Ohio Cider Fest
The historic community of Lebanon is only about 45 minutes from Cincinnati, but you’ll feel thoroughly countrified once you exit the highway. Plan a trip to Hidden Valley Fruit Farm this weekend for the Ohio Cider Fest (Oct 3 & 4), a celebration of all things apple. Take hayrides, visit the barnyard, brave the corn maze, and of course guzzle some fresh-pressed cider. And if you don’t go home with at least one decorative gourd, you’re doing it wrong.
Downtown Lebanon
The drive to Hidden Valley Fruit Farm takes you straight through historic downtown Lebanon, where you can get a glimpse of pre-Civil War life in Southern Ohio. Peek inside The Golden Lamb (or stop for lunch) to see one of the longest-running establishments in the area.
Then stroll around the quaint downtown, eat some ice cream (choose from Village Ice Cream Parlor or Whit’s Custard), browse some antiques, and soak in the old-timey goodness.
Warren County Historical Center
Visit Harmon Hall, which serves as home of the Warren County Historical Center. This three story, 28,000-square-foot building was built to be a recreation center in 1913, before later being donated to the City of Lebanon by William Harmon.
The museum was opened in 1961 by the Warren County Historical Society, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year. Harmon Hall houses artifacts from prehistoric eras to the mid-20th century spread over more than 30 exhibits.
Head to the lower level to check out everything from 500 million-year-old artifacts to a 1908 Buick to an Underground Railroad exhibit. The main floor features The Village Green, where everyday items from Warren County’s past are displayed from small storefronts. The Mezzanine level houses musical instruments, pottery, and the Victorian Gallery, featuring a Downton Abbey Clothing Exhibit. Upstairs is the Shaker Gallery. Filled with Shaker artifacts, it’s the most complete of its kind in the Midwest.
In addition to its wealth of local history, the museum also offers plenty for children. Explore the building as you check items off the scavenger hunt list, or explore artifacts throughout the museum by touch. Each floor also features a box of toys from a different era, and you can even try on historic costumes for a fun photo-op.
Ohio Cider Fest, Hidden Valley Fruit Farm, 5474 North State Route 48, Lebanon, (513) 932-1869, hiddenvalleyfruitfarm.com
Warren County Historical Center, 105 S. Broadway, Lebanon, –Fri 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Sat 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Adults $7, Students 5–18 $4, wchsmuseum.org
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