Looking for a fun destination for your next day trip adventure?
I’m sharing more about the top things to do in Hamilton, Ohio.
This article is written in partnership with the Butler County Visitors Bureau.
How Far is Downtown Cincinnati to Downtown Hamilton, Ohio?
If you are looking for a great day trip from Cincinnati, Hamilton is only 40 minutes away.
Get Your Donut Trail Passport Stamped at The Donut Dude
7132 Cincinnati Dayton Rd., West Chester, OH 45069
A stop on the Donut Trail is the BEST way to start your day trip in Hamilton.
As the newest addition to the Donut Trail, The Donut Dude opened in March of 2020 with a desire to be a community donut shop for Liberty Township.
The Donut Dude is a labor of love and second act career for owners husband and wife, Glen and Laurie Huey. Glen’s previous vocation as a woodworker has transferred his craftsmanship skills from working with wood to now working with edible art.
How Many Donut Shops Are On the Donut Trail?
There are 13 donut shops on the Donut Trail. If you are going to try all in one day be prepared to get up EARLY. I would also recommend checking each business’s hours and days of operation before you go.
If you plan on taking home a lot of samples, you might want to pack a plastic knife and some Tupperware to help keep your extra donuts fresh.
Your hardest decision will be trying to narrow down all of the great choices. The donuts are cold dipped, meaning that the icing is heated instead of the donut for frosting.
We sampled bites from several donuts…because I take my research seriously. I would rather try smaller bites so that I can try even more flavors of donuts.
Our favorites from The Donut Dude were the following flavors:
- Blueberry Fritter
- Apple Fritter
- Kettle Danish made with 27 layers of donut dough
My kids loved the Peanut Butter creme-filled donut – we didn’t sample that one because I knew that they would want the whole donut.
As you can tell I LOVE a good fritter!
I definitely want to come back for “Fritter Friday.” Hopefully, I can get there when they have their jalapeño-cheese fritter.
Apple fritters are offered every day and on weekends an extra flavor is offered.
Make sure that you follow them on Facebook and Instagram so that you don’t miss their newest creative flavors.
Find the Street Art Murals in Downtown Hamilton
I LOVE street art and Hamilton, Ohio has a lot of murals within close proximity to each other.
If you want to find a lot of murals in a little time I suggest going to Rotary Park.
The Strauss/Market Murals
Strauss Market Murals are a collection of 10 murals lining the McDulin Parking Garage located directly behind Rotary Park.
How to Find All of the Street Art Murals in Hamilton, Ohio
Make sure that you download the map and the app so that you plan ahead for which murals you want to see during your visit.
Download the StreetSpark Mural Map
Visit Downtown Hamilton Shops on High Street
Youll find lots of great shops and restaurants on High Street in downtown Hamilton.
Sara’s House
254 High St., Hamilton, OH 45011
If you love modern vintage, this is the store for you!
Sara’s House specializes in unique gifts and repurposed items. Inside the store you’ll find one of a kind furniture, accessories, women’s clothing, gifts, decor and more.
I highly recommend taking a few laps around the store. Each time you will discover something that you didn’t notice before.
I bought a leopard headband/ear warmer to keep and one to give. I also found plaid winter scarf and two fun whiskey themed teacups.
Inside Out Studio
140 High St., Hamilton, OH 45011
InsideOut is an art studio for adults with developmental disabilities.
This studio has a special place in my heart as someone who had a sibling with special needs.
The artists earn a 50% commission on their artwork sold.
The artists can also make commission pieces if you are looking for something specific.
I bought a reindeer ornament, birdhouse and turkey napkin rings.
Enjoy lunch at Tano Bistro
150 Riverfront Plaza., Hamilton, OH 45011
During our visit we tried the following menu items:
Sprout ‘n Snout
brussel sprout + smoked pork belly + pecorino + lemon aiol
Tuscan Chicken
grilled chicken + crispy zucchini + prosciutto + fresh mozzarella + spinach aioli + focaccia
Stuffed Salmon
crab, bacon & brie stuffing + mashed potatoes + asparagus + beurre blanc
Tano Bistro has both indoor and outdoor seating options for guests.
Another perk is that it’s conveniently located steps from Marcum Park.
We ordered the “Fringe Fashioned” cocktail to-go made with Jameson, maple, espresso, citrus and bitters.
I loved that this specific cocktail had a give-back element that directly benefitted The Fringe Coffee House.
The Fringe Coffee House exists to empower inmates, ex-felons and
those on the fringes of society to live healthy, whole lives.
They do this through their 8-week prison music therapy program dedicated
towards getting to the root causes of incarceration and destructive behavior, building kinship and mentoring those incarcerated and upon
their release providing gainful employment, and a holistic re-entry support plan all under one roof.
Did you know that Hamilton has a DORA (Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area)?
That’s right, in designated areas from 12PM to 12AM, you can order a drink to-go in an official DORA cup. With the Hamilton DORA cup, you can sip, stroll, and shop within the DORA district boundaries.
Where Can You Go With a DORA Cup?
You can check out the interactive map and Hamilton DORA for specific streets and businesses selling DORA cups.
Take a purchased drink into non-liquor serving establishments that have the green “DORA Beverage Welcome” sticker on the front of their business.
More Hamilton DORA Tips and Rules
When you see a sign that says the DORA district boundaries have ended, you can finish your drink and throw the cup away.
You cannot bring your own drinks to the district. All beverages must be purchased from a liquor serving establishment and it must be in a designated Hamilton DORA cup.
The Black DORA sticker indicates a designated Hamilton DORA liquor serving establishment.
The Green DORA sticker indicates a retail or service establishment that permits DORA beverages to enter.
A Red DORA sticker indicates NO DORA beverages are permitted on the premises.
Visit Shops on Main Street in Hamilton
Main Street is another section of Hamilton with cute shops and restaurants.
Scripted Studio
306 Main St., Hamilton, OH 45013
Scripted Studio has stationary with sass, seasonal and “delightful doodads.” This is fun stop if you are looking for a unique gift with a little edge.
I LOVED finding this United States map made out of corkboard. I cannot wait to add pins from my previous travels on it.
Alexander Mural
313 Main St., Hamilton, OH 45013
While you are wondering about the shops on Main Street, you can stop and check out the Alexander mural nearby.
Hamilton Craft & Cocktail Quest
The Hamilton Craft & Cocktail Quest new digital pass program provides another unique way to explore and experience Hamilton. It also includes secret menu items and specials.
Once a quest participant checks in at 10 of the DORA locations, they will earn their medal! Get started by downloading the FREE Craft & Cocktail Quest Pass with discount perks.
Additional Things to Do in Butler County, Ohio
You can check out my articles from previous visits to Butler County for even more adventures to add to your list.
Top things to do during a visit to Butler County, Ohio
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