Forested hills, an abundance of water and lush valleys for agriculture attracted early pioneers to the area that is now Butler County, Ohio. Although the industrious settlers in the Great Miami River Valley built mills, stores and businesses — and the canals and railroads to service them — the natural beauty of the area remains. Even as Butler County developed, land was set aside for recreation and parks and, in recent years, wetland nature preserves have been acquired that residents and visitors alike can enjoy. >>

With Kelly Clarkson, Midway rides and numerous other attractions beckoning, it wouldn’t be fair to spend just one day at the 2009 Ohio State Fair. This year’s festival runs July 29–Aug. 9, so there are plenty of chances — and just as many reasons — to keep coming back for more.

Clarkson, who’s set to rock the Celeste Center on the fair’s opening night, leads an impressive — and diverse — lineup of musical acts this year. The parade of headliners includes rockers Alice Cooper and Blue Oyster Cult who hit the stage Aug. 1, and country legends Glen Campbell and Kenny Rogers, who perform on Aug. 4. Rascal Flatts, a superstar country crossover group that got its start in Columbus, closes the fair with a huge show at Crew Stadium Aug. 9. >>

Mary Anne Krejci is hard-pressed to name one reason she loves her hometown of Bath: There are, she says, just too many to count.

“The lure of Bath is irresistible,” explains Krejci, who has lived there for more than 50 years. “It’s a wonderful blend of the rural and sophisticated ––from hiking our green spaces to sipping a glass of wine in an intimate bistro to stepping back in time.” >>

A young family paddles their inflatable raft furiously as the river whisks it downstream. Once the raft approaches whitewater, the passengers lay down their paddles, grab their safety line and brace themselves for the wash of water. But just as their boat leaves the churning rapids, the next torrents come into view. It’s a whitewater adventure that might play out anywhere in the country, but the East Race Waterway is a man-made thrill in South Bend, Indiana. >>