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Photo courtesy of the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber
Lovers of spicy wings, ramen, dim sum, sushi and other flavorful Asian dishes will love this local festival. The event takes place in Washington Park in Cincinnati's Over-the-Rhine neighborhood, and will feature way more food than you can eat — all cooked by local chefs and aspiring restaurateurs! Between bites, you can also enjoy live music and demonstrations.
Photo courtesy of Brian Douglas via the Taste of Cincinnati Festival
Taste of Cincinnati is by far the largest foodie festival in Cincinnati year-round, showcasing more than 50 local restaurants and food trucks serving up their best bites. Meander through the streets of downtown Cincinnati, eating your treat of choice and dancing along to live performances at six stages along Fifth Street.
Photo courtesy of Summerfair
Coney Island is a quintessential summertime activity for Cincinnati residents, and Summerfair is a perfect way to visit the park and give a warm welcome to summer all at once! The festival will feature more than 300 local artists, live music, dancing, a kids' area and plenty of food from local vendors.
Photo courtesy of Cincinnati Pride
Wear your most colorful outfit and come celebrate love in all of its forms at the Cincinnati Pride parade and festival! It all kicks off on Friday, June 8th with Pride Night at the Great American Ball Park, which will conclude with a spectacular fireworks show. Then on June 23rd, come enjoy the parade downtown!
Photo courtesy of the Kale and Ale Festival
This popular event puts a healthier twist on a beer festival, showcasing locally sourced and creatively prepared cuisine from your favorite restaurants alongside an abundance of craft beer. While you're sampling, tap along to live music from two incredible home-grown acts, Doc Robinson and Buffalo Wabs & The Price Hill Hustle.
Photo courtesy of Glier's Goettafest
Goetta, a meat and grain mix pronounced "get-uh," is a local delicacy meant to be celebrated. And that's just what this festival was created for! Glier's Goettafest is the largest goetta festival in the world and allows you to sample a large variety of foods made with the beloved mixture. In fact, all food vendors are required to mix it into their offerings! Between bites, enjoy carnival games, craft beer, life music and a fireworks show. Bonus: Admission to the festival is completely free!
Photo courtesy of the Hocking Hills Tourism Association
What to Do: Spanning 2,356 acres, Hocking Hills State Park is a premier destination for outdoor adventurers. Here, you'll find an abundance of hiking and biking trails, a large lake for water sports, breathtaking cliffs and waterfalls, and forestland as far as the eye can see. The natural beauty of the park is accented by the unique wildlife and historical remnants of Ohio's ice age, and visitors from all over Ohio come to experience it all. Admission to the park is free, but we highly recommend extending your stay! There is far too much to see in just one day. Where to Stay: The Inn and Spa at Cedar Falls allows its guests to fully immerse themselves in their natural surroundings, providing yurts, cabins, and cottages for rent — all with stunning views. After a long day of hiking, retreat to the full-service spa, or cozy up next to the fire with your sweetheart. This spot landed on our list of the best romantic winter getaways in Ohio — but it's perfect for summer, too!
Photo courtesy of Lakeside Chautauqua
What to Do: Lakeside Chautauqua welcomes visitors from all over the region to take part in the summertime, waterside experience. During the summer, the town hosts a 10-week programming session complete with concerts, art displays, recreational activities and more — which makes it a popular time frame for tourists. The gorgeous 19th-century summer cottages, colorful gardens and friendly atmosphere of the town landed it on Coastal Living's list of the 10 best beach towns on the Great Lakes. Where to Stay: Built in 1875, the Historic Hotel Lakeside is not just a lovely place to rest your head at night — it's also a notable National Historic Landmark. The hotel is filled with gorgeous Victorian-era decor and includes 79 unique rooms. The hotel is open seasonally from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, so summer is the perfect time to visit! Make a reservation here.
Photo courtesy of the Mohicans
What to Do: This area is known as the Camp and Canoe Capital of Ohio, and definitely lives up to its name. We listed it as one of the best places to go camping in the state, but there are plenty of other reasons to visit — including two state parks, scenic lakes, historic landmarks and the charming shops in downtown Loudonville. You can experience the area through one of the summer festivals or concerts, or a fun-filled vacation with the whole family. While you're here, don't miss a three-hour zip line adventure with Tree Frog Canopy Tours. Where to Stay: If you're lucky enough to snag a reservation at the the Treehouses at the Mohicans, you will remember the experience for the rest of your life. The property houses six incredible, custom-built accommodations that will put the treehouses of your childhood to shame. Take the Little Red Treehouse for instance — which features stained glass windows and a rustic chic vibe. Or maybe consider the luxurious Nest Treehouse, which is straight out of a fairytale.The venue is typically booked for weddings on most weekends throughout the summer, but it does open the schedule for visitors on select dates! Call for availability.
Photo courtesy of Amish Country, Ohio
What to Do: There's a little slice of heaven in the heart of Ohio called Amish Country. Tucked between Cleveland and Columbus, this region boasts gently rolling hills, colorful sunsets, charming farms, friendly people, farm-to-table restaurants and so much more. With so much to do, see and eat, it's the perfect place for a weekend getaway. Where to Stay: The Inn at Honey Run offers a romantic escape in the heart of Amish Country complete with fireplaces, jacuzzis, and spectacular views of the lush scenery. If you choose one of the two private cottages onsite (which we highly recommend), you can snuggle up next to your sweetheart by your in-room fireplace, or look up at the stars in the private outdoor hot tub.
Photo courtesy of Zoey Duan via the Short North Alliance
What to Do: Columbus is Ohio's largest city, and the perfect summer getaway for those who prefer a quicker pace and a high level of excitement. Spend your days watching sporting events in the arena district, indulging in an Instagram-worthy meal, escaping to German Village, shopping at the best boutiques, meandering down the Scioto Mile, or exploring the immensely popular Short North Arts District. Here are the six best neighborhoods to explore while you're there. Where to Stay: Hotel LeVeque is an iconic piece of the Columbus skyline, but also one of the best places to stay in the city. Feel like you're gazing up at the stars from the comfort of your own room, which features light projections and art deco-styled furnishings.
Photo courtesy of Grahm S. Jones via the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
What to Do: The Wilds, owned and operated by the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium, is a fantastic safari-like getaway that allows you to see animals in a much more natural environment. Embark on a specialty tour, which could include wine and rhinos, a comprehensive fishing experience, or a horseback sunset safari. And don't miss out on the zipline tour, which allows you to see it all from the canopy! Where to Stay: Book one of the private Yurts at Nomad Ridge in order to get the full Wilds experience. This is one of the most unique and luxe getaways an adventurous couple could ask for, located directly on the grounds of the safari park. And though it feels like you've escaped to the middle of nowhere, the yurts are actually quite lavish, complete with bamboo floors and a spa-like bathroom. After exploring the park, retreat to your yurt and relax on the private porch, catching views of the wildlife off in the distance.
Photo courtesy of Cuyahoga Valley National Park
What do Do: Cuyahoga Valley National Park has long been lauded as a bucket-list destination not just for Ohioans, but for people from all over the country. The park boasts lush foliage, cascading waterfalls, interesting rock formations, bountiful wildlife, and plenty of hiking and biking trails to experience it all. In fact, a segment of the trail within the park is part of the National B&B Bike Trail, which connects small B&Bs across the country. The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad allows you to enjoy views of the breathtaking scenery from a train car, and there are even a few themed excursions throughout the year if you're looking for something non-traditional. Where to Stay: The charming town of Peninsula, located within the park, is a worthy destination on its own. There are a variety of unique accommodations in the area (including camping), but we recommend the Inn at Brandywine Falls. Overlooking the Brandywine Waterfall, the inn was built in 1848 and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Though it has been fully renovated, it hasn't lost an ounce of its historic charm.
Cincinnati's gently rolling terrain and wide-open land make it the perfect destination for golfers from all over the region to come and play a round of 18. The area is home to an assortment of high-quality, inexpensive public golf courses that cater to golf enthusiasts of all skill levels — each offering fun challenges, picturesque scenery and friendly staff members. Of course, there is no wrong answer when it comes to finding a good course in the area, but there are a few that stand apart from the rest.
We've rounded up 10 golf courses in Cincinnati that are better than par. Whether you're a visitor looking to brush up on your game or a local looking for a fun day out on the green, we're sure you'll be scheduling your next tee time in no time.
Photo courtesy of the Hickory Woods Golf Course
The Hickory Woods Golf Course caters to beginners and advanced golfers alike with its pristine fairways, intriguing layout and friendly staff. In fact, some have said that the staff's positive energy rubs off on the players as well, so the course provides an overall friendly vibe! Plus, if you're looking for refreshments after your round, there's no other course in Cincinnati that offers a better selection.
Legendary Run aims to be the world's friendliest golf course, and due to the countless positive reviews, it seems to be successful in its goal! The course is set into the hillside and boasts gently undulating greens, picturesque scenery, and unique challenges suitable for any level. Choose your style of play or enjoy a variety — the front nine are more open and less challenging, while the back nine require pinpoint precision!
Photo courtesy of the Great Parks of Hamilton County
Operated by Great Parks of Hamilton County, the Vineyard Golf Course has won many accolades for its excellent playing conditions, interesting course layout and top-notch customer service. In fact, it consistently ranks as a favorite for golfers in southern Ohio! Come experience the bentgrass fairways, lush greens and challenging holes for yourself, and see what all the fuss is about.
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Cincinnati is a haven for outdoor adventuring in the summertime. There are ample opportunities for hiking, biking, camping and fishing — all within the city limits! But there is no doubt that swimming is one of the most popular activities among locals, because there is nothing quite like the feeling of cannonballing into a cold-water pool or swimming hole on a hot Ohio day.
Of course, you could always go to a community pool or water park, but nearby lakes and creeks offer sandy shores, boating opportunities and plenty of aquatic real estate to splash around in. So, without further ado, here are some of our favorite natural swimming holes near Cincinnati. Let's jump right in!
Photo courtesy of the Ohio State Department of Parks and Watercraft
Boasting 4,870 acres of stunning natural scenery, East Fork is one of Ohio's largest state parks. Here, you'll find a great variety of recreational activities including horseback riding, boating, biking, hiking, fishing and (of course) swimming. Rugged hills and open meadows surround the lake and beach, making it a picturesque spot for a weekend getaway.
Photo courtesy of Kincaid Lake State Park
Kincaid Lake is a great destination for camping, hiking, paddle boating and fishing with the whole family. Though the lake itself is restricted to boating only, there is a public swimming pool that overlooks the natural water. Jump in and enjoy the scenic views!