How to spend a weekend in charming Lebanon, Ohio
Ohio’s oldest inn and restaurant plus charming shops make Lebanon, Ohio, the perfect place for a girls’ weekend getaway
The perfect weekend in charming Lebanon, Ohio, starts with exploration
Halfway between Cincinnati and Dayton, Ohio, is the historic town of Lebanon, Ohio. Laid out more than 220 years ago, it still retains its history and quaint downtown. It’s also home to Ohio’s oldest continuously operating business, The Golden Lamb, with its wonderful inn and restaurant. And you’ll have a wonderful weekend in charming Lebanon, Ohio.
What you’ll find in this post
I’ve visited Lebanon’s, Ohio, numerous times and have stayed at the inn and dined in the city’s lovely restaurants. I’ve had romantic visits with my husband, and rollicking girls weekends with my daughters and friends. Always, we have a wonderful weekend in charming Lebanon, Ohio.
In this post, I’ll tell you how you, too, can have a wonderful weekend in charming Lebanon, Ohio:
- Where to shop
- Where to eat
- Where to stay
- What to explore in the area
- Where you can find more information about events and other activities
Shopping in downtown Lebanon, Ohio
Favorite shopping spots in Lebanon, Ohio
You’ll find delightful shopping, from large antique malls to small quaint shops. Most can be found along Broadway and Main streets. You’ll have a great day shopping away the weekend in charming Lebanon, Ohio. Here are some of the best shopping spots:
- Trovato La Gioia, meaning “found joy,” is true to its name. This newer Lebanon shop features beautiful plants and gorgeous home decor. It’s the perfect place to pick up a few gifts for friends.
- Blume Home has an incredible selection of home items, jewelry and gifts. I dare you to walk out of the store without a pile of cards! It’s the best selection I know of anywhere.
- Ambassador’s Antiques is a delightful surprise, the deeper into the store you go. In the front, you’ll find gorgeous antique silver. Further in are children’s clothes and gifts — an amazing high-quality selection. In the back of the store is an exquisite selection of nightgowns and lingerie. This is a one-of-a-kind shop you just can’t miss.
Historic dining in Lebanon, Ohio
The best of vintage dining
Most of Lebanon’s best restaurants have been around for decades — or feel like they have. You’ll find enough great spots to fill a fabulous weekend in charming Lebanon. Here are three can’t-miss mainstays:
- Black Horse Tavern in The Golden Lamb: Nostalgic charm pervades this book-lined restaurant in Ohio’s oldest continuously operating business. A huge brick fireplace welcomes you as it must have a hundred years ago. On the menu you’ll find Ohio favorites like sauerkraut balls and cheese curds plus inventive salads and entrees.
- The Village Ice Cream Parlor: Yes, the ice cream is fabulous, but you can also stop at this 50-year-old establishment for a great throwback lunch, like an egg salad sandwich or pimento cheese sandwich. Inventive new items include Crab Cake BLT Salad.
- Greenhouse Cafe: This fast-casual farm-to-table restaurant will make any menu item vegan or gluten-free. Everything is locally sourced and organic. It offers sandwiches, bowls, soups and salads plus interesting tonics, kombuchas and cocktails to drink.
Where to stay in Lebanon, Ohio
Really, if you’re going to go to Lebanon, Ohio, you must stay at the Golden Lamb. It’s Ohio’s oldest continuously operating business, and famous people from the past two decades have laid their head on these pillows. Well, OK, not these pillows, but you know what I mean.
The rooms are decorated with vintage and antique furnishings. Mark Twain, Charles Dickens, Harriet Beecher Stowe, Barbara Bush, Neil Armstrong and 12 U.S. presidents are among the famous folks who’ve slept at the inn.
An evening cocktail in Lebanon, Ohio
There are plenty of places to get a drink during your weekend in charming Lebanon.
Where to grab a drink in Lebanon, Ohio
- Lebanon Brewing Company: Craft beer and seltzer made on-site; hand-crafted cocktails and sodas.
- Broadway Barrel House: Friendly sports bar atmosphere with wide selection of draft beer.
- Doc’s Place: Patio seating, live music and extensive beer selection.
- Black Horse Tavern: Creative cocktails and a great atmosphere at the historic bar.
- Valley Vineyards: Just a few miles out of town, Valley Vineyards offers more than 20 wines and features steak cookouts.
Enjoying your weekend in charming Lebanon, Ohio
Beyond shopping and dining
There’s plenty to do near Lebanon, Ohio. Here are a few things you might want to check out:
- Lebanon Mason & Monroe Railroad: Scenic train rides — and a special North Pole train ride during the holidays — start from the train station in downtown Lebanon.
- Hidden Valley Orchard: Family-friendly farm market with food, drinks and ice cream.
- Irons Fruit Farm: Fourth-generation farm with fresh produce, cider and baked goods.
- Harmon Museum: Housed in Harmon Hall, built in 1913, the museum houses relics from Warren County’s past.
