Oh, Dayton, how we love thee. Under-appreciated and brimming with potential, Dayton is one city that has stood the test of time, proving itself to be highly resilient and tough. As a small city, residents tend to frequent the same spots over and over again, simply because “there’s nothing else to do.” Well, The Guardian is here to tell you you’re wrong. There are things to do, and we’ve compiled a hefty list of activities and places to visit that aren’t shopping malls or the Air Force Museum. (You can thank us later!)
1. Coffee Shops. Because caffeine is as important as water. How do we know this? We’re college students. We’re authorities on caffeine.
- –Ghostlight Coffee on Wayne Avenue in Dayton is hip and their coffee is beyond delicious. Local artwork is rotated monthly on the walls of this trendy java joint, and if you’re lucky and supplies last, you’ll even be able to taste their cronuts. (Cronut, you say? What is this cronut you speak of? Croissant-donut. It’s delicious. It’ll kill you by forty if you eat too many, but they’re delicious.)
- –Press Coffee Bar is also on Wayne Avenue, but think twice before entering if you don’t have a beard or some realllllly weird tattoos. (We’re kidding, all are welcome!) The outside of their building has a sweet mural that’s perfect for your Instagram feed, and their coffee is as yummy as can be.
- –Proto BuildBar is sweet as heck, and located on First Street in Dayton. The decor is weirdly comfortable and industrial, celebrating Dayton’s fame for innovation. Oh yeah, and they have 3D printers there. Have I convinced you to go yet? A coffee shop that has 3D printers? Sign me up.
2. Breweries. Believe it or not, Dayton is filled to the brim with local breweries that brew their beer on site. A city once known for manufacturing and technology is now becoming a brewery mecca for hops-lovers everywhere. Are we complaining? Absolutely not.
- –Toxic Brew Company has some brews with odd yet delicious flavors that every average-joe-consumer and beer enthusiast needs to try at least once. (You’ll be back after the first time, trust us.) We’ve written about them before too. Check out the story here.
- –The Dayton Beer Company is the perfect hangout spot for your group of friends on a Saturday night. Their beer selection is massive, and they have a sprawling back patio teeming with hip Daytonians or soccer lovers ready to watch the game on one of the many tvs stationed around the brewery.
- –Warped Wing Brewery, is located in the massive red building on Wyandot Street with killer views of the Dayton skyline. The beer is good, plus they have major curb appeal. To read more about them, click here!
3. Parks. Dayton might not have an ocean or mountains, but the city is not short on adventurous outdoor activities for all interests or skill levels. From mountain biking to stand-up paddle boarding, Five Rivers MetroParks has an activity for everyone. Take a look at their programming here!
- –Carriage Hill MetroPark is a quaint historical farm located under twenty minutes from Wright State University, and one of our favorites at The Guardian. A fishing lake and a bunch of furry farm animals make this park a go-to on a sunny afternoon.
- –Eastwood MetroPark is under five miles from Wright State, and is home to a family of bald eagles. (Read about Jim and Cindy here!) Bring your binoculars to get a glimpse of these bad boys, and you won’t be disappointed. Plus there’s a massive lake that’s good for paddling and fishing, or you could hold a party at one of the reservable shelters.
- –MoMBA (Or MetroParks Outdoor Mountain Biking Area) is one spot in Dayton you had no idea existed until today. (You’re welcome!) Located at Huffman MetroPark, this web of trails varies in difficulty from beginner to expert. Don’t have a mountain bike? No problem. Bike rentals will be available June 18, so any skill or age can hit the trails.
4. Art Classes. For our diy lovers or art enthusiasts, this list is for you. Instead of drinking wine and painting a canvas of a snowman with thirty middle-aged women, check out these unique art classes and workshops instead!
- –Decoy Art Studio in Beavercreek has an array of classes and workshops for both children and adults, such as pottery or jewelry-making. Prices range from affordable to extravagant, depending on your project. Check out their workshops here!
- –Cake Craft Inc. in Beavercreek is your go-to spot to learn how to decorate cakes. From cookie decorating to learning how to create flowers, these workshops will turn you into a pro in no time.
- –John Bryan Community Pottery is located in Yellow Springs, and offers an array of classes dealing with clay and pottery wheels. (It’s not far from Wright State, either!)
5. The Stage. We all know about shows at the Schuster Center, but what other shows are there to see in Dayton? Well, friends, we have you covered.
- –Black Box Improv Theater on Third Street is a unique improvisation experience – oh, and it’s unique, all right! It’s affordable, hilarious, and totally different from your regular stage show.
- –Wiley’s Comedy Joint in the historic Oregon District is the hidden (and hilarious) gem of Dayton entertainment. Check out their calendar of comedians here!
