of the old Front Street Pumping Station, which supplied the Mount Adams reservoirs and is used today as a performance venue. Running parallel to this path is a walkway with jutting overlooks offering relaxing views of the river and Northern Kentucky’s hillsides. Continue walking east past The Boathouse, which houses veteran barbecue chain
Montgomery Inn–The Boathouse and gives diners impressive views. Look east from the railroad tracks in front of Montgomery Inn–Boathouse to see where the Oasis Trail will connect Lunken Airport to Sawyer Point.
Past the long parking lot is the Theodore M. Berry International Friendship Park, featuring an impressive display of sculpture and flora representing five continents. It has two intertwining walkways guiding park visitors through gardens of the continents in a celebration of international peace and friendship. Named for Cincinnati’s first African American mayor, the park draws inspiration in part from a child’s friendship bracelet. One of Cincinnati Parks’ premier rental facilities is the pavilion toward the middle of the park. You can choose to walk the winding path past the pavilion to the end of the park for a longer walk, or turn around at any point to return to the Purple People Bridge, just beyond the statue of Cincinnatus.
Climb the stairs of the Purple People Bridge (purplepeoplebridge.com) and begin your interstate walk into Newport, Kentucky. Formerly the L&N Railroad Bridge, this is the only bridge in the region that is designated exclusively for pedestrians. Rails-to-Trails Conservancy named the Purple People Bridge one of the nation’s top five pedestrian bridges in 2015. Follow the bridge to Third Street and turn right to walk in front of Newport on the Levee. The Levee is a hub of activity, with people seeking out bars and restaurants and first-run films at AMC Newport on The Levee 20.
Continue west along Third Street, past Newport on the Levee, and cross York Street before turning right on Columbia Street. Climb the steps to the top of the levee. Completed for the city’s 1995 bicentennial, Newport’s Riverwalk is a pleasant stroll through the town’s 200-year history, with views of the Ohio River and Cincinnati skyline. Newport’s history is depicted on seven weather vanes individually mounted on 30-foot poles. At the end of the levee sidewalk, you’ll come to the Fourth Street Bridge, officially known as Veterans’ Memorial Bridge. Turn right and cross the Licking River into Covington. Continue until you reach Greenup Street.
Turn right on Greenup Street and enter the tiny Roebling Point business district, home to multiple restaurants and bars and an independent bookstore. On the left across the large parking lot along Fourth Street is Molly Malone’s Irish Pub & Restaurant, a three-story eatery with a good beer selection. Continue north on Greenup Street past Park Place for more dining options. Blinkers Tavern specializes in steak and seafood, while Keystone Bar & Grill is known for its macaroni and cheese menu. At the corner of Third and Greenup Streets is Roebling Point Books & Coffee, a compact coffee shop and bookstore that is also home to Wilderness Press’s Ohio office. Continue north on Greenup Street past E. Third Street. On the left at E. Second Street is The Gruff, a spacious outpost serving Neapolitan-style pizza, sandwiches, and craft brews steps from the Roebling Suspension Bridge. Cross E. Second Street and follow the elevated sidewalk around the small brick building to the bridge expanse. Cross the Roebling and return to the start.
Points of Interest
National Underground Railroad Freedom Center 50 E. Freedom Way, 513-333-7739, freedomcenter.org
The Banks Freedom Way, thebankscincy.com
Moerlein Lager House 115 Joe Nuxhall Way, 513-421-2337, moerleinlagerhouse.com
Great American Ball Park 100 Joe Nuxhall Way, 513-765-7000, cincinnati.reds.mlb.com/cin/ballpark
Montgomery Inn–The Boathouse 925 Riverside Dr., 513-721-7427, montgomeryinn.com
Newport on the Levee 1 Levee Way, Newport, 859-291-0550, newportonthelevee.com
AMC Newport on The Levee 20 1 Levee Way, Newport, 859-291-0550, amctheatres.com
Molly Malone’s Irish Pub & Restaurant 112 E. Fourth St., Covington, 859-491-6659, covington.mollymalonesirishpub.com
Blinkers Tavern 318 Greenup St., Covington, 859-360-0840, blinkerstavern.com
Keystone Bar & Grill 313 Greenup St., Covington, 859-261-6777, keystonebar.com
