How do I register to vote and what is the voting process? p11
What you need to know about your car’s registration and taxes p12
How to get your utilities connected p13
Getting around: Public transit, ride services and the airport p13
Get a beer but bring the family! p14
Wind up or down at a coffee shop or wine bar p15
Try something new with a class or workshop p16
Museums, libraries and bookstores p18
Find a stop on the B-Line near you p19
A historic map of Northern Kentucky created by CS Mendenhall. Photo provided | CS Mendenhall via University of Kentucky
PRESIDENT & CEO Lacy Starling
EXECUTIVE EDITOR Meghan Goth
SPORTS EDITOR Evan Dennison
HAVE A TIP? News@LINKnky.com
WANT TO ADVERTISE? Marketing@LINKnky.com
WANT TO SUBSCRIBE?
Send a check for $58.30 ($55 non-auto-renewing rate plus 6% Kentucky sales tax) to LINK nky
31 Innovation Alley, Ground Floor Covington, KY 41011 or scan this QR code below
SUPPORT OUR WORK
Love what we're doing? Want to support public-interest journalism in Northern Kentucky? Make a tax-deductible donation to support our work. Scan the QR code below, or mail a check
Whether you’ve just unpacked your first box or you’ve lived here for decades, this guide is designed to help you feel at home, informed and connected to your community. Every month, we deliver the NKY Guide (free of charge) to new homeowners in Kenton, Campbell and Boone counties because moving isn’t just about a change of address. It’s about becoming part of a community.
Inside these pages, you’ll find the practical information everyone needs but few know where to start looking for. From setting up utilities and registering your car to understanding how local schools work, when and where to vote and how county and city services fit together, the NKY Guide aims to simplify the essentials of everyday life. Clear, local and reliable: This is the stuff
But community is about more than checklists. It’s also about discovering the places and people that make Northern Kentucky what it is. That’s why we also highlight local coffee shops, restaurants, bars, parks and small businesses. We want to give you an inside look at the spots where conversations happen and connections are made. Whether you’re searching for a great cocktail, a quiet cup of coffee or a new favorite neighborhood hangout, we want to help you find it.
At its heart, the NKY Guide is a bridge—between newcomers and longtime residents, between questions and answers and between where you live and the community you’re now a part of. Welcome home.
People on the Ohio River for Paddlefest 2025. Photo by Joe Simon | LINK nky contributor
The edge of the Ohio River looking at the Roebling Suspension Bridge. Photo by Hailey Roden | LINK nky contributor
Inside LINK: Something I wished I had when I moved here
By Meghan Goth
When I was 16, my family moved from Denver to Cincinnati.
It should have been Northern Kentucky, but as a family completely new to the area with little time to figure out logistics, NKY was simply too hard to figure out. So, alas, my dad had to commute from Cincinnati to Alexandria every day for work.
Someone told my mom the schools “were bad in NKY,” but we had no idea what to do with that information. In Denver, there was one school district and I just went to the school closest to me.
In NKY, we couldn’t even figure out how many school districts there were, let alone how to find out if I was eligible to go to a specific school or where we needed to live to make sure I could go there.
Somehow, we ended up with a realtor from NKY, who didn’t know much about Cincinnati, which made things even more complicated.
All of that is to say: If you’ve ever had to figure out NKY (or even a new area within
Scan this QR code for the digital NKY guide.
NKY) as an outsider, good luck.
The people in NKY are so wonderful and welcoming, but I’ve found that most people who have been here a while don’t even realize the difficulties that face those moving to NKY—or even within it.
April Draine, a parenting advocate and podcast host whose kids go to Ryle High School, said she experienced this first hand when she and her kids moved here a few years ago.
Her son, who played sports, didn’t know he needed to procure transportation to after-school activities, because his previous school district bussed kids there. But Ryle doesn’t provide transportation.
Which is why Draine thinks of herself as a bridge of sorts.
“I’ve tried to find ways to stand in the middle of the bridge” between her kids and their school, Draine said. It can be a challenge even for someone as involved as Draine. “I’m trying to be bilingual even though we’re both speaking English.”
And that is what we want to do with the Welcome to NKY Guide. We want to be a bridge between you and all the amazing things happening in NKY (or in your new neighborhood) that you may not know about.
Whether you are new to NKY or new to a city or county in NKY, there’s a lot to know:
• How are decisions made at the local level and how can I get involved?
• How do the schools work and how do I enroll my student?
• How do I pay my taxes?
• How do I get my water and utilities turned on?
• How do I get around, whether by public transportation or other methods?
This guide is intended to help you integrate yourself into your new community. It’s also here for you to reference when you need a place to take the kids for dinner, or if you want to take a class and aren’t sure what’s available, or if you’re looking for a list of distilleries that are part of the B-Line.
Let’s face it: Being the new kid in town is hard. But we are here to help you through it.
How to use this guide
If you’re new to NKY, you might be wondering about the watertower. It is near the Florence Mall and used to say as such, but then some legal wranglings caused the city to need to change the lettering. The water tower even inspired the name of the Florence Yall’s baseball team. File photo | LINK nky
This guide is intended to be a resource for new homeowners, but it should also be something you reference often when you
can’t figure something out or if you need something to do.
For the newbies to the region, start here. I’ll tell you generally how the schools work, how many cities there are and how to navigate between them, how to get your utilities and water turned on and how to begin to get involved in the community.
For the not newbies, use this guide to welcome your friends or neighbors or anyone who you think could use a hand or a friend. It can also help those moving between counties figure out where to register your car—just because you’ve lived in Kenton County the last 10 years, that doesn’t mean you’ll know everything about how to do things in Campbell County.
Or you can flip to Page 3 for a complete table of contents if you already know what you’re looking for.
The print version of this guide will be updated in January each year. Updates to anything found in the Welcome to NKY Guide will be updated throughout the year at linknky.com.
Welcome to Northern Kentucky! We’re glad you’re here.
How do schools work in NKY?
Boone, Kenton and Campbell counties have about 55,000 students enrolled in its 13 public school districts.
Kentucky’s 1838 education law established the state’s first system of free education, according to the Kentucky Historical Society. The legislation established a system that included a state superintendent, state board of education and county board of education.
The Roebling Suspension Bridge looking into Northern Kentucky. Photo by Eric Willoughby | LINK nky contributor
But the law didn’t require local taxation for schools.
That meant wealthy communities could choose to support schools through taxation if they chose to.
The result was a collection of small, locally funded districts that operated mostly independent of each other and the state board.
Fast forward about 100 years to 1934, when Kentucky decided to create two types of school districts: county school districts and independent school districts. Independent districts had to have at least 200 students enrolled—a requirement that is still in place today.
Today, an independent district is defined as “those school districts whose geographic boundaries are defined not by the county lines that define most districts, but by historic boundaries within counties,” according to the Legislative Research Commission report. In short, independent districts are the ones that didn’t merge with the county in 1934.
NKY, according to the Kentucky School Board Association, has 10 independent school districts, which is the largest cluster of independent districts in the state. The state has 51 total independent schools.
So what does all that mean for someone moving into the region?
In short, where you live matters—a lot. Let’s say you live in Bellevue. Your child could go to Bellevue Independent School District, or you could go to Campbell County Schools.
Don’t like either of those options? You can also have your child go to, for example, Fort Thomas or Beechwood Independent schools, though tuition is required if you live outside of those cities.
There’s also transportation to think about: If you live in Bellevue but you decided to send your child to Beechwood, you’ll have to provide transportation because buses won’t go outside the district.
But this can also be a positive, because county districts are required to bus all students who live in the county, so if you’re in Bellevue, your kids could get a bus to Campbell County Schools.
There are also many private schools within the Diocese of Covington to choose from, with 34 schools spread among Kenton, Campbell and Boone counties. Those schools do require tuition and do not provide transportation.
To see a full list of public and private schools, along with contact information, go to Page 8.
Navigating NKY
NKY has 36 cities and municipalities. That means 36 separate governmental bodies, 36 mayors, 36 councils or commissions, 36 tax codes.
What does that mean for you?
Shane Noem, a lobbyist and chair of the Kenton County Republican Party, said one plus to lots of cities in our region is that it makes local government more accessible for people.
“We can influence our schools and cities easily because they are accessible and we can run for those offices because they are easily accessible,” Noem said.
As someone who reported mostly in Cincinnati before I joined LINK nky, councils and commissions always felt very intimidating.
But with so many smaller cities, it becomes easier for a regular person to walk into a meeting and talk to the mayor or give an opinion about a proposed development.
The decisions that are made at the city level are the things that affect your everyday life: From whether your taxes go up to how much you will pay for road repairs or when a stop light will finally be put in at that problematic intersection, showing up to these city meetings is a sure way to make your voice heard and stay up to date on what is happening in your community.
To learn more about how to get civically engaged in your new community, go to Page 6
How do I find my community?
Whether they’re new to the area or new to the county, one of the first things many
people look for is a way to connect to their community.
Scott Banford and Melissa Kelley moved to Covington in 2022 from New York City, where they lived for 25 years, to be closer to Kelley’s sister, who also lives in Covington. The couple rehabbed and moved into a home in Covington’s Eastside neighborhood.
Then, Kelley said, “we wanted to get involved, because that’s just who we are.”
And that’s how the Eastside+ Neighborhood Association came to be, which unites neighbors all over Covington to address issues they may face together. It brings in local leaders to talk about different topics, and it coordinates days to beautify the neighborhood or help make home repairs.
Community looks different for just about everyone, but here at LINK, we see it as our responsibility to help bring people together and find their communities.
To that end, if you want to get involved and are looking for your community, go here.
OK, but what about all this piddly stuff?
Moving is a pain. Even though it feels like the process is finally completed after you’ve signed the papers or moved in, there are a lot of other little things to take care of that can feel impossible to navigate.
How do I register my vehicle? Where do I renew my driver’s license? How do I register to vote? How do I get my tags renewed?
If you’re new to Kentucky, you might not know that cars are taxed differently here … so be prepared for the sticker shock. But beyond that, how does one even pay those taxes?
What if you don’t have public transportation, or are looking for a driving service for a client who is flying into CVG?
We’ve got you covered.
Find answers to all of these things on Page 13
Looking to have some fun?
Coming to a new area can also be loads of fun as you learn about the local restaurants, shops and people that make the community come alive.
My favorite way to explore a new area is to walk around until I find something interesting, but since NKY as a whole isn’t the most walkable, we took the work out of it for you.
If you’ve got kids and want to find something to do with the family, there are restaurants, breweries and dog parks galore.
We’ve got a list of coffee shops and places to find an amazing cocktail, along with museums, libraries and bookstores.
Maybe you’re looking to take a new class or get your kids (or yourself!) involved in sports—or maybe you just want to know where to watch sports.
Moral of the story? Keep this guide
We’re here for you when you’re trying to figure out where to move, once you’ve moved and when you’re settling in. This guide is intended to be your go-to when you can’t figure out where to go or what to do.
While some things may have changed or been updated since this was printed, you can find the most updated version of the NKY Guide at linknky.com/nky-guide.
Our goal is to be a bridge between you and the wonderful community that is NKY.
Welcome, and let’s explore Northern Kentucky together!
Schools in NKY are not easy to figure out. That’s why we’re here. File photo | LINK nky
An Erlanger City Council meeting. File photo | LINK nky
Scott Banford at a neighborhood event in Covington in 2025.
A sample of Kentucky’s REAL ID. Photo provided | Commonwealth of Kentucky
Covington Yard. Photo provided | meetNKY
How do I become civically engaged in my new community?
Getting involved in the Northern Kentucky community is one of the most meaningful ways to put down roots, build relationships and shape the future of the place you call home. Whether you’re new to the region or a lifelong resident, engagement creates connection and ensures that community decisions reflect the voices of the people who live and work here.
NKY offers countless pathways to get involved, from local political parties and issue-focused organizations to citizens’ academies that provide behind-the-scenes insight into how local government, law enforcement and public services operate.
Business councils, chambers of commerce, rotary clubs and leadership programs bring professionals together to collaborate, network and invest in the region’s economic and civic vitality. These organizations help cultivate leaders, support small businesses and foster partnerships that benefit the entire community.
Ultimately, involvement builds trust, encourages collaboration across differences, and helps NKY remain a place where people feel heard, supported and proud to be-
long. When residents participate, communities thrive—and everyone benefits.
Here is a list of some organizations to help you get more involved in civic life in NKY. If you have an organization you would like to add to the list, email news@linknky.com.
Boone County
City: Boone County Democrats Website: linktr.ee/boonekydems
City: NKY League of Women Voters Website: lwv.org/local-leagues/lwv-northern-kentucky Phone: 502-875-6481
City: Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Website: nkychamber.com Phone: 859-578-8800
City: Newport Business Council Website: nkychamber.com/businesscouncils/ Phone: n/a
City: Independence Business Association Website: ibanky.org Phone: n/a
City: NKY Forum Website: nky-forum.org Phone: 859-572-1448
City: Catholic Faith Service Organizations Website: covdio.org/service-agenciesand-organizations/ Phone: n/a
Leadership Northern Kentucky is a way to get to know your fellow Northern Kentuckians; it also offers opportunities like the Women’s Initiative. Photo provided | Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce
The Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce is a great way to get involved with the local business community. Photo provided | Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce on Instagram
The cities that make up Northern Kentucky
There are a lot of cities in Northern Kentucky’s three counties: Boone, Kenton and Campbell. Thirty-six of them, as a matter of fact. And each of those cities has its own form of government, different places kids can go to school and their own ways of deciding things.
As a resident of NKY, that means there’s not always just one place to go if you need an answer to something.
Below is a list of NKY’s incorporated cities, their websites and the phone numbers to their clerks, who can help you with questions when you are new to a city.
You can get more information, like when these cities have their meetings and who to contact for zoning questions, for example, at linknky.com/nky-guide/
Boone County
City: Florence
Website: florence-ky.gov/ Phone: 859-647-8177
City: Union
Website: cityofunionky.org/ Phone: 859-384-1511
City: Walton
Website: cityofwalton.org/ Phone: 859-485-4383
Campbell County
City: Alexandria
Website: alexandriaky.gov/ Phone: 859-635-4125
City: Bellevue
Website: bellevueky.org/ Phone: 859-431-8888 City: California
Website: n/a Phone: 859-609-6315
City: Cold Spring Website: coldspringky.gov/ Phone: 859-441-9604
The view overlooking Northern Kentucky's river cities. Photo by Eric Willoughby | LINK nky contributor
Public school districts in Northern Kentucky
Navigating public school options in Northern Kentucky can feel overwhelming, especially for families who are new to the region or preparing for a move.
Unlike areas with a single, unified district, NKY is made up of a complex mix of countywide systems and numerous independent school districts, each with its own boundaries, grade configurations, programs and performance ratings.
If you’re not from the area or if you are moving to a new city, school names, grade groupings and pathways aren’t always intuitive. Some districts combine middle and high school under one roof, while others separate them.
For parents and guardians, this can turn school selection into a stressful and timeconsuming process, particularly when decisions must be made quickly. Having clear, accessible information about each district and school is essential to helping families make informed choices that best fit their children’s needs.
Understanding NKY’s school landscape takes time, patience and good resources— but with the right guidance, families can find schools where students can thrive academically and personally.
Below is a list of the public school districts in NKY. Rankings are color coded from lowest to highest: red, orange, yellow, green and blue.
Beechwood Independent
School: Beechwood Elementary School
Website: beechwood.kyschools.us/ elementary
Phone number: 859-331-1220
Rating: green
School: Beechwood High School
Website: beechwood.kyschools.us/highschool
Phone number: 859-331-1220
Rating: blue
School: Guardian Angel
Website: dcchcenter.org/
Phone number: 859-331-2040
Rating: n/a
Bellevue
Independent
School: Bellevue High School (Middle)
Website: bellevue.kyschools.us
Phone number: 859-261-2980
Rating: orange
School: Bellevue High School (High)
Website: bellevue.kyschools.us
Phone number: 859-261-2980
Rating: yellow
School: Grandview Elementary School
Website: bellevue.kyschools.us
Phone number: 859-261-4355
Rating: yellow
Boone County
School: A M Yealey Elementary School
Website: yealey.boone.kyschools.us/o/ yealey
Phone number: 859-282-3333
Rating: green
School: Ballyshannon Middle School
Website: bms.boone.k12.ky.us/o/bms
Phone number: 859-905-2620
Rating: green
School: Boone County High School
Website: bchs.boone.kyschools.us/o/bchs
Phone number: 859-282-5655
Rating: yellow
School: Burlington Elementary School
Website: boone.kyschools.us/o/burlington
Phone number: 859-334-4440
Rating: green
School: Camp Ernst Middle School
Website: cems.boone.kyschools.us/
Phone number: 859-534-4000
Rating: green
School: Charles H. Kelly Elementary School
Website: kelly.boone.kyschools.us
Phone number: 859-334-4450
Rating: blue
School: Chester Goodridge Elementary School
Website: goodridge.boone.kyschools.us
Phone number: 859-334-4420
Rating: yellow
School: Conner High School
Website: chs.boone.kyschools.us
Phone number: 859-334-4400
Rating: green
School: Conner Middle School
Website: cms.boone.kyschools.us
Phone number: 859-334-4410
Rating: blue
School: Erpenbeck Elementary School
Website: erpenbeck.boone.kyschools.us
Phone number: 859-384-7200
Rating: blue
School: Florence Elementary School
Website: florence.boone.kyschools.us
Phone number: 859-282-2610
Rating: orange
School: Gray Middle School
Website: gms.boone.kyschools.us
Phone number: 859-384-5333
Rating: green
School: Hillard Collins Elementary School
Website: collins.boone.kyschools.us
Phone number: 859-282-2350
Rating: yellow
School: Ignite Institute
Website: igniteinstitute.org
Phone number: 859-817-3570
Rating: n/a
School: Larry A. Ryle High School
Website: ryle.boone.kyschools.us
Phone number: 859-384-5300
Rating: green
School: Longbranch Elementary School
Website: longbranch.boone.kyschools.us
Phone number: 859-384-4500
Rating: green
School: New Haven Elementary School
Website: newhaven.boone.kyschools.us
Phone number: 859-384-5325
Rating: blue
School: North Pointe Elementary School
Website: northpointe.boone.kyschools.us
Phone number: 859-334-7000
Rating: green
School: Ockerman Elementary School
Website: ockerman.boone.kyschools.us
Phone number: 859-282-4620
Rating: orange
School: Ockerman Middle School Website: oms.boone.kyschools.us
Phone number: 859-282-3240
Rating: yellow
School: Randall K. Cooper High School Website: cooper.boone.kyschools.us/o/ cooper
Phone number: 859-384-5040
Rating: yellow
School: Rector A. Jones Middle School
Website: rajms.boone.kyschools.us
Phone number: 859-282-4610
Rating: orange
School: RISE Academy Website: bcap.boone.kyschools.us
Phone number: 859-283-1003
Rating: n/a
School: Shirley Mann Elementary School Website: mann.boone.kyschools.us
Phone number: 859-384-5000
Rating: blue
School: Steeplechase Elementary School
Website: steeplechase.boone.k12.ky.us
Phone number: 859-485-3500
Rating: yellow
School: Stephens Elementary School
Website: stephens.boone.kyschools.us
Phone number: 859-334-4460
Rating: green
School: Thornwilde Elementary School Website: thornwilde.boone.kyschools.us Phone number: 859-283-1003
Rating: blue
Campbell County
School: Alexandria Educational Center Website: aec.campbell.kyschools.us Phone number: 859-635-9113
Rating: n/a
School: Campbell County High School Website: cchs.campbell.kyschools.us Phone number: 859-635-4161
Rating: green
School: Campbell County Middle School Website: ccms.campbell.kyschools.us Phone number: 859-635-6077
For more information about school ratings and what they mean, scan this QR code.
Students in Beechwood High School’s EDGE program. Photo provided | Beechwood Schools Instagram
Parochial schools in Northern Kentucky
Catholic and parochial schools have long been an important part of Northern Kentucky’s education landscape. With schools serving students from preschool through high school, these institutions expand school choice by giving families alternatives that are not limited by district boundaries or neighborhood lines.
In NKY, a wide range of academic approaches and extracurricular opportunities also allows families to find settings that fit their children’s individual needs and learning styles.
Whether families are seeking continuity, structure, or alternative educational options, parochial schools play a practical role in NKY’s broader education system.
Elementary
School: Immaculate Heart of Mary Level: Elementary Website: www.ihmkyschool.org Phone number: 859-689-4303
School: St. Joseph Academy–Walton Level: Elementary Website: sjawalton.com Phone number: 859-485-6444
School: St. Patrick–Taylor Mill Level: Preschool / Child Care Website: stpat.school Phone number: 859-344-7040
School: Prince of Peace–Covington Level: Preschool / Child Care Website: www.popcov.com Phone number: 859-431-5153
School: Villa Madonna Montessori–Villa Hills Level: Preschool / Child Care Website: www.villamadonna.org Phone number: 859-331-6333
Students walk down the hallway at St. Timothy Catholic School in Union. Photo provided | St. Timothy Instagram
VOTING IN KENTUCKY 101
Scan this QR code to go to LINK nky’s Election Headquarters, where you can find out everything from which candidates are running to where to vote to how to get an absentee ballot.
HOW DO YOU REGISTER TO VOTE?
To register online, visit govote.ky.gov. To register via the mail, print and submit a completed voter registration application to your county clerk’s office. To register in person, visit your county clerk’s office to submit an application.
If you have changed your name or mailing address, you must update your registration. Do so online or by completing a voter registration application and submitting it to your county clerk’s office.
WHAT IDENTIFICATION CAN I BRING TO THE POLLING PLACE? DO I HAVE TO VOTE ACCORDING TO PARTY AFFILIATION?
All voters must produce identification at the polling place. Further information regarding valid forms of ID may be found at elect.ky.gov
In Primary Elections, voters may only vote for candidates of their same political affiliation and non-partisan candidates. You can find out what political party you are registered under at vrsws. sos.ky.gov
WHERE IS MY POLLING PLACE?
You can find your polling place at govote.ky.gov
I WILL BE OUT OF TOWN ON ELECTION DAY. HOW CAN I VOTE?
You can request an absentee ballot by mail and find no-excuse absentee voting dates at govote. ky.gov
A voting sign outside of the Southgate Police Station on Election Day 2024. Photo by Haley Parnell | LINK nky
People voting at the Covington branch of the Kenton County Library during Election Day 2024. Photo by Kenton Hornbeck | LINK nky
Getting your driver’s license, registering your car and paying taxes on your car
If you’re new to the commonwealth, you’ll need to apply for a Kentucky driver’s license within 30 days of moving, even if your current license is still valid, in order to legally drive on Kentucky roads.
You’ll also need to transfer your title registration to Kentucky, get new license plates, pay vehicle usage taxes on your car and undergo an inspection if your car was bought out of state.
If you’re from out of state, it can seem a little onerous, but them's the rules; we didn’t make them.
License issuances are handled through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, or KYTC. Beginning in May 2025, all IDs must conform to federal REAL ID requirements.
This means you’ll need proof of your identity, proof of your social security number and proof of any official name or gender changes in order to get an approved license. There are a handful of ways you can
do this. Consult the chart below to see acceptable documents.
Next, you’ll need to find an approved regional office of the KYTC (which you can do at https://drive.ky.gov/Pages/Find-An-Office.aspx) and go there during open hours. Some offices allow you to make an appointment.
From there, you’ll need to update your insurance so that it’s valid with our new Kentucky address. This may or may or entail getting a fresh policy, depending on your insurance provider, but you have to have valid Kentucky insurance before doing anything else.
If you bought your vehicle outside of Kentucky, your county sheriff will have to inspect it. You usually don’t have to make an appointment for an inspection, but check with your sheriff at the webpages below for details.
Once your inspection is complete, they’ll send a special form to the clerk’s office,
which will allow you to complete the final registration of your car.
Finally, you’ll need to update your title, get new plates and pay taxes. Unlike license issuances, these tasks are completed with your county clerk.
Vehicle usage taxes are collected anytime you’re required to register your car and are charged at a rate of 6%.
Call the phone numbers below to find out more.
• Boone County Clerk - 859-334-2108
• Kenton County Clerk - 859-392-1652
• Campbell County Clerk - 859-2923850
If you're new to Kentucky, paying taxes on your car is gonna be a doozy. Photo provided | Rowen Smith via Unsplash
Getting around: public transit, ride services and the airport
The Transit Authority of Northern Kentucky, or TANK, is the primary provider of public transportation in Northern Kentucky. It leans heavily on bus transit, but it provides a handful of other services, as well, including door-todoor paratransit services and specialized transportation services for qualifying senior citizens.
You can pay for single fares—$2 for a single ride or $4 for a day pass, as of December 2025—or buy prepaid monthly passes. Special discounts are available for students and for certain events. Fares can be purchased when getting on a bus with cash, through the Transit with EZFare app on your smart device or at select locations throughout the region.
Finally, TANK has a so-called microtransit service called TANK Plus that offers curbto-curb rides in designated zones and within certain time frames. You can view normal fare and route information at tank bus.org. Learn more about the TANK Plus program at tankbus.org/microtransit.
There are also private companies that provide professional ride services (at a higher premium than public transit, naturally), including chauffeur services, passenger vans, paratransit services, shuttles to the airport and charter buses. Notable companies include Executive Transportation, Executive Services Group and Express Mobile Transportation (for seniors only). Check out their websites below.
• executivetransportation.org
• esgcincinnati.com
• expressmobiletransport.com
What about the airport? You can’t talk about
YGetting your utilities connected
our utility provider, whether electricity or natural gas, is determined by which provider's service area your residence falls into (this is true whether you own or rent). Service areas are determined by the Kentucky Public Service Commission, a state agency that regulates utility providers in the commonwealth. Any utility provider that wants to set up shop in Kentucky has to go through the Public Service Commission first. Ditto if they want to change their rates.
There are three primary electricity providers in Northern Kentucky: Duke Energy, Owen Electric Cooperative and (to a much smaller degree) Kentucky Utilities Company. Their service areas are carved up and don’t match any county or city boundaries, however, certain providers tend to dominate in certain areas. Duke is more dominant in the region’s northern areas close to the Ohio River. Owen is more dominant in the south, and a small portion of southeast Campbell County falls into Kentucky Utilities Company’s service area.
Consult the maps below to see the service areas for each provider. Visit the providers’ webpages to get signed up for service, view outage maps and get more information.
• duke-energy.com/home (Duke)
Northern Kentucky without talking about the Cincinnati & NKY International Airport, known more commonly by its three letter designation: CVG. CVG is an economic focal point in Boone County, where it’s located, and serves as both a passenger and commercial hub. The airport offers flights throughout the world and serves as a global cargo hub for Amazon Air, DHL and Atlas Air, among others.
TANK has a designated route called the “Airporter” (get it?) that departs from Covington and Cincinnati and travels down through Kenton and Boone counties to the airport and back again. It makes frequent stops but with a fare of only $2, it’s the cheapest way to get there if you don’t have your own car. If you do have a car, you can drive yourself, of course, but expect to pay for parking.
There are shuttle and rail services at the airport to help you get around, and some of the nearby hotels have courtesy shuttles. You can learn more about various travel options to CVG at cvgairport.com/terminalinformation/ground-transportation/.
Scan this QR code for a list of TANK routes and times
Gas, on the other hand, is almost entirely the purview of Duke.
• owenelectric.com/ (Owen)
• lge-ku.com/ (Kentucky Utilities)
A TANK bus. Photo provided | TANK
Figuring out how to do everyday things can feel overwhelming when moving. That's what this guide is for. Photo provided | Sasikan Ulevik via Unsplash
Northern Kentucky offers no shortage of ways for families to spend time together, explore their communities and support local businesses. From casual neighborhood restaurants to lively outdoor gathering spots, the region is full of places that welcome all ages and make it easy to enjoy a meal or outing without leaving anyone out.
Family-friendly restaurants throughout NKY combine approachable menus with relaxed atmospheres, making them ideal for dining with kids while still being appealing to adults. Breweries and taphouses in the region have also evolved into community spaces, often featuring outdoor seating, food options and open layouts that work well for families during daytime and early evening hours.
For families looking to get outside, local dog parks and green spaces offer opportunities to relax, let pets burn off energy and connect with neighbors. These spaces provide simple, low-cost ways to enjoy time together while taking advantage of NKY’s parks and neighborhoods.
Together, these destinations highlight the region’s strong sense of community and accessibility, offering families many ways to connect, unwind and create memories close to home.
Business name: The Post Taphouse Address: 1136 S Ft Thomas Ave, Fort Thomas Website: thepostft.com Phone number: 859-441-0900
Business name: Barleycorn’s Brewhouse Address: 915 N Ft Thomas Ave, Fort Thomas Website: ordertickle.com Phone number: 859-815-8085
Business name: Hofbräuhaus Newport Address: 200 Third St, Newport Website: hofbrauhausnewport.com Phone number: 859-491-7200
Business name: Fabled Brew Works Address: 331 Kenton Lands Rd Suite 300, Erlanger Website: fabledbrewworks.beer Phone number: 859-727-2337
Business name: Braxton Brewing Covington Address: 27 W Seventh St, Covington Website: braxtonbrewing.com Phone number: 859-261-5600
Business name: Braxton Brewing Union Address: 8901 U.S. Route 42, Union Website: braxtonbrewing.com Phone number: 859-261-2530
Business name: Alexandria Brewing Company Address: 7926 Alexandria Pike #1, Alexandria Website: alexandriabrewingcompany.com Phone number: 859-694-6999
Dog Parks
Business name: Boone County Dog Park Address: 199 Mayfield Ave, Fort Thomas Website: n/a Phone number: n/a
Business name: Fort Thomas Dog Park Address: 901 E Sixth St, Newport Website: n/a Phone number: n/a
Business name: Kenney Shield’s Dog Park Address: 5550 Idlewild Rd, Burlington Website: n/a Phone number: n/a
Business name: Newport Dog Park Address: 847 Philadelphia St, Covington Website: n/a Phone number: n/a
If you’re looking for a cold beer but also an atmosphere where your kids aren’t going to annoy everyone, Barleycorns is a great choice. Photo provided | Barleycorn’s on Instagram
Kids AND dogs have a great time at the dog park, and there are plenty around NKY. Provided | Boone County Dog Park
From early morning coffee runs to evening cocktails with friends, Northern Kentucky’s local drink scene offers something for every pace and preference. Across the region, independent coffee shops serve as neighborhood gathering spaces: places to work, meet or simply slow down for a moment.
As the day winds down, the region transitions seamlessly into a vibrant cocktail and wine bar scene. From cozy wine bars and historic spaces to modern lounges and hotel bars, these destinations provide relaxed settings for conversation, date nights or small celebrations. Many highlight local ingredients, craft spirits and thoughtfully curated menus that showcase NKY’s growing food and beverage culture.
Together, coffee shops and cocktail bars play an important role in local life, supporting small businesses while creating spaces where people connect.
This list highlights a range of locally loved places across NKY, making it easy to explore different communities — one cup or cocktail at a time.
Coffee
Business name: Avenue Brew
Address: 310 Fairfield Ave, Bellevue
Website: avenuebrew.com
Phone number: 859-261-4381
Business name: Brass Key Coffee
Address: 8109 Alexandria Pike Suite 9, Alexandria
Website: facebook.com/brasskeycoffee
Phone number: n/a
From coffee to cocktails
Business name: Carabello Coffee Company
Address: 107 E Ninth St, Newport
Website: carabellocoffee.com
Phone number: 859-415-1587
Business name: Collective Espresso
Address: 50 E RiverCenter Blvd, Suite 1100, Covington
Business name: Jerry’s Jug House Address: 414 E Seventh St, Newport Website: jerrysjughouse.com Phone number: 859-360-6527
Business name: Juniper’s Address: 409 W Sixth St St 100, Covington Website: junipersginbar.net Phone number: 859-291-4466
Business name: Knowledge Bar and Social Room Address: 620 Madison Ave, Covington Website: hotelcovington.com/diningknowledge-bar-social-room/ Phone number: 859-905-6713
Business name: Ripple Wine Bar Address: 4 W Pike St, Covington Website: ripplewinebar.com Phone number: 859-261-0004
Business name: Second Story Address: 100 W Sixth St #2, Covington Website: secondstory.bar Phone number: 859-669-2270
Business name: The Aquifer at New Riff Distilling Address: 24 Distillery Way, Newport Website: newriffdistilling.com/the-aquifer Phone number: 859-261-7433
Business name: The Globe Address: 12 E Fifth St, Covington Website: theglobecov.com Phone number: 859-261-1267
Business name: The Grape Vines Wine Bar Address: 485 Lebanon Rd, Crittenden Website: thegrapevineswinebar.com Phone number: 859-446-8416
Business name: The Hannaford at Pike & Madison Address: 619 Madison Ave, Covington Website: thehannaford.com Phone number: (859) 261-2178
Juniper’s in Mainstrasse knows what it’s doing when it comes to cocktails. Photo provided | Juniper’s on Instagram
Coffee shops abound in Northern Kentucky, including Brass Key Coffee in Alexandria. Photo provided | Brass Key Coffee Instagram
Try something new with a class or workshop
Northern Kentucky’s arts and creative spaces play an important role in bringing people together, fostering self-expression and strengthening local culture. From visual arts and music to theater and hands-on workshops, the region offers opportunities for residents of all ages to explore creativity, learn new skills and connect with others in meaningful ways.
Community art centers and studios provide accessible entry points for beginners while also supporting experienced artists through classes, open studios and performances. These spaces often serve as cultural anchors within their neighborhoods. Creative studios focused on pottery, painting and design offer flexible, hands-on experiences that are well suited for almost anyone.
Together, these organizations highlight the value of creativity in everyday life and contribute to NKY’s identity as a region that supports the arts. They provide welcoming spaces to try something new, support local talent and experience the cultural richness that helps communities thrive.
Business name: Board & Brush Creative Studio – Crestview Hills
Address: 2875 Town Center Blvd, Crestview Hills
Website: boardandbrush.com/ crestviewhills
Phone number: 859-331-1590
Business name: Creative Expressions
Address: 1028 Fairway Ct, IndependenceWebsite: creativeexpressionsartstudio. com
Phone number: 859-647-1822
Business name: Tallant Music Studio
Address: 122 N Ft Thomas Ave, Fort Thomas Website: tallantmusicstudio.com
Phone number: 859-620-6065
Business name: Mudlark Pottery Studio
Address: 1739 Roberts Rd, Verona Website: mudlarkpotterystudio.com
Phone number: 859-630-0701
Business name: Village Players of Fort Thomas Address: 8 N Ft Thomas Ave, Fort Thomas Website: villageplayers.org
Phone number: 859-240-7897
Baker-Hunt Art & Cultural Center in Covington offers classes year-round, including painting classes. Photo provided | Baker-Hunt on Instagram
Northern Kentucky makes it easy to stay active, with recreation options that fit every season and stage of life.
Fitness centers, sports clubs and training facilities provide structured spaces for exercise, youth programs and team sports, while community hubs like local YMCAs emphasize accessibility and family-friendly programming. When summer arrives, attention naturally shifts outdoors. Neighborhood pools, swim clubs and splash pads become social gathering points where families cool off, kids stay busy and routines slow down just enough to enjoy the season.
Golf also plays a visible role across NKY, with public courses woven into parks and communities throughout the region. For those short on time—or facing winter weather—driving ranges and indoor simulators keep the game accessible yearround.
Beyond daily recreation, seasonal programs such as summer camps offer kids hands-on learning, physical activity and new experiences during school breaks. Taken together, these spaces reflect how NKY values balance: encouraging healthy habits, creating opportunities to connect and making room for fun alongside everyday life.
Business name: Town & Country Sports and Health Club
Address: 1018 Town Dr, Wilder Website: towncountrysports.com Phone number: 859-442-5800
Business name: Next Level Academy Address: 419 Licking Pike, Wilder Website: nextlevelnky.com Phone number: 859-291-3000
Business name: Tin Cup Golf Address: 3319 Madison Pike, Covington Website: tincupgolfnky.com Phone number: 859-360-5847
Business name: The Stephens Golf Center Address: 5390 Limaburg Rd., Burlington Website: stephensgolfcenter.com Phone number: 859-282-1110
Summer Camps
Business name: Camp Ernst Address: 7615 Camp Ernst Rd, Burlington Website: myycamp.org/ Phone number: 859-586-6181
Business name: Summer Camps at NKU Address: Nunn Drive, Highland Heights Website: nku.edu/calendar/summercamps Phone number: 859-572-5100
Business name: Behringer-Crawford Museum Address: 1600 Montague Rd, Covington Website: bcmuseum.org Phone number: 859-491-4003
Hornbeck | LINK nky
Museums, libraries and bookstores
Northern Kentucky is rich in places that tell stories, spark curiosity and bring people together through culture, history and the arts. From museums and historic sites to performance venues, libraries and independent bookstores, the region offers countless ways to explore both its past and its present.
Museums and educational attractions provide hands-on learning for all ages, highlighting everything from local history and transportation to science, art and faithbased exhibits. Experiential destinations and historic landmarks invite visitors to step outside, look closer and better understand the people and events that shaped NKY. Scenic overlooks, iconic bridges and architectural landmarks add a sense of place that connects communities across the river cities and beyond.
Libraries throughout Boone, Campbell and Kenton counties serve as more than places to check out books. They function as community hubs, offering programs, resources and welcoming spaces for learning and connection. Similarly, music, theater and comedy venues bring energy to the region, supporting local performers while attracting national acts and diverse audiences.
Independent bookstores round out the cultural landscape, offering curated selections and intimate spaces that encourage conversation and discovery. Together, these institutions form the backbone of NKY’s cultural life—places where residents and visitors alike can learn, reflect, and experience the creativity that defines the region.
Museums
Business name: Behringer-Crawford Museum Address: 1600 Montague Rd, Covington Website: bcmuseum.org Phone number: 859-491-4003
Business name: Creation Museum Address: 2800 Bullittsburg Church Rd, Petersburg Website: creationmuseum.org Phone number: (888) 582-4253
Bridge Address: Court Avenue and E 2nd St., Covington Website: N/A
Phone number: N/A
Business name: Purple People Bridge
Address: 1 Levee Way, Newport
Website: purplepeoplebridge.com
Phone number: 859-655-7700
Business name: Northern Kentucky Convention Center
Address: 1 W Rivercenter Blvd, Covington
Website: nkycc.com
Phone number: 859-261-1500
Business name: Carroll Chimes Bell Tower
Address: 605 Philadelphia St, Covington
Website: Phone number: 859-491-0458
Business name: Scenic Overlook at Devou Park
Address: 854 Park Ln, Covington Website: exploredevoupark.org
Phone number: Other info: Part of Devou Park
Business name: Florence Y’all Water Tower
Address: 500 Mall Circle Rd, Florence
Website: Phone number:
Business name: Daniel Carter Beard Boyhood Home Address: 322 E 3rd St, Covington Website: N/A
Phone number: N/A
Business name: Fort Thomas Tower Park
Address: 950 S Fort Thomas Ave, Fort Thomas Website: fortthomasky.org/recreation/ parks/tower-park Phone number: 859-781-1700
Business name: The Carnegie (Covington) Address: 1028 Scott St, Covington, KY
Behringer-Crawford Museum in Covington has regular exhibits, like this one called Irving Berlin’s White Christmas: The Exhibit! Photo provided | Behringer-Crawford Museum on Instagram
Business name: Kenton County Public Library – Independence Address: 1992 Walton-Nicholson Rd, Independence Website: kentonlibrary.org Phone number: 859-962-4000
Business name: Boone County Public Library – Burlington (Main) Address: 1786 Burlington Pike, Burlington Website: bcpl.org Phone number: 859-342-2665
Business name: Boone County Public Library – Florence Address: 7425 US-42, Florence Website: bcpl.org Phone number: 859-342-2665
Business name: Boone County Public Library – Union (Scheben) Address: 8899 U.S. Route 42, Union Website: bcpl.org Phone number: 859-384-5550
Music / Theater / Comedy Venues
Business name: Carnegie Hall at Newport Address: 401 Monmouth St, Newport Website: newportcarnegie.com Phone number: 513-841-9999
Business name: Commonwealth Comedy Club Address: 522 Fifth Ave, Dayton Website: commonwealthcomedyclub.com Phone number: N/A
Business name: Devou Park Band Shell Address: 1215 Bandshell Blvd, Covington Website: exploredevoupark.org/bandshell Phone number: 859-292-2151
Business name: Greaves Concert Hall Address: 1 Louie B Nunn Dr, Highland Heights Website: inside.nku.edu Phone number: 859-431-6216
Business name: Madison Live! Address: 734 Madison Ave, CovingtonWebsite: madisontheater.com Phone number: 859-491-2444
Business name: Madison Theater Address: 730 Madison Ave, Covington Website: madisontheateronline.com Phone number: 859-491-2444
Business name: MegaCorp Pavilion Address: 101 W Fourth St, Newport Website: promowestlive.com/cincinnati/ megacorp-pavilion
Phone number: 859-900-2294
Business name: The Carnegie Address: 1028 Scott St, Covington Website: thecarnegie.com Phone number: 859-491-2030
Business name: The Southgate House Revival Address: 111 E Sixth St, Newport Website: southgatehouse.com Phone number: 859-431-2201
Business name: Tower Park Amphitheater Address: 900 S Ft Thomas Ave, Fort Thomas Website: fortthomasky.org/venues tower-park-amphitheatre/ Phone number: 859-441-1055
Northern Kentucky’s B-Line is a celebration of the region’s deep bourbon heritage and its modern food and drink scene, connecting distilleries, bars and restaurants across river towns and rolling hills. Designed to encourage exploration, the B-Line invites locals and visitors alike to experience how bourbon is made, served and enjoyed—often within just a short drive of one another.
Along the route, historic and emerging distilleries showcase a range of approaches, from family-run operations rooted in generations of tradition to innovative producers pushing Kentucky spirits in new directions. The experience extends beyond the still, weaving through bourbon-focused bars and bottle shops where knowledgeable staff and carefully curated menus highlight the versatility of Kentucky whiskey. Many participating restaurants round out the journey, pairing regional cuisine with thoughtfully selected bourbon and cocktail offerings.
What makes the B-Line unique is its accessibility. Rather than a single destination, it functions as a regional trail, encouraging people to move between communities, discover neighborhoods, and support local businesses along the way. Whether you’re a longtime bourbon enthusiast or simply curious about NKY’s role in Kentucky’s signature industry, the B-Line offers an approachable way to experience the craft, culture and hospitality that define the region—one stop at a time.
Distilleries
Business name: Augusta Distillery
Address: 207 Seminary Ave, Augusta Website: augustakydistillery.com
Phone number: 888-592-6872
Business name: Becker & Bird Distillery and Winery Address: 4465 Augusta Chatham Rd, Augusta
Website: bakerbirdwinerydistillery.com
Phone number: 606-756-3739
Business name: Boone County Distilling Company
Address: 10601 Toebben Dr, Independence
Website: boonedistilling.com
Phone number: 859-282-6545
Business name: Neeley Family Distillery Address: 4360 State Route 1130, Sparta Website: neeleyfamilydistillery.com
Phone number: 859-609-3641
Business name: New Riff Distilling Address: 24 Distillery Way, Newport Website: newriffdistilling.com
