NEWPORT

Established in 1795, Newport, Kentucky is an historic city with a colorful past, bright present, and exciting future. Once overrun with gangsters, as befits the city where the Tommy Gun was created, Newport has turned many pages in its own book of history. Most recently, the city, which has a population of just over 14,000 according to the 2020 Census, comprises nine distinct neighborhoods, and is just three miles south of Cincinnati, has experienced an exciting renaissance, preserving its history and showcasing its potential for incoming generations.

The intermingling of the past and the present is evident throughout the city, especially in instances like that of Jet Age Records. Located on Monmouth Street, this eclectic and carefully curated record shop resides in a former men’s clothing store from the early half of last century. The recessed entrance features a decorative tiled floor and the shop’s name painted in red type on a white brick wall, inspired by the cover art of Pink Floyd’s album The Wall. Jet Age is a family affair, owned by the three brothers Schraer: Mike, Tom, and Kevin. The trio are helpful and knowledgeable and passionate about their store and the vibes they’ve created there for anyone who stops in to enjoy.

This welcoming attitude is definitely evident in their varied artist selection: from Taylor Swift to The Cure to Bob Dylan to Anthrax and beyond, the whole musical gamut is fully represented. In addition to good old fashioned records, Jet Age has plenty of collectibles and fun ephemera available, including gorgeous poster prints – perfect gifts for any fan – and hard-to-find records, CDs, record players, and more. And to help you keep up with all the record flipping, Jet Age has a minimalist and highly aesthetic coffee bar in the back of the shop, designated by a sign that says, simply, Coffee. Get an espresso to keep you searching, because the fun of record stores like Jet Age is in the hunt for the perfect score.

Monmouth is home to all kinds of shops in addition to Jet Age. Check out the diner scene with a bite at Lana’s Diner, Sis’s on Monmouth, or Dixie Chili. Want to check out the OG regional diner? Head into Pepper Pod, a local landmark, with an old-school jukebox and nostalgic home cooking. Want something a little fancier, that maybe requires a reservation? The Purple Poulet, Chart House Seafood, and the Baker’s Table are all more upscale restaurants that fit the bill.

If you need more caffeine by this point in your Newport journey, you’re covered by an array of local coffee shops, like Carabello Coffee, Analog Cafe, Trailhead Coffee, The Little Spoon Bakery & Cafe, Roebling Books & Coffee, or Newberry Bros. Coffee. Need a sweet treat to go with that espresso? Check out Cookie Jar Bakery, Sweet Tooth Candies, or Crumbl.

Newport is home to several outdoor shopping malls, too, combining restaurants and retail of all kinds. Make a stop at Newport on the Levee, named for the levee it was constructed on, intended to prevent flooding from the Ohio River. Opened in 2001, one of the Levee’s oldest staples is the Newport Aquarium, which hosts the coolest aquatic experiences in the region. Take your favorite gamers to check out the Immersive Gamebox, or get your putt-putt on at Par 3. The Brickery Cafe and Play is a Lego-themed play cafe for the whole family. West Sixth Brewing offers a mini-taproom experience for the Lexington-based craft beer, or get tropical at Kon-Tiki on the Levee. Try Cuban fare at Amador, or authentic Turkish cuisine from Doner House. Of course, no Newport on the Levee visit is complete without a stop at Cold Stone Creamery.

Newport Pavilion is another outdoor shopping mall, this one anchored by an expansive Kroger Marketplace and Target. Swing into Monmouth Jewelers to get that tricky ring resized, or head to the far end of the mall’s footprint for stores like Dick’s Sporting Goods and TJ Maxx. Exit the mall’s plaza onto Carrother’s Road and you’ll find even more options for retail and restaurants nearby, like the Newport Laundromax, Cancun Mexican Food and El Rio Grande, and Newport Gaming and Racing.

If you’re looking to go out with friends for a couple of beers, you have to of course stop by Hofbrauhaus Newport. Opened in 2003, this authentic biergarten boasts beers brewed in-house and a variety of food options, from traditional Bavarian dishes like schnitzel and bratwurst to burgers and vegetarian options to Bavarian desserts like the cream puff. Vibe in the huge and bustling biergarten, or inside where you can see all the staff in traditional garb. Jerry’s Jug House and Crazy Fox Saloon are other fun local bar options. Wooden Cask Brewing and Pensive Distling Company + Kitchen each have their own in-house libations to try.

Still need more of a Newport fix? Okay no problem Hit up the Full of Bologna deli. Check out Newport Skate Park, or the calisthenic-haven Outdoor Gym. Catch your favorite touring band at MegaCorp Pavilion. Take the Newport Gangster Tour and learn firsthand about the city’s seedy past. Check out the fun at the Gangsters Dueling Piano Bar. Grab a gift at Mustang Betty’s Antiques. Take in a show at the Falcon Theatre. Grab something vintage at Mannequin Boutique.

Newport is home to an exciting variety of opportunities to shop, eat, play, and stay.