In this edition of Road Trippin’, we’re getting our groove on!
This edition is for all of those music fanatics out there! With great vinyl selections, musician history, musical sculptures and murals...anybody can rock out in Butler County.
1. Johnny Black Historical Marker & Guitar Sculpture
Marcum Park | 106 N. 2nd Street | Hamilton, OH 45011
The Johnny Black Historical Marker & Guitar Sculpture, located in Marcum Park, is dedicated to John Stewart Black, a singer and musician who was best known for the 1915 song Paper Doll, which became one of the biggest records of the World War II era. Black was born in St. Louis but moved to Hamilton, Ohio, with his parents when he was six years old. The historical marker can give you more history on Johnny Black, and the sculpture is a great spot for a cool photo to document your travels.
Road Trip Tip: Before visiting the sculpture, check out one of the local restaurants to grab a DORA drink. You can walk around Marcum Park with your beverage!
2. Unsung Vinyl
212 Main Street | Hamilton, OH 45013
Right in the heart of Main Street, Unsung Vinyl is full of all your favorite albums and records, both new and used. Discover their selection of vinyl, LPs, CDs, 45s, cassette tapes, audio equipment, speakers, and more!
Road Trip Tip: Directly next door is Chubby Bunny Bakery and Chickpea Chicks— don't miss out on grabbing a delicious treat on your way out!
3. Sorg Opera House
63 S. Main Street | Middletown, OH 45044
Opened in 1891, the Sorg Opera House was the place for entertainment and shows for years. Throughout its history, the Sorg Opera House was a movie theater and a live performance venue until it closed in 2010. Recently, SORG (Sorg Opera Revitalization Group) restored and revived the opera house to its original glory of being a performance venue. The opera house now welcomes a large variety of bands, musical performances, cultural events, and more. Check out their website to see a list of their upcoming shows.
Road Trip Tip: The theatre is within walking distance of different entertainment in downtown Middletown. Spend the rest of your day discovering all that Middletown has to offer.
4. Governor's Square Park
Central Ave and S Broad Street | Middletown, OH 45042
At 2,400 square feet, this huge musical mural showcases bright musical instruments and vibrant notes. It plays as the backdrop for a lot of concerts that are held on Governor's Square. Local artist Sam Ashworth designed and created this beautiful mural to embody the liveliness of Middletown. It's truly something you have to see for yourself.
Road Trip Tip: Downtown Middletown now has a Walking Art Tour — a self-guided tour that helps you discover fourteen different murals throughout the city, including the musical mural. It's about a one-mile journey, and is a great activity for families, groups, or solo.
5. Willis Music Store
7850 Cox Road | West Chester Township, OH 45069
Beginning back in 1899, Willis Music has always focused on music education. Today, Willis Music continues its focus on music education through its retail stores and publishing. Their store has an instrument for all musicians — from guitars, pianos, percussion, brass, and woodwinds, you can upgrade your current instrument or pick up a brand new hobby. Additionally, Willis provides venues for performers throughout the year and provides space for hundreds of recitals for students of all ages.
Road Trip Tip: Willis Music is less than a five-minute drive to the Voice of America Museum. It's a fun and educational place to stop in to learn about the history of radio technology in the building that was once home to the Voice of America Bethany Station, which once housed advanced radio communication technology known to the world, allowing for the broadcast of news and entertainment to countries around the world.
6. West Chester Antique Center
4924 Union Centre Pavilion Dr | West Chester, OH 45069
Check out the West Chester Antique Center for a large collection of vinyls and records... You never know what you could find! This antique center is one of the largest multi-dealer antique, vintage and collectible shopping destinations with over 70,000 square feet of antiques. There are always vintage records, vinyls, CDs and posters to be discovered.
7. Fairfield Community Arts Center
411 Wessel Drive | Fairfield, OH 45014
Created in 2017, this bronze jazz sculpture makes a great addition to the community arts center. Adjacent to beautiful Village Green Park in the heart of Fairfield, the Fairfield Community Arts Center (FCAC) offers a variety of cultural events, performances, classes and concerts. Sculptor Gary Alsum designed this piece, Jazz, depicting three musicians – one playing trumpet, another saxophone and the third, drums. It is one of only seven designs of its kind, and the only of its kind in Ohio.
Road Trip Tip: Be sure to stop by Village Green Park while you're in Fairfield! There are a ton of other bronze sculptures to check out, as well as beautiful fountains and an amphitheater where the community holds its popular Summer concert series, Groovin' on the Green.
8. Three Feather Records
1105 Magie Ave. | Fairfield, OH 45014
Three lifelong music lovers and musicians opened Three Feather Records to help support the local music scene and provide a space for local and up-and-coming artists to come and perform. Stop in and browse the great selection of new/used vinyls, books, guitars, and more! You can also sell your records and CDs in the store.
Ready to road trip?