SPRINGFIELD
Springfield is a dynamic small city that's been growing and changing in recent years. It's close to a lot of things - Dayton, Yellow Springs, Columbus - but has a fun mix of things to do, from proximity to bike trails and parks, cool restaurants, a Smithsonian-affiliate art museum, even a Frank Lloyd Wright-designed home.
Food, Coffee, & Beer
Ironworks Waffle Cafe: superb waffle and coffee stand inside Cohatch
The Painted Pepper: family-run Mexican food stall inside Cohatch
Mike and Rosy's Deli: a Springfield institution, Mike and Rosy's is a long-running family deli close to Wittenberg University.
Mother Stewart's Brewing: brewery with a huge taproom and lots of patio space, in a revitalized industrial area
North High Brewing: North High has a taproom inside Cohatch
Schuler's Bakery: old school donut shop with a couple different locations. Visit the original on Main Street!
Speakeasy Ramen: terrific ramen found in a dive bar
Station1: bar serving interesting pizzas, with 50 beers on tap
Stella Bleu Bistro: creative upscale bistro with big patios, located in the historic Bushnell Building
Winans Chocolates + Coffee: regional chain of coffee shops and chocolatiers with two locations in Springfield
Parks & Attractions
Buck Creek State Park: 4000-acre park with a large reservoir popular for boating
Champion City Guide + Supply: shop with lots of local goods downtown
Cyclotherapy: welcoming local bike shop downtown
Hartman Rock Garden: kooky little find, a home tucked into a Springfield neighborhood with a backyard packed with rock creations. Owner Ben Hartman created it all between 1932 and 1944 using found materials.
Heritage Center: museum and historic center in a gorgeous old building
Miami Valley Bike Trails: collection of paved, multi-use trails spanning 350 miles. The Simon Kenton Trail runs 32 miles out of downtown Springfield and north to Bellefontaine. Also connects to the Buck Creek Trail, a spur that runs to Buck Creek State Park.
Pendleton's Produce: fun little farm with pumpkins, etc. outside of Springfield
Simon Kenton Inn: historic inn with cabins and event center on a rural property, just a few miles north of the city. Once belonged to frontiersman Simon Kenton, the land is considered the first European settlement in Ohio.
Springfield Farmers Market: runs every Saturday, June through September, in the brick streets between Cohatch and the Heritage Center.
Springfield Museum of Art: world-class art museum that's a Smithsonian affiliate, located in Cliff Park along Buck Creek. Great permanent collections and rotating exhibitions. Admission is only $5, free to students and seniors.
Westcott House: historic home designed by Frank Lloyd Wright for the Westcott family (owners of an auto manufacturer) in 1908. Tours offered regularly by very knowledgeable guides.
Read our Springfield stops & itineraries
A Weekend in Springfield
An invited weekend that had us exploring Springfield's restaurants, breweries, bike trails, museums, the Westcott House.
September 2020
Schuler's Bakery
An old school Springfield bakery pumping out some terrific donuts.
457 E. Main St.