Dayton, Ohio

Look: I was/​sorta am a very serious Dayton defender for what the vast majority of what is nearing my first full year here, especially the east side of the Little D (where I live). But here’s what’s up: it’s a shame the city planners don’t know a damn thing about urban renewal/​revival. Dayton could easily be a really excellent place, but the ideas that are continually being classified as «renovation» seem half-​cooked at best. For example, you can build all of the «loft-​style» housing you want downtown, but this is not going to be an example of «if you build it, they will come.» (There are ALWAYS tons of vacancies.) First, you have to provide services that are accessible and stay open until reasonable hours. Then you make the housing. You make it walkable, bike-​friendly. You make it so the streets aren’t nearly vacant except on First Fridays in perfect weather in the summer… and you EXTEND THE DOWNTOWN AREA PAST ONE BLOCK IN A SERIOUS WAY. THINK BIGGER DAYTON. YOU CAN DO IT!
The Awesome:
1. The people. Yeah, I said that. I have never met so many down-​to-​earth, good-​natured folks in such a short period of time. Some of the best friends I’ve had in a long time are here. People are, by and large, approachable and generally nice. That’s awesome.
2. It’s mad cheap. You can rent a HOUSE for what you couldn’t even rent a small ROOM for in New York (including most of Brooklyn and Queens). And you get a MASSIVE YARD. As in you have 5,000 square feet in total to do what you want with. You can GO OUTSIDE in PRIVACY… and not on a fire escape you pretend is a porch. You can garden. And yes, these things matter. A lot. Especially over time.
3. There are really cool things here that are nowhere else in the country. The Air Force Museum is a real gem. And it’s $ 0.00! I was so blown away the first time I visited; something many people who know me and haven’t been to Dayton couldn’t understand. But they’ve never seen, for example, a Mustang or a Super Fortress (let alone seen one FLY OVER YOUR HOUSE on the way to the Air Show).
4. Despite the lack of REAL beaches or REAL mountains, the greater Dayton area truly does have some wonderful outdoor spaces. The MetroParks, of which there are many, with some an hour outside the city proper, are fantastic. My personal favorite is Twin Creek MetroPark, where you can get in something like a proper hike. Other parks are completely different, and are more like quaint English gardens. Aside from those connected with MetroParks, there are a wealth of lovely little green spaces tucked into most communities in Dayton. Exploring is fun.
5. It’s a Russian Nesting Doll of neighbors inside of neighbors. Sometimes one of those layers is shockingly… falling down. Sometimes it boasts some of the coolest architecture I’ve seen in much of the United States. Sometimes it’s half and half. Let’s just say Dayton keeps it interesting.
The Not So Awesome:
1. Vacant and altogether depressing downtown (especially in the evening). I have walked for miles and am usually surprised when I see another person, and sometimes very unpleasantly surprised. I’ve never felt acutely in danger, but I wouldn’t love to walk around much of the downtown area by myself in the middle of the night. It is VERY different from places where there are OTHER PEOPLE having a stroll. Except for one or two streets, this is generally the ENTIRE city proper.
2. On #1: And I get it: there’s nothing for people to walk to. 99% of places close extremely early (the deli closes at 8pm, and coffee shops are mostly closed by the time I get home from work). Two or three restaurants are open until 2am, as are some pubs and/​or venues. But that’s basically it.
3. I’ve never, ever seen SO many people with tattoos on their face. These folks are often riding children’s BMX bikes. In the middle of the street. They are usually, um…“entrepreneurs,” very obviously conducting business. Road-​ready vehicles include: youth BMX bikes, electric wheelchairs, motorized bikes. Anything with wheels. Sweet porch furniture (read: anything.) W.T.P.
3. The potential is obvious, but you get the feeling it will take a long time for city «planners» to get that… if ever. Many people care, and I’ve had great conversations about needs (and even got to participate in a cool project). But the city seems to ignore it, writ large, to its own detriment.
You get the feeling most are too tired to demand much anymore. I get it. But… you also get the feeling that we can turn this place around. It’s a complicated little city, and you can’t help really root for it.

Dear City of Dayton (and surrounding areas),
I love you! I have lived all over the globe, moving every couple years over the last nearly 30 years, and finally, finally, I have found a place I am happy. There is so much to do here! So much to see, and that coming from someone who has lived in places like Las Vegas and overseas in different cultures. The locals who grew up here are plentiful and of such kind demeanor! It’s as if people aren’t clamoring to move away the second they become of age! Amazing. There are so many things of interest, traditions, holiday events, great colleges, theatre, musical events, sporting events, outdoor opportunities for those inclined to enjoy a little sunshine and free family friendly celebrations! The number of little communities within this big community astounds me! Oh, the metroparks! The many museums like the Boonshoft and Air Force alike are more than wonderful to have year round. There are so many wonderful restaurants and local craftsman, local chocolatiers (Esther Price anyone?) How about the hand made pizza parlours like Spinozas? This area is just bursting with life and creativity and zest for living. I love being here with you.
I love you Dayton! Thank you for being my home.
Yours truly,
The Woman Who Thought She’d Never Be Happy Anywhere

This city would ubersuck if it wasn’t for the strip clubs.

Being a local tourist extends out to one of my favorite destinations, Dayton. Yeah folks, I really just said Dayton. Now before your brain goes «Air Force Museum, strip clubs and meh food» there are some things I want to share with you about this interesting city.
First of all, they have a great craft beer scene here. I can tell you that their brew scene is easily equal to anything that Columbus and Cincinnati is offering up these days. I’m working my way through my bucket list with Carillon Brewing, Toxic Brew, Warped Wing, Eudora Brewing Co. and Dayton Brewing Company all coming to mind. If beer isn’t your thing, then I’d recommend The Belle of Dayton Distillery. They make their own rum and vodka and it’s a great place to settle in, have a drink and enjoy the local cool spot called The Oregon District.
The Oregon District, by the way, is a great urban downtown neighborhood. It’s bohemian, trendy, gritty, cosmopolitan and it’s a great place to have lunch, dinner and cocktails. It’s one of the prime areas to get out of your car and explore all the little shops and boutiques that inhabit the area. Look up some of the reviews and I bet you’ll be ready to head over and explore one of the cool spots of this Midwestern city.
Now how can we talk about Dayton and not mention Wegerzyn Gardens and The Cox Arboretum? Both are wonderful green spaces that are true gems in this city. For those folks that prefer to get into nature while pedaling over and around, check out the Miami Valley River Trail. With 330 miles of bike trails, it’s the largest system in the US.
If you’re not so much into nature, of course the National Museum Of The United States Air Force is world renowned and visited by people from all over the world. I’m sure some of them also find their way to The Dayton Art Institute, Carillon Historical Park, America’s Packard Museum and one of the favorites for the folks with kids and grandkids: The Boonshoft Museum of Discovery.
And lastly, for the foodies: Check out Dorothy Lane Markets. There’s 3 of them and all are worthy of a visit although the Washington Square location on Far Hills is my favorite by far. Just go there and be impressed.
So there you have it. Dayton. I’m having a great time exploring the area and I hope you do too.
A solid 4 stars.