A Royal Adventure: Fantastic Friends Take Over the Loveland Castle

Our Fantastic Friends program took a truly royal turn this month with an epic adventure to the historic Loveland Castle, also known as Château Laroche. Participants, volunteers, and staff stepped back in time to explore a castle built stone by stone along the scenic banks of the Little Miami River—and to enjoy a medieval feast fit for kings and queens!

From the moment we arrived, it was clear this wasn’t your average Saturday afternoon. The towering stone walls and lush riverside landscape set the scene for an afternoon of imagination, friendship, and fun. The group learned that Château Laroche—French for “Rock Castle”—was lovingly constructed by World War I veteran and Boy Scout troop leader Harry D. Andrews, who began the project in 1927. For more than fifty years, Andrews dedicated himself to building the castle using stones from the nearby river and handmade bricks molded in quart milk cartons.

Inside, participants explored rooms filled with artifacts, medieval décor, and unique relics that captured Andrews’ creativity and passion. Volunteers helped guide small groups through the castle, pointing out fun details and snapping plenty of photos along the way.

But the day’s magic didn’t stop there—our program leads went above and beyond to make this experience unforgettable. Lady Kathy prepared roasted chicken legs to create a true renaissance feast, while Sir Tim surprised everyone with a handcrafted Fantastic Friends suit of armor, complete with a shining GiGi’s touch. Their creativity and enthusiasm transformed our visit into something straight out of a storybook.

As the group gathered for lunch, laughter echoed through the castle courtyard. Conversations flowed easily, new friendships were formed, and everyone—participants and volunteers alike—embraced the spirit of adventure.

A particularly heartwarming highlight came when participants April and Lauren presented the castle employees with a beautiful potted plant to say thank you for the wonderful day. Their thoughtful gesture perfectly captured the spirit of gratitude, kindness, and connection that defines our Fantastic Friends community.

These are the moments that make Fantastic Friends so special. Beyond the annual field trips and themed experiences, this program creates space for adults with Down syndrome and other disabilities to connect, learn, and grow together in a fun, inclusive environment. Every gathering is an opportunity to build confidence, strengthen social skills, and celebrate each person’s unique talents.

Our volunteers play a huge part in making that magic happen. From driving participants to events and helping with meals to designing creative activities that make each session memorable, they pour their hearts into everything they do. This month’s castle adventure was a shining example of how teamwork, imagination, and community spirit can come together to create something truly extraordinary.

At GiGi’s Playhouse Cincinnati, we believe every program should empower participants to be their Best of All—and this Fantastic Friends event did just that. Whether exploring the castle halls, enjoying the feast, or simply sharing stories under the afternoon sun, everyone walked away with smiles, memories, and maybe even a little royal flair.

A huge thank-you to Lady Kathy, Sir Tim, and all of our Fantastic Friends volunteers who helped bring this day to life. Your creativity, energy, and kindness make every experience at GiGi’s one to remember.

We can’t wait to see where our next adventure takes us—but one thing’s for sure: this trip to Loveland Castle will go down in GiGi’s history as one of the most legendary Fantastic Friends gatherings yet!