Flower Power Hails in Yellow Springs, OH

If you’re looking for a groovy getaway, take a look at what Yellow Springs, OH has to offer. This beatnik town has a far out mix of lodging, state parks, shops, breweries and restaurants for everyone to dig. Peace, love and harmony definitely prevail in this small town. 

Timeline: Saturday afternoon into Sunday morning. One day is definitely enough. Add a side trip to Springfield, tack on several more hours.

Saturday

Coming off our Greene County covered bridge tour (see blog here), we planned to end up in Yellow Springs. When we arrived, we selected a cute restaurant called The Winds Café to nosh on some farm-to-table eats. The inside was nicely situated with interior walls that had windows inside to make it look like you were peering outside. The server insisted we try the stuffed fried oysters as an appetizer—she was right to encourage it, they were delectable. Next, I ordered the savory crepe with salmon, cream cheese and dill—a Nordic twist on a savory French crepe. Having lived in France for a while, I felt like this combo didn’t really work, however, I applaud the chef for trying something new. My husband ordered the short rib on top of polenta. It was flavorful, and the polenta definitely reminded me of my strong ties to Northern Italy. Their menu changes seasonally so you will find something completely new when you go.

After lunching, we stepped into The Winds Wine Cellar. We were surprised at the extensive selection of wines. This is a great place to pick up a bottle to take back to your hotel, or even a case to bring back home. We continued up and down Xenia Ave. winding in and out of the multitude of eclectic shops. We saw more tie-dyed shirts, crystals, tarot cards and prairie skirts than we knew what to do with. Definitely trippy.

We then got in the car and headed to Young’s Dairy Farm because the place was highly recommended for their ice cream. We had no expectations, so when we drove up and saw the expansive property with a carousel, putt putt golf course and the ice cream shop/restaurant, it blew our minds. It was a small amusement park! You know what else blew our minds? The cheese curds. You can try one of four samples at the gift shop and then buy your favorite from the refrigerator case. We selected the Italian Herb variety. We then followed the long line of people getting ice cream. We discovered quickly there is protocol to how to get the ice cream. First, go to the tasting section on the left. You can taste as many flavors as you can handle. Once you decide on your magic flavor, wait in line to pay for it. They give you a beeper and you pick up your ice cream from the counter to the right of the registers. Once you figure this out, it’s a well-oiled machine. This is probably one of the best American ice creams we’ve ever had (sorry Graeter’s).

We checked into the Yellow Springs Motel after that for a siesta and to refresh before moving onto our evening activities. This is not your Schitt’s Creek motel. It’s a little slice of nostalgia for a bygone era where motor lodges were the place to stay when coming off the road for a night’s sleep. This completely renovated, 14-room motel is owned by Mills Park hotel. Each room is nicely decorated and equipped with modern amenities. Before we headed out, we decided to pop open a bottle of Vouvray, one of our go-to French white wines, to drink with our newly acquired Italian Herb cheese curbs. We sat outside on the retro 50s patio furniture and watched the cars go buy. It was peaceful and we had a great time.

We decided to head to the Yellow Spring Brewery after our starter. What a real treat. Nested off the bike path near Xenia Ave., we sat outside drinking Float Day, a light lager. That night they had a burger food truck. The burgers were to die for even though the bun was crumbly. Check their food truck schedule before you go as they rotate daily. After dinner, we walked over to Peach’s Grill, where we had seen a lively crowd all day. There was an event there that night so we got to enjoy 3 or 4 bands before calling it a night.

Sunday

We decided to drive to nearby Clifton Mill for breakfast. We had been there before for their spectacular Christmas light display, but the breakfast came highly recommended by good friends. The food was good and the pancakes were the size of a small pizza, but the mill and river backdrop stole the show.

We then drove through John Bryan State Park, which was serene, as we headed to Springfield, just 30 minutes away. To our surprise, there was a Frank Lloyd Wright house to visit—The Westcott House. It wasn’t going to open for another hour and a half, so we booked an afternoon tour and went to an The Heart of Ohio Antique Center while we waited. The mall was really fun. We only were able to do one wing, so we’ll have to go back another time. It was finally time for the Frank Lloyd Wright tour. I could hardly wait. The history of the home was fascinating and the tour was really well-done, except for when I almost passed out from heat exhaustion—the upstairs rooms were an oven. Seriously though, if you are an architecture buff, this is a must-see and not far from Yellow Springs.

What we learned

· Yellow Springs is very small, so responsible Ubering needs to be done early. It is difficult to find an Uber after 10:00 and you could be left stranded. Oh, and there are no cabs. Double ugh.

· Bring a bottle of wine for an apéritif before leaving your hotel in the evening.

· Research surrounding areas in case there is a gem you would otherwise miss.

· Peace out