The Best Small Town In Ohio For A 3-Day Weekend
When it comes to planning a long weekend getaway, chances are, the goal is to escape and unwind. If that's the case, Ohio's Yellow Springs deserves some serious consideration. This small community of only 3,500 residents in southwest Ohio boasts close to 100 shops, restaurants, and galleries within its highly walkable downtown, the vast majority of which are unique, local enterprises. Pair that with historic landmarks and a 1,000-acre nature preserve just east of town, and you have the best small town in Ohio for a 3-day weekend.
Historic Accommodations
Mills Park Hotel is an award-winning luxury hotel conveniently located within the historic district. The 28 guest rooms feature classic design, including vintage shutters and oak floors, and combine them with all the modern comforts you'd expect. Guests can also enjoy many other facilities on-site, such as a spacious fitness suite, an indoor seating area in the lobby with televisions and a fireplace, and an outdoor patio that provides the perfect perch for people watching and views of the town.
Three Ten Bed and Breakfast is another historic accommodation that was originally built in 1843, making it one of the oldest homes in town. It is one block from downtown, making a stay here relaxing with an element of seclusion, but still within easy reach of everything you need. Each of the guest rooms features hardwood floors, Persian rugs, large windows that let in natural light, and unique regional art.
Unique Businesses
Yellow Springs shines downtown, thanks to an eclectic range of shops and eateries. Sunrise Café is open seven days a week, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They boast an organic menu that is almost entirely made in-house using only fresh and local seasonal ingredients sourced from over 20 local farms, and their creative weekly specials include a range of meals for all tastes and dietary needs, from wagyu steaks to Thai peanut tofu.
Urban Handmade is another local favorite, offering visitors a unique shopping experience as they carry over 70 products made by independent artists, including jewelry, accessories, clothing, handbags, paper goods, bath and body products, and original art. Meanwhile, Emporium Wines and Underdog Café is known as the living room of Yellow Springs. The café is locally famous for its breakfast burritos and they have a wide selection of wine and craft beer, and on Friday nights, there are wine tastings and live music events.
Historic Landmarks
The Richard P. Eastman Covered Bridge stretches above the Little Miami Scenic Trail and was named in honor of the Green County engineer who served from 1974 to 1996. The bridge stretches 77 feet and features a classic covered design that allows visitors and locals alike to experience a scenic reminder of the past. The area surrounding the bridge is quiet and peaceful countryside on the outskirts of Yellow Springs. It is accessible year-round.
The Little Art Theater is another beloved local landmark. Since its founding in 1929, it has been committed to promoting and supporting the arts and building community through the shared experience of cinema. You can catch everything from classic Hollywood blockbusters to independent, documentary, and festival films in the warm, inviting space.
Expansive Outdoors
The Glen Helen Nature Preserve is the largest preserve of its kind in the Miami Valley. It is a diverse ecological hotspot that features seasonal wildflowers, 400-year-old trees, limestone cliffs, and waterfalls. The park is open year-round, with more than 15 miles of hiking trails; however, as a nature preserve, it is important to remain on the marked trails and stay out of the water in order to ensure the ecosystem within the preserve remains protected. The Raptor Center is also located within the grounds, which rehabilitates and releases over 200 birds of prey per year. They also house 20 non-releasable birds that can be viewed from their enclosures outside of the main building. The preserve regularly hosts outdoor and nature-themed programs and events throughout the year.
While the Glen Helen Nature Preserve has a more curated approach to the outdoors, John Bryan State Park allows for more engaging and hands-on outdoor recreational opportunities, like rock climbing, rappelling, and mountain biking. The park is recognized for its limestone gorge, which was formed by the Little Miami State and National Scenic River flowing through it. The park opens a half-hour before sunrise and closes a half-hour after sunset. In the winter, as long as there is ample snowfall, sledding and cross-country skiing are popular activities, though it is important to note that the park does not maintain roadways during the winter season, so accessibility is not guaranteed.
Your Three-Day Escape Starts Here
When choosing a location for a long weekend, certain factors should be taken into consideration. A quick, fulfilling getaway should have some or all of the following: comfortable accommodations, a mix of cultural experiences, and access to outdoor activities. Luckily, Yellow Springs has all of these and more, which makes it the best town in Ohio for a 3-day weekend.
