There are a few things that all summer day trips in Ohio need; beautiful scenery, one-of-a-kind shopping, and delicious ice cream. (Am I right? Or, am I right?) Fortunately, there’s a charming town in Ohio where you can experience all of this and more. If you’ve yet to visit Yellow Springs, you’re truly missing out. It’s home to a population of approximately 3,513 residents, Antioch College, a colorful downtown, a working dairy farm, the nearby John Bryan State Park and, and, you guessed it, the official “Yellow Spring” the town is named after. This artsy little town offers unique shops, local eateries and small town life at its finest—but the nature scene really thrives here too.

Explore the local shops and find one-of-a-kind gifts your friends and family will love.
JR P/Flickr
This enchanting Greene County isn't too far from Dayton. It was founded back in 1825, and it's plain to see how early settlers fell in love with the local landscape.
And be sure to check out the local art scene.
JR P/Flickr
For such a petite community, art thrives in this quirky village. If you visit during an event or street fair, you'll adore the opportunity to meet and chat with the artists behind local beauty.
Even the restaurants and cafes have an artistic flare to them.
JR P/Flickr
During your visit to Yellow Springs, you will want to bring your appetite. There's much to love about the local dining scene, and area residents are always happy to point you in the direction of the best local food.
While you're in town, find the official Yellow Spring (which actually looks more orange than yellow) at the Glen Helen Nature Preserve.
wormwood/Flickr
Since the 1920s, locals have enjoyed hiking amidst this lush landscape. As it was established as a park in 1929, locals likely found solace in the tranquility of this forest in the ensuing Great Depression.
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.
Ted/Flickr
You will also enjoy strolling along 2.5 miles of the National Scenic Little Miami River. Plus, you might also spot the Orators Mound. This burial chamber is thought to be Adena or Hopewellian in origin, although its exact cultural tie is unknown.

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Another popular attraction in Yellow Springs is Young’s Jersey Dairy, which is a perfect stop to make for some family fun.
Jess R/Flickr
Young's Jersey Dairy is a fan favorite. Here, the quaintness of the countryside can be admired by people of all ages.
It’s a working dairy farm that features homemade ice cream and cheese, two restaurants, a bakery, miniature golf, a driving range, batting cage, animals to pet and more.
Jess R/Flickr
Hope you're still working up an appetite, because no trip to Young's Jersey Dairy is complete without some ice cream.
John Bryan State Park is close to the town of Yellow Springs and offers beautiful hiking trails if you’re searching for something more adventurous.
Ted/Flickr
This park encompasses the magnificent emerald Clifton Gorge. This area was once fairly industrialized during the era of water power.
It’s a 752-acre park that features a limestone gorge cut by the Little Miami Scenic River, which is approximately one mile from Yellow Springs. Visitors can camp, fish, rock climb, rappel and mountain bike here.
Brother Ralphie/Flickr
This enchanting landscape is a National Natural Landmark. Visitors young and old will appreciate the beauty of this untamed Ohio landscape.
Just five minutes from Yellow Springs you’ll find the historic site of Clifton Mill, which is a must-stop, located at 75 Water St., Clifton, OH 45316.
J. Todd Polling/Flickr
Remember mention of the area's former abundance of mills and other water-powered sites? This one, with roots stretching back to 1802, is amazingly still in operation.
It features a vintage mill, a covered bridge, a 1940s-era gas station and a quaint American restaurant. It's a truly charming spot you don't want to miss.
J. Todd Polling/Flickr
All in all, this area features something the whole family can enjoy.

Have you ever been to charming town in Ohio before? What was your experience like? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!

For more beautiful small towns in Ohio, check out our previous article; These 13 Perfectly Picturesque Small Towns In Ohio Are Delightful.

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More to Explore

Charming Town In Ohio

Nikki Rhoades | May 24, 2020

What are the most charming small towns in Ohio?

There are many incredible small towns in Ohio, and you will find that The Buckeye State is diverse in terms of its culture. Chagrin Falls near Cleveland has a waterfall in the center of town, but if you’re craving something more rural, check out a few of our countryside communities.

What is the largest city in Ohio?

Good things come in small packages, but in Ohio, bigger is breathtaking, too. Columbus, the state capital, is the biggest community in Ohio with circa 892,533 residents, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the oldest town in Ohio?

Yellow Spring has quite a bit of history, but it’s certainly not the first town to be settled in Ohio. Martins Ferry is the oldest European-settled town in Ohio, having been settled as far back as 1779. This community could have been even older, but the French and Indian War slowed down settlement.

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Featured Addresses
Village Artisans Co-Op, 100 Corry St, Yellow Springs, OH 45387, USA
215 Xenia Ave, Yellow Springs, OH 45387, USA
Glen Helen Nature Preserve, 405 Corry St, Yellow Springs, OH 45387, USA
Young's Jersey Dairy, 6880 Springfield Xenia Rd, Yellow Springs, OH 45387, USA
John Bryan State Park, 3790 OH-370, Yellow Springs, OH 45387, USA
Historic Clifton Mill, 75 Water St, Clifton, OH 45316, USA