Travel And Tourism | Dearborn County Convention

Vacationing in Dearborn County

Dearborn County is located on the southeast border of Indiana, and is home to many bustling cities. Included in this list are Greendale, Lawrenceburg, Saint Leon, and Hidden Valley. Taking a vacation to this location can be a fun way to learn more about the history of the state.

The weather in this county is typically quite cold during the winter months, with lows of 21 degrees during January. The summer highs usually go up to 86 degrees, so it can be a nice mix of temperatures. There are over 50,000 people residing in the county. Lawrenceburg is a fun place for families to visit, boasting a ski resort with plenty of hills for snowboarding, skiing, and tubing for individuals of all levels. Those who prefer more adult activities can visit Seagrams Distillery, world famous for its whiskey, as well as a fun experience at Hollywood Casino Lawrenceburg, a riverboat casino.

Guests who are looking for a more nature-themed vacation can visit Hidden Valley, which is home to plenty of wildlife. Hidden Valley Lake is a resort community where guests can relax and enjoy boating, fishing, and water skiing activities. There are also beautiful golf courses, where visitors can enjoy a day on the green. It is home to only about 5,000 so it will definitely give the feeling of seclusion.

Finding unique and fun family vacations are great ways to build memories and see new places. Many have enjoyed trips to the resort community in Hidden Valley, and Lawrenceburg features plenty of activities for parents to enjoy.

Dearborn County Government

The county government of Dearborn County is similar in structure to other government entities throughout the country. It has acquired its powers from the Indiana State Constitution and is made up of several governing bodies.

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The legislative branch of the Dearborn County government is the “County Council.” It is in charge of how to spend county funds and collecting revenues. The elected representatives of this body are from the various county districts. The representatives serve on this council for a term of four years. In addition to their other legislative duties they set salaries and plan the annual budget for the county. They also have, in a limited way, the power to impose taxes on local basis. This is accomplished through property tax and income taxes; however they can only impose these taxes following their approval by state government agencies.

There is also a Board of Commissioners which makes up the county’s executive body. These commissioners too are elected throughout the county. Their terms are staggered to maintain consistency throughout the county government, and each term is four years in length. Generally the commissioner who has served the longest is the president of this body. The Board of Commissioners is authorized to execute the laws which have been passed by the county council. This includes collecting revenues, and running the other day-to-day activities of this county government.

Two Supreme Courts and a Circuit Court make up the Dearborn County’s court system. The judges which preside are elected for six year terms.

The rest of the county officials include elected offices such as: prosecuting attorney, auditor, recorder, sheriff, coroner, surveyor, circuit court clerk and a treasurer.

Filed Under: Dearborn, Travel and Tourism Tagged With: Circuit Court, Dearborn County Indiana, Supreme court

Preparing for a Cruise to the Caribbean Islands

Perhaps you have found a fantastic Barbados holidays travel package and are excited about your exotic getaway. The warm sun, the sandy beaches and the relaxed atmosphere are calling your name. You’ll want to undergo adequate preparations so that you can enjoy your ultimate vacation.

Knowing What to Pack

Packing for Barbados holidays, the Bahamas or other locations in the Caribbean is actually simpler than many other vacation spots. However, you might still want to make a list so that you take all essential items with you. The Caribbean region is typically warm year-round, so you can pack light. Don’t forget your bathing suit, shorts, flip flops and tank tops. Protect yourself from the sun by wearing hats, sunglasses and packing enough sunscreen.

If you are prone to motion sickness, you’ll also want to visit the doctor ahead of time and bring along preventive medicine. Also, remember that you are traveling to another country, so you will want to pack your passport and other identification.

Getting to the Port

Once your travel arrangements have been made and you’ve packed all essentials, it’s time to get to your cruise ship. Allow yourself adequate time to get there. Arriving two hours early is preferable to getting there two minutes too late. Factor in some cushion time in case you run into traffic or have to return home to pick up a forgotten item.

Going away on a Caribbean cruise is an exciting opportunity. Whether you are headed to Barbados, the Bahamas, Jamaica or another location, getting organized and packing well in advance will lead to a more relaxing vacation.

Filed Under: General, Travel and Tourism Tagged With: Bahamas, Barbados, Caribbean

Enjoy A Stress-Free Vacation At An All-Inclusive Resort

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Although vacations are meant to be relaxing, they easily can turn into a stressful experience if the destination is one that is not familiar. The majority of this stress can come from the anticipation associated with whether or not the right resort was chosen as well as what type of meal and activity options are available in the area. Even though the fear of the unknown is in no way a reason not to take a vacation to a destination, but a surefire way to ease these stresses is to vacation at an all-inclusive resort.

At all-inclusive resorts, when the hotel room is paid for, it comes with many wonderful perks that other resorts do not offer. Instead of just offering turn-down service and complimentary continental breakfasts’, all-inclusive resorts go a step above that because all meals, drinks (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic), activities, and non-motorized water sports are included within the cost of the resort stay, and all of these amenities are top notch. For example, most resorts have options such as themed restaurants, snorkeling, and casinos.

Additionally, the majority of all-inclusive resorts are located in picture perfect locations all around the Caribbean, and what a better stress-reliever than to enjoy the beauty of turquoise waters while walking along a stretch of soft white sand.

Due to the fact that some islands like Jamaica and the Dominican Republic are saturated with all-inclusive resorts, there are no “bad” all-inclsive resorts because the competition is so steep. Therefore, people who want to have a great vacation without worrying about costs and what to see and do, they should certainly consider an all-inclusive resort.

Filed Under: Travel and Tourism Tagged With: Caribbean, Dominican Republic, Jamaica

Making a Vacation List and Checking it Twice

Life is good! Yet maybe you’ve been staring at those old four walls just a little bit too long. It’s time for a change of scene and a new perspective. That’s right: a vacation!

A vacation is a time to get away and clear your mind of worries. What you don’t need is travel stress during your perfect two weeks of Barbados holidays. A vacation travel checklist is the key to minimizing stress on that long dreamed-of getaway.

Here are the key points to keep in mind as you prepare for travel:

Check the weather prediction and dress accordingly.
Research your destination. Choose your holiday highlights and map out how to get there. Know what areas to avoid and have a few choices in mind in case of overbooking at popular sites.
Pack light. Think through what you really need, and don’t bring more. Take washable, non-wrinkle clothing.
Bring maps! Knowing your way around your destination will cut your stress in half. Also, research travel options (car rentals, bus lines, trains) for the area you’re visiting.
Double-check crucial items like prescriptions. Have a safe place to carry money and credit cards. When possible, bring light snacks to get the family through delays when there is nothing to eat. Avoid overpaying for pricey “survival” snack food at airports.
Have crucial information (emergency numbers, bank and medical information) on cell phones, and on paper in a safe place.
Leave early. This one factor will significantly minimize stress on your vacation. Build in an extra day on your return to rest before getting back to regular responsibilities.

And, finally, have a great time!

Filed Under: Travel and Tourism Tagged With: Barbados, Stress, Travel

Cruises: Which Type is Best for You?

Cruise liners offer a wide selection of cruises to accommodate virtually every potential passenger’s needs. Cruises are not just about the destination but rather the trip along the way. If you select a cruise designed for your particular needs, you may just have more fun!

Cruise Options to Consider

As you look at all the cruise deals available today, be sure to focus on those cruises that offer you something special. Here are a few of the options available:

Families – a family cruise will encompass a wide range of activities for you and the kids. While formal dinner parties and adult activities are available, there are plenty of activities for kids of all ages.
Singles – if you are single and hoping to meet someone, take a specific cruise just for that reason. Everyone on board is looking for that special someone, too.
Bachelorette or Bachelor Parties – for an evening out on the lake or a cruise over the weekend, choose a specific bachelor or bachelorette cruise. Have fun relaxing and enjoying activities that are more appropriate.

Another way to choose a cruise is based on what you hope to see or do. You may want to choose a cruise that travels around the world. On the other hand, you may just want a cruise to Alaska so you can see the vast wilderness and the whales on the trip. Choose a cruise based on what is on the ship too; such as the types of events, social gatherings and amenities offered on board.

You have plenty of options. The hard part is to decide which the best cruise option for you is.

Filed Under: Attractions, Travel and Tourism Tagged With: Alaska, Bachelor party, Cruise ship, Travel

Dearborn County Landmarks

If you are interested in history, no visit to Dearborn County would be complete without seeing the Hillforest Museum and Veraestau Historic Landmark. Not only are you able to visit these historic sites, but you can also help make a difference for breast cancer.

Located in Aurora, Hillforest was named a National Historic Landmark in 1992 and is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Tours are available each Tuesday through Sunday from the start of April through the end of December. Reservations are taken for groups of 10 or more and group luncheons of 20 or more. A newer feature is a “tea time” for groups of 10 or more for a one- or three-course tea in the Hillforest parlor.

The mansion was designed for Aurora industrialist Thomas Gaff and it was part of the Gaff family from 1855 to 1891. After being owned by various people and organizations, it has been open as a museum since 1956. There are several events at the museum throughout the open season, including several revolving around ghost and paranormal activity.

By booking through the Dearborn County Convention, Visitor and Tourism Bureau, you can help raise money for breast cancer research through the Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer.

The Veraestau landmark was built in 1810 and though privately owned, it is operated by the Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana. Tours are available by appointment each Wednesday through Sunday from April through December. The tour is one hour long of the house itself and the grounds.

Located in Aurora, the home was named by Indiana Supreme Court Justice and federal judge Jesse Holman. The home has been preserved through the years and exemplifies the architectural history of the state.

Filed Under: Dearborn, Travel and Tourism Tagged With: National Historic Landmark, National Register of Historic Places, United States

Dearborn County Animals

For animal lovers and great places to bring children in the Dearborn County area, look no further than the Red Wolf Sanctuary or the nearby Cincinnati Zoo.

The Red Wolf Sanctuary and Raptor Rehabilitation Center preserves native North American wildlife in its own habitat through environmental education and rehabilitation of injured or orphaned wildlife. Tours are available by appointment.

The Red Wolf, which was nearly extinct in the 1970’s, serves as the sanctuary’s mascot. Most of the wolves you will find there are the more common grey wolves.

The rehabilitated animals change from time to time since some are released after being rehabilitated, but you are likely to see black bears, coyotes, red foxes, and often owls, hawks, or cougars.

The Raptor Center allows visitors to overlook a 100-acre prairie, home to Bald Eagles, Red Tail Hawks, and various other raptors, fowl, and sing birds.

The Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden is located just 20 miles from Lawrenceburg and is one of the most famous zoos in the country. The zoo is the second-oldest in the United States and its Reptile House is the oldest zoo building in America, dating back to 1875 when the zoo itself was built.

The zoo features more than 500 animal and 3,000 plant species as well as various exhibits. In addition to simply covering the zoo’s grounds, there are self-guided tours focused on kids’ favorites, indoor exhibits to stay out of the elements, and a section of endangered species that the zoo is dedicated to saving.

There are various exhibits at the zoo, including newer projects such as “Night Hunters” and an “African Savannah” featuring such animals as Maasai giraffes and cheetahs. Adults and children alike have the opportunity to feed giraffes at “Giraffe Ridge”, get up close to a polar bear, or watch elephants get their baths among other opportunities.

Filed Under: Dearborn, Travel and Tourism Tagged With: Bald Eagle, Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden, United States

Where We Are

Dearborn County, Indiana is situated along the Ohio River where Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky meet. Located adjacent on Interstates 275 and 74, Dearborn County is just 22 miles from the heart of downtown Cincinnati and 15 miles from Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport via Interstate 275 and U.S. 50. Indianapolis, Indiana and Louisville, Kentucky are only 90 miles away.

Filed Under: Attractions, Travel and Tourism Tagged With: Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio River

What to Do in Dearborn County

If you are traveling with your significant other or in an adults-only party, you can find plenty of grown-up things to do in Dearborn County. These include visiting riverboat casinos, horse tracks, a winery, and, of course, browsing through art museums and antique malls and shops.

Make plans to stop by the Chateau Pomije Winery, Restaurant, and Banquet Hall in Guilford. This is a family-owned enterprise which started out in 1973 as just two acres of French-American grapes. It now encompasses over 100 acres, and the types of grapes grown include Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon. These types of grapes are not particularly hardy to cold water, so for the family to have successfully cultivated them in the Midwest (of which Indiana and subsequently Dearborn County is a part) is an amazing thing. Hours are Tuesday-Thursday and Sunday Noon-8; Friday and Saturday, Noon-10:00 PM. The winery is closed on Mondays.

Do you like to visit casinos? The Argosy Hotel and Casino as well as the Hollywood Casino are both riverboat casino properties located on the part of the Ohio River that runs through Dearborn County. Both casino properties feature slot machines as table games. In addition, there are at least six restaurants on the properties themselves.

In addition to casino gambling, you are only 27 miles away from Cincinnati, OH, and only about 97 miles away from Louisville, KY. In both states, you will find horse racing venues, if you like to “play the ponies”

Traveling with adults means getting to do fun things like visiting art galleries and going antique shopping. Dearborn County has several antique malls and shops in many of the towns that make up the county. In addition, Lawrenceburg has several art galleries as well as an art museum.

Filed Under: Dearborn, Travel and Tourism Tagged With: Cabernet Sauvignon, Casinos, Penn National Gaming