Top Things to Do in Dayton, Ohio
Every time you crack a pop can, you’re holding a piece of Dayton. But the soda-can pull tab is just a B-lister in the annals of Dayton inventions, which include the cash register (1879) and most famously, the airplane (1903).
What to do
Carillon Historical Park The 65-acre indoor-outdoor museum covers Dayton history. See the original 1905 Wright Flyer III and a circa 1924 Sun Oil Station. daytonhistory.org
Dayton Art Institute Immerse yourself in a diverse collection art spanning 5,000 years. daytonartinstitute.org
Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park Sites with an overview of the Wright brothers' lives kick off an exploration of Dayton's role in aviation history; nps.gov/daav
National Museum of the U.S. Air Force Acres of airplane hangars await, housing items outlining the early history of military flight through World War II. The collection spans a 1909 Wright Military Flyer, retired presidential planes and lunar landers. nationalmuseum.af.mil
RiverScape River Run Kayakers can take a 7-mile paddle down the Great Miami River. metroparks.org
Wright Cycle Company Complex Rangers and displays answer questions about Dayton's aviation history. And you'll find an overview of the Wright brothers' lives and the quirky Parachute Museum on the second floor. (937) 225-7705; nps.gov/daav
Where to eat
The Pine Club This restaurant has been serving terrific steak dinners since 1947 and stays proudly old-school (no credit cards; no reservations). thepineclub.com
Butter Cafe Breakfast on free-range eggs and French toast kabobs at this adorable spot near the University of Dayton. buttercafedayton.com
El Meson A lunch of (pricey) Mexican food is a fiesta when eaten on the colorful glass-roofed patio. elmeson.net
Roost Dine on modern Italian fare such as braised lamb shank and puttanesca. roostdayton.com
Carillon Brewing Company Technique and recipes adhere to the antebellum era. carillonbrewingco.org
Where to stay
Crowne Plaza Dayton This downtown hotel, across from the convention center, promises a solid stay. cpdayton.com
Marriott at the University of Dayton This college-town hotel honors the Wright brother's first plane design. marriott.com
For more information daytoncvb.com