Dayton Travel Guide
Orville and Wilbur Wright didn't make their famous flight here. That was in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. But they did live in Dayton and perfect their design for the first aircraft here so the city claims the title "Birthplace of Aviation." But that's not the only reason Dayton is flying high. As the first aerospace innovation hub in Ohio and home to the National Air and Space Intelligence Center and the Air Force Research Laboratory, it leads the United States in air, space and cyberspace technologies. And as a tourist destination, it's got all the sights, activities and attractions to make guests feel they're living the high life themselves.
Sights
Because you're on aviation holy ground, begin your tour where flying began: the Huffman Prairie Flying Field (and now an interpretive center) at the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. This is where the Wright brothers conducted their early tests and ultimately learned to conquer the skies. The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, which exhibits more than 300 aircraft, from early to modern, is also at Wright-Patterson. You can learn more about the Wright brothers on a visit to the Wright Cycle Company Complex. (The Wrights were also big in the early bike business.) The Boonshoft Museum of Discovery, the Dayton Art Institute and Carillon Park, with its 20 historic buildings, will also be a hit with everyone in the family. You can pay tribute to the Wrights' bike prowess with a ride along the Bikeway to or from downtown Dayton. The Aullwood Audubon Center and Farm is where to see some of the original flying machines and enjoy the walking trails and vegetable gardens. The SunWatch Indian Village is National Historic Landmark that keeps the rich culture of Ohio's Native Americans alive.
Dining
The Oregon Historic District has many of Dayton's best restaurants, cool coffeehouses and informal cafes. Fresh and homemade breakfasts, as well as sandwiches and full platters for lunch, can be enjoyed at the PNC 2nd Street Market, at the corner of Webster Street and West 2nd Street near downtown Dayton.
Shopping Naturally you'll need some sort of Wright brothers souvenir. But there's a lot more to shopping in Dayton, which has a plethora of shopping malls, department stores and upscale boutiques. Dayton Mall has over 160 stores, which include its anchors Sears, JC Penney, Elder-Beerman and Lazarus. For high-end shopping, head to the Greene Town Center. Other stores worth a visit include Corners at the Mall, Cross Pointe Centre, Eastown Shopping Center and Fountain Square. If you want a non-Wright souvenir of your trip, get a dream catcher or a beaded necklace at the SunWatch Indian Village Gift Shop.
Where to Go in Dayton
