The Scenic Drive In Ohio That Runs Straight Through The Charming Small Town Of Mariemont
By Sarah McCosham|Published August 15, 2023
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Sarah McCosham
Author
I write like it's my job - because it is! I have a Master's in English and love words: crossword puzzles, Scrabble games, Wordle, and, of course, good, old-fashioned books.
I'm a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState, and a contributing writer at Cincinnati Magazine. I love the Great Outdoors and am endlessly awestruck by this beautiful country of ours. Coffee keeps me going, yoga keeps me sane, my kids keep me grounded, and my writing keeps me inspired.
There are lots of scenic drives in Ohio that offer beautiful dashboard views. Well-known routes through Ohio Amish Country, Hocking Hills, and the Great Lakes region never fail to stoke and satisfy the wanderlust of Buckeye State road warriors. Not all scenic drives require a full day — or even a full tank of gas, however. Route 50 is a beautiful drive that spans 11 states and showcases some of America’s most beautiful scenery and, while you could certainly make an epic, “Travels with Charley” kind of trek out of this route, there’s a small stretch through Mariemont, Ohio, that’s a perfect adventure in and of itself.
Mariemont is an inner ring suburb of Cincinnati that's home to about 3,500 residents. It's known for its Tudor architecture and cobblestone streets, and is, in fact, one of the few planned communities in the United States.
While Mariemont has a postcard-perfect, European village vibe, it's also located quite literally ON one of the most noteworthy and scenic state routes in Ohio... and the region!
Route 50 runs literally *through* this charming little locale, and as such, there are numerous pedestrian crossings and traffic intersections through town that beckon folks to stop and smell the roses!
One of the hallmarks of town is the Mariemont Theatre, an old-school movie theatre that shows new releases and classic flicks, offering the kind of small, art-house experience film buffs crave.
Speaking of cravings, next door to the theatre is an Ohio classic: Graeter's! This particular Graeter's has special meaning to me -- when I was 16, I worked here for a summer, scooping cup upon cup (and cone upon cone) of the creamery's iconic Black Raspberry Chip.
Right down the road/Route 50, you'll be greeted by another Cincinnati, Ohio, star: Big Boy himself! The Frisch's Mainliner Restaurant is a longstanding local favorite that originally opened in 1939. Back then, it was known as the Mainliner Drive-In, and was Cincinnati's first year-round drive-in restaurant! The retro lettering on the sign is immediately recognizable to pretty much everyone who hails from the Queen City.
In addition to being home to some some true local icons, admirers of architecture will be pleased by the stately and historic buildings that call these tree-lined streets home.
Chapels, churches, schools, and even clock towers can be found in Mariemont, Ohio, and with the town being just under one square mile in size and extremely pedestrian friendly, you can pack a bunch of sightseeing into an hour or two!
Of course, if you want to just park in a side street and amble over to the Mariemont Square to make a wish in the fountain and watch as cars slowly cruise by along Route 50, that's a perfectly delightful way to spend an afternoon, too! Especially while enjoying a scoop of something sweet from Graeter's.
Have you explored the charming village of Mariemont, Ohio? Located right along scenic Route 50, this is a delightful day trip detour — and destination — in Ohio that’s not to be missed!
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