Here’s Why Dayton Is The Goldilocks Perfect Mid-Sized Town In Ohio
By Sarah McCosham|Published January 18, 2024
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Sarah McCosham
Author
I write like it's my job - because it is! I have a Master's in English and love words: crossword puzzles, Scrabble games, Wordle, and, of course, good, old-fashioned books.
I'm a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState, and a contributing writer at Cincinnati Magazine. I love the Great Outdoors and am endlessly awestruck by this beautiful country of ours. Coffee keeps me going, yoga keeps me sane, my kids keep me grounded, and my writing keeps me inspired.
We spill a lot of proverbial ink the big, bucket-list cities and charming small towns here in Ohio, but our mid-sized ‘burbs shouldn’t be treated like the Jan Brady of the Buckeye State family. Dayton is the perfect example of a “just right” town with all the amenities of its big city brethren AND the close-knit, Midwestern sensibility of our state’s treasured small towns, too. From its high-flying history to its world-class museums and attractions, here’s why Dayton is the Goldilocks perfect mid-sized town in Ohio:
Nestled in the southwest region of Ohio, about an hour north of Cincinnati and an hour southwest of Columbus, Dayton is a vibrant mid-sized town that lives up to its nickname as the Gem City.
The town's nickname is a bit of a mystery; one popular theory is that the town's name comes from a well-known racehorse named Gem, who hailed from Dayton. Longtime residents think the nickname references Dayton's beautiful, dazzling cityscape.
Dayton isn't just a "concrete jungle" -- far from it! In addition to a robust parks scene, the Miami Valley Trail System is the largest paved trail network in the country, boasting 350+ miles of paved, multi-use recreational trails.
In true Midwestern fashion, these bike trails are accessible and fun for everyone, providing a delightful (and joint friendly) way to recreate in the Gem City.
It's impossible to talk about this Ohio town without mentioning its connection to aviation. In 2003, Congress declared Ohio as the “birthplace of aviation” over North Carolina, because Dayton was the home of Wilbur and Orville Wright, who were credited in inventing and flying the first aircraft.
Today, visitors can see the 1905 Wright Flyer III at the Wright Brothers National Museum, an inspiring space located at Dayton's Carillon Historical Park.
Carillon Historical Park, 1000 Carillon Blvd, Dayton, OH 45409, USA
While you're there, definitely grab a drink from Carillon Brewing Co., the nation's only production brewery in a museum -- and the only U.S. brewery replicating the historic brewing process!
Of course, Carillon Historical Park is one of many places that celebrates Dayton's aviation heritage. Each year, the annual Dayton Air Show regales guests with world-class aerobatic champions, military jet demonstrations, and entertainment for the whole family. Meanwhile, The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force is another; it's the oldest and largest military aviation museum in the world, with more than 360 aircraft and missiles on display. The best part? Admission to this must-see museum is always free!
The sports scene in Dayton is quite impressive, too, with the University of Dayton a powerhouse on the college basketball circuit, and the Dayton Dragons providing a family-friendly baseball experience for fans since 2000.
Oh, and football fans should know that Dayton hosted the first game of what's now the NFL, when the Dayton Triangles defeated the Columbus Panhandles on October 3, 1920 at Triangle Park.
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As for eats when exploring Dayton, Ohio, the he Dayton Ale Trail is a must for beer lovers, while everyone knows that Marion's has the best pizza around!
Today, Dayton welcomes visitors with open arms. Whether you're a sports fan, history buff, nature lover, or foodie, there's lots to love about the charming mid-sized town of Dayton, Ohio, USA.
Dayton Dragons Professional Baseball Team, Day Air Ballpark, 220 N Patterson Blvd, Dayton, OH 45402, USA
There’s so much to love about the Gem City, and if you haven’t explored Dayton, Ohio, recently, definitely make plans to see all this mid-sized town has to offer!
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