The people have spoken, and on Wednesday, February 8th the winners of the Best of Warren County poll were honored in an awards ceremony at the Great Wolf Lodge Conference Center. Throughout the month of January the public sent nominations for their favorite local attractions to The Pulse-Journal. Thousands of votes were then cast for the finalist of 10 different categories including Best Hidden Gem, Best Festival, Best Burger and more.

   The awards were designed to highlight some of the brightest features of Warren County not only for residents of the area, but also for out-of-town visitors looking to get a taste of local flavor. So when you visit us let this list of local favorites act as your tour guide to the can't miss spots in Warren County. 

Best Burger: Quatman Cafe, Mason
   Quatman Cafe, originally founded in 1966 in the Norwood neighborhood of Cincinnati, has brought its huge, tasty burgers north to a new location in Mason. Matt Imm, owner of Quatman Cafe said "We get fresh deliveries of meat everyday and like all our food, the burger is hand-made." It's this care and detail put into every burger and a devoted fan base that has Quatman Cafe topping the charts of the "Best Burger" category.

Best Festival: The Ohio Renaissance Festival
    One of the largest festivals of its kind in the United States the Ohio Renaissance Festival gives visitors the unique opportunity to enjoy over 400 years of fun in a single weekend. Over 150 costumed characters welcome visitors to the 30-acre re-created 16th Century English Village and partake in nearly 100 daily shows from jousting matches to dueling sword shows. Visitors of all ages will be amused by the food, games and human-powered rides at the Ohio Renaissance Festival.

Best Place for Unique Shopping: Treasure Aisles, Monroe
   With over 500 shops and vendors stretched out over 64 acres of land you're sure to score some unique finds at Treasure Aisles. The market's extensive selection of bargains and treasure draws a multitude of eager shoppers to Ohio's largest outdoor weekend market. Not only will you find some great treasures, but great food, music and entertainment too! Shopping at Treasure Aisles is truly a unique experience. 

Best Dessert at a Local Restaurant: Ice Cream at Mr. Frosty
    This ice cream stand in downtown Franklin, Ohio has been enjoyed by members of the community for more than 30 years. Tasty treats such as the Wildcat Twist, named for the local high school football team, and the footlong coney with chili and cheese are a few of the hometown favorites. So if you're in town on a hot summer night and need a quick cool-down, stop in and try the best dessert in Warren County.

Favorite Dish at a Local Restaurant: Pulled Pork from Porky Capone's
    Having only been open for a year, Porky Capone's has quickly become a local favorite, due in large part to the fact that owner, Mark Groce, practically lives at the restaurant ensuring that his Southern style BBQ is always slow-cooked to perfection. Although he hates to choose favorites amongst his own culinary masterpieces, Groce admits that the pulled pork is one of his most popular dishes, evidenced by the number of votes it received from the public.  

Best Hidden Gem: Irons Fruit Farms
    This 4th generation farm is dedicated to providing farm fresh fruit including apples, cherries, pumpkins and peaches as well as delicious fresh-baked goods to the public. Throughout the year you can pick your own fruits and in the fall the farm offers many great seasonal activities including a corn maze, hayrides and a pumpkin patch. You can also find the Irons Fruit Farm folks at the annual Lebanon Country Applefest held every September. 

Best Historical Site: The Golden Lamb
    The Golden Lamb is recognized as the oldest continuously operating business in the State of Ohio, so it's fitting that it would win in this category. The Golden Lamb has also hosted many notables throughout history like 12 U.S. Presidents, including President Lincoln who stopped in town on his way from Illinois to the White House. You can also stop in the restaurant and have a drink where Charles Dickens once sat. 

A Not-to-miss with Teenagers on Vacation: Ozone Zipline Adventures
   This exhilarating ride through the canopy of the Little Miami River Valley will leave you breathless. Now offering 3 unique zipline tours, including one tour that crosses the Little Miami River at 250 feet in the air PLUS a Full Moon Night Zipping tour, Ozone Ziplines is the ultimate adventure for your teen. Not only will your teen test their nerves, but with a full staff of knowledgeable guides to accompany them they might even learn something about the 500 million year old fossils they're soaring over, the 2000 year old Native American Earthworks across the river at Fort Ancient or current environmental issues like water conservation and habitat loss.

Best Place for School-age Children to Have Fun: Great Wolf Lodge, Mason
   What better place to enjoy vacation with your children than a 78,000 square foot indoor waterpark that features 11 waterslides, 6 pools a one-of-a-kind water coaster and a four-story treehouse waterfort? Other amenities you'll find at the family-friendly resort include live-action games like MagiQuest and Compass Quest, a full service kids spa, the NEW Ten Paws Alley and an arcade with over 100 games. With all this and more Great Wolf Lodge is the perfect place you and your children.

 

Best Place to Create Winter Holiday Memories: The Christmas Ranch, Morrow
    A whimsical place with 350,000 dancing Christmas lights synchronized to holiday music, the Christmas Ranch is one of the best places in Warren County to make Holiday memories with your family. Get your picture with Santa, take a night time wagon ride through the village and mark that special someone off your list with a gift from the Christmas Shop. 

Congratulations to all of our 2011 Best of Warren County Winners! The competition was stiff and although these winners were voted the best this year, there are plenty of other great places to dine, shop and create lasting memories with your family in Warren County.  Surf through our site to find other priceless gems you won't want to miss.