by Michelle Sanders
Woman born in Tipp returns after years to explore her hometown
In this final portion of my “hometown memories,” I’ll be highlighting some more local buildings along with some Tipp City festivals and other things to do in the area. Coldwater Café is located in the old bank building. It moved from the corner of Second and Main.
The famous Gem City (aka Dayton) Ice Cream mural can be found on the exterior of their old location. Now they share the See Yourself in Tipp mural (seen from Coldwater’s patio) with the Tipp City Library, located next door.
While we are on the topic of food and drinks in Tipp City, I want to mention a few other places I like even though I do not know much about the history of the buildings they are in. Some of these have closed or moved, but get to live on in my memory.
Grounds for Pleasure Coffeehouse was a social hub for Tipp City, especially the younger crowd. They closed and the location is now Topsy Turvy Toys.
Sweet Adaline’s Bakery has the perfect small town bakery vibe. They relocated to North Second Street. Stop by to try their treats of the day, or put in an order for a special occasion cake.
Trophy Nut and Rad Candy Company are two more treat shops you will only find in Tipp City. Trophy Nut is located on North Second Street and Rad Candy is on Main next to the Living Simply Soap.
TIPP AFTER DARK
The nightlife crowd in Tipp City does not usually get too rowdy, but you can bet on finding them at a handful of places including Hinder’s Sports Bar.
I was once at a dentist office in Tennessee having my teeth cleaned and the hygienist had been asking me about my plans for the weekend.
When I told her I was going to Tipp City she stopped working on me and started gushing about how much she loves Hinder’s and craves their wings all the time.
She said she has really been thinking about taking a day off soon just to drive up there and sit and eat as many as she could stand.
Doris, I really hope you do it.
Tony’s Bada-Bing is the closest thing to a late night pub Tipp City has, but you can visit Buckeye Distillery during the day or evening.
DORA
Since we are talking about booze now, let me tell you about Tipp City’s Downtown Outdoor Refreshment Area. DORA is a designated open-container space where you can pick up a cup inside a local establishment and enjoy your drink anywhere within DORA parameters.
Tipp City was the first in Miami County to permit a DORA, a concept which has spread nationwide since then. I would not say that Tipp City is as liberated as Bourbon Street, but I do not know many other cities that allow open containers across so much of its downtown area on an ongoing basis.
FESTIVALS & EVENTS
Aside from the Tipp City Mum Festival, there a few other events you should plan your visit around like Vintage in the Village, Yuletide Winter’s Gathering, and the Tipp City Arts Council’s Canal Music Fest.
SHOPPING
If you are super into shopping, be sure to check out Fox & Feather Trading Co., the Tipp Cyclery, Always Blooming, Bodega, R-Pets, Thunder Forge and The Clothesline after perusing the Hotel Gallery.
UNIQUE ARCHITECTURE
If you especially enjoy architecture and unique homes, you will love cruising or walking around downtown Tipp City. I remember being a kid and feeling so delighted every time I saw the house in both photos, above and below.
Many of the homes along Main Street are Victorian, Queen Anne, even some Tudors and miscellaneous styles. Some are even old churches and city buildings that have been remodeled into personal homes, like the one below. Consider me green with envy.
WHAT ELSE?
Tipp City has several outdoor attractions like the Carriage Hill Metropark, the Miami County Bike Trail, the 37-feet high Charleston Falls, and Honey Creek Preserve.
Mustang fans will love visiting the Gale Haldernman Mustang Museum Barn, not only for its collection but because Halderman is credited for drafting the first designs of the iconic cars.
In the area for a while? Follow me to Dayton’s Oregon District, Old North, St. Anne’s Hill, South Park, Wright-Dunbar, Fire Blocks, & Huffman District neighborhoods.
Thanks everyone for following along with this five-part series on the history of Tipp City. Check out my website for more tours of small towns all over the area!
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