Visit The Corridor in Northern Kentucky

The Corridor.  The Loop.  The 275 Loop.  No matter the nomenclature, Northern Kentucky’s corridor is packed with things to do and is always just minutes away from downtown Cincy, Covington, Newport, or Florence. Home to Northern Kentucky University (NKU), Thomas More University, Crestview Hills Town Center, and more, The Corridor offers tons of sports, shopping, and dining to keep you busy.
 
Interstate 275 circles around the Cincinnati metropolitan area. It spans the Ohio River across two bridges and is the only branch route within the Interstate Highway System to enter three states (Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana).  The Corridor refers to the area of 275 that spans three counties (Boone, Kenton, and Campbell) in Northern Kentucky.

The freeway mostly acts as a commuter route for Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) and the various suburbs of Cincinnati, Covington, and Newport, but is a great place for travelers to stay when visiting the area if they want to stay out of the city but still be close to the major attractions.

Some of The Corridor’s main cities and highlights:

NKU & Highland Heights

NKU is a growing university of more than 14,000 students located in the quiet suburb of Highland Heights—just seven miles southeast of Cincinnati.  With more than 70 majors and 22 master’s programs plus a law school, NKU has been named one of America’s best colleges by Forbes for 9 years in a row.  Plus, NKU is home to the Norse--more than 17 division one athletic teams.

So while you’re in town visiting a college student, catching the Norse in action, or going to a concert at Truist Arena, be sure to experience Highland Heights like a local.  Check out Mac’s Pizza Pub, the Campbell County Extension Office gardens and walking path, and nearby Fort Thomas--Midway Cafe, Tower Park and Amphitheater, Fort Thomas Parlor, and more.  Find out more about Fort Thomas on our Nearby Newport page.

Alexandria & Cold Spring

Also nearby NKU are Cold Spring and Alexandria, showcasing the small-town feel while being part of the metropolitan city.  The towns feature numerous parks, but AJ Jolly Park & Campground steals the show.  With a 200-acre fishing lake, kayak rentals and launch, 83 camping spots, an 18-hole golf course, 18-hole frisbee golf course, pickleball & tennis, basketball, soccer and baseball fields, hiking, picnic areas, and 20 miles of equestrian trails, there’s never a lack of things to do at AJ Jolly.  It’s also one of the best places to catch a sunset.

After all the activity at the park, be sure to refuel with some delicious food at a local spot: Lou Lou’s Cafe at Spare Time, Honey Hole, Empress Chili, Knotty Pine on the Bayou, Barleycorn’s, VIP Mediterranean Restaurant & Hookah Lounge, Four Mile Pig, and Alexandria Brewing Company.

Many of the area’s award-winning wineries are also located in this area, so be sure to check out the NKY Backroads Wine Trail.  You’ll enjoy the country roads, scenic drives along the Ohio River, and stamping your passport along the way.

Taylor Mill

Located in Kenton County just south of Covington, Taylor Mill is located right off of I-275.  The city’s crown jewel, Pride Park, is an 80-acre recreational area featuring walking trails, newly renovated playgrounds, basketball courts, and more.

While you’re in town, visit Knuck-N-Futz to sample some of the region’s best chicken wings.  Featuring 14 wet sauces, four dry rubs, and six different heat levels, you’re sure to find a combo to satisfy the most picky wing-eater.  Aside from the wings, they also have an entire menu of delicious appetizer, sandwich, and salad options plus 16 draft beers.

Fort Wright

Just south of Covington on Route 17, Fort Wright has easy access to the city and is located on The Corridor.  Don’t miss the Fort Wright Nature Center, Veteran’s Memorial Park, and Battery Hooper Park.  If you’re looking for some great local dining, check out Ft. Wright Family Restaurant for incredible breakfasts and Walt’s Hitching Post for a dose of history with your ribs and steak dinner.

Crestview Hills

Crestview Hills is home to Crestview Hills Town Center, a shopping center featuring more than 65 popular retail stores and restaurants such as Dillard’s, J. Crew Mercantile, LOFT, Sephora, DSW Shoes, and more.  Check the calendar for events including the Town Center’s Summer Concert Series.  Don’t miss Taste of Belgium for incredible waffles and Sake Bomb for delicious Asian & sushi, or other popular restaurants including Carrabba’s Italian Grill, Mackenzie River, Dewey’s Pizza, and more.  

Also nearby but not at the Town Center are incredible restaurants including Camporosso Wood Fired Pizzeria and Barleycorn’s Lakeside Park.  

The shopping and dining are great, but don't miss out on some of area's parks like President’s Park and Freedom Park that are nearby.  Also close to the area are Summit Hills Country Club, featuring an 18-hole golf course, as well as Five Seasons Family Sports Club.

Thomas More University

Located in Crestview Hills, Thomas More University is consistently ranked by U.S. News and World Report as one of the best regional universities in the South.  The university currently serves more than 2,000 students from across the country and around the world on its beautiful campus.  
Thomas More is home to more than students--it’s also the location of a tiny chapel called Monte Casino that is the smallest church in the world.  It was built in 1878 by Benedictine monks and moved to the college campus in 1965.

For local restaurants near Thomas More University, be sure to read the Crestview Hills area information above.

Edgewood

Home to a Kentucky Community & Technical College System (KCTCS) campus as well as St. Elizabeth Hospital, Edgewood provides ample opportunities for people to seek education, employment, and care in the Northern Kentucky area.

If you find yourself visiting a patient at St. Elizabeth Hospital’s new Cancer Care Center, killing time in between classes at KCTCS, or shopping at nearby Crestview Hills Town Center, Edgewood has plenty of green space and close by restaurants to keep you busy.  Presidents Park and Freedom Park are favorites among locals and offer picnic areas, sand volleyball, playgrounds, baseball and soccer fields, basketball courts, football field, 9/11 memorial, and more.  

In addition to the nearby restaurants at Crestview Hills Town Center, Edgewood features some local favorites of its own including Garzelli’s Pub & Pizza, China Star, Noce’s Pizzeria, and more.