Guide to Dayton

Whenever I go out of town, someone inevitably asks where I’m from. Every time I proudly say “Dayton, Ohio,” I usually get “what is there to even do there?” in response. Ladies and gentlemen, I have been a resident of Dayton all my life, and this is not by accident. I was raised here, got married here, started a family here, and I’m going to live out the rest of my days here because of one simple truth: I love this city and I can’t imagine living anywhere else.

It’s easy for out-of-towners to take a cursory glance at Dayton, judge it, label it, and write it off. Normally, I wouldn’t be bothered. I’m comfortable and happy here, and I certainly never cared about others’ perceptions of my hometown. However, if you’re relocating here, the opinions of a few can certainly influence your enthusiasm level about this city.

So, today, I’m putting on my “I Heart Dayton” t-shirt to share with you things to do, what makes this city so great, and why moving here will be one of the best decisions you’ve ever made. By the time you finish reading this, you’ll ask me where I got my shirt so you can buy one for yourself.

One of Dayton’s greatest claims to fame is its association with flight. Of course, it’s not fresh news that the Wright brothers were from Dayton and developed the airplane here in their bicycle shop. However, you may not know that Dayton now is home to one of the biggest Air Force bases in the nation because of the Wright brothers’ contribution, and we also have a great Air Force Museum you can visit. Daytonians as a whole are some of the most inventive people in the country. The inventions that hail from this city run well into the thousands and Dayton is continually one of the top producers of patents in the U.S. Some of the most well known inventions are pop tops for soda cans, cash registers, backpack parachutes, artificial hearts and kidneys, gas masks, ice cream cones, space food, yo-yo, stepladders, I could go on and on. You’re welcome, world.

It should come as no surprise that Daytonians are intelligent and inventive people because Dayton is home to some of the top-ranked schools in the state. In fact, ten local schools are ranked within the top 100 schools in Ohio. Great schools means great future inventors to add new inventions to our already long list. We are a city that cultivates young Einsteins, and we’re proud of it.

Science not your thing? No problem! Dayton is exploding with a passion for the arts and culture. It is home to amazing theaters that host some of the biggest musicals, ballets, Broadway shows, operas, and plays. The prestigious Dayton Ballet has been a fixture here since 1937, which makes it the second oldest regional ballet company in the United States. You can catch a show at the Victoria Theatre (an intimate historical theater) or the Shuster Center for the Performing Arts (built in 2003 and seats 2,300 people). Check out their schedules to see what’s coming to town. Wicked was here just this month!

The Dayton Art Institute is home to works by Claude Monet, Edgar Degas, Georgia O’Keefe, Andy Warhol, Dale Chihuly, and so much more. Into ancient cultures? The Art Institute also houses art from cultures all over the world. They host several events throughout the year ranging from kid-friendly events to their annual Oktoberfest celebration to the elegant Art Ball. The Art Institute has put Dayton on the cultural map and has allowed for hundreds of incredible exhibits to stop by over the years.

Maybe you’re a sports fan. The Dayton Dragons are a local minor league baseball team that is actually recognized for their continually sold out games. It may not be the Reds, but we enjoy a good baseball game all the same in Dayton and it shows in our attendance. We also have Wright State University and the University of Dayton here locally, both of which have excellent national presence in the sports arena. In fact, the UD Men’s basketball team has been in the Elite Eight and Sweet Sixteen in just the past two years!

Foodies unite! One of the fastest growing aspects of the city has been in the culinary world. Breweries, brew pubs, local restaurants, cafes, coffee shops, and more have been popping up more and more over recent years. Daytonians are developing their palates, and the Dayton food scene is delivering. There is always an excellent local establishment that is popping up to become your new favorite eatery, favorite beer, favorite food truck, or just favorite hangout. Many of these new restaurants actually source their produce and meat from local farmers as well. We love supporting local!

If you ever need a weekend getaway, Dayton is in a great location with several large metropolises nearby. Cincinnati and Columbus are just short hour-long drives away, Indianapolis is about 2 hours, Cleveland and Detroit are about 3-4 hours, Chicago and Nashville are 5 hours. There are opportunities to visit so many places with just a quick trip in the car, not that you’d want to leave Dayton…but just in case.

Now, keep in mind, all of this is just the tip of the iceberg. There are so many more things to do, see, and experience here in this great city, but the most amazing thing about it is the people. Truly. Daytonians are some of the kindest and most generous folks you’ll ever meet, and that is no exaggeration. You can love the city for all it offers, but you’ll stay for the people.

Now, how many orders should I place for that “I Heart Dayton” shirt? Go out, explore, and most of all, meet some of our great people. We’re glad you’re here.