Then once again, we put the power in your hands. For one week, you voted online from the list of final nominees. More than 6,000 votes were cast by the people who live, work and play in Warren County.
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2015 BEST OF WARREN COUNTY
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BEST FESTIVAL OR EVENT
Winner: Ohio Sauerkraut Festival
10. N. Main St., Waynesville
513-897-8855
www.sauerkrautfestival.com
2015 event: Oct. 10-11
Celebrate the humble cabbage with traditional sauerkraut dishes and crazy concoctions such as sauerkraut fudge. With more than 400 selected craft vendors, this annual festival is one of the largest arts and crafts shows in the United States.
Runners Up
Lebanon Country Applefest
655 N. Broadway, Lebanon
513-320-2775
www.countryapplefest.com
2015 event: Sept. 26
Franklin Fall Festival
1 Benjamin Franklin Way
937-746-9921
www.franklinohio.gov
2015 event: Oct. 23-24
Lebanon Horse Drawn Carriage Parade & Festival
Historic downtown Lebanon
513-932-1100
www.lebanonchamber.org
2015 event: Dec. 5
Lebanon Blues Festival
Historic downtown Lebanon
513-588-0321
www.lebanonbluesfestival.org
2015 event: Aug. 1
Ohio Renaissance Festival
10542 East State Route 73, Waynesville
513-897-7000
www.renfestival.com
2015 event: Saturdays and Sundays, Sept. 5 through Oct. 25, and Monday, Sept. 7
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BEST PLACE FOR COFFEE
Winner: The Breakfast Club Café and Coffee Roastery
102 N. Broadway, Lebanon
513-932-0210
www.breakfastclubcafe.com
The Breakfast Club Café and Coffee Roastery is in the heart of downtown Lebanon. Its staples are freshly roasted coffees, made-to-order foods, and uncompromising service.
Runners Up
Heather’s Coffee and Café
505 S. Main St., Springboro
937-550-9511
www.heatherscoffeeandcafe.com
Kidd Coffee
653 Reading Road, Mason
513-398-0718
6360 Tylersville Road, Mason
513-459-4500
www.kiddcoffee.com
The Nook Express
760 Columbus Ave., Lebanon
513-600-4572
www.thenookandsweets.com
Royce Café & Coffeehouse
30 E. Mulberry St., Lebanon
513-926-9628
www.roycecafecoffee.com
Stonetown Coffee
195 S. Main St., Waynesville
513-897-2200
www.stonetowncoffee.com
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BEST SWEET TREAT
Winner: Golden Turtle Chocolate Factory
120 S. Broadway, Lebanon
513-932-1990
www.goldenturtlechocolatefactory.com
Premium chocolates are prepared daily at the Golden Turtle Chocolate Factory. Signature creations include their Texas Tortoise, as well as creams, almond toffee, nut clusters, buckeyes, peanut butter delicacies, truffles, fudge, sugar free chocolates, and many other fine chocolates. You can buy individual pieces or purchase one of their beautiful gift boxes. They even ship throughout the continental United States.
Runners Up
Main Street Sweets & Popcorn
200 E. Main St., Mason
513-492-9557
www.mainstreetsweets.usa
Messy Sundae at The Patriot Steakhouse
1525 Genntown Drive, Lebanon
513-228-2500
www.patriotsteakhouse.com
Orange and Cream Cake at Cobblestone Café
10 N. Main St., Waynesville
513-897-0021
www.cobblestonevillageandcafe.com
Peanut Butter Pie at Village Family Restaurant
144 S. Main St., Waynesville
513-897-8835
wwww.villagefamilyrestaurant.com
Strawberry Shortcake at Hammel House Inn
121 S. Main St., Waynesville
513-897-2333
www.thehammelhouseinn.com
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BEST ICE CREAM
Winner: Whit’s Frozen Custard
6 S. Broadway, Lebanon
513-228-0999
www.whits-lebanon.com
Delicious frozen custard made fresh every day. Check out their website for a calendar of the Flavor of the Week and Flavor of the Day. Or try one of their specialties like the Buckeye Madness, Banana Split, homemade Brownie Blitz, or a special Strawberry Shortcake. Whit’s also offers floats, sundaes, dipped waffle cones, and other delicious desserts and cakes.
Runners Up
K & W Drive-In
450 S. Main St., Springboro
937-748-1621
Kings Island’s Blue Ice Cream
6300 Kings Island Drive, Mason
800-288-0808
www.visitkingsisland.com
Mr. Frosty Ice Cream Shop
12 E. 6th St., Franklin
937-746-1545
Tucker’s Whippy Dip
127 E. Main St., Mason
513-459-7966
Village Ice Cream Parlor
22 S. Broadway, Lebanon
513-932-6918
www.villageicecreamparlor.com
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BEST PIZZA
Winner: Pisanello’s Pizza
355 S. Main St., Franklin
937-746-9252
www.pisanellosoffranklin.com
A local favorite with pizza, subs, sandwiches, salads and lunch specials, this renovated hardware store features a pizza parlor on the street level, two meeting rooms on the second floor, and a grand ballroom. Located on the corner of Fourth and Main, it offers views of three of Franklin’s most popular murals. Full catering options are also available.
Runners Up
Bentino’s Pizza
140 S. Main St., Waynesville
513-897-1600
www.bentinos-pizza.com
Chubby’s Pizza
120 N. Main St., South Lebanon
513-494-1900
359 E. Pike St., Morrow
513-899-4100
Comets Pizzeria
124 E. Main St., Mason
513-398-2675
www.cometspizza.com
Little River Café
5527 Oregonia Road, Oregonia
513-932-4770
www.thelittlerivercafe.com
Mac’s Pizza Pub
2920 W. US 22/Ohio 3, Maineville
513-677-6227
www.macspizzapub.com
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BEST BURGER
Winner: Black Horse Tavern (Golden Lamb)
27 S. Broadway, Lebanon
513-932-5065
www.goldenlamb.com
Located inside the historic Golden Lamb, Black Horse Tavern serves up lunch and dinner, with live music on Friday and Saturday nights. But it’s Black Horse Tavern’s mouth-watering burgers that have taken the spotlight. You won’t want to miss “$10 Craft Beer & Gourmet Burger Combo” on Thursdays.
The Patriot Steakhouse
1525 Genntown Drive, Lebanon
513-228-2500
www.patriotsteakhouse.com
Quatman Café
224 W. Main St., Mason
513-229-0222
www.quatmancafe.com
Stone House Tavern
258 S. Main St., Waynesville
513-855-4203
www.shtavern.com
Village Family Restaurant
144 S. Main St., Waynesville
513-897-8835
wwww.villagefamilyrestaurant.com
Wildflower Café
207 E. Main St., Mason
513-492-7514
www.wildflowergourmetcafe.com
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BEST DISH
Winner: Steak at Patriot Steakhouse
1525 Genntown Drive, Lebanon
513-228-2500
www.patriotsteakhouse.com
The focus of the restaurant is, of course, steaks, and there are plenty to choose from: Center-Cut Filet, Porterhouse, T-Bone, New York Strip and Ribeye, some available in various grades or origin that include Choice, Angus or Prime. But you can also find pork, chicken, seafood and a lighter menu as well as a full-service bar.
Runners Up
Asparagus Sandwich at Cobblestone Café
10 N. Main St., Waynesville
513-897-0021
www.cobblestonevillageandcafe.com
Butternut Squash Ravioli at Wildflower Café
207 E. Main St., Mason
513-492-7514
www.wildflowergourmetcafe.com
Cornbread Salad at Royce Café & Coffeehouse
30 E. Mulberry St., Lebanon
513-926-9628
www.roycecafecoffee.com
Prime Rib Sliders at The Golden Lamb
27 S. Broadway, Lebanon
513-932-5065
www.goldenlamb.com
Spicy Mason Noodle at Banana Leaf Modern Thai
101 E. Main St., Mason
513-234-0779
www.bananaleafmodernthai.com
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BEST LOCALLY OWNED RESTAURANT
Winner: The Golden Lamb
27 S. Broadway, Lebanon
513-932-5065
www.goldenlamb.com
The Golden Lamb Restaurant & Inn opened in 1803 and is Ohio’s oldest continuously operating business. The Golden Lamb offers 18 rooms, a gift shop and an on-site restaurant that serves modern American fare for lunch and dinner, with brunch on weekends. This charming hotel and restaurant has hosted 12 U.S. Presidents, and features Shaker artifacts and décor.
Runners Up
Banana Leaf Modern Thai
101 E. Main St., Mason
513-234-0779
www.bananaleafmodernthai.com
Cobblestone Café
10 N. Main St., Waynesville
513-897-0021
www.cobblestonevillageandcafe.com
Little River Café
5527 Oregonia Road, Oregonia
513-932-4770
www.thelittlerivercafe.com
The Patriot Steakhouse
1525 Genntown Drive, Lebanon
513-228-2500
www.patriotsteakhouse.com
Wildflower Café
207 E. Main St., Mason
513-492-7514
www.wildflowergourmetcafe.com
♦♦♦
BEST FINE DINING
Winner: The Golden Lamb
27 S. Broadway, Lebanon
513-932-5065
www.goldenlamb.com
Serving up modern American fare for lunch and dinner, this legendary Lebanon eatery won “Best Dish” honors in both 2012 and 2013 for its succulent, sweet Prime Rib Sliders. Also among the Golden Lamb’s signature dishes are Golden Lamb Fried Chicken and Free-Range Roasted Turkey Breast. New for 2015 is the restaurant’s Fit for Life menu, which features healthy food options in three courses. A special weekend brunch is also served Saturdays and Sundays.
Runners Up
Banana Leaf Modern Thai
101 E. Main St., Mason
513-234-0779
www.bananaleafmodernthai.com
Cin City in Miami Valley Gaming
6000 State Route 63, Lebanon
513-934-7070
www.miamivalleygaming.com/dining
The Patriot Steakhouse
1525 Genntown Drive, Lebanon
513-228-2500
www.patriotsteakhouse.com
Phoenician Taverna
7944 Mason Montgomery Road, Mason
513-770-0027
www.phoeniciantaverna.com
Wildflower Café
207 E. Main St., Mason
513-492-7514
www.wildflowergourmetcafe.com
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BEST LUNCH SPOT
Winner: Cobblestone Café
10 N. Main St., Waynesville
513-897-0021
www.cobblestonevillageandcafe.com
Cobblestone Village Café is a one-stop destination offering home décor and gifts, as well as a place where you can enjoy a gourmet lunch in a quaint café. You will enjoy spending hours dining and browsing through the café and shop, adorned with cathedral wood ceilings and wide plank wood floors. Everywhere you will find something that attracts the senses, from beautiful quilts, lamps, rugs, wall art, and beautiful gifts, to the appetizing aromas that abound in the café.
Runners Up
The Breakfast Club Café and Coffee Roastery
102 N. Broadway, Lebanon
513-932-0210
www.breakfastclubcafe.com
Hammel House Inn
121 S. Main St., Waynesville
513-897-2333
www.thehammelhouseinn.com
Heather’s Coffee and Café
505 S. Main St., Springboro
937-550-9511
www.heatherscoffeeandcafe.com
Kelly’s Meats & Deli
1001 W. Main St., Lebanon
513-932-6565
www.kellysmeatsanddeli.com
Royce Café & Coffeehouse
30 E. Mulberry St., Lebanon
513-926-9628
www.roycecafecoffee.com
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BEST OUTDOOR ADVENTURE
Winner: Caesar Creek State Park
8570 E. State Route 73, Waynesville
937-382-1096
www.caesarcreekstatepark.com
Play on a 1,200 foot beach, bike through eight miles of scenic trails, take a boat ride, book a campground, ride a horse, hunt for fossils or teach children how to fish and water ski at Caesar Creek Lake. Home to more than 43 miles of hiking trails and 65 species of plants and wild birds, Caesar Creek State Park offers visits an an endless array of outdoor adventure.
Fort Ancient Earthworks & Nature Preserve
6123 State Route 350, Oregonia
513-932-4421
www.fortancient.org
Gentle Breeze Hot Air Balloon Company
2460 Greentree Road, Lebanon
513-932-9007
www.hotairballoonrides.com
Little Miami Scenic Bike Trail
Download a Little Miami Bike Trail Map at www.ohioslargestplayground.com
Morgan’s Outdoor Adventures
5701 State Route 350, Oregonia
513-932-7658
www.morganscanoe.com
Ozone Zipline Adventures at Camp Kern
5291 State Route 350, Oregonia
513-932-3756
www.campkern.org/ozone
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BEST ANTIQUE OR UNIQUE STORE
Winner: Lebanon Peddlers Mall
920 Columbus Ave., #A, Lebanon
513-228-1090
Visit the Lebanon Peddlers Mall to enjoy a unique shopping experience browsing booths from a variety of vendors. The Lebanon Peddlers Mall carries antique pieces as well as everyday items.
Runners Up
Dixie Union Station
110 W. Main St., Mason
513-459-0460
www.dixieunionstation.com
Knickerbocker Antiques and Vintage
41 E. Mulberry St., Lebanon
513-933-9222
www.knickerbockergallery.com
The Looking Glass
49 S. Main St., Waynesville
513-897-9960
www.thelookingglass.mobi
Miller’s Antique Market
201 S. Broadway, Lebanon
513-932-8710
www.millersantiquemarket.weebly.com
Winsome Cottage
93 S. Main St., Waynesville
513-897-0667
www.winsomecottage.net
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BEST PLACE TO SHOP
Winner: Cincinnati Premium Outlets
400 Premium Outlets Drive, Monroe
513-539-0710
www.premiumoutlets.com
Cincinnati Premium Outlets is an upscale shopping center with an impressive collection of 100 designer and name brand outlet stores at savings of 25 percent to 65 percent every day. Notable stores include Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th, Michael Kors, Banana Republic, Gap, Nike, Coach and many more.
Runners Up
Deerfield Towne Center
5505 Deerfield Blvd., Mason
513-770-0273
www.deerfieldtownecenter.com
Downtown Lebanon
www.historicdowntownlebanon.com
513-228-2322
Historic Springboro
www.springboroohio.org/visit/shopping
937-748-0074
Downtown Waynesville
www.waynesvilleshops.com
waynesvilleshops@gmail.com
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BEST PLACE FOR A DAY OF FAMILY FUN
Winner: Kings Island
6300 Kings Island Drive, Mason
800-288-0808
www.visitkingsisland.com
There’s more than enough entertainment to keep the whole family busy with a visit to Kings Island, one of the largest theme parks in the Midwest. The eight-year award winner for “Best Kids Area in the World” is the home of an award-winning waterpark and more than 80 rides and attractions, including the world famous wooden roller coaster, The Beast. Kings Island brings you even more family-friendly fun with Planet Snoopy. This family-focused area boasts an elaborate collection of PEANUTS-themed rides and attractions for every age, including more children’s roller coasters (four) than any other park in the world.
Runners Up
Bonnybrook Farms
3779 State Route 132, Clarksville
937-289-2500
www.bonnybrookfarms.com
Countryside YMCA
1699 Deerfield Road, Lebanon
513-932-1424
www.countrysideymca.org
Great Wolf Lodge
2501 Great Wolf Drive, Mason
513-459-8885
www.greatwolf.com/mason/waterpark
Lazer Kraze
7082 Columbia Road, Maineville
513-339-1030
www.lazerkraze.com
Lebanon Mason & Monroe Railroad
127 S. Mechanic St., Lebanon
513-933-8022
www.lebanonrr.com
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BEST HANGOUT FOR TEENS
Winner: Kings Island
6300 Kings Island Drive, Mason
800-288-0808
www.visitkingsisland.com
Year after year, the best thrills the Midwest has to offer are at Kings Island. Speed junkies can get their fix on Banshee — the longest inverted roller coaster in the world. Or challenge The Beast — the longest wooden roller coaster in the world. There’s also The Bat, Drop Tower, Delirium, Flight of Fear, Invertigo, The Racer and Vortex. Throw in an award-winning water park, entertainment and games, and there’s something for everyone.
Runners Up
Beach Waterpark/Beach Mountain
2590 Waterpark Drive, Mason
513-398-7946
www.thebeachwaterpark.com
Countryside YMCA
1699 Deerfield Road, Lebanon
513-932-1424
www.countrysideymca.org
Lazer Kraze
7082 Columbia Road, Maineville
513-339-1030
www.lazerkraze.com
Ozone Zipline Adventures at Camp Kern
5291 State Route 350, Oregonia
513-932-3756
www.campkern.org/ozone
Strike Zone at JD Legends
45 Millard Drive, Franklin
937-746-4950
www.jdlegends.com
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BEST DATE NIGHT SPOT
Winner: Valley Vineyards
2276 E. US 22/Ohio 3, Morrow
513-899-2485
www.valleyvineyards.com
One of Warren County’s unique gems, Valley Vineyards invites guests to a wide variety of local experiences all in one place — from a romantic date night for couples to a stylish getaway for an intimate gathering of friends. The Wine Tasting Room is open for enthusiasts every day, allowing guests to sample award-winning table and dessert wines and craft beer from the vineyards of the Ohio River Valley where the Schuchter family has been growing and bottling since 1970. The Cellar Dweller craft beers include a well-rounded catalog of creatively named brews.
Runners Up
Banana Leaf Modern Thai
101 E. Main St., Mason
513-234-0779
www.bananaleafmodernthai.com
Bobaloo’s Grille & Tavern
12 W. Mulberry St., Lebanon
513-932-0287
JD Legends
65 Millard Drive, Franklin
937-746-4950
www.jdlegends.com
La Comedia Dinner Theatre
765 W. Central Ave., Springboro
937-746-4554
www.lacomedia.com
Miami Valley Gaming
6000 State Route 63, Lebanon
513-934-7070
www.miamivalleygaming.com
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BEST PLACE TO EXPLORE HISTORY
Winner: Fort Ancient Earthworks & Nature Preserve
6123 State Route 350, Oregonia
513-932-4421
www.fortancient.org
Get outdoors and explore the largest and best-preserved prehistoric hilltop enclosure in the United States at Fort Ancient Earthworks & Nature Preserve. Home to more than 2,000 years of Native American history and 2.5 miles of scenic hiking trails, it’s a fantastic spot for education and exercise alike. A museum, a seasonal outdoor garden and a family picnic area complete the experience. Fort Ancient hosts special events throughout the year to provide visitors with the opportunity to explore American Indian culture and history, as well as issues of modern archaeology and the natural world. From the Fort Ancient Celebration that celebrates the culture and heritage of Native Americans through music, storytelling, games and workshops, to the guided tours of the earthworks there, is a special event to suit a variety of interests and learners of all ages.
Runners Up
Franklin 1805 Log Post Office
475 S. River St., Franklin
937-746-8295
www.franklinohmuseums.org
Glendower Mansion
105 Cincinnati Ave., Lebanon
513-932-1817
www.wchsmuseum.org
Museum at the Friends Home
115 Fourth St., Waynesville
513-897-1607
www.friendshomemuseum.org
Pioneer Village at Caesar Creek State Park
3999 Pioneer Village Road, Waynesville
513-897-1120
www.caesarscreekpioneervillage.org
Warren County History Center
105 S. Broadway, Lebanon
513-932-1817
www.wchsmuseum.org
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