Yellow Springs
Yellow Springs is a village in Southwestern Ohio. It is home to Antioch College.
Understand
The Village of Yellow Springs was founded in 1825. It was named for a natural spring rich in iron ore located in The Glen Helen. Legend has it that if you drink from the spring you will always return.
In the conservative stronghold of Southwest Ohio not far from a major air force base, Yellow Springs has the reputation for being an island of left-wing activism supported by its small liberal arts school, Antioch College. Some locals go as far as to call it the Berkeley of Ohio. When school is in session people watching is an interesting event given the personalities this college attracts.
The Village offers some of the best dining in the Dayton area, along with several artisan groups and a downtown bustling with side-walk shops. All of this lies a short distance from Ohio's best natural area, including John Bryan State Park and Glen Helen.
The Village can get quite congested on warm-weathered weekends, but nearly all of its attractions are open during weekdays, which offer less in the way of crowds. As of the 2000 census the population was 3,761.
Get in
By car
Yellow Springs is on route 68, just 7 1/2 miles south of route I-70. It is approximately a half hour drive from Dayton, and a one hour drive from Columbus. Dayton is serviced by the James M. Cox Dayton International Airport. Columbus is serviced by Port Columbus International Airport. Rental cars are available at both locations.
By bus
The Greyhound bus stops in nearby Springfield, about 15 minutes from Yellow Springs.
By bicycle
Yellow Springs is accessible by the excellent system of bicycle trails thanks to Ohio's Rails to Trails program. A 10 mile ride south on the trail will lead to Xenia. Parking and access to the trail, are available at the Chamber of Commerce which also houses public restrooms.
Get around
Yellow Springs is 1.9 square miles. The downtown area is easily walkable. It is relatively flat and a great town to get around by foot or on a bike. Bike rentals are available at the Village Cyclery 110 Dayton St. +1 937 767-9330. If you want to visit any of the attractions outside of the town you will need a car. Yellow Springs has no public transportation system.
See
You will find something enjoyable for the whole family.
- The Little Art Theatre. Intimate theatre showing a savvy mix of mainstream and independent films. Operating since 1929, renovated in 2013 for digital projection.
- Young's Jersey Dairy. Is located one mile north of Yellow Springs. Young's offers miniature golf, batting cages, a driving range and a petting zoo. The Golden Jersey Inn serves "home-style country cooked meals", handmade ice cream and gelato.
- National Museum of the United States Air Force. Located in nearby Fairborn, the museum boasts 400 aerospace vehicles, as well as an abundance of historical items. Admission to the museum is free, however there is a fee for the Imax theater.
- Clifton Mill. Built in 1802 is one of the largest water powered grist mills. Here you can tour the mill, visit the 1940's Gas Station Museum and even cross the Little Miami River on a ninety foot covered bridge.
Do
There are lots of outdoor activities in and around Yellow Springs.
- In Glen Helen there is a Raptor Center dedicated to the rehabilitation of birds of prey. You can see some of the permanently disabled birds in outdoor cages, and there are flight cages for birds who are recovering.
- Clifton Gorge. Is a two hundred and sixty eight acre State Nature Preserve adjoining the nearby Village of Clifton. It has many geological and botanical features. Great for hiking.
- John Bryan State Park. Is located just a few minutes outside Yellow Springs and is adjacent to Clifton Gorge. The park offers camping, fishing, hunting, canoeing, mountain biking, rock climbing and repelling.
- Little Miami Scenic Trail. Is a linear park with 72 paved miles for biking, jogging, roller blading, or walking.
Festivals
The Yellow Springs Street fair happens twice a year. On the second Saturdays of June and October the main streets in town are closed for vendors, live music and international cuisine.
Buy
Yellow Springs has a plethora of independent shops and artisans.
Eat
Yellow Springs offers many dining options with something to please every palate.
- Bentinos Pizza, 1/2 Xenia Avenue, ☏ +1 937 767-2500. 107. Regional chain serving pizza, salads, pasta, calzones and wings. Delivery available.
- Corner Cone Dairy Bar and Grill. Soft serve ice-cream, burgers, fries and shakes. Outside seating only. Open seasonally.
- Current Cuisine. Delicatessen and bakery with indoor and outdoor tables. Catering available.
- Dino's Cappuccino's, 225 Xenia Ave, ☏ +1 937 767-3466. A cozy, independent espresso bar with coffee and tea drinks and pastries.
- Emporium Wines and the Underdog Cafe. Fresh bread, croissants, sandwiches, coffee and newspapers. Breakfast is served Tu-Su until 11:30AM.
- HA HA Pizza, 108 Xenia Ave, ☏ +1 937 767-2131. An independent restaurant serving pizza, subs and calzone with a well stocked salad bar. Vegetarian entrees. Delivery available.
- Peach's Grill. Live music in the evenings. A great selection of sandwiches, wraps and Mexican entrees. Beer, wine and spirits
- Subway, 107 Xenia Ave, ☏ +1 937 767-7821. Chain store, sub sandwiches.
- Sunrise Cafe. Lovingly prepared food using local and organic ingredients. Vegetarian and vegan entrees. Wine list.
- Ye Old Trail Tavern. Serving cold beer and great bar food in an 1844 log cabin, the original structure was once a stop on the Underground Railroad.
- Winds Cafe and Bakery. Fine dining with an extensive wine list, on premises bakery and homemade desserts, espresso and mixed drinks. Menu changes monthly. Special events include the Annual Garlic Dinner.
- Williams Eatery & Gathering Place, 101 A Corry St., ☏ +1 937 319-6154. Peruvian and American cuisine in a family friendly setting.
- Rita Caz, King's Yard (Xenia Avenue). jewelry, guitars
Drink
- Dayton Street Gulch, 128 Dayton St, ☏ +1 937 767-9027. This hometown favorite dive draws an eclectic crowd. Pool table.
- Peach's Grill. Features live music, domestic and imported beers on tap and good bar food.
- Ye Olde Trail Tavern Over forty beers and wines to choose from. Enjoy one in front of the fireplace, in the solarium or out on the deck.
- Yellow Springs Brewery (YS Brewery), 305 N. Walnut St., ☏ +1 937 767-0222. Wednesday-Friday 3-10 pm; Saturday 1-10 pm; Sunday 1-6 pm. Enjoy fresh craft brews directly out of the tap. Seasonal selections change weekly with many favorites always available. The beautiful taproom is also an art gallery featuring a wide array of local and regional artists. Brewery tours every Saturday at 4 pm. Enjoy the deck overlooking the Little Miami Scenic Trail.
Sleep
There are many comfortable and unique places to stay in Yellow Springs
- Arthur Morgan House Bed and Breakfast.
- Elizabeth's Overnight.
- Grinnell Mill Bed & Breakfast.
- The Springs Motel.
- Yellow Springs Country Bed and Breakfast.
- Jail House Suites, 111 N. Winter St (one block from downtown), ☏ +1 937 626-2227. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 10AM. Fully renovated historic town jail offers a contemporary private suite for short term stays. 75-110.
Go next
The cities of Columbus and Cincinnati are each about an hour's drive from Yellow Springs if you are looking for a more urban setting.
| Routes through Yellow Springs |
| Findlay ← Springfield ← | N  S
|
→ Xenia → Wilmington |
