Once the Riddle farm, this area in Covington across the Ohio River from Cincinnati has been recreated as MainStrasse Village, evoking the feeling of the German settlement that developed here in the 1800s and thrived for more than a century. Visit to see the preserved buildings in this national historic district and experience German food, festivals and shopping.
Gaze up at the Carroll Chimes Bell Tower, which features a glockenspiel playing 43 bells atop the tower. Animated figures with a Pied Piper of Hamelin theme move across a small stage at the front of the 100-foot (30-meter) tower. The Goose Girl Fountain by Elefcherious Karkadoulias continues the German theme with a statue based on a Grimm fairytale.
The streets of MainStrasse Village are lined with dining and entertainment spots, with plenty of casual pubs and pizza shops or more upscale dining. Visit the stores featuring toys, pet supplies, fair trade goods and even a shop that claims, “We buy weird stuff.”
Celebrate autumn’s Oktoberfest in MainStrasse Village, with flowing beer, festive food, crafts and kids’ rides. Maifest is an urban street festival marking the arrival of spring. Attend December’s Christmas tree-lighting ceremony and let the kids meet Santa Claus.
MainStrasse’s Goebel Park is named after the Covington native William Goebel who became governor of Kentucky after a contested race. After being shot, he died before he could ever take office. Walk around the park to see markers representing the area’s fascinating history and past residents. Look for statues honoring Haven Gillespie, who wrote the classic Christmas song Santa Claus is Comin' to Town, and Una Merkel, a famous Broadway and film star. A marker and mural share the true story of Margaret Garner’s heartbreak in Covington, inspiration for Toni Morrison’s novel Beloved. Garner attempted to escape slavery in 1856, with tragic results for her children and herself.
From downtown Cinncinati, drive, walk or take the TANK bus south across the Ohio River to MainStrasse Village west of the Licking River. If you drive, use the area’s metered street parking.
