A place full of contrasts awaits you when you take the first steps through Sharonville and immediately feel the quiet sum of a city that originated in 1795 as a modest settlement in Sharon Township and is today a quirky piece of Hamilton County. I have to admit that the hype around the “small suburb” is not quite understandable for me, but the honest mix of historical technical architecture and modern suburban houses has its charm. On the first steps through the centre, you can immediately feel that people here are a bit proud, a bit sloppy and totally hospitable – a mix that makes me smile every time.
Travelers from all over the world appreciate the proximity to Cincinnati because you are in pulsating city life with the train or the I‐75 in about 30 minutes, while you still feel that you are not overwhelmed by the hectic. I like to go by the bus of SORTA, because it looks a bit like a mini adventure when you swing back and forth between the small shops and the old churches. What makes Sharonville sights so special is not a single monument, but the constant whisper of history that comes from every old brick house once inhabited by forgings and cereal merchants. Anyone who explores the township quickly discovers that tradition and modern hand go hand in hand – and that creates an atmosphere that at the same time has a calming and slightly ironic effect.
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Advantage:
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The first place I could not miss was the legendary Kings Island in Mason, just a short drive from Sharonville – a place where I asked myself between Loop-de-Loops and water attractions, why I didn't come here earlier. The park area is huge, parking is usually a Klacks as long as you don't come on Friday night, then the field turns into a battlefield of sheet metal and dust. I remember the first time I tried the “Xtreme Skyflyer”: the feeling of swinging over the treetop was a mix of childlike excitement and the quiet thought that I should probably choose the giant wheel next time – less dizziness, more views.
A few miles further, in the heart of Cincinnati, this is National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. I have to admit, I was skeptical if a museum can really be exciting about the escape aid, but the interactive installations tied me up faster than any Netflix series. The highlight was a rebuilt escape route tunnel in which I almost felt like being a slave on the run – a bit too dramatic, but hey, that was the experience that the museum has. Parking is available directly in front of the building, and this is a blessing because the city center is otherwise a labyrinth of narrow streets.
If you have enough of history, the path leads to Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal, an Art-Deco-Juwel, which looks like an architect from the 1930s had set a time travel stop. I've been through the natural-historical exhibitions for hours, while my cell phone was looking for the next café. The elevator that brought me to the top floor was a bit silly, but that gives the whole a certain charm – almost as if the building itself was whispering: “Welcome in the retro club.” Parking is well signposted at the Union Terminal, and the staff is surprisingly helpful when you ask about the way to the planetarium.
A short detour to Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden is a must, especially if you have the feeling that life becomes too serious. I saw a rare red panda staring at me like he knew I was thinking about the next attraction. The zoo has a huge parking complex, but on sunny Saturdays it can quickly come to a small traffic jam – a good reason to break up early to escape the crowds. And yes, the food there is not exactly gourmet, but a hot dog at the edge of the walk somehow has a nostalgic charm.
For those who are interested in oblique art forms, this is American Sign Museum near a true paradise. I almost felt like a child in the confectionery shop, surrounded by bright neon lights and hand-painted advertising signs from the 1950s. A friend of mine meant that this was “too cheesy”, but I found that the exhibition offers a fascinating window into the consumer culture of the past. Parking is right in front of the museum, and the staff makes you almost forget that you wanted to spend a few hours there.
A little nature needs everyone, and that Krohn Conservatory in the city park of Cincinnati provides exactly that – a tropical paradise in the middle of the city. I visited the orchid exhibition there and was impressed by how the humidity was almost the same as in a rainforest. The best thing: the entrance is free, and parking is free at the edge of the park as long as you don't get too late, because then the city suddenly makes parking more expensive than a gourmet dinner.
Another cultural highlight is that Cincinati Art Museum at Eden Park. I wandered there for hours between impressionist paintings and modern sculpture, while I thought I wanted to see the famous “Cincinnati Art Museum” sculpture. The entrance is free, parking is paid at the museum itself, but this is a small price for the tranquility that you find there when you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city center.
Last but not least, Great American Ball Park not forget the home stadium of the Cincinnati Reds. I was there on a day of play, and the stadium was full of fans who loudly fired their teams – a bit loud, a bit chaotic, but exactly what a real baseball evening was. Parking is a little more expensive, especially when you park directly at the stadium, but the view of the Ohio River from the roof of the stadium is worth every cent.
So those looking for a mix of history, nature, shrill art and sporting entertainment will find a lot around Sharonville Sharonville Sights, which makes the heart of any slightly cynical traveler beat faster – provided you have a little patience for the inevitable car park chaos.
Welcome to a region that could be overlooked if you're looking for the great attractions of Cincinnati – and that's exactly what makes Sharonville an underestimated gem. Hardly a place connects suburban army and a bit of industrial pride as impressive as this little town, and I must admit that only after my third visit I really understood why the locals are so proud of their “Sharonville feeling”.
If I think of my favorite places here, I'll jump right away Sharon Woods Park in memory – a huge green piece that has more to offer than one would expect from a suburban park. The paths are shining through dense trees, a small lake glitters in sunlight, and the noise of the brook is almost therapeutic. I once organized a picnic with friends and while we exchanged on the latest Netflix series, an elderly man came by with a fishing hook and said dry: “Here you catch more than just fish.” No joke, the water is actually clear enough to see the underwater plants. Parking is usually easy, except on Saturday night, it becomes a real problem because the weekly “Sharonville Run” fills the parking spaces.
A short detour from the paths leads you to Sharonville Historical Society Museum. The building itself is a charming piece of history that used to be a primary school, and now it houses a collection of artifacts that document life here from the 1800s to today. I don't quite understand the hype about small history museums, but the old school books and the handwritten diaries of my grandmother, which grew up here, give the whole a personal touch that is rarely found in the crowded city museums. Parking is free in front of the museum, and the staff is always ready to chat a bit – especially when you ask for the stories of the old railway line that once drove through the neighborhood.
A bit more modern it goes on to Sharonville Public Library. Yes, this is really a place I like to visit because the library here is more than a book house – it is a community hub. I participated in a rainy afternoon in a writing workshop, and the atmosphere was so relaxed that I almost forgot that I wanted to borrow a book. The staff knows almost every regular in the name, and this is refreshing in a time when anonymity has almost become norm. When you come by car, there is a small garage behind the building; it is not huge, but sufficient for a short visit.
Another highlight I don't want to conceal is that Sharonville Community Center. There is a swimming pool, a gym and even a small theatre where local groups have their performances. I once took part in a yoga course, and while I tried to keep my balance, I noticed that the walls were decorated with photos of previous sports events – a silent hint that the city did not forget its sports roots. The center is easily accessible because it is located directly on the main road, and parking is usually free as long as you are not there during the major community meetings.
For those who prefer to shop a bit and enjoy a good meal, this is Sharonville Town Center That's right. Here are small boutiques, a supermarket and a few cosy cafés, so you can easily get to a place with homemade sandwiches and freshly brewed coffee after an extensive stroll. I discovered the “Corner Deli” that serves the best pastrami wraps in the area – honestly, that’s better than some gourmet burgers in the city centre. Parking is a bit chaotic, because most places are reserved by shops, but a few free places you will always find when you drive a bit around the corner.
A little off the hustle and bustle Sharonville Golf Club, a small but fine place that has something to offer both for beginners and experienced golfers. I once played a 9-hole match with a colleague, and while we discussed the weather, I noticed that the complex is surrounded by a beautiful tree ring that offers a spectacular colour play in autumn. The clubhouse has a bar where you can enjoy a cool beer after the game – a perfect finish for a sunny afternoon. The approach is straightforward, and parking is directly at the clubhouse where there are enough seats for most visitors.
And because I don't just want to list the usual sights, I still have to Sharonville Farmers Market that takes place every Saturday morning in the heart of the city. There are fresh fruits, vegetables, homemade jams and handmade works of art by local artists. I once discovered a stand where an older couple sold homemade apple cakes – they were so good that I almost took the whole piece home. The market is a real meeting place for the community, and parking is usually not a problem because most visitors come on foot or by bike.
Between all these places, a destination unfolds, not loudly screaming, but quietly convincing. The Sharonville Sights may not be the most famous, but they have character, history and a bit of heart that you rarely find in the overrun tourist centres. Next time you're in the area, take your time to stroll a little, enter a café and watch the local life – that is, in my opinion, the real highlight you can't find in a guide.
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