One of Kentucky's oldest cities,
Newport was founded in 1795. For years Newport was dubbed "Sin City" because of illegal gambling casinos, organized crime and other illicit and illegal activities. But over the last decade Newport has enjoyed resurgence as a family entertainment, nightlife, retail, tourist and neighborhood business center that attracts visitors from across the entire region.
Located at the confluence of the Ohio and Licking Rivers, Newport takes full advantage of its river shoreline. Festival Park, which is part of Riverboat Row, hosts several outdoor festivals and events a year. One of the most popular events is
Italianfest, which is held each year in early June. The four-day festival features music, Italian and other food booths, rides and games for children, all in a tribute to Newport's Italian heritage.
Adjacent to Festival Park are the projects that led to Newport's rebirth:
- The spectacular Newport Aquarium, which features thousands of sea animals and aquatic life in more than one million gallons of water.
- The Newport Aquarium is the cornerstone of Newport on the Levee, a 10-acre, $200 million entertainment venue that opened in 2001. The Levee features restaurants, bars, shopping, a movie theater and more.
- It's anchored by the southern end of The Purple People Bridge, a one-time vehicle and train span that is now open only to pedestrians. The bridge – popular with walkers, runners, bikers, tourists and families – crosses the Ohio River and connects Newport to downtown Cincinnati.
Newport's retail scene has been dramatically improved with the opening of Newport Pavilion, an outdoor shopping center anchored by Kroger Marketplace and Target. Smaller retailers and restaurants are scheduled to open in 2012. With a convenient location adjacent to Interstate-471, Newport Pavilion is just minutes from downtown Cincinnati and the city's east side neighborhoods.
The Monmouth Street business district – the main north/south thoroughfare through the city – offers neighborhood specialty shops, a butcher, pet groomer, antique stores, restaurants, sports bars, cafes, coffee shops and more. Residents and visitors enjoy strolling along the street and dropping in on shops and merchants along the way.
Newport's
residential landscape is a mix of historic neighborhoods (such as Mansion Hill and East Row), inviting communities lined with Victorian style homes, market-rate housing, and upscale homes and condos that offer stunning views of downtown Cincinnati and the Ohio River valley.
In the heart of downtown Newport sits the World Peace Bell. At more than 30 tons, it is the largest free swinging bell in the World. It rang out the first at the stroke of midnight on December, 31, 1999, helping the city usher in the new millennium.
For businesses wishing to expanding or relocate, Newport offers Class A office space at the 180,000-square-foot One Riverfront Place, which sits near the Ohio River and is suitable for corporate headquarters. The city also has smaller, more affordable space in historic buildings along Monmouth Street that are suited for professionals such as lawyers, architects and others.