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2014 BEST OF BUTLER COUNTY
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BEST FESTIVAL/EVENT
Winner: Butler County Fair
1715 Fairgrove Ave., Hamilton
513-892-1423; www.butlercountyohfair.org
Nothing says summer like the arrival of county fairs all across Ohio’s 88 counties, and Butler County is no different. Excitement grows as families and 4-H members gather at the Butler County Fair at the Butler County Fairgrounds. The Butler County Fair is the county’s biggest festival and attracts nearly 100,000 guests each year, including some 1,400 Junior Fair members. The fair boasts rides, games, livestock exhibits, and everyone’s favorite … fair food.
2014 event: July 20-26
RUNNERS UP
Crazy Cardboard Regatta
Voice of America MetroPark, 7850 VOA Park Drive, West Chester Twp.
513-867-5835; www.yourmetroparks.net
2014 event: July 19
Kriskindlemart
2nd and Dayton streets, Hamilton
www.hamilton-city.org
2014 event: Dec. 5-7
Ohio Balloon Challenge
Middletown Regional Airport, 1707 Run Way, Middletown
www.ohiochallenge.com
2014 event: July 11-13
Operation Pumpkin
101 High St., Hamilton
513-635-7776; www.operation-pumpkin.org
2014 event: Oct. 3-5
Oxford Wine Festival
1 N. Main St., Oxford
513-523-5200; www.oxfordchamber.org
2014 event: May 31
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BEST PLACE FOR UNIQUE SHOPPING
Winner: Jungle Jim’s International Market
440 Dixie Highway, Fairfield
513-674-6000; www.junglejims.com
Jungle Jim’s International Market is a food lover’s paradise. With six acres of food all under one roof, Jungle Jim’s features an international selection of more than 150,000 items from 75 countries. After you’ve stocked up on ingredients, learn what to do with it at the The Jungle Jim’s Cooking School.
RUNNERS UP
Art Off Symmes
228 High St., Hamilton
513-895-4000; www.artoffsymmes.com
Mojo Running
8777 Cincinnati-Dayton Road, West Chester Twp.
513-942-5005; www.runmojo.com
BeauVerre on the Square
1054 Central Ave., Middletown
www.beauverreonthesquare.com
The Spicy Olive
7671 Cox lane, West Chester Twp.
513-847-4397; www.thespicyolive.com
Ohio Valley Antique Mall
7285 Dixie Highway, Fairfield
513-874-7855; www.ohiovalleyantiques.com
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BEST PLACE TO SHOP
Winner: Bridgewater Falls Lifestyle Shopping Center
3385 Princeton Road, Fairfield
513-895-6800; www.shopbridgewaterfalls.com
Bridgewater Falls Lifestyle Shopping Center has more than 45 stores, restaurants and services. In addition to great shopping and dining, Bridgewater Falls operates a farmers market and classic car cruise-in weekly during the summer. In addition to other outdoor concerts and events, residents enjoy the shopping center’s Walkers Club.
RUNNERS UP
Cincinnati Premium Outlets
400 Premium Outlets Drive, Monroe
513-539-0710; www.premiumoutlets.com/cincinnati
Streets of West Chester
9465 Civic Centre Blvd., West Chester Twp.
513-759-6800; www.streetsofwestchester.com
IKEA West Chester
9500 IKEA Way, West Chester Twp.
888-888-4532; www.ikea.com/us/en/store/west_chester
Frontgate Outlet
8939 Union Centre Blvd., West Chester Twp.
513-603-1444; www.frontgate.com
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BEST PLACE FOR COFFEE
Winner: True West Coffee
313 Main St., Hamilton (513-668-1488)
221 High St., Hamilton (513-668-5815)
www.truewestcoffee.com
True West Coffee has two location in Hamilton to serve you awesome coffee and great food. Even better, owners Chris and Vanessa Cannon do so while serving the community. Come by for live music on the weekends or for a mocha latte with a buddy in the morning.
RUNNERS UP
Kidd Coffee
311 Niles Road, Fairfield
513-899-1542; www.kiddcoffee.com
Cappuchino Depot
901 Walnut St., Ross
513-894-7824
Oxford Coffee Company
21 Lynn Ave., Suite 102, Oxford
513-609-4000; www.oxfordcoffee.com
Koffenya
38 W. High St., Oxford
513-523-2195; www.kofenyacoffee.com
Java Johnny’s
3534 Central Ave., Middletown
513-727-9722; www.javajohnnys.com
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BEST PIZZA
Winner: Chester’s Pizzeria
2929 Dixie Highway, Hamilton
513-892-1973; www.chesterspizza.com
Chester Dadabo converted one of his grocery stores into a pizzeria in 1954, and the family never looked back. The current location is run by Dadabo’s four children — two sons and two daughters — and uses the Dadabos’ secret dough and sauce recipes to create the much-loved Hamilton pizza.
RUNNERS UP
Fratelli’s
6890 Tylersville Road, West Chester Twp.
513-777-5061; www.fratellispizzeria.com
Indian Creek Tavern
6206 Main St., Oxford
513-756-9400; www.indiancreektavern.net
Milillo’s Pizzeria
1010 Main St., Hamilton
513-893-8956
Raymond’s Pizza
7328 Yankee Road, Liberty Twp.
513-779-6300; www.raymondspizza.com
Richard’s Pizza
417 Main St., Hamilton; 513-894-3296
3015 Dixie Highway, Hamilton; 513-894-3217
855 W. State St., Trenton; 513-988-2326
495 Nilles Road, Fairfield; 513-858-3296
20 S. American Way, Monroe; 513-360-0066
www.richardspizza.com
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BEST BURGER
Winner: Mad Mike’s Burgers
194 N. Brookwood Ave., Hamilton
513-844-6453; www.madmikesburgers.com
Mad Mike’s focuses on burgers and fries made from fresh ingredients, with everything handmade on site. Check out their gourmet burgers, including American Outlaw, the Rockefeller and the Pride of Zeus.
RUNNERS UP
SoHi Grilled Sandwiches
17 E. High St., Oxford
513-523-2079; www.sohisandwich.com
Mac & Joe’s
21 E. High St., Oxford
513-523-8018; www.macandjoes.com
Symmes Tavern
500 Wessel Drive, Fairfield
513-829-8440; www.symmestavern.com
Troy’s Cafe
4877 Smith Road, West Chester Twp.
513-860-3206; www.troyscafeandcatering.com
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BEST FARMERS MARKET
Winner: Hamilton Historic Farmers Market
315 High St., Hamilton (around the Historic Butler County Courthouse)
513-785-7000; www.hamilton-city.org
You can shop for more than fresh, local produce in downtown Hamilton during the Farmer’s Market every Saturday through the end of October. Children’s activities and live entertainment also are featured at the market on a regular basis.
RUNNERS UP
Oxford Uptown Farmers Market
Intersection of Main and High streets, Oxford
513-505-5238; www.oxfordfarmersmarket.com
West Chester Farmers Market
9100 West Chester Towne Center Drive, West Chester Twp.
www.westchesterohiofarmersmarket.org
Butterfield Farm Market
4000 Oxford-Trenton Road, Oxford
513-524-2676; www.butterfieldfarmmarket.com
Barn-n-Bunk Farm Market
3677 Wayne Madison Road, Trenton
513-988-9211; www.barnNbunk.com
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BEST PLACE TO ENJOY THE ARTS
Winner: Fitton Center for Creative Arts
101 S. Monument Ave., Hamilton
513-863-8873; www.fittoncenter.org
Known as a “mecca for the arts,” the Fitton Center for Creative Arts offers activities for art lovers of all ages. The center features changing exhibitions in its galleries, luncheon lectures, a performing art series and much more.
RUNNERS UP
Miami University Art Museum
801 S. Patterson Ave., Oxford
513-529-2232; www.miamioh.edu/cca/art-museum
Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park
1763 Hamilton-Cleves Road (State Route 128), Hamilton
513-868-8339; www.pyramidhill.org
Pendleton Art Center
1105 Central Ave., Middletown
513-422-4435; www.pendletonartcenter.com
Fairfield Community Arts Center
411 Wessel Drive, Fairfield
513-867-5348; www.fairfield-city.org/cac
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BEST PLACE FOR A SWEET TREAT
Winner: Flub’s Dair-ette
997 Eaton Ave., Hamilton
513-896-6696
539 Wessel Drive, Fairfield
513-939-3582
www.flubsicecream.com
Craving a cold treat? Stop over at Flub’s Ice Cream, home of the Dari-ette that has been serving Butler County for more than 40 years. With more than 30 variations of their famous Cyclones, you can have a new favorite every day of the month.
RUNNERS UP
The Cone
6855 Tylersville Road, West Chester Twp.
513-779-7040; www.thecone.com
Jelli’s Fudgery
21 N. 3rd St., Hamilton
513-907-7417; www.jellisfudgery.com
JoJo’s Cupcakery
5576 Eureka Drive, Hamilton
513-889-5270; www.jojos-cupcakes.com
Spring Street Sweets
321 W. Spring St., Oxford
513-839-8021; www.springstreettreats.com
The Dip
1680 Gelhot Drive, Fairfield
513-939-2663
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BEST FAMILY RESTAURANT
Winner: Hyde’s Restaurant
130 S. Erie Highway, Hamilton
513-892-1287; www.hydesrestaurant.com
Hyde's prides itself on delicious meals where servers know your name, your story, and your favorite pie. This family run business is built on family traditions and is one of the oldest eateries Hamilton. Hyde's believes in "real food" — not off the back of a truck or out of a box.RUNNERS UP
All8Up
23 N. Third St., Hamilton
513-889-5227
Red Onion
214 S. Main St., Monroe
513-360-0180; www.redonioncafe.biz
Silvia’s Kitchen
11 American Way, Monroe
513-360-7304
Lindenwald Station
2535 Pleasant Ave., Hamilton
513-969-2202
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BEST FINE DINING
Winner: Jag’s Steak and Seafood
5980 West Chester Road, West Chester Twp.
513-860-5353; www.jags.com
Jag’s offers six distinct and richly appointed dining rooms steeped in mahogany and fine art that set the scene. Executive Chef Michelle Brown’s eclectic menu offers an extensive list of sushi and sashimi, Yellowfin Tuna, Chilean Sea Bass and Alaskan King Crab, just a few of the many selections delivered fresh every day.
RUNNERS UP
Kona Bistro
31 W. High St., Oxford
513-523-0686; www.konabistro.com
W.G. Kitchen & Bar
3371 Princeton Road, Unit F105, Hamilton (in the Bridgewater Falls shopping center)
513-887-9463; www.wgkitchen.com
Bella Vino Wine Merchant & Bar
6064 West Chester Road, West Chester Twp.
513-942-9463; www.bellavinomerchants.com
Plaza One Grille
1 Riverfront Plaza, Hamilton (inside Courtyard by Marriott Hamilton)
513-896-6200; www.plazaonegrille.com
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BEST HAPPY HOUR
Winner: El Mariachi
787 NW Washington Blvd., Hamilton
513-892-6300;
El Mariachi boasts some serious salsa and tempting margaritas. Just to spice things up a bit more, a mariachi band performs in the restaurant on certain nights.
RUNNERS UP
Back Porch Saloon
9626 Princeton Glendale Road, Hamilton
513-874-2432; www.back-porch-saloon.net
Dingle House Pub & Grub
9102 W. Chester Towne Centre Road, West Chester Twp.
513-874-7468; www.dinglehouse.com
O’Pub
10 W. Park Place, Oxford
513-523-6782
Quarter Barrel Brewery and Pub
107 E. Church St., Oxford
513-523-2525; www.quarterbrewpub.webs.com
Trinity Pub
8953 Princeton Glendale Road, West Chester Twp.
513-874-5200
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BEST LATE NIGHT SPOT
Winner: Rick’s Tavern & Grille
5955 Boymel Drive, Fairfield
513-874-1992; www.rickstavern.com
Rick’s Tavern is a neighborhood establishment featuring a sports bar, restaurant, and night club all in one. Its sports bar area boasts more than 70 televisions; while the nightclub atmosphere can be enjoyed every night of the week. Entertainment includes local bands and a DJ. And don’t miss weekly Trivia/Feud every Wednesday and Friday.
RUNNERS UP
Alleys on the River
954 Pyramid Hill Blvd., Hamilton
513-895-0186; www.alleysontheriver.com
Mac & Joe’s
21 E. High St., Oxford
513-523-8018; www.macandjoes.com
Symmes Tavern
500 Wessel Drive, Fairfield
513-829-8440; www.symmestavern.com
The Farm Beer Garden
2461 Ross Millville Road, Hamilton
513-892-3276
Wise Owl Wine Bar
6206 Muhlhauser Road, West Chester Twp.
513-860-9463; www.wiseowlwinebar.com
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BEST LUNCH SPOT
Winner: Jolly’s Drive-In
210 N. Erie Highway, Hamilton
513-894-7541
If you go to Jolly’s Drive-In, you gotta have the root beer. Paired with a cheeseburger or chili burger, it’s amazingly good. Jolly’s has been around for 70 years, still keeping up the old-fashioned drive-in spirit alive. You can order your hot dogs, burgers, popcorn and root beer from the car and have it delivered with a smile to your window. Or come inside, where there’s a booth for dining in. Believe us, the root beer is so good, you’ll want to take more home with you, which is why the creamy goodness is available in cups, quarts, half-gallons and gallons to-go.
RUNNERS UP
Aladdin’s Eatery
9344 Union Centre Blvd., West Chester Twp.
513-874-1302; www.aladdinseatery.com
Millville Restaurant
1198 Ross Millville Road, Hamilton
513-863-4644
Mike’s Chili & Gyros
2045 S. Erie Blvd., Hamilton
513-602-3397; www.mikeschiliandgyros.com
Jocko’s World Famous Chicken & Seafood
725 High St., Hamilton; 513-894-0444
4611 Pleasant Ave., Fairfield; 513-889-0444
Bagel and Deli
119 E. High St., Oxford
513-523-2131; www.bagelanddeli.com
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BEST DATE NIGHT SPOT
Winner: Hanover Winery
2121 Morman Road, Hanover Twp.
513-863-3119; www.hanoverwinery.com
Featuring a variety of wines, from dry to sweet dessert wines, you’re sure to enjoy one of the many flavors Hanover Winery has to offer. Located on beautiful grounds, Hanover Winery also has a Tasting Room where visitors have a chance to sample and find their perfect wine.
RUNNERS UP
Stone Creek
6200 Muhlhauser Road, West Chester Twp.
513-942-2100; www.stonecreekdining.com/Westchester
The Learning Kitchen
7659 Cox Lane, West Chester Twp.
513-847-4474; www.thelearningkitchen.com
Cru Wine Bar
105 W. Spring St., Oxford
513-273-8013; www.cruwinebaroxford.com
@the Square
1045 Central Ave., Middletown
513-422-4400
Paint by the Glass
8179 Princeton-Glendale Road, Suite G, West Chester Twp.
513-874-0806; www.paintbytheglass.com
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BEST LOCALLY OWNED RESTAURANT
Winner: Walt’s Barbeque
746 NW Washington Blvd., Hamilton
513-868-9258; www.waltsbarbeque.com
What started in 1996 as a Father’s Day present of a Brinkman smoker has become an award-winning, mouth-watering barbeque restaurant. Walt’s boasts Ribs rubbed and slowly smoked for up to six hours; beef brisket seasoned and cooked for up to 14 hours; and pork smoked for up to 14 hours and hand-pulled. Don’t forget to add the “To Die For” Sweet Potato Casserole to your order.
RUNNERS UP
Brown’s Deli
740 NW Washington Blvd., Hamilton
513-889-1045; www.brownsdeli.net
Casa Bianca Ristorante
4940 Muhlhauser Road, West Chester Twp.
513-860-0829; www.casabiancacincy.com
Stefano’s Italian Cafe
2200 Central Ave., Middletown
513-422-9922; www.italianrestaurantmiddletownoh.com
Trinity Pub
8953 Princeton Glendale Road, West Chester Twp.
513-874-5200
Troy’s Cafe
4877 Smith Road, West Chester Twp.
513-860-3206; www.troyscafeandcatering.com
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BEST OUTDOOR SPOT
Winner: Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park
1763 Hamilton-Cleves Road (State Route 128), Hamilton
513-868-8336; www.pyramidhill.org
One of just 10 sculpture parks in the United States and the only sculpture park of its size in Ohio, Pyramid Hill is a 265-acre park and outdoor museum showcasing beautiful works of art. Displaying more than 50 pieces of monumental art, Pyramid Hill’s scenic setting provides a peaceful getaway for every visitor. The park also features hiking trails, an arboretum, indoor pavilion, wall garden, lakes, picnic areas, amphitheater, and activities for both adults and children.
RUNNERS UP
Soldiers, Sailors and Pioneers Monument
1 S. Monument Ave., Hamilton
513-867-5823; www.butlercountyohio.org
The Upper Mill Creek Conservation Corridor
State Route 747 and Port Union Road, West Chester Twp.
513-777-5900; www.westchesteroh.org
Wetlands Park
6950 LeSourdsville-West Chester Road, Liberty Twp.
513-759-7500; www.liberty-township.com
Walking Trail at Miami University Middletown
4200 N. University Blvd., Middletown
513-727-3200; www.regionals.miamioh.edu
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BEST PLACE TO GET A THRILL
Winner: Paintball Country at Niederman Family Farm
5110 Lesourdsville West Chester Road, Liberty Twp.
513-779-3228; www.paintballcountryohio.com
The region’s largest outdoor paintball arena features woods, a lighted field and plenty of obstacles for a challenging, fun game. Perfect for large groups, Paintball Country also has open play on weekends.
RUNNERS UP
Start Skydiving
1711 Run Way, Middletown
513-422-5867; www.startskydiving.com
Wake Nation
201 Joe Nuxhall Way, Fairfield
513-887-9253; www.wakenationcincinnati.com
Tri-State Dragway
2362 Hamilton Cleves Road, Hamilton
513-863-0562; www.tristatedragway.com
Middletown Sportsmen’s Club
6943 Michael Road, Middletown
513-422-5112; www.middletownsportsmensclub.com
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Best Place to Enjoy Nature
Winner: Hueston Woods State Park
6301 Park Office Road, College Corner
513-523-6347; www.parks.ohiodnr.gov/huestonwoods
Your days can be spent picnicking in the park, boating and fishing on Action Lake, playing golf, cross-country skiing, or simply relaxing in the lodge. The park features a year-round educational program at the nature center, nature hikes, bird and flower walks, slide talks, movies, fossil hunts, and more.
RUNNERS UP
Bull’s Run Arboretum
3909 Rosedale Road, Middletown
513-425-7520; www.bullsrun.org
Harbin Park
1300 Hunter Road, Fairfield
513-867-5348; www.fairfield-city.org/parks
Joyce Park
194 Joe Nuxhall Way, Hamilton
513-785-7000; www.hamilton-city.org
Keehner Park
7211 Barret Road, West Chester Twp.
513-777-5900; www.westchesteroh.org
Rentschler Forest MetroPark
5701 Reigart Road, Fairfield Twp.
513-867-5835; www.yourmetroparks.net
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BEST PLACE FOR RAINY DAY FUN
Winner: Great Miami Valley YMCA
East Butler County YMCA, 6645 Morris Road, Hamilton; 513-892-9622
Fairfield Family YMCA, 5220 Bibury Road, Fairfield; 513-829-3091
Fitton Family YMCA, 1307 NW Washington Blvd., Hamilton; 513-868-9622
Hamilton Central YMCA, 105 N. Second St., Hamilton; 513-887-0001
Middletown Area YMCA, 1020 Manchester Ave., Middletown; 513-422-9622
www.gmvymca.org
With five Butler County locations, the Great Miami Valley YMCA offers programs and special events that cover a range of ages and abilities. Continually updating and renovating, today’s YMCAs are high-tech places that serve a variety of interests. Great Miami Valley YMCA also operates a Warren County location in Franklin (Atrium Family YMCA) at 5750 Innovation Drive.
RUNNERS UP
SkateTown USA
8730 Union Center Pavillion Drive, West Chester Twp.
513-874-9855; www.skatetownusa.us
EnterTRAINment Junction
7379 Squire Court, West Chester Twp.
513-898-8000; www.entertrainmentjunction.com
The WEB Extreme Entertainment
7172 Cincinnati Dayton Road, West Chester Twp.
513-860-2882; www.funattheweb.com
Goggin Ice Center
610 S. Oak St., Oxford
513-529-9800; www.ice.miamioh.edu
Fairfield Bowling Lanes
5181 Dixie Highway, Fairfield
513-829-8666; www.bowlthegame.com/fairfield
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