At just over 60 miles from Columbus, Yellow Springs is the perfect day trip for the whole family. It is such a unique and lively town!
Now that my daughter is back in preschool, I have wanted to make one day a week that we are all home together “an adventure day”. We have been taking little trips when we can, and one of our first trips was to Yellow Springs, Ohio.
Since it is located just an hour away, it is a very doable trip with little ones, even with one that still naps. We left around 8:30 a.m. just in time to miss the morning traffic and we were at our first destination by 9:30 a.m. Keep reading to find out our must-see spots and places to eat in this eclectic town!
5 Spots to Visit
The Tecumseh Land Trust: The first spot on our list was The Tecumseh Land Trust. The purpose of The Tecumseh Land Trust is to preserve agricultural land, natural areas, water resources, and historic sites, and to educate the public about permanent land preservation. You MUST see this site during sunflower season. The sunflowers are usually in bloom by the end of August and last for about two weeks. It is breathtaking! If you can, go on a weekday, as it gets very busy here on the weekends. Also, watch out for bees and bring your camera!
Young’s Jersey Dairy: You could make a day trip to visiting Young’s Jersey Dairy alone! There is so much to do. You can visit the farm animals and pet and feed the animals. During the Fall, there are many attractions to see. They have a corn maze, pick your pumpkins daily, and haunted wagon rides on the weekends. You can enjoy comfort food (chicken and dumplings!) here for lunch and the best ice cream around! Their seasonal flavors are the best! Pumpkin and Cinnamon were a hit for us. In addition, they have miniature golf, batting cages, and super fun slides. There is something to do for everyone!
Shops in Yellow Springs: As you walk along downtown Yellow Springs, you will see so many stores to pop in and out of. Two of our favorites were the Wildflower Boutique and Wander and Wonder. There are a number of book stores, as well as gift shops. Also as a side note- there is a playground in the center of town, set back to your right, if you need to run around with your kiddos after lunch and shopping.
Glen Helen Nature Preserve: This park includes natural springs, cliffs, and a beautiful waterfall. They have guided hikes that you can take as well. It is a tough spot with a stroller, so if you have little ones your carrier will be your best option. It’s a beautiful way to experience the outdoors.
Clifton Mill: Historic Clifton Mill is one of the largest water powered grist mills still in existence. It is a really neat site to see along with a walk able covered bridge. From the bridge, you can see the waterfalls and historical charm along the way! The restaurant is attached as well and the home cooked food is worth it! Put this on your list for the winter time too, as the holiday lights are awesome!
5 Spots to Eat
Clifton Mill: As I mentioned above, this is your spot for a home-cooked meal! The pancakes don’t disappoint and you can buy their mixes in the gift shop as well. They make cookies, fresh bread, and pie each day.
Young’s Dairy: After visiting the farm, you can easily grab lunch and ice cream as mentioned above. It’s a two for one spot 🙂
Winds Cafe: This restaurant was recommended by one of our awesome writers and is a spot with always changing seasonal menus. They offer brunch, lunch, and a dinner menu with a special cocktail hour from 2-5. Reservations are recommended.
Sunrise Cafe: A quaint cafe with everything made from scratch. This is a small spot that can get pretty busy, but we were able to put our name in and then go walk around and come back when our table was ready. Everything made from scratch and local ingredients. A great little lunch spot!Dino’s Coffee: Stop here to get your morning started or for an afternoon pick me up after lunch. It is an espresso bar featuring daily specials, homemade baked goods and a friendly place to gather.
In addition to the places mentioned, there are so many unique shops and other restaurants to explore within the town. Yellow Springs is a trip that never disappoints for us and I feel like we see something new each time, especially depending on the season. So buckle up the kids and hop in the car to experience this eclectic town. Let us know your favorite part of Yellow Springs in the comments below!
This looks like a great day trip! We will have to check this out.
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