The best things to eat, do and see in Springboro

Donut Haus in Springboro features lots of traditional and fun flavors -- maple bacon, anyone? PHOTO / Stephanie Coates

Donut Haus in Springboro features lots of traditional and fun flavors -- maple bacon, anyone? PHOTO / Stephanie Coates

From small-town charm to a retail and residential trendsetter, Springboro has almost doubled in size over recent years. But its more than 200-year-history remains one of the most compelling stories in the Dayton area.

It was founded in 1815, by Jonathan Wright, as a Quaker town conveniently located between Cincinnati and the Miami rivers. The city became rich with mills, beautiful two-story homes, and even a general store. Many of these historical buildings, also used for harborage along The Underground Railroad, have been turned into cozy shops, bed & breakfasts and cafes.

>> Celebrate Christmas for 3 days at huge festival with tons of food, shopping and holiday fun

Here’s a look at some places to visit on your next trip.

Get a fresh haircut at Stan's Haircut Co., 335 S. Main St., Springboro. PHOTO / Stephanie Coates

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WHAT TO DO

Springboro's Main Street can be explored on foot, but if arriving by bicycle is more your style, their innovative SPARC and Go bike hub, at 510 N. Main St., connects to the Miami Valley trail network. This location offers riders a place to use tools and even charge up their cell phones.

Self- Guided Historic Walking Tour: Springboro Historical Society & Chamber of Commerce offer a "Walk Into History" through the downtown district. Pick up info at the Museum Center, 325 S. Main Street, before exploring the seven block area of town full of homes and tunnels embedded in the history of The Underground Railroad.

- La Comedia Dinner Theatre: Come for the sweet potato souffle and stay for the show. This charming dinner theater is the perfect spot for dinner and a show or brunch and a show. The beloved "Elf The Musical" is now playing.

Christmas in Historic SpringboroNovember 22-24. Celebrate with a full weekend of holiday festivities, food and a parade. Located in the heart of town, this event runs Friday-Sunday. Come hungry and enjoy one of the many food trucks or stop in the craft tents to jump start your shopping!

K & W Drive In at 450 S. Main St. in Springboro is one of the few places that you can still get dinner and dessert for under $10. This diner-style restaurant, with a walk up window, opened in 1963 and is still a local favorite. PHOTO / Stephanie Coates

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WHAT TO EAT
K & W Drive In: 450 S. Main St. This is one of the few places that you can still get dinner and dessert for under $10. This diner-style restaurant, with a walk up window, opened in 1963 and is still a local favorite. Their Big Baker Burger and a milkshake came highly recommended, but their menu has a variety of food items and over 40 flavors of soft-serve ice cream. This weekend is your last chance before it closes for the season on Nov. 24.

Heather's Coffee and Cafe: 505 S. Main St., this spot has a little of everything -- coffee, beer & wine, and food -- inside and live music and trivia in the barn out back! Try the Bit O' Honey Latte and one of their yummy flatbread pizzas.

Heather's Coffee and Cafe at 505 S. Main St. in Springboro has a little of everything -- coffee, beer & wine, and food. PHOTO / Stephanie Coates

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Ambiance Wine Bar & Cafe: 345 S. Main St., a restaurant that really lives up to its name. Ambiance is a lovely place to enjoy an authentic Italian menu and some of the best vino around. Their large selection of wines and friendly staff are the perfect combo.

Mr. Boro's Tavern: 495 N. Main St. (Ohio 741), is a sports bar that opened in 2016 that serves up local breweries' selections and signature cocktails, and its menu includes pizzas, specialty grilled-cheese sandwiches, chili, appetizers and salads. The space was the longtime home of a wine bar.

The Barrel, 857 W. Central Ave., serves beer as well as pub fare including wings and burgers  with games including darts and billiards. The Barrel is a new bar on the block, debuting in 2018.

WHERE TO SHOP

- Lamplight Antiques: 55 S. Main St. This is a mandatory stop on the small town tour. Stop in Tuesdays through Sundays to browse their antique and vintage wares, from tins to jewelry and furniture.

Wooly Bully at 135 S. Main St. in Springboro is a cozy shop where you can find high-quality yarns for knitting and crocheting. PHOTO / Stephanie Coates

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Wooly Bully: 135 S. Main St., a cozy shop where the owner's love for her craft can be experienced firsthand while browsing their high quality yarns for knitting and crocheting.

Farmhouse Style at 140 S. Main St. in Springboro is full of rustic signage and the cutest farmhouse kitchen essentials. PHOTO / Stephanie Coates

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Farmhouse Style: 140 S. Main St. There may have been literal sounds of joy upon entering this store. It is full of everything Christmas, rustic signage, and the cutest farmhouse kitchen essentials. A complete overhaul of your home might be in order after a visit to this perfect little spot.

shoppe Smitten, at 205 S. Main St. in Springboro, is a ladies’ boutique with a conscience. They have trendy looks as well as Dayton gear and unique gift items, all sourced and sold to give back locally and globally.  PHOTO / Stephanie Coates

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shoppe Smitten: 205 S. Main St. A ladies' boutique with a conscience. They have trendy looks as well as Dayton gear and unique gift items, all sourced and sold to give back locally and globally.

>> 3 Springboro boutiques you will want to check out

WORTH MENTIONING

The Donut Haus: a traditional donut and bake shop with an injection of fun flavors like Fruity Pebbles and Maple BACON!

The Donut Haus, located at 305 W. Central Ave. in Springboro, is a traditional donut and bake shop with an injection of fun flavors like Fruity Pebbles and Maple Bacon. PHOTO / Stephanie Coates

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Kleather's Pumpkin Patch: a family-owned urban farm with immeasurable charm and whimsy. Add it to your list of places to visit next fall!

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