Best Things To Do In Florence
Directly south of Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, this suburban city in the Cincinnati metro area is crossed by I-75 and I-71.
Since the mid-1970s millions of people traveling along the highway have been greeted by a water tower proudly painted with the friendly message, Florence YAll. The story behind this landmark is a bit like how the Hollywoodland sign became Hollywood.
Theres much to recommend Florence. The city has its own professional baseball team, a regional mall in good shape and a newly renovated thoroughbred racetrack, while theres a catalog of family attractions in the area.
Head a little further out and youll come to Big Bone Lick State Historic Site, where the fossils of Ice Age megafauna have intrigued scientists since the days of Lewis and Clark.
Just Across The Ohio River From Cincinnati The Top Of The South Welcomes You To Kentucky With Outdoor Adventure Fascinating History And Bourbon Galore
Adventure flows all along the scenic waterways and byways of the Northern Kentucky River Region. Here, you can explore Kentuckys bourbon culture along the B-Line or enjoy a relaxing float down the Licking River. Paddling, biking and birding are among the many outdoor pursuits in this region, and idyllic water views are just about everywhere you look. Enjoy archery or clay shooting at the prestigious Elk Creek Hunt Club, then treat yourself to a glass of local wine at Elk Creek Vineyards one of several wineries in the region.
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ACTIVE is the leader in online event registrations from 5k running races and marathons to softball leagues and local events. ACTIVE also makes it easy to learn and prepare for all the things you love to do with expert resources, training plans and fitness calculators.
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Watch The Match Of Florence Y’alls
Florence Y’alls is the official baseball team of Florence.
The Y’alls play in the Frontier League’s West Division as an independent baseball team.
You can quickly get to UC. Health Stadium via the nearby Interstates 71 and 75, where they have been playing since 2004.
As the Erie Sailors in 1994, the club moved to Point Stadium in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, where it was initially known as the Johnstown Steal and then renamed as the Johnstown Johnnies in 1998.
As the Steal and the Johnnies, the club won two Frontier League titles in their tenure in Johnstown.
A new owner bought the club following the 2002 season, and it was relocated to Florence, where it was renamed the Free Spirits.
In October 2019, the new owners stated that the team’s name would be changed to Freedom for the 2020 season.
In January 2020, the team unveiled its new squad name, Florence Y’alls, taking its name after the historic water tower.
Florence Family Aquatic Center
On the south side of the citys Government Center complex, Florence has a public water park that would put some theme parks to shame.
This attraction is open Memorial Day weekend through the school summer break and has a host of great features.
If youre a parent here to relax then there are sunbathing areas, giant umbrellas, concessions and an up-to-date bathhouse.
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Boone Links Golf Course
Florence is home to another well-regarded public golf facility, a stones throw from the Florence YAll Water Tower off the Burlington Pike.
Opened in 1979, Boone Links has a four-star rating from Golf Digest and is an affordable place to play a round. There are 27 holes of golf here, broken down into three 9s: Brookview and Lakeview , and Ridgeview.
The latter is ideal for people still learning the game, with only one par-5, on the straight-ish 9th hole. In tha last few years a miniature golf course has opened here, with 18 holes laced with fountains, streams and other water features.
Places To Go In Florence
Welcome, traveler, to Florence. Your journey has landed you here, and new adventures are calling your name. Now that youve arrived, you can stay in the safety and comfort of your hotel and watch the world spin pastor you can embrace this new place youve come to. Learn its streets. Meet its people. Learn its history. Your hand is already on the doorknob, isnt it?
Things to Do in Florence
Youll not be wanting for things to do in Florence. Explore the downtown area in search of museums and boutiquesor that next delicious meal. What tickles your fancy? A delectable five-course supper at the restaurant youve been hearing about? Or perhaps youd rather read the paper while sipping hot coffee at one of the cafes scattered throughout town. Take in a show at the theatre, or just walk along down the main thoroughfare, watching people wander past.
Why spend hours ruminating over what to do in Florence? Let the possibilities wash over you as you explore this new region. Move out on foot and get to know the area on a more personal level. Find that perfect souvenir at one of the smaller shops, or reinvent your entire artistic aesthetic at your new favorite gallery.
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Take Photos With Florence Y’all Water Tower
In Northern Kentucky, a single, distinctive building identifies a city when it is seen, making it a recognizable landmark.
Florence Mall was painted on the dome of a water tower completed in 1974.
CM “Hop” Ewing received a letter from the Bureau of Highways stating the water tower advertised the mall and the paint would need to be changed because it was taller than highway advertising restrictions.
The mayor and his staff devised an undoubtedly corny but cost-effective solution.
They simply repainted the M to form the letter “Y” and then added an apostrophe to make the “Mall” a “Y’all,” which is the second-person plural pronoun in Southern American English.
Repainting cost less than $500 but resulted in historical significance.
When visiting the city, taking photos with the tower signifies that you have been to Florence.
Faqs About Things To Do In Florence Ky
What is Florence, Kentucky, famous for?
It is famous for its slow countryside life. The water tower is marking the start of the city, saying Florence Yall, the paleontology museum, Turfway Park, and Florence Yalls baseball team are some of the ways this city made its name in the world.
What is there to do in Florence, Kentucky?
You can ride high-speed karts in Full Throttle Adrenaline Park, learn about old methods of distilling whisky in Boone County Distilling Co., and undertake many other things to do in Florence, KY.
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Stroll Around Stringtown Park
Located on the city’s eastern outskirts along Kentucky Route 18 , 8 acres make up Stringtown Park.
The property was bought from the estate of Isabella Schmidt in the spring of 2001 by the city.
An all-city contest selected this park as the newest in the area.
The playground has a Camelot-themed design.
With an elevation rise of 36.1 feet, the park’s 1-mile walk is simple.
Four fitness stations with two pieces of outdoor exercise equipment and an asphalt-paved path, both supported by grants from the Land and Water Conservation Fund and the Division of Waste Management Crumb Rubber Grant, are among the amenities available at the park.
It also features a shelter with six picnic tables and grills with drinking fountains and temporary restrooms.
There are also portable toilets.
You may book the shelter at the City of Florence Parks and Recreation Department.
Top Restaurants In Florence
Florence is a home rule-class city in Boone County, Kentucky, United States. Florence is part of the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky metropolitan area. The population was 29,951 at the 2010 census.
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 431 reviews
Looking for something fun and exciting to do in the Northern Kentucky or Cincinnati area? Our escape rooms are challenging, engaging, and fun for all ages! Find clues. Solve puzzles. Crack codes. One hour to escape! Our room themes include: The Wild West, The Shipwreck, Cabin in the Woods, The Attic, the Graveyard Escape, and our 30-minute kids only game, Jr. Sherlock! Book online or give us a call to schedule your next adventure!
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Enroll In A Scuba Diving Class At Florence Family Aquatic Center
Traveling with the family?
Visit this world-class facility where you’ll find a lazy river, a competition pool, zero-depth zones where you can cool off, and two spray fields to enjoy water slides like the spiral and speed slide.
The facility charges a daily entry fee, and the best thing is that both residents and non-residents can become members.
There is an extra fee for swimming classes, aquacise, and scuba diving lessons.
You may find more parking to your north, near the Government Center.
Florence To Pigeon Forge Road Trip Planner
Here’s a sample itinerary for a drive from Florence to Pigeon Forge. If you’re planning a road trip to Pigeon Forge, you can research locations to stop along the way.Make sure you check road conditionsto double check the weather. Traveling with a dog or cat? Find pet-friendly stops. Camping along the way? Search for RV campgrounds. Find the best hotels, restaurants, and attractions based on themost talked about places recommended by Trippy members.
11:00 am start in Florence drive for about 1.5 hours
stay for about 1 hour and leave at 1:19 pmdrive for about 39 minutes
stay for about 1 hour and leave at 2:58 pmdrive for about 49 minutes
stay overnight and leave the next day around 11:00 am
day 1 driving 3 hours
11:00 am leave from Londondrive for about 54 minutes
stay for about 1 hour and leave at 12:54 pmdrive for about 59 minutes
stay for about 1 hour and leave at 2:53 pmdrive for about 49 minutes
3:42 pm arrive in Pigeon Forge
day 2 driving 2.5 hours
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Boone County Distilling Co
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In Florence you can get in touch with Kentuckys fabled bourbon heritage. This can be done at the Boone County Distilling Co., which can trace its roots back to 1833 and was founded in nearby Petersburg.
A new generation took on the mantle in 2015, and produces a line of award-winning spirits, including Small Batch Bourbon, Kentucky Pot Still Bourbon, Single Barrel Bourbon, Small Batch Rye and Single Barrel Rye.
To find out more about the old ways, you can take a tour of the distillery, which has a 500-gallon pot still, four fermenters and a bottling line, producing hundreds of barrels of small-batch bourbon a year.
More Things To Do In The Northern Kentucky River Region
The vibrant riverfront cities of Covington, Newport and Maysville reveal gems like quaint MainStrasse Village and Newport on the Levee, an entertainment complex featuring dining, shopping, nightlife and the world-renowned Newport Aquarium. Taste the past, present and future of Kentucky bourbon at distilleries such as Old Pogue and New Riff, and visit Boone County Distilling Co. to learn why they say their bourbon is “made by ghosts.” Perhaps the best way to experience Northern Kentucky’s bourbon scene is on The B-Line, a trail of bourbon distilleries, bars and restaurants that winds through the region before you journey deeper into Bourbon Country.
Explore Kentucky history at Big Bone Lick State Historic Site, home to a bison herd and many prehistoric fossils belonging to mammoths and mastodons that once roamed this region. See an authentic Civil War battle reenactment at Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park. Flemingsburg, the Official Covered Bridge Capital of Kentucky, is a photographer’s dream. And the awe-inspiring Ark Encounter is a must-stop, whether you’re interested in Bible history or just want to see a modern engineering marvel this true-to-scale replica of Noah’s Ark is the largest timber-frame structure in the world.
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Ride Your Wheels At Boone/florence Skate Park
Locals and tourists alike may enjoy Florence’s excellent skating facilities.
This 22,000-square-foot skate park is built for in-line skates, rollerblades, and skateboards and has beginner, intermediate, and advanced sections with various obstacles.
A shelter, a parking lot, and a viewing area are all included.
At the end of the day, it’s a terrific place to meet new people and build friendships with individuals from various walks of life, all thanks to a shared hobby.
The individuals that come here are nearly always polite and have been tolerant and considerate to children who are just beginning to learn how to ride a bike.
There is no charge for admission.
Make sure to bring your safety gear.
Tee Off At World Of Golf
The City of Florence owns World of Golf, including a golf course, a miniature golf course, a footgolf course, and a simulator.
Top-notch facilities and well-designed courses are the norms for all of their courses.
Golfers may play the 2,997-yard, par-58 course from the tees closest to the flag.
Dr. Michael Hurdzan designed the course, which opened its doors in 1969.
The course’s difficulty has an 86.0/90 rating.
Beginners and professionals alike may enjoy the course’s features.
The miniature golf course is a great place to play with the whole family.
Parties and other private gatherings may also be arranged at the course.
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This Is Toebben Companys List Of The Top 10 Things To Do In Northern Kentucky
You will find Northern Kentucky offers a tremendous amount of exciting things to do for the young and old alike. Whether you enjoy being active or sitting back relaxing, you will love the top 10 things to do in Northern Kentucky. Heres the list:
2 Ways to Enjoy the Ohio River
Kentucky History
Exciting Attractions
Catch A Horserace At Turfway Park
Turfway Park is a horse racing track in Florence, approximately 10 miles south of Cincinnati, Ohio.
Known initially as Latonia Race Course, Turfway Park in Florence opened in 1959.
Since the first Latonia Race Track was built in Covington in 1883 and demolished in 1939, it has hosted thoroughbred racing.
For many years, the Latonia Derby matched the Kentucky Derby’s reputation, and many of the same horses were used in both events.
When Jerry Carroll and his associates bought the Florence track in 1986, the name was changed to Turfway Park.
The race track provides year-round simulcast around the continent and hosts live Thoroughbred horse racing during holidays and the winter seasons.
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Solve Mysteries At Sherlock’s Escape Rooms
In search of a fun activity to partake in?
Do you have a date in mind?
A friend’s birthday or a get-together at work?
There is something for everyone in Sherlock’s Escape Rooms!
In its Florence location, you will have 30 minutes to solve a sequence of clues, riddles, and codes.
Choose from or try all the Florence escape room themes based on Sherlock’s world: Attic, Cabin in the Woods, Shipwreck, Graveyard Escape, Wild West, and Jungle Jr.
Sherlock’s Escape Rooms is the ideal venue for a birthday party, a night out, or a team-building exercise.
With an experience like this, you’ll be tempted to come back again and over!
Do I Really Have To Go Back Home
Yes, even this step is optional, because if you’re on vacationwho wants the trip to end? It’s okay, you can start planning yournext trip!
You can also compare the travel time if you’re flying or drivingby calculating the distance from Virginia to Florence . Or get a full Virginia to Florence flight plan.
Don’t forget about exploring your own hometown with a staycation.You can also find some cool day trips or get away for a weekend.Maybe try typing in a faraway location like London, Hong Kong,or Sydney, and get inspired for your dream trip around the world.
And if you know Virginia well, please help your fellowtravelers and answer their questions about Virginia!
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Defy Gravity At Defy Florence
DEFY Florence is the trampoline park for trampoline enthusiasts and those who wish to be in shape.
This all-inclusive trampoline park features indoor playgrounds up to 8,000 square feet i
An airbag/foam pit is also often included, as well as a basketball hoop and a big open free-jump area.
DEFY is more than a trampoline park – it’s active entertainment, with something new and exciting to see at every visit.
Be a member of the DEFY Flight Club and celebrate your next special occasion here!
Shop Till Your Drop At Florence Mall
One of Kentucky’s most prominent shopping centers, Florence Mall, is Florence.
The mall, which opened in 1976, initially included Sears, Pogue’s, J. C. Penney, and Shillito’s as its anchor businesses.
Brookfield Properties Retail Group owns and operates Florence Mall.
Explore Florence Mall’s distinctive mix of retailers, which provide a delightfully different shopping experience for locals and tourists of Northern Kentucky alike.
Make a stop at your favorite stores or the on-site theater, and then go to the neighboring attractions.
The park’s amenities include the Rave movie theater, kiddie section, train rides, and a carousel.
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