Entertainment Opportunities are Aplenty in Greater Hamilton
From the arts to outdoor recreation to dining, there’s always something to discover in Hamilton.
Whether you are visiting for a few days or considering a relocation, this bustling community, housed between Cincinnati and Dayton, holds its own, offering you a wealth of entertainment options, from a spectacular arts scene to amazing outdoor recreation opportunities to places to sink your teeth into mouthwatering cuisine.
“I ended up in Hamilton for my job, but rather than commute, I decided to buy a home here,†says Jeff Archiable, communications strategist for the Hamilton Vision Commission. “It has a low cost of living, a good housing market just two miles from the urban core of the town, and is just a hop, skip and a jump from either Cincinnati or Dayton.”
Sculptures Galore
Dubbed the City of Sculpture in 2000 by Ohio’s then-governor, Hamilton is an arts and culture hub. Staying true to its moniker, numerous sculptures have been installed over the years throughout the city’s public spaces to promote the area as a culturally active community. One venue where you see the arts thrive is Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum, a 300-plus acre sculpture park with more than 80 monumental outdoor sculptures displayed in a landscape of rolling hills, meadows, lakes and hiking trails.
Plus, the Fitton Center for Creative Arts and StreetSpark work to bring three new murals a year, public artwork and cultural programming to the community.
“I love to walk and hike, and there are lots of things to see for others who like to do the same,†says Kelly Florian, communications manager for the Ohio Travel Association. “During my walks throughout Hamilton, I enjoy looking at the beautiful sculptures and learning the story behind each piece of art.”
Activity, Activity
If outdoor activities are what you fancy, Hamilton has you covered, as the region boasts more than 1,360 acres of space to hike, walk, bike and run at areas like Crawford Woods, Joyce Park, Veterans Park, Millikin Woods and Jim Grimm Park. Plus, the community’s access to the Great Miami River means you can go kayaking, rowing or canoeing.
“One of my favorite activities during the summer months is attending the free concert on Thursday evenings at RiversEdge Amphitheater,†Archiable says. “You bring a lawn chair, listen to really good bands and see your neighbors right on the river. And with the bike path that’s there, people are always out running or riding.”
Dine Time
Hamilton’s flourishing food scene means you have options when it comes to looking for a place to dine – and the industry continues to expand. For example, Neal’s Famous BBQ, which has been in operation for almost 20 years, opened a second location in the area, and new restaurants that range from fine dining venues like Tano Bistro to on-trend casual eateries like Roll On In, a sushi-burrito concept, have opened in the region. Craft breweries, like Hamilton’s Municipal Brew Works, North Second Tap and Bottle Shop, Casual Pint and Fretboard Brewing & Public House, are trending, too.
“One of my favorite things to do is go to Fretboard for dinner and live music followed by a show at the Fitton Center,†Archiable says.
To top it off, the area’s shops and boutiques, such as Front Room on 7th, Sara’s House, Wildfire Home & Gift, Henry’s Candy Co. and Petals & Wicks, are also flourishing.
“There are so many things going on and new stuff happening all the time,†Archiable says. “New store fronts are opening, and we’ve got new people moving in and starting businesses. It’s a great time to be in Hamilton.”