You didn't know Dayton was so cool...until now.

Downtown Dayton gets a bad rap. Not only is it rich with history, but there are some pretty cool hangouts too. One simply needs to look for them. For the students who are “stuck in Dayton” over the holidays, here is a list of things to do and see that you might not have seen before

Restaurants

 

1. Tanks Bar & Grill was established in 1987 and is located on Wayne Avenue. The atmosphere is definitely that of a bar, but don’t be deceived. They cook up some amazing food too.

2. Salar serves dishes influenced by French, Mediterranean and Peruvian cuisine. Located on Fifth Street, this upscale restaurant might require a reservation, but it is well worth the wait.

3. White Lotus is a hole-in-the-wall Thai restaurant that resembles a diner. The boxy, white building sits on Third Street and is run by a cheerful Thai woman who cooks the food right in front of you. Goodness, that food is good.

1. The bearded bartenders at Century Bar really know their whiskey. This dimly lit bar hosts original stained glass and a bar lined with every whiskey, bourbon or scotch that you could ever want. The atmosphere brings you back to a bygone era, and you leave feeling a little classier than when you arrived.

2. Toxic Brew Company, located on Fifth Street in the Oregon District, hosts an ever-changing menu from its creative brew experts who love to experiment with their beers. The atmosphere is cozy, with exposed brick and tall ceilings.

3. Blind Bobs can do no wrong. This Fifth Street bar has good food and beer, not to mention live music from local artists. There might be a cover charge on the weekends, but it is worth every penny. Prepare to meet some pretty cool people.

1. Ghostlight Coffee is cozy and located in a blue building on Wayne Avenue. The baristas are friendly, and welcome you into the shop like family. Not only is the coffee superb, but the locally made pastries and ample plug space for your computer (woo!) keep the customers coming back.

2. Press Coffee sits just outside the Oregon District on Wayne Avenue in a brick building with a fading coffee decal on its side. The inside is open, with tall ceilings, and is home to some of the best coffee in Dayton.

3. The new Proto Build Bar on First Street not only sells coffee and alcohol, but is also a workplace for local artists. The shop sits several 3D printers and workstations for all your artistic—and caffeine—needs.

1. Ice-skating at Riverscape is a classic winter activity in Dayton. The ice rink sits next to the river downtown, and not only provides you with ice skates at a reasonable price, but hot chocolate as well.

2. Woodland Cemetery (stay with me, now) is the final resting place for dozens of famous Daytonians like the Wright Brothers and Erma Bombeck. The hills of the cemetery are perfect for long, winter walks, and if you reach the top you are hit with the best view of the Dayton skyline.

3. Dayton’s metro parks often fall under the radar. There are 19 in total, and all are completely unique. If you love farm animals and old buildings, stop by Carriage Hill Metro Park in Huber Heights. If shopping is more of your thing, go to 2^nd Street Market downtown instead. Or better yet, make it your goal to visit all 19 over break!