Miami County is a treasure trove of homegrown greatness. From the small town of New Carlisle to the larger town of Troy, you will feel the American vibe of hospitality, charm and integrity as each destination shares a bit of its story.
There is something magical about homegrown food. It’s almost like you can taste the nurturing spirit that went into the product. A homegrown business is very much the same. When you walk into the store, you can feel the pride, dedication and perseverance that has been put into personal ownership. It’s only a few minutes into the conversation, and you can hear those same things coming from the owners. They had a dream and they’re serving the community well as they make their dream a reality. Business doesn’t get much better than that!
I’m a sucker for learning. True stories, How’s It’s Made, Personal Interviews… they have me, hook, line and sinker. My recent trip to Miami County was all of that and more. My friend, Brooke, and I left feeling so fulfilled as we reminisced about everything we learned and experienced. My time covered a span of three days and two nights, but to genuinely enjoy Miami County I’d recommend a day or two longer if you don’t want to have to rush.
When you visit, be sure to tell the shop owners you read about them through Bountiful Blessings. They were all so hospitable and took time out of their day to visit with us. I want them to know their time was well spent as new travelers visit the respective destinations.
Lodging
I actually stayed in Miami County on two separate occasions this summer. My first lodging experience was quite unique to say the least. Four of us slept in Troy’s floating tents. These tents are tethered in the Miami River at Treasure Island Park. It’s the perfect setting for this super fun endevour. As this is a seasonal opportunity, the tents have been put away for now, but will be back in the summer. Reservations are required and spots go quickly.
A kayak is provided for you to access your tent. You can also rent a floating fire ring and cook your s’mores right out on the water. Along with a sleeping bag and a pillow, I’d recommend bringing a bed mat and a fishing pole. There are some great fishing holes right around the camping area.
During my most recent visit, we stayed at the newly opened Home2 Suites by Hilton in Troy. They have only been opened for about a month and it was fantastic. The rooms are clean, colorful and equipped with everything you will need for a short or mid-range stay. Our room had a full-sized refrigerator, sink, dishes and a microwave. There is an indoor pool, a workout facility, an outdoor grilling station and even a large fire pit to enjoy during the evening hours. Breakfast is served daily and there is also a complimentary business center. The staff was friendly and courteous.
Home2 Suites by Hilton, 1805 Towne Park Dr., Troy, Ohio
Coffee and Tea
The Golden Leaf Tea & Herb Company
Our experience at The Golden Leaf in Tipp City was fabulous. Jayne, the owner, is a Certified Master Herbalist and she went above and beyond to give us a truly unique tea education. Through experience and creativity, Jayne creates a large assortment of loose-leaf teas for all to enjoy. They range from the highly caffeinated black leaf teas all the way down to the caffeine free varieties, but all full of flavor. The tea leaves are imported from various places around the world such as Japan and India.
Two of our favorite teas were Butterfly Kisses and Winter White. Butterfly Kisses is actually purple! It’s so beautiful as it pours out of the teapot. It paired perfectly with our blueberry scone. Winter White had the most aromatic smell. It had a subtle licorice flavor, so if you like black licorice like I do, you’ll love this tea.
Special tea blends are also available for maintaining optimal health. Some of the blends include: A-Z Blend, Cold Comfort, Energize Me and a Flu Blend. She also offers alternative holistic herbs and spices which can be purchased in bulk.
The Golden Leaf Tea & Herb Company 128 E. Main St. Tipp City, Ohio
Winans Chocolate and Coffee
Winans has been a hometown name for delicious, melt-in-your-mouth chocolates since 1961. You can watch the production at the Piqua store through large picture windows. All the pieces are made at this location using the same recipe that has been handed down for four generations. Much of the machinery that is used is as old and authentic as the no-preservative recipes used day in and day out producing enough candy to fill orders for the 19 stores.
Coffee was added to the shop in 1993. Sourced from around the world, top grade beans have become a staple in the community. Winans Blend, using four different coffee beans, is the #1 unflavored seller. Two unique drinks you’ll want to try are the Pumpkin Pie Latte and the Chaider (yes, that’s chai + cider). We had a cold and warm raspberry mocha and they were excellent. Winans’ famous caramel apples debut October 1st.
Winans Chocolate + Coffee 310 Spring St. Piqua, Ohio
Boston Stoker
Boston Stoker started out as a shop selling cigars, serving coffee on the side. People fell in love with the coffee so much so that it became the lead product of the store. Cigars can still be purchased, but they give way to the delicious coffee drinks and pastries that line the menu.
Although they don’t make the candy bars featured below, I thought they were comical enough to include.
Boston Stoker 1293 S. Dorset Rd. Troy, Ohio
Wine, Whiskey and Beer
You could spend an entire day visiting the following three places. Whether or not you like to drink wine, beer and/or whiskey, you will learn so much from visiting each of these businesses. They each have a very appealing setting for socializing with friends and enjoying the moment.
Old Mason Winery
Jeff decided to venture out and start a winery after hanging his hat as the fourth generation of masons in his family. He and his wife, Donna, give ode to the family’s occupation both through the namesake and the wine’s labels. Tending the 3500 vines and making the wine on site has become a full-time job for both of them. The winery has indoor and outdoor seating and live music is typically playing on Saturdays.
With five dry wines, two semi-dry, two semi-sweet, eight sweet and two specialty wines, there’s sure to be something that pleases your palette. A few of the wines even include the use of aged bourbon barrels, blackberries and locally grown apples.
Old Mason Winery 4199 S. Iddings Rd. West Milton, Ohio
Staley Mill Farm & Indian Creek Distillery
A guided tour at the Staley Farm will provide you with a lesson in history, science and commitment to family heritage. As the sixth generation to live on the farm, Melissa and Joe have rekindled the original family attributes of being pioneers in the whiskey business. Through old blueprints, notes and ledgers, the couple was able to take the original stills out of the barn after being stored since the 1920s, when prohibition was ratified, and get them up and running. When Ohio lifted the ban in 2005, the beautiful, copper ladies were cleaned up, mended and put into action making them the oldest working stills in America.
Elias Staley, the original entrepreneur, built a grist mill on the property in 1818, so making whiskey went hand in hand. We found the process, the sweet aroma and the explanation of whiskey production to be quite fascinating.
Tours and tastings are available on Saturdays at 2:00 and 4:00. Whiskey drinker or not, this is one destination you won’t want to miss. Live music and various events are offered on the weekends as well.
As Melissa so pointedly stated, this place truly is the “Spirit of America.”
Staley Mill Farm and Indian Creek Distillery 7095 Staley Rd. New Carlisle, Ohio
Moeller Brew Barn
Housed in a renovated church, the brewery makes a great social destination to try out a new craft beer. You can sit in the choir loft, on the main level by the bar, overlooking the beer tanks or even outside on the patio. The ambiance is soothing with all the original stained glass windows in tack.
Moeller Brew Barn 214 W. Main St. Troy, Ohio
Restaurants
Smith’s Boathouse Restaurant
When I stayed in the floating tents, I just knew I had to come back to enjoy this retro styled restaurant, sitting on the bank of the Miami River. Once a boathouse and a popular destination for high class socializing, this building has been transformed into a place of exquisite, fine dining. Inside the restaurant, original black and white photos of the boathouse have been enlarged and decorate the walls with history. Outside on the patio, overlooking the Treasure Island Park and waterway, we had what I felt was the best seat in the house. Each course of our meal presented itself with a picturesque pleasantry: crab cakes, French onion soup, mushroom ravioli and salmon. The food was all cooked to perfection. Whether you are celebrating a monumental event or just looking for a great dinner, Smith’s Boathouse comes highly recommended.
Smith’s Boathouse Restaurant 439 N. Elm St. Troy, Ohio
3 Joe’s Pizzeria and Trattoria
Delicious pizza and pasta served in heaping portions awaits you at 3Joe’s. This restaurant makes a great destination to enjoy after a day at Johnston’s Farm. Check out their spoon chandelier – super cool!
3 Joe’s Pizzeria and Trattoria Piqua, Ohio
K’s Hamburger Shop
Serving Miami County since the 1950s, this restaurant still sports the soda jerk paper hats that you envision from back in the day. Small, red vinyl seating and black and white tile complete the ambiance that makes places like this such a classic.
K’s Hamburger Shop 117 E. Main St. Troy, Ohio
Ducky’s Snowballs and Ice Cream
You have to have dessert, right? Ducky’s has delicious hand dipped ice cream and a few unique menu items. Always up for something new, I just had to try their Quackwich. A donut is sliced in half, ice cream is added, it’s put in a press then drizzled with chocolate and more. Wow! While you’re there, you’ll want to get your picture on their iconic mint green scooter and maybe play a few rounds of air hockey or PacMan
Ducky’s Snowballs and Ice Cream 100 W. Market St., Troy, Ohio
Bakehouse Bread
Located in downtown Troy, right on the beautiful square, Bakehouse offers all the pastries, bread and honey items you could imagine. I would have posted a picture of our delicious cookie, but somehow it disappeared before I ever got my camera out. Strange things like that sometimes happens with my desserts.
Bakehouse Bread 317 Public Square Troy, Ohio
Unique Discoveries
If you’ve been following my travels, you have picked up on the idea that I like to seek out the unusual. Random, quirky things just make me smile. I hope you enjoy them as well. Miami County had several places that would typically be off the radar, but I found them intriguing.
Fletcher and Piqua Cemeteries
We tracked down quite a few unusual headstones on this trip. I would love to know the story behind the pieces. Stones included a log cabin, a chair, two large tree stumps, and an elk.
Bar Code
Who would have thought that a small, midwestern town in 1974 would be so progressive? The first scanned bar code is officially documented with a certificate hanging by the exit at the liquor store located at 982 N. Market in Troy. It’s hard to believe how this simple act has changed our lives in the checkout line.
Barn Quilts
Over 50 barns quilts dot the landscape as you drive along the country roads throughout Miami County. Each quilt square is different, and each has its own story. Addresses and a description for each barn can be found here.
Waterfalls
A hike through the Charleston Falls Preserve will be accentuated by the beautifully cascading Charleston Falls – unless of course you visit when there hasn’t been any rain like we did. It was ok though, because the hike itself is so enjoyable. When entering the preserve, head to the left and then go down the wooden stairs for a view of the waterfalls from the bottom.
The Ludlow Falls can be seen by parking in the parking lot by the overhead bridge off of Route 48 and walking down a small trail. It’s very peaceful and scenic.
Fort Piqua Plaza
When visiting Piqua in Miami County, be sure to take time to walk by the Fort Piqua Plaza. This stunning piece of architecture will blow you away as you admire all the fine lines and intricate stone carvings. The Piqua Library is located inside.
Fletcher covered bridge
Located across from the Fletcher Cemetery.
Outdoor musical contraption
This unique, musical instrument is fun to experiment with and play on. There are chimes, gongs, strings and more for you to orchestrate.
Revival Haus
This was a fun find. A thrift store + a house plant shop = artistically blended. Maybe it is all the oxygen in the air. Maybe it is the calm setting. Maybe it is a combination of many things. Regardless, it’s a very fun store to browse through.
Revival Haus 9 E. Canal St. Troy, Ohio
Miami County Courthouse
Miami County has had four courthouses over the years and when they finished this one, they went grand. It is gorgeous from every side. The newly installed fountain out front has pieces from the old County Jail.
Experiences
Olive Oasis
The Olive Oasis is as much of an educational destination as it is a culinary experience. Large canisters line the wall and the inner island full of flavored olive oils and vinegars to sample. If you have not experienced something like this, it will knock your socks off. On top of sampling the oils and vinegars that come from California, Italy, Chile, Sicily and Australia, you receive an abundance of information about the health benefits and cooking recommendations for the products.
Can’t decide which ones to purchase? Make Your Own packages are available. They make great gifts as well.
Olive Oasis 7E. Main St. Troy, Ohio
ReU Juicery & Organic Kitchen
Juicing is all the rage, and for good reason. These juices are extremely full of nutrients and health benefits. Produce is delivered each morning for freshness. Regardless of your taste buds, there’s a blend for you. Each bottle’s ingredients sound and look so good; it’s a hard decision. Our favorite choices out of the flight we chose are Cashew Coffee and Ohana. ReU also offers energy bites that are so packed with goodness it’s like taking a multivitamin.
ReU Juicery 5 E. Main St. Troy, Ohio
WACO Museum
Attention aviation enthusiasts! The WACO Museum is another great stop alongst the Dayton area’s Aviation Trail. WACO was a huge manufacturer of not only bi-planes, but much more during the early part of the 1900s. Displays inside the museum feature planes, Women in Aviation, manufacturing history, war history and much more.
We were fortunate to be able to attend the WACO Fly-In during our visit. It was spectacular to see all of these well-preserved planes up close and personal. Plane rides are also available through the museum in either a cherry red beauty or a bright yellow model (Sunshine).
WACO Museum 1865 South County Rd. 25A
Johnston Farm
Johnston Farm is a prime destination for Ohio history. Four different areas complete the farm. When you first drive into the parking lot you will see the Johnston home that is currently being restored. Just behind the house, you will find costumed workers showing guests how life was lived in the late 1800s. Further back is the extremely rare, double log barn which has one of the Miami County quilt squares painted on it. Behind the barn is one of the few Indian Mounds still left in the area.
A short walk to the other side of the parking lot will get you to the museum that is full of Ohio history. Just down the path from the museum is the Erie and Ohio canal boat. What a great way to experience history first hand. The tow boat is pulled by a mule and will take you down the canal to the old canal lock. During the ride, a guide will educate you about what life was like during the time of the canals and their importance to the growth of the area.
Johnston Farm 9845 North Hardin Rd. Piqua, Ohio
Fulton Farms
Fulton Farms is a plethora of fresh produce, homemade jams, salsas, mixes, flowers, candy and bulk foods. The large barn houses practically all the in-season food you can imagine. A vintage truck sits out front as well as a large wooden train. Both make great photo ops.
Fulton Farms 2393 State Route 202 Troy, Ohio
So, are you ready to visit Miami County? There is so much to see, do and experience and the towns are all in close proximity to each other. A day trip, a weekend or even a week can be full of education, tasty treats and exploration.
I would like to give a special thanks to the Miami County Visitors Bureau for hosting me as well as to all of the businesses who made our visit extra special. As with all of my articles, the opinions are my own and I personally experienced all I wrote about.
When you visit Miami County, please share some of your highlights with me. I love seeing what others enjoy and experience!
If you would like ideas for additional Ohio destinations, you can read about them here.
