Benable — create shareable lists of things you recommend!

E.g., products you love, local businesses, travel recs - you can add anything to a Benable list!

Favorite Places to Visit in BEAUTIFUL OHIO – Hidden Gems, Day Trips & Must-See Stops

16 items

Ohio has SO much more to see and do than people sometimes realize! ❤️ I've lived in Ohio most of my life, and there are places around this state that I think are absolutely worth discovering—from small towns and historic sites to beautiful parks, museums, unusual attractions, scenic drives, and those little hidden gem... I'm still finding places to explore. Some of these are places I've visited many times, some hold special memories for me, and others are places I've discovered while wandering around our beautiful state. You'll find plenty of my Southwest Ohio favorites here because that's home—but I'm... 🎵 BEAUTIFUL OHIO There's a reason our state song is called “Beautiful Ohio!” ❤️ If you've visited—or even looked through—some of the places I've included here, I think you'll understand why that title fits. From our rivers and rolling hills to caves... So take a look around, pick a place, and GO! There's a LOT to discover in Ohio—so let's GO SEE IT! Welcome to my BEAUTIFUL OHIO! ❤️🌳🚗🎵T

Sections

Not every great Ohio find is a destination! 😂 Sometimes it's a scenic road, a helpful travel tip, something that makes the drive easier—or an unexpected discovery because somebody might have missed a turn. This is my catch-all spot for the little things that make exploring Ohio more fun: road-trip ideas, travel resources, useful finds, scenic drives, and a little humor along the way. After all, getting there is part of the adventure—and if we accidentally take the scenic route, we meant to do that! 😂🚗❤️

Sometimes the “scenic route” is carefully planned. And sometimes you missed your turn AGAIN. 😂 Either way, when we're traveling I don't mind getting off the main road and seeing what's out there. Some of the prettiest scenery, interesting little towns and unexpected finds happen when you're not racing straight from Point A to Point B. So if you miss your turn—don't panic. You aren't lost. You're sightseeing! 😂❤️🚗

TOOK THE SCENIC ROUTE 😂🚗

Yep—you CAN go to Morrow today! 😂❤️ Morrow is a small historic village in Warren County in Southwest Ohio, not far from Cincinnati. It has deep railroad roots, plenty of small-town character, and easy access to some beautiful outdoor areas, trails, and parks. But Morrow is more than another little dot on an Ohio map to me—it's my hometown. I grew up here, went to school here, and have LOTS of memories tied to this little village. It's also a great starting point for exploring this part of Warren County, whether you're interested in history, biking and walking trails, the Little Miami River, nearby parks or simply discovering a small Ohio town you may never have thought about ... So...Can you go to Morrow today? Absolutely! Could you have gone yesterday? Ya betcha—if you were close enough! 😂 And tomorrow? YES! Come see us! ❤️

Morrow is my hometown, so this one is personal! ❤️ I grew up here and went to school here—my Mom even helped me write the Morrow Elementary school song for a contest when I was in 4th grade. We won, and I received $25, which seemed like a FORTUNE at the time! 😂 Morrow and the surrounding Little Miami River area will always feel like home to me. If you're exploring Southwest Ohio, it's a small town with a special place in my heart—and a fun little piece of Ohio history worth discovering. 🌿 Quick Facts About Morrow, Ohio Location: Salem Township, Warren County, Southwest Ohio Population: About 2,049 residents as of the 2020 census Founded: Platted in 1845 when the Little Miami Railroad extended through the area Named After: Jeremiah Morrow, the 9th Governor of Ohio Can you go to Morrow today? Absolutely! Could you have gone yesterday? Ya betcha—if you were close enough! 😂 And tomorrow? YES! Come see us! ❤️

The History of Morrow, Ohio

🎵 Morrow’s Musical Claim to Fame And here's a fun little piece of MY hometown history! 😂🎵 You may have heard “To Morrow” by The Kingston Trio, but did you know the song is actually about Morrow, Ohio? According to our own Salem Township Public Library right here in Morrow, the song goes back much farther than The Kingston Trio's version. It was originally called “I Want to Go to Morrow,” written by Lew Sully, and was being performed and recorded ... The whole thing is a wonderfully confusing play on Morrow, tomorrow, today and yesterday, built around a traveler trying to buy a railroad ticket to Morrow. And that makes it even better because the railroad is such an important part of Morrow's hist... I grew up with Morrow being home, so I LOVE that our little town has its own place in music history. ❤️ Can you go to Morrow today? Absolutely! Could you have gone yesterday? Ya betcha—if you were close enough! 😂 And tomorrow? YES! Come see us! 🚗❤️

To Morrow By The Kingston Trio

🎵 NOT EVERY HOMETOWN HAS A SONG SUNG BY THE KINGSTON TRIO & THE MUPPETS! 😂 But Morrow does! One of the fun things about my little hometown is that “To Morrow” really IS about Morrow, Ohio. According to our own Salem Township Public Library here in Morrow, the song goes back long before The Kingston Trio recorded it. Originally called “I Wan... The song plays on the confusion between Morrow, tomorrow, today and yesterday as a traveler tries to buy a railroad ticket to Morrow—which is especially fitting since the railroad played such an important part in our town's history. The Kingston Trio... They don't do the whole song, but if you find their version, WAIT FOR THE END. The ending gets me every time—it's a genuine belly-laugh moment! 😂😂 I grew up here, so I admit I'm a little partial. But really... How many little hometowns can say they have a song performed by BOTH The Kingston Trio AND The Muppets?! 😂❤️🎵 Can you go to Morrow today? Absolutely! Could you have gone yesterday? Ya betcha—if you were close enough! And tomorrow? YES! Come see us! ❤️

To Morrow

I grew up near Fort Ancient, so I've been here many, many times. ❤️ We walked the trails, picnicked here, and enjoyed those beautiful views over the Little Miami River valley. For me, Fort Ancient isn't just an historic site—it's part of home and part of growing up. And here's something that makes it even more special: Fort Ancient is now part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site! In 2023, Fort Ancient became one of eight ancient Indigenous sites collectively designated the Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks—Ohio's first World Heritage Site. Today you can explore the museum, walk among the ancient earthworks, hike the trails, and ... These remarkable earthworks were created roughly 1,600–2,000 years ago, which gives you a whole different perspective when you're standing there looking across them. If you enjoy history AND being outdoors, Fort Ancient belongs on your Ohio list. And I have to admit, there's something pretty neat about realizing that a place where we went hiking and had family picnics when I was growing up is now recognized as important to the WORLD. ❤️🌎

Fort Ancient Earthworks & Nature Preserve

Yes, the food is good—but for me, the Golden Lamb is about SO much more than dinner. ❤️ Walking into this place is like walking straight into a piece of Ohio history. Dating back to 1803, the Golden Lamb has welcomed generations of travelers and some pretty famous guests along the way, including 12 U.S. presidents. You can enjoy a meal... I've been here many times, and it's one of those places where the surroundings are every bit as much a part of the experience as what's on your plate. Good food + more than 200 years of history + a chance to actually SLEEP in it = definitely worth a stop in Lebanon! ❤️ry.

Golden Lamb

I've both walked and biked the Little Miami Scenic Trail over the years, and hubby especially enjoys biking it. 🚲❤️ The trail follows the beautiful Little Miami River corridor, passing through small towns—including Morrow!—and some gorgeous Southwest Ohio countryside. It's paved and great for walking, biking or simply getting outside and enjoying this part of Ohio. The full trail stretches about 78 miles, so you certainly don't have to do it all at once! 😂 Since I grew up in this area, the trail and the Little Miami River have always felt like part of home to me. There's something special about walking or biking through scenery you've known most of your life and still stopping to appreciate how beauti... Whether you want a short walk, a leisurely bike ride or a much bigger adventure, pick a section and GO! 🚶‍♀️🚲🌿❤️

Little Miami Scenic Trail

“Dad, where are we going on vacation?” “Old Man's Cave.” “DAAAAAADDDDDDD!” 😂😂😂 We went to the Hocking Hills area OFTEN when I was growing up, especially Old Man's Cave. Apparently Dad believed that if we'd enjoyed it once, there was absolutely no reason we shouldn't enjoy it another 47 times! 😂 To this day, we still tease him... And here's the funny part: after all my childhood complaining, hubby and I went back THIS YEAR! ❤️😂 Hocking Hills is one of Ohio's most beautiful areas, and there is SO much more here than Old Man's Cave. You'll find waterfalls, caves and rock formations, hiking trails, scenic overlooks and several different areas to explore—including Ash Cave, Ced... And don't make the mistake of thinking, “We'll just run down to Hocking Hills and see everything today.” NOPE. This is NOT a one-day trip! 😂 There are LOTS of things to do throughout the area beyond hiking, plus cabins and other places to stay, restaurants, shops and activities that can easily turn a visit into a weekend—or longer. So apparently Dad knew what he was doing after all. 😏❤️ Would I go back to Old Man's Cave again? Yep. Just DON'T tell Dad I said that! 😂😂😂

Hocking Hills Ohio - Licking, OH

We've visited Serpent Mound quite a few times over the years, including again this year. It's a fascinating piece of Ohio history and definitely worth seeing—but here's my practical advice: Don't plan an entire day just for Serpent Mound. 😂 Serpent Mound State Memorial isn't a huge attraction. For most visitors, I'd allow about 1–2 hours to walk around the mound, explore the grounds and trails, and visit the museum/visitor area and gift shop. If you're especially interested in archaeology or ancient earthworks, of course, you may want to linger longer. When we visited this year, the observation tower was closed, and there was quite a bit of work being done around the park. A project is underway to reconstruct the observation tower, so I'd check its status before making your trip if seeing the moun... My suggestion? Make Serpent Mound PART of your day or weekend. There are other things to see and do in this beautiful part of southern Ohio, or you can work it into a trip to another destination nearby. It's unusual, historic and absolutely worth se...

Serpent Mound - Location, Origins & Preservation

It's been quite a few YEARS since I've been here—but I remember loving the OUTDOORS! ❤️🌳🥾 Cuyahoga Valley National Park sits between Cleveland and Akron and gives you a completely different side of Ohio—forests, trails, waterfalls, the Cuyahoga River and plenty of beautiful scenery to explore. If you enjoy walking and hiking, this is the kind of place where you can pick a trail that fits the amount of exploring you want to do. Some of the best-known sights include Brandywine Falls, the Ledges and the Towpath Trail, which follows part of t... It's been years since my visit, so I'm sure there are things I'd discover all over again today. But one thing hasn't changed about me: I LOVE being outdoors, and give me trees, trails, water and beautiful scenery and I'm a pretty happy camper! ❤️ And like Hocking Hills, I wouldn't rush this one. There's enough to see that I'd rather choose several things I really want to explore and give myself time to enjoy them than race around trying to check everything off a list. Beautiful scenery + hiking + waterfalls + lots of OUTDOORS = yep, this belongs in BEAUTIFUL OHIO! 🌳🥾❤️

Cuyahoga Valley National Park

I remember visiting Ohio Caverns as a child and young adult, and what has stayed with me all these years is the BEAUTY and absolute AWE of being underground surrounded by those incredible formations. ❤️ Stalactites, stalagmites, beautiful colors and formations that took nature thousands of years to create—it's one of those places that makes you stop and really LOOK. The caverns are home to the Crystal King, the largest stalactite in Ohio, along with many other fascinating formations. Today there are several guided tour options depending on the season, so I'd check what's available when you're planning your visit. And here's a tip I DO remember appreciating: it's cool underground! 😂 The cavern stays around 54°F year-round, so bring a jacket or sweatshirt even if it's blazing hot outside. There are stairs on most tours, so check the tour information ahead of time if mobility is a concern. There is also a special accessible tour available by advance reservation during the summer season. It's been many years since I've visited, but I can still remember that feeling of looking around and thinking WOW. And when a place can stay in your memory THAT long, I think it deserves a spot in BEAUTIFUL OHIO! ❤️

Ohio Caverns

These are the places where you can make a DAY of it! ❤️ Zoos, amusement parks, hands-on attractions and other fun places where there's plenty to see and do. Some are great for families with kids, but let's be clear—you do NOT need a kid with you to have fun! 😂 We've enjoyed many of these places ourselves over the years, and they're the kind of outings that can turn into some pretty great memories. Whether you're watching the animals, riding the rides, exploring something new—or getting your exercise walking up one more hill! 😂—these are some of my favorite Ohio places for a FUN DAY OUT! ❤️🎢🦛🚂

We LOVE the Cincinnati Zoo—and of course, you have to go see FIONA! 😂🦛❤️ The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is one of those places we can visit more than once and still enjoy. There are SO many different animals to see, but Fiona, the world-famous hippo, has certainly helped put Cincinnati in the spotlight. She was... One thing I especially enjoy is how the Zoo changes with the seasons. 🌷🎃🎄 The flowers, landscaping and decorations make different times of the year feel like completely different visits. And yes—there is plenty of WALKING! Some of those hills will remind you that you're getting your exercise in SW OH while you're having fun. 😂 We've had season memberships, and if you plan to visit more than once, they're definitely worth comparing with the cost of individual visits. Depending on the membership level, benefits can include parking, discounts and even unlimited rides on the S... For us, it doesn't take many visits before we've gotten our money's worth—especially when we're riding the train, visiting at different times of the year and simply enjoying another day at the Zoo. Animals + beautiful seasonal displays + LOTS of walking + a train ride + FIONA = one of our favorite Cincinnati outings! 😂🦛🚂❤️

Cincinnati Zoo

If you're looking for a FUN day in Ohio, Kings Island certainly qualifies! 🎢😂❤️ Kings Island has been part of Southwest Ohio since 1972, and one of its most recognizable landmarks is the Eiffel Tower replica standing at the end of International Street. You can even go up the tower for a bird's-eye view of the park—and on a clear... The park itself has an interesting history. It was developed as a new home for many attractions from Cincinnati's old Coney Island, and even the name Kings Island came from combining nearby Kings Mills with Coney Island. And then there are the RIDES! 🎢 Some of the best-known include The Beast, the enormous wooden coaster that's been terrifying—I mean entertaining 😂—people since 1979; The Racer, one of the park's original rides; and newer favorites including Diamondback, Orion, Banshee and Mystic ... If giant roller coasters aren't your thing, there are plenty of family rides, kids' areas and other attractions too. One thing I really like is that Kings Island changes with the seasons. Fall brings family-friendly Tricks and Treats during the day and the MUCH scarier Halloween Haunt at night. Then comes WinterFest, when the park is transformed with holiday light... So whether you're coming for the roller coasters, bringing the family, enjoying the seasonal decorations—or you're perfectly happy watching everybody ELSE get on The Beast 😂—Kings Island is one of those classic Ohio attractions that's worth experie...

Kings Island - Amusement Park & Water Park near Cincinnati, Ohio

It's been quite a while since I've personally been to Cedar Point—but this Ohio classic certainly hasn't gotten any SMALLER! 😂🎢 Sitting right along Lake Erie in Sandusky, Cedar Point has been an Ohio destination for generations. I remember visiting years ago, but the park has changed and added SO much since then that I'd almost be discovering it all over again if I went today! Cedar Point is especially famous for its ROLLER COASTERS, and today's lineup includes some big names: Millennium Force, Steel Vengeance, Maverick, Valravn, GateKeeper, Top Thrill 2 and the newer Siren's Curse. But you don't have to spend your entire day being turned upside down! 😂 There are family rides, classic attractions, the Cedar Point & Lake Erie Railroad, children's areas and even the Lake Erie beach. And be prepared to WALK—this is a BIG park, so comfortable shoes are a very good idea. Cedar Point also does seasonal events, including its popular fall HalloWeekends, so different times of year can give you a very different experience. Since it's been a while since I've been there, I'm not going to pretend I can give you all the current insider tips—but I CAN tell you this: Cedar Point has been part of Ohio family fun for a LONG time, and it's still one of those places Ohio is know...

Cedar Point | Amusement Park in Ohio

This is NOT your typical zoo experience! 🦒🦏❤️ The Wilds in Cumberland, Ohio gives you the chance to see animals roaming through HUGE open-range areas while you travel through on a guided safari. We've been here, and one of the things I remember most is how UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL you can sometimes get with the animals—which is really fun! And then there are a few animals where you're thinking, “Yep...I'm perfectly happy with a little DISTANCE ... The Wilds covers thousands of acres, so this feels very different from walking from exhibit to exhibit at a traditional zoo. Depending on the experience you choose, you may see animals such as rhinos, giraffes, cheetahs and many others while learning about the conservation work being done there. Today they offer several different experiences, including the Open-Air Safari ... There are also some pretty unusual options such as ziplining, horseback riding and even overnight stays. I'd definitely plan ahead and make reservations, because the experiences vary by season and some can fill up. For animal lovers, this is one of those Ohio experiences that's just plain FUN—and sometimes amazingly CLOSE! 🦏😂❤️

The Wilds - Cumberland, Ohio, in southeastern Ohio

This is one of those places where you can find something interesting for almost EVERY age! ❤️ We've visited Cincinnati Museum Center many times over the years, and one of our favorites is the OMNIMAX Theater. We often check to see what the newest film is and go specifically to see it—the huge domed screen makes it a completely different exper... The Museum Center itself includes the Cincinnati History Museum, Museum of Natural History & Science and The Children's Museum, and they've also brought in some VERY interesting special exhibitions over the years. There is also the Holocaust & Humanity Center located at Union Terminal. One thing to know BEFORE you go: not everything is necessarily included with one admission ticket. General Museum Admission now includes the three main museums together, but OMNIMAX, the Holocaust & Humanity Center and special exhibitions may require separate tickets or combination tickets. I'd look at the choices and decide what you really w... There's plenty here for families, but I'd also pay attention to the subject matter of special exhibitions if you're bringing younger children. Some historical exhibits can be fascinating and important while also dealing with subjects that may be dif... And don't forget to LOOK at the building itself! Union Terminal is part of the experience. ❤️ History + science + changing exhibits + an OMNIMAX movie = you can easily make a DAY of this one! 😂🎥❤️

Cincinnati Museum

Favorite Places to Visit in BEAUTIFUL OHIO – Hidden Gems, Day Trips & Must-See Stops

🚗 ON THE ROAD — OHIO TRAVEL TIPS, FUN & FINDS

MORROW, OHIO (& surrounding areas that I call Home)~ Can you go to Morrow today?

Nature, Parks & Outdoor Adventures

FAMILY FUN