Extended Weekend Getaways By Sarah Miller / Freelance Writer
Horse-Drawn Carriage Parade & Festival
Pack your blanket and thermos for Christmas magic. Lebanon’s annual Horse Drawn Carriage Parade brings over 100 horse-drawn carriages. From prancing ponies to powerful percherons, this holiday tradition is a celebration of Christmas past. Hear the festive clippity-clop of hooves and jingle-jingling of bells as horses parade through historic downtown. 2024 was the 35th annual Horse Drawn Carriage Parade and Festival.
The details: Lebanon always hosts the free parade and festival the first Saturday in December. Mark your calendars and then choose from a daytime carriage parade at 1 p.m. and the traditional candle-lit parade at 7p.m. Make time to get there early, the festival starts at 10 a.m. You won’t want to miss the Christmas carols and local vendors.
The Golden Lamb Inn & Restaurant
Oozing charm and elegance, you can almost feel yourself transported into a proper holiday party from Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol. It’s not that much of a stretch. The Golden Lamb Inn & Restaurant, built in 1803, has hosted Charles Dickens himself. Over its 250-years, the inn has welcomed distinguished guests including 12 U.S. presidents, Harriet Beecher Stowe, Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain), Neil Armstrong, and many other notable figures. Each of the 17 rooms at the inn are named for a famous guest. Rooms are decorated with antiques, yet they all have modern amenities like private baths and television.
The Golden Lamb Restaurant offers farm-to-table dinners like Classic Shepherd’s Pie and Ohio Fried Chicken Dinner. Rich wood and crackling fires welcome guests, as well as themed dining areas like the Dickens Room and the Shaker Room.
The details: Reservations for dining and the inn are a must, booking out far in advance during events. However, The Black Horse Tavern is first come, first serve.
North Pole Express
Feel the excitement as kids and young-at-heart board the North Pole Express. Chugging and clanking down the tracks experience a warm, festive ride complete with holiday lights and hot cocoa. Operated by the LM&M Railroad in Warren County, Ohio, this one-hour and 15-minute excursion comes complete with a visit from Santa and his elves. Top the night off with a souvenir bell and holiday cookie.
The details: In November, the North Pole Express runs on the weekends (usually Friday-Sunday) with more days and nights being added as we get closer to Christmas. Make reservations for either classic 1930’s style coach class or opt for the more spacious deluxe class with individual seats.
Historic Downtown
Lebanon was founded in 1802–one year before Ohio declared statehood. Much of the magic of the holidays is found downtown. Evergreen garland wraps around historic architecture celebrating the simplicity of the holidays. Here you can scout around shops for one-of-a-kind Christmas gifts. Or, slow down at a coffee shop and browse antique stores. Venture around the corner, and taste locally-made preserves at The Jam and Jelly Lady. Grab a bag or tin of Anna’s Gourmet Popcorn for more local treats.
The details: Hallmark movie fans can check out where their favorite scenes were filmed in the historic downtown. For a guide visit www.grahmsguide.com/the-christmas-spirit-2013