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- 2026 | 5 Posts
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5
Tee Up at These 9 Golf Courses Around Cincinnati
If ever there was a summer when we could all use a day on the golf course, it's this one. In the midst of a year that will long be remembered for face masks and Zoom meetings, a breath of fresh air in the great outdoors feels more precious than ever.
Did we mention that August is National Golf Month? When you get down to it, there may be no better game than golf for the times we're living through. You're outside, you can easily maintain social distancing, and you get to release some tension by hitting a ball really, really hard. We recommend doing just that at these Cincinnati area golf courses.
Woodland Golf Course
5820 Muddy Creek Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45233
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Woodland Golf Course is one of Cincinnati's true hidden gems. The 9-hole executive golf course at Woodland makes it a favorite of families, newcomers to the game, and anyone with an hour or two to kill before they have to head back to the office. It's fun, family-friendly, and affordable. Plus, if you're looking to try something new and exciting, Woodland is also home to an 18-hole footgolf course (think of it as a combination of golf and soccer) that has a reputation as one of the best in the Midwest.
Blue Ash Golf Course
4040 Cooper Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45241
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Public golf courses sometimes get a bad rap for being unkempt and poorly maintained. But Blue Ash Golf Course, often cited as one of Cincinnati's finest public courses, makes a strong argument to the contrary. With a reputation for being professionally and regularly maintained, Blue Ash Golf Course offers a fun and relaxing course that can challenge golfers of all skill levels. Golf Digest ranked Blue Ash Golf Course among the 75 best municipal golf courses in America. There are also terrific views to be had from just about any hole on this 18-hole, par-72 course.
California Golf Course
5924 Kellogg Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45228
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Another of the top public courses in the city, California Golf Course lies on the east side of Cincinnati, on sloping terrain that overlooks the broad expanse of the Ohio River. You'd be hard-pressed to find a city-owned course with a better view. It's a fun 18-hole course, with tree-lined fairways and challenging greens. California Golf Course is also one of Cincinnati's longest municipal golf courses, with 6,227 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 70.
Hickory Woods Golf Course
1240 Hickory Woods Dr., Loveland, OH 45140
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Nestled in the community of Loveland, Ohio—about 15 miles northeast of the Cincinnati city limits—Hickory Woods Golf Course is a spot that keeps golfers coming back time and time again. That's partly thanks to the picturesque scenery at Hickory Woods, but also because of its notoriously challenging greens, especially in the back nine. The course makes for a great weekend getaway, equally welcoming to rookies and seasoned golf veterans, and can test just about anyone's skill.
Devou Park Golf Course
1201 Park Dr., Covington, KY 41011
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Devou Park Golf Course lies just over the Ohio line in Covington, Kentucky. One of its most striking features is its scenic hilltop location, which offers a spectacular view of the Cincinnati skyline. It's also a favorite haunt for local bird watchers, nestled among the rolling hills of Devou Park and right under a major flyway, and is a certified Cooperative Sanctuary by Audubon International. The staff is friendly and experienced, and the 18-hole course feels secluded and peaceful, despite being convenient to both cities.
Aston Oaks Golf Club
1 Aston Oaks Dr., North Bend, OH 45052
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Frequently ranked among the best golf courses in Cincinnati, Aston Oaks Golf Club is a favorite of golfers from across the region. But it's a challenge. With swift greens and rolling fairways, the course is situated on a beautiful landscape that both transfixes and tests golfers of all skill levels. Designed by golf legend Jack Nicklaus, the course at Aston Oaks Golf Club offers some truly magnificent scenery. It's perched above the Ohio River, and shaded by majestic white oaks and hickory trees. The 18-hole course features 6,908 yards of golf from the longest tees, for a par of 72.
The Vineyard Golf Course
600 Nordyke Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45255
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Although its location on the far east side of Cincinnati might make it seem like a bit of a far-flung destination for some, the Vineyard Golf Course has a lot of great features that attract golfers from all over. A lot of it has to do with the course's handsome scenery, with gently rolling fairways and well-manicured greens lined with mature trees. It's simply a lovely golf course to look at, but the Vineyard offers up a challenging round as well. It's been called one of the best conditioned daily fee courses in Cincinnati and is a favorite of locals and visiting golfers alike.
Twin Oaks Golf Course
450 E. 43rd St., Covington, KY 41015
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One of the finest public courses in the region on the Kentucky side of the Ohio River, Twin Oaks Golf Course is known for its palatial Southern-style clubhouse as well as its beautifully maintained 18-hole, par-70 course. Twin Oaks was built in 1927 and is still one of the best places in Northern Kentucky to enjoy a day on the links. With a mixture of mature trees sprinkled throughout the course, as well as its fair share of sand and water obstacles, it's always a fun challenge.
Avon Fields Golf Course
4081 Reading Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45229
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Avon Fields Golf Course is an 18-hole, par-66 course that's been challenging local golfers since it opened to the public in 1914. It's not only the oldest golf course in Cincinnati, but the oldest municipal golf course west of the Allegheny Mountains. It offers a fun and challenging game of golf to this day, but also has an immense amount of history on its fairways. Avon Fields has historically been very important to the city's African-American community and was one of the few courses in town that didn't discriminate based on race during the era of segregation.
Par for the Course
Did we forget to mention your favorite golf course in the Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky area? Let us know in the comments section below!
31
July LoLo Gifts: Indulge at These Ohio Eateries
Do you like to try before you buy? Then you'll love this month's freebies from LoLo Gifts, brought to you by Cutler Real Estate.
Northeast Ohio, Cincinnati, and Columbus are home to a wide variety of local businesses offering the best in goods and services. Cutler Real Estate and LoLo Gifts are pleased to help you discover these small businesses through our monthly program of free treats.
July Gifts:
Canton: Two-Topping Mini-Pizza
Cincinnati: Olive Oil or Vinegar
Akron: Bread, Cookies or Scones
Columbus: Two Double-Dip Ice Cream Cones OR Quart of Ice Cream
Canton: Two-Topping Mini-Pizza
Expresso Pizza
123 Nassau St. W., East Canton, OH 44730
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What's not to love about pizza? Stop in at Expresso Pizza and pick up a personal mini-pizza with your choice of any two toppings.
About Expresso Pizza
Pizza's beauty lies in its simplicity, and Expresso Pizza makes sure they get all the components right. Their pies are prepared with dough made from scratch each day. Fresh, high-quality toppings complete the equation. Expresso Pizza's entire menu, including subs, pasta, and fried chicken, is available for carry-out or delivery.
Contact and Hours
330.488.3100
Monday - Thursday 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Friday - Saturday 11 a.m. - midnight
Sunday Noon - 11 p.m.
Cincinnati: Olive Oil or Vinegar
The Spicy Olive
7671 Cox Lane, West Chester, OH 45069
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Want to add some zest to your favorite recipes? Head to The Spicy Olive for a free bottle of flavored olive oil or balsamic vinegar.
About The Spicy Olive
Premium ingredients transform an average dish to a truly memorable one. Melanie, owner of The Spicy Olive, sells only fresh olive oil that's full of flavor and health benefits. The balsamic vinegars are aged from 12-18 years and come directly from Modena, a historic Italian city noted for its cuisine. Gourmet flavors include basil, honey ginger, and blood orange.
Contact and Hours
513.847.4397
Monday - Thursday 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Friday 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Saturday 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Sunday Noon - 5 p.m.
Akron: Bread, Cookies or Scones
BREADS
3067 W. Market St., Fairlawn, OH 44333
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Whether your tastes run to sweet or savory, you'll find what you're looking for at BREADS. Choose your favorite bread, cookie, or scone from an assortment of delectable flavors.
About BREADS
Are you tired of overly processed baked goods that all taste the same? For more than 18 years, BREADS has been following the artisan process pioneered by top European bakers. Non-processed flours, grains, seeds, fruits, and herbs are in, while artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives are out. Offerings rotate daily from a selection of flavors including pepperjack sourdough, raspberry scones and carrot cake cookies.
Contact and Hours
234.334.7728
Tuesday - Friday 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Saturday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Columbus: Two Double-Dip Ice Cream Cones OR Quart of Ice Cream
Clown Cones & Confections
3431-F Cleveland Ave., Columbus, OH 43224
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Nothing caps off a lazy summer day better than some refreshing ice cream. Enjoy double-dip cones for two or a quart of ice cream for the family from the 39 flavors at Clown Cones & Confections.
About Clown Cones & Confections
Everyone's a kid at Clown Cones & Confections, which carries a seemingly endless selection of ice cream and candy to satisfy any sweet tooth. The 39 flavors of ice cream include classics as well as unique blends like Elephant Ear and Buckeyelicious. Candy choices run from modern-day Snickers and Twizzlers to nostalgic items such as Pop Rocks, Laffy Taffy and Nik-L-Nip.
Contact and Hours
614.267.2925
Monday - Saturday 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Sunday Noon - 7 p.m.
Join the Club!
At Cutler Real Estate, we treat all our clients like VIPs. The monthly LoLo Gifts program is offered free of charge to help you discover the amazing local businesses around Northeast Ohio.
Ready to get started? Just contact your Cutler Real Estate agent.
17
Cincinnati: Refresh Your Interiors at These 9 Furniture Stores
Do you feel like your home could use a refresh? Whether you're just moving into a new home or you've been in the same place for years, the right pieces of furniture can completely change the look and feel of your space.
Luckily, there are plenty of great furniture stores in the Cincinnati area where you're sure to find exactly what you're looking for. Here are a few of our favorites.
Design Lab Cincinnati
1401 Elm St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
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For modern and contemporary furniture and lighting, you can't go wrong with Design Lab. This store features a vast collection of curated pieces by designers from around the globe. The items you'll find here are primarily European, although the store also works in collaboration with local galleries and other community organizations.
Here you'll find incredibly unique home decor items to give your space a finishing touch that truly reflects your personality. They also feature artwork and decor by local and national artists. More than just a retail space, Design Lab is also a showroom and full-service interior design studio.
Algin Retro Furniture
800 Main St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
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If retro is more your style, you'll love Algin Retro Furniture in downtown Cincinnati. This seven-story furniture store has been family-owned-and-operated for over 50 years. They carry a wide variety of furniture and home items including upcycled items, mid-century modern reproductions, and artwork. Many of the brands they carry come with a lifetime warranty.
Locals and visitors both love their custom Live Edge Wood line of furniture, called Urban Timber. These tables, shelves, and countertops are made by local artisans from salvaged logs found both in Cincinnati and in Upstate New York. The store also carries paintings, sculptures, and photography by local artists.
Mainly Art Vintage Furnishings
3711 Madison Road, Cincinnati, OH 45209
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One of Cincinnati's top vintage furniture stores, Mainly Art Vintage Furnishings has been in business since 1988. This 10,000 square-foot retail space carries a huge selection of vintage mid-century furniture and lighting that has been acquired from locations all across the United States. They buy, sell, and rent items ranging from the 1930s Art Deco era to pieces from the 40s, 50s, and all the way into the 1970s.
You won't find any reproductions here. They guarantee that they only carry original items from each time period.
Voltage
3209 Madison Road, Cincinnati, OH 45209
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Voltage is one of the only furniture stores in the area that specializes almost exclusively in modern, high-end pieces. Here you'll find classic contemporary decor and the latest trends in European furniture.
The two-story, loft-style showroom displays an impressive collection of indoor and outdoor furniture, lighting, accessories, and kitchen design. Need some help figuring out exactly what you need? No problem! Voltage's designers will help you with brainstorming your design project, planning out your space, and installation.
Astute Furnishings
3052 Madison Road, Cincinnati, OH 45209
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Do you have a passion for antique and vintage designer furniture? Astute Furnishings carries a wide selection of items in this category as well as newer designer furniture, collectibles, art, and other decorative objects. Established in 1993, Astute Furnishings is Cincinnati's oldest furniture design business. It's conveniently located in the heart of Oakley Square and offers competitive pricing that you're sure to love.
Every Now & Then Antique Furniture Mall
430 W. Benson St., Reading, OH 45215
You never know what you're going to find when you pay a visit to Every Now & Then Antique Furniture Mall. This family-owned-and-operated business has been located in the area since 1976. Here you'll find three stories of antique pieces, including mirrors, chests, bedroom sets, china cabinets, tables and chairs, armoires, and more. All of the pieces are extremely high quality and are priced at a fraction of what you would pay for brand-new furniture.
If you're planning to replace some of your current furniture pieces, you may also want to ask if they're interested in purchasing them or making a trade. You could walk in with your old couch and walk out with some amazing new decor!
Cincinnati Open Box Outlet
6252 Glenway Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45211
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If you're interested in acquiring new furniture at deeply discounted prices, then you'll want to head over to Cincinnati Open Box Outlet. The owners of this store acquire furniture from overstock and liquidation from online retailers. They carry many pieces from nationally known brands, including Ashley Furniture.
This family-owned-and-operated company has been open since 2017. They personally assemble almost every item they purchase to make sure it's exactly as it's supposed to be, then place it on their showroom floor at a super-steep discount. This sales model makes new, comfortable furniture accessible to just about everyone.
YesterYears Used Furniture
1841 Galbraith Road, Cincinnati, OH 45239
YesterYears Used Furniture carries an ever-changing stock of previously-owned furniture and decor. When you shop here, you'll want to come ready to buy because once an item is gone, it's gone forever.
You can expect to find all kinds of furniture from sofas to tables and every style from antique to contemporary. In addition to furniture, this shop carries collectibles, pottery, stained glass, mirrors, wall art, lamps, bar signs, neon lights, and more.
They're also always buying used items. This is the perfect opportunity for you to sell the collectibles, decor, or gently used furniture that no longer suits you and get some fast cash to help pay for your new things.
Leftcoast Modern
1202 Main St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
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Another great option for mid-century modern furniture and decor, Leftcoast Modern carries both furniture and artwork. All of the pieces are carefully curated and constantly rotating. Here you'll find a wide assortment of brand-name items like Eames and Broyhill Brasilia furniture, Kaj Franck and Cathrineholm dishes, and Aldo Londi pottery.
This is one of the largest modern furniture stores in the Cincinnati area, making it a "must" on your furniture shopping list. They also buy, sell, and trade, so you're sure to find something unique and interesting every time you visit!
Shop Like a Pro!
Which of these great local furniture stores will you visit first?
26
LoLo Gifts for June: Plan a Visit to These Small Businesses
It's summertime and the livin' is easy, especially when enjoying free gifts from top local vendors. Cutler Real Estate and LoLo Gifts are excited to present this month's special treats.
Northeast Ohio, Columbus, and Cincinnati are rich in restaurants, shops, and services that make an area a great place to live. Our agents at Cutler Real Estate have teamed up with LoLo Gifts to offer this monthly program showcasing the best local businesses.
June Gifts:
Cincinnati: Wrap, Juice or Smoothie
Canton: Small Drink Combo
Healthalicious
32 Erie St. S., Massillon, OH 44646
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Want a quick and satisfying meal on the go? Pick up a tasty meal replacement shake from Healthalicious. Choose from dozens of mouthwatering flavors such as cherry cordial, banana nut muffin, and Fruity Pebbles.
About Healthalicious
You'll have a whole new concept of nutrition after a visit to Healthalicious. The smoothie and juice bar offers an incredible variety of meal replacement shakes, energy drinks, and herbal teas. With more than 100 flavors to choose from, you'll find something to fit any mood or cravings.
Contact and Hours
330.556.4523
Monday - Friday 6 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Saturday 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Sunday 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Cincinnati: Wrap, Juice, or Smoothie
Total Juice +
631 Vine St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
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During summer, higher temperatures and more activity often lead to lighter eating. Stay nourished and refreshed with a wrap, fresh-squeezed juice, or smoothie from Total Juice +.
About Total Juice +
For more than 20 years, family-run Total Juice + has been committed to educating the community about healthy eating. Located in downtown Cincinnati, the quick-service shop provides convenience without sacrificing quality. The menu of wraps includes vegetarian options, while juices are fresh-squeezed to order and smoothies include natural fruit with no syrup added.
Contact and Hours
513.784.1666
Monday through Friday 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Akron: Gourmet Hot Dog
Stray Dog Cafe
75 S. Main St., Akron, OH 44308
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Who says hot dogs are just for baseball games? Stop in at the charmingly-named Stray Dog Cafe for a gourmet grilled dog (beef, turkey, or veggie) dressed up with your choice of toppings and condiments.
About Stray Dog Cafe
Since 2009, Stray Dog Cafe has been on a self-proclaimed mission to "make Akron more Akrony." Originally operated as a street cart, the business moved into a brick-and-mortar spot connected to the Main Library in October 2017. Not a fan of hot dogs? Go with a panini, hot sandwich, wrap, or one of the all-day breakfast items. A wrap with a bottle of water and chips or fruit for $5 is one "Doggie Bag" you'll be happy to carry out.
Contact and Hours
330.594.5392
Monday through Friday 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Columbus: Board Game Rental
Tabletop Game Café
4316 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43214
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When it comes to games, everyone's a kid at heart. Indulge your competitive spirit with a free board game rental at Tabletop Game Café. Choose from a wide range of titles for adults, kids, casual fans, and serious gamers.
About Tabletop Game Café
At Tabletop Game Café, Life is literally a game. The shop stocks an incredible selection of classic and new board games, including recent release Half Truth, co-designed by legendary trivia champion Ken Jennings. Games can be rented by the week, and a $19 monthly membership lets you take two games at a time. If you stay and play from the collection of free games, keep up your energy with sandwiches, snacks, and drinks from the café menu. Please note that social distancing measures are being observed, including mandatory use of face masks.
Contact and Hours
614.725.0328
Tuesday through Thursday 5 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Saturday Noon - 10 p.m.
Sunday Noon - 4 p.m.
Love Freebies?
So what does it cost to enroll in LoLo Gifts? Absolutely nothing! Cutler Real Estate offers the complimentary program as a way to connect area residents with local small businesses.
Contact your Cutler Real Estate agent to get started with your free LoLo Gifts.
12
Natural Wonders You Need to See Around Cincinnati
Powerful yet serene, waterfalls are the masterworks in Mother Nature's portfolio. Dramatic shots of waterfalls are often featured as highlights on travel and nature shows, giving them an exotic appeal. But you may be surprised to learn there are a number of breathtaking waterfalls on display within a two-hour drive from Cincinnati.
With summer on the way, it's the perfect time to plan some exciting day trips. Add these locations around Cincinnati to your list and prepare for some great waterfall viewing.
Sharon Woods
11450 Lebanon Rd., Sharonville, OH 45241
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The natural delights of Sharon Woods are so spectacular that you'll find it hard to believe you're only 20 minutes outside of Cincinnati. As the oldest of the Great Parks of Hamilton County, Sharon Woods features not one but three waterfalls, including Buckeye Falls and the Lower Falls. See all three along the Gorge trail, which is less than a mile long with low difficulty. Park admission is free, but there is a $3 parking fee for Hamilton County residents. Sharon Woods is open daily from dawn to dusk.
Ludlow Falls
110 Covington Ave., Ludlow Falls, OH 45339
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Many waterfalls are found in parks or nature reserves, but Ludlow Falls is part of a picturesque rural landscape in the small town with the same name. Just over an hour's drive from Cincinnati, the waterfall is under a bridge right by the post office, so it can go unnoticed by travelers. Follow the path from the nearby park for best access. With a 15-foot drop, Ludlow Falls is definitely a hidden gem in the area.
Hayden Falls
4326 Hayden Run Rd., Dublin, OH 43017
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Hayden Falls sits slightly north of Columbus, approximately two hours away from Cincinnati, and it's definitely worth a road trip. A boardwalk and overlook, with the backdrop of the 35-foot waterfall, allows for scenic photo opportunities. The gorge habitat, with its array of rare and endangered plants, completes the picture. Hayden Falls is open 24/7, with convenient onsite parking.
Indian Run Falls
700 Shawan Falls Dr., Dublin, OH 43017
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If you're heading out to Hayden Falls, double your fun with a stop-off at Indian Run Falls. Today the falls are mere minutes from downtown Dublin, but at one time the area was home to members of the Wyandot tribe, which is how the site got its name. Indian Run is actually two waterfalls, on the main and upper levels, which are traversed by a bridge. The City of Dublin has also added trails and observation decks to enhance visitors' experience. Hours are dawn to dusk, seven days a week.
Greenville Falls State Scenic River Area
9140 Covington-Gettysburg Rd., Covington, OH 45318
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Less than 90 minutes from Cincinnati, just past Dayton, you'll find the 92-acre Greenville Falls State Scenic Area. A network of trails leads visitors past historic features along the river, with interpretive signs explaining the significance of each one. The visual centerpiece is the 20-foot waterfall, where you may catch sight of wildlife populating the grounds. Water also left its mark forming a natural limestone arch along the river. Greenville Falls State Scenic River Area is open year-round from 8 a.m. - sunset.
Clifton Gorge Nature Preserve
2381 State Route 343, Yellow Springs, OH 45387
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Between Clifton Gorge Nature Preserve and adjacent John Bryan State Park, considered by many visitors to be the most beautiful state park in western Ohio, the village of Clifton is home to a number of natural delights. A series of waterfalls in the preserve, including Amphitheatre Falls, is formed by the Little Miami River passing through a 40-foot deep limestone gorge. After your visit, make a quick side trip to Clifton Mill, the largest of 47 remaining grist mills in the United States. A pair of man-made waterfalls tumble alongside the quaint building, presenting a charming picture of nostalgic Americana.
Fallsville Falls Wildlife Area
10211 Careytown Rd., New Vienna, OH 45159
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The alliterative and slightly redundant name of Fallsville Falls Wildlife Area is a throwback to a town from the past that no longer exists. Now this area, about an hour from Cincinnati, is known for the 15-foot waterfall that cascades stairstep-style in a small wooded gorge. As you enter the area via the gravel road leading from the parking lot, you'll hear the waterfall before you see it. Fallsville Falls is open 24//7 all year long.
Clifty Falls State Park
1501 Green Rd., Madison, IN 47250
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Head over to neighboring Indiana, roughly an hour and 20 minutes away, and take in the quartet of waterfalls at Clifty Falls State Park. Big Clifty, Little Clifty, Tunnel Falls, and Hoffman Falls fluctuate with the weather and seasons, presenting an ever-changing display inviting multiple visits. Pick up a map at the Nature Center and take pictures of seven waypoints to complete the Four Falls Challenge. Park entrance fee for out-of-state vehicles is $9. Summer hours are 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. daily.
Go With the Flow
Which waterfalls around Cincinnati will you be chasing this year?
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