What makes Loveland sights so special is the unique mix of historic small town charms and an almost ironic self-lovedness that you can hardly understand when you take the first steps through the old city centre. I have always wondered why this city, which was founded in 1836 as “Loveland”, has never changed its name, although it has spread over the years in three counties – Hamilton, Clermont and Warren; that explains a bit the confusing but lovable character of the place. The first settlers who bought some chickens and a bit of land here because of the nearby Little Miami River would never have thought that their tranquil village is today a popular destination for cyclists and art lovers. If you arrive by car from Cincinnati, follow I‐275 until exit 11, then take a short trip to US‐27 You are in the heart of Loveland – no joke, parking is almost a social event here. I personally enjoy visiting the small cafés after a walk along the river, where Barista know more about local history than some city guides. And yes, if you go to “Loveland Sights” you will quickly realize that the true highlight is not a museum, but the authentic, slightly cynical flair that the locals defend with an eye-catcher.
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The first stop of my little Odyssey leads me to Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve, a piece of unspoiled wilderness located just minutes from Loveland. I once tried to shoot a photo of the dead waterfalls, just to find out that my camera got more water than light – a real lucky case, because I then stood in the cool wet and the noise seemed almost meditative. The path is well marked, parking is usually a Klacks, as long as you do not arrive at a horde family on weekends, then parking becomes almost a small survival training.
A short detour to the south brings me to Great Miami Riverwhere I borrow an old bike and the Little Miami Scenic Trail had it slid along. The trail is an endless band of asphalt and gravel, which leads through fields, small villages and occasional breweries – perfect to get your head free, while at the same time you have the feeling of discovering a new piece of Ohio every kilometer. I have to admit, I don’t understand the hype about the “endless cycle paths” completely, but the whistle of the river beside me has convinced me that this is not just a trend.
A bit further east, almost in the heart of Cincinati, this is National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. I was there on a rainy afternoon, and while I strolled through the exhibition, I suddenly felt like a time traveler trying to grasp the story without being overwhelmed by modern multimedia installations. Admission is free if you are lucky to participate in a free community day – otherwise you pay, but the money is worth experiencing the profound stories about courage and escape from first hand.
A little further west, in Mason, waits Kings Island – a leisure park that sells itself as “the ultimate rollercoaster experience”. I tried the “Beast” there, a steel rollercoaster that catapulted me several times in the air, while at the same time I thought about why I volunteered to put myself in a metal stand that swirls me through the air at 120 km/h. Parking is a labyrinth of Pay‐Parking‐Lot signs, but if you get early enough, you will find a place without spending the whole weekend in the traffic jam.
Back to Northwest, a short trip to Hamilton leads me to Hamilton Museum of Art. I was there on a sunny Saturday afternoon when a little girl called “Wow!” because she had discovered a painting of Monet. The museum is small, but the collection is surprisingly diverse – from local art to international classics. Parking is almost always a klack, and the café on the ground floor serves the best espresso I have ever drank in an art museum.
A little further south, in the hills of Milford, lies the Cincinnati Nature Center. I spent a weekend to explore the hiking trails, and I almost stumbled over a sign that “Please stay on the trails” announced – a hint that nature has not yet been overrun by tourists. The visitor centers offer interactive exhibitions, and the staff is so friendly that you almost forget that you have been here for walking and watching birds.
If you are looking for a mix of nature, history and a bit of adrenaline, then these are Loveland Attractions in the surrounding area a real secret tip – away from the city center but still easily accessible, and they offer enough fabric for any kind of travellers who want to experience Ohio from its most versatile side.
Whether adventurers, connoisseurs or cultural lovers – in Loveland everyone finds something that tears him out of everyday life, and I'm lucky to know everything firsthand. My personal favorite start is the small but impressive castle on the outskirts of the city, built by a retired engineer in the 80s of stone and a lot of self-lobe. One could almost believe it was a relic from a medieval film, but the reality is that it is a hobby project that today is considered to be Loveland Attractions and enthuses visitors with its unique mix of knight romanticism and DIY charms. Parking is best in the small parking lot behind the house – it is usually free, except on Sundays, when the whole city brings its families there.
A short walk further leads to Loveland Bike Trail, a section of the larger Little Miami Scenic Trail. I've exchanged my running shoes for a folding mountain bike several times because the track is so beautiful that you can't get enough of it. The path stretches along the river, past lush greenery, which in spring is almost too much to put it in words. If you want a little more action, take the small bridge at the 3 million mark – there is a hidden viewpoint that only locals know, because the signs are somehow missing again and again.
A little culture? Let's go Loveland Historical Society Museum. The building itself is an old prison from the 1800s, which now tells more about the history of the city than I have ever thought possible. I remember, as a child, discovering an old photo of a horse car that is supposed to come from one of the city's founders. The museum is small, but the exhibitions are lovingly curated – and the staff is so friendly that they almost give you the feeling that you are part of the story, not just a visitor.
If you're looking for a place where you can exchange with locals, it's Loveland Farmers Market on Saturday morning the nonplusultra. I've already tried the best homemade applesauce I've ever eaten there, and that of a lady who claims her recipe has remained unchanged since 1923. The market is small, but that means you don't have to wade endlessly through crowds – just a few stands, a little music, and you feel you're in a neighborhood that really knows you. Parking is a little adventure here: the street in front of the market is often full, so rather park a few blocks further and walk.
Another highlight is the Loveland Arts & Crafts Center. I was there by chance because I was looking for a place where I could expel my boredom and landed in a workshop for pottery. The teacher was a real character – she has pointed out to anyone who took a tone lump in her hand, with an eye-catcher, that the result would probably be more of a failed coffee cup than an art work. Nevertheless, the Center regularly offers exhibitions of local artists, and the atmosphere is so relaxed that you almost forget that you wanted to stop by for a while.
For those who prefer to relax in the green, Canal Park A must. The small lake, surrounded by a historic canal, invites you to the picnic, and in summer there are sometimes free concerts. I once experienced an open-air cinema where the canvas was almost overlapped by the ducks – an image I will never forget. The park has enough seats, but if you want a good place, you should come early because the best benches are quickly occupied.
At the end of my small tour through the city I recommend Loveland Community Center. It is not the most dazzling building, but it houses a gym, a swimming pool and regular yoga classes run by a former ballet dancer – yes, there is. I once participated in a “Senioren‐Salsa” evening because I thought that was a good way to get to know new people. The mix of sporting activity and social coexistence is exactly what Loveland is: a place that does not try to impress you, but simply invites you to stay a little longer.
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