What makes Lebanon's sights so special is the way history is not only chiseled in stone, but almost smelled in the street gorges. I remember how I first stepped over the old bridge on the Little Miami River and immediately got the feeling that this city has been challenging every visitor a bit since its foundation 1802 – named after the Biblical Lebanon and inspired by a place of the same name in Pennsylvania. The city is embedded in the Turtlecreek Township, which is like a quiet companion around the historic center, while the entire Warren County in the background looks like a broad green carpet.
When you get by car, simply follow the US‐42 or the State Route 48; both lead you directly into the vibrant heart of the city centre, where old brick buildings are next to modern cafés. For those who prefer not to drive themselves, there are regular COTA bus lines that depart from nearby Lebanon station parking and take you to the city centre. And yes, I don't quite understand the hype about the annual festivals, but the mix of local craftsmanship and honest conversations with the shop owners is really great. So if you want to experience a piece of real Ohio, you will find not only a few nice cafes, but a lively chapter from the history of Warren County, which writes a little new every day.
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Advantage:
You can assess light, perspective and location before visiting the site – ideal for photography, sunrises and sunsets.
To find the exact point where the sun disappears behind the skyline, use the azimuth display on poi-travel.de. In Lebanon, the sun travels further northwest below the horizon in summer, while in winter it takes a more southwesterly angle. With the embedded line on the map, you can determine your tripod position down to the metre.
The first stop of my little Odyssey leads me to National Packard Museum in Warren – a temple for those who have ever wondered why a car can have more buttons than a spaceship. I saw an old packard from the 1930s that shined so that I almost had to put my sunglasses, although it was rather cool inside. Parking is usually a Klacks as long as you don't come on Friday night, then the field in front of the museum becomes a battlefield from parked vans.
A short detour towards the south brings you to Cuyahoga Valley National Park. I admit that the word “National Park” always makes me think of huge crowds of people, but here the opposite is the case – you can almost walk alone over the bridges of the Ohio & Erie Canal, while the noise of the watercourse reminds you that you are not in a shopping center. Last year I made a picnic with a friend there, and we were disturbed by a curious raccoon who apparently thought our sandwich was a new work of art.
If you have enough of nature, look at this Warren County Historical Museum on. The building itself is a piece of history dating from the 1930s, and there are more local curiosities inside than you could find in a day in an antique shop. I discovered an old apron that was allegedly worn by a woman who first heard the word “coffee” in the region for the first time – a real starter when you chat with locals.
A little further east lies the Holden Arbortum in Kirtland, a place where the last time I have almost run, because the paths are so angled that even a GPS is desperately giving up. The treetop trails give you the feeling you were in a film by Wes Anderson, only that the actors here are squirrels and a particularly loud spear. Practical: The visitor centre has free Wi-Fi if you want to connect your Instagram story live, but the network is sometimes slower than a snail race.
A short jump to the north leads you to Lake Metroparks – a network of lakes, hiking trails and a small beach that is surprisingly well visited in summer. I remember a hot July day when I was standing with a local angler at Lake Erie and we were fighting about whether the “big thing” in the water was a fish or a sunken boat. Parking is usually sufficient except for the long weekends if you have to decide between a parking lot and a parking lot.
A little off the hustle, but definitely worth a visit, this is Kirtland Temple, the oldest existing temple building of the Church of Jesus Christ of the Saints of the Last Days. I was there because I thought it was just another historic building, but the atmosphere is so quiet that you almost hear the whisper of history. The entrance is free, and the staff is friendly as long as you don't try to climb the roof – this is a no-go they don't tell you explicitly, but you notice it quickly.
Whether you are a fan of old cars, quiet forest roads or historic temples, the surroundings of Lebanon, City of Lebanon, Warren, Ohio has something to offer for everyone. My personal favorite route connects the Packard Museum, the Cuyahoga Valley National Park and the Holden Arboretum to a trip that provides both culture and nature – all without the usual tourist crowds. Next time you roll out your card, remember: The best Lebanon Attractions often lie a few miles outside the city limits where the real life pulsates.
This guide invites you to stroll with me through the obliquely-charmant city of Lebanon, as if we were going to the pub next to the old opera house after a long working day.
I prefer to start with the Lebanon Opera House an – a venerable brick building dating back to 1884, which today is more than just a relic from the founding period. The acoustics are so good that even the worst karaoke attempts here sound almost like a concert. Parking? Mostly no problem, unless you arrive on Friday night after the “Jazz in the Keller” event – then parking becomes a little adventure.
Just a few steps further Warren County Historical Society Museum. I don't quite understand the hype about old maps, but the exhibition about the railway that once went through the valley really tied me up. The museum is free, and the staff almost lets you forget that you are in a dusty cellar – they tell the stories with so much passion that you feel, even in the 19th century. century to stand.
If you're looking for some fresh air, follow that Lebanon Trail. The path stretches through the historic houses, past the old clock tower installation at the market square. I once met an old biker there who told me that he makes a campfire there every year – no joke, he meant it seriously. The trail is well signposted and you can take a break at any time at one of the many benches to watch the city life.
Another must for those who like to drink is the Lebanon Farmers Marketpulsating on Saturdays from 8 am to 12 pm on the main square. Fresh strawberries, handmade jams and a stand that allegedly sells the best pumpkin cake throughout the state – I tried the cake and can confirm that it is actually better than what you find in most cafes. Parking is limited here, so it's better to come early, otherwise you have to choose between a basket of apples and a parking lot.
A little culture? Then look at the St John the Baptist Catholic Church on. The gothic façade is a real eye-catcher, and the interior is surprisingly simple – not a buckling snack, only a huge window that dips the light into a warm, almost mystical light. I once heard a small concert from a local youth choir; that was a moment when I thought I was in a movie from the 1950s.
For those who prefer to do something active, there is Little Miami River Trail in close proximity. The way is not directly in the city, but only a short ride by bike. I watched the leaves there in autumn as they flew over the water like a firework – an image that you don't forget so quickly. Bicycles can be rented at several stations in the city centre, and parking at the trail entrance is usually easy.
A little local pride must not be missing: Lebanon Public Library. The building is an architectural jewel from the 1920s, and the librarians there know each visitor by name – at least if you borrow a book about local history. I found an old diary there, which was traded by a blacksmith from 1887; that was a real find for my collection of scrupulous anecdotes.
And because I can't forget that I'm here about Lebanon Attractions speak, I still have to Warren County Fairgrounds-Event mention. The site is the heart of the city in summer when the Rummelplatz light illuminates the night and the local farmers present their best products. I once saw a pumpkin competition where a 150 kg pumpkin almost brought the roof of the main tent to collapse – a picture you don't forget so quickly.
At the end of the day, when the lights of the city are slowly extinguished and the quiet sum of the grill spots in the alleys can be heard, one is best sitting at one of the small cafes at the marketplace, drinking a coffee and letting the impressions appear. Who knows, maybe you'll discover a hidden place that I haven't mentioned before the next visit – this is the beauty of Lebanon: There's always something new to discover, even if you think you've seen everything.
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