
Butcher and Barrel, 4p
Three-course prix-fixe menu with sparkling wine toast. Book via Open Table.
$99/person

New Year’s Eve Dinner
Frankie’s Sips & Savories, 5–9p
Five sharable dishes and champagne toast. Reservations available from 5 to 9. Book on OpenTable.
$150/couple

Subito at The Lytle Park Hotel
5–10p
Five-course pre-fixe dinner. $119 per person, $169 per person with wine pairings.

NYE Dinner
Forno Osteria & Bar, 5–11p
Four-course menu, champagne package add-ons available. Book prepaid via Open Table.
$75/person

NYE Dinner
Nicola’s, 5–11p
Pre-fixe dinner celebration. Two-hour time limit. Cuvee and champagne package add-ons available. Prepaid via Tock.
$125/person

Via Vite
5–11:15p
La Notte di San Silvestro two-hour, four-course dinner experience with Roaring ’20s theme. Book prepaid via Open Table.
$85/person

NYE Four-Course Dinner and Drinks
Northern Row Brewery & Distillery, 6:30p
Tickets
$100

NYE Party
Vinoklet Winery, 7p–1a
Two packages available: Grilled to Perfection Dinner with reservation 5–7:30 p.m. at $43–$48 per person, and Dinner & Dancing from 7p–1a at $89.95 per person.
vinokletwines.com

New Year’s Eve Party
The Madison Event Center, 8p
Blink-style party includes upscale dinner, unlimited drinks, Champagne toast, DJ, visuals, and giveaways.
eventbrite.com
$125–$175

NYE
Prime Cincinnati, 8p
Reservations made after 8p are invited to stay and help welcome in the New Year with a toast, DJ, entertainment, and fanfare.
Reservations on OpenTable

Live Music

Arlo McKinley
Bogart’s, 8p
With Buffalo Wabs & The Price Hill Hustle and the Harmed Brothers.
ticketmaster.com

Cincinnati Pops Orchestra: New Year’s Eve Billie Holiday Songbook
Music Hall, 8p
Featuring vocalist Quiana Lynell; Damon Gupton conducts.
cincinnatisymphony.org
$26–$120

New Year’s Celebration Like No Other
featuring The Menus
Receptions Fairfield, 8p–1a
Open well bar, appetizers, buffet dinner, late-night snack bar, champagne toast, and party favors.
Tick ets

New Year’s Celebration of a Lifetime with Naked Karate Girls
Receptions Erlanger, 8p–1a
Tickets
$125–$150

Something Different New Year’s Eve
Woodward Theater, 9p–2a
Featuring DJ Identity and DJ Kay Lyke. Includes open bar, light bite appetizers, live projections, photo booth, and party favors.
cincyticket.com
$75+

Summon the New Year
MOTR, 10p
Live music featured two local bands, Watchfrogs and Happy Tuesday.
motrpub.com

21+

New Year’s Eve Bar Crawl – Cincinnati
5p–2a
Ticket gets you to the welcome party, outstanding drink specials, and the list of bars to visit—to be announced on 12/30.
facebook.com

Q102’s Best of the Best New Year’s Eve
Newport Syndicate, 6:30p
Dancing, drinks, party favors, the Rusty Griswolds, DJ Chandler McFadden, and Gangsters Dueling Piano Bar.
Tickets
Tickets starting at $85

NYE in NKY
Braxton Brewing Company, 7p
DJs all night, photobooth, midnight toast included, and all-you-can-eat buffet catered by Gomez.
Tickets
$100 advance, $125 at the door

Back to the ’90s NYE Bash
Taft’s Ale House, 7p–12:30a
Grab your neon windbreaker and favorite band t-shirt for a night of 90s nostalgia. Includes 3 beer tickets, ’90s snack and candy buffet, champagne toast, and two raffle tickets.
Tickets
$75

New Year’s Eve Bash
16 Lots, 7p–1a
Featuring Mad Monks Pizza and Ashton Wolf Dueling Pianos. Admission includes delicious food, craft beer, cider, and a New Year’s champagne toast.
Tickets

New Year’s Eve at Fueled Collective
7p–1a
DJ and live music, premium prepaid drinks, party favors, and more.
More info

New Year’s Eve Twerk
Arts on the Ave (2141 Central Avenue), 8p
Live dancer, open bar, and full course food menu.
facebook.com
$100

Somerhaus New Year’s Eve Bash
8p–1a
Light bites with international flair, music, and dancing, plus full bar.
Tickets
$120

Black Sheep Black Tie NYE Celebration
Revel OTR Urban Winery, 8p–1:30a
Includes live band, open bar, light bites, and bubbly toast.
Tickets
$85–$100

23 Shades of Galla: Sexy Masquerade NYE Party
Galla Park, 8p–2a
DJ Davey C, Sean Dibert, DJ L-Train. Includes champagne toast, balloon drops, private party spaces; semi-formal attire dress code.
Tickets
$25–$65

The Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band
The Southgate House Revival, 9p (doors at 8)
Featuring Joe’s Truck Stop and The Hammer and the Hatchet
southgatehouse.com

BB Riverboats New Year’s Eve Dinner Cruise
9p–1a (boarding at 8p)
Ring in the New Year on the river as Cincinnati’s sparkling skyline provides a spectacular backdrop. Includes a special three-entree buffet, entertainment, a split of champagne at midnight, late night snack buffet, and party favors.
bbriverboats.com

Bubbles & Bow Ties
Igby’s, 9p–2a
Includes complimentary champagne upon arrival, party favors, and DJ Simo.
Ti c kets
$50

NYE at QCE
Queen City Exchange, 9p–2a
Includes DJ, heavy appetizers, open bar, and champagne toast at midnight.
Tickets
$100

Celebrate (NYE 2023)
OTR StillHouse, 9p–2a
Tickets include light bites until 11, champagne toast at midnight, photo booth, party favors, red carpet entry, coat check, and free parking. Cocktail attire required.
Tickets

New Year’s Eve Masquerade
Twenties Cocktail Joint, 9p–2:30a
Two levels of entertainment: Johnny B on the main floor spinning Top 40 and dance, and Nautigroove and Brent Roberts in the speakeasy with House and Progressive sets with a laser and light show. Champagne toast and ballon drop at midninght on the main floor.
Tickets

NYE 2022
The Mockbee, 9p–3a
A multi-stage, multi-sensory blowout party at The Mockbee featuring live bands and DJs all night covering Rock, Hip Hop, EDM, and more.
Tickets

NYE Midnight Madness at the Lager House
Moerlein Lager House, 9:30p–1:30a
Hosted by Sara Elyse with DJ PRYMTIME & DJ Maximus and sports celebrity appearances. Tickets include an appetizer buffet and two drink tickets, plus a midnight toast.
moerleinlagerhouse.info

Written by: Linsey Kraeling – Woman, wife, and mother about town, proud millennial, and lifelong Cincinnatian with an invested interest in community involvement and having a full plate—literally and figuratively. Follow along with and read more about eating like a sophisticated six-year-old, supporting local, and acting like a tourist in her own city at instagram.com/linsinnati and tourdecincinnati.com.

Savings & Deals in the City (5/31)

Family Thyme Kitchen
15% Off Your Order

The Summit Hotel
Pride Package – Room, Dessert, & Wine for 2

Hofbrauhaus Newport Brewery & Restaurant
Free Pretzel with Concert Ticket

Define
10 Classes for $100 for New Clients

Johnny’s Car Wash
20% Off Car Washes

Kopan
1/2 Priced Sushi

Kinley Hotel Cincinnati
Make and Take Scent Experience – Drinks and Candle Making for 2

Mike’s Mobile Cupping LLC
20% Off First Cupping Massage Session

Metropolitan Club
Free 30-Day Trial Membership

Ken Anderson Alliance
10% Off Your Purchase

Does your business offer Savings/Deals? Run Promotions/Discounts? Email us today at info@everythingcincy.com to learn how we can help promote your offerings!

Guided Art Walks (With Extras!)

There’s a new way to explore the world-class public art in Covington and Newport this summer: take one of the free guided art walks being offered by NKY Public Arts Network—with fun extras built in.

Jill Morenz, who leads the tours for the Network and the Catalytic Fund, explained that she wanted to introduce guests not only to the murals and statues, but also to the shops, restaurants and bars that make the neighborhoods so special. She is partnering with meetNKY to offer these tours to both residents and tourists.

For example, the Sweet and Spicy Tour begins with treats from Golden Gelato in Covington and winds through the downtown neighborhood for about ¾ of a mile. Guests will munch on flavored pretzels from Yankee Doodle Deli as they get an up-close look at the murals and art-related businesses in the area. The tour ends at Rich’s Proper Food and Drink for a spicy cocktail.

The Newport Art and Architecture Tour includes the murals, statues and buildings of historic Monmouth Street, Newport on the Levee and the approach to the Purple People Bridge. The other Newport tour, called Sharks, Cannon and Bell, includes some history of the courthouse, as well.

Other tours include browsing time at local galleries, a behind-the-scenes look at the Goebel Park Glockenspiel and some incredible mosaics tucked here and there in the river cities.

To learn more and reserve a spot on one of the free tours, please visit the NKY Art Tours website.

Jill Morenz is the Director of Community Initiatives and Communications for the Catalytic Fund and also runs the NKY Public Arts Network. She is an enthusiastic evangelist for all things NKY.

*All photos taken by Jill Morenz

Everything Cincy is your one-stop shop to Local Events. Local Deals. Local Jobs.

Beyond the Curb Returns to Newport on April 24

Home Tour Showcases Urban Living

Northern Kentucky’s popular home tour, Beyond the Curb, will offer an exclusive look inside properties in Newport’s Westside and hilltop Clifton neighborhoods on Sunday April 24 from 10:00am-4:00pm. EverythingCincy readers get exclusive savings by using the promotional code “EverythingCincy” when purchasing tickets.

Organizer Jill Morenz says, “People love our tours partly because they get to see interesting houses, and because they love to explore the urban neighborhoods. Beyond the Curb gives an up-close look at urban living in NKY’s river cities.”

What You’ll See

On April 24, you’ll get to check out 14 properties, including historic homes, artsy renovations and modern, luxury condos. As always, the tour stops include an intriguing mix of completed and in-progress projects that offer ideas and inspiration for anyone interested in architecture, interior design and the urban lifestyle.

How To Get Around

You can walk or drive between most of the tour stops. We are excited to be able to provide free shuttle transportation, sponsored by Martin’s Gate Development and provided by Executive Transportation. The shuttle coaches will run between the Westside and Clifton tour stops, giving guests the opportunity to travel in comfort and avoid parking challenges in the hillside neighborhood.

Tickets

You can save on your tickets by purchasing Early Bird tickets for $15, plus you can use the promo code “EverythingCincy.” Tickets will also be available for purchase for $20 on the day of the tour, either online or at the registration area at Wooden Cask Brewing Co., 629 York St., Newport, KY.

Your tickets include admission to exclusive, behind-the-scenes tours of 14 cool properties, transportation on the shuttle, entry to win the “All Things Newport” raffle basket, and free parking at nearby locations. All ticket holders start their tour at Wooden Cask Brewing Co. , where they will receive their wristband, tour booklet and gift.

More Info

The tour is presented by KMK Law, Huff Realty and the Catalytic Fund. For more information and to preview the featured properties, please visit the Beyond the Curb website.

Jill Morenz is the Director of Community Initiatives and Communications for the Catalytic Fund and also runs the NKY Public Arts Network. She is an enthusiastic evangelist for all things NKY.

Celebrate Covington Week: Foodies Will Save 50%

What’s a great way to celebrate a 50^th anniversary? With a week of 50% discounts from restaurants and bars!

The Covington Business Council (known as the CBC) has been promoting Covington’s economic development and providing members with access to opportunity and growth for 50 years. As part of the festivities, they are hosting Celebrate Covington Week from April 11-17. More than 20 CBC member restaurants and bars will be offering a 50% discount on a signature menu item. Here’s how you can grab these deals.

Mark Your Calendar

Plan to eat out several times during the week of April 11-17. Check the Celebrate Covington website for all the deals.

Eat, Drink and Be Merry

Visit the participating restaurants and bars for great deals like:

Half off a Kentucky Mule at Rich’s Proper Food & Drink
Half off a Smoke Justis BBQ Fry Box
Half price bourbon slushies at the Globe
Half price Chermoula-Spiced Carrot Fritters appetizer at Hotel Covington’s Coppin’s Restaurant

Raise a Glass

Take a moment to toast the Covington Business Council, thanking them for these deals and for 50 years of hard work, making Covington an economically vibrant community.

Make Your Plans Here.

Stay tuned here for the CBC’s Bourbon Week in September.

Jill Morenz is the Director of Community Initiatives and Communications for the Catalytic Fund and also runs the NKY Public Arts Network. She is an enthusiastic evangelist for all things NKY.

The Bourbon Barrels are Back in NKY!

Bourbon Barrel Walk Flyer

Bourbon barrels + original art + NKY’s city streets = NKY Bourbon Barrel Walk

In 2019, the NKY Bourbon Barrel Project placed more than 100 custom painted bourbon barrels around the rivers cities. This year, the project is coming back as the NKY Bourbon Barrel Walk, and the organizers are seeking both sponsors and artists.

As the “Gateway to Bourbon Country,” Northern Kentucky is steeped in the history and appreciation of bourbon. The Bourbon Barrel Walk will highlight the region’s bourbon connection, as well as the fun entertainment destinations in the river cities.

Local businesses and organizations will sponsor the bourbon barrels. They will then be matched up with local artists to create custom designs for the barrels. Once the barrels are complete, they will be displayed on city streets so that they form a path that takes people from the river through the business and entertainment districts of Ludlow, Covington, Newport, Bellevue and Dayton.

Sponsoring businesses receive a discount if they are a member of the NKY Chamber of Commerce. The project is being coordinated by Jill Morenz, who directs the NKY Public Arts Network for the Catalytic Fund.

To sponsor a barrel, simply visit the website and fill out the sponsorship form there. This is a great way to show support for the arts and the businesses in the entertainment districts, as well as helping to create a piece of original public art.

Artists who would like to apply for a bourbon barrel commission are encouraged to apply on the website. By painting a barrel, they will gain valuable exposure to business owners, residents and visitors, while helping to build the “Walk,” giving people a fun way to discover new shops, restaurants and bars.

Sponsorship and artist applications close on April 30. The Bourbon Barrel Walk will be completed in late July. For more information, please visit the NKY Bourbon Barrel Walk website.

Jill Morenz is the Director of Community Initiatives and Communications for the Catalytic Fund and also runs the NKY Public Arts Network. She is an enthusiastic evangelist for all things NKY.

Party for Artists

The NKY Public Arts Network is celebrating its relaunch with a big party and all artists are invited! The Network’s purpose is to promote the arts and artists in Northern Kentucky and to help tell the stories of NKY’s communities. It is now being relaunched as a membership community, open to arts organizations and artists who either live, work, teach, study or exhibit in Northern Kentucky. The party, however, is open to all artists, regardless of where they live or work.

The (Re)Launch Party will be at Newport on the Levee on Thursday March 3, from 5:30-7:30. In addition to providing an opportunity for artists to meet and connect, there will be food, drinks, a collaborative art project and an exhibit of artwork done by the attendees. The event is free, but artists must register by March 1. In its new incarnation, the NKY Public Arts Network will maintain a “Find an Artist” directory, where community members who would like to connect with an artist for a commission, collaboration or other reason, can enter search terms to see all the member artists who match their criteria.

Members will also be promoted on the Network’s Instagram account and the NKY Art Quest calendar. In addition, they will have access to exclusive events and collaborative art projects. All the member benefits are outlined here. Jill Morenz, Director of the Network, is excited to strengthen the connections between our region’s artists. “With the changes we are making to the NKY Public Arts Network, we believe we will have a much bigger impact on growing the arts in Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati,” she said. More information about the party and the link to register is available here. Registration ends March 1.

Jill Morenz is the Director of Community Initiatives and Communications for the Catalytic Fund and also runs the NKY Public Arts Network. She is an enthusiastic evangelist for all things NKY.

Art Walks in NKY

If you’re looking for something to do on a nice, perhaps chilly day, how about taking a free, self-guided tour of public art in the river cities?

You’ll explore the eclectic urban neighborhoods, discovering beautiful buildings, learning history and examining the world class art on display.

The NKY Art Tours are an initiative of the Public Arts Network, which promotes the arts in Northern Kentucky. You’ll be taken behind the scenes of each art piece, learning about the artist, the imagery and the installation.

Living Mural

On the downtown Covington tour, you’ll visit one of the first “living murals’ in the US. Called Pennies from Heaven, it was painted by a world-famous artist group, The London Police. It depicts a dog spaceship surrounded by characters that the artists call Lads. You’ll learn the identity of the man inside the spaceship and why the living wall component was added.

Captain Greene

Taking the Riverside Drive Statue Tour, at the confluence of the Licking and Ohio Rivers in Covington, you’ll meet Mary B. Greene, the first female licensed riverboat captain on the Ohio. She stands with an instrument called a telegraph, but it’s not the kind used to send a Morse Code message. She was known for her entertaining stories of life on the river and, according to local ghost stories, her influence continued after her death.

Flight of the Garner Family

You’ll walk in the footsteps of historic figures on the Covington Black History Tour, reading stories both uplifting and tragic. Among the tragic is the tale of Peggy Garner and her attempt to escape slavery by walking across the frozen Ohio River. Her flight has been immortalized in a mural on the floodwall near the Roebling Bridge.

As you view the art on the tours, you’ll come upon many cozy restaurants to grab a meal or a drink. You’ll also discover interesting shops and charming parks along the way. NKY Art Tours are a fun way to spend a day in the river cities.

Thanksgiving Weekend Scavenger Hunt Returns

If you are looking for a fun activity to do over the holiday weekend, how about a scavenger hunt? You’ll explore four Covington neighborhoods, finding clues, cracking codes and solving puzzles. You can even win prizes, like original art by local artists.

The Catalytic Fund created Finders Keepers Thanksgiving Weekend Scavenger Hunt last year to provide an outdoor activity for the four-day weekend. About 150 people participated, so they are doing it again with all new puzzles.

The hunt is not timed, so there is no added pressure. Players have from 8:00 am on Thanksgiving through 9:00 pm on Sunday November 28 to turn in their solutions.

The hunt is perfect for families, couples and groups of friends. The puzzles are designed for adults and older children, but young kids can help spot the clues and enjoy the parks and public spaces included in the hunt.

The puzzles range in difficulty from “easy peasy” to “puzzle master” and encourage players to discover the art, architecture and fun things to do in Covington. You can walk, bike or drive between clue locations, all of which can be accessed without going indoors.

Proceeds from Finders Keepers will support the Catalytic Fund’s public art initiatives, including NKY ArtQuest, a free calendar of arts-related events and NKY Art Tours, which are free, self-guided tours of public art in the river cities.

For more information and to purchase a Code Kit, visit the Finders Keepers website. Registration ends on November 19. Kits will be available for pickup or shipping on Monday November 22.

About the author: Jill Morenz is the Director of Community Initiatives and Communications for the Catalytic Fund and also runs the NKY Public Arts Network. She is an enthusiastic evangelist for all things NKY.