Piqua

The city of Piqua began as an important Native American settlement and trade area. Frontier settlement began in the area after Fort Piqua was constructed in 1793. The city celebrates its rich history through the preservation and interpretation of a number of historic sites, as well as the annual Piqua Heritage Festival. Historic attractions include the Piqua Historical Area, located at the Johnston Farm and the Piqua Historical Museum.

A number of parks and preserved natural areas enhance Piqua's quality of life, and outdoor enthusiasts benefit from the unique Linear Park. Comprised of three sections that total 11 miles of paved pathway for walkers, joggers, cyclists, and roller bladers, Linear Park follows the path of an abandoned railroad bed, along the hydraulic canal, and traces the banks of the Great Miami River. Students here attend Piqua City Schools, consisting of six elementary schools, one junior high, and one high school. High-school age students can also attend the Upper Valley Joint Vocational School.

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Troy

The heart of Troy is "The Square" -- this downtown area was laid out in 1807, and features Victorian-era architecture, with a number of buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places. A 90-minute self-guided walking tour serves as a great way to explore the area and learn about the town's history. "The Square" is also the home to the annual Festival of Nations, a unique celebration where the town's residents gather to share the foods, arts, crafts, music, storytelling traditions, and dances particular to their diverse cultures and ethnicities.

At the center of Ohio's strawberry production, Troy celebrates each June with the Troy Strawberry Festival, featuring a parade, food, entertainment, and of course, succulent strawberry treats. The aviation industry is also central to the town's heritage and character, thanks to the WACO Aircraft Company's roots here. The WACO Museum and Aviation Learning Center interprets the company's history and development, with exhibits on commercial and military aircraft production from 1920s through World War II, and WACO Field, a grass airport used for aviation events and aircraft restoration.

The Brukner Nature Center offers miles of hiking trails, educational programs, a wildlife rehabilitation center, an interpretive center, and an 1804 log home. Other historic attractions include the Museum of Troy History, housed in a restored pre-Civil War era home, and the Overfield Tavern Museum, housed in an 1808 log building that once served as an inn, courthouse, church and school.

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Tipp City

Tipp City's 19th century downtown area is a popular draw for antique shoppers and history-lovers. The city is careful to preserve its past, through historic homes and the Tippecanoe Historical District, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. But this community, located in southern Miami County near Interstate 75 and just north of Interstate 70, is also moving steadily into the next century. A number of new businesses and housing construction are springing up alongside historic older homes and established businesses, keeping the economy strong and attracting new residents.

Tipp City is a close-knit community, coming together every year for the Canal Days celebration, the Tipp City Mum Festival, and "A Winter's Gathering," the city's Victorian-style Christmas celebration. Monthly Community Nights offer residents a number of indoor and outdoor activities. The city park system includes Charleston Falls Preserve, a 169-acre park that includes a 37-foot waterfall and miles of hiking trail.

Covington

Situated along the Stillwater River in northwestern Miami County, Covington traces its roots back to Fort Rowdy, which served as a campsite for Mad Anthony Wayne's "rowdy" troops during the Indian Wars. The town commemorates its beginnings every October during the Fort Rowdy Days festival, with games, family activities, and a mountain man encampment.

Today, Covington is home to about 3,000 residents, who enjoy beautiful scenic areas and a number of natural preserved areas, including Greenville Falls, a 79-acre preserve maintained by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.