Are you ready for a road trip to explore some of the best day trips in Ohio? Well, good because there are plenty of great places to visit just outside of Cincinnati for the day when you’re ready to hit the open road. Below are some ideas to get your wheels turning – literally and figuratively.

1. Augusta, KY
Augusta, KY 41002, USA
Flickr/J. Stephen Conn
Down along Route 8 you'll find the quaint town of Augusta. You'll know you're there when you see a welcome sign that tells you you're in the hometown of former Miss America, Heather Renee French. Turn when you see the sign, park, and stroll down the streets lined with mom and pop restaurants, crafty stores, and antique shops. You can also walk along the Ohio River and check out the beautiful Victorian homes. Of course, Heather isn't the only famous folk from Augusta. The Clooney family calls this home, too. Check out the Baker Bird Winery while you're there. It's one of the oldest wineries in the country and is located amid beautiful rolling hills. Ask them to show you the wine cellar. Seriously. It's really cool.
2. Madison, IN
Madison, IN, USA
Flickr/Jim Grey
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3. Ripley, Ohio
Ripley, OH 45167, USA
Flickr/Liz Castro
As you walk along the Ohio River and stop to read the historic markers you'll get a real sense of how important Ripley was during the fight to end slavery. Ripley was a stop on the Underground Railroad, and an important crossing point for slaves who made their way across the Ohio River when the water conditions made it possible. No trip to Ripley is complete without a visit to the Rankin House, that stands high on a hill above the town. When the coast was clear, the Rankin family turned a porch light on that the slaves could see. Once they arrived at the house, the family helped them hide and escape to freedom. Amazing stuff and truly one of the most unique things to do around Ohio.
4. Yellow Springs, Ohio
Yellow Springs, OH 45387, USA
Flickr/weirdbydesign
Yellow Springs has made a name for itself for being one of the most liberal, culturally open-minded towns in the country. But it's more than a quirky place that makes you think you've been transported back to Woodstock. It's a diverse, vibrant, and friendly town with great coffeehouses that feature fresh, homemade pastries, as well as restaurants like The Winds, that have captured national attention for their farm-to-table menu. Young's Jersey Dairy is a quick drive from the town, and is very popular thanks to their amazing ice cream made on site. Yellow Springs also has great yoga studios, bookstores, and an excellent brewery, appropriately named Yellow Springs Brewery. If you're searching for "getaway spots near me," Yellow Springs should definitely be on your day trip list!

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5. Glen Helen, Ohio
Flickr/elycefeliz
Next door to Yellow Springs is Glen Helen is a 1,000 mile nature preserve with more than 20 hiking trails. These are pretty easy hikes and take you through some beautiful areas with small waterfalls, foot bridges and views. You could easily make a day out of visiting both Yellow Springs and Glen Helen together as part of a best day trips in Ohio itinerary.
6. Rabbit Hash, KY
Rabbit Hash, KY 41091, USA
Flickr/Carolyn Sugg
The tiny town of Rabbit Hash is just 40 minutes or so from Cincinnati and well worth the drive. And I bet you want to know how it got its name! It depends on which folklore you listen to, but supposedly it was a dish created by one of the residents for his special Christmas dinner back in the mid-1800s. Whether that story works for you or not (never mind if you’d actually eat the dish), that’s where the name came from. Check out the occasional barn dance held on some weekends and be sure to keep a lookout for the mayor - a pit bull named Brynn.
7. Dayton's Oregon District
Dayton, OH, USA
Flickr/The Oregon District
Dayton's Oregon District, just on the outskirts of the city's downtown area, is a collection of shops, bars, restaurants, and Victorian cottage-style homes. It's a little European, and a cool area to visit if you're going to a show at the Schuster Performing Arts Center. Before a show you can grab dinner at a place like Thai 9 and afterwards you enjoy a nightcap or dessert at Lilly's Bistro.
8. Bardstown, KY
Bardstown, KY 40004, USA
Flickr/Bill Thompson
Bardstown, KY is about two hours from Cincinnati and a perfect way to spend your day if you're interested in surrounding yourself with all things Kentucky. You're not far from the Marker's Mark Distillery when you visit Bardstown, and it's really stunning during the holidays, so if you're visiting at that time of the year, you may want to stop there, too. Whenever you visit, be sure to give yourself a full day to stroll the town and to visit the city's shops and restaurants. The Old Kentucky Dinner Train is an item to put on your bucket list.

There’s nothing like a great road trip. Load up on snacks and get the tunes ready. You’re going to love where you’re headed!

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Best day trips in Ohio

Lysa Allman-Baldwin | June 03, 2022

We’re looking for great road trip options for our next getaway in Ohio. Can you suggest some places?

Absolutely! The Buckeye State is chock full of interesting, exciting, and unforgettable road trip options, each offering its own unique perspective of Ohio. One of the most popular for folks from Ohio as well as from the surrounding states is to explore waterfalls. In the eastern part of the state, you’ll find Hayden Falls in Dublin, Brandywine Falls in Cuyahoga Valley National Park, and Upper Falls, Lower Falls and Cedar Falls nestled in Hocking Hills State Park, just to name a few.

What can you tell me about the Tri-State Warbird Museum in Cincinnati?

The Tristate Warbird Museum is a captivating Cincinnati area attraction.  Although somewhat somber because it honors the lives lost, as well as those who fought in World War II, the museum is a rich repository of history. Historic aircraft, fascinating hands-on and interactive exhibits and gallery spaces, and even airshows are all part of the experience here. plan to spend at least several hours here, since there is so much to see.

Where is the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum?

The famous Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum is located along the beautiful Lake Erie waterfront in Cleveland, Ohio. You could literally spend hours and hours there looking at all of the exhibits and gallery spaces extolling music greats and the music they made, not just in the rock and roll genre, but across all kinds of music styles. The museum is hands-down one of the best day trips in Ohio.

Are there any dining adventures in and around Cincinnati that you would suggest?

For those searching for gastronomic adventures that tantalize the taste buds, Cincinnati is the place! From outstanding steaks to fresh fish, and great ethnic fare including Italian, Thai, Southern, Mexican, and more, you will find it here.

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