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.

   When you stroll down the streets of Lebanon and drive through the hills of Warren County, you are in good company. Presidential company, that is! Lebanon, Ohio has been graced with a multitude of visits from Presidents dating back to as early as the 1800s. As we honor Presidents' Day this month, we thought it would be interesting to highlight many of Warren County's esteemed Presidential visitors through the years.

   Perhaps one of the most beloved U.S. Presidents to visit Warren County was Abraham Lincoln. In 1862, President-elect Lincoln traveled through Warren County on his way from Springfield, Illinois to Washington, D.C. for his inauguration. Historian John Zimkus wrote, "Being on the Little Miami Railroad, what is now the Little Miami Scenic Bike Trail, Lincoln traveled the full length of Warren County." Another Lincoln connection to Warren County: his great uncle, John, lived on 181-acre farm between Lebanon and the community of Red Lion. John and his wife, Mary, are buried in Lebanon's Pioneer Cemetery, located just six blocks from the historic Golden Lamb Restaurant & Inn. Click here for Pioneer Cemetery Tours coming in May.

Click Here to Book a Presidential Room

   Known for main streets rich with antique shops, Lebanon has been host to numerous presidents on the campaign trail or passing through Ohio. Several presidents have also stayed at the Golden Lamb, Ohio's oldest hotel. While campaigning for the presidency in 1840, William Henry Harrison delivered a speech in Lebanon near what is now the Warren County fairgrounds. Two years later after Harrison's visit, Martin Van Buren, who lost his re-election bid to Harrison in 1840, traveled to Lebanon and visited the Golden Lamb on his way to Columbus.

   The Golden Lamb has been a destination of many presidents since that time, and consequently has rooms named after several of these Presidential visitors. More recently, The Golden Lamb has been visited by Ronald Reagan and George W. Bush. As governor of California, Reagan visited in 1968 while campaigning for Congressman Buz Lukens. While George H. Bush was campaigning in the area in 1988, his wife, Barbara Bush, held a fundraising event in Lebanon and stayed overnight at The Golden Lamb. Their son, George W. Bush, visited The Golden Lamb in 2004. Of the 12 presidents who have visited The Golden Lamb, he is the only one to come while in office. Other presidents to visit and have rooms named after them include:

• John Quincy Adams: As the 6th U.S. President, Adams was one of only two presidents to visit Lebanon after his term in office. He arrived in Lebanon in 1843 on his way to Cincinnati.
• Ulysses S. Grant: Originally from Ohio, Grant, visited The Golden Lamb in his younger years (most likely in the 1820-30's). He served as the 18th U.S. President.
• Rutherford B. Hayes: When campaigning to be governor of Ohio, Hayes came to Lebanon in 1867. He was elected to be the 19th U.S. President eleven years later.
• James Garfield: Garfield, the 20th U.S. President, visited Lebanon in 1871 to give a political address at Washington Hall, two blocks away from The Golden Lamb.
• William McKinley: The last time McKinley came to Lebanon was in 1893 when running for re-election as governor of Ohio. He was the 25th U.S. President.
• William Howard Taft: In 1898, Taft, the 27th U.S. President, traveled to Lebanon to attend a funeral. He had dinner at The Golden Lamb during his visit.
• Warren G. Harding: Harding, the 29th U.S. President, spoke at the Lebanon Opera House in 1910 and again in 1914, subsequently serving in the U.S. Senate and six years later as president.

   While rich with history, The Golden Lamb has recently undergone renovations, now updated with free wifi and queen size beds with duvet bedding for all rooms. DeDe Bailey, who has worked at The Golden Lamb for 32 years, says the restaurant and inn typically offers specials in honor of Presidents' Day. Check out the new Golden Lamb web site for Presidents' Day specials, restaurant reservation booking, and new online room reservation booking.

Get into the Presidential spirit this month and experience the rich history Warren County offers. You can check out additional opportunities in the area and get museum and historical site details by visiting Journey into the past.

Presidents' Day Shopping Sale: Cincinnati Premium Outlets 

   Charles Schulz might have said it best, "All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt."

   With Valentine's Day quickly approaching, you might be thinking about something special you can do for or with your special Valentine. Whether it's sweet treats or a special outing, many local Warren County businesses offer tempting treats and deals that are certain to sweeten your Valentine's Day. For a complete list of upcoming events, see our events calendar, or keep reading to find a few ideas to make your Valentine's Day much sweeter including some romantic getaways in Ohio that will knock your socks off!

Click Here to Book a Romantic Package from Marriott

   
   Main Street Sweets owner Vickie Larcomb says her Mason candy shop will cover just about anything in chocolate! Everything is made from scratch, including homemade flavored marshmallows dipped in chocolate, chocolate-covered strawberries and even Twinkie's dipped in chocolate! Family owned for five years, Main Street Sweets boasts all kinds of delectable creations, including a multitude of popcorn treats: caramel, chocolate, cherry flavored, etc. Main Street Sweets makes its own chocolate and is known for its heart-shaped Rice Crispy treats dipped in chocolate - perfect for Valentine's Day!

   Family owned since 1970, Valley Vineyards in Morrow offers numerous ways to celebrate Valentine's Day. If fine wine and good food fit into your Valentine's Day plans, be sure to check out Valley Vineyards' offerings. On Wednesday, February 8, take part in Grand Tastings, a popular event that features great wine, wonderful food, good company and live music. This month's featured wines will be Valley Vineyards' Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. For just $25 per person and up to 22 wine samplings, this event is a tremendous time at a tremendous value. Reservations required (513-899-9022).

   Join Valley Vineyards' Weekend Cookout on Saturday, February 11 for some relaxing, and romantic Valentine's Day fun with your special someone. Typically, weekend cookouts appeal to groups, but according to owner Joe Schuchter, on the Saturday before Valentine's Day, you will find mostly couples cooking their meals and sipping on wine. Reservations are requested. Price is $59 per couple with one bottle of wine (age 21 and over). Feel like staying in? Valley Vineyards re-released its popular pink-label Merlot just in time for Valentine's Day. This medium-bodied Merlot smells like cocoa and pairs wonderfully with chocolate. You can find it online or at Kroger and Remke-Biggs.

Click Here to Book a Romantic Valley Vineyards Package 

   Nestled in the heart of historic Lebanon, the Golden Turtle Chocolate Factory is a traditional chocolatier filled with amazing chocolate creations. For Valentine's Day, you will find Valentine's boxes filled with assorted chocolates, and other treats gift wrapped in heart paper.

Known for its Texas Tortoise and Almond Toffee, Golden Turtle Chocolate Factory offers an extensive selection of assorted chocolates, creams and chocolate molds. The shop's famous Texas Tortoise is made from pecan halves covered in caramel and then dipped in both milk chocolate and dark chocolate. Joy Kossouji of Golden Turtle Chocolate Factory says that each batch of their Almond Toffee is made with 12 pounds of butter! The raw almonds are added to the chocolate mixture and cook in the batch as the toffee cools. "The entire shop smells delicious when we make that almond toffee," Kossouji says.

  Other shop specialties include caramel bars (each one weighs 4-5 ounces), snack clusters (popcorn, pecans, raisins, coconut and chocolate), chocolate molds (all kinds of shapes including turtles, trains and planes for children), and white pretzel sundaes (white chocolate, pretzels and milk chocolate on top). Stop by Golden Turtle for one-of-a-kind, delectable treats for your Valentine.

   These are all great ways to liven up your Valentine's Day in Warren County, but certainly the list is not exhaustive. For other great ideas for romantic dining check out our local favorites listings, or for more great packages see our vacation packages page.

   Historic Downtown Lebanon is home to more than 50 of the best antique and specialty shops in Ohio and sets the perfect stage for the Lebanon Antiques Show. Well-known for its investment-quality antique furniture displayed in room settings, the show has evolved into one of the longest running and most respected antique shows in Ohio.

   The show, being held January 21st and 22nd at Bowman Elementary School in Lebanon, is the first of two 2012 shows. The show features local as well as national and international dealers peddling everything from furniture to jewelry to flatware and golf clubs. "Many of our dealers have been with us more than 30 years," said Victoria Van Harlingen of the Warren County Historical Society, which sponsors the event. Many dealers return year after year, but don't think that means you're going to see the same show as last time.

   New for this January, the show plans to add a special exhibit of 19th century game boards from the collection of Tom Chambers. Chambers, from Missouri, who will be on hand to showcase his antique pieces and answer questions has been intrigued by game boards since early in his career and has even co-authored a book, "The Art of the Game," detailing the intricacies of a variety of game boards. You can learn more about his work, exhibit and book on his website at www.missouriplainfolk.com.

   The history of this event is as unique as the pieces you'll find there. It was first begun in the 1940s to replace the home tours as the primary fundraising activity for the Warren County Historical Society. When reading back through the newsletters of that time, the staff was not so certain about this move and knew they were taking a huge gamble, but "the first show was so successful that they happily continued putting the event together the next year and then every year after that." said Van Harlingen. The Historical society now hosts 2 shows per year, one in January and one in October.

If you go:
   Date: Saturday & Sunday January 21 & 22nd

   Time: Saturday: 10a-5p/Sunday 11a-4p

   Where: Bowman Primary School
                825 Hart Road Lebanon, Ohio

   Admission: $8 (click here for a $2 discount coupon)

   Contact: Warren County Historical Society 513-932-1817

 

 

There is perhaps no crazier shopping day than day after Thanksgiving. Mothers, daughters, and girlfriends make the journey in the dark of night to their favorite stores, waiting for holiday early-bird specials. Get the jump on your holiday shopping this year in Warren County home to some of the best outlet malls in Ohio!

Prime Outlets Jeffersonville

Prime Outlets - Jeffersonville will welcome pajama-clad holiday shoppers at midnight, right after Thanksgiving, for the ultimate in Black Friday bargain shopping and giveaways.

On top of everyday savings of up to 65 percent off regular retail prices, Prime Outlets - Jeffersonville's merchants will offer limited-time-only, best-of-the-season discounts on an array of holiday items from midnight to 8 a.m. during its Midnight Madness Pajama Jam celebration.

It pays to dress down for this party, as the first 500 shoppers to visit Guest Services wearing pajamas will receive a free gift bag filled with a pair of Gold Toe slipper socks (while supplies last), coupons and great giveaways. What's more, five lucky pajama-wearing shoppers may find a $100 Prime Outlets gift card inside their complimentary gift bag!

Cincinnati Premium Outlets

After the turkey has settled, dessert is over, and your in-laws have left, why not grab your purse and shop more than 100 name-brand stores during the After-Thanksgiving Weekend Sale at Cincinnati Premium Outlets.

Kicking off this huge sale is their Midnight Madness event. Don't worry, there are Shop & Stay packages available, so reserve your room and enjoy a weekend of shopping!

Deerfield Towne Center

Enjoy the total shopping experience at Deerfield Towne Center this holiday season. Explore all the deals in the more than 60 brand-name stores including Borders, New York and Company, Lane Bryant, Coldwater Creek just to name a few.

If a full day of shopping leaves you tired and in need of some R&R, you can swing into the Pure Concept/Aveda Salon or Massage Envy. If you are looking for a bite to eat or an adult beverage to make you forget about the hole you just burned in your credit card, try the Polo Grille or the Fox & Hound pub.

If you are looking for some great shopping, captivating entertainment or some unique dining or events, then head north to Waynesville, Springboro and Corwin this weekend. Below is a list of just some of the great things to do in these communities.

Opening Weekend of "White Christmas" at La Comedia Dinner Theatre

La Comedia Dinner Theatre's premiere performance of this classic holiday production takes place on November 4th with evening shows on Friday and Saturday, plus a matinee and evening performance on Sunday.

"White Christmas" is La Comedia's most popular show of all time, so you definitely won't want to miss your chance to enjoy their mouth-watering buffet before experiencing this Broadway-style production.

Hearth Warming Holidays in Waynesville

Get an early jump on decorating your hearths and homes for the holidays this Friday-Sunday!! The historic Village of Waynesville will be decorated with lights and the streets will be lined with luminaries.

All of the wonderful Waynesville antique and specialty shops will be fully decorated. Many will hold Open Houses with specials and refreshments. Plan to shop, eat and stroll Waynesville's charming streets till 8pm on Friday and Saturday and 5pm on Sunday.

Guy Fawkes / Bonfire Night Celebration at The Corwin Peddler

On Saturday, November 6th at 7pm, The Corwin Peddler is hosting Guy Fawkes / Bonfire Night, a traditional British Celebration.

Your $15 admission ticket gets you The Corwin Coney (a baked potato with chili & cheese) and either hot chocolate or apple cider. There will also be a Guy Fawkes effigy competition along with a fireworks display at 8:30pm!

Unique events are happening all fall in Waynesville, Ohio - the Antiques Capital of the Midwest.

World-renown artist, P. Buckley Moss, will hand-sign prints for fans at Canada Goose Gallery on October 22 & 23! The Canada Goose Gallery has the largest selection of Moss's artwork in the country. Plus, on Friday night, you can have dinner with Moss at Keepin' Country Farm, featuring live musical entertainment and a silent auction. So if you are a fan, you don't want to miss this special weekend.

The Museum at the Friends Home in downtown Waynesville is offering its popular Ghostly History Walking Tours again this fall to celebrate the season in hauntingly good fashion. The one-hour stroll highlights fascinating, historically-based legends from the area's unique past. Nearly all stories are first or second-hand accounts of personally experienced events that defy explanations, with the occasional local legend added in support.

As the calendar turn to November, get an early jump on decorating your home with Hearthwarming Holidays - November 5&6! The historic Village of Waynesville will be decorated with lights and the streets will be lined with luminaries. All of the wonderful specialty and antique shops in Waynesville will be fully decorated. Many will hold Open Houses with specials and refreshments. Plan to shop, eat and stroll Waynesville's charming streets till 8pm.

Shop in pink at Deerfield Towne Center on Saturday, September 11th to support breast cancer awareness month! Local radio station, Q102, will be on site from noon until 2pm with the prize wheel, and promoting store specials and Massage Envy's upcoming Massage for the Cure event on September 14th. The Susan G Komen Foundation will also be onsite taking registrations for the Race for the Cure!

Dress in pink and receive these great deals:

• Becoming Mom - 15% off retail products (up to $25)
• Cincinnati Bell - 50% off accessories
• Venetian Nails - $5 off Shellac, Gelish or Axxium gel manicure
• Wild Bird Center - 25% off any 1 item
• Yankee Candle - Buy 1, get 1 half off jars (Autumn Leaves, Autumn Wreat, & Spiced Pumpkin)

Other great weekend sales inlcude:

• Loft - Style Studio Event with up to 30% off (pick up flyer at Q102 booth)
• Coldwater Creek - $20 off purchase of $100; $30 off purchase of $150; $50 off purchase of $200
• Gymboree - Baby Sale with Denim for $20 and Graphic Tees for $10
• Lane Bryant - All pants $29.99
• White House/Black Market - 20% off entire purchase

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.

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.