Hotel, Motel, Holiday Inn…4 min read

Things are happening over the bridge…that’s for sure.  I’ve been drawn into Kentucky a lot recently to eat, drink and be merry…and I kinda like it!

When I heard about the newHotel Covington, I once again had to cross over the bridge. And, boy, was it was worth it. This fantastic old building, which used to house a department store and the city hall, is now this hip, vintage/modern boutique hotel.

The building–the first skyscraper in Kentucky–started construction in 1906. It was going to be a 7-story department store owned by John Coppin–selling high-end fashions of the 20th century. During construction, Coppin ran out of money. Distraught with the situation, he did what anybody would do when you lived near the Latonia Horse Park. He went and bet his last bit of money on a horse. Thanks to good luck and a horse named Knowledge, Coppin picked the right pony, and everything was back on track (horse racing pun intended)! Construction picked up again, the Coppin’s Department Storeopened its doors in 1910 and stayed open until the 1970’s.

The Salyers Group, part of Donna Salyers’ Fabulous Fursand Madison Event Center, was committed–as it always has been–to the area and it revitalization. Bringing the hotel to the area pairs perfectly to the wedding receptions and other events held at the Madison.

Now that you know the history, let me tell you…you have to check out this cool spot.  Have dinner in the amazing “Jewel Box”,  the glass atrium which is currently undergoing final touches with LED lighting to look like a necklace inside a jewelry box.  Enjoy the fine menu prepared by chef Brenden Haren, formerly of Orchids. Kevin and I really enjoyed the roasted chicken and delicious hamburgers with bacon marmalade. The cauliflower with a buffalo wing sauce and corn fritters were tasty little morsels too!

You can grab a fun cocktail, like the Liquid Knowledge (has to be a winner ;), the Covington Collins or many other fun house cocktails, wine on tap or anything else that might wet your whistle while sitting in the spacious, cool, open bar area.

The details are amazing…an open wall with cubbies holding old items from Coppin’s department store…from bowties to pearls. Pay special attention to the finishing touches. The plates and beer steins were designed and made by Rookwood Pottery. I would be remiss not to mention that they do have 114 hotel rooms that are unique and amazing, too. If you do stay the night, you have to check out the cool hangers and shopping bag-shaped trashcans. Yes, the simple things make me smile!

•Within the next few weeks, the outside area should be complete. It will be a complete hangout area with cornhole, games, outdoor movie nights and live music.

•A great private dining room with a long family-style table available for meetings or a dinner party.

Shout Out! 

When I was sixteen I was deciding what color parachute pants to wear and on which wall to hang my Prince poster. Lauren Hudson, an award winning author from Northern Kentucky just published her second book. The Ascensionis an action packed young adult novel about triplets separated at birth. This suspenseful story is filled with twists and turns as the triplets reunite and discover shocking truths about their family.

If you would like to meet this amazing young woman she will be at Red Tree Art Gallery & Coffee ShopOct. 14th 6-9. 3210 Madison Rd.

Get a little & Give a little 

•You have to eat, so go to Swampwater Grill with your family and friends tonight from 5-10 and support Karen Wellington Living with Breast Cancer Foundation. It’s the month of pink, so support this fantastic group that puts funin the lives of those going through a difficult time. They send women on trips and fun experiences, helping them live life to the fullest. 3742 Kellogg Ave.

•Need to get your steps in for the day? Join the walkers at Sawyer Pointtonight for theLight the Night Walk for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Registration is from 5:30-7:00. It’s a two-mile walk that starts at 7:00.

•Sunday is brunch day! So head to the Midwest Culinary Instituteat Cincinnati State and have 30 restaurants feed you. This event benefits theDeCavel Family SIDS Foundation. Fourteen years ago, our beloved chef Jean-Robert and his wife Annette lost their firstborn to SIDS. This event is their way to bring awareness. The event is Sunday Oct. 16th at 11:00. Go to www.eatplaygive.netfor more information.