My first post-vaccination getaway

I didn’t jump ahead of anybody, but did get a window of opportunity to get my first vaccine last month. I pounced on it and was able to get my second a few weeks ago. My husband had gotten both of his as a schoolbus driver, so we found ourselves ready to take a responsible escape last weekend. Rest assured, we were masked and social distance everywhere as recommended, and following CDC guidelines for vaccinated folks.

Cincinnati has always been one of our favorite places for a weekend getaway. 2 hours’ drive north of us, it offers the joys of the big city – museums, shows, shopping and wonderful restaurants. While our entertainment options were somewhat limited, we knew we’d have a great time even if we did nothing but walk around.

We like to stay in Covington, across the river in northern Kentucky. It’s bursting with late Victorian opulent architecture, very walkable, feels safe, and you’re across the river to Cincy in minutes. We’ve stayed at the Marriott Riverfront, the Marriott Courtyard and the Radisson (the round one).

I had read about a boutique hotel in the former Coppins department store (built in 1910) called the Hotel Covington. Opened in 2016 with 114 rooms, it had good reviews and reasonable prices, and offered just the upscale but unfussy atmosphere we were looking for. (This is not a sponsored post. All expenses were paid by us).

We drove two hours up the interstate after work on Friday, and arrived to find valet parking at the door, and a warm welcome from the front desk staff. There was just time to slip on a dress over tights and under a leather jacket, and head down to our dinner reservation.

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The room was much larger than I expected, with an unconventional vibe (clothes rail rather than closet, ironing board under the bed) but luxury touches like fluffy bathrobes and boutique toiletries. The king-sized bed was first class with ultra-soft linens, excellent lighting, high-end radio sound system and high-tech but user-friendly thermostat.

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Back to dinner at Coppin’s restaurant, which also had excellent reviews. We got to wander around the large bar/lobby area while our table was readied. We’d been told there were two weddings at the hotel that weekend, and one large rehearsal dinner was in progress in a private room at the far end of the lobby. Front-of-house staff was numerous and professional.

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The wine list, cocktails and variety of bourbon on offer was staggering. The dinner menu featured small plates for appetizers or sharing and entrees. We share roasted brussels sprouts in a balsamic glaze, then The Cutest Boy in the World had gnocchi while I ate scallops, perfectly seared.

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Outside, the neighborhood was hopping on a busy Friday night.

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Breakfast at Coppins was equally good, from the goat cheese omelette to the latte, all with the same excellent service.

Then it was off to Findlay Market in the Over-the-Rhein neighborhood of Cincinnati. Many markets like this existed all over the city before supermarkets. This is the last one left, but it operates all week and is much beloved, with very reasonable prices. There is everything from seafood to spices to Belgian waffles. And meat – lots of meat!

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On our way back to the car, we noticed streetcar tracks in the pavement, and then looked up to see an electric streetcar of the Cincinnati Bell Connector stopping. We discovered there were 18 stops on a route that went through the downtown, and the fares were FREE (I thought it was just on Saturdays, but it’s been since the pandemic started). We stowed our shopping in the car and hopped on. It was a lovely hour’s ride around the city, with everyone masking and distancing as we experienced throughout the entire trip. I was amazed at the murals on walls all over the city.

Back in Covington, we had coffees in a cute coffee shop and saw a few more sights. Many of the area’s first immigrants were German Catholics, and there are huge churches everywhere.

We tried the doors on this one on the off chance it would be open. It was locked, and as we came back down the steps, an older man pushing a bicycle was watching us. He came up to speak, and I assumed he’d be asking us for money. In a thick accent, he told us how to go through the side courtyard and ring a bell if we wanted to see inside the church, made sure we understood, then said goodbye and went on about his business. I felt very guilty for assuming he wanted a handout, when he was actually offering US help. But if he had needed money, what better place than to ask than in front of a church, where the Jesus we Christians worship set us the example of kindness to all and generosity to the poor?

Our little getaway lasted about 24 hours, but was full of delights at every turn, and was just what we needed. I hope we’ll be back to the Hotel Covington, and all the delights the Cincy area has to offer, again soon.

Who’s been to Cincinnati or Covington and has a tale to tell? Speak up in the comments!