Northern Kentucky Crossroads -Ludlow and Covington
Northern Kentucky Crossroads -Ludlow and Covington
By Giles Kennedy
Family and Travel Columnist
Columbus Wired
What does railroads, a former circus clown, history and micro breweries have in common?
A lot.
Ludlow and Covington are neighbors along the winding Ohio River, south of Cincinnati.
Just like its bigger sister with a crown, these cities share a lot of history with Cincinnati.
The City of Covington has been long known for its German heritage, brewery past and present, and historical homes.
It hasn't been until recently that Covington’s smaller neighbor down Kentucky State Route 8 got a lot of exposure.
Ludlow has been a long time haven for railfans; being right along the Cincinnati Southern Railroad.
Civic leaders and volunteers worked hard on providing a 365/ 24/7 area with the Train Observation Tower.
It is adjacent to the Ludlow Heritage Museum.
In recent years; antique hunters, foodies and adult beverage geeks have found Ludlow to be a perfect place to visit.
The Cinci Brew Tour makes frequent stops in both Covington and Ludlow.
https://brewingheritagetrail.org/tours
However, Ludlow has a brewery with a circus.
You heard me correctly.
But restoring a former movie theater, having it as a micro brewery, circus performance space, and concert venue….. Ludlow has the edge.
Wood fired pizza, popcorn, beverages for kids and adults feed the curiosity that is Bircus Ludlow.
https://bircus.com/
Along Elm Street/ Route 8, coffee houses, artist galleries, distilleries, and much more lined the main road.
In the coming years, corporate partner Norfolk Southern provided a reasonable lease for the future home of the Ludlow Heritage Museum.
The Ludlow Store House is the last remaining infrastructure of the Cincinnati, New Orleans and Texas Pacific subsidiary of the Southern Railway.
Along with young visionaries from the Boone County Ignite Institute, the Ludlow Heritage Museum, local business leaders and volunteers; they foresee a community space beyond comparison.
https://ludlowstorehouse.godaddysites.com/
https://www.igniteinstitute.org/
This small community is a great compliment to its larger neighbor, Covington.
https://www.meetnky.com/cities/covington/
Covington, along with MainStrasse Village, remain a great place to visit.
Key hotels line Kentucky Route 8.
But no one can beat the Radisson Cincinnati Riverfront on the far west end of the city.
https://www.choicehotels.com/kentucky/covington/radisson-hotels/ky
Within walking distance from MainStrasse Village, the Radisson features 18. It's a revolving restaurant and steakhouse on the top floor of the property.
On the ground floor, The Fifth is a casual dining experience throughout the day. By night, it's a great casual place to gather and have a drink.
Both these cities have a lot to offer
Keep exploring, life's an adventure. Get out there and live it.
For a video view; check out our partner on YouTube; Crossroads OVR's glimpse into Ludlow and Covington
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rE_mzuw68oM
