See more pictures of Hamilton, Ohio

The county seat of Butler County, Hamilton is located in southwest Ohio approximately 30 minutes from Cincinnati. The town enjoys several historic sites and neighborhoods and a pleasant selection of local restaurants.

The Butler County Soldiers, Sailors and Pioneers Monument is one of the most identifiable landmarks of Hamilton, located on the site of Fort Hamilton on the riverside by the High Street Bridge. In the historic German Village district, visit the Butler County Historical Society & Museum. This historic museum of period furnishings; reflects the lifestyle of an industrialist during the Gilded Age. The museum is open 1-4 PM Tuesday-Sunday admission is $1. Nearby is the Lane-Hooven House, a restored octagonal 1863 Gothic Revival home which features an unusual spiral staircase that winds to the third floor turret. The main floor boasts detailed butternut and ash woodwork and a stained glass entrance. The house is partially furnished in period. The house is open 9 AM - 4:30 PM Monday - Friday. Admission is free. Nearby is Dayton Street and the Dayton Lane Historic Area, a residential area for Hamilton's prominent industrialists.

One of our favorite Chinese restaurants is the Chinese Lantern. The Chinese Lantern is the best Chinese restaurant in Hamilton and offers an interesting mix of unique dishes with fresh and tasty ingredients. The chef's specialty is homemade pasta dishes.

Our newest favorite is Mike's Chili and Gyro's, although our daughter insists that the proper name is Bernadette's Chili and Gyro's. A fixture on the east side of Hamilton for several years, Mike's now has a second location on the west side. The menu features, uh, chili and gyros. But don't overlook the Chicago Beer Burger.

For summertime treats, there are several local establishments. Flubs creates traditional ice cream favorites, flurries (ice cream swirled with ingredients like Reese's peanut butter cups and Oreo cookies), and their specialty: homemade sherbet flavors that are made daily. Flubs is a local institution. Jolly's Drive-In is a traditional American drive-in with homemade root beer, either in a frosty mug or a float. And directly across the street is

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