The mighty Ohio, with riverboats, historic sites and beautiful shorelines, awaits as the weather warms and the sun shines.
You
don't have to go far to climb aboard a riverboat. Operating from
Newport's Riverboat Row, BB Riverboats offers a selection of cruises
and options.
Dinner cruises are popular and
provide an unforgettable tour of the Cincinnati skyline as the sun
sets, "plus you get a meal and entertainment," says Ben Bernstein, vice
president of sales and marketing with BB. "If you have folks in from
out of town, it's the perfect way to show them downtown and the
historic sites, all in one little cruise."
BB
Riverboats has been locally owned and operated since it began in 1979.
"We're Cincinnati through and through," says Bernstein, a member of the
third generation of local owners.
Heading west
to Dearborn County, Ind., you'll find a variety of outdoor options,
including a "multi-use hiking and biking trail that is very popular
with families," says Jennifer Clayton of the Dearborn Visitor Center.
Heading east, there's more. Underground Railroad sites, museums and riverboats.
BB RIVERBOATS
101 Riverboat Row
Newport, KY 41071
(859) 261-8500
Sightseeing
tours, dining cruises, holiday trips and charter cruises are available
onboard the majestic Belle of Cincinnati or the romantic River Queen,
which ply the river from their home docks in Newport. It's on the list
of "musts" for visitors to the Tristate, offering unforgettable views
of both Ohio and Kentucky with the charm of the riverboat era. One of
the most popular ways to enjoy a trip on the riverboats is a dinner
cruise that lasts between 2 and 2½ hours. Kids cruises and birthday
parties are available.
CAMPUS MARTIUS MUSEUM
601 Second St.
Marietta, OH 45750
(740) 373-3750
This
museum, located in the oldest U.S. settlement north and west of the
Ohio River, commemorates the history of what was once considered the
American West. Campus Martius houses exhibits concerning Native
American peoples, the early pioneers and later migration to the area.
The Ohio River Museum in Marietta explores the golden age of the
steamboat and the ecology of the Ohio River system. A working
sternwheeler, Valley Gem, is available for cruises on the Ohio River.
The town also offers antiques and art shopping.
CLERMONT COUNTY OHIO FREEDOM TRAIL
Clermont County Ohio Convention and Visitors Bureau
410 E. Main St.
Batavia, OH 45103
(800) 796-4282 or (513) 732-3600
The
Clermont Freedom Trail consists of 33 Underground Railroad and
Abolitionist sites, including homes and churches that sheltered runaway
slaves, as well as the gravesites of several notable abolitionists. A
driving tour will take visitors throughout Clermont County, and a
brochure with directions and suggested itineraries can be obtained from
the visitors bureau.
DEARBORN COUNTY, INDIANA
Dearborn County Visitor Center
320 Walnut St.
Lawrenceburg, IN 47025
(800) 322-8198
In
Dearborn, you can hike, bike, boat or just see the sights of small
towns. There is a variety of marinas and yacht clubs. Rent a canoe and
spend the day peacefully exploring the Ohio River. Dearborn Trails is a
multi-use hiking and biking trail open year round, and connects the
cities of Greendale, Lawrenceburg, and Aurora, Ind. A paved pathway
follows the Ohio River in many places. Other sites include the
Lawrenceburg Speedway and the Veraestau House Museum. Only a few miles
east, the Oxbow floodplains nature preserve protects the precious
wetland habitat where the Ohio meets the Mississippi. Hundreds of
species of bird and fish call this area home. You can go exploring
yourself, but they also offer regular guided tours, which may be more
enjoyable for first-time visitors.
GRANT BOYHOOD HOME
219 East Grant Ave.
Georgetown, OH 45121
(937) 378-3087
This
restored and furnished home of the 18th U.S. president was declared a
national historic landmark in 1982. Ulysses Grant lived in the house
his parents built from 1823, when he was only an infant, to 1839, when
he left for West Point. Tourists can also visit the nearby Grant
Schoolhouse where the future president spent much of his time.
KENTUCKY GATEWAY MUSEUM
215 Sutton St.
Maysville, KY 41056
(606) 564-5865
The
museum features three main collections, including the Genealogical and
Historical Research Library, the Regional History Museum and the
Kathleen Savage Browning Miniatures Collection. All preserve the
history and stories of notable people who hailed from and influenced
Kentucky. It also hosts a noted art collection, which includes
primitive oils from Mary Bruce Sharon, called Grandma Moses by some
Kentuckians.
RABBIT HASH GENERAL STORE
10021 Lower River Rd.
Rabbit Hash, KY 41005
(859) 586-7744
Since
1831, an authentic general store has been the highlight of this
historic river town, with a working blacksmith shop, pottery and
handcrafted goods.
RISING SUN, INDIANA
(888) 776-4786
Start the day with an exhilarating ride at Dagaz Acres Zipline Adventures.
Let
go of your stress and commune with nature as you fly by on the zipline.
Next, hike down the Ohio River Scenic Byway, which wanders through
cypress swamps, beautiful outlook points, archeological sites,
mansions, vineyards and historical buildings.
And if you have time, swing by the Red Wolf Sanctuary, a nature preserve founded to protect these endangered animals.
Make time to follow the Indiana Wine Trail, which includes six regional
artisan wineries, a trip sure to be both educational and delicious.
Rising Sun offers music, the arts and golf along with Grand Victoria
Casino and Resort, which was voted Best in Market by Southern Gaming
Destinations Magazine in categories including Employees, Players Club
and Restaurants.
SHAWNEE STATE PARK
4404 State Route 125
Portsmouth, OH 45663
(740) 858-6652
The
Appalachian foothills make up Shawnee State Park, home to campgrounds
and more amenity-rich lodges. Hikers will find fantastic views of the
river. Also available are fishing, hunting, bike trails and boating.
PORTSMOUTH, OHIO
728 Second Street
Portsmouth, OH 45662
(740) 354-8807
Portsmouth
is a small town that is perfect for a vacation on the river. Stroll by
the magnificent floodwall murals and marvel at some of the longest
single-wall paintings in the state. With the river only a few feet
away, you can learn about the
history of Portsmouth while enjoying
the outdoors. Other attractions in this area include the Portsmouth
Brewery, the Clark Planetarium, a variety of historic sites and museums
and the Shawnee Golf Resort. Indoors and out, Portsmouth is a vacation
spot where everyone can have a good time.
RANKIN HOUSE
6152 Rankin Road
Ripley, OH 45167
(937) 392-1627
This
19th-century home of the Rev. John Rankin and his family overlooks the
Ohio River and once served as a major stop on the Underground Railroad.
A fierce abolitionist, he harbored hundreds of slaves. On a clear day,
visitors enjoy spectacular river views. The home also contains several
Rankin family artifacts.