Florence is the second-largest city in Northern Kentucky with 30,000 people. The residents of this community take pride in its rich history and tradition.
As one of the fastest growing areas in the nation, the old fashioned farms of Boone County are joined by an abundance of multi-styled homes in Florence. In recent years, new construction has flourished with the addition of condominium and single-family homes ranging from moderately priced to luxury, custom-built homes. The Florence Mall brought new opportunity and value to the area, making the city the center of shopping and trade in Northern Kentucky. This forward-looking community offers its residents a way of life that is close to our northern neighbor, Cincinnati, and offers a comfortable and upbeat lifestyle. Be sure to salute the Florence water tower – “Florence Y’All!”
Transportation
T.A.N.K. buses serve Florence and most areas of Boone County at about 20-minute intervals. The main streets, Dixie Highway and U.S. 42, lead to Interstate 75. Driving time to downtown Cincinnati is about 15 minutes. It is a 10-minute drive to the Greater Cincinnati Northern Kentucky International Airport.
Hospitals
St. Elizabeth Hospital is located at I-75 at the Florence exit and staffs a 24-hour emergency room. Other nearby hospitals include St. Elizabeth South in Edgewood (10 minutes) and St. Elizabeth North in Covington (15 minutes). St. Elizabeth Florence Children’s Pavilion is located on Turfway Road.
Shopping
Florence Mall features 130 speciality stores. Crestview Hills Town Center is located at I-275 and Dixie Highway and is a lifestyle center featuring Dillards as an anchor along with a wide assortment of stores and restaurants. This shopping center is close to St. Elizabeth Medical Center and Thomas More College in neighboring Kenton County.
Recreation
There are many parks in Florence. Florence Nature Park has 15+ acres with paved walking trails. People also enjoy the brick patio with a grill, granite animals, and a gazebo. Orleans Park has 11acres and is near the Orleans North subdivision. It has a shelter, playground area, sled hill, open space field, volleyball court, stocked lake and a paved walking trail. South Fork Park features 42 acres and has a nautical theme. Enjoy a sheltered area, playground, volleyball/basketball courts, pedestrian bridge, bike path log dam habitats, natural meadow areas as well as mounded earthen sculpture of topsoil for play. Stringtown Park has a Camelot theme on its eight acres. It has a playground area, basketball court, four fitness stations, paved trail and a shelter. This park also features sand volleyball, corn-hole sets and a seat wall. Niblack Memorial Park is 4.5 acres and is home to the Florence Senior Activity Center. The Walnut Creek Park is 2.5 acres and is located in the Walnut Creek subdivision. There is a ball field and open play area. Lincoln Woods Park features a tennis court, basketball court, playground, dirt trails and ball fields. Kentaboo Park is almost 16 acres and features the Evelyn M. Kalb Gathering House and an event center. There are paved walking trails, too.
The Florence/Boone County Skate Park with 22,000 square feet of concrete is the place for skateboarders, bikers, rollerblades and in-line skaters of course. Located on the campus of the Florence Government Center, this facility is designed for the novice as well as the experts.
Florence Freedom, a Frontier League Baseball team was the 2005 Frontier League Organization of the Year. Florence Freedom plays at Champion Field in the heart of Boone County, and offers a hometown, professional baseball experience and is an outing for young and old alike.
R.C. Durr YMCA is a state-of-the-art facility centrally located in Boone County on Route 18. The Y features a heated indoor pool and an outdoor pool, both with 25 lanes. A fitness center with cardio, strength training and free weights, the YMCA has personal fitness programs, a full gymnasium other programs for members.
There are several public golf courses near Florence: Boone Links has been named “Best Bang for the Buck” by Golf Digest. This 27-hole facility is open year round, weather permitting. Just off of Route 18 between Florence, Hebron and Burlington. Lassing Point is an 18-hole course with a driving range and short-game center. World of Golf is a great place to play, practice and learn.
Dinsmore Homestead is a unique historical site where you can learn what rural life was like in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Home tours and seasonal events are a highlight to Boone County history. Nature enthusiasts enjoy the hiking trails developed in cooperation with the Kentucky Nature Conservancy and the Boone County Parks Program.
The city of Florence hosts community events throughout the year. A Pooch Fest is held in September. Halloween Night Out brings out kids in costumes at the government center. The city also has a Veterans Day event and a Christmas tree-lighting ceremony.
Boone County naturally attracts horse lovers, but is also popular with those looking for sports such as swimming, soccer, baseball, tennis, and pee wee football. The arts are represented with dance and art classes available locally and in neighboring Cincinnati. Most any activity is within reach for Boone County residents.
Lifestyle
Check out these local highlights by area experts!
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Northern Kentucky
Arts & Entertainment
The Carnegie - Constructed in 1904 and on the National Register of Historic Places the Carnegie inspires creativity for all. See professional theatre presentations, concerts and art exhibits at the largest and only multidisciplinary arts venue in Northern Kentucky, with The Carnegie Galleries, the Eva G. Farris Education Center and the Otto M. Budig Theatre housed together under its landmark dome.
Cincinnati Ballet - For more than 40 years the Cincinnati Ballet has entertained and enriched the culture of our community.
Cincinnati Arts Association - The CAA is a non-profit organization founded in 1992 which oversees programming and management of the Aronoff Center for the Arts and Music Hall.
Cincinnati Black Theatre Company - A not-for-profit organization that includes: professional leaders, educators, and visual artists from various racial and cultural backgrounds. They are committed to providing positive cultural interaction within our city.
Cincinnati Music Theatre - Over the last 45 years and counting the Cincinnati Music Theatre has strived to produce and encourage outstanding non-professional musical theater in and with our community.
Cincinnati Opera - On June 27, 1920 Cincinnati’s Opera began its reign as the second oldest opera company in the U.S. with a sold out performance.
Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park - The Playhouse is a non-profit theatre that is dedicated to presenting great theatre as well as making theatre affordable and accessible to everyone in our community.
The Children's Theatre - Sponsored by Sibcy Cline, Inc., The Cincinnati Children’s Theatre has been introducing children to the magic of theatre for over 80 years.
Cincinnati Pops Orchestra - Since its founding in 1977 the world-renowned Cincinnati Pops Orchestra performs in Cincinnati’s Music Hall.
Cincinnati Shakespeare Festival - The Cincinnati Shakespeare Company is a resident ensemble theatre that brings Shakespeare and the Classics to life for audiences of all ages.
Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra - The Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra was founded in 1895. It is the fifth oldest orchestra in the United States representing the evolution of 200 years of musical tradition in the Queen City.
Contemporary Dance Theater - Since the theater’s creation in 1972 it has been connecting the community by moving bodies and souls with diverse and socially relevant contemporary dance.
Ensemble Theatre of Cincinnati - The Ensemble Theatre of Cincinnati is home to Regional, World and Off-Broadway premiere productions. They are the first theater to present plays as they were still running on Broadway.
Fifth Third Bank Broadway in Cincinnati - As a division of Broadway Across America they are committed to educating audiences of all ages with the magic of live theatre.
University of Cincinnati College - Conservatory of Music - As the largest source of performing arts events in the state the conservatory is an educational institution for the performing arts within a comprehensive public university.
Riverbend Music Center - Visit the premier concert venue of Greater Cincinnati. Nestled on prime real estate on the city’s eastern outskirts along the Ohio River you will enjoy listening to a variety of musical talents while taking in the scenic views.
Ohio Renaissance Festival - Experience life during the Renaissance period by enjoying games, shows and shopping in a re-created 16th Century English village.
Performance Gallery - Specializing in theater that “appeals to unconventional or nontraditional interests” the Performance Gallery produces challenging works of theatre that seldom find a home on mainstream stages.
Warsaw Incline Theater - The 229-seat live-performance theater is located in East Price Hills Incline District. Year-round performances are offered with many shows enjoyed by sell-out crowds.
Museums & Attractions
Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky/Southeast Indiana region is filled with boundless choices for museums and attractions for endless enjoyment and excitement! A museum-lover has the new Contemporary Art Museum, the spectacularly renovated art museum, and Museum Center to explore. Other attractions include the world-renowned Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens and Newport Aquarium. For summer thrill-seekers, the region has Kings Island and the Beach.
Cincinnati Art Museum - Visits to scenic Eden Park are not complete unless you take time to enjoy exhibitions, programs and activities at the Art Museum. There’s no excuse not to visit since admission is always FREE.
Contemporary Art Museum - As one of the oldest museums of contemporary art in the United States the Contemporary Arts Center has served the city by providing a forum for progressive art and ideas.
Taft Museum of Art - Built in 1820, the Taft Museum is a National Historic Landmark and is known as one of the finest small art museums in America.
Cincinnati Museum Center - One gorgeous, historically important building. Inside, four amazing places to enjoy and explore. Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal offers endless fun and learning.
National Underground Railroad Freedom Center - Learn the stories of freedom’s past and present heroes while visiting the museum’s three buildings that represent the cornerstones of freedom- courage, cooperation and perseverance.
Heritage Village Museum - Located in Sharon Woods Park, the Heritage Village is a recreated 1800’s community featuring a dozen historic buildings that were saved from destruction and moved to their present location. You will experience the rural simplicity of a small town life as it was during Ohio in the 1800’s.
Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens - Come and see the world famous and #1 rated family attraction in Cincinnati. Opened in 1875, it is the nation’s second oldest zoo and a national historic landmark.
Newport Aquarium - Open 365 days a year, the Newport Aquarium was ranked the #1 aquarium in the Midwest by the Zagat’s U.S. Family Travel Guide in 2004.
Krohn Conservatory - Visit a nationally recognized showcase of over 3,500 plant species from across the world. The conservatory is open year round with free admission.
Newport on the Levee - Enjoy open spaces, unique shopping, international dining, catch a movie or comedy show and much more at this leading local tourist attraction.
Perfect North Slopes - Skiing in Cincinnati? That’s right, but Perfect North Slopes is actually located about 30 minutes away in Lawrenceburg Indiana, where you can hit the slopes skiing, snowboarding or snow tubing.
Kings Island - From Soak City to Planet Snoopy, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Kings Island has 14 roller coasters and numerous rides and attractions that will entertain the entire family.
Sunlite Pool at Coney Island - Swim and sunbathe at the world’s largest re-circulating swimming pool.
Sports & Recreation
Sports
Cincinnati is home to the excitement of the oldest professional baseball team (Cincinnati Reds), an NFL football team (Cincinnati Bengals), a professional hockey team (Cyclones), a Major League Soccer team (FC Cincinnati), the Kentucky Speedway, horseracing, the Tennis Masters Series Cincinnati, golf (LPGA and Senior PGA) and Division I athletics from area colleges. Sports teams enjoy the support of loyal Cincinnatians, evident in the building of two professional stadiums, Paul Brown Stadium and the Great American Ballpark.
Cincinnati Bengals - Visit Paul Brown Stadium to catch some NFL excitement with the Cincinnati Bengals.
Cincinnati Reds - Enjoy the great American pastime with the first professional baseball team.
Turfway Race Track - Whether you’re a veteran racing fan, casual fan or new to horseracing, Turfway Park puts you up close for all the action.
Belterra Park - Stop by and enjoy live thoroughbred racing from April through September and simulcast racing year round.
Kentucky Speedway - Located approximately halfway between Cincinnati and Louisville in Sparta KY. The Kentucky Speedway delivers a dose of NASCAR speed and adrenaline while hosting Busch series races in addition to their diverse racing schedule.
Flying Pig Marathon - Come and participate in the country’s third largest first-time marathon. Join athletes of all running abilities as they find their personal reward.
US Open Tennis Masters Series Cincinnati - Professional tennis visits Cincinnati every summer during the Western & Southern Financial Group Masters and Women’s Open tournaments.
Florence Y'alls - Come out, join in the fun and root for Greater Cincinnati's Minor League Professional Baseball Team, the Florence Y'alls, as they play against teams from Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Missouri and Pennsylvania. They are a member of the Independent Frontier League.
FC Cincinnati - Cincinnati is very proud to host a Major League Soccer (MLS) team, FC Cincinnati. Games are well attended by passionate fans wearing their blue and orange. The club plays at a world-class soccer stadium called TQL Stadium.
Parks and Recreation
Cincinnati Parks - Over 5,000 acres have been designated to the city’s 100 parks and green spaces making our parks some of the best in the nation.
Hamilton County Park District - Our Hamilton County parks are dedicated to the preservation and protection of all natural resources by providing outdoor recreation and education to create a better quality of life for present and future generations.
Ohio State Parks - Visit any of Ohio’s 74 state parks for an outdoor recreational experience that will exceed all expectations.
For More Information about Life in the Greater Cincinnati Region
www.redicincinnati.com - Cincinnati is home to 9 Fortune 500 firms, and more than 300 foreign-owned firms which provides our community with a strong foundation for thriving careers and an outstanding quality of life.
www.cincinnatiusa.com - Things to do and places to go in Cincinnati
www.downtowncincinnati.com - A list of things to do in downtown Cincinnati
Business & Media
Business Organizations in Cincinnati
Clermont County Chamber of Commerce - Promoting local and regional business through: Entrepreneurship, Retention and expansion efforts, business attraction, advocacy of interests, counseling and analysis, regional partnerships, networking and cost savings.
Greater Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce - The Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber is the nation's fifth largest chamber and twice has been named Chamber of the Year.
Greater Cincinnati Convention and Visitors Bureau - Whether you are looking for business or leisure the GCCVB gives you the best that Greater Cincinnati has to offer.
Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce - The Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to developing strong businesses and lively economy in order to improve quality of life for all in the area.
Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky African American Chamber of Commerce - Since established in 1996 the AACC has been a strong advocate of African American businesses in the Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky area.
Greater Cincinnati Hispanic Chamber of Commerce - The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce’s goal is to promote the creation as well as the continued growth of Hispanic/Latino business in the Greater Cincinnati area.
Northern Kentucky Convention and Visitors Bureau (NKCVB) - Plan your next business meeting with the best of the South, on the edge of the North. We have great places to meet, stay, play, eat and learn.
Newspapers in Cincinnati
The Cincinnati Enquirer - Find everything from breaking news to local events.
The Community Press - Keep up with local news and activities in your neighborhood with Cincinnati’s Community Press.
Radio & TV in Cincinnati
WGUC - WGUC broadcasts the finest in classical music programming and is the leading provider of arts information for Greater Cincinnati.
WVXU - WVXU is the city’s primary source of public affairs, information programming and a home for unique entertainment on the radio.
WLWT - TV - Channel 5 WLWT is your number one source for breaking news, local stories, weather traffic and more.
WCPO - TV - Broadcasting daily since 1949, Channel 9 WCPO is Cincinnati’s home for news, traffic, weather, sports and entertainment.
WKRC - TV - Channel 12 WKRC is committed to providing its viewers with the most up-to-date news, information, weather and entertainment and has been doing so for over 50 years.
The Weather Channel -(Cincinnati) Provides Greater Cincinnati with up to the minute weather reports and severe weather updates.