5 things you must do in Yellow Springs
Tabatha Wharton & Sierra Smith, Staff Writers
Nestled right next to Dayton is the little town of Yellow Springs. It’s a really chill, colorful and inviting place to be and has so much to offer just about everyone. Here are just a few things you can do on a visit:
*Depending on season/temperature, some trails may be closed. So be sure to check before you go!
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1. YOUNG'S JERSEY DAIRY
Plan a day at Young’s and grab a couple scoops of homemade Cow Patty ice cream (it sounds unappetizing, but it’s actually the most amazing dose of chocolate you will EVER have) and play a game of putt-putt, hit some golf balls at the driving range, or hit a few home runs in the batting cages with your date or family. Once you’ve hit 18 holes-in-one and fulfilled that ice cream fix, you can head over to the barn to hang out with some majorly cute goats, calves, and maybe a pig or two. If you stay for dinner, you can walk over to the Golden Jersey Inn for a bacon wrapped pork chop.
>>Where to find the best ice cream in Dayton -
2. JOHN BRYAN STATE PARK
In the summertime, there is nothing more fun than going camping and roasting marshmallows by a campfire all night long. John Bryan State Park is one of the best places to go camping in the Miami Valley, and it’s a beautiful area with a ton to do. After you’ve set up camp, go hiking or biking on the trails (they connect to Clifton Gorge), fishing in the Little Miami River, and go rock climbing in one of the designated spots. If you’re a lover of the outdoors, John Bryan is definitely a great place to go.
>>The BEST hiking trails in Dayton are right here -
3. GLEN HELEN
If you’re ever bored on a sunny day, Glen Helen is a great place to hike. Bring a camera, because while you’re walking you can expect to see cliffs, waterfalls, a variety of wildlife, wooden bridges and a ton of beautiful trees. While you’re at the Glen you can also visit The Trailside Science Museum, The Raptor Center, and The Outdoor Education Center to see resident birds, grab maps, and learn more about the various programs and hikes hosted there.
>>Ten ways to enjoy warm weather around the Miami Valley -
4. CLIFTON GORGE
If you’re a geology lover, Clifton Gorge is a beautiful display of dolomite and limestone as well as an example of interglacial and post-glacial canyon cutting. During a hot summer day, the Gorge is a great place to hike and cool off because it is shaded by the cliffs and trees that tower over the area. The Little Miami River also runs through the Gorge, so take a moment to stop and look for turtles and other creatures (but don’t pick them up!). Just observe and enjoy.
>>You’ll feel like you’re flying through the trees at this hidden park -
5. DOWNTOWN YELLOW SPRINGS
Downtown Yellow Springs is always bustling with activity and houses some of the neatest shops you can find. Stop by Super Fly Comics to snag the latest issue of The Walking Dead or your favorite anime, and then walk down the street to The Spirited Goat for a creamy chai latte. You can visit Mr. Eko, the sweetest cat ever in Dark Star Books and maybe you can spot Dave Chappelle hanging out near Dino’s coffee shop. When you’ve finished shopping, visit the Yellow Springs Brewery for a cold pint. Yellow Springs also hosts a ton of popular events like the Street Fairs, the Zombie Walk in the fall, music festivals, and much more.