Four sunny spots along the Great Miami Riverway to catch the summer spirit early

If there’s one thing you can count on, it’s that you cannot count on the weather in Ohio. Fortunately, summer is just a few days away (but who’s counting?). If you’re getting cabin fever or starting to get fed up with the wet spring weather, we have great news! We are lucky enough along the Great Miami Riverway to have several places where we can catch that summer spirit any time of year. 

Whether it’s beach vibes and sand volleyball, old fashioned malts, or a trip down memory lane, the businesses along the Great Miami Riverway have something for everyone to get caught up in the good, good, good vibrations of summer, even with the temperature swinging like the bell in Carillon tower. 

Here are four of the places (from the list of 99 things to do along the Great Miami Riverway) that we recommend to catch that sunny summer sensation:

#94 - Play a game of Sand Volleyball at Miami Valley Sand, West Carrollton

Miami Valley Sand gives you a dose of beach life any time of the year with the largest indoor/outdoor sand volleyball facility in the Midwest! The facility offers leagues as well as freeplay, social events and libations for every level of competition, from highly competitive to recreational and beginners. Get involved and start feeling the summer beach vibrations any time of year. 

#13 - Visit America's Packard Museum to see some rare and collectible automobiles, Dayton

Take a trip down the roads of yesteryear, with a trip to America's Packard Museum. The museum features the largest public collection of Packard automobiles and memorabilia anywhere in the world, with cars from 1903 to 1956 on exhibit 7 days a week. The museum was founded in 1992 and located in an original Packard dealership building constructed in 1917. The museum has become known as "America's Packard Museum" and named one of the top ten auto museums in The United States.

#35 - Enjoy a cold sweet treat at The Village Parlor, Hamilton

Locals love The Village Parlor, a classic eatery, bringing back the memories of and old-fashioned soda counter. The restaurant is known for its traditional Double Dip Sodas, it also features classic diner fare and fun-filled environment. On any given day, you'll find a fun and relaxing crowd of tourists, shoppers, locals and even celebrities at The Village Ice Cream Parlor. 

#53 - Sit down for an award-winning bite to eat at Comb's BBQ, Middletown

Comb’s BBQ is a local gem – a funky counter-serve restaurant offering slow-smoked meats, such as classics like pulled pork, all of which are authentically slow-craft smoked with hickory and applewood and will keep your mouth watering and feeling the heat year round. Check out Comb’s for a place with good food, good friends and a fun atmosphere. 

No matter what time of year, summer isn’t too far away in the Riverway. With all the places to visit, you have countless places to explore that will have you feeling like it’s summer any time of the year. Looking for more ideas? Make sure to check out our full list of 99 things to do along the Great Miami Riverway, here.