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Batters up and bottoms up for your Cincinnati-through-Northern-Kentucky adventure.

Beer

Spilling out across the region’s Cincinnati side is a bonified beer-lover’s paradise. With over 50 craft breweries to choose from, newbies will find as many classic lagers on nearby tap as contemporary creations. Known quite literally as the ‘city built on beer’, Cincinnati boasts a rich German-influenced brewing history. Not surprising, given that its annual Oktoberfest is the largest celebration of its kind in the United States.

So influential was Cincinnati in the mid-1800s beverage market, that an expansive tunnel system was built below its surface to store, age and cool lager beers. Today, a number of tours invite visitors down into these fascinating (and slightly freaky) cellars, with a trip to a local tap room frequently offered on either end.

Thirsty travelers without much time to spend might consider a three-way barhop to quintessential watering holes: Rhinegeist and Taft’s Ale House in Cincinnati and Braxton Brewing Co. on the Northern Kentucky side.

Bourbon

Often referred to as ‘Where Beer Meets Bourbon’, the Cincy Region bridges Cincinnati with its Northern Kentucky neighbour. That makes it, to the delight of many, an official gateway to the famous Kentucky Bourbon Trail.

Amber-venturers in the area can kickstart their journey on ‘The B-Line’, a self-guided urban experience featuring 25 stops, including seven distilleries. While each official bourbon bar must offer at least 100 varieties of the spirit, travelers feeling bold will want to visit Prohibition Bourbon Bar. With a collection of over 6,000 bottles and counting, the destination claims the title of the largest bourbon and rye whiskey collection in the world.

When the time comes for nosh, folks can savour Southern flavor at any of the B-Line’s nine restaurants that feature bourbon-infused food (think bread pudding). Finally, for those looking to drink in the area’s history, head to New Riff Distilling. There visitors will find distillers leveraging the power of the Cincy Region’s historic underground alluvial aquifer to create their signature drink.

Ball

Real sports fans know that in the world of athletic history, Cincinnati is a true MVP.

Not only were the Cincinnati Reds the first professional baseball team in America, but did you know the city hosted the first ever major league night game? Visitors won’t want to miss the modern-day version, while diehards will ensure a tack-on trip to the Reds Hall of Fame and Museum and mark the Opening Day Parade on their calendar. So spirited is the celebration that the city shuts down for the day.

One can’t count out the Cincinnati Bengals, who’ve come a long way from their underdog days. (Hey, their star quarterback Joe Burrow is the highest-paid NFL player of all time). For an authentic and electric local experience, tailgate with thousands of fans outside Paycor Stadium. Located in the lively Banks district — the area is legendary for its pre-game parties.

Those still aching for action will remember that FC Cincinnati continues to dominate Major League Soccer, ranking number one in the MLS. If you can’t make a game, take in a rich collection of sports memorabilia and a rack of barbecue ribs at the Montgomery Inn on the waterfront or head to Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse, where succulent steaks bear the names of classic local sports figures.