Dayton, Ohio Day Tripper

Heading to Dayton, Ohio for a day trip one day next week. I have 8 hours to kill by myself while my beautiful bride attends a seminar at the University of Dayton Law School.

I plan on going to the National USAF Museum at Wright-Patterson but need a lunch recco for Dayton or surrounding areas.

Not open to driving back to Cincy.

Any other must must see attractions in Dayton would be appreciated.

Thanks!

Ed -

I don't know much about Dayton, but you might consider making the 30 minute drive to Yellow Springs. A number of small restaurants plus some great shops and galleries, most close enough to each other to walk, especially on a nice day.

I graduated from the University of Dayton and spent many years living up there.

Honestly, there isn't a whole lot to see. Campus is nice if you are so inclined. Lots of funky little shops and places to grab a bite to eat along Brown Street.

I recommend Milano's. Get the Canadian Bacon and Provolone.

Used to be that Old Hickory had the best ribs going, but lately they haven't been great.

The Sunwatch Indian Village is kind of a neat place.

Other than that and the museum.... I guess you could swing through the Oregon District for a brew.

Not much else.

You'll love the air museum - very cool. Beware the construction and traffic between Cincy and Dayton. I had to go to a family funeral in Dayton a few weeks back and it took about two hours longer than usual due to construction. Leave early!

Thai Nine in the Oregon District.

Cena, Brazilian Grill, south of town is great as well. Heard they had some vandalism issues, though, and were closed temporarily. Not sure current status.

Spend the afternoon at the Dayton Art Institute.

Campus is awfully nice too, although a good portion of it is dug up right now (the admin is seeing how many summers in a row they can create a dirthole somewhere on campus).

I graduated from the University of Dayton and spent many years living up there.

Honestly, there isn't a whole lot to see. Campus is nice if you are so inclined. Lots of funky little shops and places to grab a bite to eat along Brown Street.

I recommend Milano's. Get the Canadian Bacon and Provolone.

Used to be that Old Hickory had the best ribs going, but lately they haven't been great.

The Sunwatch Indian Village is kind of a neat place.

Other than that and the museum.... I guess you could swing through the Oregon District for a brew.

Not much else.

Have you seen the new Milano's? Not quite the "quality" of the old Milano's. Don't know if food is the same. Hopefully so.

If I had a few hours to kill in Dayton, I would take a cooler with me and go visit Dorothy Lane grocery! They have a few locations, and they're all nice for different reasons, but the Washington Square location is my favorite. (Edit - at least it used to be. In the interest of full disclosure it has been many years since I've been.)

Definitely make a visit to the Oregon district of Dayton. It's a little like the Frankfort Ave/Highlands area mindset here in Louisville. Then, if only for a cocktail, visit Jays Seafood. There you can lean against the same beautiful mahogany bar (dating back to 1882) that supported the elbows of Dillinger, Jack Dempsy. John Sullivan and Buffalo Bill Cody! Last time I was there (it's been about 3 years) they had a great little oyster bar too.)

I was fascinated by the USAF museum. The room with the hugh Titan missile is perhaps one of the most sobering rooms I've ever visited.

I've been in the new Milano's a number of times. They also opened one up across from Lexis-Nexis and one in Beavercreek.

The atmosphere is definitely different. More BW3, less Juanita's Burger Boy.

Food is basically the same. A few items are new and a few are gone. No more fried chicken (bummer), but the canadian bacon and provolone with a side of potato wedges is still the same was it was back in 1990.

And I'm pretty sure they could pass inspection without having to pay off the inspector. For a change.

(edit : Here are some links to check out. Enjoy your trip!)

http://www.oregondistrict.org/
http://milanossubs.com/
http://www.sunwatch.org/

And if you are into used records/books/etc. http://secondtimearound.com/

Thanks to all for the assist!

I also recommend the Oregon District. Cool area.

Unfortunately, stay 'outta downtown for the most part.