Whether you’re a Northern Kentucky native or visiting from out of town, the region has plenty to offer everyone around the holiday season.
For this holiday season, LINK nky is spotlighting six Northern Kentucky businesses — two from Boone, Campbell and Kenton County respectively — where you could frequent for last-minute gifts, or just spend an afternoon.
Boone County
Boone County Distilling Co.
10601 Toebben Drive, Independence
Having reopened in recent years, Boone County Distilling has a rich history dating back to 1833, when it was founded by brothers William and John Snyder in Petersburg. By 1910, the distillery shuttered. At its height, it produced 4 million gallons of whiskey per year, according to the company’s website.
In 2015, local entrepreneurs Jack Wells and Josh Quinn revived the historic brand. Since then, it has become integral to the Northern Kentucky bourbon scene. Their bottles could make a great gift or addition to any Christmas party.
As a member of the B-Line, Northern Kentucky’s self-guided bourbon tour, Boone County Distilling also provides customers with a unique bourbon experience.
Full Throttle Adrenaline Park
24 Spiral Drive, Florence
Perfect for families, the Full Throttle Adrenaline Park in Florence gives customers a chance to seek thrills through an assortment of activities.
Whether it’s go-karting, throwing axes, or playing around in virtual reality, Full Throttle is a great gift to share with friends and families during the holiday season.
Prices for Full Throttle vary. A two-hour Adrenaline Pass is $45 during nonpeak hours on Tuesday through Thursday. For peak hours on Monday through Friday, the cost increases to $50.
Campbell County
New Riff Distilling
24 Distillery Way, Newport
Established in 2014 by Ken Lewis, New Riff Distilling sells a wide range of craft whiskeys like bourbon, rye and malted rye.
Like Boone County Distilling, New Riff is also a member of the B-Line. Their newly revamped first gives customers a pristine bourbon experience as soon as they walk through the door. Customers enter the gift shop, where they can purchase a variety of New Riff bottles and memorabilia.
Participants can also take a full tour of the distillery, where they’ll be able to view the behind-the-scenes distilling process, as well as receive complimentary tastings of their most popular spirits.
Schneider’s Sweet Shop
420 Fairfield Ave, Bellevue
Schneider’s Sweet Shop is one of Northern Kentucky’s longest continually running confection shops. The Sweet Shop is a family business founded in 1939 by Robert and Lillian Schneider. The couple built their business while raising seven children on the second floor of the candy store.
Their youngest son, Jack, and his wife, Kathy, took over the store in 1986. In 2022, Jack’s daughter Kelly joined the ownership team. Jack still serves as the shop’s lead candy maker.
Schneider’s candy makes for great stocking stuffers. You can also visit their store in Bellevue, where they sell homemade candy, fudge, ice cream and other confections like caramel apples.
Kenton County
Hit Seekers Sports Cards
2501 Dixie Hwy, Fort Mitchell
Looking for a unique gift for the sports fan or collector in your life? Head over to Hit Seekers Sports Cards in Fort Mitchell. Opened in 2023 by Braxton Brewing co-founders Greg and Evan Rouse, Hit Seekers has already become one of the Greater Cincinnati region’s top shops for sports card collectors.
The shop is focused on fostering a community around collecting sports cards and offers a large inventory for collectors of all levels. Upon entering, customers will notice glass cases displaying some of the shop’s rarest cards, including PSA-graded Michael Jordan and Joe Burrow cards. Several cards listed on their online store are going for over $1,000.
If you’re not a sports fan, don’t worry. Hit Seekers also sells Pokemon and Star Wars cards.
Purrfect Day Cat Cafe
25 W. Eighth St., Covington
For just $15, you can alleviate all your stress and anxiety by playing with a group of kittens at Purrfect Day Cat Cafe. Customers won’t have to do this activity empty-handed either as the cafe sells a variety of beers, wines, cocktails and coffees.
If you’re looking for something more, Purrfect Day allows you the chance to adopt a cat you form a connection with during your play session.
A day at Purrfect Day is a great gift for someone looking to have a fun experience or is in the market for a new furry friend.
