Where to Say ‘Cheers’ In Ohio’s Largest Playground
Blog by Scott Hutchinson
You’ve set aside time from work and chores. You’ve packed up your bags, loaded the car, and made the drive to Southwest Ohio. Now, with the legwork behind you, there’s just one final step to truly kicking off your weekend escape to Warren County: a toast to finally getting away! Here are just a handful of the charming, historic, and even award-winning spots to raise a glass in Ohio’s Largest Playground.
Valley Vineyards Winery & Brewery
The winner of numerous international wine awards, and one of only 13 American wineries invited to pour at The Smithsonian’s 2013 celebration of the 21st Amendment, Morrow, Ohio’s Valley Vineyards Winery & Brewery offers visitors an intimate and relaxing vineyard experience. Sample their full range of tasty wines and micro-brews any night, or swing by for a weekend cookout, where you can grill your own steak or salmon to enjoy with an awesome spread of side dishes, desserts, and always delicious adult beverages. Offered select dates throughout the year, the vineyard’s “Twilight Canoe & Dinner for Two” package pairs its delicious wine and beer offerings with a quiet canoe trip down the Little Miami Scenic River. Can you say date night?
JD Legends
Just a short trip north of Valley Vineyards, Franklin, Ohio’s JD Legends treats fun-loving guests to a higher-energy fusion of food, drinks, and entertainment. Featuring a full service tiki-themed bar and restaurant, outdoor sand volleyball, a bowling alley, karaoke, and live concerts starring both local and national acts, the all-in-one entertainment complex is among the county’s most popular stops for ice-cold drinks, belly-pleasing bar bites, and foot-stomping fun.
Crooked Handle Brewing Co.
Opened in 2015 as an exciting new addition to Southwest Ohio’s already booming craft brewery scene, Springboro’s Crooked Handle Brewing Co. treats its suds-savvy guests to a fine-tuned lineup of flagship micro-brews, as well as a slew of experimental and seasonal pours. Not a beer fan? Not to worry! The Springboro startup also serves a wide selection of spirits and red and white wines, as well as meat and cheese plates that complement the beverages nicely.
Miami Valley Gaming
Home to 1,600 electronic gaming machines, live harness racing, and a bevy of both fine and casual dining options, Lebanon’s Miami Valley Gaming racino is also among the county’s best bets for tasty adult beverages. Boasting an impressive collection of seven in-house restaurants, many of which serve custom cocktails, it’s a must-stop spot for any special night out. The sports lover in your group will dart straight to Center Bar for it collection of 18 flat screen televisions, while Cin City Sea & Steak is as classy a date night destination as you’ll find in the region.
The Golden Lamb
While this longstanding staple of Ohio’s dining scene may be more renowned for its award-winning food or the impressive list of American icons its hosted over the years, Ohio’s oldest continuously operating business is also home to an impressive array of beer, wine, and cocktail offerings. My suggestion: plan your Golden Lamb visit around one of its popular “Burger & Beer” nights to enjoy one of the restaurant’s mouthwatering burgers with a beer that’s been expertly chosen to complement its flavors.
No matter where your travels take you in Warren County, a safe trip home is always the most important leg of your journey. Please enjoy yourself responsibly and remember that taxis, Ubers, family, and friends are always just a call away!
