This week, we’re taking a little road trip to Augusta.
For families who need a reason to get out of the house for a short trip, or anyone looking to keep the holiday season alive, Augusta offers small-town comfort with stunning river views and – most important – plenty of places to eat and drink.
Augusta is less than an hour from most Northern Kentucky residents, making it the perfect fun and festive day trip.
Augusta Distillery
There’s no better way to warm up in the winter than with a bourbon tasting.
There are many ways to enjoy Augusta Distillery’s single barrel creations: The place offers a variety of tours, a standard tasting and even exclusive launch tastings. Guests can even create and bottle their own custom bourbon.
If you’re visiting on a whim or don’t have time for a full tour, you can visit and order drinks at the bar. Neat, on the rocks or blended in a slushie, there’s a bourbon-based drink for everyone from newbies to connoisseurs.
The distillery’s employees do an excellent job of learning guests’ preferences to ensure they get a beverage they like. There is also lots of merch available for holiday or other shopping.
Beehive Augusta Tavern
The Beehive is one of the cutest places Streetscapes has ever visited. It offers an elevated interior, with stunning views both inside and out, while still maintaining Augusta’s cozy and quaint charm.
The rainbow bar will catch your eye as soon as you enter. The rest of the space is equally beautiful, with both inside and, weather permitting, outside dining available. Outdoor balcony seating offers gorgeous river views, but we had to save that for a warmer day. Inside there are fireplaces with candles to create a cozy ambiance.
The menus offers farm-to-table takes on traditional tavern-like choices with a Southern influence. To keep with the Kentucky spirit, opt for the Kentucky hot brown or the honey bourbon fried chicken. Or go all in with steak, salmon or pork chops. End the evening with either honey pie, a chocolate martini or even both (we won’t judge!).
The Augusta Pub
For a more casual experience, check out the Augusta Pub, just a few doors down from the Beehive. You’ll find pub fare like fish and chips, as well as burgers, sandwiches and steaks. Choose among 10 rotating beer taps, or from bottles, cans, cocktails, wine and (of course) bourbon.
Pair any beverage with the pub’s famous giant Bavarian pretzel for an authentic pub experience.
Like many Augusta businesses, the pub pays homage to Augusta’s heritage with an old-school small town look. Indoor seating at the bar is perfect for relaxing with a beer on cold days, while the outside patio is ideal for enjoying live bands on summer days.
Carota’s Pizza
Taking a trip with kids? Try Carota’s Pizza, a casual eatery with food sure to please kids and adults. Parents with picky little ones can customize a pizza exactly to their liking, or more adventurous eaters can opt for a specialty pie.
The ranch pizza is a kid (and adult’s) dream, with a ranch dressing base, bacon, onions, tomatoes, green peppers and both mozzarella and provolone cheese. It’s sure to hush even the hangriest member of your group.
Hoagies, sandwiches and pastas complete Carota’s Italian offerings. The restaurant’s indoor seating is picturesque, like an old-school diner, while the majority of the seating is outside. On days the sun shines, there’s no better view than an outdoor pizza along the riverfront.
What to Know If You Go
Augusta Distillery
Location: 207 Seminary Ave., Augusta
Hours: Monday-Tuesday, closed; Wednesday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Website: auguatadistillery.com
Phone: 888-592-6872
Beehive Augusta Tavern
Location: 101 W. Riverside Drive, Augusta
Hours: Monday-Wednesday, closed; Thursday, 4-8 p.m.; Friday, noon-9 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m.- 7 p.m.
Website: beehiveaugustatavern.com
Phone: 606-756-2137
The Augusta Pub
Location: 120 Main St., Augusta
Hours: Monday, closed; Tuesday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
Phone: 606- 756-9910
Carota’s Pizza
Location: 115 Main St., Augusta
Hours: Sunday-Saturday, 11 a.m.- 9 p.m.
Phone: 606-756-2343