19 Awesome Things To Do In And Around Troy, Ohio

Are you looking for a list of fun things to do in Troy, Ohio? 

The charming area of downtown Troy is one of the best-hidden gems in Ohio. Right in the heart of Miami County, Troy offers visitors unique adventures, family-friendly parks, and tons of midwest hospitality. Discover the history, taste the flavors and join in on incredible local events.

A little over an hour north of Cincinnati, Miami County makes the ideal day trip or weekend getaway. Known for Troy’s iconic floating tents and the Troy Strawberry Festival, Miami County also encompasses Tipp City and Pipua offering more fun things to do.

In this article, I will give you my list of the best things to do in and near Troy, Ohio, and how to plan out the perfect weekend getaway to this darling small town.

We thank Miami County Visitors & Convention Bureau for sponsoring this post. As always, my opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links.

How To Get To Troy, Ohio

Troy is roughly 20 miles north of Dayton in west central Ohio. Those flying into Troy would utilize the Dayton International Airport and head north on Interstate 75. Miami County is conveniently located off of I-75.

The Best Things To Do In Troy Ohio

Stay Overnight In A Floating Tent

Have you ever considered camping in a floating tent? Adventure seekers can check this unique lodging off their bucket list by booking an overnight with Float Troy. Guests reserve their floating tent on the Miami River which comes with a raft to get them to and from the tent.

The shoal tents are set up in Treasure Island Park near the Boathouse Restaurant. There is parking at Treasure Island and a restroom.

My personal experience with the tents is that my friends and I laughed till we cried from the overall experience. Throwing ourselves into the tent from the raft was the equivalent of a hail mary at a Friday night football game.

We quickly discovered coordination was not our strong point while attempting to row to our tent. It was quite a sight to behold, and the diners at the Boathouse got dinner and a show while we paddled backward, sideways, and practically into another camper’s tent.

Little sleep was had from the adrenaline of the experience, in addition to not bringing earplugs to help block the sounds of the city.

Here are a few tips on staying in a floating tent: 

• They book up early! Reserve your spot early in the year!
• Each tent gets its own designated raft. You must load your gear on the raft to take it to the tent. Bonus: You can use the raft to explore the river!
• You will have to row to shore to use the bathroom, so go right before you need to go to bed.
• Bring earplugs. Camping near the city can be loud if you are not used to it. There are trains, cars, and sirens.
• The river was only 2.5FT high when we stayed.
• Bring a portable fan! It helps keeps the tents cool!
• Don’t forget the bug spray.
• The tent’s base is hard like the ground, not soft like a waterbed. Bring a few extra blankets for more cushion.
• Pack light! We kept our backpacks in the car and just changed into PJs before rowing to our tent. 
• There are no showers at the campsite.

Sleeping on a river is not for everyone; therefore, plenty of other great lodging options are available, such as the Hampton Inn and the Home2 Suites.

Hit The Trails With A Pedego Electric Bike

Miami County is a great place for bikers as Great Miami River Recreational Trail runs through the county. The trail boasts 32 miles of bikeway with the option to connect to additional bike trails along the Miami Valley Trails. One of the best ways to tour Troy is by renting an electric bike at the Pedego Electric Bike of Troy.

I was grateful that the kind folks at Pedego Electric Bikes gave a tutorial on how to use an electric bike; they give great recommendations on where to take the bikes and take you out for a quick spin to ensure you are comfortable on your bike.

We were so fortunate to have a fabulous guide that took us to all the best trails and parks and helped us navigate around the city. It was one of the highlights of our trip.

Planning Tip: Troy is also home to mountain bike trails.

Grab A Cider Flight At Twenty-One Barrels Winery and Cidery

I love it when I see a dream become a reality. I had the wonderful opportunity to meet Shaun, the owner of Twenty One Barrels Hard Cider & Wine.

This charming cidery & winery sits right outside of Troy and offers a fabulous atmosphere to sip on craft cider and Ohio Wines.

I recommend getting a flight of the season ciders. Fall flavors are here, featuring pumpkin pie, caramel apple, baked apple, and so many more.

Not in a cider mood? Try one of their many wines or get a wine flight to enjoy on the gorgeous patio with live music.

WACO Air Museum

Aviation fans will want to add a visit to the WACO Air Museum to their itinerary when they visit Miami County. Weaver Aircraft Company (WACO) was the largest civil aircraft manufacturer in the US from the late 1920’s until the early 30’s.

Today guests can visit the historic airfield and tour hangars filled with vintage WACO aircraft and aviation artifacts.

Planning Tip: One of the most extraordinary experiences you can do at WACO is to take a biplane ride. While I did not get to do it on this trip, it is now on the bucket list! They are only offered limited weekends throughout the year, so plan ahead.

Find Your Zen Along The Mindfulness Trail at Lost Creek

Miami County is full of beautiful parks to explore. Lost Creek Reserve is the largest park in the county, with 457 acres of land and 5.75 miles of trails. In addition to being a nature reserve, Lost Creek reserve is home to various historic buildings, including the Knoop Agricultural Heritage Center.

Tour the historic barns, stroll through the nature trail, then pop into the Knoop house to see a natural spring flowing through this historic structure.

One unique feature of the park is its Mindfulness Trail. The trail was designed during the pandemic to get locals out and focus on one’s awareness in the present moment.

This Mindful Experience was developed as a way to help clear the mind of clutter and restore focus. Ten stations are found throughout the trail, from tasting homegrown produce in the garden to feeling the grass between your toes.

Planning Tip: Lost Creek offers a variety of programs that are free for all. Come and go through the free corn maze during the fall or come to their Fall Farm Fest in October.

Grab Dinner At Harrison’s In Tipp City

Not to be outdone by Troy, Tipp City has its vibrant downtown full of local shopping, colorful murals, and delicious restaurants. After snagging your photo in front of the “See Yourself in Tipp” mural, head to Harrison’s to fuel up before your next adventure.

Harrison’s is in a historic building in the heart of downtown Tipp City. They have an American-based menu with tons of great options. Harrison’s has you covered whether you are in the book for a juicy burger, a plank of salmon, or a ribeye steak.

Planning Tip: Make a reservation, especially on the weekend.

Chaffee’s Brew House

After getting your belly full at Harrison’s, round the corner to Chaffee’s Brew House for a nightcap. Don’t be deceived by the small area by the bar; this place is enormous, with plenty of sitting space in rooms down a hallway and a delightful patio.

If you are looking for a spot where the locals hang out, Chaffee’s is exactly where you need to go. Everyone was very friendly, welcoming, and supportive of their local bar.

Chaffee’s offers a wide selection of unique craft beers, seltzers, wine, bourbon, and mixed drinks.

Have Brunch at Haren’s

A top downtown restaurant in Troy is Haren’s Market. What makes Haren’s unique is that it is a full-function butcher shop and local grocer, which happens to serve breakfast and lunch! Browsing the meat counters, it was a pity I didn’t bring a bigger cooler to take back a few of these impressive-looking cuts of meat.

We bypassed the meat counter to order our brunch with the plan of returning to take home a few packs of their homemade brats. After ordering a round of mimosas with a few out-of-this-world breakfast sandwiches, we sat out on the patio enjoying the beautiful morning.

Planning Tip: I did come back for those brats. Haren’s was kind enough to give me a bag of ice to keep them cold on the way home. However, bring a cooler if you have far to travel because the meat counter is very tempting.

Coffee at PureBred

The best choice for coffee is none other than PureBred in downtown Troy. The coffee is beautifully roasted with a variety of seasonal flavors to enjoy. They had a pumpkin affogato (coffee over vanilla ice cream) that looked divine.

Planning Tip: There is limited seating inside. I recommend getting your coffee to go and stroll around the city.

Stop Into Hayner Distilling

Bourbon fans will not want to miss a stop at the Hayner Distilling. When you visit the distillery, there is not an official tap room but a small showroom where you can sample the bourbon, learn about the company’s history, and purchase whiskey and merchandise.

History of Hayner Distilling

The history behind this bourbon is quite fascinating. In 1866 Lewis Hayner founded the Hayner Distilling Co in Troy, Ohio. Over the next 50 years, Hayner Distilling became one of the largest distilleries in Ohio and the largest mail-order whiskey business in the United States.

After prohibition, the Hayner Distilling Co was forced to close its doors. Then the plan to relaunch Hayner Distilling began in 2018 after touring the Hayner Whiskey Museum at the Hayner Cultural Center. A sample of bourbon was taken from a 110-year-old bottle of Hayner Whiskey and analyzed by Bardstown.

They could reconstruct the original blend of bourbon from the old Hayner Distilling Co from that sample. Now the barrels are in the aging process for Hayner Bourbon, but you can purchase a variety of bourbon blends.

Planning Tip: The distillery has extremely limited hours. Check online before visiting to ensure they are open.

Hayner Cultural Center

A true gem for the city of Troy is the Hayner Cultural Center. Once the home of the famous Mrs. Mary Jane Hayner from the Hayner Distilling Co., the space is now a thriving community arts center. Musical concerts now happen in the ballroom; art and history exhibits are found throughout the home, while the gardens make the ideal spot for quiet thoughts and meditation.

The Hayner Whiskey Museum tells the history of Hayner Distilling Co. and has tons of historical artifacts. The Hayner Cultural Center is on the National Register of Historic Places in the United States. Don’t miss out on seeing the original blueprints of the home, an old Victorian Dollhouse, and the Hayner Whiskey Museum.

Planning Tip: There is no admission fee to visit the center or its exhibits, and most musical and family events are free and open to the public.

Troy’s Porchfest

A fun local event in the historic districts of Troy is the annual Porchfest. Each year over 40 homeowners open their porches, side yards, and patios to local musicians. Different genres will be playing throughout the day.

Pick up a walkable event map and venture to see when and where the different bands are playing. Food vendors and an Artisan Tent Village are at the Hayner Cultural Center for locals to enjoy.

Planning Tip: Porchfest is an all-day event. However, you can come and go as you wish. Bring a folding chair, sunscreen, a bottle of water, and snacks.

Go Shopping in downtown Troy

Throughout this article, I have highlighted some of my favorite spots in downtown Troy. It is easy to spend a whole day noodling around the square, popping in and out of the stores. Don’t miss out on the boutiques and specialty shops that are the heartbeat of this city. Pick a few new stylish pieces of clothing for your wardrobe at Blue Bow Boutique or sample over 100 olive oils at the Olive Oasis. Other spots that shouldn’t be missed are Magnolia Mae, Echo Boutique, and Ivy Court.

Planning Tip: Downtown Troy has DORA which allows you to carry an open container throughout a designated area.

Bakehouse Bread and Cookie Co.

If your sweet tooth starts bothering you, swing into Bakehouse Bread and Cookie Co. for a mouth-watering selection of bakery goods. In addition to sweet treats, they make fantastic loaves of bread, sandwiches, and a full menu of top-notch breakfast items.

Decisions did not come easy here, as the options all looked good. I finally decided to take home a few of the zucchini brownies and a loaf of sourdough bread which was perfection.

Fulton Farms

Known for its strawberries, pumpkins, and sweet corn, Fulton Farms offers a Farm Market that sells fresh produce, Ohio-made goods, homemade pies, jams, salsas, and more. The family will enjoy the fall hayrides and cut their own Christmas Tree in the winter.

Troy Strawberry Festival

As one of the top small-town festivals in Ohio, the Troy Strawberry Festival features over 100 arts and craft vendors and a huge variety of food vendors focusing on raising money for local charities.

Tons of events are scheduled, from the Strawberry Jam (concert) to a Strawberry run.

Planning Tip: The Strawberry Festival typically happens the first weekend of June.

Stop Into Grandpa Joe’s Candy Shop

I walked into Grandpa Joe’s and immediately became a kid again. Admiring the walls of confectionary creations, I began to feel overwhelmed with the endless sugary selections. In my mind, I was taken back to my youth, standing in the candy shop with only a few quarters debating on whether I would get the old-time button candy or the Whatchamacallit candy bar.

However, this time I debated how much candy was socially acceptable to bring back home from a weekend getaway. When you find those rare classic candies, you buy them and enjoy every last bite.

Try Out The Plant Bar At Ivy Court

I’ve become slightly obsessed with houseplants here lately. When I heard there was a plant bar at IVY COURT plants + home in downtown Troy, I knew I had to check it out.

The Plant Bar lets you create your own plant to take home. It will be hard to leave with just one plant, though; the entire store is full of cute planters, home decor, and tons of houseplants! Choose your plant, pot, and extras to create your own masterpiece.

If you like plants, check out the Green Thumb Trail!

Hop Aboard General Harrison At Johnson Farm

Step back into history at the Johnston Farm and Indian Agency. Take a scenic ride aboard the mule-drawn canal boat, General Harrison, while learning about the day of the American Indians to the canal era.

The farm is home to various restored buildings, museum exhibits, and a 200-acre park.

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19 Awesome Things To Do In Troy, Ohio