Yellow Springs, Ohio: A Small Town That Felt Like a Reset
Reading Time: 4 minutes There are some places you plan for months, and then there are places that call you. Yellow Springs, Ohio was the second kind for me. I didn’t find it through a travel guide or a Pinterest board—I found it through Dave Chappelle. After watching one of his specials on Netflix, I found myself curious about the place he chose to call home. A small, artsy town in Ohio felt unexpected, and that curiosity alone made me want to experience it for myself. So I went—and what I found was something much deeper than just a destination.
Why Yellow Springs?
Yellow Springs isn’t about checking off a list of things to do—it’s about how it makes you feel. The town is colorful without trying too hard, peaceful without being boring, and creative without feeling overwhelming. It’s the kind of place where you can slow down without feeling like you’re missing out on anything. For me, it felt like space, and in this season of my life, that’s something I’ve learned to value deeply. If you’ve been following my journey, then you already know that finding space—mentally, emotionally, and physically—has become essential to my reset.
Known locally as the “Immigrant Wall,” this mural is located in Keith’s Alley in downtown Yellow Springs and was created by local artist Pierre Nagley, whose work has helped shape the town’s ever-evolving street art scene.
Where I Stayed: A Cozy Reset in the Garden Room
During my stay, I checked into 310 Bed and Breakfast, where I stayed in the Garden Room. It was exactly what I needed. The space felt intentional—quiet, thoughtful, and genuinely restful. It was the kind of place where you wake up slowly, not because you have to, but because you want to. As someone who is actively rebuilding her life, I’ve come to understand that where you stay matters. It’s not just about having a place to sleep—it’s about how supported and grounded you feel in that environment. And this stay truly supported my reset.
My Non-Negotiable: Finding the Tacos
No matter where I go, I have one mission—find the tacos. It’s something I do everywhere I travel, and Yellow Springs did not disappoint. I came across Miguel’s Tacos, and it ended up being one of my favorite parts of the trip. There was nothing fancy about it, and that’s exactly what made it perfect—just simple, good food done right. Those are always the moments that stay with me the most, the ones that aren’t planned but somehow end up being unforgettable. I ordered three different tacos to start—carnitas, chicken tinga, and chorizo—and every single one of them was good, but the chicken tinga was hands down my favorite. The flavor, the seasoning, everything about it hit just right. They were so good that I ended up ordering three more chicken tinga tacos to go, and I grabbed Mister a steak quesadilla too. I already knew I didn’t want to leave town wishing I had more—I wasn’t about to be dreaming about that kind of tasty goodness later.
More Than a Trip… It Was a Reminder
What surprised me most about Yellow Springs wasn’t just the town itself, but how it made me reflect. This trip reminded me that I don’t always need a passport stamp to experience something meaningful. Sometimes the reset I’m looking for is closer than I think. Peace doesn’t always come from going far—it comes from choosing differently, from stepping outside of routine and into something that feels more aligned. Yellow Springs gave me that space to think, to breathe, and to simply be.
It reminded me that slowing down isn’t something I have to earn—it’s something I can choose. That I don’t have to wait for a big trip or a major life change to reconnect with myself. Sometimes, it’s in these quiet, unexpected places where clarity finds you, and you realize you’ve been needing this kind of pause all along.
Would I Go Back?
Absolutely. Not because there’s more to do, but because there’s more to feel. And that’s really what The Runaway Reset is all about. It’s not about running away from life—it’s about running toward yourself. I’m excited to return during the summer and for Dave Chappelle’s annual summer camp.
Thinking About Visiting?
If Yellow Springs has been on your radar—or if it wasn’t and now it is—I would say this: go with no expectations. Take your time, wander, find something good to eat, and choose a place to stay that feels good, not just looks good. Most importantly, give yourself permission to slow down.
This is what my reset looked like here. What would yours look like?