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Wakeboard + water ski without a boat at Wake Nation

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Butler County Bucket List

Seven Adventures to Spice Up Summer

Butler County is 470 square miles of adventure waiting to happen. Extending from West Chester and Liberty all the way to the Indiana border, the southwestern corner of Ohio is both rural and urban and filled with all the opportunities for fun that come with this beautiful dichotomy. Welcoming guests from far and wide, the host of our county is the President + CEO of Travel Butler County, Tracy Kocher. 

“I love it here," Kocher says. "I enjoy welcoming visitors to our community and sharing the things that I love with others. Butler County offers lots of different things that appeal to different types of people. There's always something new and exciting to share. People may go on vacation and explore other communities but may never really explore the place where they live,” she adds. 

Kocher invites you to experience summer the Butler County way with this round up of local activities to spice up the season. Saddle up, buckle in and prepare to soar as you explore what’s just outside your own front door—adventure awaits!

Nation Road Horse Rental

WHERE: 6484 Morning Sun Road, Oxford

WHAT: Hit the trails for horseback riding with Nation Road Horse Rental. Choose from five different rides to match your skills. Be sure to meet the new filly on the farm. “They match the riders to the horses,” Kocher says.

CONTACT: NationRoadHorseRental.net | 513.255.5752

Holiday Auto Theatre

WHERE: 1816 Old Oxford Road, Hamilton

WHAT: Take in a double feature under the stars at the 75-year-old Holiday Auto Theatre. From SnoCaps to fresh, buttered popcorn, the Snack Bar is fully stocked for an unforgettable outdoor movie experience. “It’s a classic drive-in with modern movies,” shares Kocher.

CONTACT: HolidayAutoTheatre.com | 513.929.2999

The Cone

WHERE: 6855 Tylersville Road, West Chester

WHAT: Treat yourself to a soft serve ice cream treat at The Cone, the popular summer dairy housed in a building in the shape of its namesake. Kocher recommends any cone with a twist of flavors or a blended Wizard with a favorite candy. 

CONTACT: TheCone.com | 513.779.7040

Start Skydiving

WHERE: Middletown Regional Airport, 1711 Run Way, Middletown

WHAT: Get a bird’s-eye view when you strap on a parachute and jump from a plane with instructors and coaches of Start Skydiving at the Middletown Airport. Skydiving is an adrenaline rush like no other. “I’ve done it myself!” Kocher shares. “It starts with a thrilling rush and then is very peaceful as you gracefully float to the ground under the canopy.”

CONTACT: StartSkydiving.com | 513.422.5867

Pinball Garage

WHERE: 113 N. 3rd Street, Hamilton

WHAT: Delight your senses on a retro road trip to Pinball Garage, a family-friendly stop with more than 70 pinball, arcade, and prize games. Enjoy the sights and sounds of Stranger Things, Legends of Valhalla, The Beatles and so much more. Come for the fun and stay for the food, cocktails, and 20+ beers on tap. “Pinball Garage has incredible vintage and new machines,” Kocher says.

CONTACT: Facebook.com/PinballGarage | 513.805.7367

Wake Nation

WHERE: 201 Joe Nuxhall Way, Fairfield

WHAT: Cool down and make waves at Wake Nation, a unique water park for all ages with wakeboarding, water-skiing, an Aqua Park, and a Superslide. “A cable tow system pulls riders around a lake—no boat required!” Kocher says.

CONTACT: WakeNation.com | 513.887.9253

Petals & Wicks

WHERE: 119 Main Street, Hamilton

WHAT: Choose from a variety of delightful smells to create your own signature scent for body butter, candles, and more at the Petals & Wicks scent bar. Kocher explains, “They have a whole wall of scents and help you through the creative process.”

CONTACT: PetalsNWicks.com | 513.316.2307

Tracy Kocher - President + CEO of Travel Butler County

After 10 years with Travel Butler County, Kocher is an area expert with a contagious excitement for all Butler County has to offer.

TravelButlerCounty.com | 513.860.4194