DESTINATIONS staycation staycation

Need a vacation but don’t want to travel too far away from “your old Kentucky home?” The Northern Kentucky metro region is full of attractions, shops, restaurants and green space where you can get away from it all without being too removed from the comforts of home.

Discover the places some of the NKY Chamber staff enjoy visiting when a staycation is the perfect way to enjoy a little rest and relaxation.

PICTURED: Adventure Port, opening this summer at Kings Island, is the park’s newest themed area, and will feature two new family rides, enhanced theming for Adventure Express, Enrique’s quick service restaurant and the Mercado.

After the minivan's loaded, we'll pit stop at Servatii in Highland Heights for breakfast sammies to eat on the road to Kings Island, where we'd spend all day thrill-seeking. After several hours of roller coasters, we'd break for lunch in Adventure Port, burritos at Enrique's most likely, and after enough digestion time, we'd check out the new rides like Sol Spin and the enhanced Adventure Express. Once everyone was tuckered out, we'd cap it with Graeter's in the park and they'd all pass out on the ride home.

Dawn Denham Director of Leadership

My perfect NKY staycation would be with family exploring some of the fantastic things that make our region vibrant. It would definitely include some time field side. We love watching the Y'alls, Reds, and FC Cincinnati teams play. For dining, we love walking to Camporosso Wood Fired Pizzeria in Fort Mitchell, sandwiches from Kremer's Market, and Mi Cozumel. Of course, any great day ends with treats from Graeter's.

Angie Wormald Executive Assistant

I recently took a staycation, spending time in my charming hometown, Bellevue. I started my day by attending early morning Mass at Divine Mercy Parish. Afterward, I dropped my vehicle off at Konen’s Pittstop for maintenance. Later, my husband and I headed to Cork N Crust for some of their delicious pizza. To finish our evening, we picked up some bourbon at New Riff and had a couple of drinks at home while we watched the end of the ball game.. A simple staycation, just chillin' in my hometown.

Holly Nibert Director of Women’s Initiative

The quintessential 'girl's day' NKY staycation must start with a latte at Hotel Covington. After feeling energized we would travel to the woman-owned Grainwell Boutique on Pike Street for some personalized and hand-crafted shopping. Lunchtime would take us to Agave & Rye for creative tacos and a fun atmosphere. And lastly, we’d meet up with the rest of our friends for some rooftop views at Braxton Brewing. Go exploring today!

Having small kids to entertain, my NKY staycation day absolutely must start with a stop at Biggby Coffee for my sweet foam mocha caramel cold brew. The friendly atmosphere is always a great start to the day. Then we’d head to the Newport Aquarium. My toddler loves petting stingrays and crossing the Shark Bridge. We love the view of NKY and Cincinnati from Newport on the Levee and enjoy just hanging out in the newly renovated outdoor space. To complete the day, we’d head to Florence to catch a Florence Y’alls game, where the kids could grab a Kona Ice and we could finally sit back and relax!

Kyle Frizzell Director of Events

A perfect evening paired with Northern Kentucky Chamber members would be Deadlow Brewing for dinner, a concert at MegaCorp Pavilion, and a post-show cocktail at Smoke Justis. Our family loves to do activities together. We have littles so we would start the day with breakfast at Washington Square Cafe in Burlington, then head to Erlanger Strike and Spare to get our bowling competition on. We'd be hungry after knocking down the pins, so we'd head to Farmstand Market & Cafe in Union for Chef Trisha to whip us up a tasty lunch. We love baseball so after lunch, we'll take in a Florence Y'alls game. After doing all the activities that the littles love, the adults would end the night with dinner and a brew at Dead Low Brewing. What a great family connection day!”

For my perfect NKY staycation day, I'd include a little pampering. I’d get my nails done at Paint Nail Bar in Florence. I’d schedule a massage and facial at Woodhouse Day Spa in Crestview Hills and then take a nice drive out to Brianza Gardens and Winery in Crittenden for dinner, wine, and music.

Brayden Helton Program Assistant / Member Relations / Certificates of Origin

My perfect NKY staycation day would begin with a walk through Newport, stopping at the Newport Aquarium to honor all the fish we lost during Lent. Afterward, I’d stop up the street in Covington at Smoke Justis for lunch. On my way home I would definitely stop at Dave & Buster’s in Florence where I could show off my Skee-Ball skills before heading home.

Lynn Abeln Vice President, Membership

It would have to include a cruise down the Ohio River on a BB Riverboat. Afterward, we'd head to Hofbräuhaus where I’d order my favorites - Bratwurst, potato pancakes, and of course we’d have a “bier.” We'd tie a bow on the day with a stop at Pensive Distilling Co where we'd hopefully snag a ticket for one of their evening distillery tours.

Gene Kirchner Senior Vice President & COO

I like to keep it simple. I’d start with a trip to the Graeter’s drive-thru in the morning for a large Highlander Grogg and a sour cream dunker. I’d then take my two German Shepherds to the park for some fresh air and exercise. I’d cap off the day with dinner and dessert at Grandview Tavern with my wife, Ginger.

Brent Cooper President & CEO

I would start the day with breakfast at Y'all Cafe in the RiverCenter Towers, and then walk to Newport on the Levee to stroll through the Newport Aquarium. I'd swing by Bru Burger in Fort Mitchell for lunch and make my way to Turfway Park Racing & Gaming in Florence for an afternoon of horse racing.

In the early evening I'd get an Old Fashioned at either Smoke Justis or Rich's Proper Food & Drink – both on the B-Line – followed by a great steak dinner at either Blinkers Tavern or Lisse Steakhuis in MainStrasse Village.

I'd wrap the night at Hotel Covington with a nightcap before bed and dream of horses, bourbon, and bluegrass!

Ashleigh DuBois Director of DEI

I love coffee and supporting local coffee shops, so I’d start my day with my go-to order - a large coffee with vanilla syrupfrom Villa Mocha.Then I’d head to Covington to Inspired Fashion to do a little shopping. For lunch, I’d visit Agave and Rye for their Mac and Cheese Beignets - hold the bacon - and the Brussels sprouts. Of course, you need dessert so I would head to The Pitt Stop Sweets and Treats by Jaia in Cincinnati. It’s the perfect place to get your banana pudding and lemon blueberry cornbread! If you lick your fingers, you owe me a slice!