2021 Insider Guide
Things to do

Get the Local Perspective

Get the inside scoop on what our locals love to help you plan your next trip.

Locals Love, 2021 Insider Guide

Here in Butler County, you'll find the perfect balance of vibrant cities and peaceful countryside. We invite you to explore, taste, and discover an experience worthy of sharing. Trip inspiration can be found everywhere, but it always helps when you have an inside scoop... so we wanted to share six local perspectives on some top spots to visit for food, shopping, art and more.

 

Logan Walden | Local Artist

Logan Walden is a local artist from Hamilton as well as the designer of this StreetSpark Mural, RoBros. 

RoBros StreetSpark Mural

Logan Walden's ethereal style creates a sense of wonder, making his vibrant work hard to miss along the streets of Hamilton. Since returning to Downtown Hamilton, Logan has helped lead numerous public art projects in the community, including murals and live art performances. Radiating off the building at 802 Heaton St. are Logan's RoBros— two larger-than-life robot brothers amidst a vibrant pink sky, part of the StreetSpark mural program. Logan says he hopes the RoBros will remind people to have fun, relax and be playful. For Logan, this means grabbing a DORA beverage and walking around Marcum Park, taking a hike along the Great Miami River, or collaborating with other local artists to bring more lively art to Hamilton. 

 

Dilli & Radikha Acharya | Namaste Curry House

Dilli and Radikha Acharya are the owners of Namaste Curry House in Fairfield.

Delicious Dishes at Namaste Curry House

Dilli and Radikha Acharya pour their hearts into Namaste Curry House, bringing the flavors of Nepal to Butler County. Made with love, their savory dishes explore traditional Indian flavors, made with similar spices but in a different style. They encourage customers to ask questions about the menu and are always happy to offer recommendations, like starting off with their Momo— a dish unique to Nepal. Located in the heart of Fairfield, the restaurant is surrounded by other unique and diverse flavors from around the world. Their neighbor, Panaderia La Mexicana, serve a variety of Mexican baked goods which are a must-try!

 

Stella Beerman | Miami University 

Stella Beerman is a student at Miami University in Oxford, and a member of the Myaamia Heritage Award Program. 

Myaamia Ribbonwork, Oxford Ohio

Stella Beerman is a college junior and one of 30 student-scholars who are citizens of the Miami Tribe participating in Miami University's Myaamia Heritage Award Program. Establishes in 1991, this program builds on the relationship created in 1972 when the Chief of the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma traveled to Oxford, establishing the first connection to Miami University since the Tribe's forced removal in 1846. Stella's participation with the Myaamia Center on campus has aided her in learning about her heritage and its connections to Oxford. She love the city's rich history and surrounding nature, including nearby scenic trails. Stella says she is thankful for all the experiences the program has given her, including the opportunity to explore Oxford while also being connected to the Miami Tribe and her ancestors. Her go-to Oxford spots are Bagel & Deli Shop for the wild combinations, or soft-serve from Spring Street Treats

 

Jade King | Mz. Jade's Soul Food 

Jade King is the owner of Mz. Jade's Soul Food Cafe, located in Middletown.

Mz. Jade's Seafood Weekend

You can't find the homemade, Southern-style flavor at Mz. Jade's Soul Food Cafe just anywhere. Located inside the Pendleton Art Center (PAC) in Downtown Middletown, Jade King says it's the perfect place for her business because her cooking is also an art. Middletown is where she's meant to be; she loves being involved in the supportive community full of artistry. The city is overflowing with art of all mediums, like stained glass ay BeauVerre Riordan Studios, handcrafted candles from The Wicked Wick, several outdoor murals, and of course, delicious food. Known best for her Seafood Weekends and Strawberry-Banana Pudding, Jade credits her grandmother for teaching her everything she knows. Jade is always busy creating to keep her menu fresh. She recommends that everyone experience PAC on a First Friday event for local art, music, shopping, and her food specials. 

 

Charlotte Akoto | Divine Appetite Cafe

Charlotte Akoto is the owner and chef of Divine Appetite Cafe in West Chester. 

Traditional African Cuisine, Divine Appetite Cafe

Charlotte Akoto, known affectionately as Chef Charlotte, shares her stories through culinary creations served at Divine Appetite Cafe. Charlotte's story began in Ghana where she grew up cooking alongside her grandma. Her culinary career led her around the world before she moved to West Chester, where she combined her unique style and delicious flavors to open her dream cafe. Locals rave about her specialties like Waakye, Jollof Rice, and homemade pies. Every dish is a flavorful journey. While Charlotte is always building new recipes, she keeps her West African roots at the core of each creation. Her cafe is one of many incredible places to explore in West Chester. Other local favorites include EnterTRAINment Junction, Voice of America MetroPark, and Jag's Steak & Seafood.

Things to do Weekends