An Only in Your State Editor Shares Her Favorite Places, Restaurants, and Hidden Gems in Milford, Ohio

I grew up in Milford, Ohio, during the '80s and '90s and my childhood captures the quintessential Midwestern Millennial experience.

I have fond memories of the summer reading program at our local library, where I'd eagerly color in a book for every 15 minutes I read. Once my sheet was full, I'd get a coupon for a free personal pizza from LaRosa's, a "special" Friday lunch during summer break.

Milford was home to Johnny's Toys, an iconic local toy store known for its birthday castle. Once a year on my birthday, I'd receive a key to the castle in the mail. On my birthday, I'd run into the store, key in hand, to unlock the castle door and collect a small gift courtesy of Johnny.

Down the street from Johnny's was Little Professor, a regional bookshop where the owners knew us by name and where, when I was in high school and it came time for summer reading, my mom would order a stack of paperbacks that we'd pick up, wrapped in paper with a few bookmarks thrown in for good measure.

Milford had its own Kmart and Thriftway, located in the same strip mall that, as a kid, made Thursday errand runs feel special. We also had an independent hardware store with craft supplies and housewares; my mom would let my brothers and me pick out penny candy from the checkout line.

Milford's downtown district was always bustling; we had a shoe repair shop my mom visited when her Dr. Scholls needed new soles and we had a fountain specialist shop where my parents purchased stone rabbits for our front stoop. And, even though Whole Foods was a decades-distant dream, Milford had a natural food shop where we purchased bulk oats and carob-covered raisins and vitamins; when I got my driver's license, I worked there on weekdays after school.

Today, I live 20 minutes from my hometown, in a school district that was -- and remains -- one of Milford's "rivals" come football season. My parents still live in Milford, and I visit often. While Little Professor and Johnny's Toys are long gone, many of the cornerstones -- including the shoe repair shop and health food store -- remain, and Milford's downtown has experienced a renaissance in recent years that's a big point of town pride.

As a 40 year old, I've come to appreciate my hometown in a way that's simultaneously nostalgic and very present; sometimes, when met with a couple of hours unexpectedly free, I find myself driving to Milford and wandering around town, stopping into longtime haunts and discovering -- always discovering -- new favorites.

Greetings From celebrates the heart of a place: a home city, college town, vacation destination, or another special place. We ask notable figures to share the restaurants, businesses, attractions, and hidden gems that make their favorite destination stand out—so we can all travel like a local celebrity.

Milford has always been a place that supports its small businesses, and today, the downtown is buzzing. Wander the streets of Main Street and you'll find garden centers and florists, bookstores and record shops, distilleries with rooftop bars and local restaurants with cozy dining rooms and outdoor tables.

My favorite small businesses in "Old Milford" (what us locals lovingly call downtown) are numerous:

Milford's record shop is a favorite for anyone who appreciates vinyl. Spiral Groove Records is a delightfully nostalgic shop that specializes in new and used vinyl. Spiral Groove also sells record players and music memorabilia in its cozy, twinkle-light-lit space.

The Bookmatters has filled a Little Professor-shaped spot in my heart. Located in a historic storefront in the heart of Main Street Milford, The Bookmatters is a treasure trove of new releases, classic titles, and all sorts of bibliophile swag. A total sensory experience for bookstore lovers, the shop's bookshelf-lined steps are completely charming and delightful.

Harvest Market is your quintessential small-town grocery, with thoughtfully stocked shelves full of pantry staples and unique snacks, plus a small-but-mighty supply of local produce and artisan goods like Blue Oven Bakery bread and Mizunte tostadas. There's a cafe and small selection of handhelds; I always pick up a tub of the house hummus to pair with fresh tostadas.

One Main Gallery is a colorful, vibrant arthouse that elevates local art -- and artists. This gift-shop-meets-gallery has a lovely selection of Rookwood Pottery.

For dining in Milford, the options are plentiful:

The Governor is a modern take on your classic, old-school diner. Featured on "Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives," this downtown treasure is known for its all-day breakfast menu and burgers; there's even a vegan goetta burger that's a must-try for plant-based folks in the area.

Old Milford Parlor is another nostalgic spot downtown that's known for its delicious scoops and espresso-and-ice-cream creations. The mustached signage is a fun callback to Mr. Red.

Padrino is a rustic Italian eatery with the best thin-crust pizzas around. I always order the Vegetarian Pizza - sans cheese - and it never disappoints.

Cincinnati Distilling is my go-to for a drink and I love trying new cocktails for a happy hour treat. The top level of the distillery is an outdoor rum bar with a spicy, Tajin-spiked margarita that's perfection on a warm evening.

Across the road from Cincinnati Distilling, Little Miami Brewing Company is a favorite among craft beer enthusiasts (a large group in this part of Ohio!). The brewery is perched above the Little Miami, making for a super scenic happy hour if ever there was one.

If you're into outdoor recreation, there's perhaps no better 'burb than Milford:

Milford's location on the banks of the Little Miami River makes it awesome if you're into paddling. I have fond memories of canoeing down the river with my brothers as a kid (and not-so-fond memories of my brothers intentionally tipping out canoe into the Little Miami).

Old Milford is located right along the acclaimed Loveland Bike Trail. Bishop's Bicycles has bikes for sale and for rent and I've always loved the high wheel bicycle hanging from the front signpost.

Milford is home to the Cincinnati Nature Center (CNC), one of my all-time favorite places. The CNC has multiple outposts: Rowe Woods is home to historic keeper's quarters, beautiful lakes, and an old-growth forest; Long Branch spans 758 acres of forest and farmland and, even for longtime residents, remains one of the area's best hidden gems.

Community Park on Buckwheat Road is located adjacent to my childhood house and it was *the* place to go sledding on a snow day. Today it remains a town favorite and the Leming House, a historic home located onsite, hosts community events like yoga.

Hidden Gems in Milford

The Promont: Perched on a hill overlooking Old Milford, the Promont is a majestic Victorian mansion built in 1865 that's rich in history and architectural beauty. I visited the Promont on school field trips and as an adult, I remain captivated by this historic home.

The Milford Mystery Library: Located in a historic home on Water Street in Old Milford, this library boutique is run entirely by volunteers (including my retired librarian mom) and boasts a curated collection of thrillers, mysteries, and whodunnits.

Toomey Natural Foods: A small business stalwart in Milford, Toomey's opened in 1974 and was not only a pioneer in the health food space, but a place that filled a big need in the area. My younger brother was diagnosed with severe allergies as an infant and Toomey's had allergy-friendly formula, supplements, and snacks that our family desperately needed in an era where one couldn't just order these things online.

I worked at Toomey's during high school and this experience shaped my perspective on healthy living and the important of small businesses. The owners loved talking to customers and we had so many regulars. In short, Toomey Natural Foods represents everything a small business should be, and it makes me so happy that this local shop continues to be supported by the community after 50 years.

The older I get, the more nostalgic I become and I am so grateful that I grew up in Milford, Ohio. As an adult, the town remains a core part of who I am and while I love going on big adventures, little makes me happier than a day spent wandering around my hometown.