You don't have to travel far to find beautiful parks, serene campsites and natural wonders, and with the price of gas nearing $4.00 as well as skyrocketing airfare that's good news to travelers in the Midwest. With spots like Caesar's Creek State Park and Fort Ancient Archaeological Park, a National Historic Landmark, lovers of the outdoors will find the perfect family getaway, not far away in Ohio's Largest Playground.

Caesar Creek State Park
Caesar Creek is a Warren County park offering 7,900 acres for your family to enjoy several outdoor, recreational activities. Located just minutes from Waynesville, Ohio and with FREE admission to the park, families can easily access and explore the trails, lake, beaches and campgrounds of this natural gem.

Visitor's Center - The state of the art visitor center offers a wide variety of displays and presentations featuring exhibits on the area's cultural and natural history. The center also holds numerous special events throughout the year, click here to see what's upcoming.

Trails- Caesar Creek State Park boasts over 40 miles of trails including a 16 mile stretch of the Buckeye Trail passing through the park. Visitors can choose from a variety of hiking trails including 2 hiking only trails as well as 4 horse-back riding trails and 2 mountain biking trails that also allow hiking. These trails offer many overlooks of the scenic gorges and vistas that make Caesar Creek a naturally beautiful destination.

Camping- Three camping areas with over 200 camp sites are available with electricity and bathroom amenities in designated areas. With many pet-friendly sites available including 30 equestrian camp sites you and your entire family can enjoy the great outdoors with all the comforts of home Also, more Ohio camping sites are available along the Little Miami River at certain canoeing destinations. To make reservations for camp rentals and shelters, please click here or call 866-644-6727.

Fishing- Cast out and kick back with some of the best small-mouth and large-mouth bass fishing in the area. Anglers of all skill levels are welcome. Valid fishing licenses are required.

Picnicking- Four designated picnic areas equipped with tables, grills and drinking water are located throughout the park. Picnic areas can be reserved by contacting 866-644-6727.

Swimming- Mom and dad can catch some rays while the kids take a dip along the 1,300 foot public beach. Open during daylight hours with public changing rooms available, the beach at Caesar Creek makes for a great weekend escape.

Boating- The 2,830-acre lake is perfect for motor boats, fishing boats and kayaks. Visitors must register their own boats before operating on the lake. Rentals are also available upon request.

Pioneer Village - Enjoy a step back in time as you tour the historical Caesar's Creek Pioneer Village. Comprised of a collection of 15 original and replica pioneer cabins and other structures including a schoolhouse, carpenter shop and toll house the village is open year-round, however cabins can be toured only on special event weekends. During these special events reenactors demonstrate the tasks of daily life and offer a fun and interactive opportunity for children to learn about history and what life was like during pioneer times. Click here to find upcoming events.

Click Here to Plan Your Weekend in Caesar's Creek State Park

Fort Ancient

Fort Ancient is a collection of Native American earthworks located along the eastern shore of the Little Miami River. The site is the largest prehistoric hilltop enclosure in the U.S. with 3 and a half miles of walls. The walls were originally thought to have been used as a defense against enemies, however 60 gaps in the walls proved this hypothesis wrong. The "Fort" is now known to have acted as a center for social and ceremonial events related to significant astronomical events.

Today, nearly 2 miles of trails wind through the National Historic Landmark's 764 acres and offer spectacular overlooks of the river below. The Fort Ancient Museum provides interactive exhibits chronicling 15,000 years of American Indian history and also features a gift shop with fine American Indian products available for purchase.

Be sure to check out Fort Ancient on June 9-10 for a "Gathering of Four Directions". This event features educational programming about American Indian culture with dancing, drums, storytelling and much more!

Fort Ancient State Memorial, 6123 St Rt 350, Oregonia, Ohio 45054
For more information please visit www.fortancient.org.

Click Here to Plan Your Trip to Fort Ancient

With the official arrival of spring, you can't help but want to be outdoors. The sun is shining, flowers and plants are peeking through the ground, trees are budding, and the gloom of winter appears to be behind us. Whether you prefer to skydive, zip line, play golf or go biking, hiking or walking you will find no shortage of outdoor activities in Ohio's Largest Playground. One Warren County attraction in Warren County is even helping visitors get back into their gardens this spring.

Spring planting season is in full-gear, and people are pouring into local nurseries in pursuit of trees, bushes and flowers to plant and Lebanon's Marvin's Organic Gardens is no exception. This unique nursery specializes in organic growing methods, earning its official USDA organic certification in 2003. It is the Tri-State's only USDA certified organic nursery and garden center, and having this designation guarantees the nursery follows strict organic growing methods, never using synthetics or chemicals. Marvin's takes this designation very seriously, too, just last year Marvin's Organic Gardens teamed up with the Cincinnati Zoo in order to compost all of it's organic waste (animal poop). It's mixed with food waste at Marvin's 75-acre nurseury and farm and then this compost is sold to consumers to use in their own home gardens.

Beyond working with the zoo, Marvin's Organic Gardens will also begin working with local growers this month. In April 2012 Marvin's will begin to carry locally grown organic produce such as tomatoes, squash and leafy greens. Marvin's grows a lot of the produce in-house, but what is not grown there will be purchased from local growers. Marvin's retail center features organic gardening products and offers services such as organic lawn fertilization and restoration as well as eco-friendly landscape and landscape design.

Whether you're just getting into gardening or if you're a seasoned spring-time veteran Marvin's is a great place for you to find the resources you need, including many great training sessions as well as all of the supplies to keep your thumb green. The next opportunity you have to "Go Green" at a special event at Marvin's is on Sunday, April 22 in the Parade of Plants in celebration of Earth Day. Free and open to the public, this event will feature new plants and unique varieties available.

Looking ahead to May, Marvin's is holding a Mother's Day Sale and Congo Fundraiser on Sunday, May 6 from noon - 6:00 pm. Learn about creating attractive "Edible Landscapes," while supporting Marvin's sustainable gardening and medical efforts in Central Africa. Five percent of all sales support the nursery's Congo Mission

Additionally, Marvin's hosts a Giving Garden, where volunteers plant extra produce for a local food pantry. If you are interested in volunteering in the Giving Garden or would like information about any of the numerous other volunteer opportunities available, please contact Marvin's.

For more information about Marvin's Organic Garden check out their website here. And for some of their gardening tips and tricks click here.

 

 

The largest zip line canopy tour in the Midwest just got bigger! Ozone Zipline Adventures at YMCA Camp Kern has added two new zip lines that take thrill-seekers on a high-flying adventure across the Little Miami River at heights of 200 feet in the air. The lines are breaking records, as they are the first of their kind to cross over a federally designated "scenic" river and the first in Ohio to connect to a state memorial (Fort Ancient).  

The new "River Tour," which utilizes the new lines, is set to open on March 31st, 2012. Riders will climb to the top of Ozone Tower, a multilevel platform from which all tours extend, that stands 45 feet above the ground. They will then take about a 50 second zip ride to a platform that stands 1,300 feet away on the Fort Ancient side of the river. 

Along the ride you will be immersed in 360° of panoramic views that include the beautiful landscape of Fort Ancient, the scenic river below and the Jeremiah Morrow Bridge, Ohio's tallest bridge, in the distance to the east.

In addition to the River Tour that includes nine ziplines, nine skybridges and lasts close to four hours, Ozone Zipline Adventures offers three other hands-free, guided tours.

1) The Traditional Tour

Tour Includes:
-Up to 3 hours
-7 zip lines and 7 skybridges
-Price: $75/person

2) The Ultimate Tour (everything they got!)

Tour Includes:
-Up to 5 hours
-11 zip lines and 9 skybridges
-Bag Lunch
-Price: $120/person

3) Now Introducing: Full Moon Night Zipping

Tour Includes:
-Up to one-and-a-half hours
-5 zip lines
-6 sky bridges
-Price $60/person
Dates for Full Moon Night Zipping are April 6 and 7, May 4 and 5, June 1 and 2, July 6 and 7, August 3, 4, and 31, Sept. 1, 28 and 29, October 26 and 27, November 30 and December 1.

Get more information about Ozone Zipline Adventures and the tours or book your slot on the lines here.

Owned and operated by the YMCA of Greater Dayton, Ozone Zipline Adventures is not just for thrill-seekers, the ride is low-impact, that and the hands-free breaking system that allows riders to gently glide into their destination platform makes the adventure perfect for teens and seniors alike. Also, as an educational canopy tour, guests will learn about the local flora and fauna, the 500 million year old fossils in the riverbed below and current issues of water conservation and habitat loss.

Education and fun come together at Ozone Zipline Adventures and we invite you to take flight as well! Learn More!

Please note that riders must be at least 10 years old, weigh at least 80 lbs and no more than 260 lbs. Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult or guardian.

 

You don't have to travel far to find beautiful parks, serene campsites and natural wonders, and with the price of gas nearing $4.00 as well as skyrocketing airfare that's good news to travelers in the Midwest. With spots like Caesar's Creek State Park and Fort Ancient Archaeological Park, a National Historic Landmark, lovers of the outdoors will find the perfect family getaway, not far away in Ohio's Largest Playground.

Caesar Creek State Park
Caesar Creek is a Warren County park offering 7,900 acres for your family to enjoy several outdoor, recreational activities. Located just minutes from Waynesville, Ohio and with FREE admission to the park, families can easily access and explore the trails, lake, beaches and campgrounds of this natural gem.

Visitor's Center - The state of the art visitor center offers a wide variety of displays and presentations featuring exhibits on the area's cultural and natural history. The center also holds numerous special events throughout the year, click here to see what's upcoming.

Trails- Caesar Creek State Park boasts over 40 miles of trails including a 16 mile stretch of the Buckeye Trail passing through the park. Visitors can choose from a variety of hiking trails including 2 hiking only trails as well as 4 horse-back riding trails and 2 mountain biking trails that also allow hiking. These trails offer many overlooks of the scenic gorges and vistas that make Caesar Creek a naturally beautiful destination.

Camping- Three camping areas with over 200 camp sites are available with electricity and bathroom amenities in designated areas. With many pet-friendly sites available including 30 equestrian camp sites you and your entire family can enjoy the great outdoors with all the comforts of home Also, more Ohio camping sites are available along the Little Miami River at certain canoeing destinations. To make reservations for camp rentals and shelters, please click here or call 866-644-6727.

Fishing- Cast out and kick back with some of the best small-mouth and large-mouth bass fishing in the area. Anglers of all skill levels are welcome. Valid fishing licenses are required.

Picnicking- Four designated picnic areas equipped with tables, grills and drinking water are located throughout the park. Picnic areas can be reserved by contacting 866-644-6727.

Swimming- Mom and dad can catch some rays while the kids take a dip along the 1,300 foot public beach. Open during daylight hours with public changing rooms available, the beach at Caesar Creek makes for a great weekend escape.

Boating- The 2,830-acre lake is perfect for motor boats, fishing boats and kayaks. Visitors must register their own boats before operating on the lake. Rentals are also available upon request.

Pioneer Village - Enjoy a step back in time as you tour the historical Caesar's Creek Pioneer Village. Comprised of a collection of 15 original and replica pioneer cabins and other structures including a schoolhouse, carpenter shop and toll house the village is open year-round, however cabins can be toured only on special event weekends. During these special events reenactors demonstrate the tasks of daily life and offer a fun and interactive opportunity for children to learn about history and what life was like during pioneer times. Click here to find upcoming events.

Click Here to Plan Your Weekend in Caesar's Creek State Park

 

Fort Ancient
Fort Ancient is a collection of Native American earthworks located along the eastern shore of the Little Miami River. The site is the largest prehistoric hilltop enclosure in the U.S. with 3 and a half miles of walls. The walls were originally thought to have been used as a defense against enemies, however 60 gaps in the walls proved this hypothesis wrong. The "Fort" is now known to have acted as a center for social and ceremonial events related to significant astronomical events

Today, nearly 2 miles of trails wind through the National Historic Landmark's 764 acres and offer spectacular overlooks of the river below. The Fort Ancient Museum provides interactive exhibits chronicling 15,000 years of American Indian history and also features a gift shop with fine American Indian products available for purchase.

Be sure to check out Fort Ancient on June 9-10 for a "Gathering of Four Directions". This event features educational programming about American Indian culture with dancing, drums, storytelling and much more!

Fort Ancient State Memorial, 6123 St Rt 350, Oregonia, Ohio 45054
For more information please visit www.fortancient.org.

Click Here to Book a Weekend Getaway to Fort Ancient

Hear Ye, Hear ye, with the Ohio Renaissance Festival (Sept. 3-Oct. 16th) set to begin this weekend we've put together a list of 16th century terms that you'll want to add to your vocabulary before the games begin.

1) "Good Morrow" : "Hello" -- E.g. "Good Morrow neighbor, might you be in a merry mood this E'en?"

2) "The Blood of John Barleycorn" : "Ale" or "Beer" -- E.g. "Fetch me a pint of the blood of John Barleycorn."

3) "Privy" : "Bathroom" -- E.g. "Beg your pardon, kind sir, but I have had too much of the blood of John Barleycorn and need to find the privy post-haste."

4) "Yonder" : "Over there" -- E.g. "The privy is located yonder."

5) "Grammercy" : "Thank You" -- E.g. "Grammercy, fair maiden, for the dance, thou art verily light on your feet."

6) "Aye" or "Yay" : "Yes" AND  "Nay" or "Indeed Not" : "No" -- E.g. "Yay, I am having a merry good time at the Ohio Renaissance Festival and nay, I do not wish to leave"

7) "Prithee" : "Please" -- E.g. "Mother, may I prithee have an oversized turkey leg for dinner this e'en?"

8) "Hawker" : "A salesperson yelling to get you to come to their booth" -- E.g. "That hawker is proclaiming he has the finest gold jewelry in town."

9) "Carouse" : "To Party" -- E.g. "After the jousting championship, the winning knight shall carouse with all the nobility to rejoice in his victory."

10) "Fie" : "A Curse" -- E.g. "If you do not attend the 2011 Ohio Renaissance Festival, then from this moment on, I fie on you."

Keep these terms in mind as you make your way out to the Ohio Renaissance Festival this fall. There will be plenty of games, rides and entertainment for both young and old.

To get your tickets be sure to visit: www.renfestival.com
Or book your Ren Fest Vacation Package here: Ohio Vacation Packages

Outdoor enthusiasts rejoice! Warren County offers an endless amount of outdoor excitement for anyone looking for a high-flying adrenaline rush, a lazy float down the river, a relaxing round of golf or just some good old-fashioned family fun. Your ultimate outdoor escape awaits!

Ozone Zipline: Imagine taking to the skies and soaring 200-feet above the beautiful Little Miami River Valley on the Midwest's largest tree-top canopy zipline tour. Tour guides assist you over the two-mile long course and will engage your group in historical, educational and confidence-building exercises along the way. This is truly an activity for young and old alike, just so long as you're not afraid of heights.

Canoeing: The Little Miami Scenic River, one of the Top Ten scenic rivers in the country, offers 100 miles of beauty winding through Ohio's diverse ecological environment. There are many public access points along the river to launch your own excursion, or you can rent a canoe, kayak or raft from one of the many liveries located on the river. Whether you're an avid outdoorsman or a beginner, the Little Miami River is the perfect place to spend a day.

Golfing: Test your skills at the challenging Golf Center at Kings Island, a Jack Nicklaus designed course that has played host to many professional tournaments over the years. Or try your luck on one of the top ranked public courses in Ohio at Shaker Run Golf Club. No matter what you shoot, you're sure to enjoy your round at these and many other stunning courses in Warren County.

Bike Trails: Explore scenic countryside and picturesque views along one of the three bike trails located in Warren County. An afternoon ride is perfect for nature enthusiasts and both competitive and recreational bike riders alike. Need to fill your canteen or break for lunch? Take a rest stop at one of the many charming small towns along the route.

Caesar's Creek State Park: Reconnect with nature at this unique state park located in the woodlands of Southwest Ohio, once called home by several Native American tribes. With scenic trails and a beautiful lake; boating, camping, hiking, fishing and swimming are just the tip of the iceberg for your visit to Caesar's Creek. Stop by the visitor's center for interactive displays, collect fossils along the river beds or step back in time at the Pioneer Village, complete with log cabins from the 18th and 19th century.

Plan your outdoor adventure today, before summer's warmth makes way for winter's frigid touch.

Kick off the season at Ozone Zipline Adventures with a special 15% discount on tours booked and taken in the month of April!

This discount is good for Extended Tours and Traditional Tours. 

Click here and then simply use the promo code wccvb at checkout for your savings.

This offer is not valid on Tuesdays.

About Ozone Zipline Adventures:
Ozone Zipline Adventures is a full canopy (tree-top) tour consisting of 10 ziplines connected by 9 sky bridges and a 45-foot tall central zipline tower. Soar more than 200 feet above the ground throughout the ravines of the Little Miami River Valley. This high-adventure experience is the largest zipline tour in the Midwest at more than 6,000 feet in length.

1. Running
Taking your family on vacation doesn't have to mean taking a vacation from your workout routine. No one understands your needs better than Great Wolf Lodge. While your kids are enjoying the indoor water slides and water coasters, you can jump on a treadmill in Great Wolf's Iron Horse Fitness Center and get a cardio workout that doesn't involve chasing your little ones around the pool.

2. Bicycling
Not everyone can ride a bike like Lance Armstrong, but everyone can enjoy the great workout you get from biking along the beautiful Little Miami Bike Trail. You and your family will enjoy this paved and mostly shaded 70-mile trail which offers a beautiful setting for catching a breath of fresh air and experiencing some of Warren County's breathtaking views.

3. Weightlifting
Think you don't get a workout when you visit an amusement park? Well, think again. A full day at Kings Island involves pushing strollers, putting kids on shoulders, and lifting kids into their seats so they can enjoy over 80 different rides and attractions, including rides parents can ride with their kids in Planet Snoopy (Kings Island's award-winning children's area).

4. Pull-Ups
Everyone's tummies are grumbling after a good work out. Well, pull yourself right on up to the counter and order up! For a good country breakfast or a hearty lunch, The Breakfast Club Café in Lebanon is the place to go. You can enjoy their freshly roasted coffee and buttermilk pancakes, or even dive into juicy, half-pound burgers if you're up for the challenge. For a cool treat on a hot day visit the Village Ice Cream Parlor in Lebanon home to some of the best hamburgers, shakes, and sundaes around.

5. Yoga
Get off the mat and out of the studio and find tranquility and scenic serenity in Warren County's numerous parks and picturesque outdoor settings. Caesar Creek State Park is highlighted by clear blue waters, scattered woodlands, meadows and steep ravines. And beautiful vistas and two spectacular scenic overlooks can be found at Fort Ancient which is on the short list for a World Heritage Site designation.

This Memorial Day weekend, Warren County is jam-packed with thrilling adventures, beautiful outdoor excursions, plus a host of free things to do for the perfect holiday getaway.

Kings Island has a huge Memorial Day weekend planned with the return of the Action Sports World Tour (May 29-31). See some of the top extreme sports stars jump, twist and spin in multiple performances each day!  Kings Island is also celebrating the Memorial Day holiday with FREE Admission to all active and retired military personnel! 

Of course no trip to Kings Island would be complete without a thrilling trip down The Beast or the pulse-pouding Diamondback. If you haven't taken your little ones to see the PEANUTS gang in the all-new Planet Snoopy, then now's your chance.  And don't forget you can cool off in Boomerang Bay - now open daily!

You can package the fun of Kings Island with the final weekend of Zoo Babies at the Cincinnati Zoo with the value-packed Ride and Roar package. For only $319 (plus tax) your family can get 4 tickets to Kings Island, 4 tickets to the Cincinnati Zoo, plus 2-nights lodging and much more.

More summer fun can be found at The Beach Waterpark, now open daily. Or you can take to the skies at Ozone Zipline Adventures for a memorable and high-flying trip through the Little Miami River valley. If you have never taken a trip along the Little Miami Bike Trail, then Saturday, May 29th, you'll want to take a guided tour of the trail for only $15.

Round out your weekend with a trip to Springboro and Franklin in the northern part of the county. You can catch an amazing matinee or eveneing performance of "The Church Basement Ladies" at La Comedia Dinner Theatre. There are also a host of free activities to make your weekend more enjoyable. Take a self-guided walking tour of Springboro which has a rich Underground Railroad history or head over to Franklin and see the city's history depicted on award-winning murals located on the outside of many of the city's buildings.

1. The Old Gym Shoes

This may be an odd item to have at the top of the list, but you know they've gotta go. Springtime means getting out of hibernation and rejuvenating our spirits and our bodies. So break down, go out and buy new gymmers for outdoor activities like walking the Little Miami Scenic Trail or hiking the picturesque grounds of Fort Ancient. Face it, your old gym shoes smell and give you shin splints anyway.

2. That "Must-Have" Wool Sweater from Winter ‘95

When you bought it, you proclaimed that you would wear it all the time, when in reality you wore it the day after you bought it and not a day since. It's only taking up space in your dresser, so let it go! Take a shopping trip Cincinnati Premium Outlets - one of best outlet malls in Ohio, for a cute, trendy skirt or a funky wrap-around spring top. Now those are "must-haves!"

3. The 10,000 Bottles of Half-Full Sun Tan Lotion You Have Accumulated

Do you really need 6 half-used bottles of the same SPF? At the end of last summer you declared "I'm throwing these out before next summer and buying all new." So we encourage you to get pitching! After your cupboards are bare of old sun tan lotion, make a trip to the local Target, purchase a fresh new bottle of SPF30... and grab a new swim suit while you're there. You want to be fully prepared to catch rays at The Beach Waterpark and Kings Island's Boomerang Bay this summer, don't you?

4. The "Spare Room" Junk Pile

This pile often includes leftover rolls of Christmas wrapping paper, old newspapers, and all those miscellaneous items that you tell yourself "I really should hold onto to these" and it spirals out of control in one corner of your least used room. Now, if you can't find it in yourself to throw these items away, "in case you need them," at least be free of the cluttered look. Channel "Martha Stewart" and stop into one of the antique and specialty shops in Lebanon or Waynesville to find yourself a great furniture piece to store all of your goods and pretty up your room.

5. The Frozen Fruitcake Leftover From Christmas

At the time it was a perfectly innocent thing putting a perfectly tasty loaf of fruitcake in your freezer, because you figured it would be great to munch on after the holidays. However, by April 1st, the cake of fruit is not looking too hot. Release it from its icy home and bite into some really tasty treats at Golden Turtle Chocolate Factory and Whits Frozen Custard in Lebanon or at The Cake Diva in Waynesville.