CINCINNATI -- There are a lot of great places to get a craft beer or cocktail in Greater Cincinnati -- so many that it's easy to find a spot to have a solitary drink.
Some watering holes in the region strive for exactly the opposite, though, offering activities to bring guests together. From discussing books to attempting your best yoga pose, these events will let you meet new people while enjoying a few adult beverages.
Books on Tap: Move over Oprah -- this could be one of the best book clubs ever created, as it's especially for beer lovers. Books On Tap is a monthly collaboration between Braxton Brewing Co. and the Kenton County Public Library in Covington. Librarians pick the club’s read, while Braxton brewers provide the space and craft beers (for purchase) in their taproom at 27 W. 7th St. in Covington. The next meetup is at 7 p.m. March 3 to discuss "The Trip to Echo Spring: On Writers and Drinking.” Get more information here.
Trivia Night: For classic fun, many bars offer a trivia night, and places such as the Overlook Lodge in Pleasant Ridge put a twist on the traditional get-together. Every Tuesday at 7 p.m. the bar, which has decor inspired by “The Shining,” hosts a movie-themed trivia night. Past themes include “Harry Potter,” Disney and “Labyrinth.” Get quizzed on your knowledge of Bill Murray films on Feb. 22. Get more information here.
A Live Studio Audience: Each Monday, the Overlook also hosts a rotating list of people who record podcasts before a live audience. For example, Sean Davis will record his “Squirrel Stories” storytelling podcast 7:30-8:30 p.m. Feb. 22. For more information, go here. The Folk School Coffee Parlor, at 322 Elm St. in Ludlow, Kentucky, also hosts live podcasting, inviting people to sit in for live recordings of "The Jerry Springer Podcast" each Tuesday. (Yes, that Jerry Springer.)
Laugh It Up: There should be some laughs while drinking with friends; that's why “Meanwhile at Myrtle’s Punch House Stand-Up Comedy” sounds so fun. Each month the bar, located at 2733 Woodburn Ave., puts the spotlight on the region’s up-and-coming laughmakers. The next comedy night, featuring Ramon Rivas and Jon Holmes, is at 8 p.m. Feb. 22. Go here for more information.
Loosening up: Some people unwind at happy hours. Others find yoga helps them gain inner peace. A few local bars and businesses are combining adult beverages with that downward dog. Christian Moerlein has partnered with Karma Hot Yoga to offer a complimentary 60-minute yoga class called BrewAsana at the Taproom, at 1621 Moore St., 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. every Sunday. Go here for more information. The Gruff, located at 129 E. Second St. in Covington, offers free yoga at 9 a.m. every Saturday as well. Stay for brunch and a drink afterward, and the Gruff will take 10 percent off the check. Go here for more information.
Drink and Draw: The Contemporary Arts Center, at 44 E. Sixth St., Downtown, mixes libations and crafts once a month for its “Drink and Draw” class, created by local artist Lindsay Nehls. Art supplies are provided, but folks are welcome to bring their own sketchbooks. Drinks are available at the CAC’s cafe. The next class is 6-8 p.m. March 3. Go here for more information.
Speaking of the Arts: Rhinegeist Brewery is the setting for Art on Vine, a free monthly event that invites people to browse and buy items from more than 60 local artists. The next event is 1-7 p.m. Feb. 21 at the brewery, located at 1910 Elm St. Rhinegeist will host Art on Vine again on March 20 and April 17 before the event relocates to Washington Park on May 21 for the Go OTR 5K and Summer Celebration. Go here for more information.
