While traveling to Lebanon on a “history mystery” themed trip, I quickly discovered that this region had much more to offer beyond the stories of their Shaker religious past and links to the Underground Railroad.

There was plenty to entertain and engage travelers of all ages and tastes so a return journey was planned.

It is located in rural Warren County on the northeast side of the Greater Cincinnati region.

You know the county that Kings Island calls home so it is not that bad of a drive with much of it on divided highways.

I’ve discovered that during the Christmas holiday season this place draws 1,800 horse’s hooves as it recreates Christmas past. They reflect back on an era where the shops and the streets are filled with pedestrians, crafters, magic acts and strolling musicians.

This small Southwest Ohio town comes alive with the annual Historic Lebanon Horse Drawn Carriages and Christmas Parade.

This year it was held on Dec. 4 and thousands of visitors, myself included came out to see majestic Clydesdales, adorable miniature horses, and decked-out equines of all sizes as they heralded in the beginning of the holiday season.

There was both an afternoon and then a lighted evening parade and the event has even been mentioned by Martha Stewart on her popular television program.

On December weekends visitors can board Santa’s North Pole Express on the Lebanon Mason Monroe Railway for a journey into the land of make believe.

This vintage train ride travels to Santa’s workshop where each child will receive a special gift from Santa. And there is hot chocolate for all passengers!

Moving beyond the Christmas parade and train ride another local tradition is “Christmas at Glendower.” This was (and is) a wonderful chance to experience a Victorian Christmas in all its brilliance at a grand historic residence.

This reminded me of the Festival of Trees held at Ashland’s Paramount Theater. During our visit, live musicians played period music and refreshments were served in classic style.

Another local icon is the Golden Lamb Inn & Restaurant. This venue offers some unique holiday dining opportunities such as Frohe Weilhnachten (German meal of venison); Cratchit’s Christmas Dinner (English meal of goose); Christmas at Mt. Vernon (American meal of turkey & ham).

The Golden Lamb is recognized as the oldest continuously operating business in the State of Ohio.

On Dec. 23, 1803, Jonas Seaman spent $4 for a license to operate a “house of Public Entertainment.” The Golden Lamb got its name due to the fact that many early pioneers could not read, so giving a business a name that could be easily drawn and recognized, such as the Black Horse or Golden Lamb, was a necessity.

Why not plan on spending the evening in one of the areas affordable, comfortable and convenient hotel options. There are hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts even campgrounds.

Next day you will wake up rested and ready for another full day of fun and adventure in Ohio’s Largest Playground.

Package your day in Lebanon into a getaway weekend with a visit to the Niederman Family Christmas Farm that I wrote about a few weeks backs. Another nearby delight is the Legendary Lights of Clifton Mills.

For over 20 years Clifton Mill has celebrated the Christmas season in a very special way. Their light display has over 3.5 million lights illuminating the mill, the gorge, the riverbanks, trees and bridges.

There is even a 100 foot “waterfall” of twinkling lights. The flip of one switch turns all the lights on at once transforming night into a fantastical winter wonderland.

Every night until Christmas Eve, you can peek into Santa’s Workshop to see a live Santa at work and then, every 15 minutes or so, watch him check his list and go up the chimney to load his sleigh.

Locally the lights in Ashland’s Central Park and Coal Grove’s Paul Porter rank in the must see category too!

Happy holidays!