Ohio's Quirky Little College City Has A Vibrant Downtown With Eclectic Shops And Fun Festivals

If you are a fan of curious tourist spots housing weird wonders and peculiar oddities, look to Ohio for your next road trip. The quirky town of Fairborn, about 17 miles from Dayton International Airport, is tucked near the Midwest mecca of art, shopping, and dining. Odd stores and vibrant farms provide a whimsical experience for visitors in this unexpectedly eccentric Dayton suburb. The town has a charming historic district, where holidays are marked with festivals and parades, and a bustling farmers market on weekends. Its proximity to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base makes it a draw for history buffs looking to visit the largest military aviation museum. 

Fairborn's outdoor spaces add to the appeal of visiting this unique town. You can just as easily shop for oddities as encounter a giant wooden troll on a nature trail. Travelers will find plenty of fun things to explore while visiting this friendly and affordable hotspot — even digging for fossils is possible. The area also attracts college students, with Wright State University, Antioch College, and the University of Dayton nearby. Popular hotel chains, including Tru by Hilton and Wingate by Wyndham, provide lodging options in town.

Nature lovers can visit Aullwood Audubon Center and Farm, which features an interactive nature center and lush forest trails. Its current exhibit showcases giant troll sculptures made from recycled materials and set in natural landscapes. The property also has colorful flower gardens and fairy houses along its walking paths. Other local parks, such as Maplewood Park or Hidden Hills Wetlands, are ideal for a lazy afternoon picnic. Oakes Quarry Park is a highlight for those fascinated by ancient artifacts; the park has a rich geological history and plenty of fossils to discover. 

Travelers in search of eclectic shops and weird finds will enjoy Fairborn's downtown district. A must-stop is Foy's Halloween and Variety Store, a family-owned collection of shops on Main Street. Foy's Variety Store, the original shop, carries candy, toys, and classic dime-store merchandise. Vintage fortune-telling machines even dispense your "future" for a dollar. Across the street, Foy's Halloween Store — home to a Haunted Museum on weekends – is well-equipped with all the costumes, decorations, and horror makeup you'll need for spooky season. 

Another peculiar shop on Main is The Secret Chamber House of Oddities and Artwork. Inside, you'll find gothic dollhouses inhabited by Beetlejuice characters, altars made from skeletons and dried flowers, and walls filled with vibrant artwork and curious knick-knacks. Strange displays, from a fossilized mermaid to a two-headed cow, create a museum-like feel. Cryptids such as a mounted jackalope add to the eerie atmosphere. The shop is open Tuesday through Saturday from noon to 6 p.m. and closed Sunday and Monday. It occasionally hosts special events, including the Fairborn Halloween Fest and Fall Gothic Tea Party. 

For New Age and spiritual goods, Coyne's Crystals offers pendants, stones, and statuettes in a boutique setting. Visiting Fairborn feels like stepping into a vintage Halloween display, with old-time downtown stores and charming oddity shops. And while the spooky vibe lasts year-round, the town's lively community spirit and friendly atmosphere shine in every season.

This town hosts an inspiring number of parades and festivals to celebrate nearly any occasion. There are block parties, community nights, movie nights, and Fourth of July parades — you name it.  The Bluegrass & Brew Festival is a family-friendly music extravaganza, complete with delicious food and a plentiful beer garden. Hairborn promises a rockin' good time, revisiting the hair-metal days of the '80s with a free outdoor concert. Residents feel the holiday magic around Christmas time, when the Hometown Holiday Festival is in full swing and the tree-lighting ceremony happens downtown.  

Every Wednesday from May to November, residents flock downtown to the Fairborn Farmers Market, where local vendors sell their goods from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. You'll find baked goods and homemade body potions created by local artisans, as well as calming treats for your pet. The town is home to the Fairborn Sweet Corn Festival that takes place in August, featuring artisanal booths, delicious barbecue, and pony rides for kids. Visitors can take part in a corn-eating contest or explore the 1840s Pioneer Village with metalworkers and crafters.

Autumn is a special time of year in downtown Fairborn, as you can imagine. The town really comes alive during its Halloween Festival, when residents take to the streets in full costume. You'll see patrons dressed as their favorite horror characters participate in hilarious costume contests. Watch lively dancers and musicians as you prance down Main Street, lined with booths selling colorful artwork and mouth-watering treats. The whole neighborhood gets into the spirit, with giant skeletons and pumpkins decorating lawns. There is also the Spooktacular Costume Contest and Parade,  a must-see for anyone visiting in the fall.