What is it that defines a destination? For us, it's always been about the people.
The locals who live, work, and enjoy life here. Their determination and excitement remind us every day why Butler County is so special. Get to know some of the passionate people you'll meet here, and pick up a few insider tips too!
Emily Mullen
Owner of The Mullen Dairy & Creamery in Okeana
When fourth-generation dairy farmer, Emily Mullen, took over operations of her family farm in Okeana, it was with a vision to modernize and grow. Today, The Mullen Dairy & Creamery is thriving as it serves dual manufacturing and agritourism markets. Visitors to the farm can tour the dairy barn with its robotic milker, befriend the cows, and purchase house-made products from the creamery, including dozens of flavored milks, courtesy of the gentle giants you just met.
More About Emily
Favorite Local Restaurant: Reily Pizza
Favorite milk flavor: Chocolate Peanut Butter
Favorite cows, if you can choose!: Charlotte, Pam and Reba
What can't you travel without? A good book and a jug of milk
What simple thing brings you joy? A newborn calf sitting up for the first time
Huy + Tri Pham
Owners of Pho District Cincy in Fairfield
Brothers, Huy and Tri Pham, opened Pho District Cincy in July 2023, with the mission to bring authentic, fresh Vietnamese food to the local community. Pho is their most popular item, along with Banh Mi sandwiches and rice dishes. The brothers recommend first-time visitors try either Chicken or Beef Pho, paired with their Summer Roll.
More About Huy + Tri
Favorite local spot: Jungle Jim's International Market
Favorite meal: Beef Pho
Morning people or night owls: Night owls
Describe your restaurant in three words: Authentic, fresh, and friendly
What inspires you? Family
Brent Billingsley
Mysta Bee, Local Artist Based in Hamilton
Known as a medical artist, Brent Billingsley is both an artist and a Behavioral Health Specialist at Cincinnati Children's Hospital. The children he works with call him Mr. B, which inspired the name of his business. Mysta Bee is an organization that combines art and community. One of Brent's favorite projects is the StreetSpark mural in Hamilton, Changing the World, One Kid at a Time, which he designed and painted with his son.
More About Brent
Favorite event: Operation Pumpkin
Favorite color: Black
Favorite mural: Changing the World, One Kid at a Time
Describe your style in one word: Community
What simple thing brings you joy? Smiles on kids' faces
Beth + Mike Heydt
Owners of The Cone in West Chester
As the new proprietors of The Cone in West Chester, local entrepreneurs, Beth and Mike Heydt, are proud to be carrying on a decades-long legacy. A local institution with its iconic orange-and-white swirl building, The Cone has been doling out soft serve ice cream and treats since 1973. It continues to serve the signature orange and vanilla swirl, and other seasonal flavors and treats, from April until October.
More About Beth + Mike
Favorite ice cream flavor: Classic vanilla
Favorite outdoor activity: Niederman Family Farm
Favorite event: The Takeover @ the Square summer concerts in West Chester
What are your everyday superpowers? Working hard and caring for others
What simple thing brings you both joy? A 75° sunny day
Marina Amaral
Owner of STRATO Artisanal European Delights in Liberty Township
When it came time for Marina Amaral to name her European-inspired cafe, the word "strato" just felt right. Meaning "layer" in Italian, Strato reflects the layers of delight found in the pastries, macarons, chocolates, European coffee, gelato, and overall experience served up at the Liberty Center cafe. Marina also makes it a priority to stay engaged and active in the local community - a core pillar of Strato's mission.
More About Marina
Favorite local dish: Pad Thai from Northstar Cafe (no spice!)
Favorite drink: Iced latte or hot chocolate in the winter
Favorite macaron flavor: Passion Fruit
What simple thing brings you joy? Summertime
What inspires you? Good energy and positivity
Tim Epperhart
President of the Butler County Warbirds Museum in Middletown
The non-profit Butler County Warbirds Museum in Middletown has been educating the public on America's wartime aviation heritage since 2000. The museum has preserved countless artifacts, aircraft, and memorabilia, sharing stories through the museum's collection. In honor of America's semiquincentennial, Butler County Warbirds has joined over 40 other sites across the state on America 250-Ohio's Air & Space Trail - something President, Time Epperhart, says means a lot for a small museum looking to get its name out. And to Tim, it's one of the best spots in Middletown.
More About Tim
Favorite donut: Central Pastry's Uglies
Favorite color: Sky blue
Favorite outdoor activity: Flying
Favorite plane: The PT19, the plane I've flown the longest!
What inspires you? The sacrifice and courage of vets - getting to share their stories is a blast
Find this article + more in the 2026 Insider Guide!
