Area Trips

This page lists locations for day trips or weekend trips — within 4 hours or so of Cincinnati. Cities are listed, along with activities recommended in each city.

 

Cleveland, OH

Cincinnati’s opposite number, Cleveland dominates the northeast corner of Ohio. Cleveland is home to a number of colleges and universities. Just a bit south of Cleveland are cities and towns known for their strong eastern-European roots.

Great Lakes Science Center
A reciprocal museum with the Cincinnati Museum Center, so members have free admission. Includes lots of hands-on activities, plus a permanently docked steamship to tour.

Michael Symon’s B Spot
One of the US’s best-known chefs is Clevelander Michael Symon. While his mainline restaurants are quite pricey, his B Spot burger joints are more affordable and delicious. Winner of both 2010 and 2011 national burger competitions. And don’t miss the milkshakes, such as the Vanilla Bean Apple Pie Bacon shake.

Columbus, OH

The state capital is just 2 hours up the highway from Cincinnati — and don’t miss the outlet mall halfway between the two, the Jeffersonville Tanger Outlets.

COSI
Renowned science center featuring many hands-on exhibits. A member of the reciprocal network, so Cincinnat Museum Center members get free admission.

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams
With multiple locations, including a stand in the North Market (see below), Jeni’s Ice Creams brings unique flavors to high-quality ice cream featuring few ingredients and crisp, clean flavors. If you get addicted, there are a few retailers in Cinci as well…

King Gyros
A great Greek joint in Columbus; check out Restaurant.com to save money with a gift certificate

North Market
Historic indoor market including produce, floral and other stands — and an amazing variety of splendid food, from artisan bakery to cornmeal-crust pizza to BBQ to Vietnamese and on and on…

Ohio Statehouse
The state’s capitol sits right downtown, on attractive grounds.

 

Holmes County, OH – Amish Country

Drive approximately 3.5 hours NE and you may feel that you’ve traveled back in time. Holmes county, Ohio has a large Amish population and numerous furniture, bulk food, cheese, quilt and other shopping opportunities. In Walnut Creek you’ll find Coblentz Chocolate Company, Walnut Creek Cheese, and the Der Dutchman Restaurant

Millersburg will provide you with dozens of cheese samples to try if you visit Heini’s Cheese Chalet where you can also watch cheese being made on certain days of the week. Also in Millerburg is the Guggisberg cheese factory and store where the specialty is Swiss cheeses. They claim to be the home of the original “Baby Swiss”. If that isn’t enough cheese for you, check out this self-guided cheese tour!

In Berlin you can check out the Amish and Mennonite Heritage Center plus numerous shops. Keep your eyes open for the smaller, less commercial shops in the entire area that hold great bargains on bulk foods. For more ideas check out this list of regional attractions.

Red River Gorge, KY

Said to have the second largest number of natural bridges and arches in the United States, Kentucky’s Red River Gorge natural area is a beautiful place to get away to.  Located about 2 hours south of Cincinnati, this area has abundant hiking, camping, natural bridges and beautiful scenery.  The Natural Bridge State Park is good starting point for information on hiking trails and camping. Koomer Ridge is another nearby camping option. Many enjoy the pizza to be found at Miguels, a local pizza and climbing gear shop. While you are in the area be sure to drive through the Red River Gorge Scenic Byway.

 

Fort Wayne, IN
Lexington, KY
Indianapolis, IN
Pittsburg, PA