The Sweet & Spirited Date Day in Miami County Ohio

Some dates are dinner and a movie. This one? It’s pastries, pours, and a whole lot of “just one more stop.”

If you’re looking for a date that hits a little different, in the best way, the Miami County Sweets & Spirits Trail delivers. This self-guided experience winds through Miami County’s small towns with more than 20 stops featuring bakeries, candy shops, breweries, wineries, and distilleries.

The best part? It’s not about rushing. It’s about savoring. And yes…sharing bites so you can try more.

Start Sweet Before the Day Gets Away

Ease into the day with something warm, flaky, and fresh from the oven. A stop at Bakehouse Bread & Cookie Co. sets the tone with artisan breads and pastries made daily. Think European-style loaves that are crunchy on the outside and soft and perfect on the inside!

From there, walk over to grab a coffee and chocolate pairing at Winans Chocolates + Coffees, where handcrafted chocolates meet rich, aromatic drinks that feel like a treat combo all on their own. But this is just the start, so indulge a little and buy some chocolate for later to take with you.

Pro-tip: Bakehouse Bread and Cookie Co and Winans are just steps away from one another, making this the perfect way to start your adventure dates.

Midday Stops That Turn Into Traditions

As the day rolls on, lean into the fun side of the trail. Miami County makes it easy to keep things playful and sweet.

Head to Grandpa Joe’s Candy Shop for a nostalgic wander through shelves packed with hundreds of candy options, yes, the kind you forgot even existed. The candy buffet will be where you might want to spend a minute, where, for $5.00, you can cram as much as you can into a box as long as the lid closes! 

Then switch things up with something cool and creative at Bits & Pieces, known for rolled ice cream and edible cookie dough that feels like dessert and entertainment all in one. We call this the unique-to-you sweet stop because you can create your own masterpiece of ice cream deliciousness! (We know that by this stop, you’re sharing your creations!)

If you’re still debating your next sweet stop, here’s your sign to just go for it. Keep the fun going!

This is where the date finds its sweet rhythm. Wander through downtowns like Tipp City or Piqua, popping into spots like Bodega Market for small-batch ice cream and fresh-baked goods or Dobo’s Delights for pastries that feel like they came straight from a family recipe book.

Sip Into the Evening

Now comes the “spirited” part of the trail, where the date levels up.

Start with something truly unique at Indian Creek Distillery, where history and craftsmanship come together in every pour. Known as Ohio’s oldest distillery, this is more than a stop; it’s an experience. Step onto the farm where it all began over two centuries ago and enjoy what can only be described as a true sip of history. Their legendary Ohio Frontier Whiskeys are handcrafted one bottle at a time using small-batch, double-copper pot distillation, creating an authentic flavor that whiskey lovers appreciate.

Pro-tip:  Stillhouse tours and tastings make this a memorable part of the day and a perfect way to slow things down and savor the moment. Plan plenty of time here to do the tasting and tour the distillery.

After you’ve done the tour at Indian Creek Distillery, settle in for a relaxed drink at Crooked Handle Brewing Co., where craft beer and a laid-back atmosphere make it easy to linger. Have a little bite before your next stop on this spirited date.

By now, your day has shifted into evening, and no one is in a hurry to leave.

It is time to slow down and imbibe at Old Mason Winery & Vineyard, which offers a slower pace and a glass worth savoring. Make sure you do this part of the trail on one of the days with live music. Pairing wine with music vibes and a sunset over the vineyard makes for a lovely way to wine-down your date day.

Make It a Night Worth Repeating

The beauty of the Sweets & Spirits Trail is that no two visits look the same. You can follow a plan or let the day unfold stop by stop. 

Sharing bites. Trying something new. Laughing over “we probably didn’t need that… but we’re glad we got it anyway.”

It’s a date that stretches into an experience, and maybe even into a weekend.

Pro Tips for the Trail

• Start earlier in the day for the best bakery selection
• Share everything so you can try more stops
• Plan ahead for transportation if enjoying multiple drink stops #drinkresponsibly
• Check for seasonal specials and limited-time treats
• Leave room in the schedule for surprises (and seconds)

The Sweet Ending

The Miami County Sweets & Spirits Trail isn’t just about candy and cocktails. It’s about slowing down and turning a simple day out into something that feels unique and a little more memorable.

And chances are, before the last sip or final bite, you’ll already be saying it…

“Next time, we have to try that place we missed.”

Brandy Gleason is the CEO of Gleason Media, LLC. , chief writer at Gleason Family Adventure, and creator of the Ohio Road Trips Facebook group. She has written three books, 100 Things to Do in Ohio’s Amish Country Before You Die, and co-wrote the Ohio section of Midwest Road Trip Adventures and Midwest State Parks, and 100 Things to Do in Ohio Before You Die will be released in 2024. She has spoken at National Conventions on education and conferences on travel, was a brand ambassador for THOR industries in 2021, and is currently a Heartland RVs brand ambassador.

Brandy loves to travel and explore and has a passion for the environment, sustainability, and the outdoors. She buckles up for a road trip any time she can, and her driving force behind her writing and social media is to encourage others to find their own adventures. One of her favorite quotes is “In order to write about life first you must live it.” by Ernest Hemingway, and she fully embraces each day.

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