The must-dos of 2018: 20 amazing local things you should commit to doing this year

1. Eat through the donut trail. The Butler County Donut Trail highlights small, family-run doughnut shops. A Donut Trail passport is available for fans to log their journey through Butler County.

2. Go skydiving. At Start Skydiving in Middletown, you can either jump solo or complete a tandem jump at the Middletown Regional Airport.

3. Stay at the Great Wolf Lodge Resort. The resort in Mason features an indoor water park, a spa and dining options.

4. Go to a fair. The Butler and Warren county fairs are in Hamilton and Lebanon, respectively, this summer.

5. Eat lunch at the Golden Lamb. The Golden Lamb in Lebanon was established in 1803, is the state's oldest inn and has been visited by 12 U.S. presidents.

6. Take your children to EnterTRAINment Junction. It is the world's largest indoor model railroad display located in West Chester Twp. The display measures 25,000 square feet.

7. Spend the day at Kings Island. The 364-acre amusement park in Mason features more than 80 rides, shows and attractions, including 15 roller coasters and a 33-acre water park.

8. Experience the Broad Street Bash. Catch a concert during the Broad Street Bash series in downtown Middletown.

9. Live racing and gaming in Monroe. Watch live harness racing at Miami Valley Gaming in Monroe or try your luck on the 1,600 gaming machines.

10. See world-class tennis. Cheer the world's best tennis players at the Western & Southern Open in Mason.

11. Experience the unique flea markets. Look for bargains at three flea markets in the region: Treasure Aisles and Traders World in Monroe and Caesar Creek in Wilmington.

Credit: Nicholas S. Graham

Credit: Nicholas S. Graham

12. Go to an eye-popping event. Attend the Ohio Balloon Challenge, Santa Parade, or Independence Day Festival in Middletown.

13. Spend an afternoon at Wake Nation. The Fairfield facility is the only cable wake park in the region. Visitors can wakeboard, wakeskate, water-ski and kneeboard all without a boat.

14. Visit Top Golf. The driving range in West Chester features heated bays and allows golfers of all skill levels to hit microchipped balls into the playing field.

15. Play at Main Event Entertainment. Load your funcard and play in West Chester at the 49,000 square-foot center that has bowling and games.

16. Try these beautiful drives. Drive through Light Up Middletown, a holiday lights display in Smith Park, Pyramid Hill or through display in Sculpture Park in Hamilton.

17. Purchase an art piece at the Pyramid Hill Art Fair. Each September, Pyramid Hill in Hamilton invites artists from around the country to showcase their creations. The event also features live musical performances by local and regional bands, specialty food vendors, and a beer garden.

18. Outdoor 'refreshments' in Middletown. Enjoy a cold adult beverage while walking downtown Middletown thanks to the Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area.

19. View an exhibit or take an art class. They're offered at the Fitton Center for Creative Arts or the Middletown Art Center.

20. Sample fine wines at the Oxford Wine Festival. It is sponsored by the Oxford Chamber of Commerce. There also is a beer garden, food booths and unique handmade items.