Dayton, OH

Answer 1

Situated less than 90 miles from both Columbus and Cincinnati, the city of Dayton, Ohio, is not only the birthplace of the Wright Brothers, it is also the home of Wright-Patterson Airforce Base. Founded in 1796, Dayton was a city seven years before Ohio was a state. Offering its visitors a diverse range of museums, Dayton is an excellent travel destination for children and adults alike.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Located roughly 20 miles away in nearby Wilberforce, Ohio, the NATIONAL AFRO-AMERICAN MUSEUM AND CULTURAL CENTER “aims to educate the public about African American history and culture from African origins to the present.” Along with various permanent exhibits, there is also a 27-minute film called “Music as Metaphor” that examines the history of African-American music, through Gospel, jazz, and blues. While the museum operates year-round, they are only open Wednesday through Saturday. Call 937-376-4944 or toll-free at 1-800-752-2603 for more information.

Dayton’s place in aviation history continues with a trip to the NATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE U.S. AIRFORCE, located on Wright-Patterson Airforce Base. Some featured exhibits at the museum are the Cold War Gallery, the Air Power Gallery, the Missile & Space Gallery, and Memorial Park, and outdoor exhibit commemorating lost lives of servicemen and women. Admission to the museum is free. Visit their website at http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/ for more information.

FOOD and DRINK

Those looking for a little European flair while visiting Dayton should eat at BOULEVARD HAUS, which serves traditional German cuisine. First a French café, Boulevard Haus is the best of both worlds, offering such dishes as Cordon Bleu Balls and Bavarian Onion Soup. There are also plenty of vegetarian options for those not wishing to partake of the many varieties of Wurst. For menu and hours, visit http://www.boulevardhaus.com/.

FAMILY-FRIENDLY

Families travelling with children should head over to the BOONSHOFT MUSEUM OF DISCOVERY, a museum dedicated to scientific exploration and discovery. At the Science on a Sphere, visitors get to tour Earth thanks to a 68-inch diameter globe, while the PNC Be Green House is an eco-friendly home that showcases “green” living. Animal lovers can then visit the Discovery Zoo and meet permanent residents of the museum like Scarlett the red fox. Plan your visit by calling (937) 275-7431 or by going to http://boonshoftmuseum.org.

Kids who love cars will also love AMERICA’S PACKARD MUSEUM, a former Packard Dealership that now operates as a museum. With over 20 different Packard models on display, dating from 1899 through 1956, this unique museum traces the history of the brand through its automobiles. Call 937-226-1710 or visit their website at http://www.americaspackardmuseum.org/ for more information.

Answer 2

The birthplace of aviation, Dayton, OH is the perfect destination for any aeronautical history buff.

Once home to Orville and Wilbur Wright, The Wright Cycle Company, where they developed their airplane in 1903, is open to the public. Also, this location houses the Dunbar House, home to their friend African-American poet laureate Paul Laurence Dunbar. The Wright Brothers Aviation Center, National Historical Landmark, is home to the original 1905 Wright Flyer II. Dayton is also home to the National Museum of the United States Air Force, the largest military aviation museum in the world and home to the 1909 Wright brothers’ flyer prototype, a WWII Mustang, and other aerospace vehicles. An 800 year old Indian Village, Sunwatch Indian Village, is a museum and interactive archeological educational center. Dayton is also a vibrant metropolitan area offering art and cultural events.Dayton is a great place to experience the history of aviation, as well as the various cultural perspectives of the area.