Are you someone who enjoys taking walks in the summer time? Then you're in luck as Warren County is home to some of Ohio's best walking tours suitable for the whole family. There are walking tours that highlight the beauty of nature, art, historical monuments, and stories of the paranormal. The walking tours of Warren County are a unique way to spend some time with the family while getting outdoors. If you're not sure what walking tour would best suit your family, let us tell you about them:

Waynesville Ghostly Walking Tours

The Museum at the Friends Home in Waynesville, Ohio has guided tours that recount stories that defy explanation. Tour guides will lead you and your family to various destinations in downtown Waynesville where people have experienced paranormal activity. You and your family will learn about some of Waynesville's past residents whose spirits remain in limbo. Tours are offered Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays through October.

Visit the Museum at the Friends Home for more information.

Springboro Underground Railroad Walking Tours

These self-guided walking tours take you through the historical Springboro district, detailing the network of 27 safe houses and tunnels in the area. While walking through the historical district of Springboro, you'll learn how residents aided runaway slaves as they escaped to Canada. The self-guided tours are accompanied with a brochure, or you request a tour-guide for a small fee.

Visit The Springboro Chamber of Commerce website for more information.

Franklin Murals

Coined, "City of Murals" Franklin is home to breath-taking works of art. Painted by Franklin resident Eric Henn, these award-winning murals allow you to take a look back into the city's history. Franklin Murals make for a great day trip for you and the family.

Contact the Franklin Area Chamber of Commerce for more information.

Ghost Ghost Tours

October 19 & 26 from 8:30 pm to 10:30 pm

Hear and see what happens when history and the paranormal unfold. Your guided tour will visit all the hots spots inside Harmon Hall, recounting recent encounters with the paranormal. Guests may bring one small hand held device such as a camera, voice recorder for "ghost meter". Cost is $20 per person in advance.

Call 513 932 1817 for more information or visit the Warren County History Center website .

Summer is a great time to try something new and unique. While swimming is a great way to beat the heat, perhaps you're looking for a more adventurous way to pass the time. Perhaps you've always wanted to skydive, go zip lining or take a hot air balloon ride. Did you know that Warren County has different options to feed your craving for an airborne adventure? For those of you looking to take to the skies this summer, let us tell you about some of the great destinations near by in Warren County.

Hot Air Balloon Rides

Bella Balloons provides scenic flights above the Greater Cincinnati area. With launch sites in Cincinnati, Dayton and Northern Kentucky, you can enjoy this truly unique experience that takes your above the landscapes of the Ohio Valley region. Passengers can take off from designated areas with rides lasting approximately 40-60 minutes.

Visit Bella Balloons to reserve your hot-air balloon ride today.

Gentle Breeze also provides hot air balloon rides in the Greater Cincinnati area. Based out of Lebanon in Warren County, Gentle Breeze provides affordable balloon rides to Southern Ohio and Northern Kentucky. With more than 30 years of ballooning experience, you can enjoy safe balloon ride with a trusted pilot.

Visit Gentle Breeze for reservation and pricing information.

Many balloonists recommend scheduling your flight at sunrise or sunset to truly take in the beauty of the Ohio Valley scenery.

Skydiving

Are you an adrenaline junkie? Perhaps skydiving is something you need to try. With locations at Skydive Warren County and Start Skydiving Cincinnati in Middletown, your skydiving adventure is not far from home. Both locations offer tandem skydiving with a certified instructor or solo jumping for a true thrill seeker. Each location also offers video services to capture your skydiving memory for years to come.

Check out Skydive Warren County for pricing.

Check out StartSkydiving.com for pricing.

Airplane Rides

Air travel can be expensive, but not if you learn how to fly yourself! At Red Stewart Airfield in Waynesville you can take in-flight training from one of the best pilots around. A Red Stewart Airfield their pilots are dedicated to preserving the more basic "stick and rudder" skills that students can then into any subsequent training. If you're already a licensed pilot you can rent aircraft from the airfield and take to the skies to get some great aerial views of Warren County and the Greater Cincinnati area.

Contact Red Stewart Airfield for flight training schedules and prices.

Helicopter Rides

Vertical Advantage is Cincinnati's premier helicopter service providers. Whether you're seeking a helicopter tour, taking aerial photographs, air charter or flight training, the experienced pilots at Vertical Advantage can take you up and around wherever you need to go.

Visit Vertical Advantage for service details and pricing.

Zip Lining

Not all aerial adventures take place in the sky, but Ozone Zipline Adventures canopy tours get you as close as you can get to flying. The canopy tours at YMCA Camp Kern offer a scenic zipline adventure over the Little Miami River Valley. These breathtaking tours offer group rates to one of the best ziplining adventures in the midwest. Whether you're looking for fun, or an outdoor educational outing, Ozone Zipline Adventures at YMCA Camp Kern has what you're looking for.

Contact Ozone Zipline Adventures for group rates and reservations today!

If you're looking for a fun, down on the farm experience for your family, take a trip to Bonnybrook Farms in Clarksville for a Chuck Wagon Dinner Ride. As you drive in to the 350 acre farm, you are greeted with all the warmth of southern hospitality and as much fresh air as you can breathe in.

The evening begins at 5 pm with fun and games for all ages. You can take aim on the giant slingshots, challenge your kids on the clodhopper golf course, or challenge yourself by taking a trip down the 80' slide tunneled into Horseshoe Hill.

Head to the Gathering Barn around 6:30 when you hear the dinner bell ring, and enjoy the welcoming scent of a home cooked, farm fresh meal. This spread tastes even better than it smells, so try a little of everything! Fill up on pulled pork or chicken sandwiches, locally grown salads and sides and Nathan's hot dogs for the kids, all served buffet style.

After dinner, hop into the wagon pulled by "Farmer Joe" and take a load off while you hear about the Shawnee Indians who hunted on the property hundreds of years ago, and the part this land played along the Underground Railroad. Make sure to look around while you listen-it's a beautifully scenic trip.

When you reach the edge of Todd Fork Creek, you'll see the Chuck Wagon outfitted with tools from simpler times. Here's hoping you saved a little room for homemade apple cobbler and warm chocolate chip cookies! They'll be waiting for you at the Chuck Wagon along with graham crackers, chocolate bars and marshmallows. Prepare your s'more in one of the two cozy fires set up alongside the creek.



So, whether you're looking for a fun family night, a school field trip or a corporate picnic, Bonnybrook Farms welcomes you. For more information, visit www.bonnybrookfarms.com or call 937-289-2500.

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 2012 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.