I am playing in a softball tournament in Dayton (Fairmont) this weekend and was wondering what I should do while there.  I play until 4-5 on Saturday and Sunday, after that I have all the time in the world.  I will be traveling with someone and would like to find a nice restaurant and other points of interest that will keep us busy.  Price isn't a concern.  Any help would be appreciated. 

What are you into?  If you have time, the US Air Force Museum is a very large attraction.  There's the Art Museum, Carillon Park Historical Park, Wright Bros. Museum, blah blah.  Neighborhood-wise, the Oregon District and Webster Station have some interesting, alternative bars, some nice restaurants, funky live music, blah blah.  Nice restaurants I recommend are Coco's and Pacchia (both in the Oregon District).

I am into anything that is worth seeing in Dayton.  It will be my first trip to the city and I just want it to be a decent experience.  Are the museums and such open after 5 on Saturdays though, I assume they will not be?  Is the Oregon District the best hood to see?  I am taking my bike down, where is the best place to bike?  I intend on trying either Coco's or Pacchia on your recommendation. 

The Greene.

Doesn't Greene = Crocker Park?  I hope that isn't the best Dayton has to offer

Doesn't Greene = Crocker Park?  I hope that isn't the best Dayton has to offer

 

The Greene = Cracker Park = Knock-off Easton Towne Center = a joke

Doesn't Greene = Crocker Park? I hope that isn't the best Dayton has to offer

 

He's joking.

 

Anyway, yes the Oregon District is perhaps Dayton's most "famous" hood (kinda like Ohio City in Cleveland).  It's eclectic (don't think Short North; think more alternative), has an interesting mix of bars, nice restaurants, Thai food, a comedy club, second-hand stores, blah blah and nightlife.  Webster Station is kinda like Dayton's "Warehouse District" where you can go to Therapy Cafe, bars, blah blah.  Dayton is definately a drinking/live-music type of town so check the schedules of different bars in those two neighborhoods (Canal Street Tavern is the most famous along with Oregon Express, Southern Belle, blah blah).  There's also Brown Street/University District if you want more of a college-type of experience.

http://wikitravel.org/en/Dayton

 

I don't know if the museums are open after 5pm (I don't believe so) but the biketrails are all over.  Start at RiverScape Park and have fun with the trails (Dayton has a fantastic bike trail system).

http://www.miamivalleytrails.org/

 

I also recommend going to Yellow Springs for natural stuff along with liberal, hippie enclave.

http://wikitravel.org/en/Yellow_Springs

I would tell you to visit the 2nd Street Market but it also closes around 5ish. :(

 

Downtown Nightlife:

http://www.downtowndayton.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=38

 

Oregon District:

http://www.oregonartsdistrict.com/

 

Biketrails and etc.

http://www.miamiconservancy.org/recreation/index.asp

Some nice restaurant options for you two:

 

http://oregonartsdistrict.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=29&Itemid=34

I think there is a new Roosters on Miller Lane as well.

^LOL (Fricker's is better, anyways, which actually might be what you are referring to, since they put a new one in there, but I don't know of any Rooster's locations there.)

 

Anyways, yeah, Oregon District/Webster Station is your best bet for sure. Lots of good stuff there.

 

Catching a show at the Neon indie movie theater might be a cool idea too, or if you're into it, a play at the Schuster, Victoria, or Loft theaters.

That is right...it went in the old Joe's Crab Shack. How could I mix that up?!?