Retro Places to Visit in Butler County, OH
What's old is gaining new life at these retro stops in Ohio.
Retro and vintage experiences continue incorporating traditions for Ohio families and visitors in Butler County. You’ll find throwback excitement here if you are itching for nostalgia or want to keep up with the latest come-back trends! In addition, I’ve compiled a list of places that keep Butler County a hot spot for anyone looking for fun, old-school outings and adventures.
Butler County is located north of Cincinnati and just across the Indiana border. It’s under a 3-hour road trip from Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Louisville, Columbus, and Toledo. Along with its art and a fabulous food scene, the Butler County Donut Trail brings in visitors worldwide.
Get Your Retro On
In This Article
Pinball Garage
113 N 3rd St, Hamilton, OH 45011
The owner of Pinball Garage, Brad Baker, first introduced the world to digital pinball machines. After striking a deal on the popular television show Shark Tank, Brad purchased a warehouse in downtown Hamilton to manufacture the digital pinball machines for his company. He then converted the storefront into the Pinball Garage – a family-friendly pinball arcade, bar, and restaurant.
The arcade features over 70 digital and mechanical machines. This combination of new and vintage pinball machines accepts tokens for play. Food and beverage offerings include a food menu, themed craft cocktails and even homemade draft root beer. The garage doors open in warmer months, and outdoor seating is available.
Three Feather Records
1105 Magie Ave, Fairfield, OH 45014
Records are all the rage. It’s true! According to Rolling Stone, vinyl records surpassed CD sales for the first time in 35 years. So go ahead and get your record on at Three Feather Records. The store’s aesthetics are pleasing and complimentary coffee, a hot chocolate bar, and music greet you at the entrance. They sell new and used records at various price margins. I even took the plunge and purchased one of their 10 for $5 mystery boxes of vinyl records. Check out their selection of guitars, audio equipment, t-shirts, and posters as well. Their calendar of events mentions live music, and there is a mural on the back of the building worthy of checking out.
Tip: A few doors over, Gypsy Books tempts book lovers with $1-2 used books.
Jolly’s Drive-In
210 N Erie Blvd Hwy, Hamilton, OH 45011 (East)
165 N Brookwood Ave, Hamilton, OH 45013 (West)
More than 85 years ago, newlyweds Vince Sr. and Betty Jolivette opened Jolly’s Drive-In with only a thousand dollars. Their old-fashioned car hop is famously known for its homemade root beer and footlong chili dogs. It is still family-owned, boasts two locations in Hamilton, and is one of Butler County’s oldest businesses. Open seasonally.
The Jug
3610 Central Ave, Middletown, OH 45044
Known for its burgers since 1932, The Jug is one of the oldest burger joints in the country! Their food is made from locally sourced ingredients and made in-house, including their specialty chili and house ketchup. Customer favorites include the Jug Burger and root beer floats. You can pull up your vehicle year-round and enjoy old-fashion car hop service. In the summer, outdoor picnic tables are available.
Holiday Auto Theatre
1816 Old Oxford Rd, Hamilton, OH 45013
Since 1948, the Holiday Auto Theatre has entertained guests at its drive-in movie theatre every April through October. The theatre has spots for 600 vehicles and features doubles (sometimes triples) every weekend. End your day with a cozy evening watching movies under the stars and snacking on childhood favorites from the Holiday Auto Theatre snack bar (or bring your own for a $5 food permit).
The Toy Department
6600 Dixie Hwy UNIT T, Fairfield, OH 45014
Remember the days before online shopping or browsing toy stores for your favorite G.I. Joe? The Toy Department brings those experiences back to the 21st century. The store walls, shelves, and display cases contain over 50,000 vintage, rare, and modern toys.
To keep in line with the vintage theme, The Toy Department does not ship stock from their store. However, they do buy certain items to resell. Customers drive from all over the country to check out their unique inventory.
Tip: Check Queen City Comics next door for the area’s largest comic book and collectibles.
Other Retro Places Worth Checking Out in Butler County
- The Salty Dog Museum is an antique automobile collection and fire truck museum. Open for tours and visits by appointment only. (4995 Cincinnati Brookville Rd, Hamilton, OH 45013)
- Queen City Comic and Card Co. sells new and old comic books, collections, trading cards, posters, etc. (6600 Dixie Highway, Suite V, Fairfield, OH 45014)
- Henry’s Candy Co. is a nostalgic Candyland inside an old jewelry store. Taste test more than 20 different gummy bear flavors! (243 High St, Hamilton, OH 45011)
- Roman Games is a retro game store selling games, consoles, and accessories. (4075 Pleasant Ave, Hamilton, OH 45015)
- At Volunteers of the Ohio 9th at Joyce Park, watch the vintage baseball team, Volunteers of the Ohio 9th, play a late 1800s-style ball game at Joyce Park. (25 Joe Nuxhall Way, Fairfield, OH 45014)
