Here in Ohio, we’ve got some really great small towns full of history and hidden gems. (Be sure to check out this small town.) There’s one funky little town, however, that truly stands out. There’s no other place in the world quite like Yellow Springs. Colorful cafes, shops, and benches line the streets. Nature, creativity, and art are priorities here. Here’s why you should visit this hidden gem of an Ohio town as soon as possible:

Tucked away in southwest Ohio you'll find the state'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
Yellow Springs, Ohio, is 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 eponymous "Yellow Spring" after which the town was named.
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.)
JR P/Flickr
Take some time to stroll around without an agenda. There are more than 75 shops, pubs, galleries, and restaurants to explore.
Inside the colorful shops, you'll find some of the most unique gifts. With so many artists in the area, many products are handmade, one-of-a-kind treasures.
Yellow Springs, OH/Facebook
The Village Artisans Gallery is another must-see when you're in town. It's located at 100 Corry St., Yellow Springs, OH, 45387, and much of the artwork is available for purchase.

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While you're in town, find the official "Yellow Spring" (which actually looks more orange than yellow) at the Glen Helen Nature Preserve.
Kim Keegan/Flickr
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.
The art scene also thrives in Yellow Springs. Creativity abounds and there's always something special to see.
Yellow Springs, OH/Facebook
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 solely on its originality.
Even the restaurants and cafes have an artistic flare to them. Pictured is The Winds Cafe and Bakery.
JR P/Flickr
With local, fresh ingredients in every menu item, you can't go wrong with a lunch break here. You'll find it at 215 Xenia Ave., Yellow Springs, OH, 45387.

Have you ever been to Yellow Springs before? If so, share your photos and experiences with us!

For more hidden small towns in Ohio, check out our previous article: You’ll Never Run Out Of Things To Do In This Small Ohio Town.

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Hidden Small Towns in Ohio

Sarah | July 23, 2021

What is so special about Yellow Springs, Ohio?

Yellow Springs is one of those hidden small towns in Ohio that, once you discover, you'll want to revisit again and again. It's more than just the town's attractions (though those are numerous) and scenic beauty (which it has tons of!); it's the heart and soul of Yellow Springs. Yellow Springs is known for its open-minded residents, vibrant arts community, and commitment to harmony between people from all walks of life. In fact, this town was full of Civil Rights Movement leaders, and to this day it has the largest LGBTQ+ population of any Ohio village. It's the people that make Yellow Springs so unique, fun, funky, and special.

What are some other hidden small towns in Ohio I should visit?

While Columbus gets a lot of the attention here in the Buckeye State, there are a few towns and neighborhoods around our state capital that are total hidden gems. Within Columbus, you'll find the postcard-perfect German Village, known for its quaint coffee shops, cobblestone streets, winsome brick houses and shops, 32-room bookstore, beautiful Schiller Park, and Schmidt's Sausage Haus (where you'll find the best authentic German cuisine Ohio has to offer!). Roughly half an hour east of Columbus, Granville is a hidden gem of a town that's about as charming as it gets. This college town has an abundance of small-town charm, beautiful scenery, and wonderful places to shop and dine. In fact, Granville's food scene is particularly epic, and you could easily spend an entire weekend dining at its various cafes and eateries.

What are some of the most unique small towns in Ohio?

Here's the thing: each and every one of Ohio's towns is unique and noteworthy. Truly. This list features 14 of perhaps the most unique towns in Ohio, and is a great place to start your adventure through the Buckeye State! Some noteworthy little iconoclasts on that list include Oberlin, Loveland, Marietta, Tipp City, and Marblehead. Check them out, go on some day trips, and let us know what you think! Of course, if you have a unique small town in Ohio that you'd like to see features, please nominate them here!

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Yellow Springs, OH 45387, USA