As the weather outside gets warmer and we move closer to summer, we’re sure you’re more than ready to escape from your winter hideout. Mt. Orab offers the perfect variety of activities and places to escape to this summer. To help you out, HER has compiled a list of our top five favorite things to do in Mt. Orab!

Ruby Lynn’s

For drinks, live music, and a good time, check out Ruby Lynn’s. It’s open Wednesday through Sunday from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. The bar also offers a pool tournament for those who are feeling competitive. Often described as a “dive bar” by various patrons, be prepared for a casual evening here. Don’t worry about wearing your Sunday best. You’ll have a great time while relaxing in a laid-back atmosphere.

Old Firehouse Brewery

Old Firehouse Brewery offers fresh, hand-craft beer by using only the finest ingredients possible. Their motto is “great beer, great friends, and great fun.” Their signature year-round brews include Code 3, Flash Point IPA, Pin-Up Girl, and Probie. According to their website, “the OFB taproom is like your neighbor’s garage, only bigger. We believe in a cool place to hang out either by yourself, with your family (family includes your pooch) or friends, co-workers, or your soon-to-be friends.”

U.S. Grant Boyhood Home & School House

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Come explore Ulysses S. Grant’s life by visiting the school he attended as well as his boyhood home, which has been restored to its original 1839 appearance. The home and schoolhouse are open from May 1 to October 31 from Wednesday to Sunday 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., so schedule accordingly. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for children.

The house was built in 1823, with additions being made to it in 1825 and 1828 before being sold in the 1840’s. It was slated for demolition in the early 1980’s, but John and Judy Ruthven saved it from being destroyed. The home officially opened for visitors in 1982. It is now a designated National Historic Landmark that is owned by the Ohio History Connection and maintained by the Homestead Association.

The little schoolhouse Ulysses attended was built in 1829. It became Ohio History Connection property in 1941 and it now regularly staffed and can be toured along with the homestead.

Tannery

The tannery was the Grant family’s livelihood for many years and was conveniently located directly across from their home. It was actually Ulysses’ favorite place, and working there helped him move on to West Point and then the Presidency. Unfortunately, the tannery isn’t open to visitors just yet.

Harmony Hill Vineyard

Known as Southwest Ohio’s premier winery destination, you’ll never want to leave this natural paradise. After seeing all of the wildlife living in perfect harmony alongside each other, the owners named the destination Harmony Hill. It even contains a nationally certified wildlife refuge farm now.

Their underground wine cave is one of only six similarly build structures in the U.S. During your visit, you can sample their premium award-winning wines among the fermentation bins in the working winery.

Explore the endless acres of farmland and wine trails for a weekend away. You can even bring your pet along with you, as Harmony Hill is listed in American Winery Guide’s Most Dog-Friendly Wineries. It even hosts around five to six adopt-a-pet events each season. The vineyard also features live music throughout the summer.

East Fork State Park

For a quick escape, head to East Fork State Park. The 4870-acre park offers a large array of recreational opportunities. Whether you’re interested in camping, hiking, swimming, boating -or all of the above- East Fork State Park is the top go-to to fulfill your outdoor adventures. It is also a perfect destination for fishing, as people have found fish from the largemouth bass to the bluegill to the hybrid striped bass. Your friends will probably have trouble pulling you away from here!

Whether you’re with your significant other, your friends, or your whole family, Mt. Orab has something for everyone.