A locals-approved itinerary for a unique, sports-centric experience in the Gem City
The giving and most notable cities in Ohio are well known across the country for their sports teams ( Ohio State football is a behemoth ) , their signature daily cuisine ( Cincinnati Chili ! ) , and their sprawling downtowns . Dayton , however , is more of a hidden gem ; and whiletheories about its origin areuncertain , this is likely why it ’s dub the “ Gem City ” .
The real lulu of Dayton is its key location in the Midwest . It ’s a light drive from nearly every major metropolis in the neighborhood , and you ’ll be agreeably surprise by the much lower terms points here versus there . In Dayton , there ’s less nonsense and less of a crowd , which means it ’s easier to recover more time to delight the place .
Dayton ’s downtown core around theOregon Historic dominion , which includes prowess and entertainment , tavern and saloon , retail , and even a climbing center . With fewer crowds ( the city ’s population hovers around 135,000 ) , you’re able to easy hit a table at the hot restaurant in township or belly up to a bar at one of the township ’s many breweries . Despite Dayton ’s want of any major professional sports team , fun is one of the city ’s independent draws . Dayton is the menage of theUniversity of DaytonFlyers , whose hoops squad often make the NCAA tournament . Unlike other cities , UD Arena has the especial distinction of beingan annual master of ceremonies to the First Four beat of the NCAA tournament . The Flyers have one of the unspoiled family - motor lodge advantage in college basketball and their minor league baseball team , TheDayton Dragons , are known for trade out 1,507 back-to-back games .
Photo by Andy Rowe
you could really get a feel for Dayton in just a few Day . In this guide , we ’ve put together a topical anaesthetic - approved itinerary for a unique , sports - centric experience in the Gem City .
Who I am : I’mCharlie Goldsmith , a fun writer and avid mutant sports fan who has go to and covered numerous game at UD Arena andDay Air Ballpark . College hoops is my love , in part because the entire metropolis of Dayton is engage in when the Flyers work . My dad used to last in downtown Dayton , and we ’d drive over often from nearby Cincinnati . Like many others based in the surrounding area , I still visit frequently for games , after which I typically take hold of a speedy dinner then go brewery hopping .
Need to bed : Some of Dayton ’s estimable place are pretty spread out so make to drop some fourth dimension behind the bike . Dayton is also known for having quite a little of ongoing grammatical construction and dealings , so be quick for some extra time on the road .
Courtesy Paul Moody, the Moody Views
Book too soon : Make reservation atJay ’s Seafood , a local favorite for keep milestones ( like a self-aggrandising win ! ) .
Insider backsheesh : Take advantage of all of the cities within spitting distance of Dayton . In nearby Cincinnati , get acheese coney , which order Skyline ’s famous chili on top of a hot dog with a hatful of tall mallow . I ’d also suggest take the poor drive to Columbus to seeOhio Stadium(home of Ohio State football game ) or popping over to Indianapolis to see theNCAA Hall of Champions .
Where to Stay
Two Days in Dayton, Ohio
Day 1
Morning
Mid day
Afternoon
Evening
Day 2
Take this home
All the above, but add…
Courtesy Paul Moody, the Moody Views
Carillon Historical Park railroad|Courtesy Destination Dayton
University of Dayton Chapel of Immaculate Conception|Shutterstock/J Karlsson
