Things To Do, Eat, and Drink in Dayton

Carillon Park

A historical park and museum featuring original and replica buildings from Dayton’s history, including the 1905 Wright Flyer III. This is a great way to learn about Dayton’s heritage of innovation. The museum complex also features Carillon Brewing Company: the nation’s only fully operational production brewery in a museum.

Aviation Heritage Trail

If you haven’t already caught on, the airplane is a very important part of Dayton’s past and present. This National Historical Park features sites important in aviation history, including the Wright Bicycle Shop and Huffman Prairie, as well as poet Paul Laurence Dunbar’s home. Fun fact: Courtney’s dad helped to create the Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historic Park honoring the Wright Brothers and Paul Laurence Dunbar.

2nd Street Market

An indoor farmers market with fresh produce, food stands, local vendors, and live music that is open on Saturdays and Sundays until 3:00 PM.

National Museum of the U.S. Air Force

If you like planes, you will love this museum. Even if you’re indifferent to planes, there are some pretty interesting pieces of history there, including multiple Air Force Ones, the Memphis Belle, and a number of spacecraft.

Oregon District

One of the most eclectic places in Dayton, and a perfect spot to wander, shop, and grab a drink. Make sure to walk down some of the side streets to check out the beautiful home architecture.

Press Coffee Bar

Ghostlight Coffee (Midtown)

Fifth Street Brewpub

Brewery and restaurant co-op. Very cozy.

Legacy Pancake House

Old school breakfast house with huge, yet cheap, breakfast specials.

Old Scratch Pizza & Beer

Funky pizza place on the edge of downtown.

The Pine Club

A throwback to the old Midwest. This windowless steakhouse has been around since the 1940s and still doesn’t take credit cards.

Thai 9

Great Thai food and sushi in an interesting space in the heart of the Oregon District.

Salar Restaurant & Lounge

Peruvian, French, and Mediterranean food in a trendy atmosphere.

The Trolley Stop

Elevated bar food, with some healthy options thrown in. This is a cheaper choice for dinner if the above is more than you want to spend.

Warped Wing Brewing Company

Probably Dayton’s highest profile craft brewery, housed in an old warehouse.

The Dayton Beer Company

A wall’s worth of beer. This is a great place to do a beer tasting, but check the hours before you go.

Century Bar

Nationally recognized bourbon bar. This is likely where our after-wedding party will be!

Silver Slipper

A new, trendy cocktail bar on the far side of downtown.

Van Buren Room

Dark cocktail bar just on the edge of the Oregon District. Great place to go for good drinks and quiet conversation.

Tender Mercy

Rated as one of Esquire’s Best Bars in America, 2021.