Ben Franklin, Oberlin

National GeographicJul 31

Why you should visit Oberlin, Ohio—one of America’s most charming college towns

From its abolitionist history to its hip vintage shops and leafy trails, Oberlin is a jewel of a town within easy reach of Cleveland—and served as inspiration for one of America’s most celebrated ...

Variety store since 1935, now home to Mindfair Books.

25 things in this story

Bench by the Road ProjectSightMemorials remembering enslaved Africans.
Toni Morrison SocietyPlaceLaunched the Bench by the Road project.
Oberlin College & ConservatoryPlaceAssociated with LGBTQ+ rights and environmental sustainability.
Tappan SquareParkTree-shaded lawn uniting town and gown.
Oberlin Anti-Slavery SocietyPlaceFormed in 1835.
Oberlin-Wellington RescuePlace1858 event where locals freed an enslaved man.
Finney ChapelPlace of worshipRomanesque-style performance space on campus.
Hall AuditoriumTheatre501-seat performance space on campus.
Allen Memorial Art MuseumMuseumEclectic collection spanning antiquities to contemporary works.
Oberlin Heritage CenterMuseumOffers guided walking tours with various themes.
Wilson Bruce Evans HomeHotelHistoric home of a cabinetmaker and abolitionist.
Weltzheimer/Johnson HouseHotelFrank Lloyd Wright-designed home open to the public.
Ben FranklinMarketVariety store since 1935, now home to Mindfair Books.
Mindfair BooksMarketIndie bookshop with a piano for impromptu recitals.
Lorenzo’s PizzaRestaurantServes wood-fired pizzas and lasagna.
The FeveRestaurantPopular spot for brunch, known for tater tots.
Apollo TheatrePlaceHistoric movie house showing new and classic films.
Slow TrainCafé Our baked goods and food offerings rotate seasonally.
The LocalCafé Our baked goods and food offerings rotate seasonally.
Blue Rooster BakeshopRestaurantBakeshop posting its dessert menu weekly on Facebook.
Hanson RecordsPlaceFocuses on pre-owned vinyl and has its own indie label.
North Coast Inland TrailTrailScenic trail cutting through Oberlin.
Butternut Ridge TrailheadPlaceAccess point for the North Coast Inland Trail.
Common GroundPlaceOffers zipline canopy tours above wooded acres.
The Hotel at OberlinHotelLEED Platinum-certified hotel across from Tappan Square.

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Ben Franklin

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Why you should visit Oberlin, Ohio—one of America’s most charming college towns