Featuring the Blue Heron Trio – their 1st show since 2019!
Five Rivers MetroParks Launches New Trailside Camping
The Miami Valley now has a new option for spending a night beneath the stars: trailside camping.
These sites join MetroParks’ 23 existing camping options, which include front country campsites, accessible by motor vehicles, and backcountry campsites, accessible on foot. The trailside campsites support travelers without a motor vehicle who are passing through the region and need a place to stop before continuing their journey.
“Trailside camping fills a niche to support hikers, cyclists and paddlers who are traveling through Montgomery County on the paved trail network, water trails, and long-distance hiking and bicycle touring routes,” said Brent Anslinger, MetroParks’ outdoor recreation program manager. “These travelers may be out for a few days or on a multi-month adventure that covers thousands of miles. Trailside camping is one more critical amenity that welcomes adventure seekers to the area.”
The new trailside campsites are located along seven long-distance touring routes that run through Montgomery County:
- Buckeye Trail
- North Country National Scenic Trail
- Great American Rail-Trail
- Chicago to New York City Bicycle Route
- Great Miami Riverway Alternate to the Underground Railroad Bicycle Route
- U.S. Bicycle Route 50
- Great Miami River Watershed National Water Trail
The sites also support Dayton’s designation as a Trail Town of two long-distance trails, the Buckeye Trail and North Country National Scenic Trail, and build the region’s growing reputation as The Outdoor Adventure Capital of the Midwest. Trailside camping also supports MetroParks’ 10-year comprehensive master plan and park master plans.
“Dayton is The Outdoor Adventure Capital of the Midwest in part because of all the regional and national trails and routes that pass through the area, including Ohio’s only National Scenic Trail and only National Water Trail, among others,” Anslinger said. “It’s exciting to invite people traveling these routes — as well as anyone seeking multi-day experiences on Miami Valley Trails, the nation’s largest paved trail network with more than 350 miles to explore — to experience Montgomery County and the Great Miami Riverway in a new way.”
Trailside campsites are open year-round. Each can accommodate two small tents and up to six people, with a two-night maximum at the same site. Camping is by permit only but can be booked in advance or on the spot by visiting metroparks.org/reservations.
These primitive trailside camping sites are located in shaded areas with a restroom nearby in three MetroParks:
- Island MetroPark, 101 E. Helena St. — located near the Great Miami River Trail and along the Great Miami River Water Trail on the northern edge of the park near a new prairie.
- Eastwood MetroPark, 1385 Harshman Rd. — located between the Mad River Trail and Buckeye Trail
- Taylorsville MetroPark, 2000 U.S. 40 — located on the south side of the dam along the Great Miami River Trail
The cost to reserve a trailside campsite is $5 per night during peak season, from April 1 through Oct. 31, and $3 per night from Nov. 1 through March 31.
To develop its trailside camping options, Five Rivers MetroParks worked with local, regional and national partners that share the strategic goal of enhancing outdoor recreation opportunities that allow people to connect with nature. Partners include Bike Miami Valley, the Great Miami Riverway, Buckeye Trail Association, North Country Trail Association, National Park Service, Rails-to-Trails Conservancy and Adventure Cycling Association. Sources from these organizations can be provided upon request.
Dayton Playhouse- The Shows Will Go On!
Dayton Playhouse has announced the reopening of the Dayton Playhouse facility and their 2021-22 season – Roaring Into A New Decade.
“Our board and volunteers are thrilled to be back doing what we do best. We can’t wait to welcome our loyal audience members back as we, once again, bring intriguing plays and delightful musicals to life on our beautiful stage.” Matt Lindsay, Dayton Playhouse board chair.
The Dayton Playhouse 2021-22 Season includes:
American Son
Written by Christopher Demos-Brown
September 17–26, 2021
Auditions: July 19 & 20
Directed by Tim Rezash
On the night a teenage boy goes missing, his parents end up at the police precinct trying to figure out what happened to their son. Old wounds are reopened concerning race, fear, and their rocky marriage. “American Son is not a subtle play; it barely feels like a play at all. With its unrelentingly high tension on every level — maternal, marital, societal — it’s more like a slice of a nightmare, with few contours despite its surprises.” – New York Times
The Great Gatsby
Written by F. Scott Fitzgerald adapted for stage by Simon Levy
November 5-14, 2021
Auditions: September 20 & 21 (tentative)
Directed by Annie Pesch
F. Scott Fitzgerald’s haunting story of the elusive millionaire is a favorite of so many. Watch as this beautiful story is brought to life on stage. The dialogue, costumes and set will capture the audience as Fitzgerald’s story is brought life.
Into The Woods
Book by James Lapine, music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim
January 14 – 30, 2022
Auditions: November 8 & 9 (tentative)
Directed by Tina McPhearson
This intriguing Sondheim musical blends some of the best-known fairytales with gorgeous, sometimes haunting music to create a story that won several Tony awards and captured the audience’s imagination. Watch as Sleeping Beauty, Jack in the Beanstalk, Cinderella and others weave together a musical story you’ll never forget. “Into the Woods is a journey worth taking.” – Chicago Critic
August: Osage County
Written by Tracy Letts
March 4-13, 2022
Auditions: January 17 & 18 (tentative)
Directed by Jamison Meyer
This drama by Tracy Letts, was the recipient of the 2008 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. It delves into a family tragedy that causes tensions to run high and secrets to leak. The Weston women are forced to examine themselves and their lives whether they want to or not. Welcome to Osage County, Oklahoma in the smothering heat of August. “Fresh and adroitly updated and conditioned to our time and socio-political climate.” – NY Post
Hello, Dolly!
Book by Michael Stewart, music and lyrics by Jerry Herman
April 29-May 15, 2022
Auditions: March 7 & 8 (tentative)
Directed by Brian Sharp
We roar out our first season of the decade with Jerry Herman’s classic show about Dolly Levi who puts her hand in there and arranges things! This timeless classic features such tunes as “Before the Parade Passes By,” “Ribbons Down My Back,” and of course, “Hello, Dolly!” Don’t miss this fabulous show…the perfect way to end a perfect season.
Season tickets for 2021-22 may be purchased at www.daytonplayhouse.com, or by calling 937-424-8477. Messages may be left at any time and calls will be returned. Season tickets are $80 for adults and $72 for seniors, students and military. Individual show tickets are $20 for adults and $18 for seniors, students and military.
The Board and volunteers of the Dayton Playhouse look forward to safely welcoming our audiences back into the thoroughly-cleaned theater, following state guidelines.
The Dayton Playhouse is located at 1301 E. Siebenthaler Ave, Dayton, OH 45414. The Dayton Playhouse is a community theatre providing outstanding theatrical productions to Miami Valley audiences of all ages for more than sixty years. The Playhouse is nationally recognized for FutureFest, an annual festival of new plays, which takes place each July.
Flashback Unplugged at Heather’s
Sam, Brenda and Steve…. original members of Flashback BAND coming to you unplugged
Rent A Bike in the Miami Valley!
Take your adventure on two wheels. Want to rent a mountain bike for the day? Renting a bike is easy—here are several places to rent bikes – from single-speed cruisers to tandem bikes to tag-along trailers for little kids
K&G Bike CenterThey rent bikes by the hour, day, or week.There is a 2 hour minimum for rentals. Hourly rentals must be returned the same day. Rentals for more than 4 hours receive the daily rate. Full-day rentals must be returned within 24 hours from the time of rental. Since K&G is closed on Sundays, bikes rented on Saturday must be returned by Monday, noon for a one-day rental rate. Road, Hybrid, & Mountain start at $8/hour, $32/day or $75/week
Located across the street from the Little Miami Scenic Trail for easy access.
XENIA
594 North Detroit St.
937 372-2555
Mon, Tue, Thu – Sat: 10:00am – 6:00pm
A hub-based bike sharing system in Dayton, Ohio. Users can purchase one time passes or memberships through the Link Dayton app to access bikes at 27 different locations in the Dayton area. Bikes in this system must be returned and locked to a bike rack (or other fixed object) in the designated hubs outlined in the app. The system offers a fleet of green bicycles dubbed Green Link and a fleet of electric bicycles (e-bikes), dubbed eLink.
PayGo – $1 to unlock – eLink: 15¢ per minute Green Link: 10¢ per minute
Day Pass eLink: $15 for 4 hours of ride time GreenLink: $8 for 4 hours of ride time
90 Day Membership – $26 eLink: 10¢ per minute. Green Link: for 80 minutes of ride time per day, 5¢ per minute over included time
Click here for a map of where to pick up a Link bike.
237 East Monument Ave.
Dayton, OH 45402
(937) 278-2607
RiverScape MetroPark is positioned at the center of more than 300 miles of paved, off-street trails in the Dayton region — the nation’s largest paved trail network. You can rent bikes to explore this incredible bikeway network from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, at our RiverScape Rentals concession window. A variety of bicycles are available, as well as a host of bike attachments for your child.
Hybrid, Road bikes and youth bikes Rate – $8/hr, $12/2 hrs, $20/3 hrs
Tandem bikes – Rate: $15/hr, $20/2 hrs, $25/3 hrs
Reservations required for the Monday – Friday rentals (9am – 5pm); walk-ups accepted on Saturdays and Sundays (9am – 2pm).
A public work stand is available for use all summer long. Pump up your tires or fix a flat; adjust a derailleur or brakes; and tweak other parts of your bicycle for free with our public work stand.
Mountain bikes are available for rent on select Saturdays and Sundays at the MetroParks Mountain Biking Area (MoMBA) 4485 Union Rd., Dayton, OH 45424
You can try out the nine miles of single track without committing to buying gear. Bring the little ones out — youth bikes are available. The Hilltop Flow Trail and Tot Track are perfect for getting the kids to try something new. Advance registration is required and fees must be paid at the time of registration. 937-275-PARK (7275) Registration will cut-off at 5pm the evening before each rental opportunity if the minimum number of participants has not been met.
Miamisburg, OH 45342
Spice up your dating lineup with a bike ride around town or explore the trails for the day. We’re bound to have a bike that will fit you and your significant other comfortably.
Road/Cruiser/Hybrid Bikes – $10 first hour, $4 additional hour
Tandem or Recumbent Rental – $15 first hour, $5 additional hour
Helmets, baby carriers, trailers, and locks are available for rent also. Hourly, daily, weekly, or monthly rentals are available. A valid driver’s license and credit card deposit are required for each bicycle rental.
Call (937) 384-0337 for availability or reservations.
We’re only 300 feet from the bike trail!
Tips for your bike rental
- Test drive the bike to ensure you are comfortable with the size, and style of the bicycle and that everything is working properly before you leave the rental area.
- Be aware and follow proper safety and rules of the road.
- In case of emergency pack a mini first aid kit.
- Bring water, snacks, sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses.
- Wear a backpack to hold all of the above.
Once you’ve got your bike rented, you may want to access info on where to bike- here’s a great resoure:
Cycling the Great Miami Riverway, there are 99 miles of river, paved trails, and connected communities in southwest Ohio. Check here for trail maps. It will give you info on parking, restrooms and access points.
Free Concert by Sauerkraut German Band
After a 16 month vacation, the Sauerkrauts take the stage outdoors at sunny Lofino Park for a free concert
Juneteenth Commemoration at Levitt Pavilion
Tank and the Bangas are a five-piece group that has a rare knack for combining various musical styles—fiery soul, deft hip-hop, deep-groove R&B, and subtle jazz—into one dazzling, cohesive whole that evokes the scope of New Orleans music while retaining a distinctive feel all its own. Tarriona “Tank” Ball came up in the strong local slam poetry scene before meeting her bandmates: Merell Burkett on keyboards, Joshua Johnson on drums, Norman Spence on bass and synth keys, and, eventually, Albert Allenback on alto sax and flute.
Spill the Wing performs at Zinks Tonight
Spill the Wine (formerly Toni Hates Jazz) is a five piece band that is perfect for clubs or parties that want a more quiet sound, but still what something energetic and powerful. The band features mostly acoustic style music, with an emphasis on vocals and harmonies. Some keyboard and electric guitar are added as well. Instead of a traditional drummer, they have a percussionist, which allows them keep their softer sound, yet still hold a good groove.The song list is diverse, and includes music from artists like The Eagles, America, The Beatles, Sheryl Crow, Bonnie Raitt, Crosby Stills and Nash, and others from the 70’s era
Deeds Point Pedestrian Bridge Reopened
The Deeds Point Pedestrian Bridge in downtown Dayton reopened this morning.
The bridge is located between Deeds Point MetroPark and RiverScape MetroPark. It connects the northern portion of the Great Miami River Trail and the Stillwater River Trail to the southern portion of the Great Miami River Trail and the Mad River Trail.
“The Deeds Point Pedestrian Bridge is a key connection located at the nexus of our region’s more than 350 miles of connected trails — the nation’s largest paved trail network,” said Carrie Scarff, chief of planning and projects for Five Rivers MetroParks. “Connections such as the bridge are critical to maintaining that paved trail network, which make it fun and easy for Dayton-area residents and visitors to enjoy a healthy, active outdoor lifestyle.”
The previous structure, built in 2003, has been replaced with a bridge constructed from galvanized steel and solid beams in lieu of tubes. The Deeds Point Pedestrian Bridge was closed in 2019 after an inspection of the structure revealed it was rusting from inside due to the spray from the Five Rivers Fountain of Lights. The new bridge has an estimated lifespan of 75 years.
A ribbon cutting for the new Deeds Point Bridge will take place on Monday, June 28 at 9:15 a.m. with representatives from local and state organizations that have been involved with the project, including Five Rivers MetroParks, Montgomery County, the City of Dayton, the Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission, the Miami Conservancy District, Montgomery County Transportation Improvement District and the Ohio Department of Transportation.
Catch The Little Mermaid at La Comedia
La Comedia offers a unique combination of fine dining and Broadway-style entertainment and has been presenting shows since 1975. Opening this week, Based on the classic Disney animated film, The Little Mermaid is a musical favorite for audiences of all ages. In a magical kingdom beneath the sea, a beautiful young mermaid named Ariel longs to leave her ocean home to live in the world above.
This production is sure to thrill the whole family in every way with its beautiful sets, dazzling costumes and an award-winning musical score by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman. Revel in favorites including “Part of Your World,” “Under the Sea,” “Les Poissons,” “Poor Unfortunate Souls,” “Kiss the Girl” and more!
A pre-show buffet is included with the ticket price, which runs from $65-76, with children 11 and under are just $35 for any regular show. La Comedia offers a “4 for 3” discount for Sunday brunch – buy three full price adult tickets and the fourth ticket is free! There is also an “Early Bird” discount of $4/adult ticket when attending a show during its first two weeks.
For evening shows Thursday – Sunday, suggested arrival between 5:30-6:00 p.m. The buffet will open around 6:15 p.m. and the show will begin around 7:30 – 7:45 p.m. All shows have two acts with a 15-minute intermission.
For matinee shows Thursday, Friday & Sunday, arrivie between 10:30 – 11:00 a.m. The buffet will open around 11:15 a.m. and the show will begin around 12:30 – 12:45 p.m. All shows have two acts with a 15-minute intermission.
Wright Dunbar BBQ Joint To Shut Down
Texas Beef and Cattle Company announced today that they will cease retail, dine in, and carryout operations effective 27 June 2021. They will fulfill catering obligations through the end of July and expects to vacate the Wright Dunbar location they’ve occupied since June of 2016 shortly thereafter.
After months of reflection, surviving a Third street Bridge closure since January 2020, followed by an unprecedented pandemic since March 2020, and now extremely difficult labor shortage and ballooning meat prices, all the residual result of said pandemic, Texas Beef & Cattle Company has decided to take a step back, regroup, recharge, and reimagine TBCC version 2.0.
James Nunez, Pitmaster and owner of Texas Beef & Cattle Company said “This is a very difficult decision and one we have not taken lightly. This has always been a labor of love. We have poured ourselves into bringing Real South Texas Barbacue to the region. Our goal was to create a little piece of Texas right here in Dayton, Ohio.”
Texas Beef & Cattle Company has sincerely appreciated the support of all its customers, members, and community throughout the past 5+ years and look forward to seeing all of you again in the not-too-distant future.
The Pitmaster continues “Erica Hubler and the Wright Dunbar Board have been wonderful landlords to Texas Beef & Cattle Company. We encourage you to continue to support this hidden gem part of town!”
Stop by 1101 W. Third St. Dayton, OH – Texas Beef & Cattle Company over the next two weekends: June 19th and 20th and 26th and 27th to show your support.
Order bulk meat for your freezer, buy some Merchandise – who knows what a Texas Beef & Cattle Company version 1.0 T-shirt will get you in the future – or set up your next fandango.
Hours will be Saturday’s 3pm-9pm and Sunday’s 12pm-5pm.
Follow Texas Beef & Cattle Company on Facebook, Instagram, and sign up for the email list on their website to be kept in the loop on their future plans.
Salar’s Vineyard Vacation Wine Dinner
Embrace the summer weather with a five-course meal prepared by Chef Margot Blondet and wine pairings to inspire those travel plans!
Graeter’s Newest Bonus Flavor Released
Graeter’s Ice Cream has unveiled their latest summer bonus flavor. Midnight Snack is a malt ice cream and a mix of peanut butter cups, chocolate-covered pretzels and brownie pieces, officials said.
Bonus Flavors are considered a “Limited Time Only” flavor, and once the flavor is gone from scoop shops and online, the flavor is retired for the year. Previous bonus flavors realeased already this summer include pralines & cream and black raspberry. Expect a new bonus flavor about every 3 weeks with the last announcement on Aug. 9.
Stillwrights Lives!
In May of 2021 Fairborn, Ohio-based Flat Rock Spirits, LLC, owner of the Stillwrights brand, announced the closure of its production facility and tasting room after eleven years of operation. Following that announcement Cincinnati Distilling Company and Flat Rock Spirits came to terms on a deal for Cincinnati Distilling to acquire the Stillwrights brand and intellectual property in order to resume production of the Stillwrights premium bourbons, rums and moonshines. Cincinnati Distilling has hired James Bagford, the co-owner and head distiller of Flat Rock Spirits to ensure continuity on the processes, recipes and finished products of the Stillwrights brand.
“Over the years we had the pleasure of working with the Flat Rock crew at various events and always enjoyed their outstanding line up. We loved working with their team and their Stillwrights products have always been top notch” said Josh Engel, Cincinnati Distilling representative. “We’re so excited to be able to keep Stillwrights in the market and couldn’t be happier to have James on our team. He will add tremendous knowledge and experience to the operation.”
James Bagford
“I’ve always had a great relationship with the Cincinnati Distilling team and had a blast every time I’ve worked with them in the past. When I was contacted about continuing that relationship, it was a no brainer for me.” James Bagford added. “ I’m really excited about joining the Cincinnati Distilling team and looking forward to continuing the Stillwrights brand as well as getting to work on all of their other fantastic products.”
Production of the Stillwrights products will be consolidated into the Cincinnati Distilling facilities and there is no plan to reopen the distillery and tasting room in Fairborn. The additional capacity needed will ultimately be fulfilled in the state of the art production distillery being built in Milford, Ohio which is scheduled to open later this year. The Milford location will be home to Cincinnati Whiskeys and Bourbons, Voltage Vodka, Cooper Island Rums, Red Sky Gins, Rebellion Agave and now, the entire Stillwrights portfolio.
“Cincinnati Distilling company has not only the capacity to continue to produce Stillwrights products, more importantly they have the same focused passion that Shawn, James and I have always had, to create high quality spirits for our customers. I know James is excited to get back to distilling and bottling. Stillwrights will be back on the shelves very soon and that is a great feeling.” Brad Measel, co-founder and co-owner of Stillwrights said. The shape of the bottles will change, as the original supplier no longer makes those bottles.
The full line of Stillwrights products can be found at your favorite local Ohio liquor agency. The Cincinnati Distilling team plans to immediately resume and ramp up production to expand Stillwrights availability throughout the state.
A Celebration of the Emancipation of Enslaved Blacks in America.
Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. From its Galveston, Texas origin in 1865, the observance of June 19th as the African American Emancipation Day has spread across the United States and beyond. Today Juneteenth commemorates African American freedom and emphasizes education and achievement. It is a time for reflection and rejoicing. It is a time for assessment, self-improvement and for planning the future. Its growing popularity signifies a level of maturity and dignity in America long over due. In cities across the country, people of all races, nationalities and religions are joining hands to truthfully acknowledge a period in our history that shaped and continues to influence our society today.
Here are some ways you can celebrate Juneteenth around town:
Juneteenth Commemoration Webinar Sinclair College – Friday, June 18, 11:30am
Guest speaker Dr. Eddie S. Glaude, Jr., Professor of African Studies at Princeton University, will discuss the importance of Juneteenth for all Americans. – Register here
Juneteenth Community Block Party
June 19 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Join The Wood Shoppes for a community Juneteenth celebration. The event is free to the public. There will be food, music, local vendors and activities for children. All are welcome!
Springboro’s Juneteenth Jubilee
June 19 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Springboro is a significant landmark in the history of the Underground Railroad and abolitionist movement. Our founding Quaker community played a major role as a safe harbor for slaves paving the way for freedom for Black Americans.
Explore real sites of the Underground Railroad. With map in hand, visit 5 unique sites on a self-guided tour where volunteers at each stop will teach you more about how our Quaker ancestors were able to help slaves on their path to freedom. The Springboro Area Museum will be open from 9 am to 3 pm for visitors while the tours take place throughout the city. Visitors can get their map for the tour at the Springboro Area Museum located at 110 S. Main St. Springboro, OH 45066.
A 3-on-3 basketball tournament for all ages from U-12 to 40+. Event will take place at the Coffman YMCA of Greater Dayton at 88 Remick Blvd, Springboro, OH 45066. All games will be played outside, weather permitting, with indoor facilities available, if needed. First game will tip off at 9:00 am Check in will begin at 7:45 a.m.
Sankofa Juneteenth Celebration
Friday, June 18, 4:30pm –
Dusk at Liberation Park
(Corner of Superior and Broadway)
Saturday, June 19, 9:30am,
Parade from Gem City Market to Liberation Park
Vendors, Live Performances,
Elder’s Recognition at Liberation Park from 11am – Dusk
Juneteenth Festival,
Saturday, June 19, 1 – 8:30pm
RiverScape MetroPark
Live Band: Premium Blend
Drill Team Competition
Hosted by Terry Da Voice
Oregon District Juneteenth Block Party, Saturday, June 19, Noon – 4pm, 200 Wayne Ave, Dayton
Food trucks, visual arts, music, and more! Bring your family as we pay homage to the true day of liberation for African-Americans in the US.
Juneteenth Commemoration at Levitt Pavilion
Saturday, June 19,
5 – 9pm
Poetry
Dance
Drumming
Musicians
Selfie Wall
Food Trucks
Live Concert with Tank and the Bangas
Classic Rock Experience at Wing’s Vandalia!
Nationally touring and the Best Tribute in the Country for a Mix of Pink Floyd, Purple, Led Zeppelin etc. You Don’t Want to Miss This Night!!!! Rise II Reign opens at 9pm!
