Why I Love Dayton, Ohio Part One

Dayton, Ohio is known as the birthplace of aviation.

In their Dayton, Ohio, bicycle shop Wilbur and Orville Wright, self-trained in the science and art of aviation, researched and built the world's first power-driven, heavier-than-air machine capable of free, controlled, and sustained flight. The Wrights perfected their invention during 1904 and 1905 in their hometown of Dayton before launching it at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina.

Webster St. Market

Lovely little indoor shops.

A great place to find something special: flowers, food, antiques, trinkets, or vintage clothes.

Fifth Third Field/Dayton Dragons Baseball

Beautiful stadium and field. Plenty of suites, seats, and even the grass seats are a lot of fun. A must do family event. Entertainment between plays is outstanding - and on a good night the baseball plays are equally good!

Marion's Pizza

No pizza in any city tops this one!

Native son, Paul Laurence Dunbar

This gifted and prolific writer produced a body of work that included novels, plays, short stories, lyrics, and over 400 published poems. His writings, which reflected much of the African American experience in America, contributed to a growing social consciousness and cultural identity for African Americans in the United States.

The Dayton Art Institure

The galleries are housed in an Italian Renaissance building and are extensive. There is a collection of African, American, Asian, and European art as well as photography, sculpture, furniture, and decorative art.

The United States Air Force Museum

The museum features some 300 aircraft and missiles over an area of more than 17 acres of indoor exhibit space. The displays reflect the history of aviation from the days of the Wright Brothers to the present age. An IMAX Theater presents space exploration and aviation films.

The Dayton Air Show

Nearly 100,000 people turn out every summer to view the aerial displays of military and civilian aircraft. The Air Force Thunderbirds, The Navy Blue Angels, the elite U.S. Army Golden Knight Parachute Team, and award winning acrobatic pilots are among the star attractions. The show provides displays of aircraft for spectator viewing, from the beginning of flight to modern jet aircraft.

Octoberfest at the Dayton Art Institute Live music, traditional German food, and a wide variety of beers are featured. Local artisans display pottery, jewelry, leather goods, and crafts.

The Benjamin and Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center

Another jewel in the crown of our nation’s Performing Arts Centers. The Schuster Center educates and enriches lives by providing a world-class facility for the best in local, national and international performing artists. Dayton Opera and the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra call the Schuster Center home, and it also showcases the latest Broadway blockbusters. Additionally, a variety of local performing arts treasures, such as the Dayton Ballet, also make use of the facilities.

Oregon District

One of the most spirited, vitally alive communities you’ll find in the area. You’ll see superb examples of art and architecture past and present. The district teems with historical buildings, antique shops, café’s, parades, a comedy club, Ohio’s largest Halloween party, picnics in the park, street vendors, musicians, and a unique Rock Climbing Gym

Some of Dayton’s most acclaimed restaurants are here. You’ll enjoy the finest seafood at Jay’s...with dishes like soft shell crab, shrimp and pasta...all fresh fish flown in daily. The atmosphere is charming and includes the most elegant bar in the whole region. At Pacchia’s just around the corner you’ll find exotic pizzas wonderfully inventive and tasteful...served in a semi-formal atmosphere including white table clothes and original rotating art displayed on the walls. Try Café Boulevard, where you will experience the atmosphere of a European sidewalk cafe, and taste cuisine from around the world. There are over 16 bars and restaurants to select from!