Ohio Magazine's Best Hometowns: Oberlin

Walking in downtown Oberlin, residents can see signs of what makes this hometown great.

Handpainted banners along Main Street are created by the Oberlin High School art department.

"The energy in this community is unlike anything I've ever been around. The energy from the arts community, the college, all of the unique shops and businesses," said Scott Schell with the Chamber of Commerce. "It's such an atypical small town. It's an incredible place to be."

Schell said one of the newest businesses in town is the Swerve Bike Shop.

"It's a nice small community where everybody kind of knows each other. It's a good size for doing local things, local food, local business. You know where your money is going and what you are helping and who you are helping," said Chris Robinson, owner of Swerve.

There's also the Ginko Gallery and Studio.

"We sell the work of almost 200 individual and small studio artists," said owner Liz Burgess. "I think Oberlin is one of the best hometowns. I grew up traveling all over the world and Oberlin was the first place where I felt comfortable and it felt like home."

And for people looking to feel inspired, many head to Tapin Square, reported ONN's Cristin Severance. Once the original home of Oberlin College, the 13 acre property is now a park in the center of town with an impressive reminder of how far the college has come. It features flags of all of the different countries of students who have attended the college.

Also in Oberlin, there's a five-and-dime store, which is a vanishing breed for some communities.

"(The Ben Franklin Store) has been here since 1934 and I bought the store in 2001. I'm the one who brought the books into the store. It's a general variety store and they have been around and provided value and a good assortment for decades," said Krista Long.

"There is always something new to discover," said Schell.

For the final stop on the tour, ONN's Severance discovered a world class art muesum in Oberlin that is free for everyone. The museum just reopened after 20 months of reconstruction.

"The Allen Art Museum was founded in 1917. Over the years, we've assembled a collection of over 14,000 objects that spans really almost the entirety of art history," said curator Jason Tremer. "I think, as you say, since we are always free and open to the public, anyone can swing by for just a few minutes to see an old friend (like a favorite painting) or to discover new works of art."

"This community has an amazing energy and everyone that comes to this town feels that connection and its something really special," said Schell.

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