LINK Streetscapes: Fort Thomas Avenue

BY MARIA HEHMAN | LINK nky CONTRIBUTOR

This Streetscapes series first began in Fort Thomas about six months ago, and since then there is already a new crop of businesses waiting to be explored. In this segment, return to the first site of Streetscapes in Fort Thomas for brews, booze and ice cream.

Fort Thomas Coffee

In its new location on 1 Highland Ave., Fort Thomas Coffee still offers its famous lattes and is now serving alcohol after 9 a.m. If a Monday morning mimosa is beckoning, they have the prosecco ready to pour. Cocktails, wine and beer are all readily available alongside their café offerings.

With this new trend, it was necessary to try one of FTC’s coffee cocktails. Although Espresso Martinis are all the rage right now, I opted for something new, a café gates with Tia Maria, Grand Marnier, coffee brown crème de cacao topped with whipped cream.

It’s subtly sweet and frothy, and possibly most appropriate for a Saturday brunch order than a pick-me-up before work.

Their new space in the Fort Thomas Citadel has eclectic decor. On one end is a child’s playhouse built into the wall and on the other: floral wallpaper and modern décor make for the perfect workspace. With such varying atmospheres all in one space, it’s only fitting that they carry such a vast offering of food and drinks. It’s the perfect space for mixed groups to ensure everyone has something to their liking.

The Post Taphouse and Bottle Shop

The Post should be the first destination for an indecisive group. While they source beers from all over the country they also carry many local favorites, like Rhinegeist.

With such a wide selection, the bartenders are happy to offer samples so guests can make the right choice. I opted for Purple Haze, a fruity pilsner and wheat beer that had a refreshing raspberry aftertaste.

The Post’s reputation for variety pairs well with its family-friendly atmosphere. The Post allows parents the opportunity to relax near the designated kids play area, and they pay homage to the historic space, while adding a modern touch.

Hello Honey

The old Fort Thomas coffee space didn’t remain empty for long as Hello Honey has taken its place.

While frozen treats tend to be less popular during this season, Hello Honey has ice cream that dessert lovers won’t soon forget.

This ice cream shop crafts treats without artificial flavors or colors, focusing on seasonal flavors, and over-the-top toppings.

From banana honeycomb to Thai iced tea, each flavor makes it difficult to purchase just one scoop.

Top it off with a toasted marshmallow and you too will be dreaming about Hello Honey’s thick and decadent ice cream.

Hello Honey’s original location is just across the river in Cincinnati, but the ice cream shop has already made a home in Fort Thomas. They are currently on a winter break, but guests can enjoy a frozen treat and welcome them back on Valentine’s Day.

Have an idea for Streetscapes? Email Maria Hehman at mchehman@gmail.com.

What to know if you go:

Fort Thomas Coffee:

Location: 1 Highland Ave., Suite A in the Citadel

Hours: M-Th 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., FriSat 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., Sun 6:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Website: fortthomascoffee.com

The Post Taphouse and Bottle Shop

Location: 1136 S. Fort Thomas Ave.

Hours: Tu-Th 3 p.m. to 9 p.m., Fri-Sat noon to 10 p.m., Sun noon to 7:30 p.m., closed Monday Website: thepostft.com

Hello Honey: Location: 118 N. Fort Thomas Ave.

Hours: Tu-Fri 3 p.m. to 9 p.m., Sat-Sun 1 to 9 p.m., closed Monday Website: hellohoneyicecream.com

Long returns to Coach Beechwood Volleyball

Matt Long will return to Beechwood for his second stint as head volleyball coach.

Long led the Tigers to one of their two KHSAA state semi-finals appearances in program history in 2002.

He will be Beechwood’s fourth head coach in four years this fall. But the Tigers are coming off a 19-16 season that ended with a loss to Holy Cross in the district semifinals. That marked the first winning season for Beechwood since Katie Johnson led the Tigers to a 25-8 mark in 2017.

Beechwood Principal Justin Kaiser expressed excitement at the idea the Tigers have a lot of talent coming up. Beechwood returns its blocks leader in junior Jessica Pabst along with freshman Piper Steinmetz, and sophomore Maddie Bray.

Long hopes to run some summer camps and get the Tigers into some more tournaments this fall.

Lorenzen, Smith, Cowens highlight 2023 hall of fame class for KHSAA

The KHSAA announced their 2023 Hall of Fame class with a lot of NKY influence.

Among them are five who either played or coached at a Northern Kentucky school: Jared Lorenzen and Derek Smith (Highlands), Dave Cowens (Newport Central Catholic), Dan Goble (Lloyd Memorial), and Randy Reese (Ludlow).

Lorenzen and Smith led Highlands to the 1998 Class 3A football state title, finishing with a 15-0 record. Lorenzen was Kentucky’s Mr. Football that year. Lorenzen is still the University of Kentucky’s all-time passing leader with 10,354 yards. He won a Super Bowl as a member of the New York Giants in 2008. Lorenzen is also a member of the UK Athletics Hall of Fame.

Smith added his second football state championship with Highlands in 1999. That year, Smith was runner-up for both the Kentucky Mr. Football and Mr. Basketball awards. He was an All-SEC tight end at UK and ended up playing one year with the Cincinnati Bengals.

During Cowen’s two seasons at Newport Central Catholic, he helped lead the Thoroughbreds to a 50-11 record, two district titles, and a region crown. He would then head down to Tallahassee where he would become Florida State’s all-time leading rebounder. After being drafted by the Boston Celtics, he would go on to win two NBA championships, a MVP award and be named an eight-time all-star. His jersey is retired at Florida State and with the Boston Celtics. He is also a member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

Goble led Lloyd Memorial to a 12-1 football season, a school record. He also won two state championships as head coach at Christian County.

Reese won the 1975 Class A state championship with Ludlow before going on to win two more with Paris in 1981 and ‘82. His Paris teams put together a 38-game win streak.

EACH WEEK, NORTHERN KENTUCKY SELECTS

These five, along with nine other inductees, will be inducted April 30 at the Central Bank Center Ballroom in Lexington. Tickets to the ceremony will be available starting Feb. 6 at KHSAAtickets.org.

Football alignment affects every team in NKY

After much anticipation, the KHSAA has set the new football realignment. Instead of four years for the realignment that has happened in the past, the new alignment will be for the 2023 and ‘24 seasons.

The Board agreed on the new proposed realignment based off the enrollment data provided by the Kentucky Department of Education of the 2019-20 and 2022-23 school years.

The new alignment affects 25% of KHSAA member football schools in the state that are changing in class, either up or down. That includes five NKY schools, which has also created a lot of new district opponents for nearly every football team in Kenton, Boone, and Campbell County. Dixie Heights moved down to 5A and Scott moved up to 5A to join Boone County, Cooper, Conner and Highlands in the sixth district.

Covington Catholic dropped from 4A to 5A and joins Holmes, Grant County, Harrison County, and Mason County in their district.

Beechwood will remain in 2A but will be facing new district opponents in Bracken County, Caroll County, Gallatin County, Owen County, and Walton-Verona.

Former Beechwood district rival Lloyd Memorial will be jumping up to 3A. Unfortunately for the Juggernauts none of their district opponents are from NKY, pairing with Pendleton County, Bourbon County and Lexington Catholic.

Newport and Holy Cross both drop down to 1A with the Wildcats matched up with Newport Central Catholic, Bellevue, and Dayton, and the Indians facing Bishop Brossart, Ludlow, and Trimble County in their respective districts

Ast named Scott girls soccer coach

Allie Ast comes over from Ryle to Scott High School to be the new head girls soccer coach.

Ast served as an assistant on the staff at Ryle for the previous six seasons including the junior varsity head coach this past season. She has already named one assistant in Leslie Covington. Covington is an art teacher at Scott.

Ast learned some things about adversity this past season at Ryle. The Raiders won just four games during the regular season including an 0-3 record in 33rd District seed play. But Ryle knocked off top-seeded Cooper, 3-2 in overtime in the 33rd District semifinals before taking down Conner, 1-0 on kicks from the mark to win the 33rd District Tournament championship.

Scott graduates five seniors from last season including goalkeeper Gabriella Cox and their leading point-scorer in Allison Clemons. But the two second-leading scorers in junior Kayla Hermann and sophomore Josie Puthoff return.