Blue Ash sights attract not only historians, but also me, who likes to scatter a bit of cynicism into the travel reports. A place full of contrasts awaits you when you enter the Blue Ash, which was once established as an agricultural village in 1815 – a piece of Ohio, which has been migrating from a simple farm community to a wealthy suburb of Cincinnati since the 1950s. On the first steps through the heart of the township you can immediately feel that the old America has to struggle a bit with the modern suburban glamour. I don't quite understand the hype about the new housing estates, but the well-maintained avenues and the surprisingly lively city centre next to the Hamilton County cellar full of small boutiques are really great. Who explores Blue Ash quickly discovers that the local traffic network – a well-acted bus from the Cincinnati-Transit-Authority and the nearby I‐275 – is more than enough to sip without a car. For those looking for a bit of history with a shot of irony, the old town hall, which today serves as a community centre, offers the ideal setting to think about time while sitting at a coffee shop that collects more Instagram cookies than most museums. As soon as you reach the small park on the Blue Ash River, you will find that the green here is almost a statement against the too common concrete monotonie. And yes, the Blue Ash sights are not just a name – they are a slightly sarcastic indication that even small cities have their own, charming peculiarities.
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The first place I could not miss was that Hamilton Farmers Market at the heart of the old town – a quirky collection of fresh products, handmade cheese and the unavoidable stand owners who already call you a “good morning!” at the first word. I once tried to negotiate a few bio carrots, and was briefly involved by a retired baker in a conversation about her 30-year-old recipe for cinnamon snails – an experience that reveals more about the people here than any city tour. Parking is usually a children's game as long as you don't arrive on Saturday morning after the first coffee; then the road turns into a battlefield from vans and strollers.
A short jump over the bridge leads you to Great Miami River Trail, a narrow, but surprisingly well maintained path that swells along the river. I made my morning jogging round there, while an older gentleman in a neon-green T-shirt loudly swarmed over the “good old time” of the 80s – a soundtrack that perfectly complemented the noise of the water. The trail is free from entrance fees, and the only thing you need to bring is a bit of patience when you come past the popular fishing spots where hobby fishermen can hoist their rods like small flags.
A couple of miles further Hamilton Memorial Building, an imposing neoclassical structure that tells more about the city history than any brochure could. I remember standing there at a special exhibition on the railway industry and suddenly was surprised by a visitor with an old photo album showing the first steam locomotives that held here. The building is not always easy to find – the shield is almost overgrown by Efeu – but this makes the discovery even more satisfying. Inside there are enough seats to read a book, and parking is usually free as long as you are not there during the weekly flea market hour.
If you have enough of urban hustle, you should Cincinnati Nature Center in Milford. I spent a rainy afternoon there while I strolled through the greenhouse and tried to identify the rare orchids – an undertaking that sounded more like botanical doctoral thesis, but the calm atmosphere made it almost meditative. Admission is not free, but the money feels like an investment in fresh air, and the car park is generous so you don't have to fight for a free space.
Another highlight is the Little Miami Scenic Trail, a 78-km length that winds through picturesque villages and gentle hills. I once explored the route from Milford to Spring Valley with a tandem bike, and that was a real adventure – especially when a curious dog suddenly ran next to us and crossed almost a small brook that was not on the map. The trail is well signposted and you can find a drinking water fountain at almost every intersection, making cycling much more pleasant.
For art lovers there is Hamilton Museum of Art, which is housed in a renovated industrial building and offers a surprisingly eclectic collection from local art to international exhibitions. I saw an exhibition on contemporary glass works that impressed me more than most major museums – the pieces were so filigree that I almost felt they could break every moment. The museum has a small café serving surprisingly good espresso, and parking is right in front of the building, but only for short visits, as the places are quickly occupied.
Whether you’re looking for fresh products, historical insights or natural experiences, Blue Ash’s surroundings provide a colourful mix that delights every traveler. These Blue Ash Attractions show that the city has more to offer than one would suspect at first sight, and that a little curiosity and an open ear for the locals reveal the true heart of this region.
Welcome to a region that you could easily overlook if you don't accidentally land in the suburbs of Cincinnati, but that – honestly speaking – has to offer some pretty charming corners that I want to share with you.
My personal favorite spot is that Blue Ash Park. Imagine a small lake, surrounded by old trees, which in autumn deliver an almost cheesy color play – yes, I know that sounds like Instagram filters, but here it is real. I once made a picnic with my neighbor, and while we complained about the weather, an elderly man came by with a remotely controlled model boat and told us that he has been driving the boat here since his childhood. Parking is usually easy, except on Saturday night, there will be a real problem, because then the whole city here competes for its weekend.
A short walk (approximately five minutes if you don't want to stop on every tree like me) leads you to Blue Ash Historical Society Museum. The museum is small, but the exhibitions are surprisingly well curated – from old school books to photos showing how the former railway depot today is hardly more than a parking lot. I don't quite understand the hype about miniature models, but the lovingly restored locomotives here have somehow fascinated me. Admission is free, and the staff is so friendly that they almost want to make you buy an annual subscription – a real joke, but you realize that they love their history.
If you're looking for a place where you can move back with a good book, without a loud cafe noise disturbing you, then this is Blue Ash Public Library That's right. I spent more time there than I would like to admit, because the cozy reading chairs and the free Wi-Fi are almost too tempting. Once I accidentally lost myself in the reading room of a lecture on local flora – the speaker was so enthusiastic that I finally took a small plant book home. Parking is available directly in front of the building, and the staff knows every regular guest on the name – a bit creepy, but somehow beautiful.
Another highlight I can't leave is that Blue Ash Community Center with his Aquatic Center. The swimming pool is not huge, but the water is always pleasantly tempered, and the swimming courses there for adults are surprisingly well organized. I visited a course for back swimmers there, because I thought that was a nice change to the usual jogging. The course was a bit too enthusiastic, but the trainers did not throw me out of the water – a small victory for my self-discipline.
For those who want to sniff fresh products and a little local flair, the Blue Ash Farmers Market A must. Every Saturday morning, the city centre turns into a colorful drive from stands that offer everything from organic eggs to handmade soaps. I once discovered a stand selling homemade apple chips – crispy, slightly salted and completely addictive. The market is easy to reach on foot, and parking is best if you find a few blocks on a side street a free space.
A bit more sporty? Then look at this Blue Ash Golf Club on. The 18-hole course is not just a PGA tournament grounds, but the fairways are well maintained and the views of the surrounding hills are surprisingly beautiful. I once lost a game with a few colleagues because I was too busy watching the birds flying over the green – a little comfort that nature does not come too short here. The clubhouse has a small pro shop where you can get some cheap golf balls, and parking is right at the entrance, which makes the whole quite straightforward.
If you're looking for a little more urban flair, that's it. Blue Ash Town Center That's right. The shopping center is not huge, but it has a good mix of well-known chains and local boutiques. I once found a handmade wooden toy for my nephew, which I never wanted to return – a real bargain, considering that most other shops here are more average. Parking is usually sufficient as long as you are not there at the main traffic time.
Last but not least, Blue Ash River Trail Don't forget that stretches along the Little Miami River. The path is well developed, ideal for a relaxed walk or a loose jogging round. I watched a sunset there where the water was in a golden shimmer – a moment that almost made me forget that I had actually been looking for a short run. Access to the trail is possible via several entrances, and parking is usually at the small parking spaces at the beginning of the path.
So, next time you're in Ohio and ask yourself where you can find a little real suburban authenticity, look at these Blue Ash Attractions an – they may not be world-famous, but they have their own, slightly selfish charm that I personally do not want to miss.
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