A Budget Buster to Butler County

Begin your tour with a visit to the beautiful BeauVerre Riordan Stained Glass Studio. Founded in 1838, visitors will learn about the history of beveled, etched, stained, and art glass windows, and about the historic churches and exclusive homes that are the company's current clients. Also, witness a live glass cutting demonstration and browse the amazing art that is on display.  

Take a step back in time at the Chrisholm Historic Farmstead, built in 1874 by the leading family of the Amish-Mennonite settlement that existed in the early 19th century. The grounds are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

A tour and lunch, afternoon tea or dinner at the Church of the Ascension is a lovely way to spend part of your day. This beautiful Episcopal church is typical of an English parish church with its lich gate, architecture, gardens, and stained glass windows. Learn of the famous people who have worshiped or visited here, and enjoy some "English" refreshments after your tour.

Stop by the Lane Hooven House to appreciate this rare octagonal home, which was built in the early 1860s. This beautifully restored home was once the home of prominent Hamilton industrialist Clark Lane and is one of only 400 octagonal structures in the United States. The home is now a working museum and visitors may learn about the Hooven Automatic Typewriter, also known as the world's first word processor.  

Fast becoming known as the mural center of the area, the Murals of Franklin and Middletown are definitely a sight to see! Franklin boasts ten murals throughout the city, while Middletown is home to four stunning murals located in the heart of downtown Middletown.  

A visit to the Butler County seat, Hamilton, includes stops at many local, historical attractions including: the Benninghofen House, which was built in the early 1870s and includes one of the best collections of historic dolls in the Midwest. The Italianate style home is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is home to the Butler County Historical Society.

Remember to take time out to shop at one of The BC's most unique shopping venues including Barn ‘n' Bunk, the Cincinnati Premium Outlets, the only IKEA location in Ohio and the famous and nationally recognized Jungle Jim's International Market.

What is a great tour without great food? Choose from these delicious area dining options including fine dining from Jag's Steak and Seafood, delicious Italian from Stefano‘s Italian Cafe, traditional Italian and American cuisine from the historic Casa Bianca, and many more.

Head outdoors to Berns Garden Center, one of the area's largest garden centers. Enjoy a talk by one of the horticulturists and of course, browse through the gift shop.  

All aboard! Visit EnterTRAINment Junction, which features over 2-miles of G-Gauge Track and 90 model trains, ranging from the earliest days of railroading up to today's modern locomotives, and the new A-Maze-N-Funhouse.  

Feeling artsy? Stop by the Middletown Arts Center where you can watch a sculptor or glass blower or do a Make and Take, take an art class or enjoy the public galleries at the Fairfield Community Arts Center or enjoy works on display at the Pendleton Art Center.  

Go on a driving tour of Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum. This unique sculpture park serves as a permanent visible journey through the major eras of art history in an outdoor setting. While you're there be sure to visit the Museum of Ancient Sculpture, which is modeled after an ancient villa. The museum houses a variety of sculptures from ancient Egypt, Italy, Greece, and Mesopotamia.

Indulge in a wonderful buffet meal at La Comedia Dinner Theater, one of the finest dinner theaters in the Midwest. Featuring six Broadway-style shows a year, along with a mouth-watering buffet, La Comedia has been Southwest Ohio's favorite dinner theatre since 1975.

Visit Miami University in Oxford, known as the Yale of the West, where you will find the McGuffey Museum, Black Covered Bridge, Pioneer Farm, Freedom Summer Memorial, and nearby, the Governor Bebb Pioneer Village.  

Regionally, Southwest Ohio offers many other great group attractions including the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, Ohio River Boats, the Cincinnati Museum Center, and more!