Hamilton, Ohio

America's renewed love affair with big cities has been going on for years now and has slowly trickled down to small cities. These cities have employed the same strategies to kick start their neighborhoods and business districts as the big guys. A brewery, a coffee shop, a bakery, and then add art.
Case in point is Hamilton, Ohio, 40-45 minutes from downtown Cincinnati. It is human scale and packed with culture and history. These smaller cities have one giant advantage over big cities besides just existing on a human scale.
Nimbleness.
When a need or trend is identified, smaller cities can act on it quickly. Cincinnati has been sitting on an open container law for years, but Hamilton already has a program, DORA. Jeff Archiable, Communications Strategist for Hamilton, jokingly says DORA means Drinking Outside is Really Awesome (Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area)
And the best news is a trip to Hamilton couldn't be easier. Start your day in downtown Hamilton with a coffee and pastry at Almond Sister's Bakery or True West Coffee. Once you are caffeinated it's easy to get lost wandering around downtown admiring public art and taking in some eclectic shops like the famous Henry's Candy Co. and Sarah's House. Sara's House is a relatively new place on the scene opened five years ago when the owners purchased the rundown building and totally renovated it before moving in.
After soaking in the culture and maybe a side trip a couple of blocks off the beaten path to the Hollow Earth Monument, you might want to recharge. Municipal Brew Works would be a good stop before checking out German Village and relaxing in Marcum Park for more public art and sweeping river views.
A walk across the Great Miami River leads you to Rossville, another charming neighborhood full of shops. Before getting started, cool off with ice cream at the Village Parlor. Main St has been undergoing rapid change so you'll see a mix of brand new shops alongside the stalwarts.
If it is nature you are looking for Hamilton boasts The Great Miami River Trail which runs 86 miles from Piqua to Fairfield. You can hike, bike or skate along the Great Miami River and you might see an eagle!












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