Dayton Ohio (Cincinnati, Warren, Butler: ski resorts, crime, closing)

[Sweetie2002]

My friend invited me to Dayton, Oh to visit relatives. Considering I've never been to the Midwest, I'll pick up on the offer.

Can someone familiar with the area provide more info of things to do, see and places to eat, shop etc.

Also, a bit of history behind this city would be awesome.

Thanks!

[travelin]

Oh man, don't get me start on Dayton.

It's a dreary, boring, poor city. The inner city had crime problems years ago, but a lot of it has been cleaner up, however no one wants to go back due its history of problems. Dayton started out as an industrial town and transitioned into a town that was largely supported by GM manufacturing. However GM is closing plants and all the industry has been outsourced to other countries. That is how Dayton started on its downward slope. There are your typical chain restaurants some some local flavors in the Orgen district. Oh course there is shopping at the malls, but it is not different than any other place.

Dayton is definitely not a tourist destination. Consider taking a day trip down to Cincinnati, they have a few more things to do. Downtown Cincinnati along the river and Newport KY across the river is a nice place to spend an evening.

What really get me is how incredibly flat, dreary, and the lack of any kind of outdoor active (hiking, climbing, exploring the back country and backpacking) that are hear in Dayton. I'm from out west and personally I just hate living here. I move out here because of my job, but can't stand it anymore. Hopefully, I will be moving back to Colorado in a few months.

Actually, most of my complaints are more with the Midwest in general. Flat, rainy, all farm land, lack of outdoor activities, but being stuck in a boring poor city doesn't help much either.

You say you have never been to the Midwest. If you are from the western part of the US where you enjoy the clear skies, sunshine, mountains, then get use to a complete opposite in the Midwest. It makes for good farming, but a dreary depressing place to live.

Just my 2 cents.

[paintballer1708]

^ I would have to say that Dayton is really making a comeback. Its not my favorite city, but compared to other cities across the nation and up in Michigan it is in a lot better shape. There are many plans underway in Dayton. The suburbs are booming and soon the city will feel that boom. Just some of the plans include white water rafting in the river that runs through downtown Dayton. Dayton has an attractive looking skyline with modern buildings, and more businesses are starting to pour into the downtown. Ohio is a lot different from the Midwest in that we actually have a very diverse landscape. SE Ohio has a lot of biking and hiking trails in some of the parks, and we have lakes that dot the landscape all over. NE Ohio you have many lakes and Lake Erie. There are also ski resorts up there during the winter time. Ohio is not a landlocked state like most midwestern states.

Cincinnati to Dayton is a really booming corridor. I live in Warren county which is one of the fastest growing counties in the nation, as well as Butler county. Cincinnati is a great city, and there is a lot to do, not only along the riverfront, but in the downtown and throughout the suburbs. Dayton also has things to do, you just have to explore. Check out the suburbs. Also travel north of the city and the northern suburbs and you will see lots of lakes and hilly areas. Take the 45 minute drive to Cincinnati also. I think you will be very impressed with the city.

I also want to add that the city of Dayton and its metro area have diversified the economy there. It is more leaning towards the aircraft industry.

[NatashaZ]

I highly recomend cox arboretum. You can check it out here: http://www.coxarboretum.org/

It may not be for everyone but when I went there (twice in one weekend, I should add), I had a really nice time. It's a very pretty place.

What else.. do you like seeing weird, offbeat stuff? You might want to check out: http://www.roadsideamerica.com/index.html ...lots of neat things listed there, along with directions, etc.

Hope you have fun

[hairmetal4ever]

Originally Posted by travelin

Oh man, don't get me start on Dayton.

It's a dreary, boring, poor city. The inner city had crime problems years ago, but a lot of it has been cleaner up, however no one wants to go back due its history of problems. Dayton started out as an industrial town and transitioned into a town that was largely supported by GM manufacturing. However GM is closing plants and all the industry has been outsourced to other countries. That is how Dayton started on its downward slope. There are your typical chain restaurants some some local flavors in the Orgen district. Oh course there is shopping at the malls, but it is not different than any other place.

Dayton is definitely not a tourist destination. Consider taking a day trip down to Cincinnati, they have a few more things to do. Downtown Cincinnati along the river and Newport KY across the river is a nice place to spend an evening.

What really get me is how incredibly flat, dreary, and the lack of any kind of outdoor active (hiking, climbing, exploring the back country and backpacking) that are hear in Dayton. I'm from out west and personally I just hate living here. I move out here because of my job, but can't stand it anymore. Hopefully, I will be moving back to Colorado in a few months.

Actually, most of my complaints are more with the Midwest in general. Flat, rainy, all farm land, lack of outdoor activities, but being stuck in a boring poor city doesn't help much either.

You say you have never been to the Midwest. If you are from the western part of the US where you enjoy the clear skies, sunshine, mountains, then get use to a complete opposite in the Midwest. It makes for good farming, but a dreary depressing place to live.

Just my 2 cents.

All good points. However, I prefer the greenery and wetness of the midwest to the desert.

Dayton's not great. Cincinnati's not bad though.

[hairmetal4ever]

Try the Wright-Patterson Air Force Museum. Very cool if you're into that stuff.