Posted in Ohio August 16, 2017 by

How This Small Ohio Town Quietly Became The Coolest Place In The Midwest

Here in Ohio, we know small towns are cool.

In fact, we’re home to what just might be the coolest small town in the Midwest. As a quaint college town full of color, plenty of things to do in nature and even a mobile “tiny home” or two, there’s truly nowhere else in Ohio—or the Midwest—quite like Yellow Springs. If you’ve yet to visit this gem of a town, you need to add it to your bucket list. Take a look:

We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
Tucked away in southwest Ohio you'll find Ohio's most charming and unique town, where the benches are a work of art and the buildings are full of character—inside and out.
Yellow Springs, OH/Facebook
It’s home to a population of approximately 3,500 residents, Antioch College, a colorful downtown, a working dairy farm, a nature preserve and, (you guessed it), the official "Yellow Spring" the town is named after.
Downtown, you'll find several colorful signs that lead the way to whatever you're looking for. (And plenty of colorful benches to lounge on, of course.)
Yellow Springs, OH/Facebook
Take some time to stroll around without an agenda. There are more than 75 shops, pubs, galleries and restaurants to explore.
While you're in town, find the official "Yellow Spring" (which actually looks more orange than yellow) at the Glen Helen Nature Preserve.
Yellow Springs, OH/Facebook
The nature preserve covers 1,000 acres and features a 25-mile network of footpaths that allows visitors to observe 400-year-old trees, limestone cliffs with waterfalls and overhangs and the official yellow spring. You'll find it at 405 Corry St., Yellow Springs, OH 45387.
Most people love Yellow Springs for the unique charm is has. Recently, Matador Network ranked Yellow Springs as one of the coolest small towns in the country based on its originality.
Yellow Springs, OH
There's a lot to do here, and the community is tight-knit and progressive. You'll even find a few "tiny homes" here.
The art scene also thrives in Yellow Springs. Creativity abounds and there's always something special to see.
Yellow Springs, OH/Facebook
You won't want to miss this year's Street Fair, which takes place on October 14 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. It features more than 200 vendors selling handcrafted arts, crafts and food.
If you're looking to make your visit a weekend stay, we recommend staying at the gorgeous Mills Park Hotel, which just opened last year. It's modeled after a 19th-century Victorian home and features 28 guest rooms.
Yellow Springs, OH/Facebook
You'll find it at 321 Xenia Avenue, Yellow Springs, OH 45387.

Have you ever been to Yellow Springs, Ohio? If so, we want to know what your experience was like. Share your photos, stories and recommendations with us!