Ohio Magazine's Best Hometowns: Lebanon

Historic shops are the crown jewel of Lebanon which is a community that embraces its past and well as the future.

"Most of the shops have been here for decades, some buildings since the 1800s," said Jim Bliss, who helped organize the effort to get Lebanon on the Best Hometowns list.

The shops are unique and don't carry merchandise found in big box stores, according to Bliss who moved to town eight years ago.

One of the oldest buildings in Lebanon is the most famous. The Golden Lamb is a restaurant and inn built in 1803, reported ONN's Lot Tan.

"Tourists are the number one part of our business. We're a destination restaurant but we are also a hotel and have a tavern and a gift shop," said De De Bailey.

Twelve presidents have stopped at the Golden Lamb, from Ronald Reagan to George W. Bush.

Bailey said she'll never forget getting the call from the White House.

Another famous stop in Lebanon is the Village Ice Cream Parlor. Some people stop here now to relive their past and take a step back in time.

Co-owner Sandy Fuston said many of her customers are like members of her extended family.

"If we have customers we don't see for a while, we're kind of worried what happened to them," said Fuston.

Concerns for people's well-being extends to the youngest members of this community as well, especially those who are hungry.

Lebanon City Schools' Warriors backpack program provides food for 280 low income kids over the weekend.

Superintendent Mark North said the district receives support not only from parents, but church members and other volunteers.

"There's a proverb that says it takes a village to raise a child. We're living that here in Lebanon," said North.

A common belief which North said has helped make Lebanon one of Ohio's Best Hometowns.

"A respect for the tradition of the past, it's important we cherish those traditions beacuse this is part of our strong foundation," said North.

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