Yellow Springs, OH

Population: 3,487

This small community in Ohio was the first stop on my trip throughout the Midwest. The people were so inviting, and I knew if a few more places on the trip even came close to the quality of Yellow Springs, OH I would chalk it up as a success. I'm so glad Yellow Springs was my first visit - the trip could not have gotten off on a better foot. Seriously, go visit Yellow Springs. 

KIND  NESS

I was incredibly nervous after arriving in my first town. The 2.5 hour drive there was easy - I knew what to expect. However, once I pulled into my first town the trip became more real than it had ever been in the past 2 months of planning. It was time to start exploring and make it happen. The kindness I found in Yellow Springs, OH was the exact encouragement I needed. 

Yellow Springs Brewery

Crafting Truth to Power - an adapted Quaker saying that means using what you know to make something great. Yellow Springs Brewery is warm and inviting much like the town it resides in. Their employees truly believe in their beer, and it has been the best I've tasted the whole trip. 

Try their Break'r Break'r or Zoetic. 

Sunrise Cafe - Daily Double

2 eggs made to order, 2 pancakes, and 2 pieces of bacon make up the contents of the Daily Double. Served with hot syrup and melted butter this breakfast is the perfect cure to a hangover caused from drinking too much at the Yellow Springs Brewery.

Sunrise Cafe prides themselves on being locally owned and supplied. Everything comes from Ohio farmers (except their olives, but who grows those in Ohio?) Stop by for the best breakfast or brunch in town. 

Karla & John

John is an inventor and retired Marine, he is also one of the nicest men I've ever met. He and his wife, Karla, love being in Yellow Springs because the community is like a family. I met them at the Yellow Springs Brewery and after talking to them across the bar they invited me to share the last round of drinks with them. 

From there they invited me to their house for beers on the porch, and offered up their guest bedroom as a place to crash for the night. This happened in the span of 3 hours. It amazed me that they'd be this inviting to a stranger, but John assured me "that's just Yellow Springs," and I believe him. 

John and Karla, thank you. Thank you for showing me that strangers can be the kindest people you've ever met in your life. Thank you for giving me confidence in my plan of traveling for over a month, alone, and not knowing where the road would take me. You inspired me to push myself to the edge of my comfort zone and beyond, and I can't thank you enough for it. 

If you ever go to Yellow Springs be on the lookout for Karla's van that is painted each year by her students. Also be sure to stop by the Brewery or Trader Joe's and ask John about his latest invention. 

Yellow Springs, OH

This is the spring the town is named after. It sends iron rich water over the rocks and changes their color. Legend says that the water has healing properties, and that all who drink from it return to the town one day. Guess I'll be seeing you later then, Yellow Springs. 

P.S. Apparently Dave Chappelle lives in town and you can catch him at the Brewery on some nights. Locals have an unspoken agreement to not bother the man, he's part of the community. I was so caught up in the moment that I didn't even notice him outside on the patio with some family and friends.