10 Reasons We Can't Wait for 2019 in Warren County

Blog by Scott Hutchinson

And just like that - 2018 is history! While it’s certainly bittersweet saying goodbye to what was another wonderful year here in Warren County, even more excitement awaits incoming adventurers in the year ahead. Hoping to work some Southwest Ohio travel into your 2019 plans? Here are just a handful of the many reasons we're excited for the new year in Ohio’s Largest Playground®.

1) We're celebrating half a century of sauerkraut
Recently named "Ohio’s Best Fall Festival" by Ohio Magazine, the Ohio Sauerkraut Festival will celebrate its 50th anniversary this October in the historic Village of Waynesville. As its name suggests, the famous fall gathering honors Ohio’s proud German heritage, serving up more than 7 tons of sauerkraut in both traditional and wacky ways. An incredible event each and every year, 2019’s milestone celebration promises to be one for the ages.

2) The brewery boom is getting even bigger
Warren County’s blossoming craft beer scene took off in 2018 when it welcomed both Sonder Brewing and The Common Beer Company. Now, Cartridge Brewing – a beautiful new establishment housed within a historic factory on the banks of the Little Miami Scenic River - is on tap for 2019.

3) The old-time cars are back in action
Every year Kings Island introduces something new and exciting to its already award-winning lineup of theme park thrills. In 2019, however, the park’s new and exciting addition will be actually be the return of something old. Kings Mills Antique Autos, a re-imagined take on the park's once beloved Les Taxis car ride (which closed in 2004) promises to be an instant family favorite when it welcomes its first riders this spring.

4) Something else is stirring at Kings Island
When Kings Island announced the closing of its flying-style coaster, Firehawk, in the fall of 2018, it promised its coaster-crazed fans that something bigger and better was on the way. In 2019, we’ll all get to find out just what that "something" is going to be! While no plans have been confirmed as of yet, a big-time attraction is most certainly in the works at the iconic Warren County theme park.

5) Bellwether Music Fest is back
Bellwether Music Festival- a two-day, two-stage concert held in Harveysburg - burst onto the summer festival scene in 2018, bringing big name alternative acts like The Flaming Lips and MGMT to Warren County. Now, with one terrific year under its belt, the festival is set to return for Round 2 in August of 2019.

6) Fresh new flavors are cooking up
Warren County welcomed a wonderful array of new, delicious restaurants in 2018, and will have even more in store for food lovers in the year ahead! Already announced for 2019 are Greenhouse Café  - a cozy, health-conscious juice bar and eatery coming soon to Historic Downtown Lebanon - and a second location for Two Cities Pizza Co., an award-winning and locally beloved pizza shop with its original location in downtown Mason.

7) Unforgettable adventures await
When you pack your bags for Warren County in 2019, be sure to bring your bucket list! Once-in-a-lifetime experiences are served up every day at Ozone Zipline Adventures, Skydive Cincinnati, Gentle Breeze Hot Air Balloons and more thrill-filled Warren County wonders.

8) We'll have a brand new place to play
Warren County has long been home to top-notch professional, collegiate and youth sporting events, and in 2019 visiting athletes will have a brand new place to play! The Warren County Sports Park at Union Village, a state-of-the-art sporting facility featuring both turf and natural grass fields for soccer, baseball, lacrosse and more, is currently under construction and projected to open within the new year.

9) Super new shows are taking the stage at La Comedia
One of the nation’s largest professional dinner theaters, Warren County’s beloved La Comedia treats guests to a new slate of brilliant Broadway-style productions each and every year. Stacked with familiar favorites like Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Shrek The Musical and more, the theater’s 2019 schedule is already creating quite a buzz!

10) New hotels are on the way
Every great vacation starts with a great place to stay, and Warren County is welcoming four outstanding new hotels in 2019! A Courtyard by Marriott, a Tru by Hilton, a Residence Inn and a Drury Inn & Suites will all join the county’s already impressive collection of cozy and convenient lodging offerings in the new year.