Withamsville - Cincinnati, OH

Named for the founder of the Ten Mile Baptist Church, Maurice Witham, Withamsville was settled in 1803. Farms dotted the early landscape, with many giving way over the years to residential areas.

An excellent source for further historical research, the Clermont County Historical Society, sits just 20 minutes to the east in Williamsburg. The museum hosts many displays and photos as well as an archive of books and documents.

Nearby Amelia hosts the Tri-State Warbird Museum, an historic aviation museum. Boasting two aircraft hangars as well as displays and a library of reference materials, the museum also houses a professional restoration shop for aircraft.

Fourteen miles away in Cincinnati, art lovers can visit the Cincinnati Art Museum, home to more than 65,000 works of art spanning a 60,000-year history. Open six days a week and located in scenic Eden Park, the museum charges no admission fees.

The main road through town, Ohio Pike or Ohio 125, features the usual chain restaurants such as Subway, Wendy's and the like. If you want something different, stop in at local favorite Busken Bakery. Founded in 1928, Busken serves delightful pastries and cakes. Known for their smiley face iced cookies and friendly staff, Busken serves something for every sweet tooth.

Just east on Ohio Pike outside of Withamsville, go for some Mexican at Los Cazadores, a popular spot for tasty chips, tangy salsa and fresh, authentic Mexican food. Order a pitcher of margaritas or something from the full bar, and munch on tasty queso fundidio while you wait for your entrées. Use the convenient carry-out option if you prefer to dine at home.

Travel a little further east on 125 past the 275 beltway into Anderson to visit Arthur's for great local beer on tap and juicy burgers. With the same menu as the original location in Hyde Park, Arthur's must-haves include fish and chips and hearty chili. Check the website for the burger madness specials favored by regulars. The restaurant also features a nice wine list and extensive beer options.

Withamsville residents head west to Anderson or north to the Eastgate area for more bar and restaurant options, while downtown Cincinnati beckons just 20 minutes away with comedy clubs, nightclubs and sports bars.

Residents commuting for work can utilize the local park and ride lot to catch a metro bus into the city. Uber services the area as well, with trips to the Cincinnati Northern Kentucky Airport running about $50 or a ride into downtown Cincinnati costing about $35. Cabs should be arranged for ahead of time,

Easy access to the Interstate 275 beltway around Cincinnati lies just 15 miles east and provides access to all points in the metro area. Parking can be found at area restaurants and shops. Outlying country roads make the ideal terrain for biking however, no dedicated bike lanes exist in this part of town. Pedestrians enjoy leisurely strolls in the residential areas, but walking around business areas tends to get tricky due to the busy thoroughfares and intersections.

One of Ohio's largest state parks, East Fork State Park, sits just 17 minutes east of Withamsville on Ohio Pike. Set on 4,870 acres, the park features boat rentals, hiking, fishing, hunting, bridle trails, picnicking spots and shelters as well as swimming and camping. Winter activities include sledding, ice fishing, ice skating and cross country skiing. This park welcomes pets in all areas with the exception of the on-site rental cabins.

Travel north from Withamsville about 30 minutes to visit Stonelick State Park. Situated on 1,000 rolling acres, this area permits boating, fishing and hunting along with swimming and hiking. You can even rent a bicycle here to explore the lovely terrain.

July Fest, held in the heart of Withamsville by St. Thomas More Church, serves as one of the largest festivals held on the east side of Cincinnati. This family-friendly event features live music, food, games, midway rides and raffles. Held the second weekend in July, the fest runs Saturday through Sunday.

The Clermont County Fair comes to the area in late July, featuring livestock competitions, food, rides, games and live music.

Early August in Clermont county sees a yearlong effort known as Taste of Clermont come to fruition. Running three days and featuring live music, the festival features activities for kids, a corn hole tournament, split the pot raffle and food from vendors and restaurants all over the Clermont country area.

Life in Withamsville tends to be affordable, with the cost of living running 11 percent less than the national average. A one-bedroom apartment here sets residents back about $473 per month. Gas in this part of Cincinnati hovers just under the national average, while public transportation via bus comes in at $3.75 a ride. An ice-cold bottle of beer at a local bar costs about $3.75, while a craft beer on tap runs $6.

Shoppers head to nearby Eastgate Mall or Anderson Town Center for big box department stores such as Macy's and Sears. For one-of-a-kind shops, head into Anderson to check out Urban Chick Boutique featuring funky accessories, unique gifts and fun fashion. Stay in Anderson to visit Burger's Farm and Garden Center, a shop that provides goods for both the casual gardener and professional landscaper. Open year-round, the garden center hosts fall a pumpkin patch complete with rides and a pumpkin show. An area favorite for over 100 years, shoppers find everything needed for outdoor decor and planting. In Newtown just over the river from Anderson, discover Newtown Farm Market, which began as a small farm stand and now features in-season produce all year long. The market also features a wine shop, deli and custard shop. Regulars swear by its summer peaches and local sweet corn. For everyday grocery shopping, you'll find Kroger conveniently located in Amelia five minutes away, while a Walmart Supercenter resides just five minutes further on Ohio Pike.