Frequently Asked Questions: Things to Do Near First Farm Inn in the Cincinnati Tri-State Area
General Questions About the Cincinnati Tri-State Metro Area
What is the Cincinnati tri-state area?
The Cincinnati tri-state metro area refers to the greater Cincinnati region along the Ohio River where three states meet: southwestern Ohio, Northern Kentucky, and Southeastern Indiana. Diverse attractions vary, from downtown Cincinnati’s urban experiences to Northern Kentucky’s farms and bourbon distilleries and Southern Indiana’s quaint river towns, wineries and outdoor adventures.
First Farm Inn Bed and Breakfast www.firstfarminn.com is located off I-275, Cincinnati’s beltline, just 20 minutes from downtown Cincinnati and within less than a mile of Indiana and Ohio, giving guests easy access to all three states, to big-city lights and small-town charms.
What are the best things to do in the Cincinnati tri-state area?
Along the banks of the Ohio River, the Queen City (aka historically as Porkopolis) offers a unique blend of Midwestern hospitality and Southern charm. Stroll through historic German neighborhoods with stunning architecture, attend riverfront festivals, wander through tiny towns downriver.
Top attractions include the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden (the sexiest zoo in the nation, breeding exotic animals like Fiona the hippo and her brother), the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center (that includes a log cabin slave pen), Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal (featuring bones from mammoths and mastodons discovered at Big Bone Lick Historic Site just 30 miles south), Newport Aquarium (one of the best aquariums in the nation), and the American Sign Museum where artists repair and recreate neon signs.
Outdoor enthusiasts may ride horses at First Farm Inn www.firstfarminn.com/horses/, hike at Big Bone Lick State Park, Middle Creek Park https://boonecountyky.org › departments › parks › middle_creek_park.php and more, kayak on the Whitewater River https://www.greenacreskayak.com/ or pick up a bike share in Lawrenceburg or Aurora, Indiana and ride a paved trail along the Ohio River.
Wolf Creek Habitat & Rescue near Brookville, Ind., offers the unusual opportunity to meet rescued wolves. www.wolfcreekhabitat.org
Along the river in Covington, Ky., learn the region’s history told in murals along the floodwall. https://www.meetnky.com/blog/post/website-features-self-guided-street-art-tours-in-nky/ Murals include a depiction of Margaret Garner fleeing Kentucky for freedom across the Ohio, the inspiration for Toni Morrison’s Pulitzer-Prize-winning novel, “Beloved.” Not far from the murals is Riverside Drive, Covington, lined with mansions of wealthy former slave owners.
Food lovers can explore downtown Cincinnati’s Over-the-Rhine dining scene, try Graeter’s ice cream (one of Oprah’s favorite things) or Cincinnati chili, wander through Covington Kentucky’s Main Strasse restaurants, taverns, breweries and shops https://www.mainstrassevillage.com/, visit tiny Lawrenceburg, Indiana’s downtown shops and restaurants https://thinklawrenceburg.com/, stop in Burlington Kentucky to enjoy Tousey House Tavern http://touseyhouse.com/ or Zozo’s, an Asian-Mexican fusion restaurant https://zozostavern.com/, and tour distilleries along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.
Jungle Jim’s International Market on Cinci’s northwest side, is a tour around the world inside one massive building. Pedal cars, rickshaws, an Amish buggy, amusement park rides, and more hang from the ceiling, sit atop refrigerated cases and stand in the aisles. Find any international food, wine, beer or cigar. A 1950s firetruck is suspended above the hot sauces, a glass-bottom boat over fresh fish, a Sherwood Forest motion-activated singing diorama over the British section and more
How far is First Farm Inn from Cincinnati attractions?
First Farm Inn is just 20 minutes from downtown Cincinnati and within 15-40 minutes of major tri-state attractions. The Creation Museum is 2 miles away, Newport Aquarium is about 20 minutes, and Cincinnati Zoo is approximately 35 minutes. This out-of-the-high-traffic location makes it easy to explore museums, restaurants, parks, and entertainment without spending hours in a car.
If you’d like to stay out of the city, Lawrenceburg, Indiana is 6 miles west, just across the Ohio River, has a beautifully renovated downtown riverfront hosting events regularly as well as family-owned restaurants and shops. Six miles southeast, over and around hills is Burlington, Kentucky, a tiny county-seat with several excellent restaurants in historic buildings.
Is the tri-state area family-friendly?
Absolutely! The tri-state area is exceptionally family-friendly with numerous attractions designed for all ages. Families enjoy the Cincinnati Museum Center’s Children’s Museum, Newport Aquarium, Cincinnati Zoo, and more.
Free family activities include Smale Riverfront Park with its giant foot piano, flying pig sculpture, and giant paddlewheel replica; Washington Park’s splash pad and playground, Lawrenceburg Indiana’s splash pad and Thursday music festivals, Burlington Kentucky’s parks and playgrounds, the Cincinnati Art Museum, Big Bone Lick State Park museum, playground, bison herd and hiking.
Eden Park https://www.cincinnati-oh.gov/cincyparks/visit-a-park/find-a-parkfacility/ has a great playground, pond and the best Cincinnati overlook just past Krohn Conservatory. Krohn offers a changing exhibits wing, a dessert wing, an orchid room, and a rainforest with waterfall. https://www.cincinnati-oh.gov/cincyparks/visit-a-park/find-a-parkfacility/krohn-conservatory/
I want to stay out of the city, what is there to do?
For a low-key, self-directed exploration, visit the center of the universe, Rabbit Hash General Store, up and down winding hills along the Ohio. Dodge dogs sleeping in the street. Drink a sarsaparilla or sample local wines. Check out arts, crafts and collectables in the shops. Try Kentucky Cream Candy. Listen to music behind the stove in winter or outside in the summer. Visit the log cabin historical center to learn about this quaint 7-building village and historic floods, then hike down the stone steps to skip stones in the river. The 1830s era store burned 2-13-16, but was rebuilt to maintain its National Historic Preservation Site recognition with historic materials donated by neighbors, on top of what was discovered to be a flatboat from Pennsylvania. https://www.rabbithash.com/.
To continue exploring small towns, take the car ferry across the river to Rising Sun, Indiana. https://www.enjoyrisingsun.com Stop in Amber’s Antiques & Hygge Hus, check out the goods and have ice cream. Then drive north, seeing Kentucky across the Ohio for most of your drive.
Wander along the riverfront park watching the barges and through Aurora’s downtown. Tour Hillforest Victorian House Museum. Visit the Southeastern Indiana Art Guild and nearby shops. Head north, stopping at Zorba’s for authentic Greek food www.zorbasgreekgyro.com .
Continue north to Lawrenceburg, visit downtown shops. Eat at Proof 124 (the old firehouse with the bell used to call volunteers to hitch up the horses still on the roof) https://www.proof124.com/, Acapulcos https://downtownlawrenceburg.com/listing/acapulco-mexican-restaurant/, or Strong’s Pizza https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g37259-d11878785-Reviews-Strongs_Brick_Oven_Pizzeria-Lawrenceburg_Indiana.
If you’d rather not travel winding hilly roads, head to Covington, check out the Railway Exposition Museum to see Pullman sleepers, engine cars, freight trains, box cars, flat cars, cabooses, troop carriers and more parked outside in a rugged railroad yard. https://www.visitcincy.com/listing/railway-museum-of-greater-cincinnati/5481/
Tour Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption on Covington’s 12th street. A replica of the famous rose window at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, it has a gift shop and museum. https://covcathedral.com
Closer to the river, check out Mainstrasse Village, its Goose Girl Fountain and see the old German neighborhood, shops and restaurants. https://www.mainstrassevillage.com/,
The Vent Haven Museum is the world’s only ventriloquism museum https://www.venthaven.org/
In Newport, see the World Peace Bell and Newport Aquarium. Wander though the riverfront parks and hike over the Purple People Bridge.
What are the best museums in the tri-state area?
The area boasts world-class museums for diverse interests. The old railway station with a whispering arch is now the Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal with the History Museum featuring bones from mammoths and mastodons discovered at Big Bone Lick State Park just 30 miles south, the Holocaust and Humanity Museum https://www.holocaustandhumanity.org , Cincinnati Children’s Museum and an Omnimax theater.
Newport Aquarium is one of the best aquariums in the nation. The American Sign Museum boast an entertaining collection as well as artists who repair and recreate neon signs. The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center includes a log cabin slave pen and quilts that helped direct people safely to freedom. The author of Uncle Tom’s Cabin, Harriet Beecher Stowe lived in Cincinnati and her home has been restored. https://stowehousecincy.org/index.html
Art lovers enjoy the Cincinnati Art Museum featuring Old Masters rooms, ancient Egyptian artifacts, changing exhibits, Cincinnati furniture and artists, and more.
Vent Haven Museum is the world’s only ventriloquism museum, https://www.venthaven.org/
The Contemporary Arts Museum https://www.contemporaryartscenter.org/ is downtown. Known as one of the finest small art museums in America, the Taft Museum of Art is a National Historic Landmark was built in the early 1800s.
Behringer-Crawford Museum features 450 million years of Northern Kentucky history and culture as viewed through the lens of transportation–rivers, roads, rails, and runways.
The Reds Hall of Fame and Museum is at Great American Ball Park on the riverfront.
The Fire Museum tells the story of Cincinnati as the birthplace of professional firefighting https://www.cincyfiremuseum.com/ The Greater Cincinnati Police also have a historical museum https://police-museum.org/
Where can I experience bourbon and craft beer in the area?
Northern Kentucky is an Official Gateway to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail with distilleries including New Riff Distilling, Boone County Distilling, and others along The B-Line, Northern Kentucky’s bourbon experience. https://thebline.com
The tri-state area has more than 80 craft breweries including Rhinegeist Brewery (with its famous rooftop), Braxton Brewing Company, MadTree Brewing, and Fifty West Brewing. The Brewing Heritage Trail of Cincinnati takes you through historic brewing sites. https://brewingheritagetrail.org Cincinnati hosts Cincy BeerFest with samples from 150+ craft breweries, and numerous beer bars and bourbon bars showcase the region’s spirited heritage.
What outdoor parks and nature areas should I visit?
The tri-state area offers 20,000+ acres of parks and green spaces. Must-visit spots include Big Bone Lick State Park (the birthplace of American paleontology with bison herds and mammoth exhibits), Eden Park with overlooks and Krohn Conservatory.
Smale Riverfront Park and Sawyer Point along the Ohio downtown are mirrored by parks on the Kentucky side. Summer and fall mean weekend festivals on both sides of the river. Ride bikes on the paved trail along the southwestern section of the Ohio River floodwall between Lawrenceburg and Aurora, Indiana.
Spring Grove Cemetery and Arboretum is a National Historic Landmark and with 733 acres is the third largest cemetery in the nation. Distinctive sculptures, grave markers, beautiful plantings, unusual trees and fascinating history. Guided tours available.
What are the best kid-friendly attractions?
Children love the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden (meet Fiona the hippo and her younger brother!), Newport Aquarium (touch sharks and stingrays), Northern Kentucky’s Behringer-Crawford Museum and Cincinnati Museum Center’s Children’s Museum.
Free options include Smale Riverfront Park’s interactive features, Washington Park’s splash pad and playground, Big Bone Lick State Park, Lawrenceburg’s splash pad and parks.
The Creation Museum (5 minutes from First Farm Inn) features a petting zoo, gardens, and biblical exhibits. Horseback riding at First Farm Inn provides solid instruction for those 12 and over in how to communicate with and balance on a horse.
Some Cincy museums offer free days or free visits for kids under particular ages https://www.visitcincy.com/plan-your-visit/trip-ideas-culture-guides/free-museums-cincinnati-northern-kentucky/
What foods is Cincinnati known for?
Cincinnati has a unique culinary identity. Cincinnati-style chili, a Greek-influenced meat sauce served over spaghetti (called a 3-way) or with cheese, onions, and beans (5-way), is the city’s signature dish available at Gold Star, Dixie Chili or Skyline Chili and where it claims to have originated: Camp Washington Chili.
Goetta, a German breakfast sausage made with pork, beef, and steel-cut oats, is a local breakfast staple. Graeter’s Ice Cream, especially Black Raspberry Chip, is a Cincinnati institution. Montgomery Inn’s barbecue ribs and sauce are regional favorites. The area also boasts six restaurants on OpenTable’s Top 100 Restaurants in America list.
Where are the best neighborhoods to eat and drink?
Over-the-Rhine (OTR) https://citytowner.com › cincinnati-oh-over-the-rhine is Cincinnati’s premier dining and entertainment district with award-winning restaurants, craft breweries, cocktail bars, and diverse cuisine from fine dining to casual eateries. Go early to find parking.
Findlay Market, https://www.findlaymarket.org Ohio’s oldest continuously operated public market, offers fresh food, international flavors, and local vendors. The Banks district https://thebankscincy.com near the stadiums features bars and restaurants with Ohio River views. Kentucky side restaurants offer views of Ohio with more parking options and lower prices.
Mainstrasse Village in Covington, Kentucky, offers German-inspired restaurants with historic charm as well as trendy new rooftop bars, breweries, coffee shops and more. Newport on the Levee has waterfront dining and shops. Newport Pizza, eight blocks south of the river, offers a huge selection of beers and great pizza varieties. https://www.newportpizzacompany.com Burlington, Kentucky (6 miles from First Farm Inn) features unique spots like Tousey House Tavern, Washington Square, and Zozo’s Tavern.
For no traffic options and always free parking, go to Lawrenceburg, Indiana, although 6-8 p.m. on weekend nights may require a wait. Acapulco’s offers excellent Mexican food at bargain prices, Whiskey’s serves steaks and BBQ with specialty peanut slaw. Proof 124 is a renovated firehouse with indoor and outdoor seating and a diverse menu. Riverwatch is a floating barge on the Ohio River operating seasonally, usually April-September. Grand Buffet offers extensive Chinese cuisine. Sakura Japanese Steakhouse provides hibachi dining. Zorbas has authentic Greek food in a strip center. https://zorbasindiana.com/
In Burlington, Kentucky (6 miles away), Tousey House Tavern features trendy new cuisine with a traditional southern flare in a historic 1822 home, while a block away Zozo’s Tavern serves creative Asian fusion. Washington Square offers sandwiches, salads and beer in a covered outdoor patio.
Are there good restaurants near First Farm Inn?
Yes! Within 15 minutes, you’ll find diverse dining in Lawrenceburg and Aurora, Indiana. Acapulco’s offers excellent Mexican food at bargain prices, Whiskey’s serves steaks and BBQ with specialty peanut slaw. Proof 124 is a renovated firehouse with indoor and outdoor seating. Riverwatch is a floating barge restaurant on the Ohio River (seasonal, April-September). Grand Buffet offers extensive Chinese cuisine, and Sakura Japanese Steakhouse provides hibachi dining. Zorbas has authentic Greek food in a strip center. https://zorbasindiana.com/
What professional sports teams play in the area?
The Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park are Major League Baseball’s oldest team, making Opening Day a massive regional celebration. The Cincinnati Bengals play NFL football at Paycor Stadium. FC Cincinnati is the region’s Major League Soccer team playing at TQL Stadium. Minor league teams include the Cincinnati Cyclones (hockey) and Florence Y’alls (baseball in Northern Kentucky). The area also supports Northern Kentucky University Norse and University of Cincinnati Bearcats NCAA Division I teams.
What festivals and annual events happen in the tri-state area?
The region hosts year-round festivals. Spring brings Bockfest (March), Opening Day Parade (March/April), Taste of Cincinnati (May), and Flying Pig Marathon (May). Summer features Cincinnati Music Festival (July), Goettafest (July/August), Bunbury Music Festival, and Music on the River in Lawrenceburg (free Thursday concerts June-September).
Fall highlights include Oktoberfest Zinzinnati (September), BLINK lights festival that crosses into Covington and Newport (October) and numerous harvest festivals. Winter features the Cincinnati Zoo’s Festival of Lights (December-January, ranked #1 nationally), and various holiday markets.
Where can I see live music and performances?
The region offers diverse venues. Music Hall hosts the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Cincinnati Opera, and Cincinnati Ballet. The Aronoff Center for the Arts presents Broadway shows and concerts. Riverbend Music Center is an outdoor amphitheater for major concerts.
Smaller venues include Bogart’s, Andrew J. Brady Music Center, and The Southgate House Revival in Newport.
The Playhouse in the Park is committed to bringing diverse, engaging works of great artistry to Cinci thttps://cincyplay.com. Ensemble Theater downtown specializes in bold contemporary theater. https://ensemblecincinnati.org
Cincinnati Shakespeare Company offers free Shakespeare in the Park during summer and performances in their new building near Music Hall the rest of the year. Cincinnati Music Theater attracts top amateur talent for downtown performances. https://cincinnatimusictheatre.org/,
Warsaw Federal Incline Theater is on the west side of downtown. https://www.cincinnatilandmarkproductions.com/Incline/Default.aspx Covedale Center for the Performing Arts is in the Western suburb of Covedale. https://www.cincinnatilandmarkproductions.com/ccpa/Default.aspx Cincinnati Young People’s Theater offers a summer show performed by students https://www.cincinnatilandmarkproductions.com/ccpa/Default.aspx
The Carnegie in Covington is Northern Kentucky’s largest arts venue with theater and galleries. Many Northern Kentucky community theaters showcase top drawer talent: Newport’s Stained Glass Theater https://www.footlighters.org/, Falcon Theater https://falcontheater.net/
Numerous breweries and bars host live music including Braxton Brewing’s rooftop, various OTR venues, Covington’s downtown, Mainstrasse and Newport.
How many days should I spend in the Cincinnati tri-state area?
A minimum of 2-3 days allows you to experience a few highlights including downtown Cincinnati attractions, a museum or two, Cincinnati Zoo or Newport Aquarium, do a horseback ride at First Farm Inn, and dining. A 4-5 day visit lets you explore Northern Kentucky’s bourbon trail, learn local history, expand your horseback riding skills and enjoy the region’s diverse dining scene. Week-long stays enable more relaxation, deeper exploration including seasonal festivals, and discovering neighborhood gems.
Is public transportation available?
Downtown Cincinnati offers the Bell Connector streetcar, a free 3.6-mile loop connecting Over-the-Rhine, downtown, and riverfront The Banks. The TANK Southbank shuttle ($1 per ride) connects Northern Kentucky cities of Bellevue, Newport, and Covington with Cincinnati, running every 15 minutes.
Outside of the city core, auto travel is necessary. Parking is generally plentiful and affordable outside the city. Auto services are available, but may become cost and time prohibitive.
What makes First Farm Inn, Petersburg, Kentucky a good base for exploring?
First Farm Inn is 6 to 8 wandering, curvy, hilly miles from the mailing address of Petersburg, Ky. The farm is actually just off I-275, Cincinnati’s outer beltline, right one mile, right one mile and right into the driveway — just 20 minutes from downtown Cincinnati and with easy access to I-275 and I-71/75. The rural location is on the low traffic quadrant of the interstate, 5 minutes from the Creation Museum, 15 minutes from Lawrenceburg or Burlington restaurants and Perfect North Slopes, 30 minutes from Newport Aquarium, and 40 minutes from the Ark Encounter in Crittenden, KY .
The rural setting provides peaceful accommodations away from city crowds while remaining convenient to major attractions. Plus, you can enjoy unique experiences like horseback riding at First Farm Inn.
Are there free activities in the area?
Yes! Many excellent free activities include the Cincinnati Art Museum, Contemporary Arts Center, 21c Museum Hotel’s art gallery, Smale Riverfront Park, Washington Park, Fountain Square events, Findlay Market browsing, walking across the historic Roebling Suspension Bridge, self-guided mural tours, Spring Grove Cemetery and Arboretum walks, Big Bone Lick State Historic Site museum and park, Riverside Drive statue tour in Northern Kentucky, and numerous parks. Free outdoor concerts include Music on the River in Lawrenceburg (summer Thursdays) and Shakespeare in the Park.
What's unique about staying at a bed and breakfast like First Farm Inn?
First Farm Inn offers distinctive experiences unavailable at hotels: a historic 1870s farmhouse with modern amenities, personalized hospitality from knowledgeable local hosts, homemade gourmet breakfasts featuring fresh ingredients, historical background if you’re interested, original art throughout the property and unique activities like horseback riding through pastures and woods.
The rural setting with friendly animals, gardens, and outdoor spaces provides a relaxing retreat just 20 minutes from Cincinnati’s urban attractions. You’ll enjoy authentic Kentucky hospitality, recommendations from locals who know the area intimately, and a truly memorable lodging experience that becomes part of your vacation, not just a place to sleep.
What makes horseback riding at First Farm Inn special?
First Farm Inn’s horseback riding experience goes far beyond typical trail rides where tired, poorly-treated horses stand saddled in rows waiting for people to drag themselves up on their backs, start kicking and jerking, then walk nose-to-tail.
First Farm Inn horses are valued family members, each with personalities and histories you’ll learn about and observe as you interact. They are healthy, well cared for and not sore, tired or drugged. Like nearly all horses, most have recovered from abuse of various degrees, some intentional and some not.
To follow directions well and not cause the horses discomfort, riders must be over 12 years old, under 200 lbs. (slightly more for those over 6’ tall), able and willing to sit up straight and follow directions.
You’ll first meet the horses and figure out which one will be best for you, then groom and help saddle. You’ll learn about horse physiology, behavior, psychology, and communication, ensuring safe and confident interactions. We use a step to help you mount and adjust stirrups to fit.
The ride begins in the arena, practicing communication and balance, learning how to steer and stop. Once everyone is comfortable, riders move into the pasture, trotting (if comfortable doing so), winding through the woods and past ponds. Instruction is tailored to rider’s skill levels.
The emphasis on understanding horse and human physiology creates a much more meaningful connection than simply bouncing around on a “traditional trail ride.” You will leave the farm understanding how horses think and differences between how humans and xprey animals understand their worlds.
Jen’s goal is that every rider leaves with better balance, body position and understanding to make herself safer and more comfortable riding in the future and that every horse a First Farm Inn student ever rides is happier and more comfortable.
Every ride ends with feeding treats, grooming or bathing as needed. The horses do yoga stretches, some do tricks like smiling or wearing sunglasses for selfies. https://www.firstfarminn.com/horseback-riding/
Are there other farm experiences in the area?
Yes! Big Bone Lick State Park features a small herd of bison you can observe. Seasonal activities include visiting pumpkin patches with hayrides and corn mazes (15+ farms in autumn), apple picking orchards, and pick-your-own berry farms. Several farms offer farm-to-table dinners and agritourism experiences.
Eagle Bend Alpaca Farm is a National Historic Registry property and home to 50 award winning alpacas and a small flock of Cormo sheep. Eagle Bend offers tours and educational opportunities for fiber enthusiasts, knitters, crocheters, hand spinners, and weavers. Their Yarn & Fiber Shoppe contains luxurious finished goods as well as yarns made from their alpaca and sheep herd https://www.eaglebendyarnsandfiber.com/
Wolf Creek Habitat & Rescue in Brookville, Indiana rescues and cares for wolves. Opening times and dates are seasonal and weather-related.
First Farm Inn provides the tri-state area’s most immersive farm stay experience with hands-on horse activities and friendly cats, dog, and seasonal wildlife.
Is horseback riding suitable for beginners or children?
First Farm Inn horseback riding welcomes beginners and well-mannered, animal-loving children over 12. Comprehensive instruction about horse behavior and communication by extremely experienced horsewomen before riding ensures everyone feels confident and safe. https://www.firstfarminn.com/horseback-riding/
The gradual approach—starting with grooming and ground work before mounting—helps nervous riders build comfort. Experienced riders enjoy the opportunity to expand their knowledge and horsemanship skills.
The emphasis on learning how horses think and why they do what they do, combined with kindness, safety, and understanding makes it ideal for first-time riders while offering experienced riders new perspectives on horse partnership. Very small groups (maximum of five riders) ensure everyone gets attention and all questions are answered.
What's the best time of year to visit the tri-state area?
Each season offers unique experiences. Spring (April-May) brings perfect weather and loads of spring flowers, baseball Opening Day festivities, and fewer crowds. Summer (June-August) offers festivals, outdoor concerts, water activities, and full access to seasonal attractions, though it’s busier and hotter.
Fall (September-November) features stunning foliage, Oktoberfest, harvest festivals, and pleasant temperatures—many consider it the best season. Winter (December-February) has indoor attractions, holiday events including the #1 ranked Festival of Lights, skiing at Perfect North Slopes, and smaller crowds.
Where should I stay in the tri-state area?
Accommodation choices depend on your priorities. Downtown Cincinnati or Over-the-Rhine hotels are pricey, but afford for walkable urban experiences and nightlife access. Newport and Covington, Kentucky offer riverfront hotels near the aquarium and restaurants at slightly lower prices. Florence, Kentucky has chain hotels on the interstates and out by the airport.
For unique, memorable stays, consider bed and breakfasts like First Farm Inn for great breakfasts, personal travel tips, rural charm, horseback riding, and friendly animals with easy access to tri-state attractions. Northern Kentucky generally offers better value than downtown Cincinnati hotels.
Is the area accessible for visitors with disabilities?
Yes, most major attractions are accessible. Cincinnati Museum Center, National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, Cincinnati Zoo, Newport Aquarium, and Kings Island all provide accessibility accommodations.
The Roebling Suspension Bridge has pedestrian walkways. Riverboat cruises on BB Riverboats are handicap accessible. Many parks including Smale Riverfront Park have accessible features. Public transportation including the streetcar and TANK shuttle are accessible. Contact specific venues ahead of time to verify accessibility for your particular needs and to arrange any special accommodations.
What can I visit in Western Boone County near First Farm Inn?
Just minutes from First Farm Inn, Western Boone County offers unique historic and natural attractions. Dinsmore Homestead (8 miles, 20 minutes) is a beautifully preserved 1842 farm with original furnishings and fascinating family history.
Rabbit Hash General Store (15 miles, 40 minutes) is a historic river town with a general store operating since 1831, unique shops, and a dog mayor, with votes bought and paid for in historic tradition.
Big Bone Lick State Park is where President Thomas Jefferson sent Lewis and Clark to bring Ice Age fossils back to the White House where he and Ben Franklin laid them out on the floor and pieced together the giant ground sloth. The park hosts the larges bison herd east of the Mississippi.
In Burlington, Kentucky (6 miles away), Tousey House Tavern features trendy new cuisine with a traditional southern flare in a historic 1822 home, while a block away Zozo’s Tavern serves creative Asian fusion. Washington Square offers sandwiches, salads and beer in a covered outdoor patio.
Eagle Bend Alpaca Farm is a National Historic Registry property and home to 50 award winning alpacas and a small flock of Cormo sheep. Eagle Bend offers tours and educational opportunities for fiber enthusiasts, knitters, crocheters, hand spinners, and weavers as well as tours for visitors. Their Yarn & Fiber Shoppe contains finished goods as well as yarns made from their alpaca and sheep herd https://www.eaglebendyarnsandfiber.com/
What is Hillforest and is it worth visiting?
Hillforest Victorian House Museum in Aurora, Indiana is a magnificent 1855 Italian Renaissance mansion built for whiskey baron Thomas Gaff. The National Historic Landmark sits on a bluff overlooking the Ohio River with stunning architecture featuring circular porches, curved windows, and steamboat-inspired design. The museum contains original family furnishings and an impressive collection of antique children’s toys. Tours run April through December. Visitors can climb to the cupola for panoramic river views. Gaff liked to watch grain for his distilleries being drug across the frozen river in winter.
It’s about 12 miles from First Farm Inn and makes an excellent half-day trip combined with exploring downtown Aurora or Lawrenceburg’s shops and restaurants.
Ready to Explore the Tri-State Area?
First Farm Inn provides the perfect home base for your Cincinnati tri-state adventure. Enjoy peaceful rural accommodations with horseback riding, then explore everything from world-class museums and bourbon distilleries to outdoor adventures and acclaimed restaurants—all within 20-40 minutes of our historic farmhouse. https://www.firstfarminn.com/reservations/
Book your stay today and discover why the Cincinnati tri-state area offers one of America’s most diverse and exciting travel experiences!
For reservations at First Farm Inn, call 859-586-0199 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Eastern time or visit www.firstfarminn.com
