I'm an Ohio girl and Springfield is one of my favorite easy day trips — it's got way more going on than people give it credit for. This is my personal list of the places I'd actually take a friend, from the spots worth wandering to the restaurants I ...
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places to visit
dining
places to visit
A totally free folk-art garden one man built with 250,000 stones during the Depression. Quirky, peaceful, and the best photo backdrop.
Hartman Rock Garden
Great American art collection right in Cliff Park. Easy to pair with a walk through the park after.
Springfield Museum of Art
Free local history museum in a beautiful old building — perfect rainy-day stop.
The Heritage Center of Clark County - Clark County Historical Society and Museum
The country's largest indoor antique mall — 116,000 square feet, 650+ vendors. I could spend hours in here and always find something.
Heart of Ohio Antique Center
Beach, boating, fishing, trails, disc golf, camping — this is the go-to outdoor spot.
Buck Creek State Park
Gorgeous park along Buck Creek with real hiking trails. Perfect for a fall walk when the leaves turn.
Cliff Park
Paved trail that's great for biking or a long walk. Easy, flat, and pretty.
Simon Kenton Trail
Monthly at the fairgrounds with hundreds of vendors. Bring cash and comfy shoes!
Springfield Antique Show - Jenkins + Co
Okay it's technically Yellow Springs but it's 10 minutes away and a must. Homemade ice cream, corn maze, pumpkin patch, and haunted wagon rides through October.
Young's Dairy
Springfield institution for 30+ years. The bourbon chicken is the real deal and the prices are so reasonable.
Bourbon Street Grill and Cafe
Local deli since 1977 — the famous hoagie and cream of mushroom soup never miss.
Mike and Rosy's Deli
Craft brewery in a historic warehouse with a huge beer garden and live music. Great for a night out.
Mother Stewart's Brewing
Veteran-owned coffee shop with the best frozen drinks around. My pick over Starbucks any day.
Coffee Expressions Springfield
The only Frank Lloyd Wright Prairie-style house in Ohio — the guided tour is so worth it if you love architecture or just pretty old houses.
Welcome to the Westcott House | The Westcott House
dining
Farm-to-table comfort food downtown. The BBQ brisket egg rolls are famous for a reason.
Eat at Charlie's
Voted best Mexican in Springfield and it shows. The margaritas and trash can nachos are a must.
Viva La Fiesta Eat
Asian-fusion gastropub with a record-lounge vibe — the coolest dinner spot downtown.
Hi Hat Social
A dive bar that happens to serve incredible ramen. People drive hours for the tonkotsu — the pork belly is unreal.
Speakeasy Ramen
4.9 stars for a reason — the honeysuckle latte is unreal and the drive-thru is fast.
Scout's Cafe | Springfield OH
Coffee AND handmade chocolates since 1961. The buckeye frappe is my weakness.
