A Whimsical Ohio Day Trip | Jungle Jim’s International Market and the Highfield Discovery Garden

This post first appeared on the blog in February 2017 and has since been updated.

With a free Sunday and no plans, I decided to hop in the car and take my oldest son on a day trip to Ohio to visit Jungle Jim’s International Market and the Highfield Discovery Garden.

When it comes to planning family trips, I’ve got a little secret weapon – Travel Math and Roadside America. I start by determining the radius I’m willing to travel and use Travel Math to uncover cities within that range. Afterward, I feed these cities into Roadside America to unveil unique attractions and events. It’s my recipe for crafting the perfect family itinerary. You’re welcome. 🙂

Jungle Jim’s International Market, 5440 Dixie Hwy, Fairfield, OH

Our first stop was Jungle Jim’s International Market, an Ohio gem that caught our attention through this method. The moment we set our eyes on this vibrant marketplace, we knew we were in for a treat. The whimsical statues of elephants, giraffes, and superfruits welcomed us with open arms.

The market itself boasts over 200,000 square feet of shopping space. If you can think of a type of food, it’s probably there. We lost track of time as we roamed the aisles, sampled delicious treats, and even tried out some beer tastings. 

Oh, and let’s not forget the quirky swinging Campbell’s soup can, Mr. Corn on the Cob, and his adorable companion, Ms. Butter. They added a playful touch to the experience.

From our experience, here are three things you need to know when visiting Jungle Jim’s International Market:

1 – Bring Extra Money

You’ll be tempted to purchase unique and exotic foods from over 70 countries. Be prepared to splurge a bit.

2 – Pack a Cooler

Since you’re bound to make some purchases, having a cooler with ice on hand is a smart move for keeping your goodies fresh on the way home.

3 – Dress Comfortably

Jungle Jim’s is not your typical grocery store. It’s more like a foodie’s paradise, and you’ll be doing a lot of walking. Comfortable attire is a must.

A Pit Stop at Cici’s Pizza, 5478 Dixie Hwy, Fairfield, OH

After a fun and memorable market exploration, we decided on a pit stop at Cici’s Pizza. Cici’s Pizza has always been a fan-favorite of ours. We’ve visited several across the United States over the years.

I mean really, who doesn’t love a good and affordable pizza buffet? The only downside was that my oldest son, who recently turned 11, had to pay the adult price. Sigh. 

Highfield Discovery Garden (Glenwood Gardens), 10397 Springfield Pike, Cincinnati, OH

With just an hour left to spare, we headed towards the Highfield Discovery Garden at Glenwood Gardens, which turned out to be only six miles down the road. This impromptu visit was a pleasant surprise and a great way to maximize our time.

It’s worth noting that you won’t be able to see much from the road, so be sure to visit the Visitors’ Center. We paid for our admission and entered the Discovery Garden through there. The highlight, of course, was that strange-looking tree house we initially spotted on Pinterest.

I tell you, it is always worth researching and overplanning on adventures so that you always have something interesting to do. 

Apart from the tree house, we discovered smaller gardens and a whimsical environment that left us enchanted. Our favorites included the Discovery Tree, the Trolley Garden with Thomas the Train chugging along, the Frog & Toad Garden, and the charming mushrooms. Even during the winter season when greenery was sparse, the Discovery Garden was an adorable sight.

Final Thoughts

After we finished our time at the outdoor gardens we headed home into the dusk. Overall, we had a wonderful time and I was pleased that we kept our budget under $100.

The Budget

Breakfast & Lunch $18.34

Splurge at Jungle Jim’s $15.89

Discovery Garden Admission $4.00

Gas $38.00

Total: $76.23