I traveled to the Greater Cincinnati area for a conference, and it was an exciting experience. It was my first time visiting the area and my first time in Kentucky, which added an extra layer of intrigue to the trip. I was genuinely surprised that I had never visited before, as there is so much to explore. I hadn’t realized until I landed at the CVG airport is actually located in Kentucky, and it was fascinating to discover that the hotel I was staying at was situated on the Kentucky side of the Ohio River. I was in the area for a Pi Sigma Epsilon annual conference, which is a highlight of my year. It is always great to meet the students, share insights, and hear their perspectives on various topics. Our conference was held at the Northern Kentucky Convention Center, a well-organized venue that facilitated engaging discussions and networking opportunities. I stayed at the Marriott Riverside, which offered a beautiful view of Cincinnati, OH, especially at sunset. The skyline was breathtaking, and I found myself appreciating the vibrant culture and history of the city during my stay.
After the conference ended, I had a little time to head to Cincinnati before my flight. We crossed over the John A. Roebling Bridge, which gracefully spans the Ohio River, connecting the vibrant city of Cincinnati with Covington, Kentucky. It is a beautiful suspension bridge that was built in 1867, showcasing the remarkable engineering skills of its time. The contrast of the blue iron and stone is stunning, especially against the backdrop of the skyline and the flowing river below. As we drove along the bridge, I couldn’t help but admire the intricate details of its architecture and reflect on the countless stories and memories this bridge must have witnessed over the years. The experience was not just a simple crossing but a journey through history, evoking a sense of wonder and appreciation for the ingenuity of those who built it.
National Underground Railroad Freedom Center
It was a quick, yet profoundly impactful visit to the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, a place steeped in rich history and significance. The center featured a special collection dedicated to Emmet Till, which we were fortunate enough to explore. This collection offered a deep dive into the narratives surrounding Till’s life and the broader implications of his tragic story. As we wandered through the exhibits, we encountered a wealth of information and artifacts that highlighted the struggles and triumphs of those who fought for freedom. There was so much history located at the center, each display telling a compelling story that connected the past to the present. We weren’t able to spend the time that was needed to fully experience the extensive history of the underground railroad, nor could we absorb all the insights provided; it left us with a desire to return and delve deeper into this crucial part of American heritage.
There was so much information and history located at the center, making it a treasure trove for anyone interested in learning about our past. The permanent collection tells a little bit of the intricate and powerful story of the Underground Railroad, highlighting the courage and resilience of those who participated in this critical movement for freedom. There were intriguing movies that we weren’t able to view during our visit, but they were highly recommended by the knowledgeable staff, who spoke passionately about their significance. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to spend the time that was needed to fully experience the rich tapestry of history surrounding the Underground Railroad, a testament to the struggles and triumphs of countless individuals seeking liberty. Each exhibit offered a glimpse into the lives, challenges, and victories of those involved, and it left us eager to return and delve deeper into this essential chapter of American history.
Mama’s
We loved our dinner at Mama’s in Covington, KY. We dined upstairs, which is bright, airy, and cheery, creating a delightful atmosphere that immediately puts you in a good mood. Each of the rooms were so well designed and unique, featuring a blend of charming decor and thoughtful details that give them distinct personalities. You feel like you are in a different restaurant with each room, making the dining experience feel like a delightful journey through various styles and themes. It was too chilly for the outdoor space, but that looked great as well, with cozy seating that would surely provide an inviting ambiance during warmer evenings. Overall, our visit was not just about the meal, but about enjoying a beautifully crafted environment that enhanced our experience.
We enjoyed everything from the olives in the beginning to the two decadent desserts that we ordered. The olives not only set the tone for the meal but also hinted at the spectacular flavors to come. They have gluten-free pasta, which I decided to try, pairing it with a rich mushroom ragu that was both creamy and savory—truly delicious and satisfying. My colleagues savored the lobster ravioli, which was bursting with fresh seafood flavors, and the spaghetti al limone, a delightful dish that combined the brightness of lemons with perfectly cooked pasta. The presentation of the tiramisu and the panna cotta were on point, elevating our dining experience further; the tiramisu had layers of smooth mascarpone and a dusting of cocoa that melted in your mouth, while the panna cotta was silky and light, adorned with a tangy berry compote that complemented its sweetness. Overall, every dish left a lasting impression, making our meal truly memorable.
I was surprised to find the walls outside of the restrooms to be signed with messages, filled with a variety of thoughts and funny anecdotes that made me laugh. When I returned to the table to share this quirky discovery and suggest that we join in on the fun by signing the walls ourselves, I got strange looks, who seemed unsure about the idea at first. However, after a moment of hesitation, their curiosity got the better of them, and we encouraged by a staff member to start on fresh walls, which we did with enthusiasm. I took a moment to think about what message would capture the spirit of our outing, and finally settled on writing, “Always take the trip” along with the hashtag #Travelwithlaughter. It felt like the perfect way to end our meal, leaving behind a little piece of our joyful experience for the next visitors to find and appreciate.
Bouquet
Located on Main St. in Covington, KY is Bouquet, a charming restaurant that truly captures the essence of the local culinary scene. This was our first restaurant that we went to during our conference, and we loved every moment spent there. The flavors and meals were delicious, showcasing a delightful blend of fresh ingredients and innovative techniques that left a lasting impression. I had a mocktail that was phenomenal, an experience that elevated the dining occasion even more. It was a smoked pineapple mocktail, expertly crafted, and I still think about how delicious it was; its smoky notes perfectly complemented the sweetness of the pineapple, creating a refreshing balance that lingered on my palate. The entire atmosphere was warm and inviting, making it an unforgettable first stop in our culinary adventure.
Otto’s
Otto’s was another great restaurant with the food and atmosphere that truly captures the spirit of the region. Since we were in Kentucky, they expertly leaned into the Kentucky Derby theme, which added a playful flair with fun water glasses adorned with horses and festive motifs. The ambiance was lively, complemented by the big cozy chairs that they have at the bar, making it the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy the evening. As a lover of comfort food, one of my favorite dishes is risotto, and I positively adore scallops, so that was the menu item that I eagerly chose, and it did not disappoint. The creamy risotto complemented the perfectly seared scallops, creating an exquisite culinary experience. A heartfelt thank you to the friends who were also dining with us and generously sent over a decadent cheesecake to share—we truly savored every bite and it made the night even more special.
I would enthusiastically recommend the places we enjoyed! Every destination you travel to has the potential to exceed your expectations. If you have been here, what wonderful recommendations do you have for future visits? Please comment below.
Travel With Laughter 