Historic Towns of Warren Country, Ohio, By Judy Worley:

When planning a vacation many are often drawn to the most popular cities and attraction. Yet, if we venture along a unknown path we can discover many unique sites and attractions like the Village Green Exhibit and Shaker Gallery as Ms. Worley did on her recent trip to Warren County, Ohio.

Warren County's historical towns will enrich your mind with information and artifacts of the past that lead you to the present. Adventure around the area and learn how the Underground Railroad through their safe houses survived through a very tough era. Walk through the Shaker exhibits at the museums and see how their community inventions helped to shape the way we live in the present. Learn how the Pioneers made headway into the new Frontier. Or visit a place where you feel the energy of the spirits as you venture amidst a prehistoric Indian hilltop enclosures built over 2000 years ago. These historic Warren county towns offer something for everyone including museums, walking tours, outdoor activities, antique specialty shops, art galleries, and overnight accommodations at an old historic Inn, a beautiful Victorian Bed & Breakfast or Hotel.

Lebanon, Ohio

Warren county has an abundance of fascinating history for everyone to explore. The Historical Society Museum located in Lebanon Ohio is one of the stops that will be sure to intrigue you with information about the area and the different era’s that once were. It is the host of fascinating exhibits on early American ranging from prehistoric times through the Victorian age and beyond. Most notable are the museum’s extensive paleontology and archaeology collections, along with its Village Green Exhibit and Shaker Gallery which features one of the largest collections of Shaker artifacts found anywhere. There is also a local history and genealogy library that houses a vast quantity of manuscripts and reference material. You can also visit the Glendower State Memorial located on a hill overlooking downtown Lebanon, it is one of the finest examples of residential Greek Revival architecture found in Ohio.

The Golden Lamb Inn

After learning about the Lebanon area take a stroll through town and enjoy the many specialty shops. There are over 25 antique shops, some quaint coffee shops and some really great restaurants to enjoy. One of the restaurants that is a must to visit is The Golden Lamb Inn. It is the oldest Inn & Restaurant in Ohio and really neat to see along with having a great Gift Shop. The history will defiantly catch your attention and is a fascinating place to check out on the inside, the food is pretty awesome too.

Another great places to visit while in Lebanon is Turtle Creek and The Lebanon Railroad. This is great for taking the kids on a train ride. What can be more fun than experiencing the nostalgia of rail travel? Featured in September is Thomas the Tank Engine for some family fun and adventure.

The Workshops of David T. Smith is another place I found to be really enjoyable to visit and highly recommended. His workmanship is really unique in style with all different kinds of really neat gadgets that you'll find hidden inside his hand crafted pieces.

He has a variety of reproductions with museum quality in his furniture, pottery, chandeliers, and country kitchens. David has been crafting reproductions for over 25 years and has created some amazing pieces. And last but not least, don't forget the ice cream. The Village Ice Cream Parlor & Restaurant is also on my list of places to visit while in Lebanon. The Village Ice Cream Parlor is a great Parlor with the old time décor and an old time flair. Its also has some yummy Ice Cream with a lot of different flavors and some really delicious sandwiches too.

The next town to visit is the historic town of Waynesville. In Waynesville you can take up an entire day browsing at over 70 antique shops, specialty shops and art galleries.

Waynesville, Ohio

This is the town known as the Antique capital of the Midwest. The town is picturesque with the streets lined with quaint shops, beautiful trees, park benches for those who want to rest or people watch. Also you won't see Parking Meters cluttering up the sidewalks either.

The Cobblestone Village

While strolling around the town, one of the specialty shops I found a bunch of neat stuff for decorating any home was The Cobblestone Village. They say this is the place which has nothing you need but everything you want. Whoever said that was absolutely correct. Owners Rick and Brenda Weber created a unique blend of really neat and creative gifts for the country home and a fabulous café too. They also have the largest collection of quilts in the region. The workmanship of these quilts is awesome with some really beautiful designs.

Hammel House Inn

The next place I suggest visiting and found to be really intriguing is the historic Hammel House Inn. This is a restored old Stagecoach Inn that is still in operation as a fabulous Bed & Breakfast. It also has a really unique specialty shop where they take custom orders for furniture, rugs and other home accessories. They also have five wonderful overnight guest rooms with a relaxing atmosphere to enjoy. All the quest rooms are graciously decorated with antique & custom built cherry furniture. In the mornings go into the dining area for a fabulous breakfast and enjoy some great conversation with the other guest. That is always a lot of fun to do!

Three Oakes Specialty Shop

Another place great to check out is the Three Oakes Specialty Shop. This place was great for some of those hard to find gifts. I found two gifts that were really great finds. They also had some really cool rooster item's, like none I've never seen before. It was also a really fun place to shop.

Caesar's Creek State Park and Pioneer Village

Caesar's Creek State Park and Pioneer Village is a also located in the Waynesville area. Walk around original Quaker buildings form the 1700's and early 1800's and gain a new understanding of the settlement of the Southwestern Ohio Frontier. Or go out and explore the park and enjoy all the many other activities the park offers like swimming, boating, hiking, camping and for those who enjoy horseback riding, there are bridle trails for those who want to take their horses out for a ride. Not only does Waynesville have great historical places and some fantastic shopping, it is also noted for having some really great festivals too. The Sauerkraut Festival is one that I will be sure to visit.

The town of Oregonia is an area loaded with outdoor activities. Little Miami Scenic Bike Trail, Fort Ancient and Morgan's Canoe & Outdoor Center are all located in this area. On the Little Miami Scenic Bike Trail you can enjoy a entire day out riding a bike and having fun while having a little adventure on your way.

Fort Ancient

Or you can go and explore 15,000 years of American Indian heritage at the largest prehistoric hilltop enclosure in North America at Fort Ancient. There are nearly 2 miles of interpretive trials to explore with some really fascinating landscapes to enjoy.

Morgan's Canoe & Outdoor Center

Canoeing is also available in the area at Morgan's Canoe & Outdoor Center. Enjoy a day paddling down the Miami River while being able to admire what Mother Nature created. The entire area is picturesque with beautiful trees, flowers and a beautiful winding river to travel for your fun and adventurous activity.

Springboro, Ohio

Springboro’s involvement with the Underground Railroad through the years has been passed down with evidence of uncovered hiding places and tunnels throughout the area. A Self-Guided Walk into history is fascinating and gives one a different perspective of that era. The Self-Guided Walk takes you throughout the town where you can see over 52 homes with 13 homes being directly connected to the Underground Railroad and 3 homes with possible connection with ongoing research of their involvement. This is a great learning experience the entire family.

If history isn’t your style and you like to laugh! La Comedia Dinner Theatre is one of the nation’s largest professional dinner theaters. Enjoy live Broadway-style entertainment and experience the joy of a live Broadway-style shows. They serve incredibly delicious dinners in a relaxing Broadway-style atmosphere. Springboro also has great accommodations that include Bed & Breakfast homes and fabulous hotels.

The historical towns of Warren County graciously invite you to visit and learn some American history with areas to adventure and places to have fun.

Learn More

Warren County Convention & Visitors Bureau, call 1-800-791-4FUN, Web: www.ohioslargestplayground.com.