Once I was invited to go to Kentucky early final yr, I used to be inspired by the Y’all Means All marketing campaign facilitated by MeetNKY, the tourism board selling the area — and it definitely felt welcoming and pleasant to each myself and my spouse throughout our go to. We joyfully strolled down the streets of Covington, just lately really useful as a fantastic place for LGBT folks to retire by Marketwatch, and felt utterly comfy holding palms and guffawing just like the star-crossed lovers we’re. 

Have been we a bit of apprehensive about visiting the world as a visibly queer, interracial couple? Sure, to a level. We’d been to Kentucky earlier than, particularly Louisville, and completely liked it! Smaller cities are undoubtedly a special ballpark — however we determined to go anyway.

Nevertheless, since then, Kentucky overrode a veto to go SB 150 which, because the BBC reported in 2023, is laws that some Democrats have dubbed  “most excessive anti-LGBTQ invoice in America.”  It bars transgender college students below the age of 18 from accessing gender-affirming healthcare, whereas additionally banning them from freely utilizing loos, locker rooms or bathe rooms that match their gender identification. Along with limiting discussions about sexual orientation and gender in faculties, the invoice signifies that lecturers could refuse to make use of younger folks’s right pronouns that align with their gender identification (and that’s simply the two-sentence model of the horror this invoice unleashes in Kentucky). 

Once I requested in regards to the very actual security issues of queer folks contemplating a go to to Northern Kentucky, Julie Kirkpatrick, the president and CEO of meetNKY, responded with the next: “All vacationers are welcome in Kentucky, the literal begin of Southern Hospitality, from the sting of the South alongside the Ohio River to the good out of doors areas in Japanese Kentucky, our 1000’s of miles of shoreline and in each Bourbon Distillery all through the Commonwealth.”

When pressed additional, the group’s public relations consultant stated that Kirkpatrick was uncomfortable “drilling down to deal with only one phase of our guests,” and that every one she would say was that “Northern Kentucky is a really welcoming neighborhood, and we take all of our guests’ security very critically. We’re dedicated to treating all of our visitors equally to make sure they all the time really feel welcome and secure to take pleasure in our stunning space of the nation.”

“Southern hospitality” is steadily deployed to gloss over the very actual hurt actively perpetuated by straight white folks (and typically white queer folks, too!) within the South to individuals who aren’t like them, together with Black of us, Jews, and naturally, queer folks. I definitely discovered it ironic that MeetNKY had no downside advertising and marketing a marketing campaign celebrating the world as a spot the place “Y’all Means All” however couldn’t tackle very actual security issues as a result of they didn’t wish to drill down on “only one phase of our guests.”

All of that stated, the state authorities and tourism board don’t symbolize the opinions or disposition of fantastic, variety, and beneficiant individuals who opened their companies to my spouse and I with open arms. Like the remainder of the nation, “The South” could be house to some racist and homophobic pockets of the nation, however it’s additionally house to hundreds of thousands of queer, Black, trans, and Jewish individuals who go about their each day lives whereas making an attempt to dodge the horror throughout them.

So, with all that for context, listed below are some fabulous issues my spouse and I did, ate, and loved. If you find yourself within the space, you may relaxation assured that at the very least on the time we visited, these companies confirmed not one ounce of hate — fairly the alternative, in reality.

The place to Keep

Lodge Covington: Lodge Covington is situated proper within the coronary heart of Covington, permitting you to stroll out and discover the world. The lodge was an outdated Chopin division retailer, which was transformed right into a 114-room lodge that also holds among the classic remnants of the outdated constructing. You’ll stroll right into a spacious foyer with excessive ceilings, chandeliers and a restaurant, the place they serve breakfast, lunch and dinner. We have been greeted with a form phrase and a cheerful “howdy!” each time we walked in — only one instance of the stellar customer support you’ll expertise at Lodge Covington. The beds have been fairly snug, too!

And if you’re out exploring, cease by Grainwell, a small woodworking house decor boutique owned by two sisters, and Handzy, a small store with quirky, colourful equipment, decor and beautiful distinctive greeting playing cards. You’ll additionally discover Kentucky Botanical Co. CBD Retailer close by, with quite a lot of CBD, Delta 8 and 9 merchandise, and Hierophany & Hedge, a magical retailer that sells all kinds of candles, incense, crystals, talismans, wands and much more. These retailers are locally-owned and inside strolling distance of the lodge.

The place to Eat

Unatasa: Alejandra Flores would host espresso origin journeys to her house nation, Honduras, for members of the Northern Kentucky neighborhood. The favored journeys led to the founding of Unatasa, which serves Honduran meals and occasional, which Flores sources herself from farmers in Honduras. I’m unabashedly choosy on the subject of espresso. I’m not a each day espresso drinker, so after I do indulge, I need it to be good — actually good. 

Unatasa exceeds each expectation with high-quality espresso rigorously ready to squeeze each little bit of deliciousness into your cup. And there are a great deal of espresso choices to swimsuit any style, together with a golden latte with turmeric syrup. (I even got here again a second time as a result of the one good cup of espresso I loved within the space was there!)

Bouquet: “Unpolished fantastic eating” is what Bouquet is understood for; chef and restaurant proprietor Stephen Williams makes use of native, contemporary components to encourage the ever-changing menu. Williams, and his spouse and co-owner Jessica, fell in love whereas visiting native farms and selecting produce earlier than marrying in Bouquet’s non-public eating room. We loved an exquisite citrus and greens salad and a comforting bowl of risotto topped with mushrooms, excellent for the freezing-cold January evening. Like many nice eating places, Bouquet gives a tasting menu, however not like different eating places, it’s not small-format, and also you get to decide on your individual dishes. At solely $60 for 4 programs, it’s a fantastic worth for some really impressed meals. 

Wealthy’s Correct: For tremendous contemporary oysters and sophisticated cocktails and mocktails, you’ll must cease at Wealthy’s Correct. The restaurant carries the identify of the previous occupant of the placement, Historic Wealthy’s Gruen Watches. The husband and spouse staff has an extended historical past within the restaurant trade and a private connection to oysters, which now characteristic prominently on their menu, served in 4 completely different iterations. For uncooked oyster lovers, you might have them historically on the half shell with horseradish and oyster shooters served with jalapeno-infused vodka and bloody mary combine. Moreover, Wealthy’s gives broiled oysters with or with out Spanish chorizo. Cease in for dinner, or make it a late-night pitstop, since they’re open till 11 pm on the weekends.

Mama’s on Foremost: Mama’s on Foremost is an exquisite, dimly lit restaurant with big home windows, painted murals, and large, stunning lighting fixtures. The massive stained glass window was salvaged from an area church that was destroyed in a hearth in 1980. The restaurant serves basic American Italian meals, and so they do it very nicely, higher than most. You gained’t go improper with something, however the decadent, pillowy delicate ricotta gnocchi with herb pesto and crispy prosciutto is actually spectacular. Should you just like the classics, attempt the superbly crispy eggplant parmesan topped with gooey melted mozzarella on a mattress of saucy spaghetti. 

Baker’s Desk: Baker’s Desk is all about sustainable cooking, utilizing each single a part of the animal of their dishes, baking their very own bread, and altering the menu weekly to make the most of native, contemporary components. The restaurant is totally plastic-free, from the kitchen to the bar to takeout containers, taking their sustainable mission to the subsequent degree. Don’t suppose for a second that this makes the restaurant boring or the meals uninspired. Fairly the alternative. The vibe is immaculate, with reside Jazz music on some nights and a delicate chatter and laughter fills the dimly lit restaurant. The sourdough bread was unbelievable. Baked throughout the road at their different venue, the Baker’s Desk Bakery & Pizzeria, undoubtedly don’t skip it. We loved an exquisite winter citrus salad. Should you love basic consolation meals, the elevated mac and cheese is the grown-up model of a childhood favourite and each bit as nostalgic. And be sure you get dessert. The ricotta donuts have been spectacular! Tremendous fluffy and light-weight, and the right strategy to finish a memorable meal.

Bourbon

I’m advised that if you go to Kentucky, you will need to drink plenty of bourbon and take a look at all of the distilleries. Not a giant drinker myself, I pushed again, however on the finish of the day, I truly loved many of the bourbon experiences in Northern Kentucky. 

New Riff: Simply throughout the river from Cincinnati is New Riff, a family-owned distillery that intends to be a “new riff on an outdated custom.” Whereas established, generations-old distilleries are inclined to gloss over (extra like completely keep away from) their racist historical past, New Riff has been round for simply ten years and is doing enterprise otherwise. 

I’m not likely a fan of bourbon, however there was one thing particular about touring the ability. Each particular person at New Riff was a fountain of information and clearly enthusiastic about their craft. New Riff’s director of operations, Hannah Lowen, is a queer lady who bought her begin in politics. Whereas which may not appear to be a giant deal, it’s a giant deal in bourbon — a person’s sport.

Take their tour and learn the way bourbon is made and what makes New Riff completely different. Earlier than you go, you’ll want to purchase their barbecue spice rub and bourbon barrel-aged maple syrup, which can please even essentially the most bourbon-averse particular person. 

Revival Classic Bottle Store: Step again in historical past and cease by Revival, a girl and queer-owned classic spirits store. The small store is crammed to the brim with classic spirits starting from 100-year-old bourbon to tequila and all the pieces in between. And also you don’t have to purchase a bottle to take pleasure in a go to right here. Revival sells classic bourbons, scotch, gin, tequila, rye, and a lot extra by the shot, so anybody can attempt a bit of little bit of the historical past of alcoholic drinks and study their historical past. 

Second Sight Spirits: This distillery has essentially the most attention-grabbing story. The homeowners started their journey in Los Vegas, constructing units for reveals. However I gained’t give away the entire story, as a result of taking a tour at Second Sight Spirits is a extremely distinctive expertise, and also you wish to hear their historical past immediately from the proprietor, who has a superb means of telling their story. And by the best way, bourbon isn’t the one factor you’ll discover at Second Sight Spirits. We purchased a really magnificent apple pie moonshine and some different bottles that we’re having fun with slowly to this present day. Should you solely go to one distillery in Northern Kentucky, it needs to be this one.

What to Do

501 Salon & Spa: Have you ever ever had a facial therapeutic massage? 501 Salon & Spa gives all the pieces from massages to haircuts and facials, all in an enthralling and comfy setting. My spouse bought a therapeutic massage, and I bought a facial. I used to be a bit of nervous as a result of each time I get a facial, it’s kinda painful due to my pores and skin and the extractions which can be sometimes performed. Once I knowledgeable the esthetician that I actually simply wished to loosen up, she provided a facial therapeutic massage, which definitely sounded a bit of odd, however was really a magical expertise. I wholeheartedly suggest it!

Newport Aquarium: I’ve been to a dozen aquariums within the US, Canada, Europe and Bermuda, and that is my favourite one. It’s big! Along with the conventional stuff you’d discover in an aquarium, they provide face portray and caricatures, in addition to different enjoyable actions to take pleasure in. I definitely took benefit of the face portray and wouldn’t have it every other means. Positively value a go to, however could be value heading there on a weekday, because it’s fairly busy on the weekend. 

Purrfect Day Cat Cafe: Should you like cats, you’ll love the Purrfect Day Cat Cafe. I fell in love with a tiny little cat named Hank, and virtually took him house with me! You possibly can undertake a cat and take them house with you that very day in case you, too, fall in love. Remember to ebook a time slot forward of time as a result of the cafe fills up shortly. It’s value noting that that is an precise cafe too, the place you should buy treats, espresso and different drinks. Better of all, that is just some blocks away from Lodge Covington, so you may stroll!