I'm looking for suggestions for weekend trips from my home, Cincinnati. I tend to get antsy staying in one place for long periods of time and love to have a change of scenery every few weeks to refresh and degage. I feel like I have exhausted Chicago and Columbus and go to both of those cities on a fairly regular basis for good nightlife and shopping.

 

I'm looking for any/all suggestions that are within a 4 hour (or less) drive from Cincinnati that would be acceptable for a 2 night stay. I live in the city in Cincinnati (OTR) and while I love exploring urban areas, I'd like to start spending more time in natural/outdoor areas where I can hike.

 

Some places I have considered going but have not yet made it to are Louisville and Red River Gorge Where else should I be considering and why?

I've never been to Red River Gorge, but I've heard good things. One place I would recommend is Hocking Hills State Park, which is an absolutely gorgeous place. It's about a two and a half hour drive from Cincinnati. You can rent cabins, and I think you can also pitch a tent in certain places, but there's tons of hiking/nature/scenery to be enjoyed.

 

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Hocking Hills, Mammoth Cave, and Kentucky's Bourbon Trail come to mind. This too: http://www.nkytourism.com/attractions/outdoor_adventures.aspx

Red River Gorge!  Although my experiences there were "many moons ago," I can still attest to the area for your outdoor adventure--a place far removed from civilization, yet still a reasonable drive from Cincinnati.  Several suggestions, though...  (1) Not knowing how old you are or your sex or your "athletic prowess," I would hope you would venture into "the Gorge" with companions.  It's not a place for single-minded fun--accidents can happen.  Here, I'm not even THINKING about the human predators--a la "Deliverance"--who might be lurking there, just the terrain; (2) Not knowing what your physical-temperament is (weather and temperature-wise) I can make only ONE strong suggestion!  Do NOT go to Red River Gorge in either the warm/hot months (seriously!) You'll regret it!  If you do, prepare to "take a number" for any and every trail, fight all kinds of insects, and perspire profusely--you HAVE been warned! (heh heh); (3) Not knowing how serious or well-versed you are about "outdoor adventure," I would ask you to enter 'the Gorge" with the same level of knowledge, competence, and respect that one would enter the canyonlands of the West--that is, bone up on your backpacking skills and day-trip needs through knowledgeable friends, magazines such as "Backpacker and "Outdoors," and personal physical fitness.  Lecture over.  Trust me (whoever you are), the trails there are immensely enjoyable and challenging, but NOT with a herd of other hikers or in warm, humid weather.  (Think December-March)

^^ haha thanks for the tips.

 

I am a mid-twenties male that's in pretty good shape btw. Would definitely be taking friends along.

A day at Keeneland, followed by some dinner in Lexington makes for a really nice day trip.

^^ haha thanks for the tips.

 

I am a mid-twenties male that's in pretty good shape btw. Would definitely be taking friends along.

 

So, this is good to hear!  Next advice for first time to "the Gorge"--if possible, get a really early start from Cincinnati; carry sufficient GatorAid, trail mix, and lemon-drops; wear the most comfortable hiking boots; and hike the trails when nobody else is around, got it?  Enjoy.

^^ Thanks. Sounds like it's not for the faint of heart!

 

What is at Keeneland? What does one do there? (sorry for the ignorance)

 

Any thoughts on Louisville for a more urban weekend? I hear there's a solid arts and bar scene there? Want to check out the 21C Hotel since Cincinnati is about to get one as well.

 

What about TN? That's not too much further and I think would open up a whole lot more hiking options...

 

In terms of the Bourbon Trail, which places should I go and which to stay away from? I hate touristy crap but would love to drink some bourbon out of some guys barn in rural KY? Can we make that happen? If there's a huge gift shop and valet parking, I'm out.

 

 

 

 

Keeneland is a really beautiful horse track in Lexington.  They only hold races there in October and April, and people often set up elaborate tailgates, and spend the day drinking/hanging out, and gambling on the horces.  The grounds and facilities are really pretty, and it's generally a fun atmosphere.

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keeneland

 

Nashville is only a 4.5 hour drive, so it's a comparable distance to Chicago.  Pittsburgh also is only about this far away, and it's a pretty cool city you could check out.  Only been been to more suburban areas of Louisville, but I heard there are some really great neighborhoods in the city.

^^ Thanks. Sounds like it's not for the faint of heart!

 

What is at Keeneland? What does one do there? (sorry for the ignorance)

 

Any thoughts on Louisville for a more urban weekend? I hear there's a solid arts and bar scene there? Want to check out the 21C Hotel since Cincinnati is about to get one as well.

 

What about TN? That's not too much further and I think would open up a whole lot more hiking options...

 

In terms of the Bourbon Trail, which places should I go and which to stay away from? I hate touristy crap but would love to drink some bourbon out of some guys barn in rural KY? Can we make that happen? If there's a huge gift shop and valet parking, I'm out.

 

 

 

 

 

Louisville is totally worth it.  Bardstown Road/The Highlands area and the downtown core (Fourth Street Live and the West Main Street District) are worth the trip.

Bellefontaine (bell fountain), Ohio Caverns (just opened up more cave), Cedar Bog...