Nearby North, Cincinnati

Not quite a Cincinnati suburb, but definitely close enough to be considered “near” are blossoming towns like Hamilton, Lebanon, Middletown, and Oxford. Here you’ll find stunning historic homes, cobblestone streets, just about any woodsy activity you could ever dream of, a retro drive-in, and a donut trail.

A quintessential, all-American town with both Cincinnati and Dayton less than an hour away, Lebanon, Ohio has been a gathering place in the area for over 200 years. Here you can enjoy a meal at the historic Golden Lamb Inn, then stroll along the brick sidewalks downtown where you’ll find shops, antique stores, and the nostalgic Village Ice Cream Parlor. Take a ride on the Lebanon Mason & Monroe Railroad where you’ll enjoy festive experiences aboard a vintage train. For the ultimate holiday treat, don’t miss Lebanon’s Annual Holiday Parade featuring more than 100 horse-drawn carriages adorned with colorful lights. There’s no shortage of fitness opportunities here, featuring Countryside, the world’s largest YMCA. Or, take your bike to Lebanon Bike Park, with 112 acres of outdoor bike trails, courses and jumps for riders of all skills and abilities.

With a growing arts scene, a world-famous sculpture park, and plenty of locally-brewed beer, Hamilton, Ohio is experiencing quite the renaissance. Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum features over 300 acres of monumental art in nature—great for a walk, picnic, and art gazing. RiversEdge Amphitheater on the Great Miami River hosts free outdoor concerts all summer long. Or, enjoy the timeless Holiday Auto Theatre Drive-In, entertaining carloads of movie goers for over 60 years. Stop in Immortal Vibes guitar bar where you can catch a musical act and check out the wall of vintage guitars. Then head over to Pinball Garage with over 40 pinball machines and 24 beers on draft. There’s a lot of fun to be had in Hamilton, Ohio!

Home to the main campus of Miami University, Oxford, Ohio is a picturesque college town known for its cobblestone streets, historic architecture, vibrant community, and academic atmosphere. Head uptown on High Street for shopping, coffee, and dining. You won’t want to miss the famous Bagel & Deli, world-renowned for their steamed bagel sandwiches and subs. Catch a musical act at Brick Street, a favorite Oxford tradition for students and residents alike. Or, cheer on the Miami Redhawks at a myriad of sporting events, from ice hockey to football. Nearby is Hueston Woods State Park, a popular area for hiking, fishing, water sports, and camping.

Formerly a booming steel town, Middletown, Ohio is placed, quite literally, in the “middle” of Cincinnati and Dayton, on the banks of the Great Miami River. Middletown boasts big city amenities with a small town feel. Plus, it hosts several locations along the Butler County Donut Trail! In Middletown you’ll find the perfect mix of historic architecture (Main Street, featuring the Sorg Mansion and Sorg Opera House, is not to be missed) and new development. Visit Middletown’s Smith Park in the summer for baseball diamonds, soccer fields, a splash pad, skate park, playgrounds, and a fishing lake. In the winter Smith Park hosts Light Up Middletown, one of the area’s largest drive-through holiday light displays. Thrill seekers head to Start Skydiving at Middletown Regional Airport, the #1 ranked skydiving drop zone in the world.