5 Best Hikes within 5 Hours of Cincinnati

We sell Ford vehicles every day. We talk about them with our customers, put them on our showroom floors, help families find the right truck or SUV, and watch as new Ford vehicles leave our dealerships and head home with the people who will drive them for years to come. But at Ford Sharonville Transmission Plant Family Day, we had the opportunity to see something that we don't always get to see. The people who help make those vehicles possible. Beechmont Ford was honored to be invited to the 2026 Sharonville Transmission Plant Family Day, an event celebrating the employees and families who are such an important part of Ford's story. For us, being there was about much more than attending an event. It was an opportunity to say thank you, to show our appreciation and to celebrate the hardworking people behind the Ford vehicles we are so proud to represent. And after spending time at Sharonville, we walked away with an even greater appreciation for what goes into building a Ford. A Proud Part of Ford's Story The Ford Sharonville Transmission Plant has been part of the automotive industry for nearly seven decades. The facility opened in 1958 on 182 acres in Sharonville, Ohio, and began production with the Ford-O-Matic three-speed transmission. Since then, the plant has evolved alongside Ford and the automotive industry, producing millions of transmissions and components over generations. Today, Sharonville is home to more than 2,000 Ford employees. According to Ford's June 2026 figures, the facility employs 2,391 people, including 1,841 hourly employees. Those numbers are impressive. But numbers don't tell the whole story. Behind those thousands of employees are individuals who bring their knowledge, experience and dedication to work every day. They are machinists, technicians, engineers, skilled tradespeople, supervisors and countless others whose work contributes to the vehicles Ford customers drive across the country. The transmissions and components produced at Sharonville ultimately become part of a much bigger story, one that starts inside the plant and ends with a Ford vehicle sitting in someone's driveway. That connection means something to us. Seeing the People Behind the Product As a Ford dealer, we spend our days focused on the finished product. We know the models. We know the features. We know the capability, technology and design that go into today's Ford lineup. But Family Day gave us an opportunity to step back from the vehicles themselves and focus on the people. That was one of the most meaningful parts of being there. Family Day is exactly what the name suggests, it’s a chance for Ford employees to bring their families together and share a place that plays such a significant role in their lives. For many employees, the Sharonville plant isn't simply where they work. It is where they've built careers. It is where they've formed friendships. It is where generations of families have spent their working lives. And it is a place they can take pride in. We were grateful to be welcomed into that environment and to have the opportunity to experience a small part of the community that exists within the Sharonville plant. Nearly 70 Years of Hard Work There is something powerful about walking into a facility that has been producing for nearly 70 years. Sharonville has seen tremendous changes in the automotive industry during that time. Technology has changed. Manufacturing has changed. The vehicles on American roads have changed. But one thing has remained constant: people. People showing up. People learning new skills. People adapting to new technology. People taking pride in their work. People working together to build something bigger than themselves. That commitment is a major part of what has allowed Sharonville to remain an important part of Ford's manufacturing network for generations. Today, the plant produces 6R140 and 10R80 finished transmissions, as well as gears used in several Ford transmission programs. Those components make their way into Ford vehicles throughout the country. So, when we hand a customer the keys to a new Ford, we know there is an enormous amount of work behind that moment. Family Day gave us the chance to recognize some of the people responsible for that work. Proud to Represent Ford Our relationship with Ford is something we are proud of every day. At Beechmont Ford and throughout Mark Williams Auto Group, we are proud to represent a company with such a long history in the communities we serve. But being invited to Sharonville reminded us that representing Ford is about more than selling vehicles. It is about the people behind the vehicles. It is about the employees who make the products we put on our showroom floors. It is about the families who support those employees. And it is about the communities that have grown alongside Ford over generations. That is why this invitation meant so much to us. We weren't there simply as a Ford dealer. We were there as guests welcomed into a community that has spent decades helping move Ford forward. And we are incredibly grateful for that opportunity. Thank You, Sharonville To the Ford Sharonville Transmission Plant team, thank you for inviting Beechmont Ford to be part of your 2026 Family Day celebration. We are grateful for the hospitality, the welcome and the opportunity to spend time with the people who make Sharonville such an important part of Ford's story. And to every Sharonville employee: thank you. Thank you for the early mornings and long days. Thank you for the skill and experience you bring to your work. Thank you for the pride you take in what you do. Thank you for helping produce the transmissions and components that eventually make their way into Ford vehicles driven by families, businesses and customers across the country. We may be the people who sell those vehicles, but you are part of the reason we have such a great product to sell. That is something we don't take for granted. More Than a Vehicle One of the things we love about the automotive business is that a vehicle is never just a vehicle. There are people behind it. There are families behind those people. There are communities behind those families. And there are thousands of hardworking individuals whose contributions make it possible for a Ford vehicle to eventually make its way into a customer's driveway. Family Day at Sharonville gave us the chance to see that story from a different perspective. We saw the pride employees have in their work. We saw the importance of family.

For business students, some of the most valuable lessons can come from hearing directly from people who work in the industry every day. That was the idea behind a recent visit from Mark Williams Auto Group to the University of Cincinnati, where freshman business students spent an afternoon learning about the automotive industry and what it takes to operate a dealership. Representing Mark Williams Auto Group were Charlie Watson, Marketing Director, and Josh Williams, General Manager of Queen City Ford and Vice President of Mark Williams Auto Group. The conversation gave students an opportunity to hear about the automotive business from two professionals with firsthand experience. Rather than focusing on just one area of a dealership, Charlie and Josh discussed the wide range of functions that contribute to the overall operation. Students learned about dealership departments, the relationship between those departments, revenue generation, marketing strategies, customer acquisition, and the importance of creating a consistent experience for customers. The discussion also touched on the challenges businesses face as technology continues to evolve. Artificial intelligence has quickly become a major topic across the business world, and automotive retail is no different. Dealerships are finding new applications for AI in areas such as advertising, customer communication, lead management, data reporting, and operational efficiency. For students at the beginning of their business education, conversations like these can provide useful context for the concepts they are learning in the classroom. They also demonstrate how business decisions can be affected by changes in technology, consumer behavior, and competition. The students were active participants throughout the afternoon. Their questions helped guide the conversation and allowed Charlie and Josh to address topics that were especially relevant to the group. The visit will also serve as the foundation for a class project. As part of their coursework, the students are preparing a SWOT analysis of Mark Williams Auto Group. They will evaluate the company from a business perspective, considering its strengths and weaknesses as well as potential opportunities and external challenges. Having the opportunity to analyze a real company gives the students a chance to put classroom concepts into practice. It also creates a unique opportunity for Mark Williams Auto Group to hear directly from students who are approaching the organization with fresh eyes. At Mark Williams Auto Group, we value opportunities to connect with students and share what we have learned through our experiences in the automotive industry. We appreciate the University of Cincinnati for inviting us back and the students for their enthusiasm, questions, and engagement. We look forward to seeing the ideas and insights they bring to their final presentations.

There is something about fall in Cincinnati that makes you want to get out and drive. Maybe it is the cooler mornings, the changing leaves along the Ohio River, or the fact that Cincinnati has no shortage of places worth exploring. From historic neighborhoods and local coffee shops to independent bookstores and scenic drives, fall is one of the best times of year to enjoy everything our area has to offer. Working in automotive marketing, I spend a lot of time talking about vehicles and features. But every now and then, it is fun to think about the reason people buy a vehicle in the first place. It is not always about the commute. Sometimes it is about the Saturday morning plans that turn into an entire day of exploring. That is where the Ford Bronco Sport really fits in. Compact enough to navigate Cincinnati neighborhoods but built with the capability and versatility to take the scenic route, the Ford Bronco Sport makes a great companion for a fall road trip around Cincinnati. So, grab a jacket, bring an empty tote bag for the books you are probably going to buy, and plan a fall day around some of our favorite local stops. Start Your Morning in Over-the-Rhine There is no better way to begin a fall road trip around Cincinnati than with coffee. Over-the-Rhine is especially enjoyable in the fall. The historic architecture, tree-lined streets and walkable atmosphere make it easy to park your vehicle and spend some time exploring. Before you start wandering, though, coffee is a good idea. One of the more unique stops in the neighborhood is Iris Book Cafe. Located on Main Street, Iris combines several things that naturally belong together on a cool fall morning: coffee, books, art and a quiet place to slow down. The café is surrounded by bookshelves and features a collection of used and vintage books alongside locally focused food and coffee. There is something refreshing about putting the phone down for a few minutes, ordering a warm drink and browsing shelves without being in a hurry to get somewhere. That is the kind of stop that can turn an ordinary Saturday into an actual road trip. Why the Ford Bronco Sport Makes Sense for Cincinnati Adventures The best road trips do not always require hundreds of miles. Sometimes the best adventures are close to home. The Ford Bronco Sport is a great fit for exploring Cincinnati because it gives drivers the flexibility to move between city streets, scenic backroads and destinations outside the city. Whether you are heading downtown for coffee, crossing the river into Northern Kentucky or taking the long way home to enjoy the fall colors, the Bronco Sport is designed for drivers who enjoy getting out and exploring. It also has the kind of versatile interior space that comes in handy for a day like this. Coffee shop? Easy. Farmers market? Plenty of room. A stack of books you did not plan on buying? There is room for those, too. And if your Cincinnati fall road trip turns into a weekend adventure, the Ford Bronco Sport gives you the capability to keep going. Cross the River for Coffee and Books After spending some time in Cincinnati, head toward the river. One of the great things about living in this area is how quickly a drive can take you somewhere completely different. Cross the Ohio River and you can find yourself exploring Northern Kentucky in just a matter of minutes. For anyone who loves bookstores and coffee shops, Roebling Books & Coffee - Covington is worth adding to the itinerary. Located near the Roebling Bridge, this independent bookstore and coffee shop offers exactly the kind of atmosphere you want on a fall afternoon. Browse the books, order a specialty coffee or tea and take your time. The location is also convenient for exploring Covington and enjoying views of the river and Cincinnati skyline. There is something particularly enjoyable about bookstores in the fall. Maybe it is the cooler weather. Maybe it is the idea of finding a new book to bring home for the season. Either way, a bookstore and coffee shop combination is difficult to beat. Take the Scenic Route This is where I would encourage you not to rush back home. The Ford Bronco Sport was made for drivers who appreciate a little spontaneity. Instead of immediately heading back to the interstate, take a different route. Drive through some neighborhoods you have not visited in a while. Find a local park, like Devou Park. Stop here for one of the best views of Cincinnati. Take a few pictures of the fall colors. Cincinnati is full of places that can be overlooked when we are focused on getting from Point A to Point B. Fall is a good reminder that the drive itself can be part of the experience. That is one reason the Bronco Sport stands out among compact SUVs. It encourages a different mindset. It is practical for everyday life, but it also feels ready when your everyday plans suddenly turn into an adventure. Make One More Coffee Stop If you are heading back toward Cincinnati, consider making one more stop before calling it a day. Coffee Emporium has been a familiar name for coffee lovers in the Cincinnati area, and its Hyde Park location offers a comfortable neighborhood setting for an afternoon coffee break. This is the perfect time to order something seasonal, sit outside if the weather cooperates and talk about the rest of your fall plans. Because once fall arrives in Cincinnati, one road trip usually leads to another. You start with coffee and a bookstore. Then you start thinking about apple orchards. Hiking trails. Weekend drives. Football tailgates. Fall festivals. Before long, your weekends are booked. Your Fall Adventure Starts Close to Home You do not have to travel across the country to have a memorable road trip. Sometimes all you need is a good vehicle, a free Saturday and a reason to explore your own city. The Ford Bronco Sport offers versatility, capability and adventurous personality that make those spontaneous plans easier to say yes to. Whether you are navigating downtown Cincinnati, heading into Northern Kentucky or finding a scenic route surrounded by fall colors, it is ready to go where the day takes you. From our perspective at the dealership, that is what we enjoy most about seeing customers find the right vehicle. It is not just about handing over the keys. It is about everything that comes after. The road trips. The weekends away. The coffee runs. The books in the back. And the memories you did not necessarily plan for. This fall, take the long way. Explore Cincinnati. Support a local coffee shop. Buy a book you did not need. And see where your Ford Bronco Sport takes you.