Grab those Christmas lists, a pair of hiking shoes, maybe a camera, and enjoy the following 35-mile tour of the Stillwater Valley along St. Rt. 48 from Englewood to Covington. Along the way, you’ll discover beautiful murals, visit one-of-a-kind shops and restaurants, learn amazing history, and experience a slice of small-town life along this picturesque stretch of western Ohio. At the peak of fall, the journey becomes even more colorful, ending with an extended tour of northwest Miami County, where four parks await hikers and sightseers. Prepare to enjoy some of the best hidden gems in western Ohio!
Downtown Englewood
Our adventure begins in the very heart of Englewood at the intersection of St. Rt. 48 and U.S. 40. Here, at Joe Rapp Plaza (5 Main St.), is the first of several murals on the tour, this one depicting early life in Englewood. Within walking distance of the mural are a number of worthwhile (and unique) shops and eateries. Start your holiday shopping at Log Cabin Comforts (specializing in primitive antiques, handmade originals, accents for the home and more), Rustic & Rooted (unique home décor boutique with kitchen essentials, linens, house plants and more and pictured above), Cosmic Comics & Games, Plug ‘N Play Computers and Gem City Pawn & Loan. Before continuing on the journey, enjoy treats and eats at the Sweet Tooth Candy Store and Café 19.
Englewood MetroPark East Park
4361 W. National Rd., Vandalia
Just a short drive from St. Rt. 48, explore Englewood MetroPark, which is especially colorful in the fall. Numerous hiking trails, scenic overlooks and beautiful wooded views make it well worth the short detour.
Covered Wagon Farm Market
607 N. Main St.
No trip along this stretch of St. Rt. 48 is complete without a stop at the Covered Wagon Farm Market in Union. This longtime roadside destination is filled with seasonal favorites, including fresh fall produce, colorful mums, apples, pumpkins, local honey, baked goods, homemade fudge and plenty of specialty foods. Browse shelves stocked with jams, jellies, sauces, candies and unique gifts (perfect for holiday shopping) while enjoying popular free samples. Open Tuesday-Saturday.
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Aces on 48 + Waterfall
2334 S. Miami St.
Open 3-11 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday, Aces on 48 is a bar and restaurant located next to a scenic waterfall, one of numerous falls found along the ancient western edge of the Stillwater Valley that Route 48 follows. Enjoy burgers, sandwiches and other favorites while taking in the peaceful setting. The venue also features live music, karaoke and other special events throughout the year.
Downtown West Milton
West Milton is one of the highlights of this road trip, with a walkable downtown filled with unique shops, local restaurants, public art and small-town charm. Be sure to visit the community's two colorful murals at 111 N. Miami St. and 102 N. Miami St., along with several historical markers and buildings.
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Spend some time exploring the downtown shops, where you'll find antiques, home décor, gifts, collectibles and more at ReVive It, Village Peddler, Treasure Chest, 28 Marketplace, Now & Then, Angel Heaven, Wertz Variety and other locally owned businesses. If you have extra time, enjoy a fall kayak trip on the Stillwater River with Barefoot Canoe, located in peaceful West Milton Municipal Park.
(See more of West Milton and its shops, including interior shots, beneath this article!)
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When it's time for a meal or a sweet treat, West Milton has plenty of options. Grab coffee or breakfast at Café 19 (owned by the same couple as the Englewood location), enjoy baked goods from HomeTowne Bakes, stop by Sugarland Social, or settle in for lunch or dinner at Sourmugs Tavern or the Bulldog Diner. Several pizza parlors also highlight the community.
ABOVE: Transfiguration Center for Spiritual Renewal.
BELOW: River's Edge Nature Preserve, sometimes called Brukner 2!
River’s Edge Nature Preserve & Transfiguration Center for Spiritual Renewal
Owned by Brukner Nature Center, the River’s Edge Nature Preserve is located just around the corner from St. Rt. 48 on Calumet Road, just north of West Milton. The short but beautiful trail system here winds past a seasonal cascading waterfall, a limestone-lined gorge and a surprisingly steep hill that rewards hikers with a scenic overlook of the Stillwater River.
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Just up the road at 3505 Calumet Road is another hidden gem—the Transfiguration Center for Spiritual Renewal. While serving as a retirement home for priests, the peaceful grounds are also open to visitors and feature wooded hiking trails, beautiful gardens and a peaceful Stations of the Cross that winds through the woods.
Ludlow Falls
Probably the most breathtaking waterfall on this tour, Ludlow Falls drops approximately 15 feet over a limestone ledge before continuing toward the Stillwater River. The picturesque falls gave both Ludlow Creek and the Village of Ludlow Falls their names. A parking lot next to the bridge provides access to the waterfall.
Pleasant Hill Murals + Civil War Monument
One of Pleasant Hill's most iconic attractions is the Civil War monument that stands in the middle of the road. Dedicated in 1895, the monument honors 12 local soldiers who lost their lives during the Civil War and remains one of the most unique landmarks along this historic route.
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In 2026, two new murals were added to this historic setting, bringing even more color and storytelling to downtown Pleasant Hill. One mural celebrates the village library, while the other depicts the Dayton, Covington and Piqua Traction Line, an electric interurban railway that traveled through Pleasant Hill from 1902 until 1926. The trolley line connected communities throughout the Stillwater Valley, allowing residents to travel between towns long before the automobile became the primary form of transportation. Learn more about this history HERE.
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Before leaving town, stop by the Local Coffee & Creamery for a treat or pick-me-up.
FL Blankenship Riverside Sanctuary
4112 St. Rt. 48
Just south of Covington along the Stillwater River, the F.L. Blankenship Riverside Sanctuary is a peaceful place to stretch your legs and enjoy the beauty of the river and two historic bridges on the property.
Covington + Greenville Falls
The final community along St. Rt. 48 is the charming village of Covington, where art, shopping, dining and history come together in a downtown that's easy to explore on foot. Like West Milton, it's a place worth parking the car and spending some time wandering.
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One of the village's newest attractions is the mural at 5 E. Spring St., which brings one of Covington's most unforgettable stories back to life. Created by local artist Dawn (Flory) Babylon, the colorful artwork celebrates a memorable moment in the community's past involving an escaped circus elephant. Learn more about this incident HERE.
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Covington is also a great place to shop and discover local treasures. Rosebud's Real Foods is a must-stop for specialty foods and holiday shopping, while Treasures on High is filled with collectibles and one-of-a-kind finds. Shoppers will also enjoy Pacific Coast Surf Styles, Elias and Oliver Boutique, and the old-fashioned charm of Siegel's Country Store.
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After exploring downtown, enjoy comfort food at Boscoe's Place or grab a bite at Buffalo Jack's, known for its Wild West atmosphere and adventurous menu. For coffee and a sweet treat, stop by Glacier View Coffee.
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History lovers visiting during open hours can tour the Covington-Newberry Historical Society Museum at 101 E. Spring St., where exhibits preserve local artifacts and stories from the community's past. The museum is open from 1-4 p.m. Sunday and 5-7 p.m. Wednesday. A number of historical markers can also be found downtown.
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Before continuing your journey, take a stroll through Covington Community Park along the banks of the Stillwater River. Just outside town, Greenville Falls State Scenic River offers one of western Ohio's prettiest waterfalls, where the water cascades over a natural limestone ledge.
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If time allows, make one final stop at Highland Cemetery, just off St. Rt. 48, to see its impressive World War I monument.
Miami Memorial Park & Gardens
7875 N. Crescent Rd.
Featuring religious statues, beautiful flowers and memorials dedicated to U.S. servicemen, including Piqua native and Medal of Honor recipient William Pitsenbarger, Miami Memorial Park & Gardens is a true hidden gem that is especially beautiful in the fall. Take a moment to drive through the cemetery, or park and walk around.
Four Parks in the Fall
Finish your journey with a visit to northwest Miami County, where four Miami County parks await hikers amid beautiful fall foliage. If you're willing to cross a small stream, three of the parks are connected by the county's longest trail system: Stillwater Prairie Reserve, Maple Ridge Reserve and Stillwater Prairie Rangeline Road. Not far from here is Goode Prairie, which is most spectacular in late summer but less dramatic in the fall. The other three parks, however, are especially spectacular during autumn, so take your time and enjoy.
West Milton Holiday Open House | Nov. 19-22
The Shoppes of West Milton will host a holiday open house from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 19-21 and noon to 4 p.m. Nov. 22. There will be door prizes and refreshments. Visit all 12 shops for a chance to win, which are: 28 Marketplace, Treasure Chest, Village Peddler, Now & Then Antiques, Sugarland Social, Café 19, Angel Heaven, Gleaning Place, Hometowne Bakes, Wertz Variety, Patterson’ Flowers and Revive It.
