Centerville Farmers Market

Jane’s Best Bets (8/17 – 8/21)

August 16, 2011 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

Photo Credit: Alli Shillito

With several schools starting back up this week, it means the end of summer for many. However, it doesn’t mean that you can’t still have fun! Here are a few options!

On Wednesday after a long day of work, enjoy a beverage at one of these great establishments: Archer’s for their A.Y.O.B., in which they tap a new beer each Wednesday; The Wine Gallery for their Weekly Wine Tasting; or Rumbleseat Wine for their Beer Tasting with Beer Guru Charles. If the weather is nice, then listen to Jazz on the Green at Yankee Trace or watch the Dayton Dragons play the Great Lakes Loons at Fifth Third Field.

On Thursday, take a lunch break and head to Courthouse Square for The Square Is Where featuring the Raks Devi Belly Dancers. Support local farmers by making a stop at the Centerville Farmers Market. Listen to live music at the Dayton Art Institute for their Twilight Concert or at RiverScape for their Big Band Nights featuring the Bob Gray Orchestra. Support a great cause (United Rehabilitation Services) by attending the URS Wine Tasting at the Dayton Racquet Club. I love their amazing views! Test your hand at cornhole with the Weekly Cornhole Tournament at Wings Sports Bar & Grille. And rounding out the lineup for Thursday…make a trip to Fifth Third Field to watch the Dragons play the Great Lakes Loons.

On Friday, there will again be entertainment during the lunch hour at Courthouse Square with The Square Is Where, featuring the Steven Gregory Trio. Beer lovers have a few options, including the Beer Tasting at Arrow Wine (Centerville location) or the AugtoberFest Craft Beer Tasting at Taj Ma Garaj. If wine is more your thing, then sip a glass or two (or three) at the Wine Tasting at Belmont Party Supply. If you want to head to Vegas but don’t have the funds, consider playing Texas Hold ‘Em or Black Jack at the Dayton Rugby Club’s Monte Carlo Grill Festival. Listen to live music for the Teen Music Slam competition at RiverScape. Right around the corner at Fifth Third Field you will be able to see the Dragons play the Great Lakes Loons. In Yellow Springs, check out the gallery openings, shops, and restaurants, all the while listening to live music and watching fire dancers as part of Fling in the Springs. And if you enjoy Alfred Hitchcock movies, then make your way to Victoria Theatre to see Rear Window as part of the Michelob Ultra Cool Films Series.

On Saturday, enjoy the nice weather with Zumba in the Park at RiverScape. If you’re corny like me, then make your way to the Fairborn Sweet Corn Festival or to Ele Cake Company in order to decorate your own corn on the cob cupcake. I assure you…both of these events are no joke! If you’re a man and have a best friend, then take him/her to the Doggie Dash ‘N Splash Fest at the Greene County Fairgrounds. Speaking of animals, if you like crabs, then you can enjoy them at Jay’s Seafood for their Crabfest Wine Luncheon. Support breast cancer awareness by participating in Pints, Putters & Pink Balls at Kittyhawk Golf Center. And remember…real men wear pink! Or support the American Cancer Society by attending the Dayton Cattle Barons Ball, which will feature dancing, auctions, gourmet Tex-Mex cuisine, and much more!

Also on Saturday…beer lovers should attend The Greene’s Beer Tasting in preparation for AleFest next weekend. And there is also something for wine lovers – Jungle Jim’s will be hosting 90 Point Wines under $15. Plus, A Taste of Wine and T.J. Chumps in Miamisburg will be having Dancing in the Street for all you wine, food, dancing, and/or live music lovers. For a family friendly event, make your way to Fifth Third Field for Donato’s Pizza Family Movie Night, where the movie How to Train Your Dragon will be shown. Get out your grass skirts and coconut bras and make your way to the Miami Valley Fair Housing Center’s Waikiki Party at Sinclair’s Ponitz Center. All you groovy dudes should be sure to get your tickets to Hippiefest at the Fraze. And if you’re up in Yellow Springs, Fling in the Springs will still be going on!

On Sunday, once again make your way to the Fraze for WTUE’s Breakfast with The Beatles and Beatlemania Magic. Bring your kid/s to the Dayton Convention Center for the Barber and Stylist Cut-Off for a free back-to-school haircut (just be sure to pick up a voucher in advance). At Victoria Theatre, watch Rear Window as part of the Michelob Ultra Cool Films Series. You will be able to catch live music at RiverScape with 91.3 WYSO’s Concert or at Stubbs Amphitheater to see the band Legend. And finally, help kick off Dayton Beer Week with the Beer Pride Parade in the Oregon District!

And now it’s time for the Dumb Joke of the Week. Drum roll please…

Two hydrogen atoms walk into a bar. One says, “I’ve lost my electron.” The other says, “Are you sure?” The first replies, “Yes, I’m positive…”

These are just a few best bets from the DMM Calendar. There are plenty more events listed there, so if you haven’t, I encourage you to check it out today! Also, if you have an event to share or promote, please submit it– it’s great marketing and better yet, it’s FREE! And finally, if you have a dumb joke to share, I’m all ears!

Have a great week Dayton!

Jane’s Best Bets (8/10 – 8/14)

August 9, 2011 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

: Guest Bartending Last Week at The Moraine Embassy!

There are lots of great things going on this week in Dayton, so let’s jump right into it!

On Wednesday, support DATV by attending the DATV Fishing Derby at Gettysburg Fish Lake. If you’re like me and can only draw stick people, then you may want to attend the Drawing Studio with Loretta Puncer at Gallery 510 Fine Art. Head to Courthouse Square to see the Blue Sky Project ‘Artists without Borders’ Solo Exhibition. No matter what you’ve been thinking about the national debt crisis, you will be able to share your opinions at ThinkTV with their Citizens Forum on the National Debt. Over at Chappy’s, participate in their Southern Tier Creme Brulee Tapping…sounds delicious! There are also some great musical options for Wednesday! You can see Muse Machine in Concert as they perform ‘Tonight’ at Victoria Theatre, Alien Ant Farm at McGuffy’s House of Rock, or Miranda Cosgrove at the Fraze.

On Thursday, make your way to Courthouse Square for the The Square Is Where featuring Beseda Folk Dancers. Enjoy fresh local produce at the Centerville Farmers Market. If you have young kids, consider taking them to Story Hour at Cooper Park or to the Salvation Army Kroc Center for the Shoot! Score! Success! Back2School Family Event. Both are FREE! If you enjoy good food, you will not want to miss The Taste of The Greene, which will feature great food from The Greene’s wonderful restaurants. And be sure to get your tickets in advance in order to get the discounted price! Meet some great young professionals at Generation Dayton’s Thirsty Thursday at Milano’s on Brown Street. If you didn’t get to see the Muse Machine’s ‘Tonight’ performance on Wednesday, then tonight is definitely the night! Or catch live music at the Dayton Art Institute for their Twilight Concert, at RiverScape for Big Band Nights featuring the Hal Harris Orchestra, or at the Fraze to see Willie Nelson.

On Friday, during your lunch hour, head to Courthouse Square for The Square Is Where featuring Mindy Galvin Band…just don’t be a square and not attend. If you see food and then enjoy eating it, you’ll want to attend the Seafood Extravaganza at The Dock. And if seafood is not your thing, then make your way to Oregon Express for their amazing Half-Price Happy Hour Pizzas. Although the end of summer is drawing near, you will be able to see A Midsummer Night Dream which is being presented by Free Shakespeare at the University of Dayton’s ArtStreet. Make your way to Fifth Third Field for Friday Night Fights. At Victoria Theatre, see The African Queen as part of the Michelob Ultra Cool Films Series. And finally, get a brat (the food kind) and drink some German beer at the Germanfest Picnic, which is being held at Carillon Park.

On Saturday, get fresh local produce with City Beets at the Market at the PNC 2^nd Street Market or at the Troy Farmers Market. I don’t know how to say the name of this wine, but if you like Sauvignon Blanc, then make your way to Jungle Jim’s for their Sauvignon Blancs of the World tasting. Speaking of wine, the Fraze will be hosting the Festival of the Vine, which will feature fine wine and cool jazz. Help make history by bringing a canned good to Brixx for their Canned Food Drive and possibly setting a new Guinness World Record for the most food collected in a 24 hour period. Head up to Boston’s Bistro for their 10th Semi-Annual Greek Night or to the Dayton Visual Arts Center for the High-Rise Harmony Artist Palate Party. At Carillon Park, join the many Germans (and wannabe Germans) drinking German beer and eating German food as part of the Germanfest Picnic. At Stubbs Amphitheater, listen to the Centerville Community Band. Watch Free Shakespeare’s presentation of A Midsummer Night Dream at the University of Dayton’s ArtStreet. And finally, enjoy the summer weather and head to Fifth Third Field as the Dragons play the Lake County Captains.

On Sunday, all arts and crafts lovers should make plans to attend Art on the Commons, which will take place at Civic Commons Park in Kettering. The Germanfest Picnic will still be going on over at Carillon Park. If you didn’t get to make it to the 2^nd Street Market earlier in the weekend, then perhaps you should go to the Garden Station Sunday Market. Sit in the air conditioning at Victoria Theatre in order to see The African Queen as part of the Michelob Ultra Cool Films Series. At the University of Dayton’s ArtStreet, you will still be able to see A Midsummer Night Dream presented by Free Shakespeare. Catch the Dayton Dragons as they play the Lake County Captains. And finally, there are a few opportunities for live music – Pizzazz in the Park Summer Concert Series: Jake & Elwood Blues Revue at Riverfront Park in Miamisburg, The Sauerkraut German Band at Stubbs Amphitheater, and The Charlie Daniels Band at the Miami County Agricultural Society. Their show may be “the best there’s ever been.”

And now it’s time for the Dumb Joke of the Week. Drum roll please…

What do you call a bear with no teeth? A gummy bear.

Have a great week Dayton!

Jane’s Best Bets (7/27 – 7/31)

July 27, 2011 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

Photo Credit: Alli Shillito

Happy Restaurant Week! Hopefully you have already started taking advantage of some of the great deals at our area’s fabulous restaurants. In addition to Restaurant Week, here are a few other options of things to do in Dayton.

On Wednesday, celebrate the Submarine House’s One Year Anniversary (Beavercreek Bar and Grill), where they will have great specials, as well as prizes and raffles. During your lunch hour, listen to Frequency, an a’capella group who will be performing at Courthouse Square as part of The Square Is Where. Wish you could be like Tiffany’s and make your own jewelry? Consider heading to the Cannery Art and Design Center for Art by the Glass. Learn about how to shop at farmers’ markets and what questions to ask, all the while consuming a tasty beverage as part of Dayton Green Drinks at Company7 BBQ. Flock to Pasha Grill for their FLOC (For the Love of Children) Charity Dinner, which will help to support children who have been neglected, abused, or are in foster care. And if it’s not too hot, consider listening to music as part of Jazz on the Green at Yankee Trace or watching the Dragons play the Fort Wayne Tincaps.

On Thursday, utilize what you learned on Wednesday at the Dayton Green Drinks event and pick up some fresh local produce at the Centerville Farmers Market. If you love wine but don’t want to break the bank, stumble your way to Arrow Wine in Centerville for a wine tasting featuring wines under $20. You will be able to drink wine AND exercise as part of Grape and Lotus: A Wine and Yoga Practice at Metropolitan Arts Center. For some live music, make your way to Dublin Pub to see Nick Mitchell or to RiverScape for their Big Band Nights featuring the Dayton Jazz Orchestra. In addition, the Dragons will continue their series against the Fort Wayne Tincaps.

On Friday, be sure to be downtown, as that is where all the best bets are. Listen to another concert at Courthouse Square during your lunch hour for The Square Is Where, where Minions of Fate will be performing. If you are a beer lover, you are in luck, as there will be an Epic Brewery Welcome to Ohio Party at Lucky’s. At Victoria Theatre, watch Young Frankenstein as part of the Michelob Ultra Cool Films Series. At Fifth Third Field, catch the Dayton Dragons as they once again play the Fort Wayne Tincaps. And finally, whether you are Irish or not, you will not want to miss the Dayton Celtic Festival!

On Saturday, take the kids to the 2^nd Street Market for Kids Day. I told you not to miss the Dayton Celtic Festival on Friday, but if you did, you must put it at the top of your list for Saturday. And if you already went on Friday, you can still go as well! In addition to the many festivities already going on, there will be 5K Run/Walk in order to burn off the calories from all that Irish beer! Also at RiverScape, you will be able to take part in the Dayton River Ride. Over at Wegerzyn Gardens, watch A Midsummer Nights Dream, presented by Free Shakespeare. If you feel like catching a movie in an ultra cool place, then be sure to head to Victoria Theatre for the Michelob Ultra Cool Films Series, where Blazing Saddles will be shown. Art lovers should plan to attend DVAC’s 20th Birthday Bash. After all, who doesn’t love a birthday party? And if you’re caught up in good 80s music, then be sure to get your tickets to see 38 Special at the Fraze…and hold on tightly to them!

On Sunday, start your day off right with the Dayton Celtic Festival Breakfast at RiverScape, followed by their Bike Ride. Then enjoy the rest of the Festival’s festivities. You will also be able to listen to live music at Stubbs Amphitheater in Centerville by the Sound Body Jazz Orchestra or at Riverfront Park in Miamisburg for the Pizzazz in the Park Concert Series featuring Chazz. And if you prefer to stay indoors, watch The Producers as part of the Michelob Ultra Cool Films Series at Victoria Theatre.

Plus…don’t forget that this week is Restaurant Week, so be sure to make reservations at your favorite restaurants all week long!

And now it’s time for the Dumb Joke of the Week. Drum roll please…

What’s the definition of a farmer? One who is outstanding in his field.

Have a great week Dayton!

Jane’s Best Bets (7/6 – 7/10)

July 5, 2011 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

Photo Credit: Alli Shillito

Although your trash pick-up may be delayed a day due to the 4^th of July holiday, I decided that I would not take that same liberty, even though that is what the 4^th is about. So without delay, here is my weekly list of best bets.

On Wednesday, beer lovers will have a couple of options including the Beer Tasting with Beer Guru Charles at Rumbleseat Wine and the Beer Tasting at Trolley Stop. If you prefer wine, there are also some options for you. You will be able to attend the Weekly Wine Tasting at The Wine Gallery or the Wine Tasting at Bruning’s Wine Cellar. At the Fraze Pavilion, listen to Prism Brass, a large brass ensemble from the United States Air Force Band of Flight. And if you feel the love tonight, head to the Schuster Center to see The Lion King…and hurry because it’s the last week for it!

On Thursday, during your lunch hour, walk to Courthouse Square for The Square Is Where… Brownwen’s Belly Dancers. If you love fresh veggies, you may tell a friend, “’Lettuce head’ to the Centerville shopping center for the Centerville Farmers Market.” Although the work week may be short for many of you, if you’re feeling a little stressed, grab a drink at the Moraine Embassy for their After Work Thursdays. At RiverScape, you will be able to listen to Big Band Nights: Pam Noah and Her Big Band. Show your athleticism by participating in the Weekly Cornhole Tournament at Wings Sports Bar & Grille. And even if you have seen The Lion King, you will have the opportunity to see it again at the Schuster Center. And don’t feel badly…I have friends who saw it and loved it so much that they are seeing it again!

On Friday, participate in the Beer Tasting at Arrow Wine in Centerville. If you’re a parent who can’t wait until your kids are back in school so you can have some adult time, consider attending the Parents Night Out at the Vandalia Rec Center. At Victoria Theatre, see The Bridge on the River Kwai as part of the Michelob Ultra Cool Films Series. If you didn’t have a chance to catch the Parrots of the Caribbean last week at the Fraze Pavilion, consider checking them out at Turner Pavilion (Veterans Park). Country music lovers will not want to miss County Concert 2011 in Fort Loramie. The drive up there will be well worth it, as some of the top stars in country music will be there, including Carrie Underwood and Lady Antebellum. And if you are lucky enough to have a ticket to the sold out concert, get ready to see the Temptations as they play at Fraze Pavilion…I guarantee it will put you on cloud nine!

Mud Volleyball for Epilepsy

On Saturday, John Deere fans (not Dear John fans) need to make plans to attend the Farm Heritage Show at Young’s Jersey Dairy, which will feature vintage tractors, farm machinery, and much more! Get down and get dirty for Mud Volleyball for Epilepsy at Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark. At PNC 2^nd Street Market, there will be a lot going on, including City Beets at the Market (you can purchase vegetables and flowers from kids that have grown them as part of a summer program at Wegerzyn Gardens), Make Your Own Salsa, and Reggae Music from Demolition Crew. At Jungle Jim’s, enjoy their Australia Imports Wine Tasting. Head to Sip of Summer, an event in Sprinfield featuring specialty beers and wines, as well as live music! County Concert 2011 will still be strumming along up in Fort Loramie! If you’d like to listen to live music in Dayton, this groupie is going to encourage you to see The Fries as part of the Free Summer Concert Series at RiverScape. Hippies, hippie wannabes, and jazz lovers can attend the Jazz & Peace Festival at Stubbs Park. And at the Fraze Pavilion, experience live music and great food as part of the Kickin’ Chicken Wing Fest 2011. These last three events are FREE! See…entertainment in Dayton doesn’t have to cost a fortune!

On Sunday, if you don’t have any plans, hakuna matata (it means no worries)! You still can get your tickets to see The Lion King at the Schuster Center. If you’d like a good meal without having to cook, make your way to Carvers for their 3 course $20 Sunday Meal. Live music lovers may want to “pick” Soul Pocket at Stubbs Park…please no pick pockets. If you would like to listen to live music AND eat ice cream, head on over to Riverfront Park in Miamisburg for their Ice Cream Social & a concert by the Kettering Banjo Society. And if you prefer to be in the AC, consider making a trip to the Dayton Art Institute for one of their exhibits, such as Creating the New Century: Contemporary Art from the Dicke Collection, the ‘Trash? Look Again’ Exhibit, or From Romance to Rifles: Winslow Homer’s Illustrations of 19th-Century America.

And now it’s time for the Dumb Joke of the Week. Drum roll please…

What happens when you play country music backwards? You get your job back, your car back, you wife back…

Have a great week Dayton!

Jane’s Best Bets (6/22 – 6/26)

June 21, 2011 By Dayton937 2 Comments

Photo Credit: Alli Shillito

Holy moly, there are a ton of things going on this week! Speaking of “holy,” this week there are several church festivals…plus many more great events. Let’s check them out!

On Wednesday during your lunch hour, get moving with The Square Is Where… Dayton YMCA Presents Zumba at Courthouse Square. If you feel like having a drink, head to A.Y.O.B. at Archer’s Tavern, where a new craft beer will be featured starting at 5PM or to Franco’s for Dayton Green Drinks, where they will be discussing the Pathways out of Poverty Program. I do believe it is officially summer, so even though you may not be taking that big European vacation you’ve dreamed about, you can still have a Summer Around The World Wine Dinner at The Wine Loft. If cycling is your thing, you will not want to miss seeing Bicycle Dreams, the award-winning feature-length documentary about the Race Across America, being featured at The Neon. All women who are looking for an opportunity to make an impact in the lives of others in the Dayton area should consider attending the Junior League of Dayton New Member Social. This amazing group makes great contributions to our community, and you have the opportunity to be a part of it…as long as you’re not a man! If you’re in need of a good laugh, make your way to Wiley’s for their Dirty Little Secret Sideshow – Deuxième Exécution. And if you’re a Harley lover that also enjoys live music, head to Jackass Flats for Buddha & The Boogie Down Gig/Bike Night.

On Thursday, complete some of your grocery shopping at the Centerville Farmers Market. If you work or volunteer for a non-profit, consider helping the cause by attending Orientation to the Grants Information Center at the Dayton Metro Library’s main branch. You will be able to hear live music at the Dayton Art Institute as part of their Twilight Concert. Jim McCutcheon, a very talented guitarist (who also taught me two semesters worth of guitar when I was at UD!), will be one of the performers. If you wish to show a bit of your athleticism, make your way to Wings Sports Bar & Grille for their Weekly Cornhole Tournament. You know I’m corny, so I had to put that in here. And finally, if you have not yet had the opportunity to check out The Lion King at the Schuster Center, now is your chance!

On Friday, there are an enormous number of wonderful events from which to choose! In the afternoon, if you don’t have lunch plans, consider joining Generation Dayton for their 4th Friday Lunch Speaker Series. Or have some fun at Courthouse Square with the Team Void Summer Twist Party. In the evening, join me in attending the Hops Over the Moon Preview Party at the Boonshoft, which will feature too many great things to list…seriously! (For more info, check out this article.) If you’re in shape, run the 5th Annual 5 For the Kids 5K to benefit CARE House. And even if you’re not, that is okay too! There are several festivals happening around town, including the Fenwick Festival (my alma mater!), the Ascension Festival, and the St. Peter Parish Festival. At Yankee Trace, many people will be playing golf as part of the 2nd Annual Glow Fore Wishes Golf Scramble to benefit A Special Wish Foundation. Although registration is full for the event, there are still several sponsorship and volunteer opportunities, so if you are able to help, I encourage you to do so! And if you feel like catching a show, Hair Spray at La Comedia and The Lion King at the Schuster Center are possible options!

On Saturday, start the day off with another 5k – the First Annual Back to Health 5k, held at Indian Riffle Park. Up in Troy, get some great produce as part of the Troy Farmers Market. If you are a teacher, consider going to the Dayton Metro Library’s main branch for the Grants for Classroom Projects. There are a lot of family friendly options for Saturday, including the Family Fun Day Beach Party & Cruise in at Hueston Woods, the Fenwick Festival, the St. Peter Parish Festival, and the Ascension Festival. In addition, if you’re of the corny type, Ascension will have its very own Festival Cornhole Tournament. At RiverScape, rent a kayak and ride the river. Make sure you wear a life jacket as I once flipped over in an “unflippable” kayak, or so I’m told. Just leave it to me to do the impossible (I’m sure this won’t happen to you, however)! In the evening, make your way to the Boonshoft (kids are welcome!) for Hops Over the Moon, which is sure to be a great time, and also supports a great cause! There are a couple other fun events, including the Clambake For Kids’ Sake at McCormick & Schmicks to support Big Brothers Big Sisters and Party Arty! at the Commander Aero Hangar (Dayton Wright Brothers Airport) to support Culture Works. Theater options include The Lion King (Schuster Center) and Hair Spray (La Comedia). And if you’re downtown and love summer concerts, listen to the sounds of Kick-n-Flava as part of the Free Summer Concert Series down at RiverScape. Wow, my fingers are getting tired from typing all this stuff going on around town!

On Sunday, if you (and your kids) have any energy left, make your way to one of the great festivals going on around town – the Fenwick Festival, the St. Peter Festival, or the Ascension Festival. If your kids are Disney lovers, consider taking them to Dayton Disneyana at the Holiday Inn close to the Dayton Mall. Listen to some of the best local female jazz vocalists as part of the Downtown Summer Music Series – Michelob Women in Jazz Festival at Dave Hall Plaza. Or at Veteran’s Park Amphitheater, listen to live music as part of World Music Fest! And finally, hurry up and get to the Schuster Center to see The Lion King if you haven’t already done so!

And now it’s time for the Dumb Joke of the Week. Drum roll please…

How does a man on the moon cut his hair?

Eclipse it.