Ripley, Ohio

So this post is a little different. This trip wasn't a typical vacation for me as I've been to Ripley a lot, but what is different this time is that I was here because I was purchasing a house to turn into an AirBnB! The trip also took place during the COVID-19 pandemic, so I was working while on vacation for this one. I still managed to have a lot of fun, and there's a lot to see in this area. Hopefully, you'll consider taking this trip as well!

Ripley is a small Ohio river village in Brown County. Historically it's important because it was an early stop on the Underground Railroad. You can still visit the Rankin House, a national historic landmark where Presbyterian Minister, John Rankin, helped enslaved people escape slavery. It's also where Colonel Charles Young lived, who was the first black man to achieve the rank of Colonel in the U.S. Army. In short, it's got some cool history.

Right along the Ohio River, Ripley is a lovely village in Brown County, OH.

The unassuming Rankin House sits atop Liberty Hill in Ripley. Be sure not to miss it!

There's a small downtown that's pretty charming and comes with some great antiquing. There's also a good diner, pizza place, and some other dining options to check out. Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays also feature a flea market that's pretty fun to visit.

Great antiquing here!

Lots of historic homes along the main drag on the water.

The downtown is really pretty.

Another nice little shop to stop in.

My favorite bar down here, Snapper's Saloon.

It comes with great outdoor seating and a great view of the river, so you can be safe from COVID while enjoying the view!

Tons of stuff to rummage through! We got some records and games for the house.

Definitely the best pizza in town - Giovani's Pizza.

Twins Diner is really good too. Nothing fancy, just good diner food. I recommend the Philly Cheesesteak!

Cohearts Riverhouse is probably the nicest restaurant in town. They were doing carryout while we were there because of COVID-19.

Check out these delicious ribs!

Another cool part about the village is that it's very close to a great stop on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, the Old Pogue Distillery, which has been around since the 1800s.

Old Pogue is only 15 minutes away!

Definitely a good bottle of bourbon. Be sure to schedule a tour ahead of time!

Where all the magic happens...

You can also visit a couple of wineries nearby, the Meranda-Nixon Winery (about 15 minutes North) and the Kinkead Ridge Winery right downtown.

The vinyard at Meranda-Nixon.

Stop in for a tasting and get a bottle to enjoy with a cheese and meat tray!

Speaking of the downtown, one of our favorite things to do is walk along the river near sunset. There are some beautiful historic homes along the way and lots of them have historical signs outside that talk about their histories.

Beautiful sunset the evening I went for a walk!

Also some beautiful historic homes to check out along the walk.

Charles Young, the first black Colonel in the U.S. Army, had a home here for many years as well.

You'll also see a lot of Purple Martin houses (and Purple Martins) along the walk!

The best part of the trip, however, is spending time at the house my grandparents have (which my brother and I are turning into an AirBnB!) The house and the 23 acres that it sits on have been in the family my whole life, and my brother and I have really fond memories of visiting. I love hunting and hiking through the woods there. It's really a beautiful spot with a great view of the river. Check it out!

The best feature of the house is the view of the Ohio River!

The cabin itself is two bedrooms with a sleeper in the living room, so it sleeps six.

Great views from the inside as well!

There's a great wrap-around porch to enjoy the views from as well.

The living room comes with the views too, along with some great seating for lounging with family and friends.

One of my favorite ways to relax and enjoy the view is the hammock on the hill.

The best part of the property, though, is the woods. As previously mentioned, there are 23 acres attached to the property and trails throughout. It's full of wildlife as well.

Beautiful wooded hill right behind the property.

There are trails throughout the property both along the creek and going up to the top of the hill.

Beautiful waterfall.

There's a creek that runs along the West side of the property.

I almost stepped on this little guy, thankfully his bright colors stand out!

I saw deer all over the place on the property and love hunting there, but this is definitely the youngest fawn (probably less than a week old?!) that I have ever seen! Mom did come back to get it, don't worry!

 

The most exciting thing about this trip, of course, is that you can take it anytime you want! The AirBnB will be available to rent starting July 1, 2020. You can find the listing on AirBnB here. Book your next trip soon! You won't regret it.

Edit: We had the property for a while but sold it, so I wish you could stay there still, but alas it is no more...