Savings & Deals in the City (12/22/2021)

Powered By Partners:

Each week we will bring you the inside scoop on savings and deals that local business in our city are offering, the ones you want to know about!   Learn about everything from food and drink specials, ticket discounts, exclusive offerings and so much more! Stay in the know with Everything Cincy!  Click Here & Start Saving Today While Supporting Local Businesses.
Bunches of Bows
Christmas Decor and More Sale! All ornaments are buy one, get one free!
Griffin Elite Sports & WellnessCryotherapy Sessions Gift Cards!
Happy Hangout
$1 Off 2 Hours of Play!
Mike Mobile Cupping LLC
20% Off First Cupping Massage Session!
YMCA of Greater Cincinnati
Save $50 & Join Today!
Belterra Park Cincinnati
New Membership Play & Win!
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!

Savings & Deals in the City! (10/26/2021)

Powered By Partners:

Each week we will bring you the inside scoop on savings and deals that local businesses in our city are offering, the ones you want to know about!


Learn about everything from food and drink specials, ticket discounts, exclusive offerings and so much more! Stay in the know with Everything Cincy!

Click Here & Start Saving Today WhileSupporting Local Businesses

1. $50 Pass
Code: N/A
Full Throttle Adrenaline Park
$50 per person for the Adrenaline Pass
2. ENJOY UP TO $500 OFF
Code: N/A
Galla Park Gastro
$100, $300, & $500 discounts available for your Dinner Party
3. $50 OFF
Code: N/A
SPA Melissa Allen
$50 off Your First HydraFacial
4. FREE Trial
Code: EverythingCincy
Swift Movement
Free Trial + 10-day Unlimited Pass
5. Food & Drink Special
Code: N/A
Taste of Belgium
$8 Nashville Hot Sandwiches & $4 Bavik Pilsner Beers

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!

Celebrate Halloween, NKY Style

Northern Kentucky can be a spooky place. With a long history and neighborhoods that date back to the Civil War, the region holds many tales of roaming ghosts and gruesome events that will send chills up your spine.  

Here is a sampling of what awaits you here, as the weather grows colder, and the spirits come out to play. Links to all the events can be found here.  

Nightmare ships and haunted fields 

The USS Nightmare docks in Newport this time of year. It’s one of the area’s longest haunted tours (over 30 minutes), inviting brave and foolhardy guests to explore two full decks of pure horror. 

Sandy Acres Farm is a charming place to visit in the daytime. At night, though, it gets a lot creepier. Come for a hayride through haunted fields—if you dare. 

For kids 

To get the kiddos involved in something more than just trick-or-treating, take them to the free Halloween Hoopla at Behringer-Crawford Museum. They can do a seasonal craft, march in the costume parade and more. 

For fans of LEGO, the Northern Kentucky Convention Center is hosting Bricks, Tricks and Treats, a LEGO convention with a Halloween theme.  

Talk to dead people 

Falcon Theatre and Dinsmore Homestead Museum have teamed up to create a rare opportunity to talk with six costumed actors who are portraying people from the Homestead’s past. All the characters are based on their actual lives, letters and journals. It’s kind of like a historic version of “Sixth Sense.”   

Take a spooky tour 

Tickets are still available for the Halloween date of the Spooky Secrets Tour. This 2-mile walk past haunted houses, creepy historic sites and cool shops was created by the author of “Secret Cincinnati” and the writer for the NKY Art Tours website. It’s the perfect way to start your Halloween celebrations. 

For more Halloween fun, as well as details on the events listed above, please visit NKY ArtQuest’s Halloween roundup

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. 

Arrowhead Music Festival

This special autumn gathering is a great way to take a few days off for the weekend and enjoy the wonderment of being in nature while listening and dancing to music under the open sky!  The festivities will be held on a breathtaking farm that’s tucked away in the forestland of Northern Kentucky.  Arrowhead Music Festival will feature incredible live music, informative workshops on permaculture, local art, yoga, walking trails, and plenty of space for camping with a bonfire overlooking a gorgeous lake!

Come together to connect with yourself and other like-minded people, experience inspiring music, open your mind up to new things, and embrace delightful free flowing fun all around you!  The lineup is outstanding and you don’t want to miss a second of it!  Some of the musicians include, Siri Imani featuring Jess Lamb and The Factory, Natural Onyx, Sister Stone, and so much more!

https://www.instagram.com/siri_imani/

https://www.instagram.com/jesslambband/

https://www.instagram.com/sisterstonemusic/

https://www.instagram.com/naturalonyx/

One of the coolest things about this event is that its intention is to promote positive, happy, and healthy lifestyles by being a substance free interactive environment.  The festival will be located in Petersburg, KY at Treasure Lake on October 22nd – October 24th.

“Arrowhead is inspired by the elements- Earth, Air, Wind, and Fire- and our programming is meant to reflect that.  Arrowhead is 100% substance free, meaning no drugs or alcohol are permitted on the festival grounds.  We’re gathering to get high on life, to embrace sobriety as its own type of drug, and to explore the potential of un-influenced human awareness.”

https://www.arrowheadfestival.com/

We asked the creator Anthony Schneider to share a little bit about his background and what his pursuit is and this is what he had to say,

“I’m passionate about self-examination, self expression, community organization, and cultural progression.  In 2019 I founded the NVRLND Tribe, a Media Group and Digital Agency that creates content and produces experiences which inspire people to make positive changes in their lives.  Additionally, NVRLND Tribe offers intuitive operations and systems support for transformational events, facilitators, and coaches. This includes web/backend, payment, communication, branding, and on-the-ground operations strategies and implementation.  I’m currently based in Cincinnati, OH where I’m able to facilitate intentional experiences through my community organization Positive Life: Cincinnati.  I also travel frequently to keep up with my tribe.”

“For our launch event we’re getting back to the basics and keeping things small. Good music, good people, good food, positive, health-focused intentions, and communion with our Mother Earth.  Arrowhead is an intimate celebration of life, community and nature.  Join us on 60 beautiful acres as we launch this mini Transformational Music Festival set in the rolling hills of the Ohio River Valley.  If any of these things resonate with you then buy your ticket now!”

https://www.instagram.com/anthonyreeseschneider/

Written By: Christen Collins

Boozy Milkshakes in Bellevue

We finally made it to Nomad after seeing so many mouth-watering social posts!  A product of pandemic-times, its opening may have seemed like a sleeper, but Nomad should be at the top of your list for picture-worthy boozy milkshakes!

A great place to gather with friends

nomad interior entry

Located at 225 Fairfield Avenue, the outdoor patio space is cute, comfy, and conducive to gathering.  And the interior of the restaurant is no different.

nomad lounge area interior

We loved the lounge area room, complete with a trunk full of board games.  I could totally hang out here, drinking milkshakes and playing games til my heart is content.  We opted to sit inside during our visit since the outside temperature exceeded 90 degrees, but we can’t wait to return and have a shake on the patio.

nomad interior tables

Food at Nomad

Those who’ve ever shared a meal with me know that my eating habits are like those of a child.  No, really, my young kids (8, 6, and 3) all eat more healthily and more adventurously than I do.  So when I heard about Nomad and their menu of tacos, tater tots, and milkshakes, my eyes lit up.  I mean, what a combination!  And combinations they have–all with witty menu names.  Being a lover of words, I took several minutes to just read the menu and giggle at the plays on words.

nomad cincinnati chili tots

After much debate, I settled on the Naughty Nati tot basket.  A nod to Cincinnati-style chili, this would be a great way for visitors to sample the Cincinnati delicacy if the thought of chili on spaghetti repulses them.  It’s literally tater tots smothered in Cincinnati-style chili and topped with onions, mustard, and cheese.  While the cheese was a bit different than the traditional shredded cheddar you’d see from Skyline, Gold Star, and the like, the Naughty Nati tots were tasty and exactly as I expected they’d taste.

nomad tacos

My friend ordered the blanco taco (smoked chicken, mozzarella, onion and pico) and the Korean BBQ taco (Korean style short rib, mozzarella, onions, house-made kimchi) and enjoyed both.  While they may not be the top pick if you’re looking for traditional tacos, they’re certainly a solid choice.  And when the hankering hits for tacos and tots or tacos and milkshakes–you know where to go!

Milkshakes at Nomad

nomad milkshakes

Drumroll, please…. The moment we’ve all been waiting for–the boozy milkshakes!  The menu names of these are all so cheeky! (S’more than a feeling, Oreo speedwagon, Dough you want me baby, Go Nutell-it on the mountain, etc.)  But the shakes are serious business.  So. Good!

nomad milkshakes

My friend opted for the “Ba-Duh Duhduhduh Duh-Dumdum! Tequila!,” a lemon sorbet blended with Jose Cuervo tequila & blueberries, topped with whipped cream and fresh fruit.  I sampled hers and it was incredible!  Much more of a berry base than I expected from the description, which I loved.  It would be perfect on a hot day, sitting on the patio.  So refreshing!

nomad milkshakes

If you’re like me and looking for a more “traditional” milkshake, there are several options.  I opted for the “Build me up peanut butter cup,” which is ice cream blended with bourbon, Ghirardelli chocolate sauce & peanut butter, topped with whipped cream, Reese’s Cups, Hershey bar, and cherry.  Yum–what’s not to love?!  One of the best milkshakes I’ve ever had!

And if you aren’t into milkshakes, they also have several other cocktail options, including margaritas, sorbet spritz, hot toddy, Kentucky mule, and more.

If you’re looking for a different dessert option, I’m intrigued by the tot fudge sundae–cinnamon sugar tossed tater tots, three scoops of vanilla ice cream, Ghirardelli chocolate & caramel drizzle, whipped cream, and a cherry. I have never seen a concoction quite like that on a menu anywhere else and it sounds appetizing!

Explore Bellevue

nomad outdoor patio

Once you’ve gorged enough on the treats at Nomad, you can saunter over to Darkness Brewing across the street, or venture down Fairfield Avenue to explore more of Bellevue.  From the cute shops, other restaurants & bars, and chill patios (think Three Spirits Tavern, also a B-Line stop!), there’s plenty to do to keep you entertained in Bellevue!

Written By: Dot Crane, MeetNKY

Art at Arnolds Bar and Grill

The historic restaurant, Arnold’s Bar and Grill in Downtown Cincinnati is known for being the oldest bar in town but that’s not all they’re known for!  For over a hundred years this special establishment has been a gathering place for creatives of all kinds!  Not only can you see live music by local musicians every night in their beautiful courtyard but you will find yourself meeting poets, writers, musicians, actors, dancers, performers, and artists of all kinds enjoying themselves while sharing stories of their experiences at Arnold’s.  One of the many highlights to this space is the collection of art that they have on the inside and outside of the building.  From the 1800’s to now you’re sure to discover new things with each and every visit!

Before heading in, take a minute to admire the architecture, stained-glass, and the impressive neon signs that are displayed in the windows!  They recently added new ones that were made by, Neonworks of Cincinnati which is located in the fabulous American Sign Museum!

Another cool feature about the outside of the building is that one of the world’s most well-known street artists, Shepard Fairey has a large piece on the wall in the alley to the right!  The piece, “Global Warning” is 15 feet tall and was part of his “Supply and Demand” exhibition at the Contemporary Art Center in 2010.  Fairy put up several other pieces throughout the city that year but Arnold’s is one of the only places where you can still see his artwork in public in Cincinnati and they take great pride in continuing to preserve his incredible screen-printed wheatpaste mural.

As soon as you step inside you can’t help but to be mesmerized by the ambiance and aesthetic of this place!  The bar features historic nostalgia all over the walls that helps your imagination envision what it was like throughout time.  Everywhere you turn you will find something interesting and even quirky little details that will make you smile!  Behind the bar on the top shelf are five ceramic bottles that you don’t want to pass up taking a look at!  These interesting pieces of pottery depict faces of people but it’s a mystery as to who they are.  A fun game the bartends like to play with the patrons is guessing who they might be, so next time you’re there make your bets on who you think they are!  The artist, Scott Wynn created them, as well as the amazing carved double doors that lead you in and out of the courtyard that the former owner, Jim Tarbell commissioned.

https://scottwynnatelier.com/pages/about-us

The courtyard itself is a work of art with its unique stage that looks like a front porch and features a variety of vintage signs.  On one of the walls you can find a second wheatpaste mural by another popular street artist, JR.  This piece is of waitresses that worked at Arnolds in the 1930’s and the original photograph to compare it to is inside the dining room! https://www.jr-art.net

Adjacent to it is another wall piece that was also created by a famous graffiti artist!  This piece is of local legend Peanut Jim and was made by Alexandre Manuel Dias Farto, also known as Vhils.

https://www.vhils.com

Chris Breeden, the current owner is a huge advocate for art and continues to support creatives from all over by showcasing their work in his business.  He has kept the art scene alive through this revitalization of incorporating art into the experience of what Arnold’s has to offer!  So keep going back to see what he collaborates on and curates next!

Fall Festivals

Festivals are back in Cincinnati and there are plenty for everyone to enjoy all over town, from riverside, to fountain square, and beyond!  Learn how this city got its famous title, “The Melting Pot” by experiencing the diverse cultures that have come together to celebrate History and Heritage in Ohio and Northern, Kentucky. 

Here’s a list of autumn festivities that you don’t want to miss!

Oktoberfest Zinzinnati  

September 16th – 19th

Thursday– Sunday

One of the largest German Heritage Festivals in the United States returns for its annual event in Downtown, Cincinnati!  Sam Adams sponsors the festival and you can be sure to find lots of authentic food, beer, games, activities, music and dancing for the entire family to partake in!

Oktoberfest Zinzinnati

https://samadamscincy.com/

Newport Oktoberfest

September 24th – 26th

Friday- Sunday

Just across the river located at the Newport Festival Park at the Levee you can catch another weekend long festival that honors the German Culture in the region that is sponsored by Christian Moerlein Lager House.  They will also have live music, food and drink vendors, plus art and activities. https://www.cincinnatifestivalsandevents.com/newport-oktoberfest   https://www.moerleinlagerhouse.com

 If you want to experience traditional German Culture all year long head over to Hofbräuhaus in Newport, KY for a delicious soft pretzel and brew with live entertainment that will have you dancing on the tables!

Home

Ohio Renaissance Festival

September 4th – October 31st

Every Weekend

Attend this magical festival for a day filled with enchantment as you time travel into the past of the Renaissance!  This festival features everything you can imagine and takes you into a world of wonderment and imagination!  Each weekend is themed and the last one is, “Tricks or Treats” for all your Halloween fun!

The Cincinnati Jazz & BBQ Festival

October 2nd

Saturday

This one-day festival is located on Madison Road, in Madisonville and is put on by the Community Urban Redevelopment Corporation to promote more neighborhood engagement.  There will be incredible live jazz music, local food and drinks, art vendors and activities for children.

Asian Food Fest

October 9th -10th

Friday – Saturday

This festival is the perfect opportunity to try something new and learn about a different culture that is a wonderful addition to the diversity of Cincinnati!  The festival is presented by Kroger and will be in the new Court Street Plaza.

http://www.asianfoodfest.org/

Best Tacos in Covington, KY

You’ve seen our lists of best tacos in Newport and Florence, but when in Covington, the delicious taco options are endless!  Whether you’re at the Northern Kentucky Convention Center for an event, or just in town staying at one of the Covington hotels, you’ll want to include tacos for at least one meal.

several tacos lined up from agae and rye in covington ky

Agave & Rye

Agave & Rye seems like it’s boomed lately, with a total of nine locations, but Covington was the original, the OG, the epicenter of epic-ness.  

two baskets of chips in front of artwork on wall with cups of salsa, guacamole, queso at agave and rye in covington ky

Start with the incredible dips–from the guacamole to the queso, you can’t just try one.  They’re all delicious.  And the chips are house-made.  Expert tip: If you like a softer/fluffier chip, or just want to try it once, ask your server if you can have the flour tortilla chips.  They typically come with the pimento cheese dip, but man, they’re delicious with the queso! 

grilled corn at agave and rye in covington ky with pitcher of margaritas in background

The elote is also incredible, and those margaritas are where it’s at!  They use premium tequila and you can definitely taste the difference.  During happy hour (MWRF 3 p.m.-6 p.m.) and all day on Taco Tuesday, the OG margaritas are $6… and worth every penny.

agave and rye patio

Speaking of Taco Tuesday, the specials at Agave & Rye are incredible.  In addition to the margarita special, they also feature $3 chips and queso, and taco specials running from $2.50 to $4.  And these tacos aren’t just your typical tacos… They’re double-shelled (a crunchy wrapped in a soft–so it holds the crumbles) and the flavor combinations are amazing.  My personal favorite is the Bees Knees, but there are still a few on the menu I want to try–Kangaroo, anyone?!

A table full of tacos, queso, red glasses, with funky art on the walls in the background at Agave and Rye in Covington, Ky.

If you’re not into tacos, there are many other options on the menu, including egg rolls, burger and chicken sandwich, sticky cauliflower bites, Brussel sprouts, Irish Nachos, corn fritters, Lo Mein, and more!  You won’t regret a meal here.  And don’t miss their sister restaurant next door, Papi Jocho’s, serving up Mexican street dogs!

Gutierrez Deli

Gutierrez Deli exterior

First and foremost, Gutierrez Deli is a small family-owned and operated Hispanic store located in Covington, near Mainstrasse Village on Lee Street.

Gutierrez Deli store

First open in 2012, Gutierrez Deli quickly became a gathering place for Covington’s growing Latino population.  The deli features a huge selection of imported products from Central America and Mexico… and they happen to also sell incredible tacos, burritos, quesadillas, tamales, and more on a carryout basis (there are some sidewalk picnic tables out front).

Gutierrez Deli tacos

The tacos are incredible.  The ingredients are so fresh and authentic… and can be “Americanized” with cheese added.

Gutierrez deli food

On the weekends, the menu at Gutierrez has additional offerings… Sergio (the son of owner Claudio Gutierrez) suggests trying the mole poblano that is his grandmother’s recipe.  We can’t wait to try it!

Gutierrez Deli food

When you don’t want anything fancy, just incredibly good food, head to Gutierrez Deli.

Olla Cov

exterior street corner of olla in covington ky

Speaking of Sergio, he branched out from his father’s deli and opened his own restaurant earlier this summer, Olla Cov.colorful mural on interior wall of Olla in covington, ky

Unlike Gutierrez Deli, which is carryout only, Olla features some indoor dining space, as well as an outdoor patio.  Not unlike Gutierrez Deli, the food is incredible.

taco, birria taco, quesadilla at olla covington ky

From Birria tacos, chicken tacos, quesadillas, elote, and nachos, everything we ate was delicious.  I must say, I didn’t order any rice, but tried my friend’s and it was some of the best rice I’ve ever had.  Definitely going to order it next time! 

basket of nachos with guacamole in covington ky at olla

These nachos, though, stole the show.  All three of us were digging in and admiring all the fresh ingredients.  I usually don’t like beans or guacamole on my nachos, but with these, you can’t go wrong!  Our server told us to try the Guti Fries, which are similar to the nachos, except with a bed of French fries… sounds delicious!

hallway and bar seating at olla covington ky

Read our full review of Olla Cov here.

Zapata Cantina

zapata exterior

Located on Madison Avenue in Covington, Zapata Cantina opened in the midst of the pandemic in the fall of 2020.  They serve a traditional handmade Mexican experience in a modern, industrial space.

zapata interior seating 2
zapata interior seating

The interior is beautiful.  And so is the food…

zapata chips and queso

Don’t leave without ordering the queso fundido appetizer.  At $12, some may wonder if it’s really worth it.  Trust me, it is.  The chips accompanying the queso are equally delicious, so start every meal here with this app.  

zapata margarita

Our waiter told us the lime juice for the traditional margarita is fresh-squeezed in-house daily and wow–you can definitely tell the difference!  The margarita was delicious… we couldn’t wait to get to the food!

zapata entree

My coworker ordered the chicken sopes, served on handmade corn disks.  The portion was great and everything was so fresh.  But man, those handmade corn disks steal the show.

zapata tacos

I ordered the del mar (tempura shrimp, spiced candied pecans, cilantro, cabbage, honey chipotle) and al pastor (pork, cilantro, onions, and pineapple) tacos.  Wow–each was so different from the other and other tacos I’ve had, making me confident that Covington can support the several taco restaurant options out there.

zapata outdoor sign

A neat note about Zapata is that their seafood is flown in fresh daily–our waiter said they don’t even have a freezer!  The shrimp on my del mar taco was delicious and the taco itself could’ve served as a dessert with the spiced candied pecans.  Definitely an A+!

Frida 602

Frida's patio

Located in Mainstrasse Village, Frida 602 features a tequila & mezcal bar and Latin street food.  Owned by the same people as Otto’s and The Standard, it’s no surprise that Frida is top-notch.

frida 602

In addition to the beautiful art throughout, Frida features some cool hangout spots like picnic tables and  foosball on the sidewalks.

frida 602 queso

And speaking of incredible queso, this one gives Zapata a run for their money as my personal favorite in the city.  Both are amazing–this one adds corn.  I will gladly eat either.  😉

Frida's Taco
frida 602 tacos

The above tacos are delectable, and you can get chicken tacos for $2 on Tuesdays.

Frida 602 server

I personally have not had their margarita (yet), but have heard it’s incredible.

Frida 602 taco window

And a drumroll for one of the best things to come out of Covid…….. The Frida taco window!  Grab them to go or hang out in the village–can’t go wrong with a meal from Frida 602.

 

Taqueria San Miguel

Taqueria San Miguel exterior

An unassuming storefront on Madison Avenue, Taqueria San Miguel offers authentic food at great prices.  

Taqueria San Miguel interior

If you miss Taco Tuesday, be sure to catch Taco Wednesday here–$1.99 tacos and Modelo or Corona for $2.99.

Taqueria San Miguel

The tacos are delicious–and choices include carne asada, chicken, tongue, chorizo, barbacoa, carnitas, or al pastor.  Yum!

taqueria san miguel

They also have a great selection of tortas, huarache, fajitas, quesadillas, burritos, soups, and Mexican plates.

El Valle Verde Taqueria

el valle verde exterior

Located in Mainstrasse Village next door to Piper’sEl Valle Verde is a perfect spot to satisfy your taco cravings. 

el valley verde tacos

From top to bottom, barbacoa, shrimp, chicken, and fish–all incredibly delicious and fresh!

valle verde food tacos

The location is close to my office, so I’ve dined here multiple times and they always serves up fresh food with quick service.

valle verde patio

To me, one of their best assets is their outdoor dining space.  It’s just like eating on the front porch at grandma’s house, plus you get to participate in one of my favorite pastimes–people watching!  Mainstrasse is a great place for people watching and the front-porch patio at El Valle Verde is a great spot for it!

Django at Covington Yard

Strings of white lights hanging over Covington Yard, filled with seated people and a dog.

If you haven’t made your way to Covington Yard yet, what are you waiting for!?  It’s dog-friendly & family-friendly, has plenty of outdoor TVs and a stage for DJs and bands, and also has some excellent people-watching.

covington yard

Comprised of a former fire hall and group of shipping-container restaurants with a nice view of the Roebling Bridge area, Covington Yard is a popular local hotspot.  

frozen slushy drinks at Covington Yard

They also feature a full bar, serving up some delicious slushy drinks in addition to all the regulars.  Slushy drink flavors include froze, bourbon sangria, bourbon slush, or a frozen margarita.

Covington Yard food

The food at The Yard includes Mr. Bulgogi, Yard Bird, Hangry Omar’s, and Django Western Taco number three, which cranks out delicious tacos.  The first Django opened in Northside in 2012 and the second inside Kroger Downtown OTR Food Hall.

Django tacos Covington Yard

Django’s menu includes carnitas, carne asada, fried chicken, shrimp, and Brussel sprout taco options as well as chips, salsa, queso, guacamole, and churros.  And it’s all mouth-watering!

As you can see, Covington has a strong taco scene.  Eat your favorite before or after the Reds or Bengals game, during your next business meeting, for date night, or for a weekend people-watching session with your besties.  You can’t go wrong with this list!

Artsy Architecture in Cincinnati

The Queen City is known for its impressive architecture throughout the city and in its surrounding neighborhoods.  Just about everywhere you turn you can find historic buildings and homes that have elaborate characteristics and artistic features that add to Cincinnati’s unique appeal.  Venture to the East Side of Cincinnati to find two of our favorite locations to admire some of the best funky architecture in the area.  First on the list is the famous “Mushroom House” of Hyde Park and second is the colorful “Painted Ladies” houses in Columbia Tusculum.  They aren’t far from each other and you can make a day trip out of viewing them and vising local businesses and parks nearby!

The Mushroom House of Hyde Park

This whimsical house is something right out of a fairytale and is a must see in Cincinnati!  The quirky house has incredible details from the rocks that lay at its foundation to the decorative stain glass windows that make your imagination run wild!  Creativity comes to life through this one-bedroom home that is artistic expression from the floor to the ceiling!  In the front of the house is a mushroom cap balcony that overlooks Erie Avenue and is hard to miss!  The “Mushroom House” is also known as the, “Treehouse” and was built between 1992 and 2006 by architect Terry Brown.  This house was Browns studio where he taught the tools of architecture to students and also served as his secondary residence.  It has beautiful features like its orange spiral staircase, copper roof, and warped shingles that add to the look of fungi.  The inspiration of this home was to create a space that humans could relate to nature with and connect to the adventure of wonderment.  A nice local place to stop in after to think about the structure is Coffee Emporium right across the street!

Columbia-Tusculum’s Victorian Patented Houses

The “Painted Ladies”, are gorgeous historic homes on both sides of Tusculum Ave. and are a sheer delight to see!  Take your time walking down this stunning street to see the colorful homes that complement each other in the most charming ways.  The brightly painted houses are in Cincinnati’s oldest neighborhood that was founded in 1788 and make you feel like you are going back in time with a contemporary twist!  These Victorian homes are so much fun to look at and the purpose of painting them in vibrant colors was to embellish and enhance their architectural details.  Houses like this are historically found in San Francisco, California where the name “Painted Ladies” originated from a book about Victorian houses.  When walking down the hill of Tusculum Ave. you even start to feel like you’re in San Francisco!  You can find these glorious homes throughout the neighborhood and each have their own one of a kind element to them.  The area includes lots of lovely shops, bars with live music, restaurants with local food, and wonderful green spaces like, Alms Park that overlooks the Ohio River.   Be sure to explore every inch of what Columbia-Tusculum has to offer while checking out the “Painted Ladies”!

Written By: Christen Collins

Early Learning Fun in NKY

Stories, letters, nature & sensory play appeal to young kids 

Northern Kentucky has a wealth of fun learning opportunities for young children. They love to spot letters and identify colors. They can be completely still as they squat down to observe a passing snail or spend hours running, jumping and climbing. 

We’ve pulled together many of the ways that our region integrates teachable moments into our environments and encourages curiosity. 

Story Walks 

Imagine reading the first page of a story with your child while standing under a shady tree in a park. For the second page of the story, you walk together along a path to a sunny flower bed. The third page is located near a playground. As you read the story, you stroll from page to page through the park until the story ends. This experience is called a Story Walk and there are quite a few to be found this summer in Northern Kentucky. Find the entire list here

Ground Games 

Hopping, pointing and laughing are rewarded when kids do the fun activities provided by Read Ready Covington. The organization created large stickers that have been placed in Covington parks, at playgrounds and even inside a laundromat. The stickers are printed with objects and ideas for playful learning. Find them at places like Randolph Park, Devou Park and Leo Foster Ballfield. The stickers don’t last forever, so some of the locations may change as they are removed and replaced. 

Alphabet Hunts 

As part of its goal to increase the number of kids who start kindergarten ready to read, the City of Covington has installed complete alphabets, in the form of pink and yellow signs, throughout five of its neighborhoods. Each sign has a word (apple, volcano, yarn), an image and the encouragement, “You found a word. Now find another!” Some of the signs have Spanish words, as well.  

Families can pick up a free map and passport-style checklist at the city building to start their hunt. When the passport is completed and turned in, the child will receive a free Tshirt. 

Nature Encounters 

Little kids love to learn about the plants and animals they see in their neighborhood. Two of the top nature educators in the area take it several notches up, providing immersive fun for families. 

In Covington, Behringer-Crawford Museum’s NaturePlay is a self-contained, accessible outdoor area that offers kid-sized log cabins and caves, a climbable wooden flatboat, a spot to dig for fossils and gardens planted with native flowers and shrubs. 

AJ Jolly Park’s Environmental Education Center in Alexandria is filled with wonders. Kids can get up close and personal with fish and turtles, watch birds flit around nearby branches and even examine the poop from various animals (an exhibit that always leads to giggles). After they’ve learned everything they wanted to know, they can walk the trails outside. The center is open all year and there is always something to see in the surrounding landscape.  

Public Libraries 

Northern Kentucky residents are fortunate to have such robust early childhood programming and resources available at our local libraries. From story time and science for tots to the “1,000 Books Before Kindergarten” program, families can rely on the friendly librarians to engage their children with fun, educational activities. Check out the programs at Boone CountyCampbell County and Kenton County

If you’ve got young kids and you live in NKY, you’re in a good place! 

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.