Ohio travel: Small town Miamisburg, Ohio, for outdoor fun, nostalgic shopping
Ohio travel: Miamisburg is outdoor fun, nostalgic shopping and dining
What if you could shop, dine and bike along the Great Miami River all within a few city blocks? That’s the lure of Miamisburg, a quaint, historic river town that celebrates the great outdoors.
And with a new multi-million-dollar renovation to Riverfront Park, a recreation and event showcase along the Great Miami River, now is the time to go.
A day out in Miamisburg starts with the great outdoors, but don’t overlook the locally owned restaurants and shops for a one-of-a-kind experience.
Ohio travel: Enjoy the outdoors in Miamisburg, Ohio
Ohio travel: What to do outdoors in Miamisburg, Ohio
- Trails: The Great Miami River Trail runs through the heart of downtown Miamisburg, just yards from the historic shopping and dining area. The trail itself stretches for more than 75 miles. But you don’t have to walk it all. You can stroll leisurely along the river, enjoying the parks and businesses along the way. This is Ohio travel at its best.
- Parks: The new Riverfront Park features cozy nooks and open-air swings where you can enjoy the panoramic river view. In addition to Riverfront Park, downtown Miamisburg includes Community Park and Veterans Park.
- Biking: Biking along the Great Miami is a bicyclist’s dream. Many downtown Miamisburg businesses are designated “bike friendly” and provide free water, bicycle parking, restrooms and trail maps. You can also rent a bike for the day from Whitman’s Bike Way Bike Shop, 21 S. Main St.
Ohio travel: Where to eat and drink in Miamisburg
Downtown Miamisburg is full of locally owned restaurants and bars. Here are a few to try:
- Bullwinkle’s Top Hat Bistro: Bullwinkle’s has been serving the Miami Valley for almost 40 years. Known for its award-winning ribs and barbecue, its exposed brick décor gives it a homey feel. 19 N. Main St.
- Hamburger Wagon: People line up for these amazing little sliders, cooked and served fresh from the wagon. Since 1913 people have tried to crack the recipe (half sausage/half beef?). The burgers are served with pickles, onion, salt and pepper. 12 E. Central Ave.
- Tacos Barra Jalisco: This small restaurant is open for breakfast and lunch and serves rave-worthy Mexican food. 105 S. Second St.
- Ron’s Pizza House and Tavern: Ron’s thin-crust pizza is a Miamisburg fave, but the menu goes well beyond pizza, including sandwiches, pasta, seafood, soup and salad. 1 S. Main St.
- Curious Styles Coffee Shop: Grab a fabulous cup of coffee and browse the unique shop featuring local handmade items. 16 S. Main St.
- Amy Cakes: A contender in Food Network’s Cupcake Wars, Amy Cakes serves cupcakes, cookies and other treats. 79 S Main St.
- Backwater Voodoo: A fun and unique tiki bar. 103 S. Second St.
- Jaynes on Main Corks and Cocktails: Get a great bottle of wine or a delicious cocktail. 90 S. Main St.
Ohio travel: Where to shop in Miamisburg
Downtown Miamisburg has an eclectic mix of shops, from bicycles to clothing to antiques. Here are some highlights:
- Blush: A cute boutique selling clothing and accessories. 13 N Main St.
- Willow Rust: Home décor, personalized gifts and customized furniture design. 8 N. Main St.
- Miamisburg Art Gallery: This non-profit shop features original local art as well as classes. 16 N. Main St.
- The Cozy Corner: Gift shop featuring antiques and vintage items. Don’t forget to say hello to Sammy, the adorable shop dog. 36 S. Main St.
- Estates to Go: You never know what you’ll find in this two-story vintage and antique store. Its eclectic offerings change frequently. 43 S. Main St.
- New 2 U Vinyl & Vintage: Vinyl records and vintage goods. Buy, sell and trade. 611 S. Main St.
- Grandpa Joe’s Candy Shop: A store dedicated to nostalgic candy brands and bottled sodas. 42 S. Main St.
- Whitman’s Bike Way Bike Shop: In addition to bike rentals, Whitman’s offers new bikes, electric bikes, bike repair, bike accessories and apparel. 21 S. Main St.
Ohio travel: Things to do in Miamisburg
- See a movie: The Historic Plaza Theatre opened its doors on Christmas Day 1919. After sitting vacant for a decade, it was renovated and reopened in 2015. In addition to first-run movies, the Plaza hosts special movie events, including a May 1 showing of the 1961 movie “West Side Story” and a May 4 showing of “Return of the Jedi.” 33 S. Main St.
- Experience history: Ohio travel is full of history. Five miles from downtown are two amazing historic sites. They’re worth the drive/bike/hike.
- The Mound Cold War Discovery Center recognizes the secret scientific work of Mound Laboratory, a government facility that revolutionized the Cold War, the nuclear age and the Space Race. 1075 Mound Road.
- The Miamisburg Mound is one of the two largest conical burial mounds in eastern North America. The mound was built by the Adena culture thousands of years ago. It’s 65 feet tall, 800 feet around and stands on a 100-foot-high ridge above the Great Miami River, making it visible from miles away. You can climb to the top of the mound and picnic in the park.
Note: This article is a shortened version of one I wrote for the Dayton Daily News. Read here for more details and information.
