4 Unique Reasons to Visit Dayton, Ohio

Are you planning your next road trip? Dayton, Ohio, might surprise you. My daughter, Taylor, and I took a trip to this Midwestern city and were blown away. From world-class museums to incredible dining experiences, Dayton offers more than you might expect. Here are four compelling reasons to visit Dayton and add it to your travel bucket list.

The Birthplace of Aviation

Wright Brothers’ Legacy

Dayton’s most famous claim is its connection to aviation. Wilbur and Orville Wright, pioneers of flight, conducted their groundbreaking research and built the first airplane in their bicycle shop right here in Dayton. It’s no wonder Congress declared Ohio the “birthplace of aviation” in 2003. 

If you’re an aviation enthusiast, Dayton is a treasure trove of historical insights and exhibits.

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Carillon Historical Park

One of our favorite stops was the Carillon Historical Park, a 65-acre campus with 30 buildings dedicated to showcasing Dayton’s rich history. Among the fascinating exhibits, the original Wright Flyer III stands out. This plane, designated as a National Historic Landmark, is a must-see.

Additionally, the park features the NCR cash registers and Deeds Barn, where Charles Kettering invented the electric car ignition. The Great 1913 Flood exhibit is both moving and educational, commemorating Ohio’s worst natural disaster.

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National Museum of the USAF

Another highlight for aviation buffs is the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, located at the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. This is the world’s largest and oldest military aviation museum, featuring three enormous buildings filled with aircraft from different eras, including those used in the Korean War, WWII, and the Cold War.

Don’t miss the William E. Boeing Presidential Gallery, where you can walk through aircraft used by presidents like Bush, Reagan, Roosevelt, and Truman. The museum also includes the National Aviation Hall of Fame and an Air Force Museum Theatre, which screens movies on an eighty-foot widescreen.

Be prepared to fall down the rabbit hole here; you could easily spend the entire day soaking up the exciting exhibits and displays. 

Culinary Delights Await

Wheat Penny Oven & Bar

Our culinary adventure began at Wheat Penny Oven & Bar, a rustic-chic local eatery with a terrific vibe. Chef Liz and her partner Wiley have created a dining experience that’s anything but typical. 

We started with Eggplant Fries, dredged in a rice coating and served with yogurt sauce—a dish unlike anything I’ve tried before. 

We devoured the Green Lasagne (spinach pasta with homemade ricotta) and the Angry Sal pizza for our mains. Both dishes were bursting with flavor and left us wanting more.

Lily’s Dayton

We headed to Lily’s Dayton in the Oregon District for dinner, which features three outdoor patios. Their seasonal menu is full of creative dishes, combining Southern dishes with a mix of eclectic Polynesian. 

Lily’s trio of Deviled Eggs of the Day and Shrimp and Grits with creole sauce and green onions stole the show. I loved everything about this local eatery.

After dinner, consider popping into the Toxic Brew Company for a house-brewed Bavarian or Belgian beer, which rounds out a perfect evening in Dayton’s vibrant food scene. This brewery is part of the Dayton Ale Trail. See the map below for locations.

Rich Historical Experiences

Oregon Historic District

Dayton’s Oregon Historic District offers a delightful blend of old and new. This 12-square-block area is one of the city’s earliest surviving commercial and residential architecture combinations, featuring styles ranging from Queen Anne to Federal. 

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974, the district comes alive on the first Friday of each month with arts and culture events from 5 to 10 PM. It’s a fantastic place to explore independent restaurants, eclectic shops, and lively nightlife.

Living History at Carillon Historical Park

Back at the Carillon Historical Park, we explored a living history museum that features a carousel with seats inspired by Dayton’s inventions, such as the cash register, airplane, and pop-top can.

The park also has a film that showcases inventors and inventions from Dayton, making the visit both educational and entertaining.

Comfortable Accommodations

After a day of exploring, we needed a comfortable place to rest. The SpringHill Suites by Marriott Dayton Vandalia provided the perfect retreat. These casual all-suite accommodations offer an indoor pool, gym, free Wi-Fi, and a breakfast buffet.

Our spacious room featured a state-of-the-art desk, a stylish full-size living area, and a cozy bed, making it an ideal base for our Dayton adventures.

Conclusion

Dayton, Ohio, may not be the first place that comes to mind when planning a road trip, but it’s a city full of surprises. If your travels take you to Ohio, don’t miss the chance to visit this fascinating city.

Thanks to the Dayton CVB for hosting us on our road trip. As always, reviews and opinions were 100% mine and unbiased.

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