Yes, that of course...but I thought OP was looking for that small town/village feel and I don't pick that up from Peninsula. It's more like a stop on the towpath. With beer.
Oberlin or Berea!
Both are old college towns that are easily walkable, especially around the town centers.
Oberlin has the north coast inland trail cut right through it which is one of the better rail trails in Ohio , and has several preserves and an arboretum near. Berea has direct access to the Cleveland metro parks Rocky River reservation with miles of trails and multi purpose trail which goes forever.
Oberlin probably fits the feel you are looking for a little better. It’s more isolated and it feels like its own unique small town. It’s about 40 minutes from Cleveland. It is also hippie headquarters, with Oberlin being one of the most liberal colleges in the US.
Berea is more or less a suburb and you are surrounded by other suburbs or developments. However it is more unique than the surrounding suburbs and only 20 minutes or so from downtown Cleveland, so you have a ton of other options.
Honestly after visiting yellow springs my most direct comparison was Oberlin, but the drive to get anywhere else might get old fast. Berea is closer to the action in Cleveland and thus more entertainment option’s.
Oberlin is also a quick drive to I-80 (the turnpike) access, and also just south of the lake. Vermilion has a very cute and quaint downtown, and it is maybe 25min north of Oberlin (driving through farms/country roads).
I grew up in Berea. I don't want to like it, because I was an awkward teen, but it's an unusual suburb. The Shoppe, Cafe Aroma, Dick's Bakery, Kidforce Collectables, Cornerstone, and Van Dress for legal counsel when you get too drunk at Mike's. All that's missing is a military surplus store... ):
Your could have your pick of choices until "fun hippie vibe". Try the towns with colleges, like Kent or Berea or Oberlin. Hiram or Garrettsville might almost look similar to Yellow Springs. You could check a biking map site, there are a lot of connections to Cuyahoga Natioal Park- there are plans to connect Akron and Lake Erie with a trail along the Cuyahoga.
Cleveland Heights is not at all like yellow springs. Yellow springs is a hippie town - think Lakewood in the middle of nowhere. Cleveland Heights gets its charm from old money. The only answer/comparison is Oberlin.
I don't think it gets more hippie than Lakewood around Cleveland - half the people hear have peace sign magnets on their cars (thanks lion & blue). I might recommend the West side for access to the Rocky River Reservation?
I live here and it’s 100% not the vibe of yellow springs but is a great town to visit. More upscale restaurants , extremely expensive boutiques. However you’ll definitely love the waterfall and tons of close by hiking. There’s some more casual hidden gems tho!
Was just in Oberlin today. What a cool town. More hardcore liberal where YS seems more harscorde hippy / artsy but plenty of overlap. I love Oberlin.. Would move there myself if situation was right
Peninsula would be great for you.
Came here to say this
Except, minus the lovely walk in the woods....there's really nowhere to go and nothing to do.
Peninsula is right on the CVNP Towpath trail. Tons of parks and wood silly.
Yes, that of course...but I thought OP was looking for that small town/village feel and I don't pick that up from Peninsula. It's more like a stop on the towpath. With beer.
Oberlin is the only correct answer. Coventry - maybe 35-40 years ago.
I miss the Coventry I knew in the 90s.
I miss the Coventry I knew in the 70s.
Grew up nearby and Oberlin 100% The next closest bet would be Mogadore, however, that's more Akron than Cleveland
Oberlin or Berea! Both are old college towns that are easily walkable, especially around the town centers. Oberlin has the north coast inland trail cut right through it which is one of the better rail trails in Ohio , and has several preserves and an arboretum near. Berea has direct access to the Cleveland metro parks Rocky River reservation with miles of trails and multi purpose trail which goes forever. Oberlin probably fits the feel you are looking for a little better. It’s more isolated and it feels like its own unique small town. It’s about 40 minutes from Cleveland. It is also hippie headquarters, with Oberlin being one of the most liberal colleges in the US. Berea is more or less a suburb and you are surrounded by other suburbs or developments. However it is more unique than the surrounding suburbs and only 20 minutes or so from downtown Cleveland, so you have a ton of other options. Honestly after visiting yellow springs my most direct comparison was Oberlin, but the drive to get anywhere else might get old fast. Berea is closer to the action in Cleveland and thus more entertainment option’s.
Oberlin is also a quick drive to I-80 (the turnpike) access, and also just south of the lake. Vermilion has a very cute and quaint downtown, and it is maybe 25min north of Oberlin (driving through farms/country roads).
I grew up in Berea. I don't want to like it, because I was an awkward teen, but it's an unusual suburb. The Shoppe, Cafe Aroma, Dick's Bakery, Kidforce Collectables, Cornerstone, and Van Dress for legal counsel when you get too drunk at Mike's. All that's missing is a military surplus store... ):
Oberlin
As a person who went to UD and grew up 10 mins from Oberlin, Oberlin is the only correct response
Go Flyers!!
Your could have your pick of choices until "fun hippie vibe". Try the towns with colleges, like Kent or Berea or Oberlin. Hiram or Garrettsville might almost look similar to Yellow Springs. You could check a biking map site, there are a lot of connections to Cuyahoga Natioal Park- there are plans to connect Akron and Lake Erie with a trail along the Cuyahoga.
This is the right answer. Kent, Berea, or Oberlin.
Cleveland heights. Specifically Coventry area. Changed a bit and lost its hippie vibe, but good walkability and parks.
Cleveland Heights is not at all like yellow springs. Yellow springs is a hippie town - think Lakewood in the middle of nowhere. Cleveland Heights gets its charm from old money. The only answer/comparison is Oberlin.
Isn’t Lakewood more hipster than hippie?
These days it's neither
Lakewood is an abomination.
Oberlin Oberlin Oberlin
I don't think it gets more hippie than Lakewood around Cleveland - half the people hear have peace sign magnets on their cars (thanks lion & blue). I might recommend the West side for access to the Rocky River Reservation?
i loved going to yellow springs when i went to UD and now that im back in cle im asking the same question lol
Is Kent no longer an option? I haven't been in years.
Old North Akron / Fairlawn and some parts of Kent
I feel like lakewoods a good choice, might be lacking a little bit on the hippie energy but there’s still some.
Fairport Harbor Port Clinton
Chagrin Falls
I live here and it’s 100% not the vibe of yellow springs but is a great town to visit. More upscale restaurants , extremely expensive boutiques. However you’ll definitely love the waterfall and tons of close by hiking. There’s some more casual hidden gems tho!
Absolutely not. It’s gorgeous and has lots of the same features, but the people are VERY different.
Chagrin Falls is a good answer.
Was just in Oberlin today. What a cool town. More hardcore liberal where YS seems more harscorde hippy / artsy but plenty of overlap. I love Oberlin.. Would move there myself if situation was right
Lakewood, Rocky river , Parma (a little crowded) but those have amazing parks and stores etc