If you are at all familiar with Yellow Springs you’re aware of the eclectic, artsy stylings of the small community. The friendly village, tucked neatly away off State Route 68 is home to Antioch College Campus and John Bryan State Park, a lovely place for camping, boating, picnicking or trail hiking. Aside from the unique shops and small bazaars Yellow Springs is known for, after dark descends upon the tiny community, some interesting entertainment options exist.

I started out my visit at the Ye Olde Trail Tavern located at 228 Xenia Avenue.  Upon entering the picturesque bar and restaurant, I instantly felt as though I’d been catapulted back to another century. The tavern was originally built in 1827, first as a home and then transformed into a bakery, which was the first business in Yellow Springs, a stage coach stop and, finally in 1900, the bar it is today. 

The establishment is the oldest building in Yellow Springs and it maintains a one of a kind old world charm. The walls are adorned with antiques and dim lighting along with wafting music adds to the laid-back atmosphere. Drinks are relatively inexpensive and a delicious meal will only set you back about eight bucks. You can dine inside and enjoy the charming atmosphere or people watch, out on one of the two patios ornamented with greenery and white Christmas lights.

My personal favorite aspect of the bar is the fact that it very well may be haunted. Hailing from Athens and constantly being surrounded by frightening stories of The Ridges, a former mental institution erected in 1874, I felt right at home among mention of the paranormal.

The tavern is supposedly haunted by a woman in a blue dress and a little girl who enjoy playing tricks on the employees.

 “Everyone talks about the woman in the blue dress but I saw a guy in red when I was here one night alone. I’ll put something down and come back and it’s gone. I’ve had paper towels thrown at me. They like to mess with you,” said Jackie, the bartender, of the businesses’ ghostly residents.

But what’s the best thing about Yellow Springs nightlife?

“It’s awesome, it’s laid back, no one is ever uptight,” said Jackie.

Next up was The Dayton Street Gulch. I found this business to be more of your typical bar, complete with a juke box, loud pop music and a customary bar setting packed with patrons. Drinks are only $1.50 every Wednesday, and free games of pool are offered on Thursdays. The Gulch also has live DJ’s on the weekends for those looking for a little something extra in the musical realm.

“I love it here.  Everyone I grew up with my whole life, they are here kicking it with me,” said Rommie Richeson, a regular at The Gulch.

The night would end with my visit to Peach’s Grill, located at 104 Xenia Avenue.  The friendly service and huge menu is sure to please. Peach’s offers a full coffee bar in addition to twenty microbrews on tap with a selection that cycles weekly.

If you’re interested in live music, Peach’s is most definitely the place to go.  There is a small cover charge which goes directly to the musicians, and you can check out the band lineup for the rest of the summer at www.peachsgrill.com.

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