Xenia

In support of a local creative project, I’m copying parts of a recent email here. Help spread the word…

The Xenia Mural Society, a component of Greene Giving, is issuing a Call to Artists for original and creative designs for a mural with the general theme of “Trails” to be placed on a building in Xenia. For this mural, “Trails” can be interpreted loosely to include anything historical or currently relative to the Xenia area from buffalo trails to Native American trails, Pioneer trails, early roadways, railroads, hiking, or bicycling or any combination of these.

The honorarium for the winning artist’s design for the “Trails” mural will be $500 and the design will become the property of the Xenia Mural Society.  The final mural will be completed by a muralist working in conjunction with the winning artist and the Society. If the selected artist has the ability and desire to complete the actual mural he or she will be encouraged to submit a proposal for the entire project. Given current economic conditions, the Society is working to have a “brush ready” project prepared in order to facilitate creation of a mural or murals as soon as funding permits.

The deadline for submission of up to three detailed sketches per artist is July 1, 2009. Finalists will be asked to submit a full color rendering on suitable material, no smaller than 24″ in width, which must be received by August 15. An application form should be submitted with each set of sketches (available at www.XeniaMurals.org). Final competing designs will be displayed for public comment at Xenia’s Rail & Arts Fest on August 22. The winning submission will be announced at Xenia’s Old Fashioned Days, September 19.

Several possible sites may be viewed online at www.XeniaMurals.org. There are currently two buildings whose owners have agreed to discuss hosting a mural. Building 1: Montgomery Insurance and Investments, located at 114 S. Detroit St., has a side wall space of approximately 75X25′. Building 2: Express Yourself Coffeehouse and Art Gallery, located at 78 E. Main St., has a side wall space of approximately 75X14′. All or part of the wall surfaces may be incorporated into the rendering.

For more information visit www.XeniaMurals.org or email info@xeniamurals.org or phone the Xenia Area Chamber of Commerce (937) 372-3591.

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Click to download a map of the Town with our recommendations on the Best of Yellow Springs (240 KB).

Location, location, location.

We know that we’re lucky to work in one of the “10 Coolest Small Towns in America.” In case you get a chance to visit, here are some of the hot spots we recommend for eating, shopping and playing.

• Peaches Grill (104 Xenia Ave) – Enjoy the patio in the summer – or the libations all year long. Peaches has an extensive beer list for a small town hangout. And, they have live entertainment most weekend evenings. Recommendation: the beer sampler and pita chips.
• The Winds Café & Bakery (215 Xenia Ave) – Fine dining in a casual town with an adventurous menu that changes monthly and a healthy wine list. Pumpkin lasagna is a surprising fan favorite every fall. Closed Mondays.
• Ye Olde Trail Tavern (228 Xenia Ave) – Eat in one of the oldest buildings in the Village. Recommendation: get the pretzel bread for your sandwich enjoyment.
• Current Cuisine (237 Xenia Ave) – Grab the lunch special to-go (during the week) or make your own meal out of the eclectic and delicious deli items. Or, fill up on any of their fabulous desserts.
• Sunrise Café (259 Xenia Ave) – Great spot to start the day with breakfast – or to rest for lunch. Fantastic pancakes and omelettes and plenty of choices for leaf eaters. Closed Tuesdays.
• The Corner Cone Dairy Bar and Grill (101 South Walnut Street) – The Classic corner dairy bar with Frosty treats to go! (During the summer only.)  Also a great place can also rent bikes to tour the town starting at $8 per hour
• Bonadies Glass Studio (220 Xenia Ave # 1) – Gorgeous things galore! Bonadies specialties include carries a collection of unique glass jewelry, ornaments, artwork and lamps.
• Yellow Springs Pottery (222 Xenia Ave (King’s Yard) – Original creations from a most original town. Yellow Springs pottery is a retail cooperative of 10 members who produce a large selection of handmade pottery.
• Dark Star Books and Comics (237 Xenia Ave) – They carry 40,000 used books and an extensive collection of back issue comics. Buy and sell your goods here! And, say hello to the store cat, Mr. Eko.
• Kismet (249 Xenia Ave) – No boys allowed. Okay, not really. But, this is definitely a women’s boutique. Find unique clothing, jewelry, shoes and accessories here.
• Mr. Fubs Party Toys and More (252 Xenia Ave) – It’s a par-tay at Mr. Fubs. And we’re sorry if they’re out of fart machines. We needed them. Yes, all of them. They also carry unique brain teasers, plush toys and gifts.
• No Common Scents (1525 Xenia Avenue) – Herbs, spices and aromatherapy. Sniff. Relax. Ahh. It’s a great spot for a cup of coffee or tea and to catch up on your reading.
• Tie Dyed Gift Shop (125 S Walnut St) – You’re in Yellow Springs. Why not grab some tie dye? (When in Rome…)
• Asian Collection – Really cool Asian gifts and garb in really unusual building….
• Yoga Springs Studio (108 Dayton Street) – Get your zen on… Daily classes available for novice to advanced yogis.
• Main Squeeze – Offering the finest in fresh juices, smoothies, wheat grass juice and brewing & winemaking supplies.
• Little Art Theatre (247 Xenia Avenue) – This cozy theater has played some of the finest art, independent, documentary and Hollywood films for over 50 years. Monday is bargain day – just $6 a show! General admission (after 6pm) is $7.50 all other days.
• Glen Helen Nature Preserve (405 Corry Street) – Get out of town and roam 1,000 acres of preserved land. The Glen Helen Outdoor Education Center offers a range of environmental education programs to connect you with the natural world.
• Little Miami Scenic Trail – The Little Miami Scenic Trail is part of an 80-mile trail network that extends from eastern Cincinnati to Buck Creek State Park near Springfield. Part of the trail passes through Yellow Springs – and a public restroom. If you’re heading north, the restrooms are just across Route 68.