Growing up in nearby Springfield, I have some great childhood memories of visiting Clifton Mill for their spectacular light show during the Christmas Holiday. I decided to visit during the fall to explore this unique flour mill and to enjoya piece of their delicious pie.
Tucked away in the little town of Clifton, Ohio, the mill is one of the largest remaining grist mills in the United States. It is powered by water with the help of a 20 foot water wheel, located along the outer banks of the Little Miami River.
Approaching the mill, I took a quick peek inside to see one of the seven floors used for making flour.
Just a close walk on the left side of the mill is the restaurant offering scenic views of the Little Miami River and the water wheel. Greeted by a friendly server, I was escorted to a sought-after window seat and handed a menu with a selection of pies.
With so many made-from-scratch options, I decided on the chocolate pecan pie. Sinfully decadent, this slice had a flaky crust topped with chocolate and pecans and lived up to my expectations. I thoroughly enjoyed every last bite. If I would have arrived sooner, I would have been tempted by their famous pancakes which are also one of the restaurant’s specialities. 
The gift shop is located next to the restaurant and offers flour from its mill as well as a wide variety of country-style gifts and food times such as preserves, sauces and dips.
I was happy to find a two pound bag of apple cinnamon pancake mix and would make them for the brunch I was hosting the next weekend.
Settled in the year 1802, Clifton is a small town with a population of 150. There are several historical buildings within the city that are worth checking out as well. I am deeply grateful for the Satariano family for their passion in preserving the mill back in 1987 and their yearly display of holiday lights that bring thousands of visitors to the area each year.
Have you had the opportunity of having a meal at Clifton Mill or visited during the holidays for the lights? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my afternoon dessert stop and wishing you many Happy Travels!
What to See and What to Do:
Clifton Mill
75 Water Street
Clifton, OH 45316
Telephone: 937 767 5501
The light display begins the day after Thanksgiving and open nightly through December 31st. Gates open daily at 5PM and the light show starts at 6PM. Gates close at 9PM and the lights are turned off 30 minutes after the gates close. Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve, the gates close at 8PM.
Parking is free and there is an admission of $10 for guests, 7 years and older, while children 6 and under can enter at no charge.
Where to Stay:
Mills Park Hotel
321 Xenia Avenue
Yellow Springs, OH 45387
Telephone: 937 319 0400
Where to Eat:
Clifton Mill
75 Water Street
Clifton, OH 45316
Telephone: 937 767 5501
Clifton Mill is open on New Year’s Eve with a full menu from 5PM to 8PM, and open daily for breakfast and lunch. Breakfast is served all day.
One of my favorite meals at Clifton Mill is the order of pancakes. They are huge! Their pies are delish as well.
What to Read:
Not That I Could Tell, by Jessica Strawser
Photo Guide to Yellow Springs:
- Clifton Gorge
- Colorful, Artsy Streets
- Glen Helen Nature Reserve
- John Bryan State Park
- Sunflower Field, located at 4625 US-68, Yellow Springs (The Tecumseh Sunflower Field)
- Wall Murals
- Preparation for Life Work by Axel Horn hangs in the Yellow Springs Post Office
- Village Cyclery is the location of the oldest mural in Yellow Springs
- “Keith’s Alley” located behind the shops on the east side of Xenia Avenue between Cory and Glen Street showcases several murals
- Winds Cafe displays one of the largest murals in town
- Ohio Silver Co. displays a beautiful painting by Maxfield Parrish
- The patio of Sunrise Cafe
- The Smoking Octopus displays the works of Sarah Dickens
- The Xenia Avenue Shops’ painting was created by local Mandy Knaul (Mandy Sue)
- Corner Cone mural designed by Pierre Nagley
- Kings Yard murals
Check out my write up on the holiday lights to experience the tradition of Clifton Mill that brings so much joy during the holiday season. I hope you make it a family tradition for you and your family.