Things to Do in Middletown, Ohio
Built along the Great Miami River, Middletown is a thriving historical city less than 30 miles away from both Cincinnati and Dayton. Residents and visitors equally enjoy Middletown’s range of year-round activities, from an active arts community to an eclectic food and beverage scene.
Whatever the weather, here are 5 reasons to visit Middletown any time of the year.
1. The Sorg Opera House
The Sorg Opera House, located in Middletown’s South Main Historic District, has been providing residents and visitors with live music, unique entertainment, and great acoustics since 1891. A National Historic Landmark, the Sorg Opera House has recently undergone renovations to preserve its ornate 19th-century splendor and upgrade its amenities to suit modern needs. Today, the Sorg Opera House hosts a range of performing groups and cultural events throughout the year. And with only 18 rows and 730 seats, the Sorg Opera House provides an immersive entertainment experience with clear views of the stage from every seat.
2. BeauVerre Riordan Studios
Riordan Studios, which first opened in Cincinnati in 1838, is the oldest known continually operating stained glass studio in the United States. In the early 2000s, Riordan merged with BeauVerre Studios of Middletown to continue the tradition of creating and restoring glass art using old-world techniques. BeauVerre Riordan Studios is located in a historic building in downtown Middletown. It offers year-round tours, artist demonstrations, classes, restoration services, and a gallery of distinctive glassware pieces.
3. Middletown Lyric Theatre (MLT)
Since 1978, the Middletown Lyric Theatre (fondly known as MLT) has been producing affordable and quality theatre for the Middletown community and beyond. The Middletown Lyric Theatre is dedicated to supporting the growth and talents of the dedicated artists who animate the stage. It is also passionate about providing performances that inspire, encourage, and educate its audiences with award-winning productions throughout the year. The MLT bar is open an hour before curtain time for snacks, wine, beer, coffee, and tea. A post-show mingle with the cast and creative team is hosted on opening nights.
4. Pendleton Art Center
The downtown Pendleton Art Center allows visitors to connect with art and creativity in a personal way. Along with a cafe and studio spaces, the Pendleton Art Center offers public art exhibits, interactive classes, and special events every month of the year. First Friday weekends, which include Second Look Saturday, feature local and regional artists and musicians every first weekend of the month.
5. Local Gastronomy and Craft Drinks
The city of Middletown is such a diverse treasure trove of artisanal foods and drinks, we can’t even list them all here. You may kick off your morning with house-roasted coffee at Java Johnny’s Cafe or treat yourself to Milton’s Donuts, an iconic donut shop that’s been serving Middletown since 1970. For lunch and dinner, enjoy fresh, authentic Italian food at Cibo e Vino with drinks or sample one of 130 whiskeys at Bourbon’s Craft Kitchen and Bar. Craft beer fans will find a wide selection of pours at FigLeaf Brewing, Rolling Mill Brewing Company (a gluten-free brewery), and even our local bike shop, Spoken Bicycles.
In between art weekends and evenings with family and friends, our favorite thing to do in Middletown is help you and your family enjoy a smile that’s strong, beautiful, and healthy. To schedule your next dental visit or for questions about family or cosmetic dentistry in Middletown, Ohio, contact our office at Great Miami Dental today.
