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Dayton CVB

Dayton CVB Rebrands As Destination Dayton

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Destination Dayton, formerly the Dayton Convention & Visitors Bureau, revealed its new organization name and logo. The organization is eager to introduce its new look, and reintroduce its purpose to the local community.

“Because we are in the conventions, travel and hospitality business, we felt it was appropriate to have a bit of fun with our community brand launch.  Destination Dayton is running a series of digital billboards in July and August throughout Montgomery County that visually highlight our new name and logo, and encourage area residents to log ontowww.WinDayton.com to enter a contest to win two free airline tickets to fly friends or family members to Dayton to visit,” states  Destination Dayton President & CEO Jacquelyn Y. Powell.

When Daytonians go to the website, they’ll be able to read about Destination Dayton’s role in economic development, learn how they can benefit from Destination Dayton’s free offerings, and how they can interact with the organization to help enhance the economic vitality of the area–all while entering a contest for a chance to win two free airline tickets to fly friends or family to Dayton.

According to Powell, “Our organization has been in existence for over 30 years, and we want to make sure local residents recognize our new name–Destination Dayton–and know who we are and what we do. We are highlighting Dayton as a great place to visit by giving away two airline tickets to fly the contest winner’s two friends or family members to Dayton, to enjoy all we have to offer.”

WHO/WHAT IS DESTINATION DAYTON?

Destination Dayton is Dayton and Montgomery County’s destination marketing organization.  It promotes the community’s assets to consumers/leisure visitors and meeting planners to bring people and their dollars into our community.   When leisure visitors, and convention/meeting/youth and amateur sports tournaments/military reunion/and event attendees, come to our area, their spending increases the community’s economic vitality, reduces locals’ personal tax burden (by $761 per Montgomery County household), supports jobs and local businesses, and highlights Greater Dayton as an excellent place to visit, live, work, go to school, or potentially start a business.

 

HOW CAN YOU INTERACT WITH DESTINATION DAYTON?

  1. Order or download theFree Destination Dayton Visitors Guideto stay informed about all the community has to offer residents, as well as visiting friends and family.
  2. Download the all-newFree Destination Dayton Appfor fingertip access to information on community attractions, hotels, events, dining and much more!
  3. Explore the Destination Dayton websitefor more information on things to do in the area, from calendar of event activities, attractions, arts & culture, and outdoor recreation, to area hotels, meeting venues, shopping, restaurants and much more!
  4. Follow Destination Dayton on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn and Pinterest
  5. Show off your hometown pride and help boost the economic vitality of Dayton and Montgomery County by providing Destination Dayton staff with the name of a civic, social, or professional organization that you belong to that hosts meetings or events.Call 937-226-8211 or email Ron Eifert atreifert@destinationdayton.org–Destination Dayton’s professional and knowledgeable staff will “take it from there” and work to bring that event to Dayton/Montgomery County! The organization’s services are free!

Everyone is encouraged to log on to www.WinDayton.com and register for a chance to win two free airline tickets to fly friends or family members to Dayton for a visit! The contest is now open and runs through 11:59 p.m. EST on September 29, 2024.  All entries submitted online at www.WinDayton.com during this time frame (one per person, must be 18 to be eligible, cannot be a Destination Dayton staff member or related to one) are eligible for the random (witnessed) drawing, which will take place on September 30, 2024.  One prize will be awarded to the randomly selected winner for two (2) coach class airline tickets to travel from any location in the Continental U.S. to Dayton and back.  The prize is nontransferable and there is no cash alternative. Award winner will be contacted on October 1, 2024.

CVB Needs Extra’s for Promo Video Sunday

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The CVB is creating a Solar Eclipse promo video and they need your help! They  need to gather a crowd of DIVERSE folks – age, ethnicity, gender, physical ability.

Imagine yourself wearing solar sunglasses (provided by them), gazing up at the sky while our video producers work their magic, capturing that “awwwwww” moment. You’ll be standing in front of the iconic NMUSAF lettering. 🕶️✨
Dress casually, jeans are perfect, and bright-colored shirts add a vibrant touch. Just remember, no logos or team names on your attire, please. Time frame is from 2-4 pm this Sunday.
While they can’t offer payments, you’ll gain the glory of being part of a 30 and 15-second digital promo campaign video. Plus, the warm feeling of helping your friendly CVB! I

People who are interested can also submit their contact information via this Google form:https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScZ1HsUoNnEAN61ZepIw5ppxN9XC2IAeZ516CoskhrgMywrMg/viewform?usp=sf_link

Wear casual clothing – jeans are more than fine, bright colored shirts makes it more vibrant, NO LOGOs/TEAM names etc. on your shirt or jacket please

 

Take a Hike! 9 Places to See Amazing Fall Foliage

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Fall is arguably the prettiest time of year, with the leaves changing into an array of gorgeous colors. As October begins, the fall foliage color extravaganza will soon reach its peak–there’s still plenty of time to get out and enjoy the fall colors! We’re taking this opportunity to highlight nine locations around Dayton and Montgomery County where you can take in some breathtaking fall colors. So … take a hike! Go check out the beauty that Mother Nature has to offer.

1. Aullwood Audubon Center and Farm

Located in the northwestern part of Montgomery County, Aullwood consists of two major locations, Aullwood Nature Center and Aullwood Farm, along with eight miles of walking trails running through its 200-acre nature sanctuary. Be sure to take time to explore the trolls of artist Thomas Dambo at Aullwood Farm. Go to Aullwood’s website for information about hours and admission prices.While you’re at the Aullwood Nature Center, you’ll also want to pay a visit to the Aullwood Garden MetroPark.

2-4. Five Rivers MetroParks: Englewood MetroPark; Hills & Dales MetroPark; Cox Arboretum MetroPark

We’re cheating a little bit by giving three spots on our list to Five Rivers MetroParks … but, in all honesty, it could easily fill the entire list! The park system offers a wealth of natural riches throughout Montgomery County. The 18 parks have a plethora to offer; we’ve selected parks representing the northern, central and southern parts of the county.Englewood MetroPark: Situated just off U.S. 40 and Route 48, Englewood MetroPark offers roadways, trails and bike paths. The view of the waterfalls as leaves start to change color and drop is highly recommended, and be sure to also explore the Pumpkin Ash and Swamp Forest boardwalk.

Hills & Dales MetroPark: Since it’s spooky season, we of course had to include Hills & Dales, home to the famous Lookout Tower (aka Frankenstein’s Castle, the Witch Tower, etc.). But the 1.5-mile Adirondack Trail is filled with warm fall colors that complement the Adirondack structures in the park.

Cox Arboretum MetroPark: This southern Montgomery County gem offers a stunning view, via the 65-foot-tall Tree Tower. Climb the 81 steps to the top for sweeping views of the Miami Valley’s fall color.

You can check out more about fall colors in the MetroParks at their website.

5. Kettering Parks

The City of Kettering boasts a park system made up of 21 parks spread throughout the city, offering many opportunities to see the fall colors. Check out their website for more about celebrating fall in Kettering, as well as downloadable maps of the city’s many walking trails.

6. National Museum of the U.S. Air Force

The grounds of the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force feature some wonderful fall colors, as seen in this Facebook post by the museum last fall. As an added bonus, the NMUSAF is easily one of the best free museums in the entire country – right here in Dayton! Make a day of it, wandering the outdoor grounds and exploring the museum’s vast collections.

7. Dayton’s Historic Neighborhoods

Don’t overlook the historic neighborhoods of Dayton for fall colors! In particular, the St. Anne’s Hill and Huffman Historic Districts along Fifth Street in east Dayton not only serve up beautiful fall foliage but also an impressive display of Victorian-era homes.

8. Carillon Historical Park

Carillon Historical Park is another gem among Dayton’s museums, a 65-acre history museum showcasing a vast range of Dayton’s heritage. The grounds also offer beautiful foliage this time of year. Be sure to check out the History on the Hill Interpretive Center and Moraine Trails, with its breathtaking bird’s eye view of the park and the city of Dayton. Go to the Dayton History website for hours and admission information.

9. Woodland Cemetery & Arboretum

Many consider the views of downtown Dayton from Woodland Cemetery & Arboretum to be some of the best in Dayton. Immerse yourself in the spectacular fall majesty of this location’s 3,000+ trees, spread out over 200 acres of rolling hills! The hills will give you the added bonus of a workout!

This post is authored by the Dayton CVB.
These are just a few of the many places around the Dayton area to see spectacular fall foliage.

If you’re traveling outside the local area, this Ohio.org blog post highlights suggestions from around the state.

Spot some truly beautiful fall colors? Snap a pic, share it on social media, and tag us (@daytoncvb on Facebook & Instagram) – we might share your photo on our accounts!

5 Can’t-Miss Arts Events in October

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We’ve heard it time and again from both Dayton residents and those visiting the region–Dayton has an absolutely amazing arts scene, rivaling many larger markets! Both the performing and visual arts are well represented, including Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra, The Human Race Theatre Company, Dayton Ballet, Dayton Opera, Dayton Contemporary Dance Company, Dayton Art Institute and The Contemporary, to name just a few. In addition, Dayton Live, which manages the Schuster Center, Victoria Theatre, Metropolitan Arts Center and PNC Arts Annex, brings touring Broadway and a diverse variety of other performances to those venues.

The fall arts season is in full swing across the Dayton region, and we’ve compiled a short list of five “can’t-miss” events taking place over just the next couple of weeks!

1. Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra: Philharmonster

Date & Time: Sunday, October 23, 3 p.m.
Location: Schuster Center

This image shows two jack-o-lanterns with candles lit inside them.

Autumn wouldn’t be complete without a family trip downtown for PhilharMonster. This year’s Halloween-themed concert. Gasps, giggles, and costumes abound during this afternoon when everyone prepares for the hauntingly hilarious Halloween season. Before the concert, the Dayton Philharmonic will provide activities and treats in the Schuster Center Wintergarden.  Tickets are $26 and may be purchased here.

2. The Human Race Theatre Company: Deadline

Dates & Times: October 27–November 13, performances times vary
Location: The Loft Theatre

Promotional poster for the Human Race Theatre Company production of Deadline

The Human Race Theatre has a long tradition of premiering new works in Dayton, and their latest offering, Deadline, is a world premiere comedy thriller that is described as a bit of Clue, a bit of Knives Out, and a lot of fun! When playwrights Don and Mara are hired to finish a famous mystery writer’s last play following his mysterious death, they find themselves literally sucked into the play, trapped in the very world they are trying to complete, where solving the mystery becomes a matter of life and death. Tickets range from $10-$53; click here for more information about performance dates, times and tickets.

3. Dayton Art Institute: The Art of David Levinthal & Joe Fig

Dates & Times: Currently on view through January 15, 2023
Location: Dayton Art Institute
Museum Hours: Wed./Fri./Sat., 11 a.m.–5 p.m., Thurs., 11 a.m.–8 p.m., Sun., 12–5 p.m.

An artwork by Joe Fig that recreates Jackson Pollock's art studio in miniature.

The museum recently opened two new exhibitions, both of which are on view through January 15, 2023. American Myth & Memory: David Levinthal Photographs is a traveling exhibition organized by the Smithsonian American Art Museum. Using toys as his subjects, Levinthal looks at and recreates quintessential American subjects. Joe Fig: Other Artists is a DAI-exclusive exhibition presenting the painstakingly detailed miniature models of American author and artist Joe Fig, as he recreates the studios of famous artists such as Jackson Pollock and Barnett Newman. Museum general admission, which includes access to all exhibitions and the collection galleries, is $15 adults, $10 seniors, active military and groups, $5 college students and youth, free for children under 7 and museum members. Visit their website for more information.

Image: Joe Fig, Jackson Pollock 1951 (interior), 2002, mixed media. Courtesy Joe Fig and Dayton Art Institute.

4. Dayton Ballet: The Legend of Sleepy Hollow

Dates & Times: October 28 & 29, 7:30 p.m.; October 30, 2:30 p.m.
Location: Victoria Theatre

Promotional image for Dayton Ballet's production of Legend of Sleepy Hollow.

Dayton Ballet–the second-oldest ballet company in the United States–celebrates its 85th anniversary this season. It kicks off that celebration in spooky fashion with a brand-new production of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. The haunting story of the Headless Horseman comes to life with all the characters of this familiar tale; Ichabod Crane, Brom Bones, and the full ensemble of Dayton Ballet take the stage to bring to life Artistic Director Karen Russo Burke’s fresh approach on the timeless classic. Composer Austin Jaquith provides a brand-new original score, performed live by musicians from the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra! Tickets range from $5 – $86 and may be purchased here.

5. Dayton Live: Supernatural Evening With Ghost Hunter Amy Bruni

Date & Time: Thursday, October 20, 7:30 p.m.
Location: Victoria Theatre

An image of Ghost Hunter Amy Bruni

Honestly, we could probably do a separate post of the top five can’t-miss Dayton Live events … they have so much happening in the coming weeks! But since it’s Spooky Season, we have to go with Life With The Afterlife: A Supernatural Evening With Ghost Hunter Amy Bruni. Paranormal investigator, author, podcaster and star of Kindred Spirits and Ghost Hunters, Bruni shares hair-raising tales from her countless hours hunting ghosts at America’s most haunted locations. By the end of the night, you will likely question everything you thought you knew about the spirit world, and life after death! Tickets range from $35 – $85 and can be found by clicking here.

Bonus Pick! Taking a quick look ahead to November, Dayton Live kicks off its 2022–2023 Premier Health Broadway in Dayton series with Pretty Woman, November 1–6 at the Schuster Center! Get a peek at the series here:

 

This is by no means a comprehensive list, so we encourage you to explore and seek out the many other arts happenings taking place through the end of 2022. Check out the Things to Do in Dayton section of the Dayton CVB website and sign up for their monthly email newsletter to learn more!

This blog post by Eric Brockman originally appeared on the Dayton CVB’s Website and we share it with permission.


For more information on things to do in Dayton, contact the Dayton Convention & Visitors Bureau at 937-226-8211 (Monday-Friday) or download the free Visit Dayton App from Google Play or the Apple Store. Be in the Know on All Things Dayton!