Posts with tag 'Things to do in Cincinnati'

Farmers markets are the ideal destinations to buy local produce since what you're purchasing is typically grown nearby, and by the person you're buying it from. Not only will you be getting fresh, healthy food, but you'll also be supporting local farmers and vendors.

Many farmers markets have branched out to also feature live music and activities like cooking demonstrations to further their appeal. In fact, in addition to being local food destinations, they've also become places for the community to gather.

Check out the following nine places to stock up on local produce in Northeast Ohio, Columbus, and Cincinnati.

Frostville Farmers' Market

24101 Cedar Point Rd., North Olmsted, OH 44070

You'll find plenty of fresh, local food and handmade goods at Frostville Farmers' Market, located on the grounds of the Frostville Museum. All foods and goods come from within 75 miles of the market, so you know you're supporting local farmers and makers when you shop there. The market has become a destination for families, with music, children's activities, games, cooking demonstrations, and fun happenings such as a visit from a local farm's alpacas. Visit the market from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. through November and then from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. from November through April.

Crocker Park Market

1800 Crocker Rd., Westlake, OH 44145

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Crocker Park Market is in a new location—on the corner of Crocker and Detroit Roads in front of Fidelity Investments—but it still provides the fresh items Northeast Ohio residents love to shop for. You'll find fresh produce, meats, dairy, baked goods, and more at the market, open from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. every Sunday from April until mid-December. Local musicians are also sometimes featured.

Cleveland Clinic Main Campus Market

Cleveland Clinic Campus, across the street from the Crile Building, 2039 E. 100th St., Cleveland, OH 44106

Going into its 14th year, the Cleveland Clinic farmers market offers goods from over 35 local farmers and producers each week. In addition to buying local food and products, you can listen to live music, watch cooking demonstrations, score free samples, and learn more about your health. Unlike many markets, the Cleveland Clinic market is open during the week rather than on the weekend, with hours from 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. on Wednesdays from June until mid-October.

Markets at Pearl

North Pearl and West Gay Streets, Columbus, OH 43215

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Located in downtown Columbus, Markets at Pearl combines three separate markets under one umbrella. Pearl Market dates back to 1992 and is open every Tuesday and Friday from 10:30-2 p.m. from May 20-October. Visit the market to shop for farm-fresh fruits and vegetables, check out artisanal goods, and get some lunch. Sunlight Market is held every third Sunday until December, drawing visitors downtown to shop from pop-up vendors and enjoy music. Moonlight Market is held every second Saturday from April-October.

Franklin Park Conservatory Farmers' Market

Wells Barn parking lot at Franklin Park Conservatory 1777 E. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43203

You'll find plenty you'll want to buy at the Franklin Park Conservatory Farmers' Market, including local produce, baked goods, specialty foods, handmade items, and health and beauty products. Each week brings vendors, live music, food trucks, and special giveaways and activities like a free tote bag or the chance to talk with master gardeners.

Westgate Farmers Market

2925 W. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43204

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Shop for fresh produce, handcrafted goods, gourmet pet treats, baked goods, and more at Westgate Farmers' Market, where everything sold is produced by the vendor. You can enjoy live music while you browse, and food trucks are also onsite if you'd like to grab a meal to enjoy at the market or take home. Visit the market from 9 a.m.-noon on the first and third Saturdays June-October.

Northside Farmers Market

4222 Hamilton Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45223

You'll be able to shop year-round at Northside Farmers Market, which provides items produced within 70 miles. In addition to fresh produce, meats, eggs, and bread, you can shop for items like handmade body products and prepared foods at the market. It's become a place for neighbors to gather and kids to learn how to cook. The market is open from 4-7 p.m. April-November and 4-6 p.m. December to March.

Hyde Park Farmers Market

2700 Erie Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45208

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You'll find a wide variety of local foods and other items from growers at the Hyde Park Farmers Market, including veggies, fruits, meats, eggs, garden plants, and more. Rare heirloom veggie varieties and heritage breed meats are also sold, and the market's vendors employ regenerative and humane practices. Although the wholesome food is the main attraction, live music helps make the market a popular gathering spot. The market is open Sundays from 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. May-October.

Sayler Park Farmer's Market

6600 Gracely Dr., Cincinnati, OH 45233

You'll find plenty of local vendors selling everything from fresh produce and honey to candles and home and garden decor at the Sayler Park Farmer's Market. Live music will entertain you while you shop from producers including Two Amigos Salsa, PAWsome Puppy Treats, Sayler Park Coffee, Hippie Pop Kettle Corn, and more. The market is open 4-7 p.m. every Tuesday June-August.

Healthy Happens Here

Which local Ohio farmers' markets do you plan to visit, and what are some of your favorite items to buy? 

Life may be like a box of chocolates, but when Forrest Gump was wounded, all he wanted was ice cream. Put a smile on your face with a tasty cone, milkshake, or sundae from these wonderful ice cream shops and parlors around Cincinnati.

Aglamesis Bro's

Oakley Square, 3046 Madison Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45209

Now in the third and fourth generations of family ownership, Aglamesis Bro's blends classic Old World recipes with modern manufacturing methods. The shop's namesakes, Thomas and Nicholas, opened their first location in 1908 after emigrating from Greece. Tiffany lamps, antique tin ceiling, and genuine Portuguese marble fountain top create a charmingly nostalgic ambiance. In addition to premium ice cream and Italian ices, the shop sells a variety of gourmet chocolates to satisfy your sweet tooth. Hours are 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. - 10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and noon - 9 p.m. Sunday.

Simply Rolled Ice Cream

32 W. 12th St., Cincinnati, OH 45202

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At Simply Rolled Ice Cream, watching your order being prepared is almost as much fun as eating it. In a method inspired by Thai street vendors, ice cream is made right in front of your eyes using a liquid base flattened onto a frozen pan. Once your chosen mix-ins are added, the ice cream is shaped into a roll and placed in a bowl or waffle taco shell. Choose one of their signature combos, such as Buckeye Madness or Salty Caramel Pretzel, or create your own from more than 20 mix-ins. Simply Rolled is open 4. - 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 4 - 10 p.m. Friday, 2 - 10 p.m. Saturday, and 2 - 9 p.m. Sunday.

Buzzed Bull Creamery

1408 Main St., Cincinnati, OH 45202

The ice cream at Buzzed Bull Creamery might be the greatest science experiment ever. Watch as they use liquid nitrogen on fresh, high-quality ingredients to make your order on the spot. Try specialties such as Death by Chocolate and Tiger Stripes, or become a mad scientist and brew up your own combination of mix-ins. If you're really looking for a "buzz," check out the ice cream lattes at the espresso bar or add a shot of liquor. Can't decide? Sample the monthly rotating "flights" that include four servings of special 21-and-over flavors. Hours are 4 - 9 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, 4 - 11 p.m. Friday, 3 - 11 p.m. Saturday, and 4 - 9 p.m. Sunday.

Hello Honey

1530 Madison Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45206

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Hello Honey's cozy East Walnut Hills storefront has made a big splash in the neighborhood. But for owners Brian and Nitima Nicely, things haven't changed that much from the days when they were turning out small-batch ice cream for family and friends from their kitchen counter. They still make everything from scratch, right down to the vegan marshmallows brûléed with a mini-blowtorch. Creative flavors such as Berry Earl Grey, Honey Lavender, and Brown Butter Caramel rotate to take advantage of seasonal ingredients. Hello Honey is open Thursday through Sunday from 1 - 9 p.m. 

Sweet Hunter

1028 Delta Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45208

Take your taste buds on a trip to Europe with a visit to Sweet Hunter for gelato, Italy's version of ice cream. With half the fat and calories of ice cream plus high protein and calcium content, gelato lets you indulge your sweet tooth without any guilt. Sweet Hunter also offers sorbetto, which is a fruit-based, non-dairy frozen dessert that's comparable to sherbet. Pair your gelato or sorbetto with a French macaron, a light, crispy gluten-free cookie filled with buttercream or fruit. Sweet Hunter is open weekdays from 1 - 10 p.m. and weekends from noon - 10 p.m.

Pendleton Parlor

1218 Broadway St., Cincinnati, OH 45202

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Nick Ganim, owner of the Pendleton Parlor, has sugar hard-coded into his DNA. Since the 1920s, Nick's family has been serving up sweet treats around Cincinnati with shops such as the Mount Washington Creamy Whip & Bakery and the Old Milford Parlor. Like the other shops, Pendleton Parlor serves luscious soft-serve ice cream in vanilla, chocolate, and swirl, which can be customized with mix-ins and toppings. Edible cookie dough, in four classic flavors, is a recent addition that's been a big hit. Hours are noon - 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 10 a.m. - 11 p.m. Friday through Sunday.

The Dipper 

6918 Plainfield Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45236

Remember those summer days of your childhood when you'd ride your bikes to the local soft-serve stand for a refreshing cone? Share that joy with your own kids when you stop by The Dipper. Eating a chocolate-, butterscotch- or cherry-dipped soft-serve cone is just as much fun as ever. Kids love the blue soft-serve as well as fun flavors like Bubble Gum and Green Apple. Pump up the volume with a Frost Bite, which includes Oreos, Snickers, and your other favorite mix-ins. The Dipper even has pup cups for Fido! Indulge in some people-watching to go with your ice cream while you relax at one of the nearby picnic tables. Hours are 2 - 9 p.m. weekdays and noon - 9 p.m. weekends.

Yagööt

Rookwood Commons, 2737 Edmonson Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45209

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The unusual name isn't the only thing different about Yagööt, which is owned by Cincinnati's iconic Busken Bakery. In a world of self-serve shops offering sweet froyo, Yagöö is a full-service shop where the frozen yogurt has an invigorating tartness. Try one of their signature bowls, including options such as peanut butter and berry, or mix and match toppings to create your own. Yagööt's ice-free smoothies are equally popular, especially with a shot of immunity-boost powder. Hours are 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. daily except Friday and Saturday, when doors close at 9 p.m.

Decisions, Decisions

So where do you stand on the great ice cream flavor debate: chocolate, vanilla, or strawberry?

If you're looking for a unique way to spend an evening this summer, dinner and the theater might be just the outing for you. Ohio is home to an impressive array of performing artists, including actors, comedians, and musicians. Take some time to get out there and see them at any of the exciting venues listed below.

The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Dinner Show

1260 Euclid Ave. Inside Crown Plaza at Playhouse Square, Cleveland, OH 44115

At The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Dinner Show, you get to play the part of a detective in a gripping theatrical murder plot. As you eat your four-course dinner and enjoy access to a cash bar, you will watch the murder scene unfold before your eyes. Each event features plainclothes actors sprinkled throughout the audience, giving the proceedings a more unpredictable and dramatic flair. It's an interactive experience where anyone in the room could be a part of the mystery. At the end of the night, the person who figures out the identity of the murderer first will win a small prize for their efforts. 

Amish Country Theater

4365 OH-39, Millersburg, OH 44654

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Hoping to bring your kids on your night out? The Amish Country Theater is one of the few fully family-friendly theater establishments in Ohio. This local theater features a full complement of nightly variety shows that evoke the popular vaudeville shows of the early 20th century. Special guests appear periodically to shake up the venue's usual farm-themed routines. The performances are diverse, surprising, and always entertaining, giving you something new to look forward to each time you visit.

Noble Art Entertainment

5475 Lake Rd., Geneva-on-the-Lake, OH 44041

The Noble Art Entertainment dinner theater experience is always a fun option for a night out in Northeast Ohio. Some of their shows, such as murder mystery dinners, are interactive. Others are more traditional theater experiences. Each is performed during a three- to six-course dinner with vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free options available. Vegan dishes may also be provided with advance notice and a small surcharge. Check out the list of upcoming shows and show menus on their website to see which types of events are available this summer.

La Comedia

765 W. Central Ave., Springboro, OH 45066

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La Comedia is a popular live dinner theatre in the Cincinnati area. When you attend, you'll be invited to eat your fill from a massive buffet filled with delicious options like fried chicken and fish, homemade cornbread, sauerkraut, and potato soufflé. This company is best known for its musical performances, but you can catch all kinds of shows here at different points in their rotation. This summer, they will be performing Beauty and the Beast starting on June 2nd, followed by The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee starting July 28th.

Cincinnati Landmark Productions

4990 Glenway Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45238 

Cincinnati Landmark Productions has been operating under different names for nearly 36 years. In that time, they have become one of Ohio's premier entertainment destinations. Some of the shows they have lined up for the summer months of 2022 include Newsies, Jerry's Girls, and Carousel. CLP also hosts the Cincinnati Young People's Theater at their Covedale building. This summer, this group will be putting on an all-teen performance of the beloved high school musical Grease.

Cincinnati Dinner Train

2172 E. Seymour Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45237

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Experience a whole new meaning of "meals on wheels" on the Cincinnati Dinner Train. Buying a ticket on this vintage train entitles you to a four-course dinner served while rolling through the most scenic spots around the outskirts of Cincinnati. The train itself is themed around the 1940s and includes several carefully restored cars to accommodate guests. The highlight of these is the Albee Car, an impressive space featuring a full musical stage. This spot is home to the Queen City Sisters, a retro musical group singing songs from the period to complete the mood. By the time you step off the train at the end of the night, you'll feel as if you've gone back in time. 

The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Dinner Show

Inside Hilton, 401 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43215

The Columbus version of The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Dinner Show offers the same thrilling experience as the company's Cleveland location. Remember that there is a lot of frightening imagery involved at these dinners, including simulated gunshots and sudden blackouts—all guests must be over 15 to attend. Adults can look forward to a thrilling night of puzzle-solving, intrigue, deception, and eventual triumph. Even if you are not the person to eventually catch the killer, you're sure to leave feeling pleased to have had the chance to exercise your detective skills.

The Murder Mystery Company

2101 Noe Bixby Rd., Columbus, OH 43232

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Over the course of just two hours, The Murder Mystery Company offers a three-course dinner and a Clue-style murder mystery performance. This company themes each of their performances to enhance the experience and provide something different for repeat guests. Some recent themes include Midnight at the Masquerade, Death of a Gangster, and Totally 80s, Totally Murder. Guests are encouraged to dress up to match the theme of the night. Adult guests can also purchase alcohol at any point during the show.

A Murder Mystery Dinner

1625 Bethel Rd., Columbus, OH 43220

At Columbus' A Murder Mystery Dinner, you'll experience more than just a show. Guests at this dinner theater are taken through an engaging murder mystery through step-by-step interactive dramatizations of events. In between these dramatizations, guests are invited to solve escape room-style puzzles together as a team. This format is a great way to see how well your companions work together as well as how well each of you works with other people. Some of these events are adult-only, while others accommodate teenage guests as well. Check out your options in advance if you plan to bring younger people to the show.

Double Up on Dinner and Drama

There's nothing like a night on the town to get you feeling on top of the world. Which of these entertainment experiences will you be attending this summer?

Mother's Day is fast approaching: it's time to start thinking about what you'll get your mom. Why not help her relax and get away from it all by taking her for a day at the spa?

There are countless luxury spas with excellent reputations scattered around Columbus, Cincinnati, and Northeast Ohio. Check out the ones listed below and see if any of them are the right choice for your mom's special day.

PENZONE Salons + Spa

2260 W. Henderson Rd., Columbus, OH 43220

With three locations in Columbus and several more in other parts of Ohio, PENZONE has built a reputation for excellence in its local community. The spa offers massages ranging from light contact to deep tissue treatments and even a foot massage. Luxury facials are also available. 

For beauty treatments, your mom can choose from body hair removal, lashes and brow sculpting, full makeup applications, and hairstyling. The spa also offers packages called "experiences" that you can purchase if you want to make your mom's trip into a full-day event.

Paloma

1197 W. 5th Ave., Columbus, OH 43212

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Paloma is a top-ranked luxury spa in Columbus, offering a subdued yet sumptuous experience your mom will love. The spa is well-known for its special massages, including The Paloma (an adapted Swedish massage that uses long stroked of light to medium pressure to produce a relaxing effect) and The Power (a deep pressure massage focused on the knots in your muscles). Their infrared sauna helps guests sweat out toxins without the discomfort of steam. 

Paloma also offers custom spa journeys for guests who want to try out a few different services in one day. These packages are the perfect gift to show your mom how much you love her. 

Lacquer Gallery HAIR + NAILS

448 W. 3rd Ave., Columbus, OH 43201

Does your mom like to stray from the beaten path? She'll love The Lacquer Gallery. This Columbus salon and spa is known for its avant-garde style and rebellious approach. 

In addition to hairstyling and nail manicuring services, this spa offers a selection of luxury facials, massages, and other spa experiences. Some of the most popular include the Migraine Miracle Massage and Crystal Healing Massage. Their Luxe Body Polish treatment provides potent skin rejuvenation that will have your mom feeling vibrant from head to toe. They also offer additional treatment facials, scrubs, and cosmetic treatments like eyelash extensions, tinting, and waxing.

Charles Scott Salons and Spas

19025 Old Lake Rd., Rocky River, OH 44116

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Does your mom have trouble disconnecting from her devices? Charles Scott Salons and Spas are phone-free spaces where patrons are encouraged to leave the outside world behind. 

This spa is all about taking the time you need to really decompress. They offer spa packages that last much longer than your typical treatment, starting at 2 hours and a half hours in length and going up to 6 and a half hours. These packages include facials, massages, manicures, makeup application, and more. They also offer a variety of specialty treatments, including hydrafacials, spray tans, and face and body waxing.

A White Pond Paradise Salon and Day Spa

566 White Pond Dr., Suite D, Akron, OH 44320

A White Pond Paradise Salon and Day Spa has been operating in Akron for over 20 years and has won several awards for its excellent service. Customers can enjoy massages, facials, and manicure and pedicure treatments in a tranquil and relaxing setting. 

If your mom is interested in switching up her style, you could also get her an appointment at their salon for a professional cut and color after her spa treatments. The salon's talented stylists are sure to help her find a new look she'll love.  

The Spa at Yellow Creek

3636 Yellow Creek Rd., Akron, OH  44333

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Located inside a beautiful building that once served as a local church, The Spa at Yellow Creek's serene environment sets the stage perfectly for a day of rest and relaxation. Some of the services offered here include massages, facials, dermaplaning, and CBD treatments. Their Signature Yellow Creek Massage combines traditional Swedish massage techniques with temperature therapy, while their Tranquility Escape Sleep Massage is gentle, soothing, and intended to promote rejuvenation through rest. 

The staff has also created ritual treatments with multiple steps designed to help your whole body relax. These treatments take a little longer than your standard massage or facial, giving your mom more time to enjoy her outing. 

Face It Spa

229 W. 9th St., Cincinnati, OH 45202

As the name suggests, the Face It Spa is all about luxury face treatments that relax, hydrate, and rejuvenate your skin. Your mom can choose from facials, peels, masks, and microdermabrasion treatments to improve her skin's color, smoothness, and elasticity. 

If she enjoys her time here, you can also purchase some of the luxury beauty products used by the staff. These masks, creams, and other facial treatments from PCA Skin and DMK Skincare are perfect for replicating the spa experience in the comfort of home.

The Spa at 21c

609 Walnut St., Cincinnati, OH 45202

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The Spa at 21c is located inside the 21c Hotel in downtown Cincinnati. At this luxury spa, your mom can enjoy Swedish and Himalayan salt stone massages, peels, and facials. The spa even offers treatments using the SWiCH dermal rejuvenation system, an advanced anti-aging device that triggers the skin's natural healing response without damaging it. 

Most treatments last about an hour, and treatment enhancements like The Wrinkle Reducer and The Eye Lift can be added to facial treatments to target specific areas for an additional boost. The Spa at 21c is currently closed Monday through Wednesday, and certain treatments are only offered on specific days, so be sure to call ahead or check their online menu to see what is available on the day you plan to take your mom out. 

Inner Peace Organic Spa

811 Race St., Cincinnati, OH 45202

The Inner Peace Organic Spa is well-named: Its calm atmosphere is perfect for soothing stressed nerves. Some of the services guests can enjoy include foot baths, sauna sessions, and Shirodhara oil treatments. All of the products used are made from the finest organic, natural ingredients for gentle yet effective results. 

The spa also offers alternative services like hypnosis, spirit card readings, and chakra balancing to complete the experience. Your mom is sure to walk away from this spa relaxed, refreshed, and brimming with life. 

Dream Spa Day

Which of these enchanting establishments will you be sending your mom to this Mother's Day?

Spring is in the air, and it's a mighty fine time of year to go for a bike ride in Ohio. Here in the Cincinnati area, we're blessed with hundreds of miles of trails and greenways where cyclists can let loose. 

From flat bike paths that offer smooth pedaling to rugged parks crisscrossed by challenging mountain bike singletrack, you'll never run out of trails in Cincinnati. We're excited to share our favorite places for a family bike ride in the area.

Mt. Airy Forest

5083 Colerain Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45223

Mt. Airy Forest is one of America's oldest reforestation projects, originally established in 1911. Today, this 1,400-acre tract of reclaimed woodland is an amazing resource for Cincinnati residents looking for outdoor adventure. The terrain and trails in Mt. Airy Forest are also a bit more rugged and challenging than a typical city park, which makes this prime territory for mountain biking. The forest includes several multi-use trails as well as a 3.9-mile singletrack loop that was designed with mountain bikers in mind.

Little Miami Scenic Trail

3811 Newtown Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45244

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Arguably the most well-known bike path in Cincinnati, the Little Miami Scenic Trail is also the longest, following the course of its namesake river for 78 miles between Newtown and Springfield. Along the way, it crosses five counties and is accessible through dozens of parks and trailheads in the Cincinnati area. The Trail is also paved, well-maintained, and for the most part, quite flat, making it ideal for cycling. The Avoca Trailhead and the Bass Island Trailhead are great places to start, both offering restrooms and ample parking, with access to a stretch of the Little Miami Scenic Trail that meanders through some lovely riverside city parks. 

Ohio River Trail

Corbin Street, Cincinnati, OH 45226

Following the bank of the Ohio River through the heart of Downtown Cincinnati, the Ohio River Trail offers one of the city's best urban bike rides. You can take in some great views of the river and the city skyline along the way. There are several access points, but the parking lot on Corbin Street, near the Schmidt Boat Ramp and Ball Fields, is a good place to start. The Ohio River Trail is also a work in progress. Around 10 miles are currently open, but it will stretch 23 miles end-to-end once completed, and provide a vital link from Downtown Cinci to many other parks and trails throughout the city. 

Miami Whitewater Forest

9001 Mt. Hope Rd., Harrison, OH 45030

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The largest unit in the Hamilton County Parks system, Miami Whitewater Forest encompasses over 4,600 acres of woods, wetlands, meadows, creeks, and lakes. The park includes many miles of multi-use hike-and-bike trails for cyclists of all skill and fitness levels. The paved, 7.8-mile Shaker Trace Trail is great for a fairly easy bike ride over gently rolling terrain, but Miami Whitewater Forest also offers several shorter, more challenging dirt trails that twist and turn through the woods. The park also includes campgrounds and a 9-hole golf course. 

Lunkin Airport Bike Path

Wilmer Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45226

The Lunken Airport Bike Path is a 5-mile loop that encircles Cincinnati's Lunken Airport. It's a flat, paved pathway that's just a short trip from Downtown, making it an easily accessible loop for city residents. The path sits atop a levee that protects the airport from flooding. It connects with the Ohio River Trail and is also linked to the trail system in nearby Otto Armleder Memorial Park, so there are plenty of options if you want to alter or extend your route.

East Fork State Park

3294 Elklick Rd., Bethel, OH 45106

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Just a 30-minute drive east of Cincinnati, East Fork State Park is one of the great destinations in the region for outdoor adventures of all kinds, biking included. A little over 4,800 acres, it's one of the largest state parks in Ohio and offers about 12 miles of hiking and biking trails that follow the ridges overlooking East Fork Lake. With numerous switchbacks, steep climbs, hills, and gullies, these trails offer some exciting terrain for mountain bikers, as well as sweeping views across the lake. Most park roads are also open to cyclists, and the park includes a campground, swimming beach, boat launch, and fishing pier. 

Mill Creek Greenway

Spring Grove Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45232

The Mill Creek Greenway is a beautiful paved bike path that follows the banks of Mill Creek through western Cincinnati. At present, only 3.5 miles of the trail are completed. But more ambitious plans are in the works, which will extend the trail over 50 miles along the banks of the creek that gives it its name, eventually connecting it to the Ohio River Trail and Winton Woods. For now, the existing segment provides a pleasant bike ride through Salway Park and long the edge of the Northside neighborhood, where you might be tempted to stop for a drink at beloved local watering holes like the Northside Yacht Club, which is just footsteps from the trail.

Mitchell Memorial Forest

5401 Zion Rd., Cleves, OH 45002

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Located way out on the far west side of Cincinnati, Mitchell Memorial Forest is widely regarded as the best destination in the area for experienced mountain bikers. This 1,600-plus-acre park includes approximately 8 miles of challenging mountain biking trails, divided into two loops of around 4 miles each. The terrain is rugged and densely wooded, and the trails are tight singletrack with plenty of twists, turns, steep ascents and other challenges to keep the ride interesting. 

A Beautiful Ride

Where's your favorite place to ride around Cincy?