Top 25 things every Daytonian must do!

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25 Top

Things Every

Daytonian

Must Do Whether helping out, dining out or just playing don’t miss these local attractions and activities

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BY TIMOTHY WALKER

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DAYTON MAGAZINE . October/November 2019

25

GIVE SOMETHING BACK—VOLUNTEER

Opportunities abound for volunteers in the Miami Valley to help others and 2019’s tragedies have magnified how important it is to reach out to those in need. Interested local residents who want to donate their time, money or material goods can contact the House of Bread (937-226-1520), the United Way of Greater Dayton (937-225-3001), the Foodbank (937-4610265) or Project Read (937-461-7323) to find out more information. SICSA, the Dayton Metro Library and St. Vincent de Paul’s local shelters are also always in need of helping hands from those looking to give a little something back to their community.

24

EXPLORE THE U.S. AIR FORCE MUSEUM

Located at 1100 Spaatz St. in Dayton, right off Springfield Street, the National Museum of the United States Air Force is a destination point for Miami Valley visitors from around the globe and every Daytonian needs to see it. The world’s largest and oldest military aviation museum, it features more than 360 aircraft and missiles on display in more than 17 acres of indoor exhibit space. Open daily from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m., the museum offers free admission, free parking and free Wi-Fi and is only closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day.

23

CHECK OUT THE OREGON DISTRICT

The Oregon District is Dayton’s oldest historic district, featuring a variety of nightclubs, restaurants, retail shops and architecture dating clear back to the 1800s and early 1900s. From the cobblestone streets to the craft beers, the Oregon District offers something unique for every visitor. Check out the books (and the one-of-a-kind decor) at Bonnett’s Bookstore, take in a meal at the Trolley Stop, Thai Nine, Roost Modern Italian or the nearby Dublin Pub, or just relax and take a stroll through the beautiful streets and soak up the atmosphere.

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22

TAKE IN A DAYTON DRAGONS GAME

For 20 seasons now, the Dayton Dragons baseball team has been selling out Fifth Third Field and entertaining crowds.

A Dragons game promises a great time for every family and whether you’re there for the food and the beer, for the fun and special activities or just to watch the game you’re guaranteed to have a blast. The Dragons, who play in the Class A Midwest League, are affiliated with the Cincinnati Reds and hold the record for the most consecutive sellouts for a professional sports team. As the song goes, take me out to the ball game!

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DAYTON MAGAZINE . October/November 2019

VISIT THE PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR HOUSE

The Paul Laurence Dunbar House, located at 219 Paul Laurence Dunbar St. in Dayton, is owned by the state of Ohio and operated by Dayton History on behalf of the Ohio Historical Society.

The historic museum is also a U.S. National Historic Landmark. The house was the home of beloved writer Paul Laurence Dunbar from 1904 to 1906 and it was his residence at the time of his untimely death from tuberculosis at the age of 33. The house features memorabilia relating to Dunbar’s life and work and should definitely be on your list of places to visit.

20 VOTE!

Make your voice heard! Too many Dayton residents choose not to exercise their right to vote especially when you consider all those who have died to protect that right. Whether in the primaries, the general elections or those hotly contested presidential elections that come along every four years your vote and your opinion do matter. Stand up and be counted. Contact the Montgomery County Board of Elections to find out whether you are registered to vote or to get registered if you are not. You can reach them at 937-225-5656 or by visiting their office at 451 W. Third St. in downtown Dayton.

19

SUPPORT THE ARTS

Dayton has a wonderful community of homegrown artists from all disciplines and they deserve the support of all local residents. Whether you follow the Dayton Contemporary Dance Company, the Human Race Theater, the Dayton Philharmonic, the Dayton Opera or artists from elsewhere on the spectrum of fine arts, music, dance, theater and performance Dayton boasts something to enrich your soul and brighten your life. Take advantage of all that this area has to offer and find yourself transformed.

18

E N JOY FI V E RIVERS METROPARKS

Established in 1963 to preserve and protect o p e n space and natural areas for the citizens of Montgomery County, the Five Rivers Metroparks system now protects over 15,400 acres of forest, grasslands and wetlands. There are a total of 25 facilities with a host of different amenities and activities. From Germantown to Englewood, from Cox Arboretum to Riverscape, if you’re a fan of the outdoors chances are you will love paying a visit to one of Dayton’s beautiful Metroparks. Also, keep in mind the 2nd Street Market, which is open on weekends and is also operated by the Five Rivers Metroparks system.

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17

VISIT YELLOW SPRINGS

Why wait till Street Fair? While that event—held on the second Saturday of every June and October—always draws tens of thousands of visitors to the tiny village of Yellow Springs there is plenty to do and see there all year round. Check out the amazing handcrafted goods at Urban Handmade, browse the wonderful book selection at Dark Star Books, have a drink or a meal at Peach’s Grill or Current Cuisine and take in the beauty of the natural world by hiking in Glen Helen and visiting their incredible Raptor Center.

Or pay a visit to nearby Young’s Jersey Dairy to feed the goats and enjoy some hand-dipped ice cream. Whatever you’re in the mood for the Yellow Springs area offers just what you need.

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EAT!

All of this sightseeing makes a body hungry and the Dayton area has a selection of food that’s wide and deep and can satisfy culinary tastes of every kind. While all of your favorite chain restaurants are nearby, locally owned favorites like the renowned Amber Rose on Valley Street, the Corner Kitchen and Lily’s Bistro on Fifth Street, the Wheat Penny Oven and Bar on Wayne, or El Meson in West Carrollton are great places to patronize. If Italian food is your preference don’t miss out on Mamma DiSalvo’s, located on Stroop Road in Kettering. The manicotti, the gnocchi, the rigatoni alla abruzzo…divine. Mamma mia, indeed!

15

EXPERIENCE CARILLON HISTORICAL PARK

Featuring a sprawling 65-acre park and museum on Carillon Boulevard in Dayton, Dayton History operates the Carillon Historical Park—and what a destination it is for local residents.

From the incredible historical buildings to the technological displays, from the always amazing carillon to the Carillon Brewing Co., there is something here to keep visitors of every age interested and enthralled. Check out its website for special events and festivals. And make sure you visit the incredible gift shop before you leave!

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EXPLORE THE MARIAN LIBRARY AT THE UNIVERSITY OF DAYTON

The Marian Library, located within the Roesch Library at the University of Dayton, is an internationally renowned center of scholarship on the Virgin Mary. The library’s holdings include thousands of circulating books, periodicals, rare books, incunabula, artwork and other materials in over 100 languages. The library’s website includes information on exhibits and events that are open to the public.

PHOTO BY TOM GILLIAM

13

TOUR THE DAYTON AVIATION HERITAGE NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK

A U.S. National Historical Park in Dayton, the Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park celebrates the work of three men—Wilbur Wright, Orville Wright, and Paul Laurence Dunbar—and their lives in the Miami Valley. The park includes the Wright Cycle Co. Complex, the Huffman Prairie Flying Field, the Wright Brothers Aviation Center, Hawthorn Hill and the Paul Laurence Dunbar State Memorial (see #21). Anyone who lives in Dayton is well aware of our area’s place in the history of aviation and this national historical park commemorates that.

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ENJOY SUNWATCH INDIAN VILLAGE

The SunWatch Indian Village and Archaeological Park, located next to the Great Miami River on West River Road in Dayton, is a wonderful place to take the family if they’re interested in how the earliest residents of our area lived. SunWatch is a reconstructed Fort Ancient Native American village and the educational site is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

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APPRECIATE AULLWOOD AUDUBON CENTER AND FARM

Aullwood’s farm, sanctuary and center make it one of the premier Audubon centers in the United States. The center and farm focus on environmental education and sustainable agriculture, and provide activities that increase understanding and preservation of the planet by children and adults through education and recreation. Aullwood offers families the opportunity to experience and appreciate the natural world through experience-based education.

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TOUR CLIFTON MILL

Historic Clifton Mill is one of the largest water-powered grist mills still in existence. The first mill at the site was constructed in 1802 and it was built on this location to take advantage of the natural power of the concentrated water funneled into the gorge. Make sure you visit the restaurant and gift shop while there and, of course, a visit to view the annual Christmas light display during the holiday season is mandatory.

9

TASTE SOME DOUGHNUTS— BILL’S DONUT SHOP AND JIM’S DONUT SHOP

Is there anyone in Dayton that doesn’t love a good doughnut? These two shops have become local institutions and regular stops at both of them are mandatory if you want to call yourself a true Daytonian. Bill’s Donut Shop, located at 268 N. Main St. in Centerville, and Jim’s Donut Shop at 122 E. National Road in Vandalia are true local treasures and no day is complete without a visit to one of them. (Or both!)

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SHOP SMALL

Opportunities for retail therapy abound in the Dayton area and there are national retailers represented everywhere you look. But real Daytonians understand the importance of shopping small and patronizing locally owned and operated boutiques, gift shops, bookstores, theaters and coffee houses. Don’t miss Hart Mercantile on your next trip to the Oregon District (see #23). Take in a film at the Neon Movies or Little Art Theatre. Visit any one of the number of local entrepreneurs who will be sure to provide you with exactly what you need, along with the pleasant and helpful customer service that locally owned shops are known for. Shop small and enjoy!

DAYTON MAGAZINE . October/November 2019

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HANG OUT WITH THE B-MAN

John “The B-Man” Beaulieu has been one of Day ton’s favorite radio personalities for decades and no one is more visible when it comes to representing Dayton and all the fine things our area has to offer. Whether he’s a celebrity judge at a chili cook-off, enjoying a festival or hanging out at the local Harley shop The B-Man always has a smile and a handshake for his many listeners. If you love Dayton and classic rock then you love John Beaulieu and chances are your drive-time radio dial is preset to WTUE 104.7 FM.

6

VISIT THE LIBRARY

Downtown Dayton may have the new showcase of the main library, but all of the libraries in the Dayton system are getting upgrades and facelifts. With helpful staffs, free computer time, classes, story hour for toddlers and—oh, yes—lots and lots of books your local libraries are always there for Montgomery County residents.

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EXPERIENCE COX ARBORETUM

With 189 acres, the Cox Arboretum and Gardens Metropark deserves its own entry in this list of 25 things every Daytonian must see. Located at 6733 Springboro Pike in Dayton, Cox Arboretum was established in 1962 and is open daily without admission fees. Enjoy the trees, shrubbery and flowers, commune with Mother Nature in a quiet, peaceful setting and don’t miss the butterfly house and garden. Also, make sure you check out the 3.5 miles of walking trails.

DO THE FESTIVALS

There are so many annual festivals in the Dayton area it’s impossible to hit them all. But that doesn’t stop most of the Miami Valley from trying! From the Troy Strawberry Festival to the Preble County Pork Festival, from the Beavercreek Popcorn Festival to Fairborn’s Sweet Corn Festival, from Enon’s Apple Butter Festival to the Waynesville Sauerkraut Festival, there’s a taste and a flavor for every body and budget. Don’t miss out on all this great area has to offer!

3

TAME THE MAD RIVER

Tubing, kayaking, or canoeing—there are as many ways to tame the Mad River as there are people willing to do it! With a number of area canoe liveries in operation spending a day on the water with family or friends is a real no-brainer and the prices are extremely reasonable.

Make sure you wear your safety equipment and follow all the livery’s rules and you’ll be sure to have a wonderful time with your loved ones. Just don’t forget that sunscreen!

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ENJOY THE MONTGOMERY COUNTY FAIR

A new location hasn’t stopped the people of Montgomery County from supporting their beloved county fair. When the fair moved to Arthur Fisher Park in Jefferson Township there was some concern from local residents that the move might affect attendance, but that hasn’t been the case. From the farm animals to the rides, from the fair food to the games and displays, nothing beats the Montgomery County Fair for fun times and great memories.

1

THE DAYTON ART INSTITUTE

The Dayton Art Institute is a museum of fine arts overlooking Dayton and located in the city’s historic Grafton Hill area. It has been rated as one of the top 10 U.S. museums for children and it features a fun-filled interactive area designed specifically for families and children. Founded in 1919, the museum has over 20,000 pieces of artwork and is the perfect destination for those seeking an educational, enlightening, and thought provoking local experience.

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