When it comes to the coolest small town in Ohio, there are a few locations that come to mind. All have charm, character, and friendly residents, but one in particular stands out. Yellow Springs, Ohio was named as one of the coolest small towns in the country by Matador Network. The rankings weren’t compiled using any data-driven formula. Rather, the "researchers" listened to the stories of residents and travelers, looking into what makes a particular place stand out and what sparks that magical small-town vibe. Yellow Springs was selected based on its originality and charm. As with all of the towns listed, this tiny Ohio community is a place that most people would be thrilled to call home. Check it out:
Welcome to Yellow Springs, Ohio ... a little slice of paradise hiding in the heart of it all.
This petite village in Greene County is home to about 3,700 residents. The name of the village is a nod to a nearby spring that's rich in mineral content.
Upon arriving here, you'll understand why Yellow Springs has captured the attention of groups like the Matador Network.
Their report calls Yellow Springs a "post-utopian bubble in the middle of Ohio." That’s because it was originally founded as a utopian community in 1825 by about 100 idealistic families.
There's quite a bit of history in this town, including an unshakable dedication to the community.
Though the commune eventually fell apart, the town blossomed into a center of learning with the establishment of Antioch College in 1852. Since then, Yellow Springs has been known for its open-minded residents, vibrant 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.
Yellow Springs is truly a scenic place where residents and visitors alike can enjoy the natural beauty of the area, including nearby Clifton Gorge and Clifton Mill.
Clifton Mill, if you've never been, is absolutely magical during the holidays. Millions of lights invoke holiday cheer ... and that's not even an exaggeration! Some four million lights twinkle and glow here each season.
If kicking back with a beer is more your style, check out the Yellow Springs Brewery. There’s also plenty to see just wandering around downtown.
You might even run into Dave Chappelle, who lives in Yellow Springs. Chappelle actually grew up in the area, and it's plain to see why he chose to stay here. It's magical.
And if you're really trying to kick back, grab a cigar at The Smoking Octopus and check out the odd architecture of its storefront.
There are all sorts of eye-catching architecture in town. Drive around and see what catches your eye!
And speaking of odd, no trip to Yellow Springs is complete without a trip to the local art-centric pizza joint.
Ha Ha Pizza is crazy colorful, and its unforgettable mural is always entertaining. Ooey, gooey, and delicious, their offerings will really hit the spot.
All in all, this quaint town offers solace and peace that you can only find in Ohio.
Whether you're swinging by Young's Jersey Dairy or taking it easy and enjoying the local state park, you just might fall in love with this quirky and cool place.
Any way you look at it, there’s no denying this small Ohio town is worthy of being ranked amongst the coolest spots in the nation. Are there any other towns you love? We want to hear your nominations for the coolest small town in Ohio in the comments!
Love small towns? Take a road trip to visit a few other small towns in Ohio!
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