The Ark Encounter Retreat

Summary:
A vacation to Walton immerses you in a tranquil haven of scenic beauty and small-town charm. Nestled in Northern Kentucky, this 3-bedroom home aptly named Ark Encounter Retreat offers a peaceful getaway with its quiet streets and serene country surroundings, while remaining just a short drive from top regional attractions. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a more ideal balance of relaxation and easy access to unforgettable adventures!

The Space:
As the name suggests, one of the must-see destinations in the area is the Ark Encounter—a life-size replica of Noah’s Ark! This jaw-dropping structure, less than 30 minutes to the south, brings ancient history to life and offers interactive exhibits, live animals, and even zip-lining adventures. An equal drive to the north will take you to the renowned Creation Museum, where you'll journey through exhibits that explore the story of creation with immersive displays, botanical gardens, a planetarium, and petting zoos.

When you’re ready to check out life in the big city, Cincinnati is less than a half hour drive north where you can catch a sports game, visit a historical museum, book a tasting at a bourbon distillery, shop to your heart’s content, or plan evening meal at one of the eclectic local restaurants. If you prefer to stay a little more local, the city of Florence is the perfect in-between compromise, only 20 minutes from the home and offering its own desirable selection of shopping and dining.

The home will serve as a haven for relaxation between exciting adventures, with spaces both indoors and out that will maximize your downtime and connection with loved ones. Take your morning coffee from the breezy back deck, admiring the views of the neighborhood while you begin to make your list of plans for the day ahead. As the sun sets, gather around the firepit to toast up a round of tasty treats while you search for constellations in the vast night sky.

Indoors, tall ceilings accentuate open spaces expertly curated with comfortable furnishings and chic décor. Sink into plush sofa and armchair seating in the living room, streaming all your favorite shows and movies on the smart TV. You won’t be far from the action even while preparing meals in the kitchen, outfitted with stainless steel appliances alongside ample countertop space and cabinetry for preparation and storage. Take formal meals at the table with seating for 6 or snag a high-top stool at the island for more quick and casual bites.

If you find yourself with energy yet to burn, head to the garage-converted game room to enjoy hours of friendly competition between the Pop-A-Shot basketball game and ping pong table. Back inside, a den on the lower level offers a more secluded experience for enjoying your preferred shows and movies or simply turning the pages of a good book, while the dedicated workspace will help you keep up with calls and emails in peace.

This home sleeps up to 6 guests between 6 private bedrooms.

Bedroom #1 includes a full size bed.

Bedroom #2 includes a queen size bed.

Bedroom #3 includes a queen size bed and ensuite bathroom with a single vanity and shower/tub combo.

The home also includes a half bathroom and an additional full guest bathroom with a single vanity and shower/tub combo.

THINGS TO NOTE:
• Washer and dryer in home.
• Driveway and street parking available for 3 vehicles.
• This home is equipped with one (1) external Ring security camera, located on the front door and actively monitoring the walkway into the home as well as a partial view of the street and driveway.

Less than 30 minutes outside of Cincinnati, this is the perfect location for those seeking access to metropolitan activities while staying in a rural community with serene landscapes. This home is within easy reach of some of Cincinnati’s most popular attractions like the Bengals Stadium, Riverfront Park, and Great American Ballpark. Beyond this central area, there’s still so much more to explore. From Cincinnati’s street art revolution which has transformed neighborhoods with 180+ public murals, to its serious beer culture, revitalized historic neighborhoods with trendy shopping and dining like Over-the-Rhine, and authentic Art Deco architecture and design, this culturally diverse city is a can’t-miss destination.

Back on the Kentucky side of the river, you’re in prime Bourbon Trail territory. Check out distilleries and sipping points where you can sample Northern Kentucky’s bourbon, often paired with traditional southern foods. From Walton, you’re also within an hour of other major metropolitan centers Louisville and Lexington. Make day trips to explore these urban areas, while the home gives you the best of both worlds with its peaceful, countryside setting.

Local Spots in Williamstown
Restaurants:
• Bells BBQ 112 N. Main
• Hansie Flip Burgers 134 N. Main
• Edwardo’s Pizza & Subs 1402 N. Main St.
• El Jalisco’s 4 Skyway Dr.

Historical Sites:
• Capt. William Arnold Log Cabin 224 S. Main
• Patriot’s Landing 330 Eibeck Lane
• Sherman Tavern 3987 Dixie Hwy

Specialty Shops:
• Uptown Vintage 140 N. Main
• Farmhouse Everything 114 N. Main
• The Christmas Store 149 N. Main
• Mercantile 1820 at the Plaza 120 N. Main
• Sass With Class 154 N. Main
• Main Street Craft Co 147 N. Main
• Stray Dog Leather 100 S. Main
• Victoria’s Chest 106 Paris St.
• Double Take Salon & Beauty Boutique 200 S. Main
• Bluegrass Tobacco Outlet 1218 N. Main
• Grant County Drugs 302 Barnes Road

Groceries:
• Ruler Foods (Kroger owned) located at 1418 N Main Street, Williamstown, KY 41097
• Walmart located at 20 Ferguson Blvd, Dry Ridge, KY 41035
• Dollar General located at 125 Barnes Road, Williamstown KY 41097
• Dollar General located at 101 Noah’s Way, Williamstown, KY 41097

Parks:
• Webb Park located on Park Drive, Williamstown KY
• JB Miller Park located at 703 Waterworks Road, Williamstown KY
• Piddle Park located at 11 Broadway Street, Dry Ridge KY

Entertainment:
• Starlight Roller Rink located on 1103 N Main Street, Williamstown Ky 41097

Grocery
Cincinnati, Ohio:
• Kroger - A major supermarket chain with numerous locations throughout Cincinnati.
• Walmart Supercenter - Several Walmart Supercenter locations can be found in the area.
• Meijer - Another popular chain with multiple stores in Cincinnati.
• Whole Foods Market - Known for its organic and natural products.
• Trader Joe's - Offers a unique selection of groceries and specialty items.
• Aldi - A budget-friendly grocery store with multiple locations.
• Costco Wholesale - A warehouse club with a variety of products.
• Jungle Jim's International Market - An iconic grocery store offering a vast array of international and specialty items.

Northern Kentucky:
• Kroger - Kroger has several stores in Northern Kentucky, as well.
• Walmart Supercenter - You can find Walmart Supercenters in the Northern Kentucky area.
• Meijer - Meijer also has locations in Northern Kentucky.
• Aldi - Several Aldi stores are available in the region.
• Remke Markets - A local chain offering a variety of grocery products.
• Save-A-Lot - A discount grocery store with multiple locations.
• Fresh Thyme Farmers Market - Known for natural and organic products.

Attractions
Cincinnati, Ohio
• Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden: One of the oldest zoos in the United States, known for its diverse animal collection and beautiful botanical gardens.
• Cincinnati Art Museum: A museum featuring an impressive collection of art from different cultures and time periods.
• Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal: A historic train station turned museum complex with the Cincinnati History Museum, Museum of Natural History & Science, and the Cincinnati Children's Museum.
• Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame & Museum: A must-visit for baseball fans, celebrating the history of the Cincinnati Reds.
• Cincinnati Music Hall: A historic concert venue and home to the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and Cincinnati Pops Orchestra.
• Great American Ball Park: The home stadium of the Cincinnati Reds, offering tours and a great baseball experience.
• Fountain Square: A vibrant public space in the heart of downtown with events, shops, and dining options.
• Cincinnati Observatory: The oldest professional observatory in the United States, offering stargazing events and educational programs.
• Cincinnati Art Center: A hub for the arts, featuring galleries, exhibitions, and educational programs.
• Krohn Conservatory: A beautiful glasshouse with a wide variety of exotic plants and seasonal flower displays.

Northern Kentucky:
• Ark Encounter: A life-sized replica of Noah's Ark in Williamstown, featuring exhibits and a zoo.
• Creation Museum: A museum in Petersburg, Kentucky, focusing on biblical creationism and natural history.
• Newport Aquarium: Located in Newport, Kentucky, this aquarium showcases a diverse range of marine life.
• BB Riverboats: Enjoy river cruises along the Ohio River with dining and entertainment options.
• Devou Park: A beautiful park in Covington, Kentucky, offering hiking trails, playgrounds, and scenic views of Cincinnati.
• MainStrasse Village: Located in Covington, this area is known for its cobblestone streets, German architecture, and local shops and restaurants.
• Behringer-Crawford Museum: A local history museum located in Devou Park.
• Roebling Suspension Bridge: Walk or drive across this historic bridge connecting Cincinnati and Covington.
• Purple People Bridge: A pedestrian-only bridge connecting Cincinnati and Newport, offering great views of the Ohio River.
• Covington's Historic Licking Riverside District: Explore historic homes and architecture in this charming neighborhood.