Have you ever visited an area and felt completely inspired when you left? That, in a nutshell, is how I felt driving away from Middletown on my recent visit. The people I met have so much positive energy and are pursuing their business dreams. It was great to see, especially during these uncertain times.
Multiple business owners would tell us of a dream or an idea they had, how they decided to turn it into a brick-and-mortar business, and how they have adjusted and tweaked it to keep their doors open. It is an entrepreneurial oasis at its best.
At the end of the article, you’ll find a three day itinerary. Until then, I’ve highlighted a plethora of activities to get your vacation planning wheels turning.
Lodging
Indigo Pass Boutique Hotel
Run as an Airbnb, Indigo Pass has a contactless check-in making your arrival extra easy, safe, and efficient. The rooms are located on the third floor for which an elevator takes you on up. Indigo’s décor is stylish and comforting with each room boasting its own look. Located in the heart of downtown Middletown, it’s a perfect landing spot to enjoy all the downtown has to offer.
Indigo Pass Hotel 1131 Central Ave. Middletown, OH 45044
Experiences
Haute Fusion Glass Studio
John Ferrando had no idea when he started nursing school that he would one day run a creative glass studio that benefits local artists and inspires every patron who takes a class. Always experimenting with new glass creations, John is able to provide a project for every level.
We made glass plates using very fine glass powder and grains. Through the layering process, the granules build up until the mold is filled and then fired. It is something I have not seen before and it was a fantastic experience to try something totally new and different. Currently, John is offering stained glass classes. Sign up early because they fill up quickly!
Haute Fusion Glass Studio & Gallery 1050 Central Ave. Middletown, OH 45044
Start Skydiving
This family run business is the #1 Drop-Zone in the world. Safety and education are of utmost importance and this well-orchestrated business leaves no stone unturned. Ingenuity is in their soul and new stunts and ideas are always on the front. Tens of thousands of beginner and experienced skydivers come to Middletown every year to experience the 10 second adrenaline rush.
Accolades, records and maneuvers are numerous for this world renowned skydiving team. The 40+ men and women that make up Fastrax have performed all over the world. You have probably watched them on tv and didn’t even know it. Free falling from an airplane in impeccable style isn’t their only superpower. They help and empower multiple families, in untold ways, through their give-back programs. Wounded warriors, families who have lost a warrior, terminally ill children, those with vision and/or hearing impairments, as well as paraplegics and quadriplegics are all given the opportunity to interact with, fly with, and even jump with the team.
Start Skydiving 1711 Run Way Middletown, OH 45044
Massage with Miranda
With ten years of experience, Miranda will provide a relaxing, yet rejuvenating, Swedish, Deep Tissue or Prenatal massage. Her friendly disposition puts you at ease while treating yourself to an hour of self-care. Her massage room is located inside Haven Yoga and is available by appointment only.
For those local to the Middletown area, Miranda also specializes in massages for those in hospice care. Feel free to call her for an in-house appointment.
Miranda Schumaker, Licensed Massage Therapist 937-470-6117 mirandaschumaker@gmail.com
Sorg Opera House
Built in 1891, this community gem hosts weekly performances covering multiples genres. During our weekend visit, Brigadoon was performed by the Bishop Fenwick High School students. It was fantastic! After all we’ve been through this year, it was so refreshing to see the students able to perform live on stage in front of a socially distanced crowd.
The opera house continues to go through a big revitalization after being converted to a cinema in the 1940’s. (the old projectors are still upstairs in the upper balcony) It is so encouraging to see the community open up and support this majestic gem. Check out their website for all of their upcoming performances.
Sorg Opera House 63 South Main St. Middletown, OH 45044
Spoken Bicycles
With the Great Miami River Bike Trail just a few blocks away from Spoken Bicycles, it makes it very convenient to pick up your bike rental and cruise along the river for a scenic ride. It also gives you a great option for exploring the town and checking out all the gorgeous Victorian era homes (and a castle!) that line the streets.
After your return, you can grab a glass of regionally crafted beer and enjoy people watching as you sit at the outdoor bar. Spoken Bicycles also offers bicycle repair and sales. If you enjoy riding with others, join the Weekly Road Ride every Thursday at 6pm.
Spoken Bicycles 1201 Central Ave. Middletown, OH 45044
Arboretum
Middletown is fortunate to have an established arboretum that provides a variety of fauna and activities. Whether you want to stroll along the paths on your own or take a guided hike, the arboretum has you covered. You can learn about rain gardens, locally blooming plants and the critters that call this place home.
Head over to their website for the latest information regarding park workdays and guided walks.
Bull Run Arboretum and Nature Sanctuary 3909 Rosedale Rd. Middletown, OH 45052
New Discoveries Walking Mural Tour
While visiting the downtown businesses, you can’t help but notice all of the beautiful murals that dot the landscape. There is a self-guided walking tour that you can download so you won’t miss any of the 16 works of art. I also loved spotting the little artistic add-ons around town as well as the churches and historical buildings.
Shopping
BeauVerr Riordan Stained Glass Studios
Unique to Middletown is the opportunity to see an age old trade in the works. The owners and their staff are extremely talented in the art of creating and restoring stained glass. A walk through their gallery will give you a sliver of what this business is capable of creating and preserving.
Personal educational tours are available. You’ll learn about the two different styles of stained glass art, how they paint in reverse, the history of many of the pieces and much more.
BeauVerr Riordan Stained Glass Studios 1054 Central Ave. Middletown, OH 45044
Grandpa Joe’s Candy Shop
Get ready to be amazed by the 250+ bottles of soda, a candy buffet, candy from around the world and all your favorites from childhood. Along with the delicious selection of ice cream and hand made chocolates, you can also pick up your favorite Bob Ross, Pickle, Star Wars or Harry Potter novelty items. Come for the candy, stay for the fun!
Grandpa Joe’s Candy Shop 1212 Central Ave. Middletown, OH 45044
Dining and Drinks
Combs BBQ
A local bbq restaurant since 2014, Combs has gained fame and prestigue by being named the Best BBQ in Butler County and one of the best barbeque places in Ohio. We tested out the theory, and their sauces, and were unquestionably in agreement with the awards. I couldn’t say which of the three sauces I liked best because they all were delicious. Oh, and the green beans are the bomb!
Take out and outdoor dining are currently available at this time.
Combs BBQ 2223 Central Ave. Middletown, OH 45044
The Jug
Take a nostalgic drive back in time by stopping at The Jug. The bar hops come to your vehicle to take your order and bring out your food. Since 1932, this hamburger joint has been serving scrumptious burgers, flavorful root beer and tantalizing soft serve ice cream. You can understand how it has become one of oldest hamburger restaurants in the country with great food and super low prices. $2.29 for a hamburger!
Order what you’d like, but if you bypass the Middie Burger, served with peanut butter, honey, pickle and bacon, you are certainly missing out.
The Jug 3610 Central Ave. Middletown, OH 45044
Triple Moon
Head for the drive-thru and caffeinate up with a delicious java brew. The hardest decision will be deciding which of their flavors to add as their list of options is quite extensive. You might want to include a savory breakfast sandwich for good measure. Which positive message will be written on your container to brighten your day? I just love those special little touches!
Located down the street from Spoken Bicycles, it makes a great stop for a cold latte while out biking or while taking the Mural Trail Walk.
Triple Moon Coffee Company 1100 Central Ave. Middletown, OH 45044
Milton’s Donuts
Milton’s is one of 12 stops on the Butler Donut Trail. You’ll want to arrive early for the best selection. Be sure to grab your passport card and get it stamped while you are there. A free t-shirt is awarded to anyone who completes the trail. *Many of the donut shops close early once their day’s supply is sold out.*
Milton’s donuts are fluffy and flavorful and a yummy way to start your day. You might also want to grab a few of their gigantic buckeyes for the road.
Milton’s Donuts 3533 Roosevelt Blvd. Middletown, OH 45044
West Central Wine
A casual, relaxed vibe greets you at the door and welcomes you to come and stay for a spell. With a large selection of beer, wine, and spirits, relaxing wasn’t a hard thing to do. Being served a fantastic charcuterie board sealed the deal. Have you ever had butter cheese with honey drizzled over top? Oh my, goodness! Not to be missed.
Unique to West Central is the Bourbon Bucket Challenge. If you want to smash the current record, you’ll need to drink 11 of them!
West Central Wine 1120 Central Ave. Middletown, OH 45044
White Dog Distillery
Another one of the many inspiring business ownership stories, Debbie and Mike (a retired chemist), opened up their distillery in 2017. When the pandemic hit, they helped to keep the community safe by making, bottling, and selling hand sanitizer. The community support, in turn, enabled them to keep their doors open and their dreams alive.
Four flavors of bourbon, as well as rum, agave spirit, vodka, and gin are all produced on-site. Inside the bar, you’ll find a lively upbeat atmosphere with live music on weekends. Food trucks are often found parked out front. Join in the fun as they host the upcoming Chugs for Jugs to support community members who are battling cancer.
White Dog Distillery 1357 Central Ave. Middletown, OH 45044
Rolling Mills Brewery
Everyone has heard the phrase ‘when life gives you lemons, make lemonade’. Well, a similar mantra was taken at Rolling Mills. The owner cannot consume gluten, so he and his wife opened a brewery that serves gluten free beer and snacks.
You’ll find seating next to the enormous brewing tanks and games, near the bar and outside. During our visit, some customers overheard the story about the gluten free beer and had no idea that’s what they were drinking. They said it tasted exactly the same.
Rolling Mills Brewery is one of several stops on the Dayton Brew Trail. Grab your passport and work your way through the unique breweries and there will be a free 16oz barrel beer glass as your award.
Rolling Mills Brewery 916 1st Ave. Middletown, OH 45044
The Swire Inn
Located across the street from the Sorg Opera House, The Swire Inn makes a perfect place to grab a meal before the show. This casual restaurant serves pub-style food and drinks inside one of Middletown’s restored historical homes. I highly recommend the roasted Brussel sprouts, tossed with just the right seasonings, and of course, crumbled bacon. Yum!
The Swire Inn 64 S. Main St. Middletown, OH 45044
Bourbon’s Kitchen
I will say, hands down, that the chicken tacos we ordered at Bourbon’s Kitchen were the best I have ever eaten. The sauce drizzled over top was bursting with flavor, as was the black bean salsa that is served on the side. We had excellent service which rounded out our dining very nicely.
Bourbon’s Kitchen 2231 N. Verity Pkwy Middletown, OH 45042
Vitori’s Market
It is impossible to miss the gigantic mural depicting Middletown’s canal days on the side of the building at Central Ave and Route 73/4. Here is where you’ll find the entrance to Vitori’s Market and Deli. The market boasts a wide variety of chips, snacks, jams and treats. Individual and family sized servings of deli food, such as potato salad, are on hand for your convenience. You can buy a made-to-order sandwich, crafted with fresh, Amish meats, and enjoy it on the go or outside near the town’s water fountain.
Vitori’s Market 1131 Central Ave. Middletown, OH 45044
Here is a three-day itinerary to help you easily plan your getaway. Obviously, you can adjust it to your personal interests, but it gives you a starting point.
Day 1
- Reserve your room at Indigo Pass Hotel
- Start your morning at Milton’s Donuts (be sure to pick up your Butler County Donut Trail passport)
- Enjoy a massage with Melissa at Haven Yoga
- Get some steps in while finding the art murals around town
- Stop by Vitori’s Market and grab lunch and enjoy eating by the fountain
- Visit Grandpa Joe’s Candy Shop
- Get creative at the Haute Fusion Glass Studio & Gallery (may need to schedule ahead)
- Enjoy a flight & charcuterie board at West Central Wine
- Walk to The Swire Inn for dinner before the show
- Take in a show at the historic Sorg Opera House
Day 2
- Pick up breakfast at Triple Moon Coffee Company
- Begin your class and get ready to jump at Start Skydiving
- Celebrate your accomplishment with dinner at Bourbon’s Craft Kitchen and Bar
- Round out the night at White Dog Distilling Company
Day 3
- Check off another donut stop at Central Pastry Shop
- Rent bicycles at Spoken Bicycles and enjoy the views along the Great Miami Bike Trail
- Come back into town via Main Street so you can see the Sorg Castle and all the other beautiful homes that line that street
- Swing by the Rolling Mills Brewery for a drink and a game of darts
- Head over to The Jug for a savory burger and shake
- Walk off those calories at Bulls Run Arboretum and Nature Sanctuary
- Supper on the patio or for take out at Combs BBQ is always a great idea
Support Small Businesses
Middletown is bursting with creativity, ingenuity, and small town charm. Now more than ever, mom ‘n pop style businesses need our support. Enjoy your time in Middletown and tag your pictures with both #ItsMiddletown and #BountifulBlessings so I can see what you’ve enjoyed. And please tell the owners I said HI!!
TripAdvisor is always full of additional ideas for your visit. If you are looking for a Girls Getaway, my Mystery Trip article has it all planned out for you. All you’ll need to do is make the reservations.
A huge thank you goes out to the Middletown Visitors Bureau for coordinating and hosting my visit. Check out their website for even more fun activities and festivals. Their annual Women’s Wine & Chocolate Walk will be taking place May 15, 2021. Get your tickets early before they sell out.
Lodging, meals and activities were comped, but all opinions are my own.
