Although Dayton isn't one of the biggest cities in Ohio, it is a one-of-a-kind place where college students and townies collide. Downtown, old abandoned warehouses have been transformed into unique restaurants and bars, while places outside the city call to people who have more of a taste for the outdoors. Here are some places that everyone should try out while in Dayton.
1. Warped Wing
Located in an old Dayton warehouse, Warped Wing is a local brewery that specializes in craft beers. By creating their own “warped” tastes, they have mastered beer ranging from dark and hoppy to holiday flavors that will make you feel like it's Christmas every day. The best part is if you get hungry, you can order in pizza delivered right to your table.
2. Olive
On the outside, this quaint restaurant does not look like it's going to be as delicious as it actually is. A dive bar by definition, Olive is home to delicious meals made from scratch with local ingredients. Another perk: it's BYOB, and if that doesn't make you want to go, I don't know what will.
3. Yellow Springs
About 20 minutes away from Dayton there is a little town filled with a young, hipster vibe. Yellow Springs is a surprisingly cultured bit of Ohio that has both nature parks as well as restaurants and shops. Some of the stores here include a ceramics shop, a brewery, and numerous eclectic bookstores. Fun Fact: Dave Chappelle is a resident.
4. Toxic Brewery
This is a microbrewery downtown that has a wide range of craft beers made from interesting ingredients, like Sriracha. With its rustic, relaxed atmosphere, this is a perfect place to hang out at if you’re a young college student or an older couple looking for a unique place to try. Like Warped Wing, customers here are allowed to bring their own food or order in from another establishment.
5. The Oregon District
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This area is a historical part of downtown that remembers the unique architectural heritage of the city. The Oregon District is paved with cobblestone roads and home to neighborhoods that gives off a welcoming sense of community and a unique perspective of the city. Within the area, there are restaurants and bars to go to if you’re looking for a night out, along with retail shops, like the unique record store Omega Music.
6. Five Rivers MetroPark
As you can guess from the title, these are the five major parks around the city of Dayton. They work to promote the community’s message of protecting the region’s natural areas and to provide an opportunity for the community to connect with nature. Each park follows a river or creek that you can run or walk along and is a great way to get outside the city for a day. Some of the parks even offer more to its visitors like Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark, which hosts the occasional workshop and class.
7. Second Street Market
Though it's located in an old historic freight house and only open Thursday through Saturday, this market is where Dayton residents come to find locally grown produce and meats. To keep up with its reputation as the city’s oldest running public market, the vendors here work to maintain an alive atmosphere that is oddly reminiscent of European markets. If you’re looking for natural and homemade goods, this is the place to visit.
