If you love beautiful things, then Lebanon, Ohio is the place for you to be this weekend (June 26-27).

On Saturday June 26, visit the Warren County Arts Festival downtown on Mulberry Street as early as 10:00am to find a plethora of artists working in a variety of mediums and selling their creations. Its FREE and its fun and a great place to get a start on your Christmas shopping!

Saturday and Sunday, June 26 and 27, is the Lebanon Council of Garden Clubs annual Garden Tour. Buy your ticket for just $8.00 at the Lebanon Station on the corner of Broadway and South Street. Then tour 6 beautiful gardens throughout the area. Tours begin at 11:00 am and end at 5:00 pm.

When its time for lunch check out the new Garden Café inside the Lebanon Conference and Banquet Center (formerly the old post office). Doors open at 11:00 am. The Garden Café offers homemade salads, sandwiches and wraps plus cold drinks and dessert all for one low price. The proceeds benefit the Warren County History Center located next door. Your lunch purchase also gets you a "buy one get one free" coupon for tickets to the Historical Society's museum and Glendower historic mansion.

For more information about any of these events contact the Warren County Historical Society at 513-932-1817, Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm or visit www.wchsmuseum.org.

Lazer Kraze Family Fun Center, with locations at Kings Island and Erlanger, Kentucky, will hold an Ohio versus Kentucky Lazer Kraze Battle on Thursday, April, 29 from 3-9pm with proceeds going to Autism Speaks and its Cincinnati walk event.

In addition to being a one-of-a-kind experience, the event provides an opportunity for Autism Speaks to educate the community about autism and the importance of supporting a national organization with a track record of funding local autism work.

Lazer Kraze Battle of Ohio vs. Kentucky Event Details

Visit either Lazer Kraze location, at Kings Island/Deerfield Township or Erlanger, Kentucky, from 3-9 pm on April 29, 2010 to join in the battle and support Autism Speaks.

As many children with autism have sensory issues with their nervous systems not knowing what to block out and what to amplify, both centers will offer a sensory-friendly (no lights, reduced noise) game each hour between 3 and 5 p.m. Reservations required for these special games. Also, gluten-free snacks will be available.

All games for the day are $5 with 100% of the game profits donated to Autism Speaks. For each game purchased, each player will receive one entry for a door prize drawing.

What's better than checking in to a delightful Warren County bed and breakfast and knowing that you'll be enjoying great personalized service, a wonderful night's sleep in a unique room, and a delicious breakfast when you awaken? Well, we have to say that the only thing better is knowing that you're checking in to one of the very BEST Warren County bed and breakfasts. This guide will help you get there.

Escape your pressures of the daily grind, kick back and relax with a good book and a cup of tea or a glass of wine, and immerse yourself in unsurpassed comfort at one of the top Bed & Breakfasts in Warren County.

Hardy's Bed and Breakfast Suites
With four distinctive houses, each built before 1900, Hardy's can cater to your every desire. Slip into one of their luxurious complimentary robes as you nestle up close to your room's cozy fireplace for a special evening. On-site massage, classic English High Tea with all the trimmings, and special Wine Tastings are just some of the treats you'll find at this Lebanon treasure.

Silver High Manor Bed & Breakfast
Ideally located in Lebanon's historic East End district, Silver High Manor is just a short walk to all the fantastic antique shops in Lebanon. Built in 1847, this gorgeous Gothic Revival home features two charming guest parlors and lush backyard gardens. Your friends will be jealous when they hear the stories you'll tell about the pampering, elegant décor, and delectable food you enjoyed during your stay.

Hammel House Inn
The Hammel House Inn has been hosting travelers in downtown Waynesville for nearly 200 years. Presidents Martin Van Buren and George W. Bush have stayed here in these charming guest rooms. Your stay includes a full three-course breakfast in the graceful dining room, and complimentary homemade pie.

Cranberry Cottage
Cranberry Cottage is an exquisite 1,300-square-foot Italionate Victorian Home built in 1883, in downtown Waynesville, just minutes from more than 50 Waynesville antique shops. Restored in 1990 with an additional mother-in-law's cottage, you can explore the lovely gardens, relax on the screen porch, or enjoy the swing and have an afternoon or evening snack on the lower patio.

River Walker Bed & Breakfast
This rustic, century-old bed and breakfast is set on five acres of land along the Little Miami Bike Trail. Entertain yourself in the billiards room, take advantage of wireless internet, or better yet, explore the trail and spot deer, wild turkeys, blue herons and woodpeckers before returning home to your lovely and comfortable private rooms.

America's destiny has been shaped by the actions of the brave and righteous. Leaders like Frederick Douglas and Harriet Tubman laid the foundation for the pursuit of freedom for African Americans. One result of their quest was the creation of the Underground Railroad.

In Warren County, numerous heroes helped thousands of runaway slaves along their journey to freedom in the northern "free states" and in Canada.

Springboro has preserved much of this history through the collection of documents, maps, and artifacts at the Springboro Historical Society Museum. Also, pick up a walking tour brochure from the Springboro Chamber of Commerce and see a living history of its 14 documented safe houses.

Relive part of Springboro's historic role in the Underground Railroad with a stay at Wright House B&B, a documented safe house built in 1815. Your stay includes a gourmet breakfast and personal guided tour of the house and its hiding place. The western chimney is whitewashed on only one side, a typical sign to runaway slaves that the house was a station on the journey north to freedom.

The community of Harveysburg, one of the most progressive areas in Ohio, afforded African Americans an equal chance at education. Tour Harveysburg's First Free Black School, built in 1831, which houses artifacts and historic photos.

Nearby in Cincinnati, visit the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, filled with inspirational exhibits serving as a memorial to the heroes of the Underground Railroad, and those who continue the struggle for freedom today.

Celebrate black history month in Warren County in June, when a special exhibit from the Cincinnati Museum Center will honor 400 years of African American contributors to United States history. America I AM: The African American Imprint, illustrates pivotal moments of African American courage, conviction and creativity that have helped to shape the culture and society in which we live today.

No comprehensive history of Warren County has been published in more than 125 years. Because of this lack of exploration into the rich past of Warren County, many members of the Heritage Advisory Council collaborated on the development of "Historic Warren County: An Illustrated History."

This unique publication offers more than 40 pages of text and photos...both old and new. You will learn about how the Quakers helped shape the history of the county as well as how many of our towns and villages impacted the path to freedom along the Underground Railroad.

Proceeds from the sale of the book benefit the Heritage Advisory Coucil.  If you would like to reserve your copy, contact the author, Cynthia Pauwels at cynpauw@gmail.com or 937-542-96280.

Black Friday is right around corner.  To make sure you have all the information you need to craft your master shopping plan, follow the links below to view the Midnight Madness deals at Cincinnati Premium Outlets and Prime Outlets Jeffersonville!  Happy shopping!

Midnight Madness at Cincinnati Premium Outlets
Midnight Madness at Prime Outlets Jeffersonville

Find a complete list of Warren County shopping malls or find a list of all the Lebanon antique stores as well as a list of the antique shops in Waynesville.

Get in the holiday spirit with special preview weekends in the historic communities of Waynesville and Lebanon.  Waynesville, the "Antique Capital of the Midwest", welcomes the season during Hearthwarming Holidays, a special weekend shopping extravaganza November 6-7.  The historic village will be decorated with lights and the streets will be lined with luminaries. All of the wonderful antique shops in Waynesville will be fully decorated. Many will hold Open Houses with specials and refreshments. Plan to shop, eat and stroll Waynesville's charming streets till 8pm.

The following weekend, November 13-14, historic downtown Lebanon hosts its Holiday Open House.  More than 25 antique and specialty stores in Lebanon will participate in this annual event that kicks off the holiday season. Participating merchants will offer wish lists to fill out and multiple chances to win wonderful prizes each week. Prizes include everything from a seats on a carriage during the Lebanon Horse-Drawn Carriage Parade to gift certificates for brunch at the Golden Lamb. A package of prizes will be awarded to one lucky shopper each Monday beginning November 30, 2009! View a complete list of holiday events in Lebanon.

Believe it or not, bird watching is very popular in Warren County.  Whether it's during the blooms of spring and summer or during the blazing oranges and reds of fall, there are amazing species to study in their natural habitat.  One of the best places for bird watching is Caesar Creek State Park. One amazing creature you may encounter is the Northern Harrier. Read more about it and other birds of prey in a blog post by the Ohio DNR.  A hidden gem for bird watching is Fort Ancient. The beautifully preserved historc grounds make for a beautiful afternoon of bird watching and hiking. Read more in this blog post by a local Warren County resident. Have any other favorite bird watching spots in Warren County?  If so, leave us a comment and let us know.   

Without a doubt, the Polo Grille located inside Deerfield Towne Center, is home to one of the best desserts in the county--the deep dish cookie! Served in its own crock, this warm, baked chocolate chip cookie rests under a mountain of creamy vanilla ice cream. After you take that first bite, you will know what I am talking about. Consider ordering two because you won't want to share.