5k and the gruff
May 2, 2025 • About
Deep Dive Adventures: Friday at the Flying Pig & The Gruff – Scavenger Hunt Day One
Friday at noon, the Cincinnati sun had already warmed the sidewalks as we stepped out of our charming Airbnb on Howell Street, just east of the University of Cincinnati. Our weekend was finally kicking off after months of planning—and today, the first mission: pick up our Flying Pig 5K packets.
We biked and walked our way downtown, weaving through the city's mid-day rhythm until we reached the John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge, that beautiful, historic blue expanse connecting downtown Cincinnati to Covington, Kentucky. Crossing it felt like a portal—not just between cities, but from routine into full-blown adventure.
Packet Pickup at the Northern Kentucky Convention Center
The Flying Pig Marathon Fitness Expo was alive with energy. Hosted at the Northern
Kentucky Convention Center, the expo is where every participant gets their packet, race bib, and swag bag.
- 5K bibs and race shirts (with that iconic pig-on-the-run logo)
- Limited-edition Flying Pig poster
- Digital freebies like discounts, local offers, and raffle entries
There were booths from fitness brands, nutrition vendors, and local artisans—plus a ton of photo ops. Naturally, we snapped shots next to a few of those famous Flying Pig statues (bonus points incoming...).
First Stop (Scavenger Pivot): The Gruff, Covington KY
Address: 129 East 2nd Street, Covington, KY 41011
Theme: Dive Bar (Fallback)
Challenge Type: Taste
Nestled beneath the towering Roebling Bridge, The Gruff is part deli, part pizzeria, part urban retreat—and 100% memorable.
Why “The Gruff”? The name is a nod to the fairytale "The Three Billy Goats Gruff", and the playful goat murals and storybook vibe give it real personality. There’s a patio where you can sit under the bridge and enjoy a stunning view of the Ohio River and Cincinnati skyline.
Drinks of the Day:
- Jason: The Dry Spell mocktail with a vodka twist
- Kellie: Ballpark Lemonade with strawberry syrup
Cool, refreshing, and the perfect start to our afternoon. We took a few photos of the mural art and the iconic bridge view as well.
Stop Two: O'Malley's in the Alley
Address: 25 Ogden Place, Cincinnati, OH 45202
Theme: Dive Bar
Challenge Type: Taste
After crossing back over the bridge, we made our way to O'Malley's in the Alley—a local legend and one of Cincinnati's oldest bars. Hidden just steps from the ballpark, its narrow alley entrance feels like you’re stepping into history.
We each grabbed a classic drink and soaked in the cozy, pub-style atmosphere. The walls were lined with sports memorabilia, and the bartender shared that O'Malley's actually survived Prohibition thanks to a "friendly arrangement" with local authorities. That alone is worth the visit.
Stop Three: Arnold's Bar and Grill
Address: 210 E 8th St, Cincinnati, OH 45202
Theme: Live Music (Fallback)
Challenge Type: Chat
Later in the afternoon, we headed toward Arnold's—Cincinnati's oldest continuously operating bar. It's been pouring since the 1860s, and it shows (in the best way). We asked the bartender about the place's Prohibition history and learned that during the dry years, Arnold's ran as a "bathtub gin" setup out of the upstairs apartment!
The courtyard was absolutely charming, filled with locals enjoying the spring breeze and the sounds of a live bluegrass duo warming up for the evening.
Scavenger Hunt Points Tracker – Friday
| Venue | Theme | Challenge | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Gruff | Dive Bar (Fallback) | Taste | 10 |
| Flying Pig Statues | Photo Bonus | Local Culture | 5 |
| O'Malley's in the Alley | Dive Bar | Taste | 5 |
| Arnold's Bar & Grill | Speakeasy/Live Music | Chat | 15 |
Total Friday Points: 35 Points
Next Steps
It’s only mid-afternoon, and the South Zone still has a few gems waiting. Next up, we may check out:
- Covington murals near Madison Theater for a 20-point mural challenge
- Lisse Rooftop Bar for a skyline selfie (+10 pts)
- Old Kentucky Bourbon Bar if time permits for a speakeasy chat (+15 pts)
Stay tuned as our Deep Dive scavenger hunt continues!
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