Plan a weekend trip from Cincinnati to Highland County and get away! Below you’ll find a list of things to do in the Highland County Hillsboro area for families and couples, like where to eat, what to see and the best outdoor activities.
Thank you to the Visitor’s Bureau of Highland County for hosting me. As always, all opinions are my own.
Where to Eat in Highland County
- Catch 22 Sports Bar – A casual sports bar with homemade dishes. The burgers were great, and I really loved the flatbreads. You can also enjoy live music on some nights.
- Batter Up Bakery – Fresh, from-scratch bakery with seasonal treats like donuts, cakes, cookies and more. I suggest ordering any pastry with seasonal fruit. So good!
- Momma’s Café – a must-stop for a hearty breakfast or meal at anytime with lots of home cooked dishes. My favorite dish was the coconut shrimp with the sweet coconut dip – I felt like I was vacationing on a tropical island.
- The Daily Grind – A cafe and bakery with farm-to-table dishes and specialty coffee.
- The Frog and Club Restaurant – A family friendly restaurant at the golf course with daily cocktail specials. They’re known for their steak & glazed salmon which were delicious!
Things to Do & See in Highland County
Hillsboro Farmer’s Market
Every Saturday you can find the Hillsboro Farmer’s Market from 9 am – 1 pm at 108 Governor Trimble Plaza with a variety of vendors.
Shopping in Downtown Hillsboro
- Cundiff’s Flowers – we all picked up some beautiful household decor here too
- Janie’s Closet
- Dainty Daisy Boutique
- Bon Appetit Gourmet Shoppe
- Maplecrest Meats & More – pick up all the goodies you need to grill or grab & go some pre-made items
World’s Largest Horseshoe Crab
On your way to or from Momma’s Cafe, stop by 7592 OH-124, Hillsboro to see the world’s largest horseshoe crab – it’s not real! It’s a fun tourist attraction where you can snap some photos.
Get Outside in Highland County
There are so many outdoor adventures to be had in Highland County that you could make several trips to see it all.
- Paint Creek State Park – hiking, swimming, fishing, mountain biking, boating, camping, golfing and more
- Rocky Fork State Park – camping, disc golf, fishing, hunting, picnicking, swimming, hiking and more
- Fallsville Wildlife Area & Waterfall – a short and popular hike to view waterfalls
- Highlands Nature Sanctuary – the Arc of Appalachia’s oldest and largest preserve. Isn’t it amazing the history and beautiful places we have in Ohio?! The preserve is over 3000 acres and inside you’ll find the Rocky Fork Gorge, a 100-feet high dolomite canyon.
- The sanctuary is popular year round, but especially so in the spring with its wildflower displays, said to be some of the best in all of Eastern US.
- Barrett’s Rim and Round Top Trail – 2.1 mile trail with a lush forest setting
- Serpent Mound – this is just across the Adams County line but is quite the site to see if you have the time. It is a large effigy mound created in prehistoric times and it’s shaped like, you guessed it, a snake.
Where to Stay in Highland County
Woodhaven Farm Bed & Breakfast
This quaint bed and breakfast is located on a 40-acre farm. You’ll see chickens as you’re driving up and you’re free to walk around and explore the farm. The cozy space is perfect for a group of girlfriends getting away, a small family or a couple. The fresh baked goods with breakfast were an amazing way to start the day. And I recommend ending the day on the enclosed porch enjoying the fresh air. Find reservations and details on their site.
All that’s left now is to plan your visit to Highland County! Let me know how it goes and if you have any new recommendations. Visit the Highland County Visitor’s Bureau for more details.