The secret American escape that offers two states in one stay

Words: Alicia Miller

Maybe you’ve wandered the streets of New York. Or lounged on the beaches of Los Angeles. Or savoured the galleries of Chicago. But no matter how many trips you take – and cities you visit – there’s always more to explore in the USA. 

Hop on a direct flight with British Airways from London Heathrow to Cincinnati, operating six times a week year round, and you can discover the underrated Cincy Region: a unique pocket blending Ohio’s Midwestern vibrancy with the Southern soul of Kentucky. Even in a short break, you can see and do plenty in this unique two-for-one destination – seamless to reach, easy to explore and affordable yet sophisticated. And if you have more time, Cincy also makes a sublime gateway to the wider American heartland, brimming with exciting small cities, historical sights, local culture and wide-open landscapes.

City sophistication

Perched at the brink where north meets south, shaped by the snaking Ohio River, Cincinnati has a character all of its own. Rich in historic charm, it’s defined by its distinct Over-the-Rhine district, a handsome brick-fronted area that once hosted legions of 19th-century German settlers and still houses the most extensive, best-preserved collection of Italianate architecture in the country. European influence has left its mark here and it’s easy to spend a day here soaking up its allure, from cavernous indoor breweries serving craft beer pours to indie boutiques and cultural hubs such as Cincinnati Music Hall.

The diverse population has also gifted a distinct food culture to Queen City – Cincinnati’s nickname since the 19th century – and you can’t really say you’ve visited until you’ve sampled a goetta (get-uh) breakfast sausage or the local chilli spiced with cinnamon and chocolate and typically served over spaghetti or hot dogs (better than it sounds, seriously). Findlay Market, Ohio’s oldest continuously operating market, is also an essential city landmark and, as well as cheese, meats and seafood, it sells delights for nibbling on the go, from whipped cream-topped waffles to pierogis and Vietnamese noodle bowls.

Cincinnati is a city of sport and you’ll quickly understand why locals are so passionate about their squads, whether you score a ticket to see celebrated NFL team the Bengals, the Cincinnati Reds (the US’s first professional baseball team) or Major League soccer team FC Cincinnati – or just enjoy the atmosphere downtown on game day. Also try to plan a visit during one of Cincy Region’s thrilling festivals. BLINK, a Festival of Light and Art, runs from 8-11 October this year, dazzling visitors throughout the city centre with large-scale installations.

Just over the border

Part of what makes the Cincy Region so unusual is that it straddles two states: Ohio in the north and Kentucky in the south. As soon as you’ve finished soaking up the wonders of Cincinnati city proper, you can cross the Ohio River – perhaps on foot via the historic John A Roebling Suspension Bridge, precursor to the world-famous Brooklyn Bridge – and find yourself in a state known for the Kentucky Derby (and horses, generally), fried chicken, bourbon distilleries and old-fashioned Southern charm. 

Northern Kentucky is a gateway to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail and home to the self-guided B-Line experience for bourbon lovers to follow and taste small-batch pours. The Covington district is known for historic Mainstrasse Village packed with buzzing restaurants, galleries and bars. Right next door, the Newport neighbourhood is relaxed and family friendly, with a riverwalk for walking or cycling and a fascinating history of speakeasies, gangsters and gambling. You can discover it all on a local tour.

From Cincinnati to beyond

Cincinnati is also an ideal place to kick off a wider adventure around the underrated American heartland. From the city, you’re only a drive away from other interesting hubs in every direction: St Louis, Pittsburgh, Nashville, Chicago. You’re surrounded by rugged national forests filled with outdoor pursuits, and rolling hills hugged by the broad Ohio River. Small towns, historical sites, an equestrian scene and rural diners all await.

Of course, you won’t be able to see it all on one trip. But then again, you never will see it all because as we’ve already said, there’s always more to explore. Luckily, there’s always that return visit…

Fly direct to Cincinnati

Flights run six times a week year round, and it’s the perfect jump-off point for exploring the Cincy Region and the wider heartland.