Day trip itinerary
Rabbit Hash fits in an afternoon: the 1831 General Store, a dog mayor holding office up the hill, and the Ohio River moving slowly past the whole arrangement.
By Cal Mercer — a Second Star Guide itinerary
Rabbit Hash combines an 1831 General Store, a listed river-road district, and a canine-mayor fundraiser that has run since 1998.
Best length
Day trip
Allow three to five hours for the General Store, dog-mayor history, historic district, and Ohio River shore.
Overnight
No overnight stay
Stay north of town only when Rabbit Hash is part of a Cincinnati or Northern Kentucky weekend.
Main activity
the General Store and canine-mayor history
The 1831 General Store and six canine mayors explain why this tiny Ohio River community draws visitors.
Pace
Easy day out
The historic district is compact; current store, event, river, and restaurant conditions determine how long the stop lasts.
Before Lower River Road
The official store site currently lists daily hours of 10 AM–6 PM. Check that schedule, Chef Hip E's service, the town calendar, and Ohio River levels before leaving Cincinnati or Northern Kentucky.
Parking and sequence
Use the General Store address, follow posted parking directions, and keep the car in place for the compact historic district. Drive north only after the river stop, choosing Burlington for the nearest selected dinner or Covington and Newport for a longer evening.
Day trip
Arrive near midday, browse the General Store, read the six-mayor history, walk the listed buildings along Lower River Road, and leave enough daylight for the Ohio River shore.
11:00 AM
Use the General Store for cold drinks, snacks, and Kentucky goods while checking the day's local food schedule.
12:30 PM
Read the election history beside the General Store: one-dollar votes support preservation, and Boone's 14,162-vote win in November 2024 began the sixth term.
2:30 PM
Follow Lower River Road past the contributing historic buildings, then use the riverbank only where current levels and access are safe.
4:00 PM
Chef Hip E's is the closest selected meal when operating. If hours do not fit, continue north to Burlington for a tavern or full-service dinner.
Before departure
Walk only the publicly accessible historic district and riverfront, then continue to Burlington or Big Bone Lick State Historic Site rather than waiting for uncertain hours.
5:30 PM
Use KY-18 toward Burlington for nearby dinner, continue to Florence for the broadest hotel cluster, or follow live navigation toward Covington and Newport for a riverfront evening.
Recommended stay
A boutique Covington stay on Madison Avenue, best for walking to downtown restaurants after the Rabbit Hash drive.
Check availability
Upgrade
A Cincinnati riverfront hotel at The Banks, suited to travelers pairing Rabbit Hash with stadiums, downtown dining, or an Ohio River evening.
Compare the upgrade
Browse options for bourbon tastings, small-town day trips, and nearby excursion ideas for Rabbit Hash visitors.