Yellow Springs - A Charming Ohio Village

Things to do:

Glen Helen Nature Preserve: The Glen Helen Nature Preserve is set in 1,125 acres of land, connected by more than 15 miles of trails. Locals and visitors alike enjoy meeting the magnificent birds of prey being rehabilitated at the Raptor Center. You might even glimpse the beaver family that has built a dam and a lodge, creating a pond and wetland area that provide essential habitat for waterfowl and native plant species.

Dave Chappelle's YS Firehouse: As a Yellow Springs resident, Dave Chappelle is often seen out and about in the Village. His club, the YS Firehouse, features live music and comedy shows. He has brought some amazing acts already, including Bill Burr, Donnell Rawlings, Caroline Rhea, Goapele, De La Soul, and Bert Kreischer. At the time of this guide being published (May 2024) they are still in the early stages of opening and will eventually have a full kitchen, but at the moment there is usually a food truck at events for purchasing food once inside. You can also visit the Chappelle Shop to grab some merch and maybe spot the man himself!

House of Aum: Book an astrology reading or take a yoga class at this innovative studio, featuring world-class teachers. Check out their website for different workshops and events that change throughout the year.

Youngs Dairy: Just up the road from Yellow Springs, this Jersey dairy farm is known as a family-friendly destination where visitors enjoy ice cream, a small petting zoo, and activities like a corn maze, mini golf, and wagon rides. Take a look at the website for their seasonal events and activity details.

John Bryan State Park: John Bryan State Park is distinguished by its remarkable limestone gorge, cut by the Little Miami River many centuries ago. The gorge, a National Natural Landmark, offers hikers splendid views from the trail. A launch area outside the park provides paddlers with access to the river. Along with ten different hiking trails, the park also has a public rock climbing and rappelling area and miles of mountain bike trails.

Clifton Gorge: One of my personal favorites, it is a beautiful spot to enjoy nature and the sounds of the river rushing through the gorge. This is one of the most spectacular sites in the state for viewing spring wildflowers including the rare snow trillium. But be warned, dogs are not allowed (even on leashes).

Rose And Sal Vintage Antique Furniture Consignment: I love wandering around this cabinet of curiosities! For anyone that loves vintage and antique shopping, this is your jam. They also host community activities and live music, so check their website for upcoming events.

Places to eat and drink

The Winds Cafe: Casual fine dining restaurant featuring local organic and sustainable ingredients. The food is European inspired with an American twist. They offer seasonal menus that change bimonthly. I recommend making reservations via Resy.com as it can get busy, especially at the weekend.

MAZU Eats: MAZU’s menu is inspired by Taiwanese, Israel/Palestine and Indian cuisines. The menu is fully vegan with gluten free options available. It's a casual dining experience, with counter service and plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. They also have space for art and community collaboration. They are open Thursdays through Sundays.

Sunrise Cafe: One of my favorite spots for breakfast, they also offer lunch and dinner service. They are all about 'from scratch' cooking, crafting everything in-house from breads to pickles. They also source local ingredients from over 20 nearby farms. The menu reflects seasonal creativity with weekly specials and vegan/vegetarian options.

Jessica’s Poke Island: A quaint little poke sushi bowl restaurant offering the freshest and most delicious poke sushi bowls in town.

Miguel’s Tacos: A food truck behind the Ye Olde Trail Tavern serving up Mexican classics like street tacos, burritos and quesadillas. Currently only outdoor seating, but they are creating an indoor dining area at the time this guide was published (May 2024).

Peaches Grill: A full service restaurant, bar and live music venue. There is a large covered patio out front for when the weather is good. They have a good cocktail menu and a long list of craft beers to choose from.

Ye Olde Trail Tavern: The oldest and original part of the Ye Olde Trail Tavern was built in 1827 of hand-hewn logs (the rear portion of the building). The tavern offers a pub-style menu with a German twist, enjoyed on cozy indoor seating or outdoor patio seating (seasonally).

Yellow Springs Brewery: A wide selection of in-house craft beers in a relaxed atmosphere. Wine, cider and hard seltzer are also available. They offer indoor seating and also a semi-covered deck / patio area with seating along the Little Miami Bike Trail, which is directly behind the building. I'm a big fan of the Raspberry Springer Golden Ale!

Dayton Street Gulch: A neighborhood bar with an amazing collection of guitars on display and a really good jukebox. There is a pool table and it stays open until 1 a.m. for all you night owls.

Dino's Cappuccinos: Grab a coffee and head outside, find a bench and enjoy the people watching! If weather isn’t great, you can always sit by the large picture window and watch the world go by.

Day Trips

Dayton is only about a 25-minute drive from Yellow Springs and has quite a few sights that are worth seeing:

Oregon District: Eclectic shops, galleries, bars, and restaurants and a buzzy nightlife. Lots of the bars have live music in the evenings and the street gets pedestrianized at the weekends and becomes a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA), where you can purchase a drink but take it for a walk!

National Museum of the United States Air Force: One of the largest aviation museums in the world, with more than 360 aircraft and missiles on display.

Wright Brothers National Museum: The Museum has more Wright artifacts on display than any other place in the world, including the 1905 Wright Flyer III: the only airplane designated a National Historic Landmark, the first practical flying machine, and what the Wright brothers considered their most important aircraft.

Carillon Historical Park: This park gives visitors the opportunity to experience Dayton's history through exhibits, restored buildings and the iconic Carillon Bell Tower (which is especially pretty when it is adorned in lights during the festive season).

Dayton Art Institute: Admire a diverse collection of art spanning 5,000 years, including European masterpieces, Asian art and contemporary works.

2nd Street Market: An indoor market open at the weekends that showcases a variety of local cuisine, fresh produce, plants and flowers, baked goods and crafts.

Antioch College was founded in Yellow Springs in 1850 and has been politically liberal and reformist since its inception. Some of its famous students are Coretta Scott King, human rights activist and wife of Martin Luther King Jr., and Rod Serling, creator of The Twilight Zone TV series, who also ended up teaching at Antioch. Fun fact: actor John Lithgow spent his childhood years in Yellow Springs, Ohio, where activist Coretta Scott King was his babysitter!

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to Ohio. In need of further inspiration? Check out Karyn Johnson’s guide, The Best Things to Do in Columbus, Ohio.